Delonie’s Point of View:

I found myself sitting at the edge of my bed; the closest part towards the window. The remnants of my thoughts starting to register through my mind.

I couldn’t keep denying my feelings any longer. All this time I’ve been running away from my problem rather than facing it head on. What kind of impression does that make? I had to face this sooner or later. I can’t keep it pent up inside of me forever. I was tired of seeing him hurt and tired of escaping what life has given me to work with. I have to, I just have to.

I’m a runner. I have been for a while now actually. I don’t know what got me interested in it. The thrill of the competition? The intensity of the sport? Or was it really because running was the only thing I’ve ever known? I’m a Senior now and my high school life has gone by way too quick. I kind of wished I could’ve done so much more rather than avoid it. Now that my time is short, all there really is to do is to live life.

I loved my team. They are the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Running with them made me feel whole, warm-hearted so to speak. We’ve shared our series of ups and downs and we’ve stayed together no matter if we won or if we came home defeated. That’s what a team is truly defined as.

Except for one.

I noticed him when he first joined the team but I didn’t really care at first because at the time, running had only just become a huge hobby for me. So I didn’t really pay attention to any of the small details that went along with it. Anyway, I don’t know why but lately all I could do is think about him.

I can recall the first time we ever spoke to each other. It was under the obligation that we were a team but still, I remembered it like it was yesterday.

“Hey, My name’s Delonie’s. What’s yours?” I stuck my hand out to shake. The boy looked up at me through long, strands of brownish-black hair. His eyes were a soft brown that matched the complexion in his face. He looked at me with subtle meaning as he reached his hand out to shake.

“Eric.” His voice was slightly effeminate with soft hints of masculinity. We quickly shook and released our hands as I continued to coach the team and give my usual ‘talks.’

It seemed so far away now that I think about it. I guess time really kicked my ass. I sat still, carefully watching the stars. And no matter how hard I try, the thought of him kept crawling its way back into my head. I couldn’t escape its grasp anymore.

Is it love? Maybe.

I picked my phone up and took a slow, deep breath. I dialed a number that I knew too well and waited for an answer. After two rings, a familiar voice popped up.

“Hello?” The yawn that came from the opposite end of the line could be heard throughout the state of California.

“Richard? It’s Delonie. Sorry to wake you but I was wondering if you could do me a favor?” My voice became calm; begging for a yes.

“Sure, anything.” By the sound of Richard’s voice, I could tell he was more in tune to this conversation.

“I was wondering if you ask Eric if he wanted to go to the movies tomorrow?” I felt my heart stopped as I waited for a response from the other end. After moments of complete silence, Richard responded.

“Okay. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” I felt a wave of relief wash over me,

“Thanks Richard. Call me back tomorrow when you get an answer. Night” I replied back, fighting back a huge grin.

“Night captain.” I heard a click from the other end as I put my phone on my bedside table.

I felt the need of slumber attack my eyes. I got into bed; wrapping my comforter tightly around me. I draped my arms over a pillow I’ve been holding often recently; pretending it was a certain boy.

(The Next Day)

Eric’s Point of View:

It was a gray afternoon. The sky was filled with light, silver clouds all in an array of spontaneous shapes and sizes. I couldn’t help but stare at them; wishing I was like them. The privilege of just floating around all day without a care in the world sounded amazing right about now.

My headphones were tuned in. I never left anywhere without my music. It helped me relax and take my mind off things. And recently, I’ve been listening to it a lot. I clipped the iPod to the collar of my shirt as I took off for another slow run around the track.

Hours later, I found my breathing intensified as if someone was constantly punching me in the chest. I could feel the perspiring of sweat emanate from my body; small beads making their way down my cheeks. I stopped near the bleachers and allowed myself to rest. The lyrics of an inspiring vocalist filled my ears.

You land as lightly as the new snow. Cinematic. Onto the melting boy and melt away. You land as gently you’re so. Cinematic. Bathed in your radiance.

