Love Me Back to Life

by HMD

  She just shakes her head and sniffles a bit.

  “It’s just been a while since I’ve been out here with someone, and I’m just glad it’s you.”

  I realize the last person she must’ve surfed with was her brother. This time I pull her to me and kiss her softly.

  “Thank you for sharing this with me,” She just nods and I lean forward again.

  I’m a little too sure of myself at this point, thinking I’m this debonair on the board, then reality hits me as I slip off and land in the water. I resurface and she’s laughing. I seek refuge as I hold onto her board for support and she leans down and kisses me. I bury my hand in her hair and we stay like that for a while. We drift among the waves, getting lost in each other as we get lost out to sea.

  --

  We all gather around the small campfire my dad built in the sand making s’mores; after watching the sun set. Grace is in between my legs with a blanket over us. I watch as my little brother burns another marshmallow. He likes it to a crisps, he says it gives the s’more a smoky flavor.

  Grace is munching away happily on her treat and I look around at my family. They weren’t as bad as I expected, though my mother did have a few stories I wish Grace never heard, but if those didn’t scare her off I guess it’s safe to assume that she’s not going anywhere.

  I pull her closer into my body and she snuggles into me. I can’t help the smile that shoots across my face. I look at my mother and she’s staring at us. She doesn’t notice that I notice her but it’s sweet to see her happy. It’ll give her some peace when I leave again. She won’t have to worry about me not coming back; especially since there’s so much more to come back to this time than when I left.

  As the night comes to a close, my family and Grace gathered around the fire, I close my eyes soaking it all in.

  Tyler falling asleep on dad’s lap, my mom's head leaning on his shoulder as Grace snuggles closer to me. The breeze coming off the ocean feels nice. I look up and catch my mom’s eyes, hoping she can read between the lines. A small smile appears at her lips, she nods subtly before whispering something in my dad’s ear.

  He stands, lifting Tyler up with him. “Well, we're gonna head out. This little guy has school in the morning.”

  “Aw, okay,” Grace stands, hugging both my mother and father as best as she can with Tyler making the task a bit difficult. “It was really fun hanging out with you guys today,” Grace smiles brightly at my family.

  “It was our pleasure,” My mom leans and hugs Grace again, this time kissing her on the cheek. “We hope to see you again really soon,” My mom says looking around Grace to me. I playfully roll my eyes.

  “Of course you will,” Grace answers quickly

  “Good,” My mother walks over and hugs me, “She really is a lovely girl Emma,” She whispers in my ear before her and my father head towards the car with a sleeping Tyler.

  “I officially love your family,” Grace walks over to me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I snake my arms around her waist, pulling her closer to me.

  “I think it's safe to say the feeling is mutual,” I smile before closing the distance between us. I've missed having her lips on mine. It's been sort of difficult with my mom, dad and little brother watching us all day.

  “I'm sorry you were at the beach and didn't get to go to your spot today to watch the sunset. We were here and you didn't even--”

  “I watched it,” She shrugs, smiling. “I watched it with people I really care about and that's all that matters,” I can't help but return the smile. Grace does have a way with words.

  “You really are amazing you know that don't you?” I ask as lean my forehead against hers. She just smiles, giving me an Eskimo kiss. “Do you want to go?” I ask softly and she doesn’t hesitate to delay our departure.

  “No can we just sit here a few minutes longer?” She drops down into the sand as she asks, like I would ever say no to this girl.

  I position myself behind her again. She naturally leans back against my chest. Usually my mind is reeling with thoughts, memories, and scenarios. But right now, in this moment I choose not to get lost in my head. I want to get lost in this moment so that when I need to revert back to my memories this will be one I can’t forget. This will be one where I relish in my happiness with my girlfriend who I never expected to enter into my life. She’s everything I never thought to ask for and she’s all mine.

