Sanctuary [h.s.]

Chapter Six (*)

"I wanna do bad things to you

I wanna make you yell

I wanna do bad things to you

Don't wanna treat you well"

***

The next few days flowed seamlessly. I immersed myself in my artwork and even found time to bake some biscuits, inevitably making more than I could consume alone. Olivia kept me updated on her latest escapades, texting pictures of the glamorous outfits she was styling. We Facetimed the other night, she bubbled over with excitement as she regaled me with tales of her trip. Her radiant smile illuminated the screen as she spoke. When she asked about Harry, I didn't exactly lie about him; I just conveniently left out the recent events that transpired between us. How do I even begin to talk about that?

Silence lingered from Harry's end since our last encounter. Occasionally, the frustration of being unable to reach out to him crept in, but deep down, I think I needed some time to myself. It gave me a moment to sift through my disarray of thoughts. The existence of someone like him remained an enigma, a concept I struggled to grapple with, uncertain if I'd ever completely understand it all. Yet, I found a certain acceptance settling within me, a gradual acknowledgment of the reality intertwined with our unconventional lives.

I needed time to reclaim a semblance of normalcy, to reconnect with my humanity. Engaging in activities like drawing and baking became therapeutic distractions. And when Jack reached out for a casual outing, I agreed. While I wasn't infatuated with him, he represented the normalcy I craved—a man who adhered to the societal script and embodied the epitome of conventionality. He was someone who was destined to have a wife, a house, and a six-figure salary before turning thirty.

We arranged to meet at the pub for our date. It might not have been the most refined or romantic spot, but when he asked where I preferred to meet, it was the first place that came to mind. I wasn't seeking romance; I needed something to keep me busy and a bit of fun.

I hailed a cab to take me to the pub, eager to kick off the evening's plans. My outfit was carefully selected, striking a balance between casual and cute, infusing me with a much-needed dose of confidence. The early evening ensured that the pub atmosphere wasn't busy yet, setting the stage for a more intimate and relaxed start to the night.

Stepping into the establishment, I navigated my way to the bar and settled onto a stool. I positioned myself strategically, choosing a spot where I had a clear view of the entrance, maintaining a watchful eye for Jack. I arrived a bit early and ordered a drink, figuring it would help soothe any lingering nerves and fill the silence until he arrived.

The low hum of casual chatter enveloped me as I sipped the alcoholic beverage, absorbing the warm hues emanating from the rustic fixtures.

"There you are," Harry's familiar voice resonated as his presence beside me caught me off guard, "I was just thinking about you and that delicious moment we shared the other night." With a gentle gesture, he swept a tendril of my hair over my shoulder, his gaze lingering on the healing scabs marking the spot where his bite had left an unforgettable memory.

"The moment when you bit me?" I inquired, peering over at him while gathering my hair to conceal the evidence on my neck. A look of amusement danced in his eyes as a grin creased his lips.

"The very same," he answered with a grin while sitting on the stool adjacent to mine, placing his glass of liquor on the counter in front of us. "I've had this condition for two centuries, but truth be told? You were my first," a mixture of sincerity and admission in his words.