“Wake up!” A voice boomed through my plastic heaven. I removed them quickly to find the smiling, freckled-face of my teammate/best friend Richard.

“How long have you been standing there?” I managed to say through an intense yawn. I stretched my arms high into the air; feeling my shoulder blades start to relax.

“Long enough to presume you could’ve been dead. I’m surprised I found you here. I started to worry when you weren’t answering your phone.” Richard said in an almost parental-like tone.

“Really?” I jogged swiftly towards my duffle bag and picked up my cellular phone. I read the digital prompt. I had 12 missed calls, all filed under Richard.

“I’m sorry. There’s just been tons of stuff going through my mind lately. I guess I wasn’t paying attention.” I scratched my head and formed a reassuring smile.

“Oh don’t worry about it. Hey, I have a message for you.” Richard announced.

“What is it?” I couldn’t help but express my curiosity.

“Delonie wanted me to tell you if you wanted to go to the movies with him. Something about a running documentary.” Richard started to giggle wickedly.

“What’s so funny?” Judging by the smile on Richard’s face. This ’invitation’ sounded a lot more, mysterious; intriguing at the most.

“Oh nothing. He’s going to pick you up around nightfall. So you better go get ready.” Richard gave me a hug and made his way back towards the parking lot, leaving me to feel surprised, strange, and for some odd reason, happy?

Delonie, our team captain, wanting to hang out with me? This was odd. But then again, things have been bothering me for the past few weeks. It started when Delonie’s eyes seem to stare at me. I know it’s just an assumption but even when I wasn’t looking at him, I could feel his stare burning the back of my skull. And whenever I turned to meet his eyes, he would awkwardly turn away and pretend he had a loose thread on his t-shirt or started to suddenly find himself fascinated with his cellular phone. I didn’t realize it for a while but now if my assumptions are right, maybe Delonie, this guy who everyone thinks is totally into girls, may have some type of fascination with me?

Oddly enough, I feel exactly the same.

“Better head home I guess.” I stated out loud to myself, escaping my own thoughts. I picked up my duffle bag and made my way to the bike rack where my only source of transportation stood. I plugged myself back up again; the music rang through my ears and drowned out the sound of my metallic pedaling…

Richard’s Point of View:

“Mission complete Captain.” I was on the phone with Delonie, assuring him that the deed was done. I was calling him in the comfort of my truck. I felt good about myself for doing such a deed.

“Thanks Richard. I don’t think I could’ve ever worked up the courage to ask him myself.” Delonie sounded a bit soft as I nodded politely, regardless that we were only connected through a phone.

“Haha, no problem. It’s not everyday you’re team captain has a crush on your best friend.” An explosion of laughter escaped my throat.

“It’s not a crush!” Delonie sounded embarrassed. I could imagine his face now. Probably flushed in a deep crimson.

“Call it whatever you want. Have fun on your date tonight. Muahahaha!” I clicked my phone before giving Delonie the satisfaction of replying with some sort of smart-ass remark.

“I love being the beholder of secrets.” I turned the keys in my ignition and drove off from the school campus, a single joke clogging my throat with more fits of laughter…

(Later That Day)

Delonie’s Point of View:

I was really glad that Richard asked Eric for me. A lot of people may perceive me as a tough, headstrong kind of guy when actually I’m a bit shy and distant. Sometimes putting on a leader-type façade covers it well. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just overanalyzing everything. I’m just really excited about tonight.

I drove in front of Eric’s house, honking the horn loudly so that its unique sound echoed through the quiet neighborhood. Maybe he isn’t ready yet. My pessimistic thoughts started to compile as I saw movement from the house. The front door opened and a familiar shaped figure appeared. I recognized him through the dim light of a nearby street lamp. His dark, shag of hair visible atop his head. He walked up as I popped the lock open so that he could allow himself to enter and get situated. My heart was racing.

Eric’s Point of View:

“So what movie are we watching? Richard mentioned something about a running documentary.” I sounded polite as possible. I didn’t want to seem like I was uninterested but the reality of the situation is that I really wanted to spend time with our team’s beloved captain.

