More than a memory

Chapter 6

Smells like Christmas

Roxanne

I felt cold and terrified. My hands were bleeding and my fingers were full of the pieces of wood I tried to crawl myself through. My lungs burned for oxygen and I heard someone desperately screaming my name. I saw a pair of silver eyes before I opened mine and gasped for air. My lungs felt like someone just took a huge weight off of my chest and allowed me to breath again. My whole body was covered with cold sweat and I saw that my pillow got wet with my tears. I jumped out of my bed and rushed to the bathroom to throw up. After my dinner went down the toilet I puled myself up and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I had this nightmare for years now, I've even visited a psychologist but she couldn't help me figure it out. A future teller once told me that maybe the man in my dream will be my savior or he is my long lost soul mate. I didn't believe in these kind of things but the fact that my dream always caused physical reactions made me wonder. What if it is a memory of a past life? I shook my head and decided to take a cold shower. I brushed my teeth under the shower and changed my bedsheets before I left to the store. Finally it was a my day off and it was nice to get rid off Damon. Since our dinner a week ago he kept inviting me and sending me gifts. I didn't like the affection he gave but thanks to him, the next show seemed to be already a huge hit. It could change my entire carrier life if I earn an award for the leading part. I put in my earphones. My hair changed into a messy bun and added a few stripes of fake blonde hair into it before I left my home. The weather was still chilly despite that it was already the end of February. I walked into my favorite grocery store and grabbed a cart. I kept my earphones in and listened some music letting my mind wander while I filled my cart with the essentials. I stopped at the ice-creams and couldn't help but catch my favorite one. Ben$Jerry's Netflix and Chill. If there was one thing in being single was that I could've had the whole box of ice-cream for myself. I noticed that they were on discount and I looked around before grabbing the other box of Netflix and Chill. But my hand grabbed someone else's. I looked at the intruder who tried to snatch the last box of my favorite ice-cream away. I pulled out one of my earphones and said.

- Excuse me, but I saw it first. - the hand was still holding my ice-cream and I didn't look up intentionally to avoid glaring at the guy who held the ice-cream like his dear life.

- That is impossible. I grabbed it first which means I saw it first. Also you already have one in your cart.

- That's true but this is my favorite.

- It is my favorite as well. - I got angry and now glanced at the guy hoping that I can show him a lost puppy eye and he will willingly give the box to me. For my biggest surprise, it was Jerry. He avoided my glance as always but grinned.

- There must be a way to solve this. - he said and I blushed at how childish I've acted.

- We can eat it together! - I offered as a joke and he immediately put it into my cart. While he did this movement he got really close to me and I could smell his cologne. He smelled like Christmas. The only celebration I cared for during the whole year.

- Keep it, there are more flavors that I like and you looked at me like I've tried to kidnap ypur child. - he said with a soft laughter and it made me blush. I wanted to look into his eyes so much.

- No, no! Please take it. It is only fair this way.

-Are you sure? - I nodded and he leaned to catch it from my cart. I leaned for it as well and almost fall back because a lady pushed my cart. Jerry crabbed my waist and a wave of heat rushed all over my body. He quickly helped me back on my feet and I gave him the ice-cream. He thanked and was about to walk away.

- Wait! - Jerry stopped and I said.

- You didn't chose a second one and they are on a discount. - he looked at the sign above the fridge and smirked. I couldn't tell the color of his eyes but they were definitely a cold colored ones. Jerry walked back and started to look around to choose the other flavor.

- Since you are here could you recommend me another flavor? - I asked and he grabbed a box and handed it to me. I read the name and tilted my head.

- Chunky-Monkey?

- Believe me it is delicious.

- It has walnuts. - I said and Jerry smiled.

- Even better since you love them. - his smile suddenly faded and Jerry quickly grabbed another box.

- It was nice to meet you again My Lady but I'm afraid I have to go. - before he could've disappear I grabbed his jacket and asked.

- How did you know that I like walnuts? - Jerry hang his head down and mumbled something.

- I couldn't hear you.

- I said, I've read it in an article.- I let him go and got a little alerted. I thought my disguise worked but it looks like he knows me.

- That is absurd! - Jerry sighed and leaned to my right ear.

-The whole city knows who Roxanne Martin is. - he whispered into my ears and cursed.

- f**k it. Come with me. - Jerry held my shoulder and pulled me to his left side. He hurried along the lines and eventually we hid behind the decor flowers.

-What is going on? - I asked still whispering. Jerry realized that he was still holding me and he let me go. Suddenly I felt so alone and I wanted to be in his arms again. I scolded myself mentally for this thought... I barely knew him. I'm sorry for dragging you around the store. But I had to get rid of them. - I felt my eyebrows running to the middle of my forehead.

- Get rid of who? - Jerry smiled and nodded with hise head in front of us. We were well hidden by the fake flowers but I could see three men with cameras searching for someone.

- Can't they leave me alone just for one day? - I mumbled angrily and Jerry left me alone.

- Where are you going? - I asked but he didn't answer. He just walked to a store worker and pointed at the paparazzis. The worker immediately called the security who escorted the gentlemen out of the store. Jerry walked back to me with his hands in his pockets staring at the floor. He was so handsome. He really looked like a knight. Suddenly I remembered of my dream and apart of the silver eyes I remembered a shining light hair. Jerry took his basket out of my cart.

- Everything is clear now. - he said and I walked out of our hiding place.

- Thanks! But do you have a sixth sense or something? This is the second time you spotted them out and saved me. - Jerry smiled.

- We are in similar industries actually. I'm a journalist.

- Oh... Is it a coincidence thay we keep bumping into each other? - I asked and he sighed.

- Today it was a coincidence. The first time as well, but the second wasn't.

- Are you trying to take a picture of me as well? - I knew the answer and for some reason it made me feel betrayed. Jerry scratched the back of his neck.

- I should. My boss assigned me to this task now. Don't worry, I'll never cross the line. - he said and I took a step further from him. Jerry took out his phone and showed me an email.

- These are the photos my boss got from me. Check them out.

- It is not necessary! - I said but he showed me them. He was a natural talent. All the pictures he took were at the theater. He even captured me while I got lost in my thoughts.

- Wow... You are a professional. - I complimented and Jerry chuckled.

- I'm trying, but as you can see I suck as a paparazzi.

- Thanks for everything. - I said and he put his phone away.

- Can I invite you for a coffee finally? - Jerry laughed.

- I'm afraid I have to excuse myself out again.

- Why?! - I asked and got frustrated. What got into this guy? Other journalists would kill to spend time with me. He lifted his basket with a childish grin and said.

- I don't want my treasures to totally melt. - I couldn't hold my laughter back and he laughed with me. It felt so good, so natural.

- This is the last time I let you out of the hook! - I warned him while we were in the line.

- I'll keep in mind.