Echo Ridge Manor

Chapter 4 Hannah

Pain. Everywhere.

I groan.

My eyes are reluctant to open as my consciousness tries to pull me back. Blinking I try to get my bearings.

I'm warm. Someone has laid me on a soft couch and covered me in a warm blanket.

It's dark. The lights are off in this room, but off to the right the room is full of blinding light that causes my head to ache. I close my eyes again and pray for sweet oblivion.

There is a noise coming form the direction of the light. It sounds like a chair scraping the floor and hurried footsteps coming toward me.

My heart rate races. Someone found me. They are going to punish me.

I try to pull the blanket over my head, in a juvenile attempt to hide, but my arms hurt so bad, I can't manage it. I whimper softly in response to the pain.

"Hey, hey, hey," whispers a soft voice. It's vaguely familiar and calming. "Hannah, you're okay,"
 the gentle male voice soothes. "You are safe. I promise."

Recognition hits me.

"Charley?" my mouth is dry and the name comes out rough and dusty. My throat hurts, I realize.

Charley cups my cheek with his big calloused hands. They are somehow  the most gentle and probably the softest things I've ever felt. I can't remember someone so careful with me. Not since my nanny was forced to leave without me. How have I forgotten that there is still some kindness in the world? I guess  that is because  it's just normally not directed at me.

"Shh, sweetheart. I've got you." His words reassure me. I haven't trusted anyone in so long, but something inside me tells me I can trust Charley. He won't hurt me. I just know.

"What happened? Where am I?" I ask.

Charley puts an arm around my back to help me sit up. With the other hand he carefully lifts a glass of water to my lips.

I drink with enthusiasm; until I choke and cough.

"Slow down, there," he teases. I don't think I've ever been teased before... at least not the way he is teasing me. His voice is soft and kind. No malice at all. He continues,  "After you hit your head, I caught you just before you ended up swimming in the ocean. I wasn't sure where to take you, so I brought you back to my apartment. I hope that's okay."

After I get my coughing under control, I smile. "Thank you for saving me." I bring my hand up to where my head hurts the worst and notice it's bandaged. "And for taking care of me," I add.

I am so awed that he would care enough to bandage my head for me, and bring me somewhere safe... He must see something in my face, because his becomes slightly pink and looks a little embarrassed. He clears his throat and looks over to the darkened window.

"No problem. Do you need anything?" He asks.

"Do you have any Tylenol?" I ask. 

He reaches over by the side table, next to the little lamp. Right there is a small bottle of pills. He pops the top, shakes a couple out and carefully hands them over to me.

My hands are shaky as I try to pop them in my mouth, but I can't quite make it. He softly puts his steadying hand under mine and helps me finally find my mouth. Charley brings the water back up to my lips and I drink slowly.

"Thank you," I giggle nervously, "again!"

Charley helps me lay back down. He pulls the blanket back up to my chin and tucks me in. His movements are so controlled and confident, they put me at ease. I will be safe. He won't let any one hurt me. Even if he can't find out what happened to my parents, I'm sure he won't let my aunt and uncle find me again... Maybe he will put me in protective custody?  

"You need to get some rest. I have to go back to the station to check on some things, but I wanted to make sure you were awake and safe before I left. I won't be very long, and no one knows you are here, so you will be safe," he assures me.

My heart warms at the protection he offers me. Tears build up behind my eyes and I sniff. "How can I ever thank you for this?"

Charley smiles at me and my stomach swoops down to my toes. My pulse speeds up. What is this feeling?  I've never felt this sensation before; but I much prefer it to the constant fear I always live in. I wonder how I can keep it?

Charley presses a soft kiss on my forehead that makes my skin burn. But I find I rather enjoy the burn.

"Stay safe," he whispers "and I will be home soon."

Home. Something I never associated with peace or happiness. But I would love to start someday.