Saving Us

by Ashley Johnson

  “Yes, sir,” I say walking away from Sybil.

  “Are your parents still in town? They can come here also if they want, but they’d need to leave soon.” David tells me.

  “No sir, they went to my aunt’s house in Arkansas. Mom said it would be like a vacation for them.”

  I actually spoke to my parents yesterday. They wanted Sybil and I wanted to go with them, but I told them we already planned to be here. Mom worried of course, but I assured her everything would be ok.

  “That’s not a bad idea. We should have thought about that. How’s Sybil doing?”

  I look towards the house and shake my head. “She’s shook up about the whole thing. I don’t blame her. She’s sitting by the window right now looking outside, but once it starts to pick up, I’m going to have to get her away from it.”

  I grab the gas can, fill the generator, and we start it to hear it come to life. After we shut it off, we walk around the house making sure everything in the yard is either picked up or secured. We board up all the windows and the last one we board is the one Sybil was sitting in front of earlier. The wind is beginning to pick up a little, you can see it wreaking havoc on the tree limbs.

  Inside, I find Sybil on the couch flipping through a magazine trying to calm her nerves. “Hey, you ok?”

  “Yeah, just nervous. Ready for this to be over with.”

  “I know, it’s going to be ok though. I promise.”

  “I hope so.”

  She sets the magazine down and nearly jumps at the sound of thunder. Her eyes dart to the TV that’s showing nothing, but the swirling hurricane that is beginning its reign of terror on us.

  The rain begins to fall harder and thunder booms outside. The wind begins to howl and Sybil buries her head in my chest. My arms wrap around her holding her close. Lillian comes into the living room and sets a few candles out even though we assured her the generator is all set and ready to go if we lose power.

  Time seems to move slowly as we try to wait out the storm. Hurricane Aaron is officially here. The wind hasn’t stopped howling and the rain is falls relentlessly outside. It sounds like a nightmare. I’m glad Sybil can’t see outside right now. She’d definitely be freaking out more than she already is.

  One loud boom later, the lights go out completely and Sybil lets out a cry. Something happened outside though and we have no idea what it is. I jump up and follow David outside to turn the generator on. The wind is pushing us around as we try to get it cranked and when we finally do, I look towards the front yard and my heart stops. How the hell am I supposed to explain this to her?

  ***

  Sybil

  I know something is wrong. We somewhat have lights again thanks to the generator but the look on Cory’s face is telling me something is wrong. His hair and clothes are soaking wet from the rain and he walks up to me and wraps his arms around me. I push him away and stare him down.

  “What is wrong, Cory? Is it bad out there?”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty bad.” He says. I wait for him to elaborate but he doesn’t.

  “Tell me about it. I want to know.”

  “Sybil, please. Let’s just wait until the storm is over ok?”

  My eyes fill with tears. I don’t like the way this is going. “Cory, you can’t just say that. I can see it on your face. Tell me please.”

  He sighs running his hands over his face. When he looks at me, I’m suddenly not sure that I want to know what he’s about to say.

  “It’s the tree Sybil, it’s….”

  I don’t listen to another word he says. Hurricane or not, I run to the front door and rip it open before anyone can stop me. My hair flies all around my face from the wind and I’m being pelted by rain but I don’t care. Half of the tree is lying on the ground like nothing and my heart drops. The magnolia tree was so strong and now it’s lying on the grass like a heap of garbage. Lightning cracks across the sky as I run to the tree. Cory yells my name, but I don’t turn around to acknowledge him. This tree is everything to me, I hate this hurricane for taking this away from me too.

  I trip over a limb I can’t see and land on the cold, wet grass. Lightning strikes again and it’s the only way I can see anything around me. The wind howls around me but I just lie there next to the broken limbs and let the tears freely soak my cheeks along with the rain.

  “Sybil, you have to come back inside. It’s not safe out here!” Cory yells above the wind and rain.

  “Just leave me out here, Cory!”

