The Sunflower Keeper

These Troubled Times

“Thank God! I thought they killed you and actually got what they wanted.” My back is pressed against the moldy floor. The familiar mold makes my heart skip a beat.

I really didn’t die!

Elijah continues to speak. “The mutt brought you in here a few days ago... I think... and tossed you on the floor like yesterday’s trash. I was seriously thinking about killing the guy, but I was too worried about you.”

He lifts me up and cradles me in his very strong arms. He leans back against the disgusting, eroded stone wall. I glance down at my overly worn clothes. Dried blood covers the outer edges of my black tank top. Holes rip through my jean shorts. Nothing is visible though. Thankfully.

“She’s alive.” I cough out. The scratchiness of my voice irritates my throat. “Scarlett is alive. Julian said that she’s not dead.”

“That’s great! You made contact with Julian?” He shakes his head. He is clearly very much amazed by my discovery. I smile a shaky smile.

“Yeah. My body kind of kicked my soul out for a while. It’s not a big deal. We had a long chat. He said the same thing you did. I look like her.” I catch a peek of the scar that rips through my shoulder. My markings avoid its rugged, ugliness.

“That's because you do. Is the picture still in your pocket?" I run my fingers over my pocket. The picture's outline pops out. I nod. "Some of the markings that you had on your shoulder disappeared. Now your first battle scar replaces them.” He takes a breath and looks me over with sad eyes. “You died?!” Anger drenches his deep voice.

“I didn’t die. I was just a spirit until my body could finish healing. Apparently my soul is too much to handle. That’s all.” I glimpse into his green eyes. “He was right. I discover my powers when I need them most. He’s going to torture me again.” My fear returns. I picture Demetri standing over me with the sharply bladed knife. The fear claws its way up my spine. I crunch my frozen toes together. At least I think. I have no feeling in my fingers and toes. 

“Over my dead body!” He pulls me closer to his warm body. I shiver. “Damn, you’re freezing!”

“I’m fine…” My teeth start to chatter. “It will go away. I hope. I don’t really want to be a living, solid version of the Artic for the rest of my life.” I lean my head against him and absorb him.

          I finally feel safe. I’m locked in a cell that will probably collapse. It’s hideous and contains a repulsive odor. You’re probably going to die. You feel safe in his perfectly shaped arms. Maybe it’s a sign. My brain grins.

“Was Damian telling the truth?” He questionably asks. “Did you and him… you know…” He almost seems afraid to ask the question.

“No!” I blurt out. I lean away. I don’t gain much distance. My body still needs to create a little more energy. “No. We kissed. That’s all. We didn’t go that far.” My voice is calm.

He appears pleased with my answer and nods. “Good. You and I are supposed to be together.”

“Maybe.” I respond honestly. Truth is. I’m not sure what I want anymore.

The feeling returns to my fingers and toes. I can finally feel them. My frigid skin has finally defrosted. My heart sends what’s left of my blood through my body.

“I’m not frosty anymore!” I chuckle.

“That’s a relief. Your temperature almost matched your personality. Cold and lifeless.” His chest rises and falls quickly as he laughs.

“You’re not funny.” I elbow him in the side. He winces.

“You’ve gotten stronger. Though it’s only an upgrade from a teddy bear.”

 My hand swings towards his shoulder. His fingers wrap around it, and prevent it from making contact. “Let go.” I struggle against him. I slide out of his lap. My butt thumps against the atrocious floor.

“No.” His other hand grabs my free wrist. He rises to his feet and yanks me up with him. I stop fighting and loose myself in his green eyes. They smile at me. I relax as he releases me from his grasp. His eyes still call to mine and our gazes don’t break apart. His finger slides over my cheek and pushes my hair behind my ear. His thumb trails over my lips. His electrifying touch causes my heart to do somersaults. The beat rushes and fastens. His face inches closer. My lips part from each other. I take in a deep breath. My lungs experience his hypnotizing scent. His other hand takes refuge on my other cheek. A waterfall of butterflies forms in my stomach. I wait impatiently. His lips clash against mine. The kiss is slow at first. It deepens as the seconds pass. We share the same air. I throw my arms around his neck. The gap between us closes. His hands slide down to my waste. They linger there as if he awaits for my permission to go further.

Him… A voice says from within me.

The kiss ends, but leaves my mouth in heaven. I can feel my lips becoming chapped already. He smiles and quickly kisses me again.

“I’m glad you’re not dead.” He turns back to the wall. His body leans against it. His arms cross. “These are terrible times. That is going to be a reminder of what we have to look forward to. First, we escape and find Nevaeh. Then, we find you sister.  That’s the game plan in the simplest.”

I nod and hold onto a lasting smile. I join him against the wall. We start plotting our escape.