AllFreeNovel
Share Us
With one final, lingering look, I turned away from Benjamin and the penthouse that held so many memories. The door clicked softly behind me, sealing away a chapter of my life.
The elevator ride to our hotel floor felt like an eternity. Every second that ticked by stretched out, my mind a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to process the events at Benjamin's penthouse. As the doors slid open, I stepped out, my legs wobbly and heart heavy.
Austin was waiting just outside our room. Even from a distance, his silhouette exuded a sense of comfort and warmth. The second his eyes met mine, it was as if he could see straight through the façade I was trying to maintain. I didn’t have to say a word; his face softened, his eyes filled with a deep understanding.
As I approached, he stepped forward and did the one thing I needed more than anything: he pulled me into his arms, wrapping me up in a tight embrace. His strong arms acted like a protective shield, offering a refuge from the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
I buried my face in the crook of his neck, taking in his scent – a mix of musk and the woody cologne he wore. It felt safe, familiar, and grounding. And in that moment, the dam broke. Tears streamed down my face, each drop carrying with it the weight of the past and the pain of letting go.
Austin didn't utter a word, simply holding me tighter as if trying to absorb some of my pain. We stood there, in the middle of the corridor, locked in an embrace, the world outside momentarily forgotten.
"It's done," I whispered, my voice breaking, the reality of the situation settling in.
Austin pulled back slightly, cradling my face in his hands. His eyes searched mine, filled with a mix of relief and concern. "You were brave, Pais," he murmured, his voice laced with admiration and pride.
I gave a weak smile, my eyes still glistening with tears. "I had to be."
Lowering his head, Austin gently pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, his lips lingering against my skin, offering silent comfort. The gesture, so simple yet filled with so much love, made my heart swell.
"I'm here for you, always," he whispered, his breath warm against my forehead. "Whatever you need."
A choked laugh escaped my lips, and I looked up at him, my eyes filled with gratitude. "Just you. All I need is you."
Austin's lips curved into a soft smile, his thumb caressing my cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "Then you've got me. Always."
The plane ride back to California felt like the bridge between two lives. The one I left behind in New York, with its pressures and expectations, and the one I was now eagerly embracing, with all its freedom and love. I watched as the landscape shifted below, feeling the weight on my shoulders gradually lighten with each mile we covered.
As the plane touched down, a rush of emotions welled up inside me. The familiar smell of the sea breeze, the glint of the sun reflecting off the Pacific – all of it made my heart swell with a deep sense of contentment and belonging. As we disembarked, the warmth of the California sun kissed my skin, and I felt an overwhelming urge to cry. Home. This was home.
I pulled out my phone, dialing my parents' number. "Mom, Dad, we're back," I began, my voice shaky with emotion.
"Oh, sweetheart, that's wonderful news! How was the trip?" my mom asked, her voice filled with a blend of relief and excitement.
"Eventful," I replied with a soft chuckle, not wanting to dive into the details just yet. "But we're good. Really good."
There was a pause on the other end, and I could almost picture my mom exchanging glances with my dad. "We're glad to hear that, honey. Come over whenever you're ready. We've missed you."
"I've missed you too," I whispered, fighting back tears. "I'll see you soon."
Hanging up, I turned to find Austin watching me, his blue eyes sparkling with affection. "Everything okay?"
I nodded, drawing in a deep breath. "Yeah. Just... processing everything."
He reached out, tangling his fingers with mine, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever you need, Pais, I'm here."
Taking a moment to collect myself, I looked up at him, an idea forming in my mind. "Austin... I need to paint. I have... so much inside of me that I need to get out."
Austin's brow furrowed slightly, processing my words. Then, a slow smile spread across his face. "Then let's go. Your studio, your world. Show me."
And so, hand in hand, we headed to my sanctuary – the studio space at the gallery. It was where I felt most alive, where I channeled every emotion, every experience into a canvas, letting the colors tell stories words often couldn't.
Unlocking the door, I stepped inside, the familiar scent of paints and turpentine filling the air. It was a place of memories, dreams, and, most importantly, freedom. Austin stepped in behind me, his eyes taking in the array of canvases, paints, and brushes scattered around. There was a look of awe on his face, and I could tell he was seeing a part of me he hadn't before.
For a moment, we just stood there in silence, letting the weight of the space sink in. Then, with a newfound determination, I began to set up my easel, choosing my palette with care.
Austin watched, fascination evident on his face. "Can I help?" he asked, his voice soft.
"Just... be here with me," I replied, my voice equally hushed.
