by Macy Farmer
“Natalia, we’re going to have to put you into hiding. You’re going to be staying at Dave’s place a few mountains over. Seager, of course, will be with you.” He struggled with what he had to say next. “I can’t be with you. I’m going with Dave and Cheryl.”
“No.” My heart sank when he said he couldn’t stay with me. I knew he had to go to ensure Andrew would fall for the trap but the thought of being without him terrified me. Lifting me from my seat, he sat me down on his lap.
“Don’t be frightened. Jesse and Colleen will be around to protect you. They’ll be out of sight but they’ll be there.”
“So it’ll just be me and Seager, by ourselves?” My body felt numb.
“No, Bill will be there with you the entire time. He’ll make sure you have everything you need so that you won’t need to go into town. We trust him.”
“How can he protect me? He’s human.”
Bradley laughed but not wholeheartedly.
“He’ll keep in touch, he’ll be our contact.”
We heard a knock at the door.
“That’ll be them now.” He stood us up and started to walk towards the door.
“We’re not going to get a chance to say goodbye properly?” I had hoped to have a few more hours alone with him.
“No, we need to do this now. Andrew is out of town so we need get you out of here. It’s the only way I can keep you safe.”
He let everyone in. That’s when it hit me I would be alone with Bill. Did my dream have something to do with this?
My heart started to race when Bill turned to Bradley saying, “I promise to do my very best to protect her. I know how much she means to you.”
“She is my life, Bill. Without her there is no me.” He gazed into my eyes lovingly as he said those words to Bill.
Colleen brought in a bag full of hair colors and contacts. Apparently Cheryl volunteered to be the bait. She was going to impersonate me. We spent the next few hours coloring and cutting Cheryl’s hair to look just like mine. She looked good with brownish blonde hair and green eyes. And the contacts, they almost matched perfectly. We dressed her in my clothes and from a distance or at a glance she could pass for me.
When Bradley came out of our bedroom with a duffle bag full of my things I began to cry. I didn’t want to leave him. This was not how I wanted to spend our last moments together. Bill took my bags, which also included Seager’s toys and supplies, and loaded them in his car.
“Wait.” I ran to my room to grab my pictures of my parents and of Bradley, but they weren’t there.
“I already packed them for you.” Bradley turned me to face him and wrapped his arms around me. “I’m sorry, but it has to be this way.”
“When will I see you again?” I couldn’t look him in the eyes. My heart would break.
“I’m not sure, my love.” He held me tight.
“Will I be able to talk to you?”
“Not at first, but eventually. Please be brave, Natalia.”
“O-okay.” I couldn’t stop the tears. The pain in my chest was unbearable. I just wanted to leave instead of prolonging it. I felt like running away.
He lifted my chin and my cloudy eyes met his. “Before you, Natalia, I wandered on this earth aimlessly, lost. Since the first day I saw you everything has changed. I have a purpose, a reason to live. It’s because of you I am the man I’ve always wanted to be. I like who I am. I’m proud to be your husband, honored to be your friend and eternally grateful to be your lover. Please never forget how much I love you. You’ll always be my sweet Natalia.”
Sobbing uncontrollably I mumbled, “You are my ‘White Knight.’ I love you. Please come back to me. Please.”
Gazing deeply into my eyes he found what he sought. And, for a moment I thought he changed his mind because whatever he saw caused a wave of regret to pass over his face. But instead of changing his mind he kissed me unlike ever before. Totally dazed I didn’t have any time to say anything when he put me in Bill’s car.
With his hand cupped on my cheek, he looked at Bill and said, “Bill, this is a great honor I give you. I would die and kill for this woman. Remember that she is MY wife.” When he kissed me one last time I knew what he had seen.
“Bradley, wait, please.” I grabbed onto his hand. “Please, I don’t want to go. I want to stay with you.”
“I love you, Natalia. It’s okay. I know why you didn’t say anything. Regardless of what could happen between the two of you I need to do this. It’s the only way to keep you safe and to beat Andrew this time.” He stroked the side of my face.
