In Love With An Angel (a. butler)

Twenty-Four.

Austin followed me inside and headed straight for the living room just as I asked of him. He gazed around taking in the decor and photographs. I guess he didn't get the chance to look around last time since he had a one track mind. Saving me. 

I jerked forward. "Thank you." I blurted out.

"You said that already" He smiled. 

"No. I meant for saving me from that thing. I don't think I ever thanked you, I was more so clouded with fear and confusion." 

He nodded. 

This was different. I mean things were different everyday but this change, this turn of events with meeting Hawkins and revealing the connection with my father made our relationship different. I was now thanking Austin instead of investigating Austin. Although there were still more things to discover. I felt a new sense of energy. 

"Where's your bathroom?" 

"That way" I said pointing. 

He walked off and I stood there for a moment waiting until he returned. His footsteps approach me again and I noticed he were holding a can of pills. 

"Hope you don't mind me entering the cabinet. But, you should take these before bed" 

I glanced down and read the bottle to be aspirin. He placed it into my hand and smiled again. I watched him closely, there he was again, helping me. Caring. How was I supposed to believe that Austin was bad news like everyone said if he kept these little moments up? I thought about what Analise said, the details of her incident swirled high in my mind. The fight with Jeremey and the mysterious man that Darren spoke of once before. I was letting it get to me too quickly. His actions, the aura I felt whenever I was with alone with him. He's still who he is..

Whatever that might be exactly. He's hot and cold, here and there, up and down. I couldn't just forget everything just because he showed at my birthday party, helped me get home, and handed me aspirin to ease my aching in the morning. 

"Right, thanks..again" I mumbled. 

"How about a movie? Until you fall asleep, I'll head out then." He said 

I nodded. I found it funny again how I just went through that roller coaster of thought against Austin yet I still allow him to stay here and wait while I sleep. I sighed. It couldn't be helped. It was like I wanted him close but far. Because if he were more than a few inches away again I think I would actually lose myself, he is beautiful but with thorns. Ironically enough, I'm supposed to be the "rose" and he the admirer. I guess it's like the saying, keep your friends close and your frenemies closer. 

--

I sat on the couch with my head leaning back against the cushioned frame. Austin was close beside me, he seemed to be more invested in the movie than I. It was all gibberish to me, I couldn't understand anything. The affect of the alcohol still had a toll on me. I felt my eyes getting weary. Maybe if I closed them for just a little things would be better. I realized I could no longer keep my head upright, it flopped to the side and I quickly jerked up trying to keep composure. It flopped twice more and by the third time I found myself letting go. 

I leaned my head on the hard yet soft armrest of the couch. It was much more warmer than I expected. It also smelled really good. Not the kind of frebreeze I was used to but something different. It was more masculine, more exotic and strong. Was mom trying out new fresheners?  Did Howard sit here?

I sunk deeper into the armrest letting the aroma swirl through my nose with each soft inhale and exhale I took. I felt calm, peaceful, in this very moment. I could picture myself in a forest surrounded by beautiful green and damp trees. A bit of sunlight seeping through shining into my eyes. My shoes covered in mud as I walk closer toward the faint wooshing sound in the background. The more I move the louder it gets. Revealing itself to be a gorgeous waterfall hidden in plain sight.