Chapter Three

I walked over to my little corner and laid out my comfort Blanket...it made me feel protected, but for some odd reason I didn't feel like wrapping up in it like I normally would have. And I think it's because Vince was there with me this time. So many hours and nights spent in my little cabin. "Ya know this would be an awesome place to live." Vince lit up another dragon's blood incense. The orange glow it emitted added a nice touch to the wooden walls surrounding us. 

"Yeah I hoped to maybe truly live here when I turn eighteen." I sat my candle back on the window sill and turned to find Vince sitting on my blanket.

 "You seem to have already made yourself at home." I crossed my arms. He patted the spot next to himself. I hesitated for a moment. 

"I promise I don't bite...much." He winked. I rolled my eyes and joined him. I sat as close to the edge of the blanket I could keeping at least half a foot between us. He leaned back against the wall and propped his hands on his knees. "Do you believe in the stories you write?" He sighed. I brushed a piece of my hair behind my ear and looked at him curiously. He was looking me straight in the eyes. I suddenly became very aware of him. His looks, his eyes, his smell, and his emotion. His eyes swirled with a grey mist and seemed to be so sad. He reminded me of the Precious Moments figurines my mom used to collect. Tear shaped eyes. His smell was so inticing I somehow became only and inch or two away from his arm. 

"Sometimes....but then I realize they're just dreams of mine, wishes I suppose. Dreams are not reality and I've learned to accept that sad fact of life. Why do you ask?"
"I think you and I might have the same dreams then." He smiled a sad smile. "I know you're wondering why I'm here, just the same as I'm wondering about you." I nodded and smiled a sad smile back. 

"My life's not as perfect as you make it seem Vince. I worked really hard to get to where I'm at. I have to in order to get somewhere other than here. In order to make something of myself."

 "And why do you want to leave? It's obvious you've been hurt by someone...you're makeups still smeared from where you've been crying. At least that's what I'm assuming. Ya know having you're heart broken isn't the worst thing in the world." I laughed and automatically wiped at my face.

 "Oh how you think you know me. No one broke my heart, not to say my hearts not been broken but no, that's not why I run here. I believe it's my turn for a question. What's your reason for running?"

 "So we're playing questions are we? Fine....My dad. He's an alcoholic and is really bad into drugs. He's never been one to really care for my existence but when he gets into his phases I'm his favorite." He slid off the jacket he was wearing and winced in pain. I noticed how frayed his clothing was and then the blood....I couldn't help but gasp. He had no shirt on underneath and a five inch cut on his right arm smeared with blood. His left shoulder was covered in black and purple bruises. And his rippled stomach looked liked he'd been hit with a whip. Everything stood out horribly on his beautiful pale skin. He lowered his head at the troubled expression on my face.

I raised my hand slowly towards his face and brushed away his hair. He shivered away from my touch and I lowered my hand. I saw the small cut running at the top of his hairline. "I'm so sorry." I moved a little away from him. I didn't want to make him more uncomfortable I don't even know why I touched him! "That b*****d....scuse my french." He laughed. "What? That's not funny. You're dad's a prick I don't even see how you're laughing!"

 "I just didn't expect to hear you cuss, that's all."

 "There's a lot you won't expect of me Mr. Thinks-He-Knows-So-Much."I crossed my arms again.

 "Well i showed you mine now you tell me yours." He smirked at his own little joke." I flipped my hair to one side and slid off my over shirt. I lifted my tank just enough so he could see one gash on my back and the bruise on my shoulder. All of a sudden he jumped up. The color his eyes turned and the look of anger he had on his face startled me. "What's wrong? I didn't mean to make you angry if I did somehow. My step dad's a prick too. I was just-" He cut me off. 

"Where is he?"

 Where's who? Vince seriously you're freaking me out."

 "No one has a right to do that to a woman, especially you Serenity! Especially you..." I heard him mutter. He grabbed his jacket and started putting it back on. I blushed. He seemed so angry that someone had hurt me...he seemed to care...