Nature of the beast (book 1 of the Beasties)

The drive

Even though most of the plants and flowers are dead for the season, the gardens were still beautiful. I wonder what it would of been like to grow up in these minnie versions of eden. Trudy has been nothing less than the perfect tour guide. I have really gotten quite comfortable around her. I'm still a little nervous, but after Liam's promise, I feel freed instead of trapped. I'm a guest, not a prisoner.

I was listening to Trudy babble on about the kissing tree, we were standing under, when Liam appeared. "Well, speak of the devil!" Trudy teased. Liam jogged over.

"Hey, Trudy" he greets, then turns towards me. "The meeting ended early and I was wondering if you would like to join me to town. I have to pick up some supplies." He tried to give me a cracked smile. He looked like a little boy, unsure whether his mommy liked the crushed flower or not. Inside I felt the first stirrings of real excitement that I thought had died a while ago. I haven't been to a store for a year. I nod a yes.

"We better get you cleaned up before you go! Liam, you wait by the truck till we're done" Trudy exclaims enthusiastically. Dumbfounded I follow her into the house.

**************

I come out smelling of warm brown sugar and vanilla from the shower, it was heavenly. I frown at the image in the mirror. Dark bruises covered my body, some were starting to heal into those ugly greens and yellows. I look like a chubby leper. When I starve, unfortunately I gain weight instead of lose it. Quickly I look away from the ugly girl and start putting on the clothes that were in the bathroom with me.

Dressed to the nines in baggy jeans, a sweater and a jean jacket that were Trudy's. Hey, they may not be flashy, but it's the nicest outfit I've worn in two years. I want to cry, but I've forgotten how. "Oh my, you're such a pretty thing. You would make a potato sack look glamorous." Trudy gushes. I blankly stare at her. I hate complements about my looks. If I had the guts, I would scar up my face like Liam's. unfortunately I'm still a vain creature deep inside.

Out side Liam is leaning against a matt black, four by four, pick up truck. Looks like the newest model of dodge ram with black rims. He freezes when his eyes meet me. I can feel his stare travel over me, ironically I don't feel dirty or disgusted. I only feel satisfaction. He opens the passenger side door for me, waits till I'm safely in, than gently shuts the door. A flash of an older, incredibly tall man, opening a door to allow me safe passage through. I look down shyly at little black, Mary jane shoes, white lace socks, and a ruffly, sunshine yellow dress. "Ladies should always expect a man to open the door for them because it is a sign of respect." The flash cuts off when Liam revved the engine to life.

We drove in silence for a while. Forest slowly turning into farm land before Liam spoke. "What is your name? I have had you in my home for almost two weeks, but I still don't know what to call you."

"Eemi, I mean my name is Skyler." I stutter while staring out the window. It feels so odd to be using my real name again.

"It's pretty, even if you already know, my name is Liam." I can feel the interrogation coming on. Next will be the where's, than the what's, and lastly the how come's. My fingers start to tighten into the material of my jacket. "Spaghetti sounds just right." He ponders. My head whips around, my eyes pop wide, what? "I was thinking when we reach town, we could get some lunch. Would you like to Skyler?"

"I don't have any money." His eyebrow goes up in an amused expression.

"I didn't ask if you did, I asked if you would like lunch."

"What would I have to do for it?" He suddenly skidded to a stop on the dirt road, put the car in park, than sat there, gripping the steering wheel. He's angry, I can feel it. It's only a matter of time before he hits me. I slowly reach for the door handle and my belt buckle.

"What makes you think, I want anything from you?" He remains staring distantly out the windshield. His voice low and even. "Do you think because I'm..." I fling open the door, at the same time I unbuckled my seatbelt before he could finish his sentence, than jumped out. I run as fast as I can through a field. I hear his car door open, I speed up. My cheeks are becoming wet. I'm crying? How? I haven't cried in years. Muscular arms wrap around me. I go limp.

"I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I didn't mean to insult you or hurt you!" I cry. He turns me around to face him. I stiffen, preparing myself for the blows. I make eye contact because I want to know what he'll look like when he changes into what all men do around me, monsters. Instead all I see is sadness. He brings his hand up by my cheek and I flinch. Instead of a slap, I feel a soft caress, wiping my tears away.

"I'm sorry I scared you." He softly crones. "I was assuming something that I shouldn't of. Please don't be afraid of me. Trust me when I say this, I will never hurt you" His arms tighten gently around me. One hand cradles around the back of my head, which now rests onto his chest. He smells of wood, lemon grass and summer. I sink into him for one moment before reality brings me back to the surface. I push away from him, than wiggle out of his arms.

"You're not ugly. Can we start heading to town now. I'm starving." I mutter as if nothing ever happened. With out looking behind me to see if he was following, I head to the truck.