Guardian Angel

Chapter 4

Today had been absolutely wonderful! Everything from the meals to the clothes were great. I never thought that I would ever be living in luxury like this. And to top things off, I get to go meet the mysterious boy Garren again tonight. I looked at the clock. It was about 11:25 which means everyone would be heading up to bed soon. I went through what was now going to be a night routine and prepared myself for bed. Laura came in and whispered good night to me before closing my door. I lay there in the dark until I could feel that all the motion of the estate come to a stop. I quietly slipped out of bed and then realized that Laura had taken my clothes from earlier today do that they could be cleaned. I still had to make myself look descent even if I was wearing a white night gown. I brushed my hair and slipped on my shoes. Being as quiet as I could possibly be I opened my bedroom door, sneaked downstairs and then ran out the back door into the garden. The moon was high in the sky and it illuminated every petal of every flower in the garden. I couldn't see a trace of Garren so I sat down in the moonlight and stroked the petals of the yellow roses in front of me. Then I felt a presence looming over me and a shadow crept up on me. I turned around to see Garren smiling at me. "Why hello there Scarlet," he said in a very melodious voice. "So glad you could join me tonight." I smiled and then immediately blushed because I saw he was staring at my night gown. I could feel my cheeks getting warm with humiliation. He reached out his hand to help me up. I stood up and mumbled, "we have to stop meeting like this. With me on the ground I mean." He chuckled and kept his hand holding mine. He had a devilish-like smile but it was strangly charming. We walked through the garden talking and laughing. We then sat down on a small bench underneath a large tree. He turned to me and I noticed something peaking out the collar of his shirt and on his neck. I guess he noticed me looking because he jerked the collar of his shirt up and muttered, "it's just a scar. I'm ashamed of it." I felt bad so I lifted the hair that was covering my scar on my eye. "Don't be ashamed," I whispered. "Look at me. I always have to keep this mark hidden. I'm not even sure what its from but I've had it for as long as I can remember." Garren sat there staring wide-eyed at my scar. I felt uncomfortable so I put my hair back over it. Maybe I shouldn't have shown him my scar. I feel like he's judging me because of it. I looked away from him and started to get up from my seat. Before I could leave, Garren grabbed my hand and stood up with me. "It's fine," he whispered in my ear. "I still think you are beautiful." I was blushing when he said that. I looked into his dark blue eyes. "Thank you," I croaked out. "Most people see me and make fun of me. I've been hurt so much in my life that just hearing that makes me feel better." He started to walk forward and picked up another rose for me. He handed it to me and whispered more into my ear. "Don't worry about the past. And I will always be there to protect you miss Scarlet." Then he kissed me on the cheek and walked me back to the door of the manor. Tonight couldn't have been better. Then Garren said "good night miss Scarlet." He smiled his devilish smile. "Or should I call you Rylie." He kissed me on the forehead and then disappeared almost like a shadow. I swiftly made my way back inside and up to my bedroom. I kicked off my shoes and fell back onto my bed. Thoughts were racing through my head. How did he know my real name? What did he mean by 'always be there to protect me'? Protect me from what? I lay there in the dark in total silence thinking about Garren. I knew I had to get some sleep so I wrapped myself up in my sheets and closed my eyes. One final thought went through my mind before I drifted off to sleep. What does Garren know that I don't?