Once Upon a Summer (Story by Tianna)

[Tianna Klain]

Counting Petals
(AKA Captain Petals)

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“She loves me. She loves me not...” Sigh. “She loves me... she loves me not.”
He was sitting on his bed, in the spare room at his Grandma's. The room, as rooms in the modern world go, was ugly. Perhaps once upon a time the flower printed walls were gorgeous, but now it gave him a slight headache everytime he looked at it. At least for once the unmoving flowers served him a purpose in life.
“She loves me... not.” A slight scowl came over his face, landing on the last, light blue petal. A low sound, perhaps one that could be described as a growl, made a frusterated noise resonating from his throat.
Rolling off the bed, he gave a small stretch, then grabbed the now-dry towel hanging on the computer chair. Strolling out of the bed room, he made his way to the back yard. He'd yet to get dressed since his last dip in the pool; which was fortunate, since he decided that he wasn't quite done having fun in the sun. Tossing the towel onto a lawn chair, he raised his hands above his head and dove into the shockingly cool waters.

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“... not. He loves me. He loves me not.” Sigh. “Loves me...” She raised the flower up to her face, disappointment showing on her features as she stared at the last petal. “Loves me not.” With a frusterated grunt, she threw the flower over her shoulder.
“I think I've traumatized nature enough with seemingly no results today, don't you think?” She asked a voicless blade of grass.
It didn't answer.
“Yeah, nice talking to you too.” She muttered, pushing herself up from the lawn.
Twirling and swaying her way to the basement door, the girl appeared as though she were half-dancing to unheard music. Last minute she decided inside was about the last place she wanted to be. Instead, she made her way over to the hammock and climbed onto it. Light green leaves of the maple tree gently filtered the rays of the sun, and she closed her eyes.

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“I love you.” He muttered.
Her heart fluttered in her chest. “Do you?” It sounded more of a cautious statement. Inside, she was tense with anxiety.
“Yes.” He gently kissed her lips.
She kissed him back slowly, flicking her tongue over his bottom lip. They pulled away and interlaced their fingers together.
“I love you.” He whispered to her again.
A light smile crossed her lips. Clearly he was not one to be deterred. “I love you... too.” She told him, in barely a whisper before touching their lips once again.

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He came up for air, gasping to ease his aching lungs. For a moment he could only tread water, and then he made his way to the edge of the pool and pulled himself out. His eyes closed and his lips throbbed slightly, remembering hers pressed against his.

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She gave a small, slightly content sigh, remembering how gentle his hands were as they travelled her back and sides. It stirred her blood and made her stomach tighten.

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Back in his room, he pulled his shirt over his head. Pushing down the wet swim shorts, he pulled on fresh boxers and some pants.
The old matress springs protested as he fell back on them, staring once again at the flowered walls. This time he looked upon a light pink flower. “... She loves me... She loves me not...” He smiled.

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A large grin crossed her face as she stared at the last, light pink petal. “He loves me.”[/font]