Then *Poof* I'm Always There: Book 3 (Final) #Wattys2014

Chapter 20: Back To The Basics

The problem with love these days is that society has taught the human race to stare at people with their eyes rather than their souls. -Christopher Poindexter

He stayed in his office most of every day for a week. Sometimes I heard his muffled screams from the horror games he'd play, laughs from quirky games, and other times when he came out his eyes would be red, swollen, and watery. He always denied that he'd been crying, but I know he was. Whatever he was working on seemed to be killing him inside, but he always came out with a big grin on his face and a bear bug for me. Every time.

"When can I see what you're working on?" I asked one day.

"I've just been working on videos, Dino. I don't know what you're talking about."

"So you're trying to tell me that you come out of your dungeon, every day, after working on YouTube videos all day?"

"Yep."

"You're such a bad liar."

I left him alone after that. He was obviously not going to tell me what was going on, but that was fine. He should be allowed some secrecy. I just hoped he was okay.

It was a cloudy Friday evening. I'd been watching more of the missed videos most of the day and Mark had been making more to tack onto my list. I stretched my arms and legs, sprawling my body out so I took up pretty much the entire bed. I loved doing that, especially on such a comfy mattress. I curled back up and readjusted Mark's jacket I always wore. I pulled the hood over my head, blocking out the remaining sunlight streaming in from the window. I closed my eyes and breathed in my boyfriend's scent I could never get enough of. I almost felt myself drift off into dream land, but something shook my shoulder gently before I got the chance.

"Hey sleepyhead." He pushed back my hood and pecked the top of my head gently.

"Hey, Marky," I mumbled, a tired smile pinned onto my face. "What's up?"

"Did I wake you?"

"Uh uh. I was just resting my eyes for a minute. Can't look at the computer screen all day like you." I giggled slightly and sat up. "So what's up?" I asked again.

"I wanted to show you something. You think you can come into the office with me?"

"You mean your lair?" I laughed again and nodded. "Sure." His face got a bit more serious, but was still kind. He took my hands and pulled me off the bed, leading me to the next room.

"I just want to let you know right now; this isn't a video that's going up on the internet. Nobody but us is going to see this, okay?"

"Okay...is it a porno?"

"NO."

"Well it was a valid question!"

"How is it a valid question?"

"You've been stuck in here all week and always come out with a flushed face. Now you say that nobody else is going to see this so what else could it be?" He shook his head.

"It isn't. I'm actually trying to be serious here."

"What is it? What's wrong?" He looked like he was going to cry.

"Nothing." His voice cracked.

"Honey you need to tell me when-"

"Just watch it, okay? It's a bit long, but you can do it, right?" With no idea what he was talking about, I slowly nodded my head and sat in his chair he'd pulled out for me. He brought a spare and sat next to me, pressing the play button.