  “I can’t do that Sybil and you know it!”

  “I said leave me alone! This tree, it meant everything to me and it’s gone now too. It was part of me and Caleb. It’s me and, and it’s you Cory and now it’s gone!”

  “I’m still here, Sybil,” he yells above the wind. “ I’m not fucking going anywhere. What do I have to do to make you see that? I know what this tree meant to you, but you can’t sit there and base everything off of a tree. I know you and Caleb had memories under this tree. Yes, you and I started memories under this tree too, but we can make our own memories elsewhere. I love you, Sybil.”

  For the first time since we’ve been outside, I turn to face him. My eyes squint from the rain and I watch him run his hands over his face. “What did you say, Cory?”

  “I said I love you, Sybil. I’m in love with you. I can’t keep that to myself any longer. You may not feel the same way, but I need you to know that I love you. I want to be with you and I want you to want to be with me too. I want to make you smile and make you happy. You saved me Sybil. We, we saved each other.”

  His words run through my head over and over again as the wind continues to howl. Cory just told me he loves me. Every emotion I have for him comes to surface and my heart begins racing. He’s standing there watching me, waiting to hear if I’m going to say anything and I know what I need to say. All this time of wondering how he really felt and it all makes sense now. I know he’s always felt protective of me. I know how Megan figured him out and he confessed his feelings towards me. I know he likes me because I like him too and now he loves me. We’ve crossed so many lines and this one, this is the ultimate line. I love him, I know I do.

  “Cory, I don’t know what to say. I mean, I know what to say, but you’re really sure?”

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

  “I love you too, Cory. I don’t deserve you at all.”

  “It’s me who doesn’t deserve you Sybil, but I want you. I want you so badly.”

  “Then, you’ve got me.” I tell him.

  He steps closer to me and extends his hand to me. He helps me up and crushes his lips against mine. My body liquefies at his touch and my mouth opens eagerly inviting him in. His mouth tastes salty and sweet at the same time as his tongue slowly massages mine. He breaks the kiss and smiles. “I love you so damn much now come on, you need to get inside before you get hurt or sick.”

  He grabs my hand as we run back into the house and once the door is shut, I let out a sigh. I’m freezing from the rain and Lillian meets me with a towel. “Come on Sybil, let’s go get you out of these clothes.”

  I follow her to the spare room where my bag is. Quickly, I step out of the wet clothes and place my sweatpants and a t-shirt on. Lillian smiles warmly at me and pats the bed beside her. I let myself relax and take a minute to get my thoughts together. So much just changed in the last few minutes and it’s a change I’m willing to welcome. I need this change and I need Cory just like he needs me.

  “I’m scared,” I whisper afraid to look her in the face.

  “What are you scared of, Sybil? Tell me what happened outside.”

  Her hand rests on my knee and I muster the courage to bring my eyes to hers. “The tree is gone.”

  “That’s what this is about? Sweetie, it’s just a tree. I know what it meant to you. That tree meant a lot to all of us but sometimes we just have to say goodbye. You of all people know that, Sybil. It’s just another thing we have to learn to get ove
r no matter how bad it hurts.”

  “I know. I just wasn’t prepared for this. I wasn’t prepared for any of the things that happened this year.”

  She pulls me in for a hug holding me tight. I cling to her and let out another sigh trying to figure out how the hell I’m supposed to tell her what really happened outside. Lillian has made it clear to me from the beginning how she supported Cory and me so I’m not sure why I’m finding this so hard.

  “You could have been hurt running out there in this weather. I’m just glad you’re ok. We just have to continue being there for each other no matter what. That’s what family does.”

  I smile and know she’s right. “Something else happened outside.” Her eyebrows raise as she looks at me patiently. “Cory told me he’s in love with me.”

  A contagious smile spreads across her face before she suddenly turns serious again. “Is this a good thing? Do you share that feeling with him?”

  Without hesitation I reply, “I do. I think I’ve felt it for a while now but never thought it was right to say it.”

