Moonshine by Regina Bartley Read Free Book Online

I have loved her my whole life, but I couldn’t. She was too upset and she would think I was only saying it to get her to change her mind. It just wasn’t the right time. I wonder if there would be a right time.
                  “Just because, please don’t ask anymore. Drop it, okay.” She started to walk away.
                  “Wait, hold on a sec. I have something that I need to give you before you go.” She never turned around to look at me and I knew that she wouldn’t. “I got something for you for your birthday and I was going to give it to you the night of the accident, but I never got the chance.” I stepped up as close as I could get to her without making her run. “I need you to close your eyes and trust me for one second. Could you do that for me? Then I will walk away and leave you alone.”
                  She didn’t say no and she put her head down so I took that as a sign that it was okay. “Are your eyes closed?” I asked. She didn’t speak, only shook her head. I grabbed the necklace out of the box and chucked the box on the ground. I stepped close enough to her that I could smell her and it was doing crazy things to me. Damn, she smells so good. I wish I could touch her. Ah hell, I wish I could touch her right now. Just kiss her cheek like I used to do every day before this shit happened.
                  “I will try my best not to touch you.”  I spoke but it came out so shaky that I don’t know if she understood me. Fortunately, the necklace was long enough to put over her head without unhooking it. As I slid it over her head I heard her take a deep breath. It was so loud that I dropped the necklace onto her neck. I was trying to be easy with her but she scared me. So much for being graceful. I jumped back quickly. “I am sorry. You startled me. You can open your eyes now.”
                  I waited and watched as she opened them. I still couldn’t see her reaction from where I stood, but I could hear it. She gasped loudly. “Do you like it?” I asked her.
                  “It’s beautiful.”
                  “It made me think of you. The first time we met I thought your eyes looked like the stars. I remember thinking that I had never seen anything so beautiful, and then you kicked me. It was the cutest thing ever and well, I haven’t left your side ever since. I don’t plan to either. So, please don’t shut me out of your life.” She was still crying and I didn’t know if I had said too much.
                  “Thank you, Moon.” She whispered into the air.
                  “You don’t have to thank me.”
                  “I want you to know that this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I just need some time, and I don’t know how much. There are things that I can’t talk about, and I don’t know if I will ever be able to. I promise that I will try. I will try to come back. But for now, you have to give me the space I need. Can you do that for me please?”
                  “If that’s what you want.” I wanted to take a hold of the hand that hung down by her side, but I fought off the urge.
                  “It’s what I need.” She nearly pleaded with her words and I would do anything for this girl. If space is what she needs than that’s what she’ll get, no matter how badly it hurts.
                  “Okay,” was all that I could say in response. I wasn’t going to argue with her. I could tell in the desperation of her words that she needs me to understand what she’s saying more than anyone. I have always been there for her and I won’t stop now. 
                  “I want you to know that this necklace is the greatest gift that anyone has ever given me, and I will cherish it. Each time I look at it I will think of you. Always.” I nearly choked at her words. There was a