Memory After Memory

Chapter 8

We had stopped at the lake outside of town first. I loved the lake as well as the smells and the calmness of the surrounding area. It was very relaxing to just sit and watch the still water and listen to the sounds of nature around us. I closed my eyes as we sat in the bed of his truck, breathing fresh air and nature becoming no more than a lullaby to me. I jumped a little bit when I felt Julian's hand touch my shoulder.  

"Sorry. Didn't mean to make you jump like that."

I laughed a little bit and shook my head. "Don't be. So, why here?"

Julian sat back and watched the wind ruffle up the leaves in the trees. "This is where we went for your 18th birthday." He took a moment to breath in the cool breeze. "This is also where I gave you the promise ring you found in the truck."

I smiled at the thought of the ring, remembering my reaction when he told me about it. I then looked at Julian to seem him looking at me, his green eyes much brighter from earlier and with a small smile, he moved closer to me. 

"I can't tell you how sorry I am for all that you're going through. There's not a whole lot to say except I hate seeing you in the state you have been for the past 2 weeks. I want to be able to help somehow, even if it's just getting things off of your chest and ranting to me about whatever is going through that beautiful mind of yours."

I smiled as he said the last part. "Well, there is one thing that's been bothering me for a while now." He made it clear that he was listening. "When you and Viney were fighting a while back and you were going to mention what she did, what were you going to say?"

Julian seemed to be thinking about his answer. "I'm not too sure if I should tell you."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm not sure how you'd handle it. I don't want to start anything but I don't want to hide anything at the same time."

"Julian-"

"I hate hiding from you. The day we started to redecorate your room and I came to get you, there was something I wanted to say, but couldn't. There were several times where I wanted to say something, but I-"

"Julian!" I had no idea where I got the urge to do it, but I kissed him.

It took a second for Julian to realize what was happening, but when he did realize, I felt his hands rest on my shoulders and him relax. When I pulled away and looked him in the eye, there was a mix of surprise, want, and fear screaming from him. "Calm down for a moment. Talk to me."

Julian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his way of calming himself down. When he was calm enough, he looked at me again. "Are you sure you want to know?"

I nodded. "It would make me happy to know."

"Well, this won't exactly make you happy but if I do say, please don't start anything."

I nodded and took his hand. I could tell he was still scared of something. Julian asking this of me is not like him at all. What had she done to you? 

He took another deep-ish breath and gripped my hand. "Viney tried to kill you 5 years ago."

I sort of froze in place. I could feel the color draining from my face as soon as he said that. He must have seen it too because he immediately pulled me close, seeming afraid. "Please, don't be mad or upset at me. I didn't want her to come after me too. I didn't want to hide it from you but I couldn't say anything-"

"Julian." He looked at me and I could tell he was very afraid. "What has she done to you while I was away?.." I caressed his face. It was very clear he was on the verge of crying. He was never like this before.