Unlovable

Chapter 22

The next two weeks flew by like only hours. Roger spent all of his free time at the cabin, bringing in groceries for them, or grabbing anything else that Darcie needed from the store. He also installed a state of the art alarm system with Darcie's approval and appreciation. She felt ten times safer just with Roger there, but the alarm didn't hurt either.

They ran the missing persons report the next two nights following the first, but by the time the third day came, it was old news. Still, Darcie was afraid of traveling anywhere outside of the cabins boundaries for fear that someone would recognize her.

She even turned down the job at Lily's for fear a customer would stare too long, or ask too many questions.

Lily was completely understanding. She told her that the position would be open for her when things died down.

On Saturday of the second week Roger surprised Darcie with a new TV. He had wanted to get one sooner, but Darcie told him it was unnecessary. And besides, seeing herself on television, or Harold for that matter, would have just been too much to bear.

He assured her it was as much for him as it was for her. While she may be able to sit and be content reading a book, he liked some visual stimulation- Not that Darcie herself wasn't plenty of that.

She kissed him, thanking him for the TV, before noticing the small wrapped box he held tightly against him. Darcie clasped her hands together in obvious delight while Roger placed the box on the coffee table. She sat down to get a closer look when the box jumped toward her and let out a whine.

"Roger!" she exclaimed, smiling. "You didn't!"

Her excitement was contagious. Roger sat across from her on the old rocker and smiled expectantly.

"I guess you won't know until you open it."

Slowly, she lifted the top of the box and peered inside. A small, golden retriever pup poked his head out and panted heavily. Darcie let out a squeal of delight and lifted the puppy to her face. The pup climbed and licked and nipped playfully.

Roger sat back, satisfied with both pet and owner's reaction to one another. Darcie played with the dog a minute before setting him on the floor. She stood up and crossed over to Roger. He leaned back to make room for her to sit on his lap. She did.

Then, taking his face in her hands, she kissed him passionately. His arms came around her, his thumb stroking the skin beneath her sweater.

"I love him," she said as she curled her fingers in Rogers hair.

I love you, she thought but didn't say.

Roger had yet to tell her he loved her again, and she wasn't ready to admit it so openly yet. It was better that way.

"He's the best present I've ever gotten."

Roger beamed.

"I figure in a few months he'll take over my role as designated guard dog. It was a purely selfish present on my behalf."

She faked a pout.

"Just like the TV?"

"Exactly."

"Don't you like being my guard dog?"

"It gives me immense joy, dear. But now I have a helper."

Roger kissed her forehead. Darcie stood up and took his hand.

"Come with me to the kitchen. We'll get him some water."

He took her hand and stood up, lagging behind her to usher the dog inside of the kitchen. She stood in front of the sink and let the water run, trying to get it cold.