Chapter 5: 5- Fireworks
Being held against the ground, the cold metal sliced my bicep like butter. I yelled out in agony, my arm stung. Breaking free from his grip, I managed to climb out of my clothes. Holding my jacket sleeve against the wound, I started screaming for help. "Nobody can hear you," He snickered, "You're too far gone anyways. Look at all that blood; it's going right through your shirt."
Using the energy I had left, I took off running, my feet bruising with every rock I stepped on. Hearing him closely behind me, I hid beside a rotten tree limb. I pushed myself as far in as the tree would let me, my focus turned to my breathing and the pain I felt. Blood was still seeping through my jacket, I was starting to lose consciousness. "It'll be over soon," The man said as he held the knife above my body, "just close your eyes."
As the knife struck, Dane was shaking me awake. "It's a dream, Nicole." I was shaking uncontrollably, my heart beating out of my chest. "Are you alright?" Dane asked, he had a concerned look. "Just another fucked up nightmare." I said, Danes jaw dropped. He had never heard me swear before, it was almost foreign to him. "I'm sorry, Nicole. Must've been a really bad one." Dane put a hand on my shoulder, "Why don't you go take a walk? I'll keep an eye on the kids while you're out." He said, "I'll be in my room if you need me."
As Dane closed the door, I let out a long sigh. I hated bringing him into my problems, my nightmares being one of them. He's a great big brother, always there to support me and he's a good listener; most of the time. I wouldn't trade him for anything, he's priceless in my eyes.
"Too deep in your thoughts?" Dane said, tapping my arm. I jumped an inch off the bed, "sorry! I was just thinking about the dream, what could it mean?" Dane shrugged his shoulders, "who knows. It's time to get out, go for that walk we talked about." He walked me downstairs, pretty much shoving me out the door. I smiled, knowing he was doing it for the right reasons.
Taking a walk through the garden, I notice Lilac watering my Tiger Lily. "Please be extra careful with this one, it's really important to me." She smiles at me, "I know, sweetheart." Turning to another plant, I could hear her mumbling to herself. "What do you know?" I ask, she shrugs her shoulders. "You set her free. I've been trying for years, but she would never let me. I'm happy she finally got the help she needed."
I grinned, watching her water the plants gracefully. "This house will rest for now." She looks at me, I was confused. What did she know that I didn't? Before I could ask anymore questions, she disappeared. Gently caressing Nina's flower petal, I say goodbye and head to the creek. Watching turtles pop their heads up to the surface of the water, Leo comes up from behind me.
I push him backwards, causing him to fall. "I'm sorry, but don't scare people like that." He chuckles, "it's nothing but a scratch, and I'm sorry for scaring you." He pulls me in for a hug, rubbing my back. "What brings you out here this morning?" I ask, sticking my feet in the water. "I come out here a few times a week, it helps me clear my mind. This place is calming, and I can read my books in peace." I agreed with him, it was calming. Since dad stays home now, it's almost impossible to be with the kids; they follow dad around like puppies. It was nice getting alone time, but I miss taking care of them.
"Have you ate lunch yet? I'm starving." I shake my head, rubbing my stomach. "Food sounds great." He holds out his hand, "want to eat lunch with me? I have fruit and sandwiches made up." I take his hand, we talk the whole way to the house. It was nice getting along with him, getting to know what he's like. Taking me through the sliding glass door, a lunch was already set out for us, it was like he already knew my answer.
"I love your patio, the sight is lovely." Roses were growing against the fence, its vines wrapping around the wood. Butterflies flutter in the sky, its wings shining from the sun. "How did you get such a beautiful view?" I ask, looking at the freshly mowed grass.
"Mom always wanted a place to drink her morning coffee, so dad and I built a patio for her." It was sweet, and thoughtful. Leo made his mothers dreams come true, and that's a true gentleman. I would hope one day my future children would do the same for me.
"Want to watch a movie?" Leo asks, "I have popcorn." I giggle softly, "I would love to." As he takes me into the living room, he shows me the collection of movies next to the bookshelf. Looking left to right, I come across a movie I loved to watch. "The purge, huh?" He says, setting up. "What can I say, horror is my life." I said, knowing it was true. "Great choice though," he yells from the kitchen. Getting comfortable on the couch, Leo slides next to me, popcorn in hand.
Sticking my hand into the bucket, our hands touch. We look at each other awkwardly, then laugh. It was a good idea, watching a movie together. Scary movies were like drugs to me, you can't stop once you start.
As the movie ended, we sat in silence. It was like my brain was on pause, no words were coming out of my mouth. Leos hand was on mine, making me nervous. "I should get you home, it's getting late." He said, helping me to my feet.
Walking through the back way, we stop at the garden. "I had the best time with you, Nicole." I blush, smiling at him. "I did too, we should do this again sometime." Pulling me in close, he whispers in my ear. "Can I kiss you?" I look into his Hazel gold eyes, my body froze. "Yes," I squeaked, mentally preparing for a kiss. I close my eyes as he starts leaning in, his lips softly touch mine. I could picture fireworks in my head, all of them exploding in different directions.
"I should go, before your dad sees us." He whispered, letting out a small sigh. Our hands part from each other as we both go our separate ways, he turns back to make sure I got in safely. "How was your day, Nicole?" Dad questions me, crossing his arms. "It was perfect." I smile, going back to the kiss. "I saw you with Leo again, do I have to worry about him?" I nod my head, "no, sir. He's very respectful." Dad smiles, "He better be, he seems like a good one."
The butterflies swirled around my stomach; this was a feeling I'd never had before. It felt like I was on a rollercoaster, the loop is coming up, but I'm not quite prepared for what's going to happen. As I head into my room, I pictured my pillow as Leo. I cuddled up next to it, smiling from ear to ear. It was one of those days I wouldn't forget, everything happened so perfectly.
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