The Lost Princess

Chapter 14

David is staying in the extra bedroom down the hall for the night, and Mable is in her quarters. I'm all alone.

I'm all alone.

But not the usual 'light's off and go to bed' alone. Alone as in, during a thunder storm alone.

Here's a quick blast from the past; long story short, I tried to run away from my old family and they caught me. My punishment? I lived in the shed for a week. Sure, they gave me what you could call some sort of nourishment, but not much. They weren't your typical abusive parents, they were neglectful, abusive, you name it. Anyway, a hurricane came around the fourth day in the shed and I was all one. I was only 11! Lightning kept striking and the thunder would knock my water bottle off of the tiny table. After my punishment was over, I was too scared to leave the shed; I stayed for another 3 days until I built up the courage to face the world again.

Ever since then, I've learned to love the rain. It reminds me of freedom, how things will always start over and get better. Think of the water cycle, it goes from lakes, evaporates, then rains into the lakes all over again. Rain gets a second chance at....well, being rain! It gave me hope. Maybe I could get away from that place and finally start the life I was supposed to have. Guess that all came true, in ways I could have never imagined!

But I can't fix the fear of thunderstorms. That will be with me forever.

Another crack of thunder and I let out a small shriek, scootching away from the window. A tree outside is roughly knocking on window and I can't help remember that time when I was 11 in the shed.

Even with two of my new good friends within spitting distance of my bedroom, I want the comfort of one person.

Why would I want Harry here? See, that's the thing. I don't know. I don't know why I care for him in any way possible after how he acts around me. After what he's said to me the past few days. It's just something. There's something that makes me long for his presence after he leaves. or when he accidentally brushes up against me and I mentally beg for him to do it again. Seeing both sides of him, sweet and horrible, I know I shouldn't be telling you these things. But what I say is true. And the scars! He told me somewhat about them, and when I piece the two together.....

I'm stupid. I'm just stupid for even thinking there was a mutual pull between us.

Thunder rolls through the sky again and I scream. I've had enough! I hadn't even realized that I'm crying like a baby. Crying as hard as I was back in the shed. Lightning strikes again and I bolt out of bed. I tear down the hall, looking like the girl from the horror movies that you see. Running down the hallway crying, with the thunderstorm outside illuminating the windows with suspense. I reach Harry's room and swing the door open, not remembering that it's 3-something in the morning, I'm hysterical, and I'm wearing a skimpy little white lace nightgown. Good lord! 

He's already awake. His head darts to the door, he's growling. I back away a little, but his expression softens a little.

"It's Frankie." I say, choking on my sobs. "I know were on 'i hate you' terms, but the thunder...I can't do it. I just can't." I shake my head at how pathetic I sound. A 19 year old girl running for comfort from a storm!

In a second, he's an inch away. He takes his hands and pushes the hair out of my wet face. In the darkness of his room, I can somewhat see that his eyes are blue. My guess is that they change color with his moods. 

Surprising me to no end, Harry engulfs me in a hug when I jump a little at the next crack of thunder. The way he coo's to me, telling me everything is alright, strokes the back of my head with his hand, makes me cry harder. Having someone care makes me cry harder.