“It was just a dream not a vision. I didn’t want to upset you. I don’t know why I dreamt it. I love you, Bradley.”
“I know you do. I love you, too,” he said before telepathically adding, “It’s okay.” He looked at Bill as if he would be his future competition then said, “It’s time for you to leave, Bill. Prolonging this is upsetting Natalia. You know what to do when you get there.”
“No, Bradley, I don’t want to go. Please, no!” I cried and pleaded but it didn’t work. He handed me an envelope and backed away from the car so that Bill could pull away.
I removed my seatbelt and climbed into the back seat with Seager. He tried his best to comfort me but there was only one person who could stop these tears, this pain. To him, the need to protect me from Andrew was stronger than the need to keep me from his possible future competition. The tears didn’t stop, I just cried myself to sleep. Dave’s house is about an hour away from ours. When we arrived I barely felt Bill pick me up and take me into the house. When he placed me in the bed, I woke. Dark and unfamiliar with my surroundings, I became startled. While shutting the door I heard him say, “Everything will be okay.”
Quickly, I remembered what happened and searched for Seager. When I saw him in the bed beside to me I just curled up next to him.
“It’s going to be okay, Nat.” Seager’s words didn’t sooth me. It felt like someone took my heart. There was a big hole in my chest where it used to be. Again, I cried myself to sleep.
Chapter 11
“Natalia, it’s time for you to get up. It’s been days since you’ve come out of this room.” Seager licked my face.
“Alright, fine.”
It’d been almost a week since I left Bradley. Sequestered from my true love and all my friends, I hadn’t left the room. Three times a day Bill would leave a tray of food and water. I hadn’t seen him the entire time. He’d even been taking care of Seager.
“Before you do anything, don’t you want to read the letter Brad gave you the day we left?”
I had forgotten about it. The envelope laid on the nightstand waiting to be read. I opened it so quickly I almost ripped it.
My dearest Natalia,
I love you with all I am. I will miss you. Remember that I’m doing this for us, so that we can put an end to Andrew and live our lives without any fear.
No matter what happens while you’re away, I’ll understand. Loneliness can play cruel tricks on one’s mind especially when they’re vulnerable. All will be forgiven.
My heart… I left it with you so I’ll be coming for it as soon as I can.
Love, your husband. Always, Bradley
I folded the letter back up and placed it under my pillow. There is no way anything will happen between Bill and me, regardless of how lonely or vulnerable I get. My heart belongs to Bradley and no one else.
I followed Seager out into the living room. Dave’s place was a lot different than Bradley’s; everything was decorated in a country theme. Knowing Dave the way I do I wouldn’t have thought he’d be a country boy.
Bill sat on the sofa watching the news when I walked in. As soon as he noticed me he jumped up saying, “Natalia, what a relief to see you. How are you feeling?” He really did look relieved. Before he saw me, he kept fidgeting nervously.
“Sad.” I sat down on the far end of the couch. “Have you heard from Bradley?”
“Yeah, about an hour ago. He sou
nded a little worried ‘cause you hadn’t gotten up yet, but he didn’t want me to wake you. He’ll probably call back in a little bit to talk to you.”
Bill had really long blonde hair that he wore up in a ponytail. It suited his facial features. His eyes were sky blue. Although he’s around my age, he could still pass for a teenager.
“How’s everything else going?” I wasn’t sure what he did and didn’t know. I should have asked Bradley. I’m not even sure if Bill knows what Bradley and Dave really are.
He started to fidget nervously again. “Brad said if you asked, and he said you would, to tell you that he loves you.”
I smiled. “I love him, too.” I looked over at Seager and he was waging his tail. I gave Bill a stern look and demanded, “Next time… if I’m sleeping, I insist that you wake me up. I need to talk to him. If I’m in the shower give a holler and I’ll get out. It’s important.” I wanted Bradley to know that I love him and to be safe. I also needed to know what Bill knew about all of us.