  “He cares so deeply for you, Sybil. Caleb would be happy to know you have someone who will watch over you and do everything to keep you happy. I know we dread this time of year not knowing whether we’ll get a hurricane or not, but maybe this one happened for a reason. And that reason was to bring you and Cory closer.”

  Lillian speaks softly and her words hit me deep like a knife but not the kind that will kill me. A stray tear falls from my eye and I let it fall. I cry tears I didn’t realize I had but they are far from sad tears. I’ve cried enough of those and the sadness is finally gone. I can’t remember the last time I cried happy tears but here I am back in Lillian’s arms letting them flow freely.

  “He won’t hurt me right?” I ask.

  “I know he won’t.” she says softly against my hair. I believe her with everything in me. I believe I’ve finally found happiness again and I’ll hold onto it as tightly as I can. I’ll never let it go.

  Chapter 37

  Cory

  Sybil has been in the room with Lillian for a while now. The storm is still raging outside and hopefully we’re nearing the end. No one has really seen the full extent of the damage yet but we are still sheltered and that’s all that matters to me at this moment. David walks into the living room holding two bottles of water. He hands one to me and I nearly down the bottle in one gulp. I didn’t realize just how thirsty I was.

  “Guess when this storm is over, I’ll have to call and see about getting that tree removed. Is Sybil ok?” he asks.

  My eyes dart to him and I finish off the water bottle placing it on the coffee table before replying, “She was pretty upset about it but she’s better now.”

  He smiles and I know he can tell something but he doesn’t push at all. “Want something to eat? I’m going to grab a snack.”

  “No, thank you. I’m going to go check on Sybil and see if she’s ok. I’ll be right back.”

  He smiles again as I make my way to the spare room. The door is shut and I lightly knock. Lillian calls for me to come in and slowly I push the door open. Sybil is sitting on the bed in her sweatpants and when her eyes lock with mine, a faint smile appears on her face. Lillian squeezes her knee as she stands.

  “I’ll let you two talk.”

  “We’ll be out in just a minute.” I assure her.

  She walks out and closes the door behind her. One look at Sybil and I nearly fall apart. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Her hair is pulled back now and her eyes still haven’t left mine. Mine. She’s all mine. I’m happier than a kid on Christmas morning right now. I can’t take it anymore, I have to be near her. My feet carry me to the bed and slowly I sit beside her. Like a habit I can’t break, I pull her hand into mine and lace our fingers together.

  “You hand fits mine perfectly.” I tell her. Her face turns pink and her smile doesn’t fade. My body leans towards her and I plant a soft kiss on her cheek. “I had to make sure you were ok after outside.”

  She nods her head and draws in a deep breath. “We’ve been through so much, Cory. I know how I feel about you. I can’t lie about it but I just need to know you really mean this. We can’t undo this. I need to know that you really forgive me for the Blaine shit and everything else. I don’t want you secretly holding anything against me. If you want me, I’m yours, Cory. I’ll be all yours, as long as you want me.”

  “Sybil,” I say looking her dead in the eyes. “I don’t care about any of that. It’s the past. Parts of the past hurt like hell but that’s what we have each other for, to get through it. Together. I want you. I want all of you, Sybil. I want the good and the bad. As long as I want you? It’ll be forever, if that’s ok with you? Because I don’t want anyone else.”

  Tears fill her eyes and my other hand reaches up to wipe them away. “Why are you crying?” I whisper.

  “They aren’t sad tears, Cory. They’re happy ones. You make me so happy and I acted so stupid on it at first not realizing this is what was supposed to be.”

  “I thought it was wrong of me to love you at first but how can something that feels so right be wrong? I want to give you the life you deserve, Sybil. I’ll do everything in my power to make it happen.”

  “You’re too good to be true.” She smiles leaning closer to me. Her arms rests on my leg and I think of everything I can not to be affected here. Not in this house.

