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The bed wasn’t very comfortable, but I couldn’t complain since I had somewhere to stay. Staring up at the ceiling, something felt like it was missing inside me. Of course, I couldn’t place my finger on what it was. There was a loneliness that kept rushing over me despite having so many people around.
The entire Hastings family was the kindest group of people. Each one of them seemed like the type that would gladly give the shirt off their own back for someone. When she picked me up, she didn't ask a single question and expected nothing in return. Covered in blood, I could have been a psychopath, yet she saw the good in me.
*****
October
It had been almost two months since I had arrived at the Hastings Farm. Although I fell into their routine rather quickly, it still didn’t feel like home. Tending to the horses had become one of my favorite activities. It may have been because it was the only time that Savannah and I were alone. I enjoyed our time together. She always offered for me to ride with her, but I declined. Something about riding felt wrong. Like I wasn’t meant to do it with her.
Watching as her hair bounced on her back, there was always a look of complete joy and unbridled freedom taking over her face as she rode. As she rode back toward the barn, she slowed enough to allow me to grab the reins, helping lead her back to the stable and call it a day.
“You know, one of these days I’m going to get you on a horse.”
Her tone was more playful than serious, but this wasn’t the first time she taunted me with the threat.
“I’ve already told you I’m not riding on a horse. You better give it up now and start on a new dream.”
“What about dinner? Just the two of us?”
She spoke so casually, as if she had asked me to hand her something nearby when she was asking for what sounded like a date.
“I’m not so sure your parents would approve of the two of us skipping a family meal.”
Closing the door of the stall, she turned, unclipping her helmet.
“That’s the thing. They won’t be home tonight. It’s their anniversary and they always go into the city for a fancy dinner.”
Rubbing the back of my neck, I wasn’t sure what to say. It sounded like a bad idea, but I didn’t know why. She didn’t even wait for a response.
“So, you can be dressed and ready by six. I already know the perfect place.”
Staring back at her, I realized this was not a request, but a demand.
“Alright six o’clock.”
The front porch had two rocking chairs. Most nights, I would see Mr. and Mrs. Hastings gliding back and forth in silence. An occasional glance followed by a smile, as if they were having a silent conversation. As I sat down in the chairs, I wondered if I would ever have that with someone. A love that didn’t require words. A simple exchange of glances and she would know everything that was in my heart.
“Ready?”
Savannah’s voice was behind me. Taken by surprise, I turned to see her. A skin-tight black dress, cut just above the knee, replaced her once sensible clothing. Elegant black heels helped accentuate how perfectly toned her legs and ass were. It was the first time I had ever seen her all dressed up.
“Wow. You look beautiful, Savannah.”
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.”
Walking down the front steps, I opened the car door for her, ushering her in. Something about her response felt familiar. Like someone had said that to me before.
“Wow. Didn’t take you for such a gentleman”
Tension had been building the entire dinner. I would have to be a fool to not know what she expected to come of this. Walking back to the car, she stood close, claiming to be cold. As my arm crossed in front of her to open her door, her hand fisted my shirt, pulling me close. Her free hand slipping around my neck to pull me down to her. The kiss was unforgiving as her lips pressed against mine, taking what they wanted from me regardless of my own desires.
“Savannah we shouldn’t.”
I pulled back just long enough to speak before she pulled me in again more passionately, slipping her tongue between my lips. As we broke apart for a second time, I looked down into her eyes. It satisfied her having taken what she came here for tonight. Yet I was feeling nothing but uneasy.
“I’ve wanted to do that since the day I met you. You should probably get me home before everyone wonders where we are.”
Turning to step back from the car, the wind kicked up as I inhaled. A smell that was all too familiar to my senses.
Strawberries and peaches.
My eyes grew wide as I caught myself on the door as I closed Savannah in the car. It was like a dam being broken open as the memories flooded back to me. The sound of Katie moaning my name reverberated in my mind as I rounded the back of the car. The look on her face when we last spoke, filled with pain and defeat. She was so broken. I broke her.
Knocking the breath out of me, I dropped the keys onto the pavement. As I struggled to pick them up, I tried to steady my rapid breathing. How could I have ever forgotten her?
My name was Nathan Theodore King. I had royally screwed up my life. That’s why I was up in that plane, running from my mistakes. My best friend hated me. I had ruined the single best relationship I was ever going to be in. Katie was probably glad to have me gone. To top it all off, I was no longer lost and confused, well not about who I was or where I came from. Now I had a whole new problem.
Savannah and that kiss.
I really fucked up. Katie would never forgive me now.
