Hunted By The Silence

❀Part 21❀

❀𝒮𝓎𝒹𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒫𝒪𝒱 ❀

Branson and I were tucked into our mini theater, surrounded by plush seats, blackout curtains, and a wall-filling screen. The room was softly lit, casting a warm, cozy glow.

I rubbed my eyes. I moved out of Branson's arms. Branson was stretching next to me.

Branson yawned. "What time is it?"

I pulled out my phone. "5:30." I leaned back on  Branson. He immediately put his arm around me.

"I can't believe we fell asleep," I murmured 

"Okay, okay...yeah, we were suppose to watch all the Twilight series," Branson said, getting back on topic. "I knew I was going to fall asleep, but you falling asleep surprised me."

"Guess I'm just tired. I had a long week," I smiled with my eyes closed.

Branson leaned in close, his hand trailing slowly up on my arm before resting at her waist. "What do you mean?" Branson inquired.

His thumb moved in gentle circles against my cheek. "I was nearly assaulted by Zurie." I  wailed. He lifted his brow and titled his head. "Wait—Alvaro's girl? The guy you dumped for me?"

I averted my gaze as I fidgeted with the hem of my shirt.  "Yeah him." I mumbled. He rested his  hand on my thigh

"But you guys broke up awhile back?" he wondered, his hand resting on my knee as he tilted his head, his gaze soft but probing.

"Yeah, we messed around while  they were together." He pulled a look of confusion. "Don't worry I'm new and reformed."

"I know it's in the past." Branson stated, but he just shuffled in his seat.

"Don't judge me. You've never hurt someone in your  past?" I asked

"Yeah.. I have," Branson said while taking a swig of his water.

I was eagerly waiting in anticipation for his answer.

He rubbed his hands eagerly.  "So, we going to try the movie marathon again?"

"Wait  not going to tell me. "I sat up straight, to look at him. 

He shifted uncomfortably. "Um.. I basically told a girl I love her and dipped when she needed me the most."

I bit my lip and made eye contact "Why did you leave?" I mumbled

He took  a sip of his bottle water. His expression turned bold and direct. "I was a coward. And still am."

My  thoughts tumbled over each other. He leaned in for a kiss. As soon as our lips meet, sunshine flooded in my soul. He pulled away and plastered a smile on his face. "I'm crazy about you. And I promise I won't bow out."

Joy took hold of me. He wrapped his arms around me. My soul cheered. I put my leg on his lap, and we started the Twilight  series, on the big screen.

In this moment, happiness surged  through me.  Calmness danced on his face. The warmth of his smile gave me comfort and safety. We were leaning into each other in the cozy corner of the couch.

I snuggled closer to Branson. "You know I'm not only here to hold your hand, right?" I expressed to him

I took a breath and added, "I want to hold your tears too."

He titled his head. "What do you mean?" His voice was laced with confusion.

"Your sister..." I trailed off. "You never once told me how it makes you feel" I added a bit of bass to my voice.