Seven Summers Ago

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

I am laying down in complete darkness. I have no idea where I am or how I got here but the done trembling chill I feel can not be good. When I try to get up I can't, it's like I'm glued to the floor. I try to call for help but my lips are sealed shut.

A phone then appears in my hand and when I hear Landon talking to me, the darkness vanishes and I laying down in a field, the sun shining down on me. I am facing the sky and the sun is warming every inch of me. I am still glued to the floor but instead of fear and panic I feel calm and relaxed. I am in paradise, but the paradise quickly ends. The phone disappears along with Landon's voice and the sky turns black and the grass starts to die all around me.

I am grabbed by the ankles and ripped away from my peaceful feelings and dragged screaming into the unknown. I am forcefully pulled up and slammed against a wall hard. I try to close my eyes but I can't, I am staring directly into the face of my enemy, the robber who is now terrorizing my every waking and sleeping minute. I can't break away from his strong grip. His hands tighten around my neck until I can't breathe. I am left with no air and I slowly feel the world slipping out from under me...

I feel like I'm being shaken. I force open my eyes and I still can't see and that's when I realize my face is shoved into a pillow. I am gasping for air and I am forcefully turned around. I scream in terror but I instantly stop when I realize its Landon.

"Jess Jess! Are you alright? You were screaming and gasping for air," he says worried.

I try to stop hyperventilating and breathe deeply.

"I'm..... I'm...." I say trying to speak.

"Shhhh," Landon says rubbing my back. "Deep breaths."

'Inhale exhale' I think to myself. Slowly but surly my breathing finally calms down.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah, thanks. Wait why are you in my bed?"

I bolt strait up and look at him. His cheeks turn a light red and he runs his hand through his hair.

"You asked me to."

"I did?" I ask trying to remember.

"Yeah, but I can go if you want me to..."

"No that's okay," I say grabbing his hand.

I close my eyes and try to go back to sleep. When I realize that it's impossible, I get out of bed and walk out to the pool.

I sit on a lounge chair and think. I think about Landon and how he saved me earlier today. I think about my father and how he must be feeling. I watch the moonlight glimmer on the pool and reflect a beautiful glow. I look up at the stars and inhale the scent that I have come to love.

Looking at the water I see myself and review my life and how it's turned out. I don't know if it's everything I have ever wanted. I find myself missing Nate. I need his arms around me, to comfort me, and to tell me that everything is going to be okay. I miss him so much I can't stand it.

I wake up the next morning on the beach. I think back to the night before and remember my dream and how I came out here to calm down. I slowly stand up and wince in pain. My back and neck are completely stiff from laying in the sand all night. I slowly stretch my hands above my head and crack my back.

I slowly make my way back up to the house, wincing with each step I take.

“Hello?” I call in softly.

My father comes barreling in the living room towards me.

“Where were you Jess?” he asks worried.

“I fell asleep on the beach...” I sigh, “Is mom mad?”

He sighs back, a pained look in his eyes.

“She's still sleeping so she doesn't know you were out all night.”

“Are you going to tell her?” I ask worried.

“No don't worry.”

“Oh... thanks.”

I can feel the awkward tension growing as we stand there in silence. I shift my weight from foot to foot racking my brain for something to say.

“Look Jessica...” my dad sighs, running his hand through his now thinning hair, “I'm sorry about the letters...”

“Dad,” I say silencing him.

He looks at me with an intense sadness in his eyes.

“I-I forgive you,” I whisper. “I know that your intentions were good and I shouldn't blame you for trying to protect me. I...I'm sorry,” I say, tears welling in my eyes.

He runs over and envelopes me in a hug.

“Shhh... no don't apologize Jess it was my fault and I know I shouldn't have done it.”

I hug him tightly back and pull away, wiping the tears from my eyes.

“But there is one thing I need in return dad...”

“Anything Jess,” he smiles.

“Take me to see Nate.”