Confessions: Demi and Taya

The match ended and everyone dispersed. Tyler lingered for a while, eyeing Demi, but eventually gave up and followed his brother elsewhere. Finally, we were alone. My legs gave out from under me and Demi supported me, sitting me carefully on a large rock.

“Sorry, I guess I’m still upset.” I shakily explained. I’m not sure what upsets me more; the fact that I lost control or that I truly believed that crazy albino was trying to kill me.

“There’s nothing to apologize for.” Demi gently responded while rubbing my back. The gesture was calming. Demi has always been good at giving me what I need, when I need it. I grabbed his free hand.

“Thank you. Not just for this moment, but for every time you’ve supported me. I don’t think I could have made it this far without you.” My eyes watered. I had no idea why I was so emotional. Embarrassed, I quickly wiped my tears. Come to think of it, it’s around that time of the month. Maybe that’s why I lost control over my emotions so easily. This is definitely something to watch out for. Stupid hormones.

Demi knelt in front of me, grabbing my other hand. He carefully held both my hands and looked straight into my eyes. My heart raced. “Taya, I have been alone most of my life and when my mentor died, I thought I’d remain alone forever. But you came rushing into my life. To me, you are much like your wind. Sometimes you are a tornado that sweeps me off my feet. Other times, your presence is like a calm breeze that refreshes my spirit. But I know this, it’s something I don’t want to live without. I, I think I love you, Taya.”

Demi’s confession sent my heart into a frenzy. I was overjoyed, excited, and scared, all at the same time. But Demi’s presence has become a rock in my life. He firmly keeps me grounded, preventing me from blowing away with the wind. “Me too.” I whispered. I looked into Demi’s searching eyes and replied more firmly, “I think I love you too. I have also been alone for a long time. I mean, the sisters and children at the orphanage are like my family but it’s not the same. I once had a friend who was like a brother, but he died in the war. Though I eventually moved on, I was too afraid to let someone get that close to me again. I’m still afraid. I’m afraid that this moment won’t last, that you’ll find someone better. I’m even more afraid of losing you all together. No matter how skilled you are, there’s no guarantee that we’ll both survive. And if I lose you, it will probably be because you saved me. I don’t want to live with that guilt. And I know that you will never just watch me die, no matter what I say. So...please help me. Help me control this power so I can stand on my own.” My voice trembled towards the end. This was something I’d been thinking a lot about lately. I’ve been avoiding saying it out loud, but after today, what little confidence I had about not being a hindrance was gone. Demi kissed the back of my hand.

“You’re right, I can’t watch you die. But I don’t want you to suffer alone, feeling guilty for the rest of your life. Let’s train some more. The future can be discussed when we both make it through this alive.” Demi’s voice was thick with emotion he couldn’t express. He helped me to my feet. “Now think of a love song,” he whispered. Another round of training began, this time, my wind responding to a hopeful future yet to come.