As I reached in and clasped the dried flower, revealing it to Kyle and Daniel, my lungs nearly malfunctioned.
The rose fell to the bed as I wheezed, struggling for breath, clutching at the sheet that barely covered my breasts. My eyes closed firmly as I fought a scream. The oxygen in the room evaporated along with my earlier, jubilant mood.
“Dakota, what is it?” Kyle had me in his arms in a heartbeat. His warm, strong body provided little comfort as my chest heaved.
I couldn’t speak. Only I knew the momentous symbolism the rose had. How something so shriveled and lifeless could impart such a reaction.
“A…monster!” My voice was barely a whisper. There was nothing as true as those words in that moment.
“It’s okay. It’s just a rose. Shhh. Calm down. I’m here. I won’t let anything bad happen.”
The words failed to appease me as I was lost to the widening chasm, swallowing the room up.
Kyle pulled my head further into his chest as he folded himself around me. I could hear his swift heartbeat that seemed to motor along in tempo with mine.
“What’s got you so upset?”
“The…rose! Why did…you…give me…a dried rose?” I said under an obstructed breath.
I’d told him never to give me roses. They were a symbol from my past that invoked bitter memories. Had he forgotten? Was this just a silly joke? Was I overreacting?
My ex-husband John’s face almost became visible, grotesque and menacing, scowling up from the pale red, flower bud, lying dead on the contrasting black sheet.
“I didn’t. I haven’t forgotten. I wouldn’t do anything so stupid, I promise.”
The sincerity in his voice had me shaking over the alternative. There shouldn’t have been an alternative. I hated to think of it. Jesus! Could it be? I felt faint. Pins and needles stabbed at my extremities. I fought for a logical explanation. There had to be one. My head swooned.
Don’t faint! Don’t faint! Keep it together. Breathe.
“Dakota, are you okay?” A meek voice, bordering on manhood broke the quiet.
Daniel had witnessed my meltdown and was probably struggling to understand.
Kyle’s embrace was rigid as he uttered the words I couldn’t. “Oh Daniel! It’s okay. Just a memory, that’s all. She’ll be fine, I promise. Why don’t you go get ready for school? She’ll be out soon.”
Daniel eyeballed me suspiciously as I peeked over at him, his eyebrows a long slash across his forehead. But he didn’t argue. He, if anyone knew what it was like to remember things. Nightmares we had tried in vain to lock away. Nightmares he still struggled with every day.
“Well, if you’re sure she’s okay.” His voice cracked as he slowly pivoted and walked to the door, turning once to look over his shoulder. He fastened his eyes on me and I tried to comfort him with a smile but he was too smart for that. He could read my pain better than anyone, sometimes even better than myself.
When we were on our own and my breathing had returned to some semblance of normal, Kyle spoke, “Talk to me, angel. What is it? What’s got you so spooked?”
The thought of even saying the words aloud caused my pulse to accelerate again.
“He’s been here.”
“Who? Who’s been here?”
“John!”
“Come again?”
“I know it sounds crazy.” My knuckles were white as I balled my hands into fists, thumbs locked tightly under my fingers. “John used to give me a single red rose every anniversary. Even…”
The memory shattered me. Giant cracks jagged and sharp. “Even the last year I was with him. He still gave me that stupid, red rose like some sick reminder that I belonged to him and always would.” It was the first time I’d given Kyle a reason behind my hatred of roses. I’d kept my explanation vague last time but this was now serious.
Acid rose into my throat bringing with it an intense urge to throw up. I retched, trying desperately to not let that happen. Tears sprinkled onto my cheeks like fresh rain.
Kyle’s formerly rigid body now tightened further to rock hard granite. The hand cradling my head squeezed a wad of hair.
“What day is it?”
I was confused. “Friday.”
“No, I mean what is the date today?”
“November fifth.”
With a sudden realization came a thumping in my head that threatened to explode my skull. Of course! How could I forget? I squashed on my bottom lip with my teeth, alarm bells ringing. This was bad. Very bad! Today was my anniversary!
I fumbled for the envelope, pressing it out flat so I could read the writing on the front. Black pen had scribbled a name with an exclamation mark after it and underlined.
Dakota!
I crumpled under Kyle’s hold.
“Noooo! Please no!” It was more of a whisper than a wail. My legs curled up towards my torso into the comfortable, safe fetal position. I knew the implications of the hand delivered message with the familiar handwriting. He had found me. He’d been to the front door. He knew where I lived! He’d come to take me home. It was all over. He’d stop at nothing! This was a man who had traveled thousands of miles to hand deliver a rose! He meant business. My two worlds had finally collided.
About the Author
I am married and a mother of two beautiful children, living in sunny Queensland, Australia. I’ve been reading books ever since I can remember and love all things related to books. Writing has become an extension of that and I hope to pursue a full time writing career. I currently write part-time and work as a remedial massage therapist. I love spending time with family and hope to one day travel to Italy and England.
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Losing You (Finding You Series Book 2) Page 21
