She smells like the garden—like home.
Should I really give her this? What if she thinks it is stupid. Her hands grab the one lying next to my face. Her soft fingers brush the raw skin of my hand and fondle the small scars on it.
“I don’t think it is stupid. I have never gotten a present from anyone other than Da,” she sighs. Apparently, she is very deep in my mind because I don’t think she managed to read my mind before. I take the piece of paper from under the covers and push it in her hand, locking them with my own.
“I am not that good, but I thought keeping it would make me look like a creep.”
She unfolds the piece of parchment carefully. All emotions flash by in her eyes. Happiness, shock, and sadness. Water swells up in her eyes.
Fuck. I offended her.
“Sorry if it isn’t good, Honey. I don’t usually draw people,” I apologize. “I will take it back, if you don’t want it.” I make amends to grab it out of her hands, but she stops me.
“I love it, Braxton,” she whispers.
Wait, what?
Then why is she crying?
“I love it! Nobody ever gave me this kind of gift.” She looks at the drawing of herself, like it is the best thing she has ever seen, eyes scanning the piece of paper. I look at the drawing. Her long waves lean over her shoulder, while her brown eyes look curious and all her freckles are on all the right spots. She has black long eyelashes and plump lips that would make any man drool. Her darker eyebrows make her look strong, but her soft features give her this kind of sweet appearance. Her looks match perfectly with her personality and that’s what I tried to display.
“You like it?” I ask. “I tried my best to make it look like you, the way I see you.” She folds the piece of paper and puts it on her nightstand.
“Do you really see me this way?” she asks unsure. “It looks like the drawing has a soul, a good soul and when I look in her eyes, I can see an essence dancing around her.” The words are almost a whisper. Her eyes dart over the paper before she meets mine.“Do you really think that is me?” It is almost like she doesn’t believe it. Like she doesn’t know that she is this bright energy. This sparkly.
This positive energy. I don’t know how to express her soul in words, so I just nod in confirmation.
She rolls over to me and wraps her arms around me.
“Thank you,” she whispers in my ear. I wrap my arms around her and for once I allow myself to enjoy somebody’s touch. Her body warmth fills me up and I feel lighter.
“Can you leave a little of your light on?” I ask, a bit unsure. She rolls back, looking at me.
“A big boy who is scared of the dark, huh?” she teases. I shrug and turn around, closing my eyes. It is stupid, she is right. Maybe her warmth is enough to keep the nightmares away again. Maybe I don’t have to ask her every time. Maybe I don’t have to explain that every time the light goes off, my mind brings me back to the dark dungeons. To a bag being pulled over my head. Maybe the presence of her light in the back of my mind is enough.
I don’t ask her again.
I fall asleep fast while a little ball of light shines above my nightstand.
A horrendous scream rings in my ears. I sit right up in bed. I spar my eyes wide open, looking around. The ball of light is gone. The darkness makes a shiver roll over my spine. I push the covers off me as I step out of bed. Did I have a nightmare again? Wait, where is Eliane?
Eliane’s side of the bed is empty. I try to reach her with her mind. Come on, Honey, find me.
Let me in.
Let me in your light, Honey.
I can’t get in.
Realization sinks in.
I know what is happening.
The trials have finally begun.
Chapter 12
Eliane
