Page 304 of Satan's Spawn
Crayton lowers himself to his elbows and kisses me hard and powerful, reminding me without words that everything will be okay.
And I truly believe him.
There’s the sound of a heavy wave crashing right before water floods around us.
It’s such a familiar, comforting feeling.
One that has nostalgia seeping down on me like the rip current at my back.
The last time I was eaten up by the shore like this I was making sand angels with Dad.
Two weeks before he died.
Our arms and legs were spread wide as we flapped them like two silly little kids. Dad went through all his hopes for my future, covering topics like school to careers, all the way to true love.
He told me I’d know when I found it because it’ll feel like leaping—not falling like the world makes it seem.
That real love was more than an uncontrollable feeling or emotion, it was a choice—one that took work, patience, and unwavering devotion. But most importantly, it took giving yourself over blindly to another human being, hoping they give just as much of themselves back.
A leap of faith.
The words meant so little to me then…but everything to me now.
Because even though they feel like a lifetime ago, said to a girl I no longer recognize, they somehow manage to explain my love for Crayton perfectly.
I always wondered if Dad somehow knew his time would be up soon, and wanted to make his wishes known before returning to the God he loved so much.
And I’d like to think he’s looking down on me smiling, knowing that his little girl leaped for a man who’s come to protect her and cherish her as fiercely as he did.
Who’s become her new home since he’s been gone.
My hope is that Dad sees past all Crayton’s flaws and looks deep into his heart.
The same way I did.
Or maybe it was Dad all along who brought Crayton to me. Seeing things in him I couldn’t at first.
His strength. His loyalty. His know-no-bounds means of protecting someone he cares about.
I clasp my cross in my fingers, closing my eyes as Crayton watches intently.
Then, a hint of curiosity breaks through his gritted tenor. “What’s he telling you, Little Ghost?”
I blink up at him, breathing steady as I caress a thumb over his parted lips. “Everything you say you can’t.”
He withdraws into himself, as if gathering the right words he needs to say. After a few moments, Crayton comes to some sort of awakening because there’s this unfamiliar spark in his eyes.
“He’s right, you know.” Crayton swallows. “I felt the feelings for so long…but it wasn’t until you sat on that stand for me that I truly understood.”
“Understood what?” I keep attention on my thumb as it traces a line of sand up his cheek.
He wraps a hand around my wrist to stop me. “What they actually meant.”
My heart locks up as tight as his fist when our gazes meet, leaving it waiting with just as much bated breath as me.
He swallows again, releasing me before proceeding. “The devotion. The anger. The madness. The unwavering need to keep you safe.” He pauses for a beat to gather his next words. “I thought all of it was part of this sick obsession…but watching as you put me before you on that stand rattled something inside me. Allowing the pieces of the puzzle to fall at my feet.”
I hoist my head up just enough to meet his lips, tasting salt and smoke and a little of me on them. We stay this way, letting the kiss linger before I pull away to find his eyes again.