“Okay. Are you hungry? I made up some sandwiches earlier, bologna and cheese with lettuce, tomato and mayo. We have chips, too.” He jumped up and gestured with his hand for me to follow.
Hungry, I followed him to the kitchen. As he walked by it, he picked up Seager’s food dish and placed it on the counter. I grabbed the food dish and asked where the food was kept. He pointed to the bottom cabinet next to the fridge. I put in a few scoops and set it back on the floor. We all ate lunch together.
After I helped clean up I reminded him of what I said earlier. “I’m going to get in a quick shower. Don’t forget what I said, whistle if he’s on the phone and I’ll get out.”
“Okay.” His expression seemed puzzled and often nervous.
I made sure I had everything ready just in case I had to hurry and get out of the shower. My intention was to get in and out but once again, when the hot water hit my aching body… it felt too good. Twice the water went cold before it got hot again. By the time I finally finished with my shower, brushed my teeth, and combed my hair, I was tired again. It’s exhausting being this emotional.
My drawers were filled with jeans, t-shirts, a sweat outfit, and pajamas instead of skirts, blouses, and lingerie. If Colleen had packed my bags, the dresser would have been full of the latter. That would have made this experience a complete nightmare. Immediately I grabbed my blue sweat outfit and put it on. Bradley always liked it when I wore blue, he would say, ‘It makes your eyes look dreamy. All I want to do is get lost in them.’
Afterwards, I went to sit out in the living room to wait for Bradley’s call. The recliner was soft and snuggly, when you sank into the cushion it seemed to wrap itself around you. I drifted off to sleep until I felt someone, Bill, pick me up and put me to bed.
For weeks that had been our routine. I still hadn’t heard from Bradley and it drove me insane not knowing how he was, if he was okay. Why wouldn’t he call?
Pacing back and forth in the living room I remembered Bradley had said that Colleen and Jesse would be watching over me. Immediately I thought, ‘I needed to get outside to find them.’
“Hey, Bill, would you mind keeping me company while I take a short walk? I really need some fresh air.” I smiled shyly at him in an effort to, well, I guess to flirt with him so that he wouldn’t say no. I had a bad feeling about the flirting part but I really needed to talk to Bradley.
Extremely eager, he replied, “Okay.”
Apparently he had taken several strolls by himself already. He seemed to know which paths to follow. The scenery was nice but I really didn’t get a chance to see and admire it because I was searching for Colleen or Jess. We walked a path that went down the mountain a ways then back up. We weren’t out long before he insisted that we should go back.
“Where’s the answer machine?” I asked the second my foot stepped into the house.
“It’s in the kitchen on the counter.” He plopped on the couch and turned on the TV.
I checked the caller ID and Bradley’s number wasn’t listed but Colleen’s was. I pressed the play button and nothing happened. I pressed it again and again. Again nothing happened. Disappointed I went back into the living room.
“Did anyone call?” Bill asked without removing his eyes from the TV.
“Yes, Colleen did, but the answer machine isn’t working. I pushed the button and nothing happened.” I stood there pouting. Mumbling I said, “How could Bradley not call me? I don’t understand.” Confused I sat down to try and figure out why he didn’t call me, what could possibly keep him from doing so? Anxiety turned into panic as the thought of something bad happening to my Bradley. Logically thinking, there would only be one reason he hasn’t called. I started to hyperventilate after that thought. Bill took his eyes from the TV and looked startled as he stared at me. Horrible thoughts, not visions, raced through my mind and the tears started to fall. Bill raced over, sat next to me, and took my hands in his.
“What’s the matter, why are you crying?”
Sobbing I said, “What if something happened to my Bradley?” I jumped up, I’m leaving. “Bill you have to take me home. I need to see him. I need to know what’s going on.”
“I can’t let you leave, Nat. I promised Brad.”
“Well it’s not your decision. Either you can drive me or I’ll walk.” I waited a second for his answer. When he didn’t, I stomped across the living room and ran out the front door. Standing outside, with Seager next to me, I looked around trying to decide which way to go. Since I didn’t have a clue, I just started walking.
