My Curse

Session 5

         I paid the taxi and turned to look at the mountain. It was a lot taller than the brochure made it seem. I swallowed my fear and began walking. I had a backpack to help me and a curse to destroy me. It was a nightmare come true.

        The mountain was beautiful despite its reputation.. It was covered in trees and streams. It had a nice peaceful path that led half way up. Many old couples had houses on the mountain. A place quite and secluded sounded perfect.

       "Ugh I don't get why we have to do this. There's bugs, and sunshine, and don't get me started on fresh air. It's disgusting." Nikova complained disrupting my thoughts. He was wearing a sleeveless navy blue shirt with jean shorts. His sun kissed skin looked warm and gorgeous but I didn't see any of it. All I saw was the beast underneath his eyes.

        "I'm doing this to get stronger and you're here because you're a stalker." I began to walk. I was furious and didn't care if I hurted his feelings or not.

        "I am not! I'm...uh... crap." He stopped and looked off into the distance. He thought for a good two minutes and then scowled. "I'm not a stalker." he mumbled as he ran to catch up to me.

        We walked for over an hour in silence. Every step kept getting harder and harder. My whole body ached and my head was dizzy. I could barely concentrate on anything other than the pain. It was unbearable and yet Nikova didn't seem to care. He walked with confidence and every step he took fueled my hatred. That anger was the only thing keeping me going.

        After an hour of uphill walking we found a large rock. I will forever consider that rock as heaven. I was getting worse by the minute and I needed that break. I dug in my backpack for a thermometer, dreading the outcome. I waited for what felt like hours, for it to beep.

        "100.3, my lucky day." I grumbled. I got off the rock and laid my pack on the ground. I used it as a pillow and laid down.

       "What are you doing?" Nikova leaned down and stared at me right in the eyes.

        "I'm tired. I'm sick. I'm actually dying right now. I'm allowed to take a break for a few minutes." I turned over to face in another direction. He smelled of mint and lemons, it was keeping me awake.

        "Well you can't rest here so get up." He looked away from me. His cheeks were sprinkled with pink and red.

        "Why can't I rest here?" I wanted to sound stubborn but it came out as a whine. My body felt broken and bent. I could barely move and he wanted me to get up. I found it unbelievable.

        "This place is too sunny and I don't like what this dirt will do to my pants. Get up or I'm going back down the mountain without you." He started walking and I felt tears form in my eyes. I didn't know if I could do it anymore. When I didn't get up right away he stopped and looked back at me. "Get. up. Now." His voice was so menacing and emotionless I thought he was going to hit me. When he turned his back again all my fear turned to anger. I jumped up, tears were streaming down my eyes.

         "I hate you!" I screamed at him. "I wish you would go and die already!" I started sobbing and my shoulders were shaking. I watched as he slowly turned around.

        "Well then, if you want me dead you better get your butt up this mountain." He turned once more and started walking again. I was too tired to say anything. I just slowly walked. It felt like I was going to fall apart with each step but I kept going, Nikovas words ringing in my head. He was right though. I did need him gone and getting up the mountain was the only way to do that. I was just wondering how he knew that. I still don't really know how he figured that out.

         We walked for two more hours when Nikova finally stopped. He looked around and then walked over to a tree. It was low hanging and provided beautiful shade in the burning heat

         "I'm tired." he whined. "I'm taking a break." He plopped down and sat there, staring me to defy him. I was too tired to argue or get mad. I dragged my feet towards him and sat down, thankful for the break. It was only a few minutes before I completely knocked out. When I woke up it was dark out. I was laying on Nikova's lap. I wanted to jump out immediately. I was in so much pain and I was so comfortable I couldn't make myself do it.

         "Finally you're up. I want tea." I heard his voice but it took me a few minutes before I could process them. My head felt like smush and I couldn't think straight.

        "I didn't bring tea." I mumbled. I hid my head in his shirt and started dozing off to the smell of mint and lemons.

        "I know you didn't. You always forget the essentials. I packed some when you weren't looking, along with two cups." His voice was sweet and soft like a lullaby. It took all I had to mumble out the words,

       "I don't have warm water."

        "I know. I saw a stream a little bit away and I can make a fire to warm it up." He said and then placed his hand on my head. The warmth of his hand distracted me from everything else. "Oh sorry! I didn't realize what I was doing, " He apologized and pulled his hand away. Before I could even realize what I was doing I told him 'no'. "Sorry?" He asked. He looked at me so surprised I almost laughed.

       "Nothing. Just- uh- we better make some tea." I hesitated before every word and dragged out the sentence too long. I didn't know what had gotten into me but I knew I didn't like it.

       "Yeah I 'll go get the water. You can go back to sleep. I don't want to have to carry you up the mountain. " He laughed a little and I could feel his stomach move.

       "That sounds good" I could barely make out the words I was already falling asleep.

       "Uh Catherine? I kinda need you to move so I can get up." He talked so sheepishly and shy I could have sworn it was a different person. I struggled to get up. When I was in an upright position I realized how close my face was to Nikova's. I could feel his breath on my lips. His eyes were searching mine. I don't know if it was because I was sick but I leaned in closer. I felt his lips on mine. They were so warm and sweet. He moved his hand to my face and pushed my hair behind my ear. I had both hands on his chest and could feel his heart beating faster. Our lips were moving in sync together. He open his just slightly and licked my top lip. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer. I opened my mouth to let him in but he pulled away.

       "Whats wrong?" I asked. So worried he'd be a jerk again.

         "You're not feeling well and I really am craving tea." He smiled at me kinda lopsided and I couldn't help but laugh. I nodded and let him go get the water.

         When he had left I laid back down. It only took a few minutes to fall back to sleep but before I did one thought crossed my mind. He didn't stop kissing me because he wanted tea. He didn't want to take advantage of my state. With that thought I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.