“Erm, uh…” Delonie’s deep, scruffy voice seemed lost and broken, like he was embarrassed to be around me. I don’t know why but for some odd reason, maybe he’s having the same thoughts that I’ve been having about him

“Not exactly. I really don’t know what movie to watch. I was thinking that maybe you had a film in mind?” Delonie’s eyes were fixed on the road, concentrated.

“Well, I kind of wanted to see the latest Stephen King film. But if you’re not up for horror films then that’s cool as well.” I was always wary about the people around me, I put their feelings before myself. It’s a habit of mine.

“Oh yeah, it’s fine with me. I don’t mind.” That was his only response for the rest of the way.

When we arrived at the theater parking lot, we looked over the chart of movie times by the ticket booth. I was eyeing the Stephen King poster while Delonie stood there and sort of looked around, like he was being watched or something. I turned to him. Our eyes met.

“We should get our tickets, the movie starts in a few minutes.” He smiled in agreement.

We walked up to the ticket booth window where a young, attractive blonde woman was reading a magazine and twirling her hair. She looked up as our dim shadows shined darkness over her reading light. She smiled politely.

“May I help you?” Her voice was high pitched.

“Two tickets for ‘The Mist’ please?” Delonie reached into his back pocket for his wallet, but as soon as he did, he froze.

“Are you okay?” I asked, knocking him back into reality.

“Yeah, it’s just I think I forgot my wallet.” I watched as he struggled to find his wallet through his other pockets but to no avail. I smiled widely.

“It’s fine.” I pulled out my own wallet and extracted a twenty dollar bill and handed it to the lady.

“Thank you,” was her only response. She pushed a small, red button twice and two tickets popped out from a small opening. I quickly grabbed them and handed one to Delonie.

“C’mon, we still have time to get refreshments.” I led us towards the voucher, a tall, black man with a huge smile on his face.

“Your movie will be down the hall and to the right. Help yourself to our snack bar. Enjoy.” He announced as he took our tickets, ripped the bottom half, and returned the stubs back. I headed for the snack counter.

I looked at the menu and looked over to Delonie. His face seemed rather distracted and embarrassed. He walked over to me by the counter and smiled politely.

“Want anything in particular?” My voice full of generosity.

“I’m fine with whatever really.” His voice was sort of weak. I think he’s still upset from the wallet incident. I smiled.

“Oh, alright.” I placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. He turned his eyes towards my gesture, lingering on the first physical contact of the night. He regained his smile back as the snack lady came to help us.

“How may I help you?” Her voice was soft and courteous.

“Can we have the large popcorn, large soda combo please? Oh with extra butter please.” I pulled out the change we received earlier from the ticket booth.

“Will that be one straw to share or two to separate?” We both looked at each other with questioning eyes. And without thinking, I responded solely on impulse.

“One to share please.” I felt my cheeks turn red and hot. I motioned my eyes towards him and he was feeling the same.

After we got our tray of refreshments, we entered the main hall and looked for our theater with little difficulty. We walked in by the end of the previews as we picked a seat that was in the center back. Perfect movie watching position.

We sat next to each other as the opening credits started playing. I reached for some popcorn and offered some to Delonie who greatly accepted. I placed the large tub between us when the movie’s story started to unfold, the sound of munching popcorn and sipping of sodas made echoes through the large vicinity.

(Minutes Later)

Delonie’s Point of View:

The movie started to get really intense. Horror and bloody death with intense scenes that made my heart jump. I looked over towards Eric who’s eyes were practically fixed on the screen. He didn’t look scared at all. Was he really this brave or does he hide his fear well?

I reached for some popcorn just as Eric did and our hands brushed against each other. A jolt of shock zipped through me. I pulled my hand back politely, whining inside my head at the loss of contact.

“Sorry.” I whispered.

“It’s fine.” Eric replied back.

