A Touch Away

There was no way any of this was real.

I had sex! Several times. What a crazy thought! That too with my girlfriend. It had to be a very vivid dream, or maybe I was just so lost in my imagination that I couldn't tell the difference. Hell, maybe I would wake up soon, or snap out of this daze.

But Claire was right beside me, and even though time passed, she remained. My arm was stretched out on the bed and Claire's head rested on my shoulder. Her naked body was pressed against mine as we lay together.

Neither of us spoke, blissfully tired from the exertion. The silence was interspersed with her sighs. Her eyes were closed, a lazy smile adorning her lips. The warmth of her skin and her breath - slow and shallow - washed over me, bathing me in the afterglow. My arm was starting to get numb where her head rested, but like everything else, it confirmed a simple truth.

This was real.

Still, I didn't move. I was enjoying being here, but there was a small voice inside me that warned me of how this dream would shatter if I moved.

I turned to Claire again, watching her smile, listening to the cadence of her breath. Something about that calmed me down. Why was I overthinking this again? Couldn't I just simply enjoy this?

Whether she heard the thoughts I wasn't voicing or not, she stirred in my arms. Her body inched upwards as she turned to drape a leg over mine. Her warm skin touched mine. Her face was getting closer to mine and I felt her warm breath kissing the skin of my neck. Before I knew it, I felt a tender kiss on my cheek. I gasped, a little surprised. The feeling of her lips was still a new sensation to me.

Her lips lingered on my cheek for a moment - all too short - before she lay down on my shoulder again. She rested one hand on my chest, fingers slowly tracing little patterns on my skin. In response, I ran my palm along the soft skin of her back. She drew closer. My instincts took over as I played with her hair. Warm and sweaty, the strands were tangled and clumped in place. I gently ran my hand, untangling the knots wherever I could find them. She hummed, burying her face deeper into my shoulder.

She drew an inch away, and we looked at each other. For a while, nothing existed except for the two of us. Our hearts beat together and breaths mingled. We drowned into each other's eyes.

I put my hand on her cheek and drew in, melting into a tender kiss. My heart fluttered, the warmth of the moment engulfing me. Consuming me. If this was a dream, it was of the highest caliber.

But every dream must end, and this one ended with the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Claire literally jumped out of the bed and quickly gathered her clothes.

Alarmed, I asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Shit, umm, gimme a sec!"

I watched her frantically wipe our fluids away before rushing to the closet. Yeah, we had cleaned in-between, but we got dirty again. I wanted to help, but I had no idea what I could do. So I sat there like your average useless boyfriend. Then, holding a handful of clothes in one hand and a towel in her other, she ran out of the room - naked. I was too stunned to even figure out how to react.

Footsteps came from downstairs while I heard the water running in the bathroom beside. A door slammed below.

A woman shouted, "Claire?"

I heard her shout back, "In the washroom, Mom, I'll be there in a sec!"

The water stopped running and Claire ran downstairs. After a few moments of silence, I heard more footsteps and conversations in muffled tones.

All of this was pretty baffling at the moment. I could already guess a thing or two, but I didn't need to know all the private details of my girlfriend's life. Claire would tell me whatever I needed to know. More than anything, I was surprised at how quickly she cleaned up.

The door opened after a while and Claire returned, looking pensive. She looked at me apologetically, saying, "I'm sorry for rushing out. I didn't have time to explain."

I shrugged and smiled, "No need to worry, you don't need to explain anything."

She continued, "I didn't think it would be a good idea to talk to Mom in this state."

"Like I said, Claire, you don't need to explain anything. Besides, I kinda figured that part out."

Chuckling, she sat down and looked thoughtful again. For a while, she didn't say anything. Something else was on her mind, and it was weighing her down. I didn't like seeing her that way.

"Hey," I said, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah... Umm... Kyle, I was wondering... Would you mind if I called you an Uber instead of driving you back?"

I blinked, then I chuckled. "That's what you were worried about?"

"It's just..." she continued, "I can't leave Mom alone in the house at the moment."

"Hey," I reassured her, "You don't have to apologize, okay? It's not a problem."

The cloud covering her face passed and she smiled again. Suddenly, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close for a hug.

Teasing, I whispered into her ear, "You know, I think you're really cute when you show this side."

"What side?" her voice was a murmur.

