A 100 Seasons Contest| *Voting CLOSED*

Rays of sunlight broke through the dark veil of clouds, signaling at the beginning of a new day. While everyone was busy preparing for the day ahead, there was a faint figure strolling by the water's edge lost in thoughts of her past. Tiny droplets of water carried by the sudden breeze hit Nakusha's face, hinting at the probability of rain. It was the beginning of the summer and she'd always loved the rain. And how could I not... That's how I first met him... she thought. It was raining then too. His hands had slid perfectly around hers that day, like they were two pieces of the same puzzle. At the thought of his touch, Nakusha let go of her breath that she hadn't realized she had been holding. A content smile played out on her lips at his memory; she was used to days like this when she'd look back at her life and relive it all.

She hadn't been one to believe in love before; the idea of selfless love seemed archaic and submissive to her. Why should I worry about someone else, when I have myself to care about?, she'd think. Being orphaned at a young age, she'd always had to fend for herself. And even though she was lucky enough to not be send into foster home, living with her paternal uncle was no walk in the park. Most nights he'd be at his regular hangout, the local bar where he'd stay until sun up. Then he'd drag himself back to bed and not be heard from until the sun went down. Nakusha used to wonder why her uncle didn't show any affection towards her then. You're Nakusha - the unwanted..., a little voice used to scream back in her head. No one can love you; no one will!

That's when the skies opened up, sending down upon her millions of raindrops. Like kisses from above they washed over her until she was enveloped in his thoughts again. She'd been so lost before she'd met him. Lying, cheating and being reckless was part of her life. Anyone she could con, she would. She had to look out for herself, sometimes at the expense of others. No one else will!, that little voice used to say. A silent shudder went down her spine as she thought of life before she met him. "The Dark Days" she'd call them; void of any life and any happiness. He'd walked into her life like beam of light, brightening her world. Until I pushed him away... she thought, her heart plunging into the pits of her stomach. All he wanted to do was make me smile but I just didn't trust him! He loved me, but I wouldn't believe him. A silent tear slid down her cheek and a moment later disappeared into the rain; waves of guilt and remorse crashed into her heart. She'd always known deep down that his intentions were good and that he really cared for her, but that little voice had advised her to be weary of him. Everyone wants something in return, it had said. And by the time she realized he wasn't "everyone"...

Without thinking Nakusha slid her arms across her waist, crossing over to her back; being alone, she had learned to "hug" herself when she was sad, so much that it was a subconscious habit now. As the rain drops washed over her, she remembered the day she'd asked him to leave. What do you want!! Just tell me what you want! He'd told her he just wanted to be there for her in whatever capacity she desired. Stop lying to me! I am not an idiot. All of you want something. Everyone always wants SOMETHING. What it is! Just tell me! She'd love him then, even though she didn't realize it and not knowing how he might hurt her had left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. She had just wanted him to confirm her suspicions by naming his "price"; to just tell her why he was REALLY there! Because to believe that he was really there for me was too scary, she thought. She was naive then. If only she'd known then what she knew now. If only.

Her thoughts were interrupted as a pair of arms slid around her waist from her back. If only. She fell back against him, her head resting below his chin. If only I'd believed him sooner. She closed her eyes as a silent tear of bittersweet pain, gratitude and relief escaped her eye lid. As if he knew what she was thinking, he brought his lips close to her ears and whispered I love you now more than I loved you then; I'm never going to leave you. This time she believed him.

Only one vote per category?

Oh oh.. Let me edit that in the post! Thanks for reminding me..

Alright! I updated the number or votes! Thanks ksh! 😃

Since this topic isn't a sticky yet, this is my attempt to make it more accessible for now.. 😆