Trapped

Chapter Eight: Scars

Aamber56789 For you, love. Thank you!! XOXO

A week has passed since Vera had arrived in this strange world. Things between her and Nestor had changed, become more strained. Denying the feelings that they feel toward each other has never been more tough. Living in the same house together and spending most of their time together has only increased their attraction toward each other.
Vera stares at herself in the mirror, studying her features. Her blue eyes had always been the most beautiful thing about her, the thing that stands out the most. But that's not what Nestor seems to like most about her. He seems to like to hear her thoughts. Every chance he gets, he asks to take a peek inside of her mind.
She grabs the lotion from her dresser and squirts some into her hand, moving her robe aside to expose her leg. She begins at her calf and makes her way up to her thigh. When she reaches the large scar, she rubs around it, inspecting it as she does so.
The door swings open, making her gasp and jump as her head whips up to stare at the intruder. He stops midstep and blushes.
"Sorry, I didn't know..."
"You weren't supposed to be home for another hour." Vera says, still frozen with her hand on her thigh.
"Got off early. I didn't know that scar was real. I thought it was makeup." he says, walking toward her, staring at her skin. He bends down to get a closer look. He reaches his hand out to touch her skin but stops and looks up at her. She nods, giving him permission. He gently runs the tips of his fingers along her scar, making her close her eyes and shiver. Her body ached for more of his touch.
"Why have I never seen this before?" he asks, glancing up at her. She opens her eyes and shrugs.
"Because it's hideous."
"Your body is a museum of natural disasters. Can you grasp how stunning that is?" he asks. She blushes and shakes her head.
"Hardly." she mumbles.
"How did you get it?" he asks, making her open her eyes and come back to reality.
"I...I was climbing a ladder and I fell." she says, not very convincingly.
"V, please." he whispers, his warm hand still on her skin. She sighs and looks away.
"Alright. When I was little, my mom and my dad would fight a lot. When they fought, they used to leave me with my uncle. My uncle...he wasn't a very good man. He used to...he used to make me dance for him. He never touched me. Just watched. And one day, I told him I didn't want to dance. And so I got punished. My parents found out and I haven't seen him since." she says softly. She smiles weakly and shrugs.
"Not a big deal."
"Is that why you don't like to dance for other people?" Nestor asks. She nods.
"I like to dance on my own terms. To dance because I want to express my feelings, not impress people around me."
Nestor stands up and rubs her cheek with his thumb.
"I'm sorry for asking that of you, Vera. I never meant-"
"It's alright. I know you just wanted to see. And you will. When I'm ready." Vera says with a soft smile. Nestor smiles and Vera stands up, putting her lotion away.
"I would like to take you somewhere." Nestor says.
"Where?"
"I don't know yet. I'll figure it out on the way." he says confidently. "Just trust me." he adds.
"Okay, Sheriff." she says.
"Get dressed." he says, walking away.
"Bossy." she mumbles. He turns around at her door and winks at her before leaving. She slips on a blue dress with small white flowers on the trim. The dress flows down her body perfectly, showing her curves in all the right ways. Satisfied with her pick, she walks out of the room and meets him downstairs.
"Lets have a picnic." she suggests. He glances out of the window at the dark clouds. He glances back at her skeptically.
"I'm not sure today is such a great day for a picnic." he says sadly. She glances outside and smiles.
"What do you mean? It's a perfect day." she says, running and grabbing a basket to put food in. He sighs and shakes his head, knowing he will not win against such a stubborn woman.
"We have to make a public appearance anyways. Everyone here thinks we are married." she says, walking back to him with a full basket. He smiles and nods, wrapping his arm around her waist.
They walk to the car and he helps her in before walking around and getting in the driver's side. Nestor drive them down to the nearest beach where they settle themselves on a blanket in the sand.
"What did you pack?" he asks. She pulls out a bowl of fruit and some cheese and bread.
"Snack foods? Now all you need is some-"
"Wine?" she asks, pulling out the bottle and two glasses. He chuckles and smiles at her.
"How did you know?" he asks.
"I can read your mind." she says, opening the bottle with a cork screw. She pours the glasses and slips her shoes off as she rests back on her hand with her feet stretched out in front of her. After a moment of silence, Nestor speaks up.
"Hey, V?" he asks hesitantly.
"Yeah?" she answers, still staring at the ocean.
"I was thinking and...in this world, we aren't in relationships. We are married to each other." he begins.
"Yeah?" she says, urging him on.
"So then...anything we do here, it would stay here, right?" he asks. She glances over at him with a look of confusion.
"Well what're you planning to do here?" she asks.
"Nothing bad. I'm just saying, if we held hands or something, you wouldn't have to tell Renn because it's not Vera and Nestor holding hands. It's Norma and Alex. As if we are filming." he says, wishing she would understand what he is trying to say.
"I don't have to tell Renn anything anymore." she corrects him.
"But you get what I mean, right?"
She thinks for a moment and then slowly nods.
"Yeah. Yeah you're right. Anything we do here stays here." she says, slowly beginning to smile. Nestor smiles back, relieved that she didn't get mad. They sip their wine in silence again.
"It sure would be a shame if you got wet." Nestor says, setting his empty glass down and standing up.
"Yeah it would." Vera says, clueless as to what is about to happen. Nestor grabs her by the waist and lifts her effortlessly from the ground, holding her bridal style.
"Woah! Nestor, what're you-"
She stops as she sees the ocean coming nearer. She begins to attempt to wiggle out of his grasp but he just laughs and tightens his hold.
"Nestor, don't you dare!" she shouts. He gently tosses her in once he is deep enough. She comes up from the water looking angry. Nestor quickly turns and begins to run away while laughing. She chases after him, her glare turning into a playful smile.
"You asshole!" she shouts, kicking water at him. He laughs and watches as she emerges completely from the water and stops.
"Vera, what-"
"I just...I want to hug you." she says sweetly as she walks toward him.
"Vera, please..." he says, putting his hands up and backing away. She runs at him and jumps on him, wrapping her legs around his waist. He supports her weight without failing and laughs as she squeezes him. Overhead, there is a soft crackle of thunder, making both of them look up at the darkening sky.
"Maybe we should go." Nestor says, setting her down and grabbing his jacket. Vera nods and grabs the basket. As soon as she picks it up, it begins to rain. Vera gasps and tries to shield herself from the rain even though she is already wet. Nevertheless, Nestor holds his jacket over her head for her as they run to the car. He helps her in and runs to the other side.
"Great day for a picnic." he says, smirking at her as he starts the car. She rolls her eyes and grabs his hand over the center console. He looks at her with confusion.
"Anything we do here stays here." she says. He smiles and tightens his grip on her hand as they drive home.