In The Dark

Chapter 6

I watch the scenery pass with my head leaning against the chilly car window. Being in the hospital for so long, I grew attached. Now, I'm fighting my nerves at facing the world. I glance around, trying to find anything else to focus on. Listening I can hear the faint sounds of some pop song through the speakers. Turning it up I regret my decision instantly when I hear a woman singing of sex and bondage. Retracting my hand quickly heat rushes up my neck. A giggle makes its way out my mouth when a glance Masons way shows him to be feeling the same. He shoots me a sour look and turns it to a country station. I turn to look back out the window since my endeavor failed. My teeth bite at my bottom lip worriedly as I think about what it will be like to live again. I'm not the same person I was almost two months ago. Fear grips me with everything I do and I have to fight to even want the things I used to. I know without Masons help I wouldn't be able to talk or even be around people. I'm pulled away from my thoughts as a Kelsea Ballerini song is turned down and Masons throat cleared. When I look at him he glances my way quickly before turning back to the road.

"What has got you biting a hole in your lip Scar?"

"Uh- just thinking Mase."

"You know you don't have to keep it all in that pretty little head of yours. You don't have to deal with anything alone because I'm here for you," Mason says glancing at me with a serious and comforting look. "You're one of the few people I call friend and mean it."

"I know, you're literally the only person in my life so of course you're my best friend," I laugh.

"I'd like to think I'd still be your best friend even if you knew a million people," he says sticking his tongue out at me.

"Of course you would be Mase." I pat his arm grinning before getting serious again thinking about what I'm going to do. "I'm worried about being thrust into the world again. I don't want to become a hermit, afraid to walk out the front door but I can't even imagine doing the things I used to."

Mason frowns thinking over what I've said. "Well maybe you just need to take small steps."

"Like what?" Before he can answer my attention is caught by the place we are pulling into. I look up and gasp when I see a beautiful cottage up on a hill with stone steps leading to it. Surrounding us are masses of trees, so many that I can't see the road. We had been driving awhile but I've just noticed how far from civilization we are. Instead of being creepy it's actually comforting.

While I was admiring my surroundings Mason had grabbed my things and set them at the bottom of the stairs before opening my door for me. I grin at him as I step out.

"I don't know how you did it but you own my dream home," I laugh. "I legit want to steal it from you."

"Well you know what they say 'Me casa su casa'," he winks. "I'm glad you like it. I just bought it in July but haven't had much time to renovate."

"Really? Why'd you buy a cottage?"

"Well I'm getting old." I stick my tongue at him and he laughs. "I had an apartment that I turned into a bachelor pad when I was 20 but now that I'm edging on 30 I kind of wanted to settle down."

"That's sweet," I say thoughtfully, "but you're not that old, just saying."

He laughs and heads up the steps with me following. Setting my things down in front of a large dark cherry stained wooden door, he fishes the keys from his pocket and lets me in.

We walk into what I assume is the living room, only labeled as such because of a lone couch.

"You'll sleep in my room and I'll sleep on the couch until we can get you a room set up." As he says this I follow him to a large bedroom with a king size bed in the center. The walls, the only ones painted in the entire house, are maroon. He sets my bags down and stares at me, and I realize he must have asked me a question.

"I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention what did you say?"

"I want to know how you like it."

"I think it's beautiful," I smile warmly at him. "You should know that maroon is my favorite color and I don't think you're getting your room back."

"Oh boy I'm gonna be conceding a lot to you aren't I?" He chuckles and I know he's joking but suddenly I feel terrible.

"Oh God I am sorry. You open your home to me and all I do is displace you from your comfortable bed and normal way of life," I say looking down at my feet. His fingers gently lift my chin so my eyes meet his. I'm startled by how sharp they look.

"I want you to be here, because," he exhales and lets go of my chin looking away for a moment, "you need a place to stay and I care about your well being."

When he looks back at me his eyes are guarded and I'm confused. Part of me wonders if he likes me as much as I've come to like him, but I'm also worried about sliding into a relationship with my mental instability.

"Thank you for being my best friend you are the only person I can trust in the whole world," I say the only thing I can to throw a bucket of ice on my heart. When he smiles it's small and seems strained but then he hugs me and I stop thinking about anything and melt into his embrace.