Just a few feet away, not far from the house I heard Bill yelling for me to return. At first I ignored him, that was until he said, “He’s on the phone, Nat.”
Spinning around too quickly, I lost my balance and tripped, hurting my ankle. Crawling back towards the house someone grabbed me by my upper left arm, lifting me to my feet before picking me up into their arms. It all happened so quickly there was no time to scream. Relieved to see it was Jesse, I wrapped my arms around his neck and let out a huge breath of relief.
“You are so clumsy, Nat.” Smiling he kissed my forehead, “That’s from Brad. Nat, you need to stay here.” We were already in Dave’s house. He placed me on the sofa saying, “He can’t call they’re close. Brad trusts you so you need to trust him.”
I cut him off looking at Bill, “You said Bradley was on the phone. Well…”
“I told Brad that Jesse is here. He said that you would be okay now so he’ll call you back later. He also said he ‘loves you and that he can still feel you.’”
“No.” I got up and limped off to my room.
“Nat, he needs to do this. Give him a break.” Jesse said.
“I know. Good night.” I didn’t turn on the light after entering my room I just laid down on the bed. My heart aching for Bradley.
There was a knock at the door, “Can I come in?” Jesse asked.
“Yes.” But I was thinking no.
He came in, turned on the light then shut the door and draped his arm over my shoulder. “Nat, I know you miss him…”
“No, Jess, not fully. Picture the roles reversed, Colleen in my position and you in Bradley’s position.” I waited a few seconds, to give it that special affect. When I saw him wince at the thought I knew he agreed with me so I continued, “What if this goes on for weeks or months? I can’t even talk to him?” Thinking that Jesse would still side with Bradley, I decided it was more important to find out what Bill knew.
“Jess, what does Bill know? Does he know about you… about all of you?”
“Yes. And he knows why it’s important that you don’t stray far. There’s plenty to see around here.” He handed me a map that someone drew. “This will show the way to a small waterfall. Further down is a tree that has a tire hanging from it; you could go for a swing. There’s two ATV’s on the other side of the house.” He waved his hand in the air. “Dave said you could use them.”
“Does he know about me?” I wasn’t very speci
fic about who ‘he’ was.
“Who Brad? I’m going to talk to him, Nat. But I can’t promise anything. Honestly if it was me instead of Brad, I’d be doing the same thing had I thought of it. It’s a good plan. Now watching how this affects you, that’s hard to take. However, if it were Colleen and she’d been like this I’d want to know. I would insist on comforting her, to reassure her everything was fine.”
Smiling at the possibility of seeing Bradley I said, “No, I was talking about Bill, does he know about me?”
“Oh… no, Bill doesn’t know about you. You have to know that none of us, especially Brad, would say anything. We wouldn’t jeopardize you that way.” He frowned, scrunching his eyes together.
“I didn’t mean to imply that, Jesse. It’s just that I haven’t said much to Bill because I didn’t know what he knew. Now that I do, maybe it’ll get a little better.” Trying to pretend that it would get better if I could have a conversation with him, a sharp pain stabbed my heart.
“You’re not a good liar, Nat. Anyway, try to understand Brad’s side. You’re everything to him. He’s a changed man since you came into his life. Brad needs to concentrate on the matter at hand, Nat. The sooner they take care of things the sooner you will be able to go home.” He hugged me tight.
Jesse’s right, it really hadn’t been that long and Bradley was doing it for us, to protect me.
“Okay, I understand and I’ll stop feeling sad. I’ll get up every day and stop sulking.”
“Give me another hug. I need to go home. Hopefully we’ll see each other soon.” He hugged me one last time before kissing me on my forehead and saying, “That’s from Brad.”
“See you later. Tell Bradley I love and will be waiting for him.” I kissed his cheek and said, “That’s for him.” I giggled.
***
Days and nights went by and still no update from Bradley.
Over the next few weeks Bill and I spent every waking hour together.