The movie was starting to get really intense again, the main characters being very cautious about their next move. The eerie silence and the bone chilling musical score wasn’t helping the situation at all. And when you least expect it, the blood thirsty monster attacked another innocent victim.

A wave of screams ran through the audience. My heart raced with fear and surprise. I started to take slow, deep breaths. In, out. In, out. It was then I noticed something clinging to my palm and fingers. I looked down to find Eric’s hand intertwined with mine.

I cautiously looked over to Eric whose eyes were still fixed on the screen before him. I made a double take at our hands and back at him; trying to find some sort of non-verbal response to what the current situation is. I couldn’t figure it out. Instead, I tightened my grip around his fingers; him gripping lightly in response. And for some odd reason, the movie wasn’t so scary anymore.

(As the Night Went On)

We exited the theater, our hands still held together. I didn’t know what to think or how to unravel this complex situation. All I could do is enjoy our embrace. I looked at him to see if he was phased at all by the reality of what was happening. I wasn’t sensing anything. Maybe it’s just bad intuition? I don’t know.

Eric’s Point of View:

I didn’t know what came over me. I was watching the movie, listening to the eerie silence and the bone chilling musical score when I went for it. I wasn’t sure how he would react, but I had to take this chance. The blood thirsty monster attacked another innocent victim and as the screams erupted from the all around audience, I quickly grabbed Delonie’s outstretched hand and held tight, hoping it wouldn’t end in failure.

Thank God, he didn’t pull away.

And now, outside the theater; out in the public, our hands were still intertwined. Delonie looked at me for some kind of reassurance. I simply nodded. We headed towards the direction of his car. Our hands finally broke apart. I’ll admit, that even in those five seconds where we settled ourselves in the car and fastened our seatbelts, I had already missed his touch. Delonie turned the keys to the ignition and as if he were reading my mind, he grabbed my hand once more as we headed out of the parking lot.

I smiled at the return of his skin on mine.

The minutes were going by quick. I sort of sighed as we turned back onto my street, not wanting to end this rendezvous so quickly. A sudden idea popped into my head as we came to a complete stop in front of my house.

“Hey, do you want to come in? My parents won’t be here till tomorrow night. They said I could have guests come over. But if you don’t want to then that’s okay too.” I released my hold with Delonie’s hand and started to unbuckle my seatbelt.

“Sure. That sounds like a plan to me.” From the sound of his voice, I could tell he was nervous as hell. I couldn’t blame him though; even I don’t know what’s going to happen as soon as we were inside.

He locked his car as we made our way across the freshly watered lawn and up to the wooden, brown door. I pulled my keys out and inserted it into the knob and pushed the door open. I lightly took Delonie’s wrist and led him inside; the door closing soundly behind us.

Delonie’s Point of View:

As we walked into Eric’s house, I was amazed at the first thing I saw. The living room was decorated beautifully from top to bottom. To the elegant chandelier that lit up the room to the soft, beige carpet that lined the floors. The couches were color coordinated with the other bits of furniture in a nice, maroon red. Vases and family portraits were placed creatively around the walls and a large, a full-screen television covered one whole side of the room.

“Your living room is sweet.” I said kindly as I eyed a picture frame which contained a picture of a familiar boy with shaggy, brown hair but with a slightly younger face eating an ice-cream cone.

“Oh don’t look at that, it’s embarrassing.” Eric replied as he came over and took the picture away from me, placing it back on top of the mantle. I couldn’t help but giggle.

“So what do you want to do?” Eric found a place on the large couch and made himself comfortable. He patted a spot next to him and I quickly obliged. I situated myself so that we were only a few inches apart. My thoughts started to pour in.

Oh my god, I don’t know what to do. What if he tries anything? I mean hand holding is one thing but what if he wants to do other things? Am I ready? God, I’m so confused right now. It feels like my hearts is ready to explode inside my chest. This must be what nervousness and fear feel like.

“Delonie?” Eric’s voice rang through my ears and knocked me out of my inner thoughts. I turned to him and gave a polite smile.

