Way And Direction

Chapter 17

"I can't believe I actually told you that, that too in front of everyone," he said and laughed.

"I can't either. It was all so surreal. Still is," and she giggled.

They took a long walk alongside the shore of Nightingale Beach and decided to spend some time away from everyone. It was still the day of her birthday.

"Can I ask you something Poppy?" he asked warmly.

"Yeah of course."

"Do you see a future with us together?" he asked and looked at her.

He didn't fail to notice how beautiful she looked in that dress once again and he smiled to himself.

"I do," and she looked away, smiling.

He ran his hand through his hair and chuckled.

"But technically I don't SEE it," and she laughed.

Richard hit his forehead with his palm, "Not like that."

They laughed. Both of them were then in a relationship, a step further than just friends. The thing that really made them happy with each other was that they still had that childish behavior and didn't change for the relationship. The status didn't change their behavior and they appreciated each other immensely for that.

Richard suddenly came up with an idea and he held onto Ellie's hand.

She got startled and asked, "What's the matter Mr Russell?"

"It's the start of a new chapter for us. Let's make it remarkable!" he said in a dramatic  tone.

A rush of enthusiasm filled Ellie and she urged him to continue.

"You've never experienced the feel of the waves and the water. Why don't you do that with me now? It'll be a milestone Poppy!" he was really excited.

Her enthusiatic face changed into a straight face.

"Just when I think you came up with a good idea" and she shook her head.

Richard held her hand and said, "Come on Poppy, it'll be fun."

She looked away and sulked.

He snickered and couldn't help but notice, "You're cute, you know that?"

She was really good at holding back her emotions. At this point, she succeeded in holding back her smile.

"Cheesy Lines 101 with Richard Russell. Who wants to sign up?" and she couldn't help but laugh.

Her serious face got transferred to him and he looked away.

She put her hand in front and gently felt his face to figure out where he was facing.

He always let her do that whenever she wanted. It did make him feel good.

She breathed in and he expected her to say something nice.

"You're crazy. You know that?" she said and laughed.

Richard looked at her and said, "Can you do better than that?" and he huffed, his arms folded.

She was about his height so she didn't need to tip-toe as if she was acting in a classic romance movie.

She leaned forward and whispered in his ears, "I like crazy."

He tried to fight the urge to smile but he couldn't. He smiled and he felt a chill down his spine.

She laughed and looked at him. He was blushing.

"Kilig?" she asked.

He laughed, "Kilig."

He felt the need to hold her hand and so he did. He intertwined his fingers in hers and used his other hand to hold her face. His hand fit her cheek perfectly and she felt warmth.

He put his forehead on hers and they felt the moment together. Every breeze, every breath, every drop of emotion. All they ever needed was the feel.

Ellie didn't think about anything else but what she experienced. It was just them, loving whatever was happening.

"I'm thankful that it's just us at the far end of this beach. I'm thankful for you Poppy," he said as they eventually moved away from each other.

She smiled sincerely before she very dramatically said, "Oh God Mr Russell, stop flattering me!"

Richard laughed at her sudden act and quickly remembered.

"Poppy, before I forget again! Come on, just a dip in the water. I want to see you experience it. I want to have this little portion of your life with you," he said.

"Firstly, you already have a huge part of my life to yourself. And what if I drown?" she asked.

Richard couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"It's not funny!" she said in a stern tone.

"Okay okay," and he breathed in and out highly expressively.

"Go get a role in a movie. You'll do well, atleast this drama will get you money," she teased.

"Poppy how can you drown if I'm around?"

"I'm sorry, but since when did you become a lifeguard Mr Russell?" she asked and laughed.

He held his head in his hand, "Just try it. I promise I'll be here for you. Forever. I'll hold your hand Poppy. No way anything is going to happen to you if I'm around."

She thought about it and they ended up sitting on the sand because she was deeply evaluating the idea.

"Are you done thinking or must I start building sandcastles?" he asked in a straight tone.

She laughed.

"Start," she said and burst out in laughter.

He sighed.

"Joking, joking. Relax," she quickly added and put his hand in hers, "I trust you."

He released a sigh of relief and also appreciated her saying that.

He held her hand gently and they walked to the shore.

She was still scared and couldn't go near at the first tries. Everytime he brought her close, she pulled back.

"Poppy I am here for you," he reassured her.

She looked at him and wasn't flattered this time.

"Fine."

She held on to his hand tightly and even hurt him a little but he overlooked it.

The waves approached, as she heard, and her heartbeat increased. It gushed against her legs and his. He was happy that he wore a Capri pants.

"How did it feel Poppy?" he asked as the wave receded.

"Oohh it felt amazing!!" she happily said. Ellie was surprised she even said that, she expected the ocean to consume her.

"Yeah! What did I say?" and he flashed his proudness.

"Okay okay. Doesn't change the fact that you're crazy," she teased.

"Doesn't change the fact that you like crazy," he nudged her.

"Oh cut it off," she said laughing.

They stood there, hand in hand and felt the water. The sight of Poppy enjoying every moment filled Richard with happiness. He was happy to be with her, and she was happy to be with him.

Two people beautifully intertwined in a relationship.

The happiness should have lasted.

But good things don't last forever.