Gravitate by Jo Duchemin

rule I had to keep.” He looked so serious; it looked like he was in pain.
    “What rule was that?”
    “I wasn’t meant to fall in love with you.”
    “You are? I feel the same way a bout you.” I beamed despite my tears.
    “Shhh. You can’t say it to me. Please.”
    “I don’t understand. Who made this rule?” It had all seemed so bright a moment ago.
    “To explain that, wo uld be to explain why I’m here. And I don’t know if I can do that. If they find out, it coul d jeopardise my very existence. Whatever you do, Claudia, d o not tell me that you love me. Will you promise me that?”
    “Of course. I trust you.” Despite knowing so little about him, I trusted him completely. He’d left me with more questions than answers, but it didn’t matter. I had the only answer that mattered. He loved me. I moved my hands up his chest and linked them around the back of his neck; h is hands slid down to my waist. Our bodies felt so right pressed up together , heartbeats falling into step. We stared into each other’s e yes, and our lips moved closer. O ur breathing was synchronised. The rest of the world, and all the obstacles in our way, were instantly forgotten the moment we kissed. Nothing else mattered. We were together.
     
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
    I woke up the next morning env eloped in warm, fuzzy feelings. It had been real. He loved me. I breathed in the morning air, with a wonderful feeling that all was right with the world. I had questions, but there were no answers th at would change the way I felt. The clouds had parted and the sunlight filtered into my world.
    I rolled over and saw Marty, awake, on the other side of the bed, but on top of the duvet I was underneath. The last night dri fted back through my memories. My anger, his honesty, and the kissi ng. Lots and lots of kissing. He’d carried me up the stairs and we’d kissed u ntil I fell asleep in his arms. I knew, without looking, that I was still fully dressed. Our connectio n was more than just physical. A love like ours needed no rushing, as it knew no time.
    “Good morning .” Marty’s wide eyes smiled at me.
    “Good morning. I’m glad you’re still here.” I couldn’t hide my excitement at his presence.
    “I’m glad to be here. I’ve never been more glad to be so mewhere in my whole existence.” His d imples became more pronounced.
    “I’ve never been more glad to see anyone in my room in the morning.”
    “I’m not imposing? You wouldn’t let go of me last night, I didn’t want to wake you up.”
    “I do n’t ever want to let go of you. You will never be imposing on me.”
    “Well, I certai nly don’t want to go anywhere. Aren’t you even bothered that I haven’t told you any details?”
    I straightened myself upright, so t hat I could look into his eyes. “The details are minor. You love me, I feel the same but I’m not allowed to say. Some people might say it is the perfect set up – you could have a million girlfriends, all sworn to secrecy, none of us aware of each other!”
    Marty looked offended. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone, you’re the only one for me.”
    “I know, I know, I was joking. I’m in an odd situation. Joking is my way of coping.” I tugged the duvet closer around me, wishing it was his arms.
    “Sorry, Claudia, I just hate you thin king I would ever do you wrong. It goes against every fibre in my being.” He move d over and held me in his arms. We breathed together for a few minutes.
    “So, what can you tell me?” I was curious to know everything I could, despite knowing anything he said wouldn’t change the way I felt about him.
    “It’s complicated. Please remember, whatever I say, I’ve never meant you any harm and I’ve always been working in your best interests.”
    “O f course.” I kissed him gently. “Please, tell me something.”
    “What have you figured out for yourself already?”
    “Not much. I know you were trying to push me into a relationship with Ben,