  Chapter 15- Angel of Mine

  I knock on the door of Grace’s house and rub the back of my neck as I patiently wait for it to be answered. I still get a bit anxious whenever I get to see the blonde. It’s not a bad anxious more so an anticipation to see her. I try my best not to countdown to the day I leave and every second I spend with Grace it feels as if time stops.

  As I wait I hear someone behind me clear their throat. I slowly turn around and my heart stops as I see Grace’s friend Tamara. She has her arms crossed over her chest, her head slightly titled to the side and her lips pursed. I’m scared.

  “Well, well, well.”

  I look around hoping that if something were to happen someone will see; but no one is around. That’s just awesome.

  “Hi,” I say timidly. I want to turn around and knock again but I can’t look scared in front of my girlfriend’s best friend. I don’t want to seem intimidated, even if I am, but only slightly.

  “Come to steal my best friend again?” She asks seriously but I laugh softly. I can’t help it because I’m not forcing Grace to do anything she doesn’t want to do.

  “I don’t mean to steal her. She’s kind of hard not to want,” I smirk softly because I want Grace more than I’m admitting.

  Tamara gives me a long ‘mhm’ and takes a step closer to me. I want to back up but there’s a closed door behind me. I start to wonder where Grace is. She does know I’m here, I sent her a message. I wonder if she’s just staring from the window enjoying this little show down I’m having with the girl in front of me.

  “You know I’m watching you right?” She asks pointing a finger. I clear my throat again and nod.

  “Yes I do. I took what you told me seriously the first night I met you guys. Now that we’re together it’s my duty to not hurt the girl who’s stolen my heart.”

  I stare her down and she reads my eyes trying to see how serious I am. I let her examine me and she just nods once.

  I think I’m in the clear.

  She reaches behind me and rings the bell. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. I probably wouldn’t be subjected to this situation but I’m sure it was bound to happen sooner or later.

  I move over so Tamara can stand on the porch as well and we both wait patiently. The door swings open and it's Chloe that answers it. What the hell?

  My eyes go wide, my mind is spinning with questions but I have to act first; jumping quickly in front of the hurdling body next to me to prevent Chloe’s face getting beat in. I only know what Grace has told me of the situation between her and Chloe but I know that Tamara doesn't like her and right now her presence here is pissing Tamara off.

  I grab her very light body and hold her back. She’s swinging her arms trying to get to the Latina but I block her attacks, while still holding her. I don't know if it's all the army training I have or what but I'm keeping Tamara at bay right now even though I'd like nothing more than to let her go crazy on Chloe.

  Seriously what is she even doing here?

  Grace comes up behind her ex and gently pushes through the doorway making sure to avoid her friend’s vicious swings. She’s throwing all kinds of threats the girl’s way and I’m smirking at how feisty she is.

  “Thanks for seeing me again,” Chloe says politely but borderline cocky and jumps back as I loosen my grip on Tamara.

  Yeah!

  Keep your words to yourself and don't ever speak to my girlfriend again or I'll release Tamara on you. I connect eyes with Grace, asking her to please explain this situation with me. She looks away though, turning her attention to he
r friend; asking her to please let Chloe through. I pull Tamara off the porch so Chloe can pass, Tamara yelling a few obscenities.

  “Tamara, can Emma let you go now without you chasing after Chloe?” Tamara nods, rolling her eyes. Grace looks at me and nods once and I let Tamara go. She straightens out her clothes and walks over to her best friend.

  “What the hell was that piece of shit doing here?” Tamara questions her friend. I think I'd like to know the answer to this question too.

  I turn to face the pair, waiting for Grace to come up with an answer...any answer. She scratches the back of her neck, glancing down at the ground before looking back to me. What the hell is so hard about this question? Why was the girl that you told off a little over a month ago in your house with you?

  “Can I have a minute with Emma alone?” Tamara sighs and wordlessly walks into the house.

  I watch as Grace makes her way over to me. My brain is reeling. I'm not sure what to think right now. Grace reaches out to grab me and on instinct I step back. She gives me a confused look. I don't know where that came from. I think I'm angry with her right now.

