Someone Like Hugh -Draft Complete And EDITING-

Chapter Twelve:

Hugh's POV:

I hadn't expected her to run like this. I shouldn't have pushed her, I shouldn't have continued to try and force her to speak to me. I needed to make this right. I'm not sure why, but when I touched her, I felt electrified. She brought me to life again. 

I could only imagine how hard it must be for her, it seemed like she had absolutely no one in her life that cared for her the way that they should. She may live in a house full of people, but she really was alone. I needed her to know that she didn't have to be. I would be here for her if she let me. 

I turned around the various corners, following her as closely as I could through the maze until I lost sight of her. As I rounded another corner, I stopped to catch my breath. I could hear the sound of running water. 

I followed the sound until I came upon a large square garden at the center of the maze. Flowers grew all around the hedges. Small stringed lights lit up the area. At the very center was a large stone fountain with water flowing from the top. Laying on the wall of the fountain was Amelia. Her eyes were closed and she was facing up at the sky. 

She looked calm, serenity fell from her in waves. "This fountain was brought from my stepfather's great grandfather's house shortly after they came to America. It was modeled to be a smaller replica of the one that had been destroyed in the center of their town during the first world war. They modeled the replica and kept it as a reminder of the sacrifices of war, and what those battles do to people," she explained without opening her eyes. "It's sort of odd, a symbol of war is the most peaceful place here."

"It is a bit odd when you put it like that," I spoke, approaching her. She didn't move as I approached, which I took as a symbol of her trust. I sat on the edge of the fountain a few inches from her head. 

"True," she spoke. She adjusted slightly and as she did, her sleeve shifted. For the first time, I was able to see the edges of a large bruise that started at the top of her dress and dipped below onto her shoulderblade. 

"I know you aren't used to having someone in your corner, but I am. I know it seems silly to hear coming from someone you barely know. Even though it feels as though I've known you for ages, in retrospect we only met today.  I know you've been hurt, I know you've been let down. Give me the chance to show you I won't do the same," I explained to her. 

"I'll give you the benefit of the doubt if you promise to stop getting involved when my mother comes after me," she spoke without opening her eyes. I wished we could stay here, she looked so peaceful laying on the edge of the fountain. 

"I'll try," I replied. "Aren't you cold?" I asked her worriedly, running my fingertips along her arm. "You feel like ice."

"It was a bit chilly at first, but I am alright. I prefer the cold. Besides, it helps," she yawned. 

"You don't get much sleep, do you?" I asked her, stroking her hair gently. 

"It's pretty impossible to get sleep wh-" Just then her phone buzzed from inside of her pocket. She quickly pulled it out. "Yes, I understand. I will be there shortly," she spoke softly. "I will be there as quickly as I can. Yes, I understand."

"You're being summoned?" I asked her, already knowing the answer. 

"I am," she replied sadly, sitting up.