Griffin

Chapter 41: Spaces Between Us

"Come here," Griffin said lifting his right arm to the side

Seeing my hesitation, he adds "It's getting colder by the minute. We should keep each warm through the night."

I look at him for a few more seconds before moving to his side. I squeeze in between his arm and body, he wraps his arm around me.

"Hmmm much better." He said he rests his chin gently on top of my head.

I burrow my face closer to the crook of his neck "Griffin...my aunt" My voice trembles

Griffin rubs my back gently " It'll be ok." He said soothingly

I cry into his neck then. Hot tears slide down my face, Griffin holds me tight as my body shakes. He rubs his hand up and down my back gently without words.

I sob in the darkness on Griffin's chest.

 I stir awake, it's still dark out. I'm lying on something hard, I look down. My body is almost halfway over Griffin's body, his arm still wraps around me. I look down at my own body, Griffin's jacket draped all around my body.

A small moan escaped from Griffin's lips. I look at him then, he looks even worse shape than yesterday. His skin looks even paler. I look down at his wound.

Fresh blood still seeping out of his wound. "Oh my god, Griffin! Wake up!" I shake him gently

His eyes still close I shake him a bit harder "Griffin, you need to stay awake! You're losing too much blood!" I panic

Nothing.

"Griffin! Wake up!" I get more erratic

He finally stirrup and open his eyes slowly

"Hey." He smiles weakly

"We need to find help; you're bleeding out too much. We need to go now. I'll help you." I made to get up and attempt to pull Griffin up with me. Griffin pulls himself up with a hard grunt with the most painful look that I saw on his face, he slides right back down.

"Let's try again. I can carry you." I said

He looks at me then

"You should go. It'll only slow you down. I'll wait for you here." He said

"What?! No, we're going together. I'm not leaving you here." My heart speeds up

"I'll wait for you here, Elena. I'll hide out here until you get back. Me going with you will only slow us down and increase our chance of being discovered. You're faster by yourself, you'll find help." He said

"I can't leave you, Griffin. I can't- I can't leave you. We can make it together. Please." I put all my strength and lift his heavy arm over my shoulder, my legs wobble before they gave out and we both fall back on the ground. I try again, but Griffin put his hand on mine. The tender touch had me pause mid movement; I look up at him. He struggles to smile; tears threaten to fall from my eyes watching his expression. I shake my head "No, Griffin." I said I shake my head a couple more times, and my throat feels tight "No. Griffin. No. W- we can do this together." I try again

"Elena. Look at me." He reaches out his hand and cups my left cheek with it, I lean into his soft touch, his eyes scan my face like a painter memorizing his panting, and a soft smile touches his lips. His rough thumb caresses my soft cheek, and a single tear slides down my face, he catches it with his thumb before swiping it away, his eyes lingering on the spot.

"I'll be right here. You need to make it, please go." He said

I reach my hand up and place it on top of his as it rests against my cheek, and more tears slide down my cheeks.

"I'll be back," I said

"I know." He replies with a soft smile

I get up to go. 

"Wait..." He said, his finger holding onto mine. I pause.

I got back down close to him "What is it, Griffin?" I ask concern

He places both palms on both sides of my face, leans in close, and our eyes met. His eyes dance under the pale moonlight, casting shadows to illuminate expressions that I cannot read. He draws his lips up into a tight line. I wait for him to say something, but instead, he pulls me into a tight embrace.

He holds my body against his chest, squeezing me tight.

"Be careful, Elena. Don't stop until you're safe." He said into my hair

"I won't. I'll find us help." I said into his chest

He draws in long a breath; my body moves with his.

He pushes me gently back from his chest. His hand reaches out, his eyes follow his hand movement as it caresses my cheek. His throat bobs as he swallows.

"The first day I saw you come in with Lisa was the happiest day of my life. Not even in my wildest dream did I imagine I could have you so close." An anguished look passes over his expression

"I wish things were different. I wish more than anything things turn out differently. They're so much. ...." The most vulnerable expression appears in his eyes, he shut his eyes for a moment before reopening them.

"Why are you saying all of this?" I ask as tears threaten to fall again

"I just...I don't want to hold it in my chest a second longer." He said

"I don't hate you, Griffin. I don't think I ever did." I whisper

"That makes me very happy to hear." A soft smile touches his lips

"Now, go." He said encouragingly

I take a few steps back and look at him, he lies against the tree trunk looking at me. His eyes scan my face, and a tender smile stretches from his lips.

I hesitate in my retreat.

I quickly drop down on both knees and place my lips against his.

His lips feel cold. His breath hitched, and I took him by surprise.

He quickly recovers and moves his lips over mine, at first it was slow as if he was memorizing my taste. Then he speeds up like he's desperate and I'm his only salvation.

His lips feel soft, yet firm. He tastes like bright sunlight on a cold day. My skin feels warm like flowers blooming in spring. My heart soared like a bird taking its first flight and accelerated exploring the unknown.

We slowly separate, his finger lingers on my arm, and they slowly slide down along my skin as I got up until only the tip of our fingers graces each other. Fingers inches apart.

I step back farther.

I turn ahead and ran.

I turn back one last time. Griffin's eyes are still on me, slump against the tree trunk. Alone.