Apphia

Gavin is standing before me, looking sheepish. I stand, too, and wait for him to speak even though I know exactly what he wants to say. 

" Apphia," he breathes. We are silent, and he speaks," I'm sorry for how badly I treated you. You didn't deserve any of it," 

I didn't deserve it. " You are very beautiful, Apphia. So beautiful inside and out. I wish I could turn back time. I wish I accepted the bond when it clicked into place, but I didn't. I'll regret that for the rest of my life and be sorry for it," tears mist his eyes. He smiles slightly and wipes...