More than a memory

Chapter 11

Screams

Jeremy

As I closed the guest room door I let out a loud sigh. Tonight was a journey to the past for me. Spending time with Roxanne, watching movies and eating junk food just like we used to do back, before everything went downhill... Silently I cleaned up in the living room and with an aching heart, I took the "tent" apart. It was nice while it lasted, but as long as the storm is over, everything will be back in its normal condition. I stopped and my hands clenched into fists. No. Nothing will be the same. Someone hurt Roxanne and even if I think I know who did it, she must tell me. I've decided to let it go for tonight because of my own selfishness. I wanted to be her safe place, the person she can be free with, someone she can be herself with. My turbulent thoughts were interrupted by an ear piercing scream. It came from the room where Roxanne was sleeping. I ripped the door open only to see her arch her back and scream from the top of her lungs while she was asleep. I stepped to her and gently placed my hands under her back and neck. She kept screaming so I whispered into her ear.

- Everything is going to be okay... I love you Roxanne. - she suddenly relaxed in my arms and took a deep breath. Roxanne turned to her side and since my arm got stuck under her, and she was finally resting, I had no other choice than spending the night by her side. Not like I would have left her alone after what I just saw. I caressed a piece of hair out of her gorgeous face and asked in a soft voice.

- Did your past or your present haunt you tiny dancer? - I wish she could answer. I wanted to know, were her memories coming back and I caused this to her or just the shock of today? However, I stayed by her side all night long and let my desperate heart be healed by her closeness. I don't know what time it was when I woke up. The storm was still on, but Roxanne stretched in my arms. I gave her some space and when she opened her eyes I quickly turned my glance away.

- Jerry? What time is it? - she mumbled and made a silly attempt to open her eyes, but tiredness was stronger. I smiled while she closed her eyes back but still waited for and answer. I checked at my watch and answered.

- It is 8am. - Roxanne's eyes immediately opened wide and she sat up in the bed so quickly that she managed to headbutt me.

- Oh My God! I'm sorry! Are you okay? - she asked and I chuckled.

- Yes, of course.

- Huh, great!

- Does your head hurt? - I asked and couldn't help but caressed her forehead. Roxanne blushed a little and shook her head. Her long wavy hair seemed like ocean waves.

- I barely felt it! Thank you for everything, but I have to go. - she said and tried to jump out of the bed. I pulled her back, her eyes widened for a moment and I let her hand go motioning at the window.

- The storm is still going on and it didn't seem like it is going to end soon. Probably everyone is under quarantine until it ends. Would you like a coffee? - Roxanne looked in front of her like she was processing what she just heard and with a defeated smile she said.

- Yes please. - I got up and walked to the kitchen. Turned the TV on, or at least I tried but there was still no signal. On the other hand at least the electricity was back. I quickly put everything on charge and prepared myself for the next shortcut. The extra generator was enough to keep the security cameras and fridge working. A sleepy Roxanne followed me to the kitchen and hopped down on her "usual" spot.

- There is no signal on my phone. - she said and I pointed at the TV.

- Neither there. But I have more movies and luckily a full fridge. - Roxanne smiled and said.

- You are the best person to hibernate with! - I laughed while I handled her coffee.

- How did you know? - she asked while she took a sip.

- I was born with many talents. - I said and this made her giggle.

- I'm getting really curious about them!

- Maybe one day, I'll tell you. - I sat in front of her with my own coffee and took a deep breath.

- I hate to start the morning like this, but, what happened to you last night? - her mug stopped in her hand and Roxanne avoided my eyes.

- Let me ask first. What were you doing in the same room as I?

- Yesterday you were screaming in your dreams. I went to check on you and you ended up grabbing my hands. I really felt sorry for you and couldn't leave you alone. I'm sorry.

- I'm sorry for making you worry and turning you into my captive. - her smile made everything a little more bearable.

- I'd become your captive for the rest of my life... - I mumbled but luckily Roxanne didn't hear me.

- Yesterday I got into a fight over a stupid news with my boyfriend. He is a little bit overprotective and jealous and... It was just a misunderstanding. - my blood boiled in my veins.

- Your boyfriend as Damon? - she shoot her eyes and kept drinking her coffee without a word. I put my mug down and held her hands in mine. She shivered a bit but glanced at me.

- Roxanne... That was abuse. Not a misunderstanding. - Roxanne smiled shyly and took her hands out of mine. It felt like all my chances were literally getting out of my hands.

- He just lost his cool that's all. - I sighed and at that moment wanted to risk it all just to make sure that she'll be okay. I wanted to snap Damon's neck with a single movement and throw his body somewhere, where they won't find him ever again. I felt that carnal instinct of killing and destroying someone who hurt my mate, that I haven't felt years ago... It got me a little confused. I had to make her understand, even if she will hate me. I suddenly got up and pulled Roxanne up from the chair.

- J... Jerry... What are you doing? - she asked and I grabbed her on my shoulder taking her to the bedroom. Roxanne shivered in all her body. I threw her on the bed, climbed over her and held her wrists down.

- Have you gone nuts?! Let me go! - she shouted but I just chuckled and started kissing her neck. I was disgusted by what I was doing but it was for her own sake.

- If beating you for a gossip is fine and a misunderstanding, I assume this is totally fine after all that I've done for you since we first met.

- This is not the same! - I laughed.

- You are right, what I'm doing is more than what he deserves. I've saved your life and reputation many times already, this is the least you can do to pay it back. - Roxanne was terrified, I felt it, I could hear her heart beats. She fought me, and I thought I made my statement clear. I gave a tiny peck on the top of her nose and let her hands go. She tried to slap me but I caught her hand.

- WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO ME? - she asked with her eyes filled with tears although I didn't hurt her at all. I just scared her.

- Do you think my demands were fine? - I asked without answering.

- It is true that I own you a lot but you have no right to do however you please with me! - she snapped at me and I held her hands.

- I did this to make you see, what Damon did was not okay. It wasn't a misunderstanding and you CAN'T protect him by fooling yourself. - Roxanne started sobbing and I carefully embraced her in my arms. Her tears soaked my t-shirt. Suddenly her hands clenched into fists and she groaned with anger.

- You are right. - she looked at me and for the first time in three years our eyes met for a single second. I wondered if the rest of my life will be like this... Stealing glances and being her guardian angel from afar.

- Can you help me? - she asked.

- Whit?

- I want to destroy him. - a smile curved on my face while I heard my tiny dancer being her old self again. I kissed the top of her hand.

- It would be my absolute pleasure!