Rising From the Ashes

Taste of Freedom

About an hour later, I feel the car slowing down. We must be nearing our destination. I'm groggy from the events before, so I can only make out a few things, as I slip in and out of consciousness. I see beautiful mansions along the road. I find myself daydreaming about what it would be like to grow up in a house like that. Suddenly the car comes to a stop, I feel absolutely confused as to where we are. After what just happened, I couldn’t even care less as to where we are. For the first time, I'm safe. We could arrive at a cardboard box in the middle of nowhere, and I would still love it, compared to staying at that house of horror for one more night.

I find myself growing more tired. I decide to rest my eyes for a little bit. I can hear people talking. I can't make out who it is, or where it’s coming from. All I see is darkness, and the darkness is enticing me to go back to sleep.

“Please Xaviar, I will do anything, but there’s no way I can take her back there. Not after what I just saw.” 

“What happened? Why is she such a mess?” 

“After finding her at that strip club, I dropped her off at her foster parents house. However, it seemed as though something was off. Before she went inside, she actually looked scared. I could hear some shouting coming from inside, but didn’t think much of it. Until I heard her scream.”

“I ran to the house, and tried knocking. But moments later I could hear some groans, followed by another terrified scream. I knew something was wrong, so I kicked in the door, to find that pathetic excuse of a man straddling her. Her dress had been pulled off, revealing her whole body.”

Ryker pauses for a moment, stiffling sobs. After a moment he continues. 

“He… he forced himself on her.” Ryker says. You can hear the venom drip from his words.

"I can't believe that someone would do that to my baby sister." Ryker all but whispers out. He suddenly falls to his knees in defeat.

“Please Xavier, I know it’s asking for a lot, but I already feel as though I've let her down. I wasn’t there to protect her, when she needed me the most. I should’ve been there to protect her. To make sure crap like this doesn’t ever happen to her. I’ve failed my job. The worst part though..  I… I… don’t know what else she has had to deal with.”

I hear Ryker break down into uncontrollable sobs. In a span of a few hours, he was reunited with his long lost sister, only to witness first hand the horror show I’ve had to call my life. 

Xavier takes a moment to take in what he has just been told, while also looking at me, almost if trying to read my past. ‘What happened to her? What has she lived through?'

Xavier takes a deep breath, then exhales. “What do you need me to do?”

“Really man? You’ll do this for me? For her?”

“Of course, you have always been like a brother to me. You were there to help me when I needed it most. So it’s only fair I’m there for you when you need me.”

Overwhelmed by emotion, Ryker stands up and rushes Xavier. Putting his arms around his neck and hugging him close. Thank you so much Xav! You truly have no idea what this means to me. 

…HOURS LATER...

A few hours later I wake in an unknown room. I take a look around me, and I seem to be in an extravagant bedroom. It’s the most beautiful bedroom I've ever seen in my life. I'm lying on a massive bed in the middle of the room, on a platform. I walk down a few steps, to the floor, and find that the raised bed is on a large fireplace. There is a television suspended from the ceiling allowing you to watch either in bed or in the sitting area nearby. There is also fully stocked mini bar. I see what appears to be an entrance to a closet. I walk towards it, to inspect it. I walk inside the closet, and am amazed by the sight before me. It is a pristine walk in closet. There is floor to ceiling storage on every part of the wall, including a closet just for jewelry. There is also a make up table with a full make up station. There are so many mirrors along the walls, that it looks even bigger than it is. If it wasn’t amazing enough, there is also a contemporary chandelier suspended from the ceiling in the middle of the room. 

My mouth drops open, as I take in the stunning view. I didn’t know what to comprehend of it, let alone why I was here. Someone that was destined for the streets is now standing in a luxurious suite.

I walk out of the closet, and explore the room further. To the corner of a room, I see what looks to be a bathroom. I walk in to see the most amazing bathroom that I will probably ever see in my life. Along the corner is impressive shower, with multiple shower heads, spray settings, a bench, a skylight, and even colour changing lights. Just past the shower is a massive tub, that doubles as a hot tub. Beside it is a fireplace and a bench area, to allow you to just relax. 

