LOVE + FEAR

Believe in Love

I waited in line in the grocery store so I could finally leave so I could go home and hang out with Lizzy.

"Next please." The cashier says.

"Hello, how are you today?" I respond to cashier.

"I'm good, I hope you're doing well!"

The cashier scans all my items and places all the items in a plastic bag.

"$27.96 please."

I gave her the cash and walked out of the store and to my car. It was extremely dark outside because it was 11pm and that grocery store was open at that hour. As I walked back to my car, I heard someone walking behind me but I ignored it because I assumed it was someone just coming out of the store. The footsteps got closer as I sped up, trying to get to my car as fast as possible. I finally got to my car and tried to open the door but someone came from behind and placed a hand over my mouth. A wave of fear came over me and I didn't know what to do.

"I'm going to hurt you so bad."

**

"Lana.... please help... me.." I say between sobs.

"It was just a dream Marina, I'm here. Don't worry, you're safe. It was just a dream." Lana says and brings me into a tight hug.

I look around and there is still empty chip bags at the foot of the bed. I glance to the window and realize it's still nightime.

"B-but i-it was that dream again. Please tell me that you'll keep me safe, Lana. I never want you to go. Please, please, please."

"Marina, what type of question is that? Of course I'll protect you. I promise." Lana says as she brings a glass of water up to my quivering mouth.

"Here." She says.

I take the glass of water and take a sip. I soon fall back asleep in Lana's arms.

****

"Good morning, sweetie..." Lana says as she gently shakes me awake.

"Morning Lizzy." I say and give her a weak smile.

"Okay, now that you are awake, get up because I made you breakfast. Today I'm going to show you how much I love you." Lana says and gives me a big smile.

Dang it, she's so cute.

"Aww, thanks babe! I love you too." I respond.

Lizzy gives me a small nod and heads back to kitchen. I get out of the bed and walk down the stairs into the kitchen and smell pancakes. I wonder what she has planned for me today... I sit down on one of the stools that we have and start talking to Lana.

"I see you've made pancakes!" I say to Lana.

"Oh yeah," she blushes. "I know it's your favourite, and today is all about you, so I wanted to make everything about today perfect." She says and hands me a plate of waffles and a glass of chocolate milk.

"Thanks"

****

Lana told me to sit in the backseat because apparently the front seat was 'occupied'. I'm wearing nothing special, just a normal sweater and jeans.

We finally reached our mystery destination and Lana got out of the car so I did as well. She came around the other side of the car to meet with me and walked me into a very familiar café. I walk into the café with Lana, sit down at a table and look at the lunch menu. Lana finally sits down across from me.

"This was the place I met you, right?" I ask, not wanting to sound stupid.

"You remember? Yes it is! You sat at the table over there." Lana points to table in the back of the café. "I remember walking into the café and seeing you all by yourself."

"Well I'm glad that we met each other because you are the most beautiful human on the planet and I'm glad to call you my girlfriend." I say, as my cheeks turn bright red.

"Aww thanks. Right back at you. OH! That reminds me, here I got this for you. This is why the front seat was occupied." Lizzy says and takes out a teddy bear from her bag.

"For me? It's so cute! Thank you!" I say as I take the stuffed bear and place it on the seat next to me.

I ordered a small coffee while Lana and I talked about how we met and what's new in our lives.

****

"Thank you so much Lana, I haven't really felt real love before, so you've really taught me how to love." I say as Lana cradles me in her arms in our bed. I snuggle up against her chest to get comfortable and wait for Lana to respond.

After a few seconds Lana responds. "You are so welcome. I wanted to show you what love feels like because you never really felt it and it makes me so sad that that's what you had to go through. I'm so sorry."

"That doesn't matter anymore. What matters is that you are here with me. It doesn't matter what we do together, I just want to be with you."