Watching Her

Chapter 36: Mateo

She fell asleep after she cried herself out. I knew she needed it, after all of what had happened. I was just scared that she was crying because of the things I had said. What if my words had wronged her? I did not want to make her feel like that, ever. 

It hurt me, to see her like this. Just the same as it had hurt me when we had been in the car, when I had picked her up from that ridiculously loud party. I did not want to push her, make her explain to me what she was crying about. I wanted to gain her trust, to earn what I wanted to find out so desperately. I wanted to find out what or who was hurting her so badly that it even surprised me a little bit. Why did I feel like I would kill for this woman, without even really knowing her? 

I knew something was wrong with me. I knew she had changed something inside of me the minute she stepped through the door of my own home. I knew she had the ability to tear me apart and pull me back together again. I just hoped that she did not know that as well and use it for her own good.

Now, she was lying, resting against my chest as I felt her slow breathing. I was glad that she finally found her sleep, even if it meant in the enemy's arms.

The water around us had turned cold and I knew that it was time to get her to bed before her body would cool down as well. I just hoped I would not wake her while trying to get her out of the bathtub. I remembered myself how dangerous it was to fall asleep in such waters. 

I tried - as gently as possible - to turn her fragile body sideways so that I could carry her with both of my arms. Her hair slightly dipped into the water and I cursed myself for not draining the tub first. Yet, I knew I had to concentrate if I did not want to wake her up from her deep slumber. 

Why was this so important to me?

Suddenly, I heard her sighing softly in her sleep and I stopped my movements.

That was probably the cutest thing I ever heard. 

I got out of the bathtub, not wanting to waste time, and laid a towel of her body. The only thing I had taken a glance at were her bruises under her ribs and I could not help but let my mind wander again. I felt myself get furious at the thought of her getting hurt, but I stopped myself before I would do anything thoughtless. 

I decided that it would be best to let her sleep on my bed, as I wanted to be near her if the pain would start again. So, I had to take the fall and sleep on the floor.

I walked out to my bedroom, the covers were still made before I tossed them away on the left side. I gently leaned over the bed before I released her from my arms and onto the mattress. She turned around once, onto her right side, making me stop my breathing. I let her go and then pulled the covers gently over her body. 

The towel fell off to the ground. 

I already thought about having to exchange the carpet to a softer one, when I felt something grab my hand. Or somebody. My head turned back around when I saw her. 

Her thin fingers were wrapped around my wrist, she was not even close to cover it fully with her hand, but the thought was there. I smiled slightly at her, knowing she couldn't see it as her eyes were still shut closed. 

"Stay." I heard her whisper, making me startle as I turned around to fully look at her. Her saying this changed something inside of me, made me think and finally - thank her for it. Of course I had not liked the idea of sleeping on the carpet, but I would have done it nevertheless if that would have meant she would have a goodnight's rest for once. I really wished I could do more to help her, but I did not want to sadden her more than this whole situation already did. 

Had the Winterson's proposal startled me? Of course, but once they answered all my questions about their idea and once I had realized who their daughter was, I was willing to follow as well. It just scared me that they were able to give away their daughter so easily, with none other motives than money and a promising future. Even though there had been something in it for Celine as well, it was not that that made them make this decision. 

I somehow despised them for it and I could not help but contemplate if they were part of her problems. Part of what was troubling her all along. 

I decided to get into the bed right next to her, making sure that there was still enough space between us - so that she could sleep comfortably. I had every intention of bettering her stay here, especially if it was gonna last so long, but I knew that that was not what was best for her.

I knew I would have to make a decision soon, either in her favor or her parents, and I also knew that it would be the most dreadful day of my life.

Okay this is more of a filler chapter, that's why it's not as loooong. I really didn't feel it, but I wanted that moment to happen. So, tell me, what is your opinion on the whole scene, did it better your image of Mateo, or do you still dis/like him?

Don't forget to vote and comment!