His Willow

Chapter 12

Sitting on this couch all day without being able to move was sending my bottom half to sleep. Its been a full twenty-four hours since Alaric has metaphorically tied me to the couch and I've been ordered to stay seated and to think happy thoughts, as this will speed up my healing process somehow.

Alaric was upstairs in a meeting with Caleb, probably talking about what transpired yesterday on the porch. I haven't been able to study Caleb that hard but judging by his perfect posture, punctualness and polite greetings that he's a military man, always ready for battles that may come his way and honours his troops in fight.

Looking at his face he seemed to have participated in his fair share of battles, a small deep scar faded from his forehead and cut through the end of his eyebrow and the claw marks on his arms, tells me that he's faced some challenging situations that have put himself in harm's way. He seemed fearless and confident in the way he looked and presented himself, despite his casual attire and floppy hair; he looked like he owned the room, his dominance and confidence overwhelming in the little space around us.

Trying to rid my intimidation and nervousness, I analyse the front cover of my new magazine, excited to read through the thin pages of knowledge about the world I live in. It was especially insightful reading the recent news for the first time, not knowing a single name from the headlines and the celebrities splattered across the page. It was very insightful reading about the surgeries these girls do to themselves just for some cameras, completely changing their look for someone else's gratification; it set a bad taste in my mouth.

Not wanting to set off Alaric with my evil thoughts about my appearance, I swiftly flick through the pages and focus on the animal section, admiring the sea creatures inhabiting our oceans and seas. One day I'd love to visit the beach, feeling the sand on my bare feet and running into the waves, feeling its tranquillity and calm waves wash over me, ridding my mind from its demons for the period of time.

Quick as a flash, an idea popped into my head. Turning the magazine over and grabbing a pen from the side table, I scribble down all the things I want to do before I die. The magazine inspired me greatly, and I was finding myself envious of anyone who lived by the ocean and these incredible creatures, having that luxury on your doorstep. Finally, after writing my list, Alaric strolls over into the room and Caleb confident as ever, taking his leave through the front door, waving at me with a smile adorning his face just before he shut the door.

"I'm sorry that took so long Willow, Caleb and I had a lot to talk about," Alaric said, sitting on the edge of the couch and facing over me. I nodded my head in understanding and forced a smile to my face, not entirely comfortable with being alone just yet.

With slow and careful movements, Alaric brushed his thumb across my cheek and rested it there, making my face heat up intensely and blushing from the affection.

"Your blush is adorable Willow," Alaric chuckled, making my cheeks heat up even more than I thought possible. Alaric smiled down at me with awe in his piercing eyes, studying my features with a tender look.

Feeling this strong urge to speak out and scream till my lungs ached overcame me, I was frustrated to no end not being able to communicate with Alaric, failing to have one of the most basic human functions. If I could never speak again, how on earth will I be able to talk to Alaric? Scream out my feelings till the windows smashed from my volume, shout from the rooftops about how much I liked him. All these things I want to do, but I can't find the words to do it, always dying on my tongue and never passing trough. I want him to know how much I appreciate him, how grateful I am that he saved me from those woods, welcoming me into his home and stitching my wounds back up, all these things I will never be able to say, well not for a long time at least. After a while, Alaric will get sick of communicating by paper, losing his patience with me and eventually throw me out, for being a complete mess and liability. A shudder trailed down my back and made goosebumps form across my body, not liking the idea of leaving the only man that has shown me love and kindness.