The Sick Truth

Chapter 8

“Oh my-Oh-Oh my God.” Molly stuttered. She felt goose bumps break out on her skin like a rash. Her hands and knees started to quiver and every muscle in her chest locked up. She felt one strong arm wrap around her waste as her weight was shifted and put upon the boy next to her. He sat her down in a cushioned chair next to the couch.

          Danny was on his knees next to Molly. Her hands were tightly clasped around one of his and his other hand was wiping away the tears that were spilling down her cheeks.

          “It’s okay Molly. Please Beautiful, don’t cry. We’ll find him, I promise.” The sincerity in his voice cleared her mind. Molly took in a deep breath, and slouched down in the chair. Danny got up, retrieved a glass of water for her and placed it down on the end table. He then proceeded on his way to the small bedroom where he sat down on the bed and pulled off his chucks. He stripped off his shirt and sprawled out on the bed. Danny passed out still wearing his jeans, leaving Molly in a chair in the other room.

          Molly’s dark blue eyes opened revealing themselves to a dark motel room. She stood up out of the chair, tip-toed to the bedroom and plopped down softly on the queen-sized bed. She yanked off her combat boots, peeled off her shorts and dirtied cotton t-shirt. Then she opened the suitcase by her feet and pulled out a shirt. It was navy blue with a black and white design wrapping around it. She remembered this one. It was her favorite. Molly pulled it over her head and curled up on her side of the bed, putting as much space between her and Danny that she could.

          A dusty, yellow haze filtered through the slits between the blinds over the windows. It filled the room, and cloaked Danny’s face with golden light. Danny felt the heat warm his flesh and opened his eyes. He moved to sit up but was held back by a weight on his chest. Looking down, he found Molly. Her head was on his chest, one of her arms draped over his stomach. Danny reached over her and gently caressed her cheek, her skin still as soft as he remembered. She still smelled like vanilla and pomegranate, and she looked like an angel in the golden hue of morning light.

          Molly stirred under Danny’s touch but then relaxed, falling into a deeper dreamless sleep. For the first time in a very long while, the poor girl slept restfully. At some time in the night her dreams had brought upon so much terror and restlessness, her only comfort was cuddling up against Danny, where she could still feel safe. Still feel…loved.

          Danny had been lying down for a few hours before he knew he had to get up, and that would be nearly impossible with Molly on top of him.

          “Molly.” Danny whispered into her ear. “Molly, sweetheart, wake up. You have to wake up now.” He lightly tapped her shoulder and felt her stir in her sleep. “Molly, c’mon wake up.”

          “Mmnmm” Molly groaned. She opened her eyes and looked up directly meeting Danny’s eyes. One was blue, the other green. It took her a minute to realize she was still on top of Danny and at that she was instantly on the direct other side of the bed.

          “Sorry…” her shaking voice murmured. “Danny, I kinda need some clothes…”

          “Oh yeah, well listen, let me shower and stuff and I’ll run out quick and buy you a few things. After we can get some breakfast okay?” the sound of grinding gravel had faded from his voice. For once Danny sounded like himself.

          “Yeah, sure...” Molly nodded a quick reply and curled up on the bed, her arms around her knees.

          After Danny got back Molly spent 3 hours in the bathroom showering. She must have taken 6 consecutive showers before finally exiting the bathroom, fully clothed. She sat down on the bed, quietly, still like a statue. Her breathing was shallow. Danny approached her. He sat down next to her and took one of her pale hands in his.

          “Mollz, we’re gonna get him back. I solemnly swear.” His soft voice muttered. Molly looked at him and pressed a hand to his cheek. She looked at him, letting her emotions go, finally accepting how she felt.

          Danny held her. Just held her. And she cried. Molly spent hours releasing heart wrenching sobs, mourning her loved ones and her lost life. He pulled her against his chest, sitting her on his lap and stroked her hair as her tears soaked through his shirt.

          Every sob was a violent tremor that rocked through Molly’s entire body. Every tear held the sting of betrayal and every sob burned a new whole through her heart. But the worst part, the thing that hurt Molly the most was precisely the reason she was crying: Daniel Ash Parker.

          Danny was still holding Molly after she had finished crying and fallen asleep. He was leaned back against the bed with the small girl curled up on him. He felt every soft breath she took, but still held her extremely close. He couldn’t say it, couldn’t think it and just wouldn’t admit how he felt about her, but he knew what it was. He knew this feeling; it was just too painful to admit. She would never know it for him, she would never forgive him. He should have said it, before she cried. She shouldn’t have had to cry.

          Molly opened her eyes and immediately knew she was sleeping on Danny again. Her heart throbbed at the thought of him. She wouldn’t look at him. She wouldn’t do it. But her head kept turning, and then she was facing him. He looked into her eyes and saw them catch fire, like liquid blue flames dancing around the blacks. She straddled him, placing her hands on his shoulders. Molly craned her neck, her hair sweeping next to Danny’s face. She stopped. Danny leaned in, pressed his lips to hers. Molly moved her lips with Danny’s, wanting but not losing control. Molly leaned back, meeting Danny’s eyes.

          “I love you.”