39

LUNA

I SAT IN MY ROOM, feeling sad and frustrated. Today was Valentine's Day. Hudson's absence had dampened my eagerly awaited day. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling my stomach churn back and forth.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Maya entered her expression one of concern and curiosity.

"Have you been in bed all day?" she asked, sitting down on the edge.

I sighed, hugging my pillow to my chest.

"Today is the worst Valentine's Day ever."

She frowned, but there was a glimpse of a mischievous smile.

"Don't be so dramatic." she said, before handing me an envelope. "I feel like the day is about to get better."

I sat up and took the letter, recognizing the familiar handwriting. My curiosity piqued. My heart skipped a beat as Maya exited the room with a wink. With trembling fingers, I opened it.

To, Snow:

Every time we've established something in our relationship, I sabotage it. I've often left without explaining, but I won't anymore.

I've missed many years with you and refuse to miss more. I ruined something sacred to us, but I'll make it right. Meet me where our treehouse used to be. I'll be waiting.

P.S. I'm not worthy of being your Valentine, but I'm honored you chose me despite it.

Love,

Your Hudson.

A wide smile spread across my face as I finished reading the letter. The thought of seeing him again and revisiting a place filled with cherished memories brought me joy. Until I remembered the tragedy that followed that day. However, I was determined to move on.Keeping that in mind, I quickly got out of bed and changed into warm attire. I grabbed my coat and rushed out of my room, my heart racing.

I arrived in the forest behind Hudson's house. The late morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on the path as I made my way toward our meeting spot. I breathed in the crisp, cool air, feeling my stomach bubbling.

Hudson was a few feet away, standing tall in his favorite Oasis shirt and leather jacket. His eyes lit up when he saw me. A loving smile spread across his face. I couldn't help but smile back, my pace quickening until I reached him. We embraced, holding each other as if we feared the other would disappear.He withdrew, gazing at me with regret and hope.

"I'm so sorry for everything -" he began, but I placed a finger on his lips, silencing him.

"You have nothing to apologize for." I said, my eyes softening with understanding.

His body relaxed. He placed a tender kiss on my forehead, grateful for my forgiveness. I pulled back, looking up at him with curiosity in my eyes.

"Why did you want to meet here?"

He got shy. His gaze dropped for a moment before meeting my eyes again.

"Do you remember the day I destroyed our treehouse?" he asked, his voice tinged with regret.

My mind flashed back to that painful memory, a few weeks after his mother's death. I could remember the anger and sorrow in his eyes as he unexpectedly broke down and destroyed our beloved treehouse. His angered words still haunted me. It was the day he told me he wanted nothing to do with me.

"I remember."

He took a deep breath and cupped my face in his hands. His green eyes darkened with regret.

"I never apologized for that day. There is no excuse for what I did."He took a deep breath, his expression filled with regret. "I'm so sorry for what I did. I was so lost and angry after losing my mom and I was terrified of losing you too, so I pushed you away before you could leave me."

My heart ached as I listened to his confession. I placed my hands on his biceps.

"I would have never left you."

He looked into my eyes, his own softened with sincerity.

"I know that, but I felt like I never deserved you. So, I sabotaged us before I could get hurt again."

All the resentment I'd harbored over the years melted away at his words. I'd always wanted an explanation for his abrupt behavior. There were so many doubts about that day, but I'd gotten the closure I needed.

"I forgive you," I said. "And I appreciate your apology."

He seemed relieved; a weight lifted from his shoulders. He cupped my cheeks in his hands with a childlike grin.

"Close your eyes." He said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

I hesitated but trusted that he wouldn't murder me in the middle of the woods. I closed my eyes and took his hand as he led me down a path. After a few moments, he told me to open my eyes. When I did, I gasped, tears welling as I saw an updated version of our childhood haven.

"Our treehouse."

"I figured I should rebuild what I broke." He said. "It's not the same as before, but it will suffice."

"It's perfect." My hand covered my mouth as I struggled to find the words. "I can't believe you rebuilt our treehouse. How long did it take?"

He kicked a pebble at his feet before gazing at me with a sheepish grin.

"Two years, eight months, and twenty-four days."

My knees buckled at his words. I turned to him, amazed by his dedication.

"Why?"

He shrugged and pressed his lips together. His cheeks had a coating of red.

"Because I've always loved you, and building that treehouse gave me hope I'd get you back."

It felt like my jaw was going to dislodge.

"You always loved me?"

He nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I never felt good enough to tell you. I first had to become the man you deserved."

Tears streamed down my face as I stood closer, my heart overflowing with emotion. Warmth spread in my chest, slow at first, then rushed, stealing my breath. I loved how his eyes crinkled when he smiled. How his voice softened every time he spoke to me. His presence felt like home. As if I'd completed a puzzle I never knew I was trying to solve.

"I love you too."

The depth of his eyes equaled that of The Great Gatsby's lighthouse. The answer was in front of me all along.

"You do?"

I nodded, my heart bursting with happiness.

"I love you, Hudson Wilder."

He leaned down and kissed me, pouring all his love and passion into the kiss. When we pulled apart, he gazed at me with adoration. It made my heart backflip.

"You've stolen my heart, Luna Delgato. It's yours forever, and I never plan to collect."

I bit my lip, a smile spreading across my face. Hudson showed me what love truly is. Love isn't definitive. We see it differently. Feel it differently. Express it differently. But when we have our version of love, we'll know it. Hudson was the love I longed for.

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