  “It wasn't what you think, Emma,” She tries. I shake my head. She has no idea what's going on in my head right now.

  “She was here... in your house,” I say weakly.

  This is what I was afraid of... giving myself. Opening myself up to someone. It makes you vulnerable. Susceptible to pain. God knows I don't need any more pain in my life.

  “She just came over to apologize, I didn't even--”

  “She's apologized before. You told her off. Why was this time different?” I question seriously, because I wanna know.

  “I don't know,” She shrugs, “Emma it's not like it meant anything she just—”

  “She was here. Do you want to get back with her or something?”

  “No,” Grace shakes her head quickly. “Not even a little bit. Emma I want to be with you. I don't know what's going on in your head right now but I assure you you're overreacting.”

  “I'm overreacting?!” I half shout. She steps towards me and I step back once again. I can't have her touch me right now because I need my head to stop being so cloudy and when she touches me everything gets foggy. “I just witnessed your ex-girlfriend walk out of her house. Are your parent's here?” I look around for their cars.

  She shakes her head, shrugging he shoulders. “No, but--”

  “So the two of you were alone?” I force out a laugh and shake my head. “I need to go.”

  “Emma,” She holds out a hand, trying to stop me. “Seriously are we doing this right now?”

  “I guess so,” I shrug. I turn and head to my car. I can hear her chasing after me. She runs and stops in front of me, impeding my progress.

  “Emma you are not leaving me like this. You're getting angry about something that means nothing,” She explains, stopping me from walking by putting a hand to my chest.

  “It means something to me,” I stop trying to push my way past her. “You knew that I was coming over--”

  “She just stopped by, I didn't even know she was coming,” She shakes her head.

  “That's not the point. You could have told her to get lost or at least texted me and let me know what I'd be coming over to,” We both stop our movements, she's staring at me; I'm assuming trying to figure out what to say.

  “You're right,” She nods. “I'm sorry that I didn't tell you she was here and I'm sorry that you feel like I disrespected you or that I was trying to hide something from you because I wasn't. She came over and begged me to hear her out. I was just thinking that in order to move forward with you, I needed to put that part of my life to rest. And that's what I was doing. I was getting closure,” My heart pangs as Grace continues to explain herself. I feel so selfish.

  She was doing something she needed to do in order to move forward with her life, the exact same thing I've been doing the past month and she's been so patient with me but she does one thing and I freak out.

  “No I'm sorry,” I shake my head as I pull her into a hug. “You've been amazing and I shouldn't have freaked out. I don't know,” I shrug as I step back. “I guess seeing you with her made me think that maybe she was going to--”

  “Never,” Grace smiles, shaking her head. “She means nothing to me, Emma. I promise.” Her lips curl up into a smile and we're right back to the way we were. My heart swells as I pull her closer to me, kissing her sweetly. “I have to admit,” Grace starts, pulling back to look at my face, “jealous you is pretty sexy,” She wiggles her eyebrows and I can't help but chuckle at her.

  “Yeah I bet,” I shake my head and kiss her again.

  “So are you coming inside or are you still storming away?” She quirks a brow, sporting a smirk.

  I roll my eyes. “I'm coming in. I wanna see you try to explain this to Tamara.”

  She sighs and shakes her head. “Ugh! Tamara is not going to be as understanding as you,” I laugh as I lace our fingers together.

  “Don't I know it.”

  I sit on the couch and watch as Grace’s friend angrily paces back and forth. She’s asking questions and answering, I’m not really sure why she even asks them if Grace isn’t the one that’s supposed to answer.

  I’m sitting on the couch—away from my girlfriend—because I would distract her from the rebuking she was giving Grace. Doc is sitting diligently by his master’s side.

  “I told you time and time again not to let her near you.”

  “I know…” My girlfriend says quietly and I’m just watching this in complete agreement with Tamara. Doc apparently feels a bit responsible because he whimpers in response.

