The Necklace That Protects Me novel Chapter 24

A few moment later Michael resurfaced and he had my necklace wrapped in his shirt! I jumped up and down and kissed him on the cheek as he walked out of the water. He froze the instant My lips touched his check and looked down at my face I blushed deeply as I pulled away. I wanted nothing more than for him to kiss me. For a second I thought he would, but then he pulled away and walked to the others.

We hung around the water for awhile but soon decided we had had enough excitement at the river for the day. We changed in the woods then piled back into the truck. This time though Amy and I sat in the truck with Michael. I was in the middle. We headed into town to grab lunch.

Later on we returned to the dorms. Everyone was joking and laughing at my expense, with the exception of Michael who didn't seem to like them talking about it. Zach and Jacob said I was 'bad ass'.

Brie stayed with Amy and I and the boys left, though I could tell both Michael and Brian didn't want to leave. We had a lot of time to make up for and a lot to discuss. I knew Michael and I was going to be the hottest topic.

We ate junk food for supper and gossiped until it was really late. Any had almost fallen asleep on the floor so she yawned a good night to us before retiring to her bedroom. When I looked over to Brie I knew I was in for it. We had joked and laughed and talked but now Brie looked serious.

"So..." Brie started, "how do you feel about Michael? How do you feel when you touch him?"

I blushed and shook my head. "Michael is a nice guy, I like him, but that's all there is."

I wasn't fooling her for a second. "Come onnnnn Noel! Everyone can see the sparks fly! Just give me details!" Brie whined pulling out her puppy dog pout.

"I'll only give you details if you give me some." I stated with my arms crossed. If she was going to make me talk about this then I wanted answers from her. She knew what I meant and seemed to think it over.

I still wasn't happy with Brian but my anger dissolved quite a bit. We continued talking until it was very early in the morning. We both laid down in my bed and fell asleep. I was happy. An amazing start to our summer vacation, even with almost drowning, everything felt right.

Brian, Brie, Michael, myself, and even Amy started hanging out almost every day again. Almost like the months of distance never happened. I loved being with Michael. I was starting to think that I might love him. Since the time at the cliff Michael hasn't touched me. He walks very close to me, watches out for me, and seems very possessive with me. I'm back to the mixed feelings. Does he like me or does he see me like a little sister? Every once in a while I would see him checking me out though, and that made me hopeful.

Things stayed this way for a few weeks. It was comfortable but I wanted more. Plus we were leaving the next day to see Thomas, something Michael showed extreme distaste for. So that night while we were at a bonfire I worked up the courage to kiss him. I leaned my head on his shoulder since he was was wearing a jacket. When he turned his face towards mine I almost lost my never. The glow of the fire on his face made him look impossibly more handsome and maybe a bit scary. But I pushed myself up so that our lips met.

It was glorious for the half second that it lasted. My heart seemed to burst with joy. I loved him, when I kissed him I knew it for sure. I had kissed a few boys back home but this was different. But he pulled away quickly and covered his lips with his hand. With a confused look on his face he stood up, turned his back on me, and ran into the forest. I sat there; alone, dazed, and hurt. I felt like I was going to shatter. And of corse my body decided it was a good time for pain. The headache surged, felt like someone was stabbing my brain with knives, trying to cut to the center of it. I pulled my knees to my chest and laid my head on them. I silently cried. It wasn't from the pain from my headache, but from the pain of heartbreak. Off in the distance I heard a long deep howl.