Melanie

The motorcycle comes to a stop, and Marcus switches off the engine. We dismount, and I remove my helmet, feeling the cool night air against my face. I know this spot; Marcus has brought me here before. It's a high point overlooking the entire town—a breathtaking view that never fails to impress. As I walk closer to the edge, the panorama unfolds before me, the twinkling lights of the town stretching out like a constellation beneath the vast night sky.

I take a deep breath, the crisp air invigorating. The first time Marcus brought me here, I was stunned by the beauty of it all. And right now, I'm just as captivated. It's like seeing it for the first time all over again.

"Pretty impressive, huh?" Marcus says, his voice low and filled with pride as he joins me by the edge.

I can't help but smile. "Absolutely," I reply, my eyes still fixed on the town below. "I remember the first time you brought me here. I was in awe."

"I'm glad you still enjoy it," he says, his gaze fixed on the town as well. "It's one of my favorite spots."

"I can see why," I admit, finally tearing my eyes away from the view to look at him. "It's magical."

The moon casts a soft glow on his face, and for a moment, everything feels perfect. The air is filled with a quiet tranquility, and the distant sounds of the night blend into a serene melody. I feel a sense of peace that has been eluding me lately.

I take another deep breath, savoring the moment. Riding here on Marcus's motorcycle was exhilarating. I had forgotten how much fun it was. The wind rushing past, the scent of pine in the air—it's a thrill I hadn't realized I missed.

I felt safe with Marcus driving, secure with my arms wrapped around his rock-hard torso. It's a feeling I've never had with Daniel, and that realization hits me again. How could I ever feel safe with someone who made me feel unsafe to begin with?

I let out a sharp breath, frustrated with myself. Here I go again, comparing Marcus and Daniel. The day off was supposed to help me clear my mind, make a decision, but I'm right where I started this morning. It's disheartening.

I haven't made up my mind about Marcus.

The fact that I keep comparing the two means I haven't entirely left that relationship behind. Daniel was the one that got away, and then he came back. It's disappointing that it didn't work out, and now I'm caught in a dilemma. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes. The fear of getting into a similar situation paralyzes my decision-making.

I turn around, my eyes meeting Marcus's, and I'm surprised to find him looking right at me. His gaze is intense, piercing through the darkness. I feel exposed under the weight of his eyes, a vulnerability creeping in. I quickly divert my gaze, focusing on the distant lights of the town below, and let out a sigh, the cool night air carrying away some of the tension.

"Marcus, please," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, "don't look at me like that."

I sense Marcus turning his eyes away, and a peculiar ache resonates through my body. "I'm sorry," he says sincerely, and I hear the regret in his voice.

"You don't have to apologize, Marcus."

He speaks softly, "I don't want to pressure you or make you feel uncomfortable."

I look at him, his eyes glued to the ground. Taking a deep breath, I turn to face him, taking a step towards him. "Marcus," I say, my voice gentle, "I haven't felt pressured by you, at all, nor uncomfortable."

His eyes briefly meet mine, and a small, genuine smile plays on his lips. "I'm glad," he replies, the relief evident in his voice.

I turn my attention back to the mesmerizing view, the twinkling lights of the town below creating a breathtaking scene. It's a sight that I almost missed tonight. When Marcus sent that message, I was torn. The rational part of me screamed that I shouldn't see him, especially considering the complicated situation with Daniel. What if we run into him in public? The mere thought sent shivers down my spine. But then Marcus suggested a ride in the forest, and that tore up the last of my defenses.

What's the harm in being a little impulsive? I asked myself. And since I haven't made a decision yet, maybe seeing Marcus would help. At least, that's what I thought. Now, as I stand on this high point, my brain has seemingly turned off, my heart races, and the only thing I want right now is to feel Marcus' strong arms around my body, his hard muscle underneath my fingertips.

Just like the last time we were here.

I take a deep breath, the crisp air invigorating, but it does little to calm the storm of emotions within me. Marcus has a magnetic effect on me, and it's a pull I can't resist.

The truth is, standing here with Marcus, surrounded by the beauty of the night, I feel more certain than ever that I don't want to be with Daniel. Whatever residual pain and confusion he left me with have begun to dissipate. I've managed to get Daniel out of my system, and right now, the thought of being with him doesn't hold the same weight it once did.

Should I just give in? The question lingers in my mind, and the answer, although not voiced, resonates within me. Yes. Yes, I should. Maybe I should try it with Marcus. If it doesn't work out, at least I'll know. I won't be haunted by the 'what if.' Yeah, that's what I'm going to do. But not yet. I need some time to be on my own, to pick up my pieces so that when I do choose Marcus, I can be with him completely.

Turning around to face Marcus, I find his eyes fixed on the panoramic view before us. Turning around, I find Marcus still gazing at the expansive view before us. His eyes reflect the city lights below, and there's a distant look that makes me realize he's lost in thought. I spot a large rock behind us, and I start walking towards it, tugging Marcus's hand gently as I pass him.

His surprise is evident, but he follows my lead without questioning. We reach the rock, and I sit down, pulling him down next to me. As Marcus settles beside me, I wrap his arm around my shoulders, a gesture that seems to catch him off guard. It's a simple act, but one that feels strangely comforting. I look up at him, deep into his eyes, and begin, "Marcus..."

He swallows hard, anticipation written across his face. "Yeah?" he responds, his voice a mix of curiosity and nerves.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "I need some time," I admit, my gaze locked with his.

Marcus's eyes drop to the ground, and even though he tries to mask it, I catch a glimpse of disappointment in his eyes. He's quick to respond, his voice steady, "You can take all the time you need, Melanie."

It's both comforting and heartbreaking to see his understanding. I take a deep breath, attempting to articulate the complex emotions swirling within me. "I just don't want to make any rushed decisions," I finally admit, my voice laced with uncertainty.

He nods, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that catches me off guard. There's a vulnerability in his gaze, a rawness that speaks volumes. For a moment, I'm taken aback by the depth of emotion laid bare in his eyes.

Breaking the silence, Marcus takes another deep breath, as if preparing himself for something. "Melanie, I just have to ask," he begins, his voice steady but filled with an underlying urgency. "Do you have feelings for me, Melanie? I need to know where I stand."

I inhale sharply, the question catching me off guard. Marcus adds, "I'm sorry to ask you so bluntly, but it will give me some peace of mind. Please, Melanie."

My gaze drops to the ground as I take a moment to process his words. The forest around us is eerily quiet, as if nature itself is holding its breath. Looking back up at him, I see the sincerity in his eyes, and I can't bring myself to evade the truth.

In a quiet whisper, I admit, "Yes, I do have feelings for you."