I head out of the bathroom and back to the room to try and get a better idea of where I'm. That’s when I notice the view this bedroom has. I don’t know how I didn’t see it before, but the main wall is all glass, providing an unobstructed view of the mountains. Wherever I'm, it seems to be in the middle of no where. The mountains are a glow from the intense colours from the sun setting. I can see the sun slowly slipping from behind the mountains. This view is truly spectacular.

A few moments later, I leave the room, looking for anyone that can tell me where exactly I'm. I get lost going down the hallways. This place is like a maze. I open one of the doors, and walk inside a room that is even more impressive than my own. I honestly didn’t even think that was even possible. I walk over to the glass wall, and get lost looking out at the scenery below. I can see a river nearby, and some deer grazing near the forest. I can see the moon slowly rising above the trees. I don’t even realize that someone has entered the room, as I continue to stare out the window.

“It’s an amazing view isn’t it?”

“It’s truly spectacular.” I manage to say. I spin around realizing that someone is in the room.

“Oh! I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was in here. I was just…” I'm cut off from the appearance of the stranger before me. Standing in front of me is an extremely hot male. He is wearing a set of ordinary black sweatpants, and no shirt. His hair is wet, as he runs his hand through his jet black hair. Small water droplets trace down the fine lines of his body working their way to…

“See something you like?” He asks, while grinning at me. 

“Mhmm.” I mumble unintentionally, not realizing I said anything. Afraid he heard me I begin to cough, and try to hide my embarrassment. 

“I mean..” I watch his eyebrows raise, awaiting my response. He looks amused? Excited? Aroused even? 

“I mean of course. This view is amazing! I could stay here for days just watching it.” I say, spinning around to face the window.

"Oh yes the view.." He starts then trails off before saying,"is truly spectacular." I see a sly smirk form across his face. Did he somehow realize I wasn't talking about the scenery outside? 

“You haven’t even seen the best part yet.” He walks to the bed and presses something that appears to be a remote. Suddenly the ceiling is disappearing. Though not actually. The ceiling is made of glass, as now with the sun gone, you can now see all of the stars. I feel my heart stop as I look up at all of the constellations. I even see a shooting star go by. I turn back to the man before me. “How?” I don’t even know how to finish the question, I'm too stunned. 

I walk over to a nearby couch, and lay back looking at the stars. “This reminds me of when I was a kid. I loved going outside and looking up at the stars. My brother's best friend would go star gazing with me all of the time. It was always my favourite part about summer."

"Is that so?" He questions.

I sit up realizing I just said all of my thoughts out loud, to a complete stranger. I realize that the man has been staring and watching my every move.

“I’m sorry, here I'm blabbering on about my past, and I don’t even know you.” I look down at the ground. Extremely embarrassed from divulging personal matters in front of a stranger. 

“Are you sure about that?” I hear him question. 

“I definitely would remember someone as good lucking as you.” Realizing what I've just said, I clasp a hand to my mouth in utter shock. 

“Oh my goodness! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean.. I meant..” His gaze never leaves mine as I continue to mumble out excuses. He looks rather amused at my discomfort. 

The man walks closer to me, and gently places his hand on my cheek. Using his thumb to caress my skin.

I begin to turn red from embarrassment. I take a calming breath, and reply “I’m sorry, I just meant that I would remember you, if I had met you before.”

“Am I that memorable?” He asks, moving my head upwards to look him in the eyes.

I can't help but get lost in his eyes. They remind me of a starry night. Dark, but with flecks of beautiful blues and purples. My eyes fall, looking at the details of his well toned body. Every inch of him is pure perfection. His sweatpants leave nothing to the imagination. They are hung low on his waist, showing a perfect V line. I trace that line with my eyes. I begin to wonder what his member is like. It must be big. I want to run my hands along his chest, then under his pants, grabbing his hard.. 

"Hem hem." He coughs out, clearing his throat.

“My eyes are up here he says.” I snap my head up, not realizing that he was watching me the entire time. His voice is intoxicating. I can even smell him, he is so close. He smells like a complicated mix of cypress, mandarin, sage, yuzu, tarragon, and coriander. I can’t put my finger on what it is exactly, but it's rather like a sweet and spicy forest. He shifts his other arm around the small of my back. Keeping me close to him, as he turns my gaze to meet his. 

“You must be Savannah.” 

