19: Four Leaf Clover

Gavin

Underwater. My body feels like it's underwater. I'm cold and drowsy. I could feel my shirt sticking to my body. Something is pulling me down, something is pulling me up, and I'm held in the middle by something else completely. Then I fall, my world shifting from water to land. I'm lying in a bed of grass, surrounded by a field of emerald green clovers.

Someone is approaching me, wearing the same clothes as mine. The more I focus, the more I realise it's me. Then my other me pulls out a lighter. His left hand snaps the clover leaf necklace from my neck and throws it away.

The lighter burns orange in my face, its small flame hovering dangerously close to my eyes. Then he throws it into the field, letting it catch fire.

"For one four leafed clover I'd burn a field of them." other me says, disappearing into the flames.

I woke up freezing.

My bedroom window was open, and Rivertown was serving one of her coldest nights. I grabbed a change of clothes and rushed to the bathroom.

I took a quick shower, changed into a hoodie and sweatpants, and sat by the window before after closing it.

It was spring, yet colder than a December night. I didn't like the cold, but I didn't mind the calmness of it all.

The dream came back to haunt me. I thought about it but couldn't figure out what meant what, and eventually it started to dissipate into figment of memory.

For one four leafed clover I'd burn a field of them. That sentence stuck with me. I grabbed my phone and lay down in bed. 4:48am.

I opened my texts and sent Zane one.

G: you up?

His response came back a few seconds later.

Z: no tf? Why would I be up at the break of dawn?

G: is this sarcasm or..

Z: for a smart person you really know how to act not like it

G: you're mean

Z: what do you want?

G: nothing, forget it

I felt a pang of anger and hurt. He was so mean over text, yet one look into his eyes and his whole demeanour and persona changed to someone I'd go distances with.

Z: I'm sorry

G: don't be

Z: I'm so sorry

I was starting to get worried.

G: what's wrong?

He never replied back.

I moved around the house in silence. I put on socks and my running shoes. I grabbed my stuff and snuck out of the house.

I jogged my way to Zane's house. It wasn't too far, and even though it was still dark, I could see enough to know where I was going.

When I reached his house, the lights were off, which was expected. I made my way to a familiar tree. A tree I had climbed once before.

Steadily and being as noiseless as possible, I made my way to his small bedroom balcony, high-school-musical style.

I looked through the glass door. He wasn't in his bed. I opened the door, it wasn't locked. I closed it behind me and sat at the edge of his bed, then realised he was gonna freak out and probably scream when he sees someone in his bedroom at the break of dawn.

I could hear ruckus coming from his bathroom. I tapped lightly on the door. The noises stopped momentarily and I could tell he was listening intently to be sure that he heard right. Then I did it again.

"Zane, are you okay?" I whispered loud enough for him to hear me.

"Are you insane?" his whispers came louder than mine.

A few moments later, he walked out of the bathroom, anger taking over his face.

"You got me worried," I explained.

"You don't simply sneak into people's bedrooms," He instructed.

"I don't sneak into people's bedrooms. Just yours," I admitted sheepishly. "You're much nicer to talk to in person than over text,"

"Still doesn't give you the right to sneak into my bedroom, Gavin," a small smile tugged against his lips. "But I'm glad you did,"

Suddenly he jumped and hugged me, his legs circling around my waist. I stumbled a little backwards, but I regained my posture. He felt warm against my hoodie, but the warmth left me too soon.

"If anyone knows you're here we're both dead," He said nonchalantly. He opened his closet and grabbed a thick blanket. "Hold," he said, throwing it at me. "Spread it next to the bed and lie down on this," before I could know what "this" was, a pillow smacked me in the head.

I took off my shoes and did as he told.

"I'll be back in a minute," he went back to the bathroom.

Even though I was sleeping on the floor, I had never felt this comfortable before.

He was back a few moments later. "I'll pray and get back to you," He said, standing in an oddly specific direction, "It'll be a few minutes,"

"Okay," I said, visibly confused. I don't think I've ever seen someone pray, and to see Zane doing was extra new to me.

The room was silent, save for the barely audible murmuring coming from Zane. The only light was from the bathroom and the break of dawn.

I was treading on sleep territory when I felt his bed dip and move. Then Zane was by my side, looking at me from above.

"Hey champ," he said softly. He extended his hand, which I took and kept in mine.

"Hey," I said. "Are you done?"

"Yes,"

"Can I ask you something?"

"I'd be worried if you don't,"

he closed his eyes as he waited. "Isn't it taboo to love a boy in your religion?"

He looked deep in thought. "Yes and no,"

It was my time to be confused.

"Some believe it is, others belive it's not. It depends on who you ask,"

"And what do you believe in?"

"I believe that my religion is about forgiveness and love, and I don't think who I love is affecting anyone in a bad way but me,"

"What do you mean by bad way," I interrupted.

He smiled. "Well, I think I'm having a crush on someone who used to bully me,"

I let go of his hand and recoiled. That was a low blow, but sadly it was right in its place.

I made his life hell, and I regretted every single part of it.

He slid down his bed and lay by my side. "I don't have any regrets, though." he whispered in my ear. "And I believe the boy changed his ways,"

He nuzzled his head under my neck and I could faintly smell his hair. "I like this," I said. I kissed his black hair and passed my hand through it. "all alone in our little peaceful bubble. No school, no students, no games, no anger. Just you and I on a blanket mattress,"

"You never told me what woke you up at dawn," he inquired.

"Bad dreams and burning clover fields," I said, my voice getting heavy as I became sleepy.

"Sounds poetic,"

"Not as poetic as me running to your house at first chance,"

He pecked my lips.

"I need to tell you something," I said hesitantly. "And I really don't want you to hate me for it."

A/N: hey guys, how's it going? How are you liking the story so far?

I'm really enjoying writing these chapters especially that this story was previously a 12 chapters short story and I'm making it more of a novella length because it felt lacking.

I like where it's headed and it should end in a few chapters.

Thanks for reading, more soon x.