Above The Sea

Chapter 6 - Rose

As I left Audrey's room, I couldn't help but sigh. Even though she couldn't talk, Audrey was very good at expressing herself. She managed to tell me her limits and I was able to comfort her. I've never cared about someone this much before. She's the perfect girl for me. I started to go to my own room, but I heard a soft knock at the door. Not wanting to bother Audrey, who fell asleep in my arms, I went to answer the door.

"Um, hi..." Uri said, rubbing the back of her neck. I froze, a bit shocked that Uri was here.

"Hi! I'm sorry, but I really don't think Audrey is ready to see you yet. You connect her to her past which is clearly rough." I told her, not wanting to get her hopes up.

"Oh, I know. I'm here to talk to you actually. Can I come in?" Uri asked, her cheeks just barely pink. 'She wants to talk to me? But why?' I thought, a little confused.

"I'll come out. Audrey is asleep right now and I don't want to wake her. She's had a rough few days." I replied, stepping outside and closing the door behind me. Without talking to each other, we both started walking towards the beach. I didn't want to start the conversation as Uri was the one who came to me in the first place. Just as I thought I would have to say something, Uri grabbed my wrist and turned me towards her.

"I just wanted to let you know something. Audrey isn't who you think she is. She's not the sweet, innocent, scared person she's acting like. Audrey likes to play with people. She acts all innocent, kind, and scared to move forward in the relationship but as soon the relationship starts to get serious, she leaves and breaks her partner's heart. It's what she did where we live. I think she ran away because she had played everyone she could in our town. I'm worried she's playing you. I know I've only really met you once and we didn't even talk to each other, but I already know you're going to be important to me. You can walk away and ignore me, but don't forget my words. I don't want you getting hurt." Uri explained, her face seeming to light up in a golden glow. I stood still, not saying a word. 'I just met her. And yet... I want to believe what she says so badly. I just feel like she's telling the truth.' I thought to myself, staring at Uri's eyes. I noticed her eyes glance downwards and followed her gaze to see a beautiful shell necklace, so shiny it's nearly glowing.

"Wow... Your necklace is stunning" I breathed out, transfixed by the necklace. I heard a breathy laugh, the laugh sounding like clear bells on a summer day.

"Thank you Rose. You know, you're stunning as well. Your vibrant eyes, soft face, beautiful hair, and perfect freckles. As soon as I saw you, I knew it was love at first sight." Uri replied, sounding so very sincere. I couldn't respond. Uri was so pretty and here she was, calling me stunning. Suddenly, a shiver ran down my spine.

"I need to get back to the house, I'm sorry Uri. I-I...have to go." I mumbled, tearing my hands away and practically running back to my house. I heard Uri call after me but I ignored her words. Barely catching the door from slamming, I leaned against breathing heavily. 'Why did I do that and say those things? It was so weird. It's like I had no control over what I said and how I acted.' I realized, another shiver racking my body. Before I could go upstairs, I felt something hit my foot. Looking down, I saw a piece of paper with a few things scribbled on it. Picking it up and reading it, I felt both my face heat up and my hands go cold.

"Sorry I scared you! Call me!" I whispered to myself, reading the number over and over again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the next few days, I couldn't get Uri's note out of my head. Lost in my thoughts, I jumped as a hand tapped my shoulder. Turning, I saw Audreys concerned eyes on me.

"Oh, sorry Audrey. I was just spaced out so you startled me." I told her, smiling at her, hoping it eases her worries. She seemed to buy it and nodded, pointing upstairs.

"Going to bed?" I asked. Nodding, she hugged me and then walked upstairs. I waited until I heard her door shut before moving. Unable to contain myself, I looked at the note Uri had left me. I had looked at it so many times, I knew exactly how Uri wrote. Her letters were curvy yet deliberate, each pen stroke clear. Caving, I held my phone tight as it rang, one, two, three times.

"Hello?" Uri's voice rang clear, almost as if she was in the room next to me.

"Um, Hi Uri. This is Rose." I said, my voice wavering slightly.

"Hi Rose! I was beginning to lose hope you were going to call." Uri laughed. I couldn't help but smile as I heard that wonderful laugh again.

"Yeah, sorry. I was just really nervous...for some reason" I forced out a laugh of my own, trying to hide how nervous I still was.

"Aw, that's so cute! I wish I could see you in person. See that beautiful face redden in the very presence of me. Watch as your eyes fill with deep emotion. Hold that soft, silky hand of yours." Uri responded, her voice sending warmth throughout my entire body.

"Maybe you can," I whispered, barely breathing, "see me in person I mean." Uri laughed again, clearly liking my answer. I felt my face heat up even more as I realized she's laughing because of me. I made her laugh.

"Ok then. Where should we meet up? Have anywhere special you want to show me?" Uri asked, a smirk evident in her voice. Even though she couldn't see me, I nodded.

"Yes actually. Come to my house and I'll take you there" I told her, already planning out what I would wear.

"Ok! I'll see you soon Rose!" Uri said before hanging up. I smiled, bringing my phone close to my chest, imagining Uri right in front of me, holding me close to her body. Then, I realized I didn't have much time before Uri got here, so I rushed upstairs to put on the best outfit I could put together. As I started to leave the room, I glanced at Audrey sleeping on the bed. Quickly, I wrote a note to Audrey telling her I went out and kissed her on the forehead. I then went back downstairs and anxiously awaited Uri's arrival.

A knock startled me out of my thoughts and I rushed to throw the door open. Uri was standing there smiling, her hands casually in the pockets of her pink leather jacket.

"You look...really good Uri" I managed to get out, a blush forming on my cheeks.

"Thanks Rose! You look incredible too! Now come on, where's the special place of yours?" Uri replied, sticking out her hand. I smiled back and took her hand, leading her to the secret cove on the beach.

"Here it is. I've never shown it to anyone else. You just seem so special I had to bring you here." I mumbled, turning my gaze to the ground. It didn't stay there for long as Uri gently forced my chin to look at her.

"It's stunning Rose. Just like you. Thank you for showing this place to me." Uri said, kissing me gently on the forehead. As she pulled away, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was beautiful. I knew that I was infatuated with her entire being. I felt her hand slip out of my hold and I was left feeling empty. Determined to take matters into my own hand, I grabbed her wrist and spun her around, kissing her passionately. We stayed there for a few moments before pulling away from each other, both of us with pink in our cheeks and smiles on our faces.

"Sorry...I couldn't take it anymore." I murmured, not wanting to ruin the serenity by being any louder.

"Don't apologize, Rose. I've wanted to since I saw you for the first time," Uri answered, in a soft voice as well, "Now let's continue."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uri and I walked back inside my house, holding each other's hand, giggling quietly. We went to the living room where Audrey's eyes turned to see us. Even from a distance and in the dark, I could see the hurt flashing in her eyes. Glancing at Uri, I let go and took a step towards Audrey.

I took a deep breath before speaking, "Audrey, listen. I've come to realize something. While I like you, I don't love you. You are an amazing girl, but I'm sorry. We have to break up."