by Price, Faith
She could hear his breath catch before he spoke again. “You look so much like her.”
“Mike told me.”
“Dammit, I didn’t plan it! I didn’t know you’d look like her…but…but I was glad you did.”
“It’s ok, Lawson.”
“You’re so much better than her in here.”
Serene could hear him thump his chest. “Please, Lawson, we can make this work. Just let me see you.”
“I was lonely, Serene. I just needed company. I had no idea I would get someone like you; that I would fall in love with you.”
Serene crossed to him and took his hand, pulling him gently into the firelight. She didn’t gasp or grimace. She had actually imagined worse. He didn’t have eyelashes, and his eyebrows were scant. The worst part of the burn scars were still pinkish, even after all the time that had passed. They spread around his eyes and to the top of his head. She ran a hand over them and smiled.
“It’s not ugly.”
“Don’t lie to me just to show me pity.”
Serene smiled broader and kissed his lips. She put her arms around his neck and breathed in his special scent. “You are precious to me. My knight on a white horse and,” she pulled back and stared into his eyes, “you will always be beautiful to me.”
Lawson took several shuddering breaths and cried. He stood before her with his arms hanging loosely at his sides and let out all the tears he had held in for so long. For once it was Serene’s turn to comfort him. She felt content. She knew her joy was going to return with the first rays of sunlight; just as soon as he purged and realized that she wasn’t going anywhere.
She didn’t rush him. They sat in front of the fire kissing and touching until nearly dawn. Words just weren’t necessary. Lawson finally stood and held out his hand to help her up.
“I’ve been a fool.”
“Yep.” Serene laughed at his pained expression. “But, I forgive you.” She said and kissed his cheek. “I want to help you shave your head; you missed a spot.”
Lawson looked at her and grinned, taking her other hand firmly in his. “Do you like this place?”
“I do, but we might need a decorator.”
“Yeah, that’s what Mike said.”
“I hear there is an excellent cleaning crew around. They can even clean shit off of walls!”
“Is that so?”
Serene’s laughter echoed through the attic and two birds outside took flight.
“Come on,” Lawson said tugging on her hand. “Let’s go home.”
~~ The End ~~
