Shadows of My Past

Chapter 9

It wasn't long before night fell over us. Damian found a large oak tree that we could sleep in, but there was no way to stop the cold air blazing throughout my body, until every part of me became etched with numbness.

We slept so close to each other our bodies looked sewed together. I don't know exactly how long I slept, but I remember waking up a numerous amount of times trying to find my warmth again.

Just another night of my endless misery.

- · -

"I can see a village straight ahead! We're almost there Phoebe, just a little longer."

Damian climbed down from the massive tree, announcing his find.

I slowly pried open my eyes and looked across the field. I could just spot the small brick houses in the distance. There was a sign that read "Mill's Café", and a market with fruits, vegetables, and meats. And a bar.

I could definitely use a whiskey right now.

"Let's hit the road, beautiful." I let him guide me to my feet so I could shake off the leaves and dirt from my stiff body.

And then we headed towards the village.

---

I'm assuming we walked for an hour or so before we finally reached the market. I was overwhelmed by the smell of pineapples and oranges. One of the clerks offered me a sample of watermelon and I greedily sunk me teeth into it. The sweetness of the fruit was something I hadn't tasted in a long time, and I begged for another.

Damian soon had to drag me out of the store, convinced I would end up eating half of their watermelon supply. We strolled down the streets, passing the Café, a library, and many of the houses.

The bar soon came into sight and Damian led me inside. I could immediately smell the various types of liquor and could determine what many of them were from my many years of experience with my father.

We sat down next to a young male with bleached blonde hair wearing a stained white t-shirt.

"What will it be today?" the bar tender approached Damian as I sat down on the stool.

"One cherry vodka."

She scribbled in her notebook then looked up at me.

"I'll have a whiskey, please."

" And for you?" she asked the blonde.

"Burbon." he gave her a cheeky smile.

"Sure thing," she winked.

I wonder if flirting's part of her job...

"You new around here?" the blonde turns to me.

"Yeah... how'd you know?"

"Small town. What made you come here?"

I hesitated. "Um.... family issues."

He nodded, then reached his hand out. "I'm Clay Astor."

I shook his hand. "Phoebe. This is Damian." Damian nods towards Clay.

"Where are we anyways?"

Clay and I both bring our glasses to our lips. "You my friends have brought yourselves into the city of Mockersville, Indiana."

Indiana? No wonder I'm so damn tired.

"So how long have you been dating?"

I nearly choke on my Whiskey. " Oh, uh we're not dating.. we're just um.. friends -"

"Friends with benefits. Got it." Clay smiles and gulps down more of his drink. "Where are you guys staying?"

Damian wraps a hand around my waist as I stare up at him. "No where really, I guess."

"Well if you want I have an extra room in my apartment. You can stay the night until you find a permanent arrangement."

I beamed. "Sure! That would be great, thank you so much. Damian?"

By Damian's expression I could tell he was definitely not happy with the decision. But somehow he managed to fake a smile for me.

"Well," Clay slaps down $30 on the counter to pay for all of our drinks. "My house is 5minutes away from here. Do you have a car?"

"We kind of had to walk here..."

His eyes widen. "Then I guess you'll be riding with me."

---

5 minutes later and the three of us hop out of his silver convertible. From what I could tell the apartment complex looked fairly expensive for such a small town. I started to wonder just how rich this boy really was.

We stalked up the stairs and entered apartment 38. The elegant white furniture complimented the beigh walls and tan flooring. I was too tired to admire the building tonight, so I thanked Clay once again and Damian and I made our way to our temporary room.

After shutting the door I watch him strip down to his boxers, revealing his almost-toned 6 pack. I laugh as he catches me staring and playfully flexes his muscles. Proving his strength, he picks me and pushes me against the wall and I lock my legs around his waist. His forehead meets mine and he slowly moves his hand onto the lower of my back, pushing the t- shirt up. With a swift movement he removes the material, leaving me in only my red underwear and black lacy bra.

He traces his free hand around my jaw line and places a gentle kiss, moving his mouth down my neck, and then my shoulder. My breathing increases and I can feel his heart racing. But then I remember where we are.

"Damian, we can't. This isn't our house. Clay is just down the hall."

He doesn't stop, but his soft eyes meet mine. "Then try to stay quiet, love."

I love him so much. I hope he knows that. He honestly and truly is my escape from reality.

And with that, we fall back into the king-sized bed, his lips pressed against mine.