“Yeah, what’s up?” I asked; trying to sound calm and casual. I started to feel beads of sweat crawling out of the pores on my forehead.

“You’ve been thinking a lot haven’t you? About where we go from here? And I assume you’re uncomfortable?” As kind as Eric’s tone of voice was, Delonie could feel his heart which started rapidly beating more and more with each passing second.

“Am I that easy to read?” I said; sounding a bit defensive. He simply nodded.

“Like an open book.” Eric laughed and scratched his head. I never noticed how cute he was when he smiled. In fact, I don’t remember a time when I saw him smile or laugh. That proves right there that we knew almost nothing about each other.

Eric is so cute. I never noticed how his eyes light up when he laughs or how his hair bounces effortlessly whenever he moved his head. Wow, listen to me. I sound more like a schoolgirl drooling over a boy. I wonder what’ll the rest of the guys think of me if they saw me now.

I felt the cushion under me fall and I realized that Eric had scooted closer to me; our thighs slightly up against each other. If you think my heart was beating like crazy before, at this current moment, it’s beating like I just ran around the world.

I don’t know what came over me; whether it was instinct or just a smart decision on my part but I reached out for Eric’s hand and slipped my fingers between his. I gave a light squeeze, signaling Eric that I was starting to get more comfortable around him. I could tell he felt the same way because he responded by gently squeezing my hand back in response.

“I’m so confused. Because honestly, this the first time I’ve never been with someone like yourself.” I managed to say without making myself look completely idiotic.

“I’m not sure either. I guess we should just go with the flow and see where this takes us.” Eric paused to think for a moment. I watched his expression form into a sort of contemplative trance.

He’s really cute when he’s lost in thought. That thought ran through my head repeatedly.

“But if you’re willing to try, then what’s there to lose?” He smiled at me. That same, genuine smile that I’ve never seen. Every time he smiles, his whole face sort of glows radiantly and all I could do was smile back.

“I’m getting kind of tired.” Eric announced as he released our hands and stretched his arms far above his head. His olive, green sweater lifting up slightly; exposing a little bit of his stomach.

“Oh, I can leave if you want.” I pulled out my cellular phone and started dialing my mom’s number. Eric put his hand over the phone; canceling my action.

“I want you to stay.” His innocent eyes sent my heart on a rapid ricochet inside my chest. I blushed deeply as I re-continued to dial my mom’s number. I heard the opposite line click and familiar, but tired voice came on.

“Hey hon. You coming home?” I could honestly tell that she was dead tired from work.

“Change of plans, I was wondering if I could stay the night.” I crossed my fingers; as Eric came over and sat my lap. His arm around the back of my neck.

“Sure. Just call me in the morning alright?” I couldn’t help but feel excited.

“Okay. Thanks mom. Love you.” I heard the line go dead as I hung up my phone and replaced back in my pocket.

“So, where are we going to sleep?” I could smell the scent of fresh laundry detergent emanating from Eric. Our actual, physical closeness was what I was well aware of at the moment.

“C’mon, I’ll show you.” Eric got off my lap and extended a hand out for me to grab. I complied as he pulled me from the couch and led me down a hall into what I presumed to be his bedroom.

His room was filled with various posters. The walls were painted in a lovely, maroon-purple. One wall was lined with a huge shelf structure that held his television, video game consoles, and many books. Surprisingly, all his books were the works of Stephen King.

That explains his fear factor back at the theater. At least now I know what to get him for his birthday.

I eyed the bed couch and plopped myself onto. Judging from the consistency of the mattress, it had a feel of scrawny body form implanted on its surface. I dug my face into a nearby pillow, the scent of shampoo escaping it’s linen quarters.

Eric’s Point of View:

“Hey! That’s my bed you know?” I announced aloud as I closed the door and watched Delonie’s body sprawled against my nest; his face buried in my pillow. I did the most logical thing I could think of.

“Watch out!” I literally jumped on his back and started to tickle him all over. He almost instantaneously reacted with fits of giggles and massive struggling.