"You know, like now. Usually, you always seem sure of yourself. Confident and in charge."

She didn't reply.

"That's how this whole thing started. You just came up to me and before I knew it, I was in for a ride. But it's kinda good to know that you have your doubts too."

She snorted, replying, "What, you like your women weak and meek?"

I laughed, knowing it was simply banter. "Just the way nature intended."

Laughing, she said, "Asshole!"

I shared the laugh, then I continued.

"It's just nice to see another side of you."

For a while, we were quiet. And I wondered if I had hit a nerve.

Finally, she replied, "I just don't want to let anyone down."

My eyebrows went up. Maybe not a nerve, but something deep nonetheless. I wasn't a therapist, but I think even an idiot would pick up on that.

I put my hands on her shoulder and looked into her eyes, saying, "Talk to me."

She pulled away and flashed me a smile, a warm and gentle smile. Somehow... somehow, I knew it was a facade.

"I'm good now... Anyway, I better call you an Uber, otherwise I might just end up keeping you all night!"

"I'll call one myself," I said.

"Absolutely not!" she said, her voice insistent. "My house, my rules, okay?"

I raised my hands in surrender. The serious expression melted from her face and she smiled. In another minute, she pulled out her phone and made the booking.

We were quiet on our way out. It would have been preferable if the house was dead silent. As we were walking down the stairs, I could hear a very faint sound of someone sobbing somewhere. Claire glanced over her shoulders a few times, but did not stop.

I waited until we were outside. Even though it might have been pushing it a bit, I still wanted to try. I asked, "Are you sure you don't want to talk?"

We sat on the steps and she rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm sure. I can't right now."

I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close. It just felt right having her in my embrace. She fit into my arms perfectly.

She whispered, "I thought we had more time."

I shrugged, saying, "Hey, I'll be here tomorrow as well." After a pause, I added, "Thank you... for the wonderful night..."

I wanted to say more at the time, but stopped when I saw the headlights in the dark. She smiled, hugging me tightly. Then, she kissed me again. It was just a little peck on my lips, but it consumed me. My heart was throbbing, and I didn't think I could move.

"See you tomorrow," she said.

"Yeah," I replied, "Tomorrow."

After all of that, the last thing I'd need was an Uber driver who wouldn't shut up. Thankfully, luck was on my side tonight. Whether he picked up on the cue or just wasn't a chatty person, I didn't complain. I looked out of the window, watching the lights pass us by and silently contemplating.

I didn't even know how I could begin processing everything that happened. Everything that Claire and I did, the intimacy and intensity of it. And then, there was the way it ended. A part of me felt like I should have been more insistent.

I closed my eyes and her smile came to my mind. From the beginning, Claire was an enigma. I didn't understand her when she helped me up that day in the hallway, and when she later approached me at the library. And now that I'm getting to know her better, I still don't understand her. I only agreed to ask her out because she wanted us to give it a shot, and I didn't know how far we would go together.

But I already knew that I was smitten. And now I want to get to know her better. The things she likes and dislikes. The face she hides from other people, behind the confidence. The reason why her mother was crying. But I couldn't pry. I wouldn't like it if she did that to me.

Claire said she would talk to me about it later, and I decided to leave it there.

***

I want to say that I woke up bathed in the warm radiance of the soft sunlight, but that would be a lie. Well, there was sunlight coming through the window, because last night I had forgotten to close the curtains before going to bed. I got home a bit late last night, and promptly passed out, and I could hardly be blamed!

What woke me up was the sound of soft knocking on my door.

"Kyle," Emily's voice came in from the other side of the door. "Are you awake?"

Can't even sleep in peace.

"Coming," I managed to shout as I rolled onto my side.

I needed to gather my thoughts for a moment. Rolling onto my side, I closed my eyes and focused on the warmth of the sun. This was new. Usually I just block it out, because fuck the sunlight. But it was nice. I'm no princess, but I didn't mind this treatment today.

All I felt right now was bliss. No rushing thoughts. No overthinking. Just bliss. I rolled around on my bed, stretching a little. I was quite sore. But it was another reminder of last night, and of all the wonderful things we did. Keeping my eyes closed, I pretended the warmth I felt was from her body.

My door was attacked with loud, urgent knocks this time. Emily called again, "Kyle?"

