My Encounter With Boo Radley

Huh... How Long is Forver Really?

   It begins slowly. At first it was subtle, just a little shaking, but by the time dinner is over, and I'm in my bed, the shaking is worse. My chest feels heavy, and my mind can't stray from James.  My breathing becomes more labored, as if I can't catch my breath.

          By the time eleven comes around I have decided I'm dying all over again. I pull my phone off the night stand, and call James’ number. 

          He answers on the first ring,

          “Delilah, it's okay. You are just having withdrawal,” is the first thing he says. I don’t even have to ask what I'm having withdrawal from, since even the sound of his voice sends my breathing back to normal.

          “It really is ridiculous that even after you save me, I still feel like I'm dying,” I snap.

          “You are my Bellator now, which means we are bonded. With a bond, there was likely to be this type of thing. Once we learn how to control ourselves, it won't be as bad,” he says.

          “We? Are you trying to say you feel like you’re about to explode over there too? It's like an aching that’s never going to end,” I say.

          “Of course I am. I am just as connected to you as you are me,” he says.

          “Well it kind of sucks. How are we going to be able to function if we have to be near each other 24/7?” I ask.

          “Like I said, we learn to control it. My mother and the others are able to be away from my father for a week without it immobilizing them. It still makes them hurt, but it isn’t terrible like we are feeling right now,” he says.

          “That sounds promising,” I reply dryly.

          “I hugged you today in hopes that our scents would keep us distracted until tomorrow, but it didn’t work very well,” he says.

          That explains the hug at least.

          “Next time we should try it naked,” I say, knowing how he stiffened just then.

          I hear laughter from somewhere around him, and I know someone overheard that.

          “That isn’t funny Delilah,” James replies stiffly.

          “It seems like a logical answer,” I say, feeling much better. Even just his voice is putting me at ease.

          “It is extremely inappropriate,” he replies.

          “Alright grandpa, don’t get your suspenders in a twist, it's not like I'm going to show up at your house naked or something,” I say.

          “It wouldn’t surprise me if you did to be honest,” he replies.

          “So, who is eaves dropping on our conversation right now?” I ask.

          “Um, Katrina, Bridget, my mother, and Lucy,” he says.

          “Why aren’t you in bed yet?” I ask.

          “Because I was discussing you with them,” he answers honestly.

          “Well I am just honored James. Glad to know I'm on your mind, by the way, my father want to talk to you before I can come to dinner. I get the feeling it's the boyfriend and shotgun talk, but you shouldn’t be too nervous considering he doesn’t own a shotgun, or how to shoot one,” I say.