“Okay okay. I’ll make room! I’ll make ro-” His words were cut off by more fits of laughter. I never noticed that someone as tough as Delonie could be such a child. It was a really pleasant change of perception.

I watched as he regained his composure and lied back down on my bed with his stomach turned up. I positioned myself next to him and pulled the covers over us.

Delonie moved his arm around my neck so that my face was placed comfortingly on his chest. I laced my arms over his sternum and one around his neck as well. I could smell his cologne wafting in and out of my nostrils as I placed my ear to his heart beat.

The slow, rhythmic beating became a song all on it’s own. A lullaby that I could get used to. It lets me know that this is all real and not just some celluloid dream that only forms to be destroyed later on. It shows me that love can be found in any shape or form. It tells me that for the first time in my life, I can smile; for no reason whatsoever.

I hope this never ends.

Delonie’s Point of View:

I held Eric for a little bit. I wanted him close to me. I wanted him to feel safe and secure when he’s around me. It’s kind of like when a lion protects its cub. I guess I’m the lion. And he’s definitely the cub. I kissed the top of his head lightly. He looked up and smiled.

“What was that for?” He asked me with warm eyes that could melt the polar ice caps.

“I was just letting you know that I’m really enjoying our time together. That’s all really.” I replied back. Smiling at this point was just beyond obvious.

“Oh really?” He leaned in closely towards my face and planted a soft kiss among my lips. I could feel his light stubble brush against my chin. My heart fluttered like crazy.

“So am I.” He gave me one more soft kiss as he laid back down on my chest. From the looks of things, he was tired. I couldn’t blame him though, I was exactly the same. As I heard a light snore intiate from Eric, I took the time to put together some final thoughts.

All this time, I’ve been afraid of love. Always running or ditching halfway, just because I was afraid. But now, at this very moment, I feel like I could conquer the world with almost no effort. No more running away. This time, it’s different. I’m not going to cower any more. Running is my passion.

But as of right now, Eric is my world.

“Mmm…” I looked down to see that Eric was stirring from his sleep. I glanced at a nearby wall clock and I realized that a few hours had gone by. I adjusted the blanket on top of us so Eric had more room to get comfortable in. As I tucked the blanket between us, Eric started to speak.

“Sorry I fell asleep. I’m just really tired is all.” He said through a small yawn. I crooned as his warm breath hit the bare skin of my arm.

“It’s alright. I understand.” I smiled as ran one of my hands through his hair. He giggled lightly.

“Hey Delonie, can I ask you something?” He said softly. Sometimes he was just too polite.

“Anything.” I replied with a calm, masculine tone.

“I know that we haven’t known each other for very long. But there’s this feeling inside me that tells me to embrace it. And to not let it go. I was just wondering if you could feel it too?” Judging by his expression, I could tell that he was exhausted but still awake enough to talk.

“I feel exactly the same.” My words were intertwined with pure honesty.

“I figured just as much.” He paused to think again. I knew that I’d never get tired of watching him come up with something else to say. “Oh yeah, and one more thing?”

“Of course.” I rubbed his back to let him know that he can say anything with me.

“I love you.” His words hit me like a car crash. My breathing became faster and my heart started to rapidly beat. I didn’t know what I was feeling. It took me a while to calm down. The silence that followed his words was a bit awkward. It was then I realized that I finally understood my true feelings.

I stared into his eyes, showing him that everything I had to say was true and purely from emotion. He was staring straight back at me with a faint glow. I cleared my throat.

“I love you too.”

He nodded in response as he replaced his head back onto my chest and within minutes he was soundly asleep. I kissed him goodnight on his cheek and felt my eyes start to drift off into sleep. As the darkness started to cloud my vision, it was then I realized that I wasn’t afraid anymore and that I could finally enjoy life. I don’t have to run away anymore. Instead, I was running towards the direction of the finish line, where one special, shaggy haired boy stood.

I couldn’t be anymore happier.