8: I Like Me Better 2

"There is something wrong with you, Zamani. It is obvious. I can see it and I see the way you try so hard to find relief in pain."

"You don't see me, Orion." The tears I have been holding back threatened to spill and there was no absolute way I will cry in the presence of Orion.

He moved closer to me and lifted my chin up. "I see you, Zamani."

"No." I whipped my head away from him, as tears began streaming down my face. "You don't know me."

He turned my face towards him as he leaned closer and began kissing my tears. My heart fluttered, as a kaleidoscope of butterflies swirled in my stomach. "I see you, Zamani and I want you even though you don't want me."

I fell into his warm embrace as I broke into a train of sobs. "I don't want to live with my grandparents."

Orion held me closer to him, not wanting to let go of me and my creature squealed in excitement. "I know, Zamani. It is just for the meantime. Once you get better, I'll make sure to come whisk you away."

Orion was filled with l