Crush Me

Thirty

Leanne

I love the gems here. They're gorgeous. The beauty of them and the energy in here is so calm. I've never felt like this. Is there really something to the chakras and the lore about crystals? Are the Chinese onto something?

Look at Wilson. God he's got it all. What a stud, and he's so kind. I wonder what he's up to.

Leanne got up. Sitting was painful, and she winced a bit as she wandered along the display case. She turned to peer through the glass at some pale translucent olive green stones. Concentrating hard, she squinted at the description on a small card. The writing was upside down to her, but she persisted in trying to read it.

Peridots are healing stones. They bring calmness and confidence to those who wear them close to the heart and throat chakras. This fifteen carat stone is surrounded by small diamonds which vibrate with the highest frequencies enhancing the positive effects of the peridot.

Sounds like a stone that would be really good for me if I believed in that sort of stuff. I'd wear it just because it's pretty, and close to some of the greens in my eyes.

"Are you going to give it to her now?"

Leanne looked up to see a lady in red talking to Wilson.

"Yes, so the case can go in the bag. I want her to have it right away. This is a special trip for both of us and I want her to remember it always."

The clerk smiled. "You're a romantic guy. She's a lucky woman. Let's go surprise her."

Leanne knew she was staring like a fool as Wilson followed the saleswoman over to where she was standing.

"I'll just get it for you." She lifted the gold chain piled under the display cushion. Leanne saw her take the price tag off before she handed it to Wilson.

"I saw this when we were walking over to the hotel for dinner last night. I knew you had to have it, and I want to give you this to commemorate this trip and the best night of my life." Wilson undid the catch. "Turn around, I'll put it on for you."

Leanne turned and lifted her hair of her neck. Her heart leapt in her chest. "This is too much; we've only been together for a couple of days."

"I love you. I always will. I know we're young, but I feel like you have filled the holes in my soul. This isn't enough, it's only a symbol of what I feel," Wilson told her.

"Say thank you," the clerk said with a small chuckle. "I can see why he loves you."

Leanne turned and stepped into Wilson's arms. "Thank you. I was falling in love with this while I was waiting for you. I can't believe you got it for me." She stared into his eyes. "I love you too. I always will. I wish there something I could get for you."

"The stars in your eyes are enough." Wilson tugged her over to a mirror standing on the counter across the store. "Look at how good this looks on you. I think I'm going to be getting you green stones of every kind. Emeralds, jade, and peridots to start, and any other exotic green crystals I can find."

Tears welled up, and Leanne sniffled.

"Don't cry, I want you to be happy." Wilson put his arms around her waist from behind her.

"I am happy. I'm surprised, I'll never take this off." Leanne took the pendant in her hand. The stone was warm. "I have a lot to learn about gems and crystals. What they mean and the properties they have."

"Look them up on the internet, dear. If a crystal warms on your skin, it means it is meant for you," the clerk explained.

"Then this one is definitely for me," Leanne said.

"I knew it as soon as I saw it in the display." Wilson sounded smug.

"Pay attention to those feelings and you will never go wrong. Now get out of here and enjoy the rest of your day." The clerk handed Leanne a small bag. "Come back if you see anything else that catches your eye."

"This must have cost a fortune," Leanne said as the door swung shut behind them.

"It's worth it. And I can afford it. I've got a lot saved," Wilson said. "I can't think of a better way to spend it."

"Thank you. I'll never be able to say it often enough. Thank you for coming to my rescue. Thank you for being there to protect me." Tears were threatening again. Leanne's heart did a slow flip. No wonder she had a crush on him for years already.

"We are meant to be. Thank you for being you." Wilson snaked his arm around her waist. "How's the hip?"

"Not too bad. I'm going to want one of those Advil™."

"We're almost back. Just another block to go."

Leanne felt herself stiffening up. When they stepped out of the elevator, she leaned against the wall beside Elise's door.

"This is getting bad. I'm really hurting."

"Let's get you settled in your room. I want you off your feet. I'll find the pain pills for you. But I want to see if Willa is home, so she can check you over."

"Is that you Wilson. You're back early," Elise called out.

"Yeah, Mom. Leanne's hurt."

"I've got to finish this call. I'll be right there." She came into the bedroom right behind them. "I'm on hold." She tapped the Bluetooth headset in her ear. "What happened?"

"Jo-Jo," Wilson growled.

"Where are you hurting, Leanne?" Elise asked.

"My right hip. I'm getting pretty stiff."

"Hello?" Elise touched her ear again. "You'll arrest him when he returns? Good"

Leanne gasped.

What's going on? Is she talking about Garret? I've never even had a chance to meet him yet. But I'm glad. Wilson shouldn't have to live with a monster like that.

"Mom what are you doing?" Wilson demanded.

"Ssshhh...Yes, I have more pictures of the injuries. I can email them to you. The same address you gave me?" Elise paused while she listened.

"Okay, I've made arrangements for my son to live elsewhere. He'll need protection when he picks up his necessities."

"What have you done, Mom?" Wilson went to stand in her way as she paced.

Leanne grabbed his hand taking him with her as she went over to her bed. "Sit with me. She'll explain in a minute."

"Hold again. I've done what I should have years ago. He's done hurting you. I'll be right back with ice. I'm betting on a bruise the size of Alaska, Leanne." Elise disappeared out the door.

"Shit, Mom. I could have handled it," Wilson said.

"I'm glad she did it. You don't deserve what's going on," Leanne insisted.

"She's made arrangements. What kind? Am I going to be there for your prom? What if she wants me to stay here?" Wilson paced around the bedroom.

What if she keeps him here? I'll die if she does. We've just found each other. Is this necklace all I'm going to have to remember him? No way. I won't let it happen. She can't do this to us.