Do you remember?

Chapter Eighteen

Theo felt incredible as he had his arms wrapped around me. I inhaled his scent. It was a mix of nature and a distinct but not strong cologne. He was wearing a plaid shirt that was soft against my skin. Stubble covered his face, which was extremely adorable. I had a sweatshirt and yoga pants on. Neither of us had to try to make a moment perfect, it came naturally. I cherished this moment. I didn't think I would get a moment like this. Tears came to eyes remembering the torture. I lightly pressed my hand on the bandage on my abdomen. It was the forever scar I would have to remind me of that nightmare.

I stared around my room, glad to be seeing it again. I never thought that I would be happier to be home than I am right now. I was happy to see it just the way I had left it, it made my life seem almost back to normal. There was clothes scattered in the floor and papers strewn on my desk yet my room seemed perfect. It was home. I was safe. I was finally safe for now at least.

I had told Theo everything, even about the mysterious man. The piece of paper still folded up was tacked on my wall. I had not opened it yet. I presumed that it is a phone number and I didn't intend on calling it yet. I was scared that I would find out things about Rowan and her death that I didn't want to know.

"I thought I lost you," he said, his voice cracking.

I pulled myself closer to him, not being able to get enough of him. I could sense that he was starting to cry. I kissed him, slowly. He kissed back, with desire. I pulled away and just stared at him, admired him.

"But I'm here now." I said, smiling.

It has been almost a week and half since I was rescued from my capturing, I spent it in the hospital. I am mostly better now except for bruising and stitches. My abdomen hurt to bend certain ways and when there was pressure on it. The doctor said there should be minimal scarring except for the bullet hole.

"We need to stop. Just for a little while." Theo whispered into my ear.

I looked at him confused. What was he talking about? He could see my bemusement and began to explain himself.

"We need to stop investigating for awhile. We both need our lives to return to normal. Neither of us are mentally or physically able to keep researching because it always leads to dangerous things."

I nodded. I didn't really agree but I could see where he was coming from. I needed things to be normal. I needed to return to school. I needed to find myself. I took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of Theo, the smell of my room.

"I promise. I will stop it for a few weeks." I said completely honest.

He kissed my forehead. I laid my head on his chest listening to his heartbeat. My head rising and falling on his chest as he breathed.

"I love you." I whispered quietly.

He could feel how big his smile was without looking. I knew him and I knew that he had the biggest smile he has ever worn on his face.

"I have always loved you." he replied.

My heart fluttered. We are not dating. We are not friends. We are somewhere between them. There was no agreement between us that we were dating although we are both clear of each other's feelings.

"Please don't ever leave again." He laughed.

"I promise I willingly will never leave you again." I said.

I hoped I would never have to go through anything like that again. I tried to block it out of my mind, I wanted to forget everything. Every time I closed my eyes for bed I saw Gina, blood spilled onto the floor and her eyes staring at me. I shivered thinking about her eyes. They still seemed alive like they were purposely staring at me. I needed a therapist. Hopefully this therapist won't try to kill me.