"I'm already up! Be out in a second!"

Why the hell is she even calling me? Where's Dad?

A sneaking suspicion formed, and I was forced to open my eyes and check my phone. Yep. I had slept through all my alarms.

Fuck my life!

I caught myself right after that. Was it really that bad? Sure, it was a Thursday morning and I was late for school, but I overslept because my girlfriend took my virginity last night. So what if I was late? I couldn't remember the last time I had slept so well. I had no reason or excuse to complain. Wow, look at me focusing on the positive!

With a sigh, I rolled up. I wasn't just sore. Almost every muscle fibre of my body ached.

Before getting up, I couldn't help but check my phone to see if I got a text from Claire. Turns out, I did, and she sent it several hours ago. Of course she woke up on time.

- Claire: Good morning, babe. Hope you slept well, I know I did! I'm sorry about the end.

Just seeing her message put me in a good mood.

- Me: Last night was perfect! And it wasn't your fault in anyway. See you soon!

I could still see Claire's smile, but I'd be here all day if I only focused on that. I forced myself to shake it off. After a quick shower, I bounded down the stairs to the kitchen to find Emily sitting at the table. I paused for a moment. Both Dad and Sarah had already left.

She smiled at me, saying, "Good morning, Kyle!"

"Morning," I mumbled.

Hesitating, she said, "I can give you a ride..."

Talking to her was as uncomfortable as always. Being in a car with her? Unthinkable!

"Umm, no thanks. I'll make it, I think."

"I'm sure you won't, it's already late. Come on! I already put your breakfast in a box."

I was a little pissed at her, it's not like I had asked for any of this. I didn't ask to be cornered. But I didn't want to hurt Dad. If I insisted on going alone, it would just show that I'm avoiding being around her. So, faking a smile, I agreed and thanked her.

The ride to school was short, as always. But it felt like the longest ride of my life. The Sundays with Sarah were bad enough. With Emily, it was a thousand times worse. Neither of us said anything, so the awkward silence between us was palpable. I wondered if she would tell Dad. He wouldn't say anything, he never tried to force us to get along too well. But he'd be hurt.

Thankfully, I had other things to distract myself with. Like a text from my girlfriend.

- Claire: Phew, I was worried you were annoyed at me.

- Me: Of course not! I just overslept, lol.

- Claire: I'm glad. See you!

She ended the message with an emoji which sent shivers down my spine. A kissing-face. Memories of last night rushed back, of the soft glow of candlelights and her soft lips.

We made it to school with a few minutes to spare. "Thanks for the ride," I said.

As I was about to close the door, she said, "Kyle..."

I looked at her, waiting to hear what she might say. She paused for a moment, then looked downwards.

Finally, she said, "Have a good day at school."

"Umm... thanks," I said, "You too."

I turned around, confused. What was that about? I tried to look unaffected. I couldn't let her see me get embarrassed. I was pretty sure she had already driven away, but I couldn't take the chance!

***

The classes passed by in a flash, and I felt like I was in a blissful daze. We were constantly texting back and forth. When we weren't, I found myself lost in the memories of the previous night. At one point, I found Jill's eyes narrowing at me. I wondered if she would chide me for not paying any attention in class. But she only shook her head, a faint smirk on her lips.

As lunch time approached, I found myself facing a conundrum. Should I be spending it with my girlfriend, or should I see my friends? Surely, they wouldn't mind if I went my way for a bit, right?

Just as I was starting to mentally tear myself up, I ran into the two of them in the hallway. Damn it. And here I was planning on ditching them and explaining it all over text!

Alex looked exceptionally tired. But before I could ask him anything, Cole scowled as he looked at me. His mouth opened slightly and I would have thought it comical if I didn't find it annoying.

"The fuck are you staring at?" I asked without any real hostility.

"Something's different," he said, his brows furrowing further.

"Huh?"

Suddenly, I saw a flash of awareness in his eyes before he gasped. Then, he grinned knowingly.

"What?" I asked.

His grin widened. "So, I take it that things are going well."

"What does that mean?"

"I wasn't being subtle, dude."

I don't know why I was pretending to be oblivious or trying to avoid the conversation. It wasn't quite embarrassing... On the contrary, I was quite happy.

With an exasperated sigh, I said, "Alright, alright... No need to make a big deal about it!"

