Death Wish

Chapter 13: You Have Me

I run out of the backyard and down the road, searching for the gate we entered when we first got here. I don't remember the road being this long, but then again I was blindfolded and happy, not really caring because I knew Lorenzo would take care of me. Wow, was I wrong. Stumbling along the road, I find myself surrounded by nothing. I can't see anything, no trees, no lights, nothing. All there is is an endless amount of land. Turning around, I try to find the ranch house but lost sight of it. This was wonderful. I was lost.

...

After walking for another five minutes, I finally find the gate that will lead me to the street that leads to the freeway. I don't know how I'll get home, but I can't stay here. The second I open the gate, I hear galloping. Peeking over my shoulder, I see Lorenzo atop an enormous Friesian horse with a riderless Andravida horse next to it. Feeling a surge of anger, I whirl around.

"How dare you? How dare you leave me all alone? You dragged me out here and don't even have the decency to stay? I started to trust you! This stupid day was working and then you had to leave? I was right. This is just a game. Leave me in the middle of the country and laugh at the helpless girl who got left behind. Again," I ranted.

I was sick of being sad when I was left behind. I had wasted enough tears; I decided to be angry. I approached him when he dismounted. He had this confused look on his face. No, he wasn't allowed to stand there looking so confused and adorable. He left me. This was his fault. Then he opened his mouth.

"What are you talking about, Linnea? I didn't leave you. I never left the ranch. I'm so sorry for making you wait so long. I forgot the stable hands were off today, so I had to saddle up both Kuendar and Lykendar. Then I had to get your hat and boots. You didn't think I would leave you in the middle of the country alone, did you?"

I stood there, stumped. I couldn't believe it. I had completely blown that out of proportion. How embarrassing. Then that rant. I revealed almost my entire self in that rant. I gave him a sheepish glance.

"Oh my goodness, Linnea! I've already told you. This day is about me changing your opinion of me and if you're not willing to change your outlook then this day is just a bust. I'm trying, but you're not helping. The end of this day is decided on whether or not you choose to be open to new things. You can't assume the worst about me when I slip up. Please, Linnea. Help me out," he says frustrated, running a hand through his hair.

He is right, unfortunately. I am steadfast in my opinion of him and I have to change that. I apologize and take the hand he offers me, leading me to the Andravidan horse.

"This is Lykendar. You'll be riding him today. He's pretty gentle, so it should be easy for you," he said.

"How'd you know that I could ride?"

"I kind of asked around town and found out that your family liked going riding. I didn't do a complete background check around you. I only asked what you liked. I figured you wanted privacy. I wanted today to be perfect," he rambled nervously.

"It's fine, Lorenzo. Calm down. It's cool that you went through all the trouble of finding that out," I said, smiling at him.

His hands burn through my clothes as he helps me mount Lykendar. We ride back down the path and to the backyard. After dismounting the horses, we go to the breakfast table. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I approach the multitude of food. I pile a little of everything my my plate and we walk to a large willow to sit under the shade.

"Okay, anything you want to know, I will answer to the best of my abilities," Lorenzo said.

"Um...how many siblings do you have? What are your parents like? What are their jobs? Why'd you move here?"

"I had one sibling but she died when she was a baby. My mom was a model but she quit to take care of me. I love her to death. My dad is a workaholic, so we don't see him much. He owns Kiendar Incorporated which is an investment firm. People give their money to him and he doubles it. He's constantly working. When he was trying to start his business, he never left the office. And when he does have a spare moment, he's usually drinking. He's a violent drunkard. He wants me to take over, and I might end up doing it to keep my mom safe. I think he'll hurt her if I don't. He's always telling me what to do and how to do it. He wants me to be the picture-perfect son to run the company. I think that's why I partied so hard. Sort of as a rebellion. He's constantly aware of his image and has an unhealthy obsession with money."

He takes a breath and continues.

"One day, he lost a client and he took it out on my mom. He started yelling at her and punching her. I got in the middle and he literally snapped my arm in half. My mom would divorce him, but he's threatened to kill her. I think he thinks that if he divorced my mom, it'd be a bad image. And he wants clients. So my mom and I live in the town and my dad lives in Montpelier. We need space. So yeah. That's my life," he said quietly.

I look up from my breakfast and see him looking at me. I move towards him and give him a half hug.

"I'm so sorry you have to go through that."

"We're working through it. So what about you?"

Deciding to open up to him, at least partially, I say, "Well I had two siblings and we were actually triplets. You'll probably hear this in the town gossip eventually, but my family and I were in a car accident about eighteen months ago. Spring break sophomore year. My entire family died except me. So I'm pretty much alone in this world."

He scoots back over to me and hugs me. I bury my face in his shoulder and breathe in. He smells like peppermint. It's comforting.

"You're not alone in this world, Linnea. You have me."

___
A/N

Pictured:
Top left-Lorenzo's Horse (Friesian Horse)

Top right-Willow Tree Lorenzo and Linnea Ate Under

Bottom left- Breakfast Table

Bottom right-Linnea's Horse (Andravidan Horse)

Remember: constructive criticism is always appreciated!