Sweet Southern Haven

Terror

{Noelle’s POV}

Owen came in around 9:00pm my first night here, to tell me that the electrician will be here in three days to install the security system. Honestly, I wished that it could have gotten done right then, the idea that someone could break in here, and I wouldn’t even know until it was too late, had me on edge. I haven’t slept a wink since I got here, and honestly I don’t know how much longer I can function on no sleep, but loads of coffee. I sighed, looking towards the fireplace in my bedroom. I had a large four poster bed moved in, along with a new mattress, and some other new furniture. A sectional for the living room, and a new office desk in the master bedroom. Owen brought a new laptop for me, one that I had given him the money for. Finally this place was beginning to feel more homey.

I took my shower, and dried my hair, allowing my natural curls to form and flow around me. Once it was completely dried, I straightened it out, the length reaching my mid thigh. I slipped on some lacy pink panties, and my baby pink, silk nightgown. I climbed into bed, and tried so hard to fall asleep, but the more I tried, the more restless I became. Eventually, I got up and wrapped my matching baby pink robe from my nightgown around me. I paced by the fireplace in my room before sitting on the floor beside it. I stared into the fire, mesmerized by the way that the flames dance around, until I heard a creaking sound from downstairs.

Immediately I dove into panic mode, I ran to my dresser and grabbed my pistol, turning off the safety and carefully making my way down the stairs. I made it to the bottom of the stairs, and turned the corner, leveling my gun in front of me, as I tiptoed quietly towards the door. I turned the last corner as I heard the front door creaking closed and I aimed it carefully. Then I saw him, it was Silas, he was peeking around just inside the front door. When he saw me his eyes went wide, and in his deep, gravely voice he said. “Woah! It’s me! Mom said she heard something and sent me to come check on you!” He threw his hands up in the air.

“You scared me to death!” I squealed, flipping back on the safety and putting the gun down on the counter. “You could have messaged or called, or something!” My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest, tears trickling in my eyes. “Y-You shouldn’t just come in here like that! I could have killed you!” I began pacing back and forth, reaching up and frantically running my fingers through my hair.

“Hey, hey, calm down, it’s okay..” he said softly walking towards me. He pulled me gently into a hug and rubbed my back softly.

“I-I could have killed you! You should’ve given me some kind of warning.. I-I..” I whimpered, but I couldn’t even finish my sentence before I broke down crying. The days of missed sleep, and the constant anxiety finally doing me in. My head felt fuzzy, and my body heavy. I moved back out of his arms and went to turn around, but as I did a wave of exhaustion hit me, and the next thing knew I was falling to the ground.

I felt strong arms wrapped around me and lift me up carefully. “Hey, are you okay? What’s wrong?” He asked, packing me to the couch and laying me down.

I shook my head, gripping it slightly at the dizziness that I’d felt every time I moved. “I-I’m okay, really, you should go back home. I’m sure your mom, and daughter will be worried if you don’t.” I said.

He looked around, grabbing a throw blanket from the back of the couch and wrapping it around me. “You’re not fine, I can tell that you’re not. What did you eat today?” He asked.

It hit me then that I hadn’t eaten anything all day, I’d been too worried about making sure I had gotten everything from home that I needed, and worried about there not being a security system here. “I.. I..” I stuttered.

“And when is the last time that you got any sleep, no offense but you look exhausted.” He said, walking to the fireplace in the living room and tossing in some logs. He lit it up, and walked into the kitchen grabbing some eggs and bread from my fridge. “Do you like over easy eggs?” He asked, pulling out a skillet and heating it up on the stove.

I stood up, carefully making my way to the kitchen with my blanket wrapped around me. “I told you, I’m fine, you should..” I started, but he cut me off.

“Look, I don’t know what you’re running from, or who has you so worried, but you’re going to have to learn to take care of yourself better!” He shot at me. It felt like a stab right to my heart, I had been caring for myself for years. I had to take care of myself, because my ex surly wouldn’t, and he wouldn’t let anyone else care about me either.

“I can take care of myself just fine!” I snapped, tears beginning to prick my eyes once again. “I’ve been taking care of myself for years, and you’re right, you don’t know what I’m running from so why don’t you just go!” I shouted pointing towards the door. “What do you take me for? Some pampered princess?”

“Honestly, yeah, you haven’t lifted a finger to help out with any of the chores on the ranch, your ranch. Nor have you made any effort to go to town and get your own groceries or anything!” He snapped back.

“I’m not allowed to go to town!” I shouted before thinking about it. I’m not supposed to really tell anyone here anything, as I could put them into danger. “I.. I can’t..” the last part coming out as more of a strangled sob. “Just.. get out! I’ll be fine, don’t bother yourself!” I walked to the door and flung it open. “Go home!”

He stopped, looking at me with pity, before setting down the food and stepping towards me. “Fine..” was all he said before he stomped out of the house. I slammed the door behind him and locked it, quickly making my way to the kitchen and cleaning up the mess. I walked back into the living room, grabbing the gun from the counter and holding it in my hands. I walked to the fireplace and leaned against it, sliding down to the floor beside it. Somehow, that was how I finally fell asleep, by the fireplace, holding my gun.