  My lips lightly brush hers. Anything to taste her sweet lips. I break the kiss for a second to reach into my pocket. I almost forgot I had this in there. Her eyes widen and her smile consumes me when she sees the pink chocolate wrapper.

  “This is for you. I love you, Sybil.”

  I open the chocolate and bring it to her lips. As she bites into it, she moans and I’m back to my happy thoughts to keep me sane. “I love you too, Cory.”

  “I really am so sorry about the tree, babe. I’m sorry you’ve hurt so much this year but that’s all going to change.”

  She leans into me and rests her head against my chest. I kiss her hair and hold her tight. She’s my life, she’s everything in this world to me.

  “You hear that?” she whispers.

  “What?”

  “It’s quiet outside. Maybe it’s over now.”

  “I’m not sure. Are you thirsty or anything?” I ask.

  “Not really. I’m pretty tired though, it’s been a long day.” She yawns and closes her eyes for a brief moment.

  Gently, I lay her back on the bed and her head finds its way back to my chest. The last thing she says before falling asleep causes my heart to soar. “I love you, so much Cory.”

  Never in my life did I think I’d ever really understand what love really meant but here with Sybil, I feel like I’m experiencing it for the first time.

  ***

  Sybil

  The sound of the air conditioner wakes me up. I rub my eyes and sit up to look at the clock on the wall. It’s a little after 7am. Geez, I passed out. Cory must already be up, he’s nowhere to be seen. I’m wondering when the lights came back on but at the same time, I’m very grateful that they are on. Slowly, I drag myself from the bed and wander out into the living room. Lillian greets me with a smile and hands me a cup of coffee.

  “Well, we survived the storm. Thankfully, we didn’t catch the worst of it. Besides the tree, the only damage is down tree limbs around the neighborhood.”

  They live on the same grid the hospital is located on so thankfully that’s why we have lights so soon. “When did the lights come back on?”

  “Maybe two hours ago. Cory and David are outside cleaning up the little bit they can.”

  “Thanks for letting us stay here last night. I meant to thank you yesterday.” I tell her.

  She waves her hand like it’s no big deal. “Don’t you worry about it. Your safety means everything to us.”

  We sit and chat for a few minutes about everything under the sun. I’m smiling and laughing. Damn, it feels good. My smile wid
ens when Cory comes walking in the door. He approaches me with just as big a grin on his face and kisses my cheek.

  “You ready to head back to the apartment Syb?”

  All I can do is nod my head yes. I stand and pull Lillian in for a hug. When David walks inside, I do the same thing. We say our goodbyes and head outside. My eyes dart towards the tree in its pathetic shape. Seeing it in the daylight is much different and it breaks my heart but I keep my emotions in check. All good things must come to an end and Cory was right, we will make our own memories.

  Cory is extra cautious driving back to the apartment. There really isn’t any debris in the streets but we don’t want to take that chance. I’ve never been more relieved to see my car and our apartment building, untouched. Inside, I’m thanking God this storm wasn’t worse and praying for the ones who were truly affected.

  Inside, I turn to face Cory and wrap my arms around his neck. “I love you.”

  His lips land on mine fiercely as he pulls me closer. His hand cups my butt and I moan into his mouth. He picks me up, my legs instinctively wrap around his waist and he carries me into the room.

  “I love you too, beautiful. God, I wanted to touch you so bad last night.” He says as he tosses his shirt onto the floor before reaching for mine. My chest rises and falls with every breath I take. Every time I see him, it takes my breath away.

  His mouth starts at my neck and trails kisses down to my breast. He pulls one into his mouth, gently caressing it before tugging at my sweatpants that I never changed out of. In one swift tug, they are on the ground and he slides his finger inside me. I moan, begging to feel more of him. He delivers when he continues to trail kisses down between my thighs. I suck in my breath as he gently licks, before completely assaulting my clit. Oh god, this feels amazing. His tongue feels like pure magic. My body begins to convulse as he continues to thrust his fingers in and out moving them melodically with the rhythm of his tongue. I scream his name as I lose complete control.