How You Get The Girl

Chapter Four • Out Of The Woods •

Stefania

"She's still asleep. Will you tell Krista that we're both sick? Thank you Jaina. Yes, I'll keep her busy today. Thank you." I hung up the phone and sighed. I hoped Danielle wouldn't be mad that I called in for us today. She needed to sleep in though.

I finished cooking breakfast, and put some french toast topped with berries on a plate.
"Shh Jeff. We have to be quiet. I want to surprise Danielle." I whispered to my overly excited dog.

I walked into my bedroom, and put the plate on the table next to her.

"Danielle? Dani, you need to wake up Bambina." I gently shook her.

She jumped and scooted herself to the other side of the bed, breathing hard and looking at me with wide eyes.
"Bella, it's me. You're safe." I held my hands up so she could see I meant no harm.

"I'm sorry. I'm safe. I'm sorry. I'm safe. I'm sorry. I'm safe." She muttered under her breath.
I got on the bed and under the covers, pulling her close to me.
"It's okay. I'm here. Nothing is going to hurt you here." I whispered in her ear as I held her tightly.
"Vai a brillare la tua bella luce." I whispered.
"I have no idea what you just said." She sniffled out.
"Go shine your light, Bella."
"Oh... Stefania?" She looked up at me.
"Sì?"
"Baciami." She whispered.
"Do you know what that means?" I played with the ends of her hair.
She nodded, and moved closer.

I closed the distance between us, giving her a gentle kiss.
I felt her relax her body, as I took her hand in mine and interlocked our fingers.

She pulled away, resting her forehead against mind.
"Non lascerò mai che nessuno ti faccia del male." I whispered as I cupped her cheek.
"I still have no idea what you said." She said with a small laugh.
"I will never let anybody hurt you."
"Thank you Stefania. For everything."

I nodded and got out of bed, handing her the plate of food.
"Eat up Bambina. I called out of work for us today."

Danielle
*A few hours later*

We were sitting on the couch watching a movie, both of us were scooting closer as time passed.
We heard the doorbell ring, and I jumped slightly.
"It's okay Bambina. I'll see who it is." Stefania got up, walked to the door and opened it.

"Jaina?"
"Hey. I brought Danielle's stuff over." She walked in carrying trash bags of different items.
"How did you get my stuff?" I walked over and took a bag from her.
"Jackson came to the studio."
"He what?" I felt my heart drop to my stomach.
"He drove to your trailer, threw your stuff out of his car, and kept yelling stuff about you." She shifted uncomfortably.
"What did he say?"
"Bambina, that doesn't matter. You have your things now." Stefania put a hand on my back.

"J, what did he say?"
"He said you were psycho. He told everyone you threw things at him and put your hands on him."
"That's a lie! I've never-" I felt a panic attack coming.
"Shh, bella. We know. It's okay." Stefania pulled me into her arms and held me tight.
"What am I supposed to do with all my stuff? I don't even have a place to live! I-I can't." I felt tears rushing down my face.
"You can stay here. As long as you need. It's okay. You're safe here." Stefania rubbed my back, calming me down.
"Why don't you go put the bags in the bedroom? We'll go through them in a little bit."

I nodded and picked up a bag, carrying it to Stefania's bedroom.

Stefania

"Stefania? There's one more thing." Jaina whispered as Danielle left the room.
"What?"
"He said if he sees her again, he'll kill her."