  “You know how she can get under your skin. Yet she’s in your house! I’m just looking out for you Grace!”

  She’s smiling softly and I know she’s appreciating her very protective friend. Tamara stops pacing and looks at me. I quirk a brow wondering what she’s going to say to me, she’s smirking and I take a quick glance at my girlfriend.

  “So how you plan on communicating with my girl while you’re back fighting the good fight?” Everyone’s gaze is on me, even Doc’s. All of them are staring at me expectantly.

  I clear my throat and buck up because lately I’ve been a little bit of scaredy cat if I’m putting it lightly. My antsy behavior isn’t adding credit to the soldier I know I am.

  “Well…” I start off confidently. “I’d Skype her every chance I can. Staying connected to her will be a priority. Distance means nothing to me as long as she knows that I will always be there for her then I know I’ve done my job as her girlfriend. She has me without any effort but it will take a great deal of it to make me go away.”

  I continually get the third degree from this girl but that’s okay. I understand that Grace is precious to her but I tell her like it is because I’m growing tired of her threatening glares. Also I’m tired of the small bit of intimidation that I’m allowing her to have on me. I stand up and take move a little closer to Tamara.

  “No one will care for Grace more than I. She’s done a great deal for me and even if she hadn’t she’s stolen every emotion that I can muster up. You can glare, threaten and do what you must but just so you know I’m more scared of losing her than I am of you.”

  Her lip twitches and I know she wants to smile. She holds it back though and there’s a miniature amount of tension in the air. Its clear Grace is easy to love but the fight to prove who cares for her more, I will always make sure I come out on top.

  –

  After spending a few hours with Grace and Tamara I decided to grab some Ice cream from McConnell's Fine Ice Cream for Tyler before heading home.

  “Double chocolate chip, with whipped cream and extra cherries in a cup please,” I tell the lady behind the counter, she gives me a smile and heads off to make my order.

  “Funny seeing you here,” I roll my eyes, recognizing the voice.

  “Not really,” I say as I spin around to face the Latina.

  She shrugs
and smirks, “You have to admit, it's a little funny.”

  “Listen Chloe,” I smirk, moving closer to the brunette. “I don't know you, and I frankly don't care to know you. I think you're a piece of trash that messed up and broke Grace's heart so really you're probably the dumbest piece of crap I know,” I try to keep my words as PG as possible since this is a family place and I have a reputation to uphold.

  “Here you are ma'am,” I turn back around to the counter, pay the cashier and take Tyler's Ice Cream, giving the woman a friendly smile before heading out the door.

  “She's never gonna forget me you know,” I roll my eyes, realizing I'm being followed. “I will always be her first. Her first kiss, her first love, her first time,” She stresses time, forcing me to understand what she's getting at. I groan, turning around. She nearly runs into me.

  “I don't care,” I spit out my words, hoping she can fully comprehend what I'm trying to tell her. “You may have had Grace first, but I'm gonna have her from now until forever, thanks for keeping her company until I came along though,” I pat her on her head with a smirk. She smacks my hand away and I decide I've wasted enough time on this chick.

  “She let me in this time, she's gonna let me in again. Trust me. When you're gone she's gonna get lonely and I'll be the first person she--” Yeah, she didn't get to finish that sentence. Before I can realize what I'm doing Chloe is on the ground holding her face. I punched her. “You fucking bitch,” She snaps, blood oozing from her lip.

  “Don't you ever talk about Grace like that,” I point a finger at her. “Next time I'll do more than hit you,” I turn quickly, getting into my car and driving home.

  That wasn't the best thing I've ever done seeing as though I'm in the army and hitting a civilian can get me in a hell of a lot of trouble with my CO, but no one talks about my girlfriend like that.

  –

  “Hey ma,” I greet my mother as I enter the house.

  “Emma Daniels, what were you thinking?” My mother practically stomps over to me.