-The Way You Are- Chapter 9

Three weeks.  That's how long it had been since I started dating Silver.  At first the relationship worked out really well and I began to think that he was the man that I would spend my life with.  But as time wore on, things became less and less relaxed and more and more strained.  He seemed to be getting more awkward with the way he'd show romantic affection and I began to feel a little withdrawn; wanting to spend more time by myself and less time trying to make this relationship work.  I'm afraid I even got a little snappy with him at times when, really, he hadn't done anything to deserve it.

Worst of all, I began seeing less of Shadow than I ever had since I'd known him.  And the less I saw of him, the more he was on my mind.  It was starting to drive me crazy!  

I sighed and looked up at my ceiling from my bed.  I knew what had to be done, I just had to think of a way to do it.  I couldn't go on like this and nether could Silver.  If things kept going the direction they were going, it would end in hurt feelings and a broken friendship.  I couldn't bear that!

I looked over at the clock on my bedside table; it read 11:00 AM.  I breathed another heavy sigh and got up to open my curtains, squinting as the bright morning light shined in my eyes.  Shuffling over to my dresser, I picked out a dark purple top and a black denim miniskirt and pulled them on.

On my way out the door, I caught sight of my reflection in a mirror and felt my self esteem plummet.  I guess it was just one of those days.  Turning away from the mirror and scoffing, I walked over to the door and headed out to go meet up with Silver like we had arranged the day before.

Once outside, I breathed in a smell that indicated that there had just been a hard rain, some of which was still trickling from the sky.  I smiled slightly, thinking to myself that it was nice to have this scent lingering on a day like this.  It made things just a little bit better.

I was so deep in thought on my way to Silver's house that I didn't notice the bicyclist approaching the puddle that I was walking next to.

SLOSH!  I gasped in surprise as the spay of water hit me and soaked my cloths through.  For a moment all I could do was stand there, wet cloths and fur clinging to my skin.  Then I decided I should probably try to wring my cloths out.  Once I tried though, I discovered how hard it was to wring water out of a miniskirt without flashing anybody.  

As I was trying to work the water out of my cloths, my foot slipped on the water I was standing in and I fell.  Frustrated and exasperated, I pounded my fist on the wet ground and cried, "Dang it!"

I was on the verge of tears when I heard a smooth, deep voice from above me.  "Blaze, what happened?"

I looking up at where the voice was coming from, I saw Shadow peering down at me.  He was wearing a trench coat just a little lighter than his fur; he looked good in it, too. I couldn't quite read the look on his face, but I figured it was ether concern or annoyance…maybe both.

I tried to pull myself at least to a sitting position, but my and slipped and I fell back down.  I felt like I wanted to melt into the puddle that I was laying in!  As I tried to think of something to say to cover up my humiliation, I felt Shadow take my arm and gently pull me to my feet.  Once I was steadied, he let go of my arm and looked at the cloths I was wearing.  I didn't feel like he was checking me out, in fact after a quick look he closed his eyes and sighed.  I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could utter a sound, he took of his cloak and handed it to me.

"It's cold," he stated simply, "Take it."

I took the coat and pulled it on.  It was still dry inside and very warm; it smelled like him too.  When I looked back up, Shadow's back was to me and he was walking away.  "Thank you, Shadow…" I called after him.

"Humph!" he replied, seemingly annoyed, "Next time it rains, wear more suitable cloths…unless you're trying to catch a cold." and with that, he disappeared into the misty rain.