Chapter Sixteen

Every moment that I could call him mine was a gift. Each week we surpassed as a couple was like a shooting star through my world. And as time marched on, we passed one month, and then two, and three. Alec and I became a couple toward the end of September. By the time Valentine's Day came around we'd been dating for four and a half months. It was the longest span of time in the world in which I had ever been undeniably happy. And it wasn't ending soon.

It was snowing the first February fourteenth I would ever celebrate. When I awoke, it was to a chill in my loft bedroom. One look outside and a smile pulled on my lips, for soft, fluffy snowflakes were drifting silently past the window. Despite what others thought of this gentle snowfall, I knew that it was just a bit of euphoria.

After rushing around in preparation for the school day, it was still dark when I slipped out the back door. Just as I was turning to ease the aged, creaking portal closed, I noticed for the first time a note taped to the frosted windowpane. My eyes widened in surprised as I immediately recognized Alec's handwriting.

Follow the light.

I was a bit mystified by the note, until I turned and found a tiny votive candle dancing wildly at the base of the stairs. As a snowflake drifted right into its radiant light, I heard a hiss as the flame fought back against the elements it was forced into. Reaching down, I carefully pulled the glass container out of the snow. When I straightened, however, I found a similar culprit to be lit approximately fifty yards north.

Without meaning to, I followed the light without hesitation. As I went, I gathered up each candle that rested within view of the house and blew out their flames. When they cooled, I placed them in my school bag and continued to follow the light. It became impossible to collect them all once I was in the woods, however. Amongst the trees, they grew in frequency and my bag was already full.

Suddenly, the line of candles ended. Moving cautiously, I couldn't help but bite my lip as I searched the increasingly ominous forest. Without focusing only on the candles, it gave my mind ample freedom to imagine all kinds of terribly frightening things jumping out at me this early in the morning.

Just when my breathing was working itself into full hyperventilation, a light amongst the trees caught my attention. Holding my breath, I watched with wide eyes as the red glow moved towards me through the trees. No bigger than the palm of my hand, I watched the orb suspiciously as I silently took a step back.

I honestly don't know what I expected to happen in that moment. Nor can I ever remember how the candles and Alec's note escaped my attention prior to that moment. Still, I had to halt a terrified scream when the glow emerged into the very tiny clearing that was often the meeting place of my love and myself. Though, I must admit, I am quite proud of myself for not only holding back a hasty cry, but also suppressing relief that burst through me when Alec raised the glowing fake rose to his face so that I might see his brilliant smile.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Oliver. I love you."