Temptation

7 - Hero

I'm speechless. Coming here tonight, I did not expect this. I should run, any sane person would be totally fucking scared of what I've just been told. Her eyes are filled with tears and I can't shake the feeling of wanting to hold her in my arms. My hands are still holding her's and her shaking has stopped, her tears stain her cheeks and just from my touch, I can tell that I'm making her feel safe.

I don't hesitate, and I wrap my arms around her skinny body hoping she won't freak out on me. She doesn't even flinch; she nuzzles her head into the gap of my neck, and I let her sob onto the shirt she lent me. I'm wearing her dead dad's shirt. In my head, there are a thousand thoughts going and me questioning why she would even tell me this, a stranger. But then I realize that she is willing to speak up about her past to me and it's because of who I am. The paparazzi following me must have brought so much fear to her and for that I apologize. I find myself apologizing to this stranger, a lot. "You've told me your story, but not your name." I want to know this girl and I really don't want to let go. Once she's calmer, she looks up at me, her eyes bloodshot from the pain of her past; "It's Madden. Madden Fritz."

Madden. I don't know anyone with this name and it's unique; it's beautiful and the name fits the girl sitting beside me.

The feelings I have in this moment are unexplainable. I want to get to know this girl, but as soon as the sun shines through that window in the early morning, I know that I can't put her in danger. I need to take advantage of this night with her.

I want so badly to change the topic, but I also want to express the sadness that I feel for her. Except I'm not sure how to do that. Sadness is a feeling I've avoided for many years; any feelings I avoid as to feel would mean pain and I refuse to let pain in. For her, I feel it. I feel her pain, I'm consumed by Madden, the tidal wave that is this beautiful woman in front of me.

"I know that seeing me again would only cause problems for you. That's why you told me, and I understand." She shakes her head up and down on my chest. "I want to remember this night, the night someone made me feel. I haven't felt anything in so many years. Take advantage of this one single night with me, learn about me as I've learned about you. Let's laugh together and just let loose." I don't even know what the fuck has come over me, but I'm way too far gone to do anything about it now. "I'll leave in the morning and you will never have to see me again."

The words sting a little as they come from my mouth. If tonight is the only night I get, then each secret I have will come out and I will trust this woman with them all.

In her tears, she says, "I will have to on TV," and together we laugh. I take this remark as an agreement to my proposal.