The River and Bridge

Keller's hand ran over something sharp, cutting her hand. The bloody red color of her blood dyed the water--- but Keller did not care, she had found what she was looking for. Pulling, she pulled up her black cross necklace.
Now, as her panic disappeared, her only instinct was for survival. Putting the end of the cross into her mouth, she felt the irony taste of blood; but, nonetheless, she swam towards Kenoo, hurriedly. She grabbed his wrist, her own long fingers wrapping around it, and swam towards the top. Her lungs were almost overwhelmed with the burning sensation of needing oxygen, as she almost succumbed to takeing a gasp of water.

*As Kenoo continued to search the bottom he felt something wrap around his wrist and pull him up. He looked over to see Keller, who had her necklace in her mouth. She was swimming for her life, which meant she was low on air.

Without a second thought Kenoo swam to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Once this was done an unseen force rose from the bottom of the river pushing them both from the water. Kenoo landed on the river bank with Keller in his arms*

You ok now?

Keller coughed, closing her eyes, awkwardly around her necklace. She gasped for air, unknowingly squeezing his wrist, which she still held on to. With a dry, small voice, she said, "I am sorry... so sorry.." For what she was apologizing for, she had no idea, but it was directed to Kenoo. Her eyes showed her confusion, which she was eveloped in. From breaking down, and loosing her steady exterior, she had momentarily lost it all.

*Kenoo just smiled down at her*

It's fine...no need to be sorry

Keller, without realizing her actions, buried her head against Kenoo's chest. Her emotions still in a flurry, she continued to apologize. "So... Sorry... So sorry.."

*Kenoo walked over to his jacket with Keller still in his arms. He bent down and grabbed the jacket, so he could wrap it around her*

I told you it's fine...no need to be sorry

Keller shook her head, "No.. No.. I lost control... that is.... unforgivable..." Her hands shook, as she put the necklace back around her, not from the cold---- her body was completely numb, by then--- but by worry.

How did you lose control?

*Kenoo looked down at her curiously*

Keller looked at him, then away--- down at the ground. "I... lost control of my emotions, I panicked. And with that, it all... went wild..." she said, "They said that you are to never lose control of your emotions.... bec-because... then you get close to people... It just happens.... And I cannot get close to anyone."

*Kenoo smiled as he listened to her words*

Emotions lead to weakness and weakness leads to death...thats what I live by...but i'm slowly starting to learn...it's ok to store your emotions in another person...that way you still remain a bit of your humanity

Keller, again, shook her head vigorously, "Although... I am not sure I correctly understand what you are saying... I just.. cannot get close to anyone... else.." she said, and slowly pulled out a piece of paper from her boot. The paper was folded, and looked as if it were soon to fall apart. Her hands moving with tender gentleness, she opened the old, yellow paper. It read;

People die...
Beauty fades...
Love changes...
And you will always be alone.

"I have... never showed that to anyone..." Her stone gray eyes still glanced at the ground. "It was left with me, at birth.... with my cross necklace... I was abandoned."

*Kenoo stared at the paper and then shook his head*

Is this why you can't get close to anyone?

Keller nodded, staring at the paper. "Yes.... an-and.... everyone around me... sooner or later gets hurt.."

The note is wrong...you're not alone right now...

*Kenoo moved his eyes until they locked with hers*

Keller stony gray eyes, looked into his, "Not... right now... No.... But... I just cannot let anyone... else get hurt.... On my behalf."

*Kenoo continued to smile*

If you didn't notice...

*Kenoo moved his eyes from hers and put them on the scars on his body. He let out a small sigh and then moved his eyes back to hers..*

...it takes a lot to hurt to me..

Keller ran tentative, tender fingers along the largest scar. The one that ran diagonal, across the middle of his chest. "But... I just... I just could not stand it.. if I caused anyone close to me to be hurt..." she said, her head tilted up towards him.

*Kenoo shuddered at the feel of her touch, but kwpt his eyes locked with hers*

I told you...it will take a lot to hurt me....so don't worry...

*Kenoo gave her a reassuring smile*

Keller stayed locked in the gaze for a few more moments, before breaking it. She folded the old note back up, putting it back in her boot. "O-Okay.." she said, with a smile that did not reach her eyes, "I believe you..."

Glad to hear it...

*Kenoo let out a small chuckle*

I'll also make sure nothing happens to you

Keller's hand, which was still placed on Kenoo's chest, moved slightly at his words. "No...." she said, closing her eyes, "Please.... Please do not worry about me, I can protect myself.... Ple-Please just look after yourself..."

*Kenoo slowly closed his eyes*

So be it

*walks in and leans on the railing of the bridge, staring at the new falling snow.*

*walks on the railing of the bridge, looking at my reflection in the frozen water*

*looks at he new person, a grins spreading across her face*
hi.