Flicker

(A response to Fade)

Lights fade in and fade out.

Darkness looms out in the night. Stars start to twinkle and shine in the sky.

I stood at the edge of the road, cold and alone. I'm always the one on the sidelines, watching people come and go. I watch them pass by, hoping someone would choose to be by my side a little longer. Some might actually stay but it doesn't mean they wouldn't leave either. I always stay there on the sidelines, watching as everyone enter my life and leave me after letting them treat me like nothing but less important.

I let my tears fall.

I guess, I can't take it anymore.

I've been enduring more pain than what I can only stand. My life has been a catastrophe.

I'm so wrecked and broken. I don't how how to fix myself and start again.

Walking by each curves of paths, I encountered him. Jaeden Schmidt. A rouge lover, broken like me. I don't know why but I saw my happy childhood memories with him. We used to share good times together until we grew up and go on separate ways to find our other half.

We both failed in that quest, I guess.

Maybe we are meant to meet again and comfort each other. I walked ahead of him as we wander in the moonlit night. The night has something to tell about me. It witnessed my smiles but it saw my tears more. It is my only companion during the times I met people who became special to me and during those times that they chose to leave me behind.

It was night when I first met him after many years since our childhood days, on the night when I was so busy wallowing in sorrow for it was the same night when Stein left. I wish Jae won't leave me like what he did.

Because once again, he made the night special and memorable for me. He was there when I thought I'm just by myself. The night used to be scary for me for it reminds me that I'm always alone. But now, as the darkness looms over the night, something made me notice the certain lights at the sky. The stars that are once lost start to flicker and shine through the dark. Just like the stars, his smiles gave a glimmer of hope to my soul. I envied him for he can still smile after what he has been through.

My heart seemed to go back to the time when we were still young and when I used to admire him. Yes, he's my first love. And now, that he began to care for me like he used to when we were still kids, I think I'm falling again.

But I'm not bothered. Even if it means he'll be another heartbreak for me, I don't mind. For him, it's all worth it. He always was.

There's a sudden gleam of light as the moon shone brightly. Again, I wondered if it can tell that I long for a smile. Why did it choose to shine at the very moment when his eyes would stare back into mine?

I don't know what happened next. All I can remember, we stared into each other as if we were the only persons in front of the fountain.

I looked into his beautiful eyes that held promises and tender care. I got lost in his eyes but I wouldn't bother finding my way back. He smiled and held my hand.

"You know what? I never realized how beautiful the night is until I met you. I miss you, little Clair. I wish to spend my nights like this. With nobody else but you."

I smiled back, tears starting to fall in my eyes.

"I missed you too, my Jaejae. You made me happy again." He wiped my tears with his fingers and hugged me close.

"You'll never cry again, I promise." He held my hands as we both head towards the fountain. He looked back at me and smiled again.

"I wanted you to know that I'll always be right here beside you. And one more thing, you made my night."

I smiled for the umpteenth time. Stars really can't shine without the darkness. Now I believe, that you wouldn't know how bright you can really shine unless you're at your darkest days. He is my sun. I'm his moon. I may not own a light but with him, I am able to shine. Having him at my side is a great flicker of happiness and hope.

With him, I will be starting a new beginning. I'll be able to smile genuinely and happily again.

Just wait and see.

~♥~