The Guardian

Chapter 24

Lennon looked at the empty house that she had called home for the past 4 years. It was bittersweet to see all of their things gone. Sad, because she had so many good memories, but good because she was getting a fresh start. She pulled her hair into a tight bun, and rolled up the sleeves of her black sweater. It was 72° here in Malibu, but it was supposed to be 55° in Seattle. She laced up her black boots with a small smile. Michael came downstairs, their luggage in hand. Chuckling to himself. Lennon noticed the bright white hair atop his head.

"You dyed your hair?" She shrieked.

He nodded smiling. "I thought since we're moving I could use a change."

"Are we going to rob a bank or something before we go?" He asked, gesturing to her all black ensemble.

She smiled at him. "Its gonna be cold, you know?"

He laughed and went outside, putting their luggage in the taxi taking them to the airport. She walked out to the cab and got in. Their vehicles had been moved to Seattle the week prior. The driver gave her a small nod. She smiled back and popped a piece of peppermint gum into her mouth.

Michael got into the cab sitting beside her. "To the airport."

The driver nodded and shut the back glass, so they could talk.

Michael gave her a grin. "Are you excited?"

She nodded and put her headphones in, turning her head to the window. Michael smiled at her. She was so beautiful, and he was thrilled to be moving across the country with her. He just hoped she felt the same.

When they got to the airport Michael tipped the driver, and quickly got their luggage out of the trunk. They got through baggage check and security with only a few men stopping to check Lennon out. He knew Lennon just didn't notice anymore because it happened every time she went out, but Michael noticed. He pushed his jealousy aside for the time being and took his in his last few moments in California. He looked over at Lennon and smiled. She was listening to music, lost in a song. Her long hair covered her face, her fingers drummed against the arms of the seat she was in. Sometimes, when she was really into a song, she would hum, or even sing. It was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. A woman with a thick Californian accent came over the intercom announcing boarding for their flight. He nudged Lennon, and they both got up to stand in line. Finally, they boarded. They took a seat in the back. Michael gave Lennon the window, then squeezed in behind her.

She took her headphones out. "Mike, I'm so excited!"

He intertwined their fingers. "Me too Len, me too.

Lennon felt a soft push on her shoulder. She opened her eyes, looking at Michael. He gave her a promising grin. "We're in Washington Len!" She smiled at him and turned to face the window, admiring the gray sky and green trees. A voice on the intercom announced they were prepping for landing.

After they got off the plane and through baggage claim Michael hailed them a cab, giving the driver their new adress. He loved seeing Lennon like this. Ever since he woke her up on the plane her smile had yet to disappear. He hoped she would like it here.

Fat,salty, raindrops splattered against the windshield. As the car drove down a seemingly deserted winding road. They pulled up to an old Victorian mansion.

Lennon's smile grew. "How did you afford this Mike?"

"It was cheap don't worry. Do you like it?" He looked at her with caution.

She nodded, getting out of the car. The house was a dark brick, with long vines growing up the walls. Tall iron gates surrounded the manse, and there was even a small lake in the backyard. Her  jeep cherokee and Michael's Ford Capri were parked inside the 4 car garage. Lennon couldn't picture anywhere better to live. Michael smiled to himself. He and Lennon had been watching movies on the couch for hours. About 2 hours ago she had fallen asleep, burying her face in his neck. Every time she exhaled he felt a burst of her warm heavy breath. The position wasn't very comfortable for him but he didn't want to wake her. After another hour of sitting that way he decided to carry her to bed. He tucked her in, and was about to leave when he heard her mumble something.

"What?" Michael whispered.

  In a soft voice she answered.       "Stay."

  He shook his head. "I can't."

She rolled over.

He ruffled her hair. "Goodnight Len."

  He walked across the long hallway to his room. He wanted to stay more than anything but he couldn't. It's not healthy for a 28 year old man to be in love with a 16 year old girl. He told himself. But I don't love her in a creepy way. I would love her, the way she needs to be loved. She would never have to work, or even move a finger for that matter. If I could just have her, my life would be complete.