The Wolf and the Lamb

Shady Belle

A part of me didn't expect to wake up, and for a moment I thought I had accepted that. Everything was dark, there was nothing near me. I tried to take a breath, but nothing happened. Then I heard John's voice. There was urgency in it, he yelled. I couldn't understand any of what he was saying, but I felt him there. 

I didn't know how long it had been, I listened to what seemed like every interaction we had ever had. Some words poking through but most remained a jumbled mess. It was in this moment that I was not alright with it. I wasn't ready to leave, not yet...

When I opened my eyes I was in a new place. Rundown and smelling like mildew. I took a deep breath and sighed. I propped myself up in the cot, bandages wrapped around my torso and right thigh. I looked around the room taking in the sun that shone through the leaves of the surrounding trees. There was light arguing as footsteps approached the room. The door was falling off the hinges, fabric scraps lay on the floor scattered about. I looked at the door and John and Dutch walked in, still arguing. 

I gave them a light smile which Dutch returned as he moved over to check my bandages. "How are you feeling?" he asked. I shook my head, "I'm doin better now" I spoke softly. He patted my head, "I'm glad. You had us worried there for a bit" he said. His voice tried to sound jokingly, but the seriousness was still there. "I'm not goin anywhere Dutch" I answered touching his hand. He smiled and nodded, "Good thing, I'll come back later okay" he said and left the room. 

I looked toward John who stood with his arms crossed. His expression was serious, his regular frown. "John" I whispered. He moved over and sat on the cot at my feet, "You almost died" he said. "I'm not leaving John" I answered. "That wouldn't have been your choice" he stated raising his voice. I knew how he got when he was worried, he would yell, act angry, then leave for a bit before coming back. "I know, but I'm alright. I'm still here" I responded. He looked at me, and I reached out and gently touched his scars.

He looked at me and sighed before taking my hand away from his face and holding it, "I've lost you once before, almost twice and this would be the third... I'm sorry" he whispered. "Why are you apologizing?" I asked confused. I scanned his face for any hint to what he might say. He leaned in and softly kissed my head, "I keep letting you get hurt or putting you in danger" John spoke softly. 

Tears fell down my face as I watched his expression soften into something sad, "John" my voice cracked. His eyes widened, "Damn, I-I'm sorry"He said. He reached up to wipe my cheeks but his his arm that he leaned on gave way causing us to both land back on the cot. Pain shot up from my leg and stomach and I winced. "Shit I'm sorry, Are you Alright?" John asked quickly propping himself back up. He still leaned over me as he looked down at my stomach.

In this moment I knew that he was what I wanted in life. 

Entranced by the moment I softly cupped his face. He moved to look down at me, and looked into my eyes. He leaned down and planted a kiss on my lips that lead to more. I moved my hands from his face and around his neck, my fingers tangling in his hair. He pulled away and gave me a soft smile. I reached up and gently kissed the scars on his jaw, "I love you" I whispered. " I love you too" he said before climbing off the cot. 

"You should rest" he said as he kissed my head  "I'll be back soon." I pouted slightly, "I guess." 

After John left the room fell silent. I sighed and closed my eyes and fell asleep.