Lost

Held

I felt someone gently rubbing my hand as I open my eyes half way. That was a quick nights sleep Expecting it to be Ace, I softly say
"I'm awake, Ace"
Silence passes and a voice questions me. "Whose Ace?"
I shoot my eyes open, looking at the figure. I stare at her, unable to catch my breath.
"Mom?" I whisper
She gently smiles and takes her hands in mine and whispers. "Be strong for me"
     The door bursts open and in runs the two strangers grabbing my fragile mother. I begin to shout her name as I try to run after her but my legs would not move. I was frozen. I scream as she leaves from me and my vision became dark.
I scream and startle myself awake. I sit up straight and catch my breath. I see Ace at my side and see his face full of fret.
"What's wrong?!? Are you okay?!?"
I turn my head and look at him as I stutter the words out.
"I-It was just a dream..." I felt my body become cold and I whisper again "It was just a dream."
"Maybe you should explain this dream over breakfast" he says as he helps me up and leads me into the kitchen.
The room was awfully small and was quite cluttered. It must have been cooking when he heard me scream. A sense of guilt took over me. I probably had him worried sick. I look at him and he was now in the kitchen finishing breakfast. I quietly sit down and wait for him to finish.
He comes over, placing a plate in front of me and sitting down next to me. I look down at the plate and then back at him. I notice him saying another prayer and this time I ask about it
"Ace?" I say
"Yes?" He answers between a bite of his egg.
"Are you religious?" I wonder while looking at him and trying a piece of sausage
I look over at him and he pauses for a moment before responding
"It's somewhat complicated" he responds "I believe God is real but there are some things that the Bible says that I don't exactly agree with."
I nod as I finish the rest of my food. My dream isn't that important. There's no need of explaining it.
"Has anyone ever told you that you are an amazing cook?" I say smiling
I see his cheeks turn red "thank you. My aunt taught me when I was staying with her"
I look down. Dang it. I shouldn't have said that.
He looks at me and gently touches my shoulder. "It's okay you know? Talking about my aunt. She was a wonderful woman."
I look at him and I see emerald eyes full of compassion and love. Is the love for his aunt? Or..me? No. I shake my head and laugh a little. No way would someone actually love me.
I get up putting my dish in the sink and heading back to the couch. Ace follows me and we sit down together.
"Why?" I ask. I couldn't suppress my curiosity any longer.
He looks at me confused. "Why what?"
I fiddle with my hands. "Why did you decide to help me? Why did you help me train? Why did you buy me food and even offer me a place to stay?"
He looks surprised by the question but his face forms into care.
"Bridgette" he says softly
I feel my heart beat fast and I look down. He tilts my face up towards him.
"Look at me" he says quietly
I stare into his emerald eyes. All I can see is honesty and compassion.
"The first time I saw you, I saw something in you. Something I've never seen in any other person."
I don't know what I'm supposed to feel or say. He's lying. I feel tears forming in my eyes. I'm not going to cry. I look down again. How could he see something in me? I'm pathetic. I'm worthless. I don't deserve someone like him. My throat burns as I swallow my tears. If I look at him, I will cry.
I feel his hands touch my jaw again as he tilts my face towards his.
Tears begin to stream down my face and I see his face turn to concern.
"I-I'm sorry" he quickly takes his hand off my cheek and turns away.
Dang it. He thinks he made me cry.
"No." My voice cracks a little as I try to collect myself. I grab his hand. "It's just..."
Just say it.
"I don't deserve what you did for me" I feel more tears rush down my face. "It-it might not seem a lot...what you've done but..."
My voice closes up and I'm left with silence. He quietly nods in understanding. He pulls me close to him and I let everything out. I sob against his chest. I sob for the loss of my father. I sob for my missing mother.
He slides his hand against my cheek and gently wipes my tears. "I understand. What you've gone through is a lot. I promise I will help you find your mother"
His eyes shine with love and concern.
How could I ever be enough?
"I don't deserve you" I whisper
He leans down and whispers "don't underestimate yourself"
I look at him and I see his goofy smile appear again.
I'm falling for him, aren't I?
I look at him again and I see him looking back at me.
Dang it heart. I just met him. I can't just go into this without knowing him. I shake my head. Yet I find comfort in his arms. I feel like I can trust him and he was willing to help me in my time of need.
He grabs my hands and looks at me again. My face turns red as he pulls me against his chest. I hear his heart beat and his gentle sigh. He doesn't say anything but just holds me. Tears run down my face again silently.
"Thank you" I say as I hold on to him tighter. "Please don't let me go" I whisper as tears begin to fall again
He wraps his arms around me "I won't"