The Journals of Henry Dawson

Chapter 16

*Henry*

As we entered her apartment her arm brushed against mine and I know she also felt the spark that went throughout my arm because she gasped slightly. Maybe we just have that instant connection. She is very beautiful and seems to care alot about me but she seems a little bit crazy. I mean she thought I was dead but that I was somehow with her. Although she does seem very familiar i'm just not sure from where.

I could tell she was nervous because she was fidgeting and kept glancing at me as if I was going to disappear any second. She gestured to the small couch and I took a seat beside her. Now how do we start this?

"So what happened." she asked breaking the silence. "When you woke up I mean." I cleared my throat as it had gone dry thinking about that day.

"Well it was extremely bright and everything was blurry so I panicked not knowing where I was." I recalled all the nurses trying to calm me down.

"When I finally calmed down, my doctor came in and explained that I was brought in February by a man who found me bleeding out in a ditch while he was hunting." I tried to calm my heart rate as I spoke. " He said that I had massive swelling in my brain and so they induced me into a coma so my brain could heal. I just woke up 2 months ago and I've been recovering still." I see could her eyes tearing up now and they were searching my face. Probably looking at the scars where my stitches were. I'm also not quite the same weight as I was before. I lost alot of muscle mass when I was under but I've been working on it. I suddenly feel self conscious from her intense stare so I ask her about how she knows me.

"Well thats kind of hard to explain." She started to fidget again. "I moved into your house under the pretense that you ran away and abandoned your friend but when I found your journal and read about you." she stopped talking and blushed. "I hope you're not angry I read it."

My face softened. "Of course not. Please continue." She smiled at me and reached her hand for mine but pulled back. I dont know why but I felt a pang of hurt on my heart when she did. Why do I want to hold her hand so bad and comfort her?

"I realized that you were not how Connor described. You were-- are a good person who sees the world with different eyes. I started to question him and everytime I asked he would tense up and get annoyed so I found your friend Eric to ask about you."

I felt nervous at the mention of Eric. "What did he say? Were not really on the best terms." Maybe I should try and talk to him again. I actually really miss him alot. He was my best friend.

"He said that I seemed alot like you." She blushed. "And that he regrets ripping the letter you sent him because he misses you." I felt the shock spread across my face. Maybe we can make amends and go back to how we were.

"Really? He said that? Does he still live at the same address?" I couldnt hide my excitement. Her face fell slightly before she spoke.

"Yes he did.." she took a breath. " But he's currently serving time in prison." she said her voice full of pain. "He murdered the man who did this to you. Connor."

I felt like I had just been punched in the gut. Eric is in prison for murder. For a murder he commited because of me. I suddenly feel sick and lightheaded so I quickly asked where the bathroom was.

I emptied the contents of my stomach and ashamedly walked back out. She handed me a glass of water which I took gratefully.

"Thank you..I'm sorry I'm just trying to process everything and the medicine i'm on makes me a little nauseous." I said with my head hung low.

I felt her warm hands on my face and she lifted my chin up to face her. I was a little shocked at how close she was and I prayed my breath didnt smell too bad from what just occured.

"Henry, you don't ever have to say that you're sorry to me." I felt so touched by her words. I hardly know this woman and she is giving me these new feelings. She quickly pulled back from me and went over to the couch again. I downed my water and took a seat beside her once again.

"So how do you know for a fact Connor is responsible?" I asked her.

"I found one of your pages and a hammer when I broke into his house." She bit her lip. "They were covered in blood which was a match to yours."

Wow. Eric murdered someone for me and this woman broke into a house for me. I don't know if I should feel comfort for having people who care for me so deeply that they go to great lengths for me. Or concerned. Very concerned.

"Also you told me." She said bluntly.

"I honestly don't know what you are talking about." Does she really believe that I was somehow with her? Was I ?

"You weren't there physically. You were there in spirit." I started to speak but she stopped me. "Before you say anything I need you to understand. I know this sounds crazy but you were there. Every time I needed you, you would comfort me. You would try to protect me. You even told me that you loved me." tears were falling down her face and I couldn't fight the urge anymore. I reached out and took her hand. I could see the small smile on her face from the gesture but it didn't last.

"I love you so much Henry..I just wish you could remember this." I felt a little awkward after she said this but I also felt something else. Warm I guess.

"Look just because I don't remember doesn't mean that I can't try to." I said as I scooted closer. "Tell me everything. Tell me about our time together." Her eyes locked on mine, so raw and full of emotion that I couldn't help but feel myself.

"Okay." She sniffled.

____

*Greta*

I just finished telling Henry about all of the moments we have shared. Although it was brief it was the most special part of my life. I could tell he was still a little dubious about what I was claiming, about him being a spirit. Maybe not even a spirit, just a piece of him that came home.

I couldn't stop my heart from fluttering when I told him about the kiss we shared. I think he was blushing brighter than I was. I wish I could kiss him now, I thought as I stared into his light brown eyes.

He cleared his throat and started to stand up and I instantly felt my mood shift.

"I should probably get going. It's starting to get late." He said in a low voice, as if he wasn't pleased about leaving.

"You don't have to go." I said a little too fast. "I mean you could stay for the night. Since it's late, I have a spare room." I stared at him hopefully. He looked a little shocked that I even offered and I could tell that he was probably going to say no. I felt my face fall a little, then his expression changed.

"Sure. I would really appreciate that." he said with a warm smile. I couldn't contain my giggle although I did refrain from jumping up and down. He laughed at my reaction and I felt all heat rise to my cheeks. This is the first time I have heard him laugh. Such a lovely sound.

I realized I was still smiling like an idiot so I gestured for him to follow me down the hall. "This is it, the master bedroom. It's not much but it has a bathroom so you can shower."

"It's perfect, thank you." He paused. "Why didn't you take the bigger room?"

"I guess I want my guests to feel at home and more comfortable." I told him.

He threw me a lop sided grin and laughed again. "You really are something aren't you." I felt my stomach churn at his words. What does he mean by that? He saw my distress and took my hand suddenly. "I mean that in the best way possible." I blushed and looked down at our entwined hands and felt myself craving him even more. I want to hold him in my arms all night. I want to kiss his full lips. But I cant.

"Well goodnight, Henry." I pulled away from him and seen slight disappointment on his features but then he smiled.

"Goodnight Greta."