"Evan..."
He could recognize it clearly. From anywhere. From anyone. It rang out like bells in the void that he created in his head. The voice which belonged to his beloved, his princess Aeinshia.
Suddenly, his heart set into an impossible beat and he could feel his blood rushing at high rate in his body. His stomach felt funny and his eyes became unfocused. These all were the reactions produced by his body within seconds of comprehending who that voice belonged to.
Now, Evan wasn't sure if its because of nerves or if he was feeling scared to face her or by the overwhelming happiness coursing through him. All these feelings were making him tremble. Of course, he did a good job of not showing it in his exterior, but it was slowly taking tool on his body and he was start in to feel lightheaded.
He didnt want to interact with anyone, at the peak of this moment. He was feeling very dejected and just wanted to bask into a deep slumber to clear away his problems. Sleep won't solve the problems, but he hoped at least he could search for some answers or at least some ways to clear out the sticky situations he was stuck in.
Well, he bought this upon himself. He was never good at relationships. He should have just been standing. Why does he have to feel those stupid emotions right at the neck of moment? Yeah, his emotions were at the fault of all this.
(There it is. The reason he isn't good with relations. Blame your rationality, not emotions - author)
After what seemed like an eternity, but a couple of minutes, finally, Evan decided to turn to face Aeinshia. He knew there was no avoiding this. If he backed away right now, then he he would only mess up the situation. Moreover, it is better to hear all sides of opinions to clear out his mind and come with best decisions. Or better decisions. Or at least the decisions that would make the situations right, he silently thought.
When he turned around, he was shocked, that would be an understatement. He was dumbfounded. Aeinshia's face showed pure love. Nothing, but love. Towards him. Only for him.
All his emotions took a toll on his mind. Tears started to well in his eyes. Nobody ever looked at him with such an emotion. Nobody, except his mother. She always had that emotion on her face when she talked with him.
That love was gone along with his mother, when she died. A mother's love is irreplaceable. Now, seeing it in the eyes of the person, who is dearest to him after his mother, resurfaced all the pain he managed to hide from the world.
The pain known only to him. The pain that was the only thing, besides, the loneliness he felt, after his mother's death. His father did his best to talk to him out of loneliness and put maximum effort to give him neccesary love and affection as father and a mother.
But, Evan was far gone by then. He shut himself out from everyone. The only person that truly ever knows his emotions and what runs in his mind was Peter. He was there with him, since his childhood. Evan couldn't bare those emotions and one fine sunny day, he poured his heart out and cried in his best friend's arms.
Peter was the only one who understood his change in attitude. Though, he would oppose or talk to Evan when he severely hurts someone with his actions or words. Peter always ensures Evan doesn't come out too rude or be with him when he gets angered or is provoked.
Evan has a lot of self control. He can successfully hide all the emotions, except one. His anger. That was a fatal. His temper was short and is triggered by any small thing. If he is, by any chance, provoked, then they might to have to kiss their life goodbye.
That was the only emotion he couldnt quite conquer. He figured out, it was the only way he could ever let out his emotions. After being a locket of emotions, hiding everything from the world and keeping it to himself, he have to have some way to release it. Show it to the world. And it always came out as anger.
This only fueled his cold behavior towards the others and increased the gap between him and the world more. Not that he was complaining anyways.
Evan believed, if people wanted to believe, trust and love him, they would do despite anything and everything. They would see past his attitude. They would see his heart. The real Evan, who he strangled in the dark web of unacceptance and insecurities.
In the all the resurfacing feelings and pain, Evan ran upto Aeinshia and hugged her, tightly. His movements were so quick, that Aeinshia couldn't even process anything.
One moment, Evan was standing almost about 3 meters away from her and next thing she was, he was hugging her tightly.
Evan had his arms draped around her shoulders tightly and his face was resting on her shoulder. He had to bend a little, due to their height difference. But, still that didnt stop the warmth and comfort seeping from Aeinshia to Evan. He relaxed a bit in her arms, but never loosened his hold.
Aeinshia, hesitantly wrapped her arms around his strong waist. She felt his body tensing up, when she touched him, but soon relaxing into her arms. Now, she could feel, exactly how much warmth Evan's body was radiating. He was burning up like a heater.
Evan was totally pressed up against Aeinshia and they were slightly leaning in Aeinshia's direction, as Evan was almost putting all his weight on her. His right side was face was pressed up to the left side of Aeinshia's face.
She feel him relaxing in her hold and she held him even close to her, to calm his in every way as possible. Maybe, they could sort everything out clearly, if he is calm and not lashing out on her.
Well, this calmed her raging nerves a bit and she decided she would comfort him as best as her abilities would allow and then bring up the talk.
Honestly, Aeinshia was scared out of her wits. Evan didn't notice, but when he came to hug her, her body was slightly trembling. Her legs were a whole different story, they were shaking awfully. If it werent for the big dress she wore, her shaking legs would surely be noticeable.
They stayed like that for a long time. Basking in each others warmth. Sharing their feeling through the warmth flowing from each other. Trying to process and understand what either of them were feeling.
Each having their own thoughts, but sharing a similarity. They were thinking about each other.
Evan slowly opened his eyes. He let go of the hug, even though, he wanted to stay like this forever. But, he had to let go, they had talking to do after all.
Aeinshia fixed her gaze to Evan's eyes. Those eyes were the deepest she ever saw in her life. They seem to be holding many things. Adoration, guilt, pain, regret and most importantly love. Towards her. Only for her.
Aeinshia refused to entertain any negative thoughts that were clouding her mind. The only thing she wanted to focus now was the beautiful dark orbs that were looking into her own.
"Evan...." she softly let out. Evan smiled a bit. "Let's talk?" Aeinshia let out, barely above a whisper. Suddenly, all her nerves hit her. Unconsciously, she looked down towards her shoes. She wanted to look at Evan and see his reaction, but she was scared to do that. Somehow, she felt like she was accusing Evan for something he didnt even do.
Evan's smile faltered a bit, but he knew it was time to let out something to Aeinshia. She is going to be his partner and she had every right to question him and know about him.
This was a step to make their relationship strong and an opportunity for her to know about him.
He gently took her hand and pulled her towards the exit, Aeinshia never saw. She was startled when Evan pulled her, but relaxed a bit when she realized he wasn't angry or anything.
Evan stopped when he reached a door. He looked back and released her hand, Aeinshia feeling the lack of warmth immediately. She had a big urge to pout, but restrained herself.
As soon as the door opened, it was like the heaven itself was on another side of the door.
Suddenly, Aeinshia shrieked loudly and found she was no longer in the Palace, but outside. Evan pulled her hand to snap her from her awed gaze by seeing the outside. Well, everyone would be amazed when they see the sight which was on the other side of the door.
Evan looked back and spoke out with gentle soft tone "Let's go."