"Big deal about what?" This voice was Claire's.

I shut my eyes tightly, hoping she didn't hear anything.

"Nothing!" I said a little too forcefully. "Absolutely nothing!"

Cole grinned at me, before telling Claire, "I'm just giving Kyle shit for sucking at video games."

"Oh really?" Claire said, "Maybe I should try my hand sometime, team up with my boyfriend."

Knowing how good she was at everything, I wouldn't be surprised if she got a hang of it. The idea of being carried, though, didn't feel too nice. On the other hand, is there a single guy out there who wouldn't want to play games with his girlfriend?

"That'd be nice," I muttered.

She smiled at me. Then she said, "Boys, will you forgive me if I steal Kyle away for this period?"

Cole replied, "For you, Claire, the answer is always yes. Hell, you can steal my kidneys if you want!"

I rolled my eyes, saying, "Really, dude?"

Claire laughed, saying, "As tempting as that sounds, I just need your friend for now." With a wink, she added, "But I'll keep you in mind if I start a black market business."

With a cocky smirk, I said, "See you later."

***

"How did your classes go?" she asked me.

With a shrug, I said, "Couldn't really concentrate on anything..."

"Yeah?" she said, smiling at me coyly. "Pervert."

Making sure no one else could hear me, I replied, "I'm the pervert here? Who was it that wanted to go all night long?"

With a straight face, she said, "It's cute when I do it."

I could see that amused sparkling in her eyes, then we both started giggling. She casually took my hand in hers. I looked at her and she smiled back. The room lit up, my heartbeat raced up through the roof and I felt my cheeks burn. I returned the smile and looked away. She squeezed my hand reassuringly, and we continued walking towards the cafeteria in silence.

Fuck, why was I nervous? I'm just with my girlfriend!

We found a table that wasn't too crowded. Not that we had any privacy, I could feel eyes on us without even looking for them. And this time, I wasn't just being paranoid. We made small talk while we ate. The conversation was kinda pointless, but it was surprisingly blissful.

For a while, we both got quiet. At first I thought we were just enjoying the silence. Then I noticed the blank look on her face, brows slightly tensed, eyes glued to a spot.

I softly asked, "Anything on your mind."

When she turned to me, I felt at a loss. I couldn't read her expressions.

"Yeah. There was something I wanted to talk about."

Would she finally talk to me about her problems?

"It's... What I wanted to talk about last night before getting distracted..."

A sly smirk played on her lips and last night flashed through my mind. I could feel my face heat up again.

Before I could get lost again, she said, "I don't know if there's any better way to phrase this. So I'll just start. On Monday... did you... touch Jane?"

"What?" I was confused. Why would she ask me that? "Of course not! Look, Jane and I are just good friends, okay? There's nothing-"

She was shaking her head, cutting me off, "No, no, Kyle, that's not what I mean. Listen. I believe you, okay? That's not what I'm asking."

I wasn't sure where else this could be going, but her voice was patient, calming.

Claire went on. "Just casually. Like... platonic touching."

I tried to think, but I was drawing a blank. Maybe? Maybe not? I really couldn't remember at that time.

"Sorry," I replied with a shrug, "Doesn't ring a bell..."

"Okay," she pursed her lips, hesitating.

"That's it? Why does it even matter?"

"I... I'm not very sure how to explain it," she said.

"Does it bother you? Because I'm not a very touchy-feely guy in general."

"No, of course not!" she said, "I'm not crazy, okay."

With a sigh, she added, "Maybe I am. I don't know yet. Just hear me out. Alright?"

She inhaled, her shoulders straightened as her eyes pierced mine.

"I think you have powers."

I blinked, my surprise showing on my face. An uneasy feeling grew in my stomach. I tried to ignore it and listen to her.

"No, I mean I'm certain. I know I've joked about it earlier, but I've kinda been sure for a while."

Suddenly, everything clicked. The feeling grew, a cold knife twisting in my gut. My knees wobbled and I felt sick.

Of course.

"I'm not sure what you do..."

Stupid. So stupid.

"...but it likely activates when you touch someone."

Why did I let my guard down?

"Basically, your touch triggers something..."

This was too good to be true.

Claire stopped talking. She must have noticed, because she didn't say anything for a moment. I didn't really know how to even start.

Finally, I said, "When did you start suspecting this?"