Keep Me Safe

Chapter Ten

The sound of Lottie's voice jerked Agnes back into reality and she nearly fell out of the tree in surprise.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, peering down through the leaves.

"The boys were getting a little too rambunctious, so I got out. I didn't know where you were, but Floyd said he saw you walking down this way. I hope I'm not interrupting you."

She tossed the pole onto the shore. "No, you're fine." Grabbing the branch with one hand, she rolled off and allowed her body to dangle briefly before dropping to the ground. She landed on her feet like a cat.

Lottie raised an eyebrow and cracked a smile. "Do you do that often?"

"Yeah, but most times I land on my face."

She snorted and quickly hid her mouth behind her hand. A few seconds later she glanced at the fishing pole and half-filled basket. "Why do you fish so much? I can't imagine it's much fun."

"Have you ever done it before?"

"Well, no."

"Would you like to?" Agnes picked up the pole and held it out to her. "It's really not that hard."

"No, no, I'm good," she chuckled awkwardly, taking a few steps back. She began to vigorously shake her head, her dripping wet hair spraying water everywhere.

"Suit yourself." She shrugged and sat down at the bank, letting her feet rest in the slow moving river. The chilly water rushed over her calloused feet and the mud began to coat them.

A cool breeze came along and Lottie began to shiver. She rubbed her hands on her bare arms. "Would it bother you if I got in the water to keep warm?"

"Suit yourself."

Lottie stepped into the water and laid down at the shallow bank, only submerging half her body. She was careful to avoid interfering with Agnes' line. With a sigh, she rolled onto her back and rested her head on Agnes' shins.

She looked at Agnes with half-closed eyes and a hand resting on her forehead. "This is so much more peaceful," she murmured. Her puffy lips were slightly parted, and her breaths were soft.

Agnes was completely helpless. She forced herself to keep her eyes on her line, but the feeling of Lottie's hair brushing against her bare legs sent shivers down her spine. Time slowed down and the river came to a standstill; falling leaves froze midair and the only sound was Agnes' ragged breath and Lottie's gentle one. The sun was so bright that it was painful for her to open her eyes more than half way.

Eventually, she gave in. She set the pole down at her side and slowly lowered her eyes to meet Lottie's. One second her hands were at her side, and the next, they were stroking her silky hair. She twisted it around her grimy fingers and indulged herself in the feeling of peace, of perfection, that filled her.

Lottie leaned her head into Agnes' hands and closed her eyes all the way. A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Soon Agnes' hands left her hair and drifted down Lottie's face. They traced the creases in her porcelain skin, drawing lines between her freckles. Her thumb rubbed circles on her cheeks that were turning a deep red.

It was so intoxicating for Agnes, to touch and feel the woman before her. She was terrified, but, at the same time, unwillingly to do so much as look away, let alone move her hands.

Lottie's hand left her forehead and gently tugged at Agnes' fingers. She allowed Agnes to intertwine their hands. She slowly pulled their hands towards her mouth, delivering the softest kisses on each of Agnes' knuckles.