“I prefer Lexi.” I’ve always gone by Lexi. I don’t know why, but I’ve always just preferred being called Lexi over Savannah.

“Enjoying my room?” He says with a smirk on his face. I gasp, not realizing this is his room. I step away, towards the door in embarrassment, and nearly stumble on the sofa, trying to make my way out. His hand effortlessly catches me, pulling me closer to him. I can't help but look into his eyes. They're just so captivating. They remind me of Xavier's eyes from when we were kids. I remember teasing him all the time, because his eyes remind me of the night sky. The swirls of colour, mixed with the reflecting light, made his eyes look like the milky way. I would often find myself trying to form a constellation from the light in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry! I was lost and was just looking… I’m sorry sir.” I say, lowering my head to the ground.

“Sir?" His eyes widen in amusement.

“I’m sorry, I just don’t know what to call you. I don’t know your name.” I can see him eyeing me. Looking me over, contemplating on what to say next.

“You know my name, it appears you have just forgotten it.” He says with a disappointed look.

I continue to watch his eyes. "I'm sorry, it's just.. Your eyes, they remind me of someone I once knew. But that would be impossible." I find myself saying, and drifting off, as I get lost in memories of Xavier.

"What about my eyes?" I hear him question. 

"Crap! Not again! I'm sorry, I've a bad tendency to say what I'm thinking." He smirks as he laughs. 

"You haven't changed a bit Little Bear." My heart beats in my chest. I haven't heard that name in ages. 

"Xavier? Is it really you?"

"Of course it's me Little Bear." I find myself relaxing immediately, as I run into his arms. Not expecting me to leap into his arms, Xavier hesitates, before wrapping his arms around me.

I find myself melting into Xavier's embrace. Overwhelmed, I break down in his arms. I feel his hand along the back of my head, bring me closer to him. His other arm holds me tighter.

"I'm so sorry Little Bear." Xavier coos into my ear.

"We searched for you for years. But we were never able to find anything that could help us find you. We never gave up. We wanted you back with us."

Too numb to everything that has happened in the past 24 hours, I collapse in Xavier's embrace. The events of my life running through my mind like a zoetrope. The more I see, the further I burry my head in Xavier's neck. I feel comforted, and for the first time safe. I don't know why, but for some reason, I just feel safe with Xavier holding me.

Xavier runs his hand through my hair, and draws small circles along my back.

"You have no idea how long I've dreamt of you coming back to me." Xavier mumbles under his breath. Almost whispering to himself.

Xavier pulls me in closer to him, and I find myself releasing a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. I take this time, to just feel comforted by Xavier.

"I don't know what you have been through. But I promise you will always be safe." Xavier says, more so to himself than to me. 

I step back to look at him. Placing my hands along his firm chest, as he holds on tight to my wrists. Making sure I won't fall. I stare up into those amazing eyes, I never thought I would see ever again.

"Not, that I'm ungrateful for being here. But where exactly is here?" 

"I thought we already went over that. You're in my room." I roll my eyes, as he smirks once again. 

"Yes, I'm aware of that. But why am I here?" Xavier raises an eyebrow before responding,  “did your brother not saying anything to you about coming here?”

I begin to think back to the moments leading up to waking up in the opulent bedroom. That’s when it hits me. I begin to get flashbacks of the attack. Suddenly I find breathing to be difficult. My head begins to spin. I feel so dirty. I want to rid myself of the clothes on my body and burn them. I want to shower until the water runs cold, in hopes that the water can cleanse my skin. I begin to see stars, and collapse onto the ground in hysterics.

Xavier watches everything unfold, and rushes to my side. He pulls my head to his chest, forming calming circles along my back. He picks me up, and places me in a tub, where he runs cold water down my body. I begin to feel my body calm down, as the panic attack begins to subside. 

He looks over at me in worry, but turns the water off. “I'll leave to let you have a shower, and get cleaned up. You’re welcome to wear any of the clothes in my closet you would like. Then join me downstairs for dinner.” I look up at him and focus on his eyes. 

“Thank you. But why are you doing this for me?” I ask, confusion written all over my face.

“I told your brother I would take care of you, and that’s what I’m doing." He stands up and turns around as he begins to walk out of the bathroom.