**Completed** Colby Byers and Wyatt Matheson shared an enviable love-at least, until that fateful day. Torn apart by tragedy, the stubborn ex-lovers struggle to come to terms with their desire for one another, while reconciling their feelings with t...
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Colby
"Oh, shit," a surprised male voice utters.
The front door to my house opens in front of me before my hand even reaches the handle, and I jump back to find Wyatt standing there. A nervous flutter fills my stomach when I see him, and I love that despite all of the years we've known each other, that the feeling has never gone away.
"It's fall, B," he says, taking in my appearance as an easy breeze washes over my skin, sending a chill coursing through my body. I'm still dressed for cheer practice in my spandex shorts with a tank top, and he shakes his head chuckling. "Here, take this." He removes his long-sleeved flannel, leaving him in his traditional white t-shirt and jeans. He hands me his shirt, and I pull it over my bare shoulders gratefully.
"Thanks, Dodge," I chirp, shivering as I hug myself into his pre-warmed shirt. "Wait, why are you here?"
"Mom's still working, so I thought I'd drop by with some dinner for her," he shrugs. "She comes home pissy if she hasn't eaten."
"You mean, you weren't just sittin' here anxiously awaiting my arrival home?" I ask, doe-eyed. "I'm hurt, babe."
"Listen. I know you want more of all this," he says, gesturing toward his physique. "But you're gonna have to wait. My lips are still numb from earlier, and I've got Spanish homework that Ari needs to finish for me."
I giggle, nodding in response. As much as I'd love for him to stay right now, I didn't get to see mama much yesterday, and I need to talk to Wynn. It's about time we iron matters out.
"That just means you'll have to make up for your absence later," I say, closing the gap between us. I take a fist full of his shirt into my hand, pulling him close. He leans down, kissing me softly as his thumb brushes over the length of my cheekbone, his eyes meeting mine.
"Deal," he says, grinning.
Reluctantly, I pull myself away from him, watching as he makes his way down the steps of the porch where he waves goodbye before I close the door. I remove Wyatt's shirt from my shoulders, tying it loosely around my waist before I run up the stairs. He can have it back once it loses his smell.
The door to my mama's room creaks quietly as I open it. I peek into the space before entering, and I'm caught off-guard to find her awake, her ocean colored eyes watching me move to meet her.
Anymore when I come to see her, her eyes are closed, and she's somewhere else. I always pray that her dreams are beautiful and bright and that they grant her a way to live a life through them that her condition no longer allows.
She smiles when she sees me, and tears begin rolling endlessly down my cheeks. I come to see her daily, but more often than not, she has no recollection of who I am. Each time, another piece of my heart breaks away. Days like today change my perspective, even though I know I won't get to keep her. Our time is fleeting, but I see that through any darkness we face in our lives, God gives us glimpses of light to help us move forward. Right now, her smile is my light.
