Aaron

"Follow me," she says, all smiley, and authoritative. I think to myself, take me to the depths of hell, Ivy. Take me where the demons live, and I'd still be happy because it's with you. Anything with you. Anything for you.

So when Ivy runs, I run after her, following her on whatever adventure she chooses. "We're almost there!" She yells after a few minutes, out of breath but still pushing to make it.

And a moment later I see a small beach, the waves crashing as we get closer to the waterfront. No one's here at night, only us, and our laughter as we race each other into the ocean.

And before she can get in, I grab her by the waist, a look of annoyance immediately marring her previously happy expression.

"You cheater," she exclaims. "I would've won!"

"You wanna win?" I ask, mischief coating my tongue. Before she can protest, I throw her into the water, and laugh, her dress completely drenched when she comes out.

"Jerk!" She chases me, wrapping her arms around my body, and throwing me into the ocean along with herself. And when I come up for air, she splashes water onto me. I can't do much other than watch.

I watch as she giggles, and I watch as she brings the wet hair out of her face. I watch as her laugh ricochets through the sky, and into space, and into my being, and I'm floored.

I watch as she comes closer to me, and without thinking, I hold her in my arms, a gasp escaping her throat at the sudden change in proximity.

Sometimes, I wish I could hold Ivy in my arms forever, and I wish I could protect her from every single evil thing. She's too good for this world.

And I've never been a believer in fate, but this must be what it is. Her and I, we must be fated together, and for that I thank all my lucky stars. I bow to them for letting me know her.