The Timer

The Countdown, The Fear, and The Encounter

       "Honey that is amazing! Maybe Lauren's brother is the one. That has to be it." My mother smiled from ear to ear.

        She had no idea that to me this was a nightmare. My heart was being squeezed by the cold bony fingers of fear. In less than twenty minutes I would meet the person I had been destined to since birth. The billions of what if's floated around in my mind. What if he or she didn't like me. What if I wasn't their type. What if I didn't like them.

       "Come on, stop being such a bundle of nerves." Mom goes to my closet and starts pulling out various pieces of clothes. "You have to look spectacular for this moment." 

       I checked my wrist. Five minutes and four seconds. My stomach was a mess of twists and knots and the floor seemed to move. "Mom... I ugh." I could not finish the sentence. I run out my room to the restroom and lean over the toilet. Water shoots from my mouth. Nothing would stay in my system. The restroom filled with unpleasant gagging sounds. Once I was done puking I washed my mouth and cleaned my hands. I slowly walk to the door dragging my feet. As I opened the door I noticed someone standing on the other side. 

       As my eyes connect with those of the other person everything stops. I don't breathe. I don't think.

       A guy I had never seen before was standing there but deep down I knew he was my mate. The beeping of my timer rang as if it were far away signaling that it had reached zero. This can't be real. I'm not ready! The sound of my timer hitting the tile floor confirmed it. As the guy was about to open his mouth to say something I slammed the door locking myself inside.
I leaned against the door with my heart beating a thousand beats per minute. He was here. He saw me. He was just on the other side of the door.

       I take deep breaths to try and calm my heart down and steady my breathing but it was impossible. I knew he was still here. I notice a scratching sound and whimpering coming from the other side of the door. Nebula. I quickly open the door just enough for Nebula to pass but a hand stops me from closing it. My blood runs cold.

       "Layla, stop hiding." Mom pokes her head in. " I know you are scared bu-"

       "Petrified," I interrupt.

       "Yeah, but at least try. Think about how he is feeling. He has waited his whole life for this and you are hiding in the bathroom."

       "I know mom but I am frightened."

       "Of what? He already saw you and you already saw him."

        I close my mouth with nothing to say. I don't know anymore.

       "I expect to see you outside so you can join us for dinner. No buts. And dress nice." Mom leaves and I hear her footsteps grow dimmer each time.

         Nebula licks my face trying to cheer me up. I rub under her chin as I sigh. "What am I going to do?" I finally go to my room. A nice outfit is laid out on my bed. Since most of my clothes are black or plain it is hard to come up with a "nice" outfit. I choose comfort over fashion. Mom chose a black shirt with a nice design of the sun and moon. The words "Live By The Sun Love By The Moon" were written on it. The shirt had a long V cut with a white shoe lace connecting both sides. Dark blue shorts and my favorite choker with a moon charm. I dress and let my mid length brown hair hang loose.

       I slide open the door to the backyard and hear laughter from a few yards away close to the dock. Taking a deep breath I walk to the group.

       As I get closer I notice that my parents are talking with Lauren's mom and dad. They seem to be having a lot of fun. Sophy is showing something to Lauren on her phone and they both laugh. I'm sure she is showing her memes . The guy from before was nowhere to be seen. I don't know if I should feel happy or sad.

        "Honey, you finally came," Mom called me out and everyone turned to me.
I could feel my face get hot and my armpits itch. Their attention is too much and they are my mate's family.  "Hello." I give a small wave and Laurel's parents smile warmly. 

        "Nice to meet you. I'm Chris," he shook my hand. "And I am Elizabeth," Laurel's mom shook my hand smiling. They were a pair of sunshine, no doubt.

        I smiled at them. They seemed welcoming and I was losing my fear little by little. 

        "I'm Laurel." She had wavy black hair, green eyes with a mole under her left eye and cute dimples. " Nice to meet you."

        I found myself smiling at her. "Nice to meet you too."

       I noticed Sophy was smiling like crazy. Everyone seemed so happy but Lauren's brother was still missing. Hesitantly, I asked Laurel where he was. 

       "Oh, he went down to the beach."

        "Thanks." I walked down the rock stairs and took my shoes off when I got to the last one. I leave them on the steps and walk to the shore.

        The moon reflected off the surface of the beach and the waves were small tonight. The cool sand was welcoming and the grains rubbed against my skin. The sky was clear and the night was illuminated by the moon allowing me to see clearly. The wind gently ran his fingers through my hair as if welcoming me to stay longer.

        I look around trying to find my mate and spot someone in the distance. I walk towards the person. He is a male, apparently tall too. Once I get close enough he turns and sees me making me stop in my tracks.

        We stare at each other for a long moment with no sound but that of the waves breaking.

        "Hello, I'm Layla." I give a small wave and shove my hands inside my pockets. "I'm sorry about... earlier."

         He turned around to face me completely. The light from the moon allowed me to get a clear view of him. He had long black hair and light colored eyes with a mole under both of them. They weren't green like Lauren's. Maybe they were blue like his mother? He really was tall, a whole head taller than me, and had muscular arms.

        "Why did you do it?" His voice was deep and alluring, but also hurt.

         Guilt instantly took over. I bit my lip and wrapped my arms around my body. "Because I was scared. I was scared that you will not like me. That you will think I was ugly. I mean look at this," I move my hands up and down signaling my body. "And I wasn't ready."

       His face softened a bit. "I think you are perfect. I never imagined you would be this beautiful." He smiled as he continued. "All my life I had hoped for this day. The moment when I would meet you." He steps closer. "In all my dreams I never thought your imperfections would be so perfect." He hands me a small pot which I just noticed he had. "This is for you. The seed is already in. You just have to let it grow. Take care of it."

        I smile, already feeling much more at ease. "Thank you. I love plants."

        He chuckles. "I hoped you would. Come, the water is great."

        He grabs my arm and pulls me along with him to the water. I slowly walk in deeper into the sea and let the feeling of freedom take over me. I throw my head back and sigh content.

        "You really love the ocean don't you?"

         Even though I can not see him, I know he is smiling. "Yes, I do. Ever since I could remember I loved it. Oh, uh... what is your name?" I ask as I bury my feet in the sand.

         "I'm Dimitry."

         "Dimitry." I roll the name over my tongue tasting it. "I like it."

           I feel my chest get a bit warm and grow. For some reason I look at the small pot he gave me and notice a small sprout breaking through the dirt. Maybe one day I will be ready to fully accept him as my mate.

Author Note!

Should I keep adding more to this story? Let me know what you think and maybe even drop down ideas of continuation.