Chapter 3

Nathan

Alex's statement from last night was true. The flight is long indeed.

Lucinda did not get much sleep despite her efforts and quickly dozed off after the plane's take off.

In one hand she clutches the fabric of my shirt while in the other she grasps my wrist so tightly, I can feel the bruise forming. Alex gives me a look of bloodlust which I ignore. I really don't care how much he wants to kill me. He'll figure that out soon enough.

Still I do not remove Lucinda from me. If it means she'll get some rest then I'll happily endure 1000x more pain as I am right now.

I run my fingers through her hair, and begin to understand why it has become her habit. It's calming for both of us. I feel myself begin to nod off too...

When I wake we have already landed and my arm is draped over Lucinda. She has been awake but hasn't moved from her original position. I remove myself from her to stretch and watch as she does the same. When I ask her about it, she simply shrugs and answers, "I didn't want to wake you," which I find ironic indeed.

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Alice's timeshare is quaint.

It doesn't take long to get settled. Lucinda and I share one room. Alex is sharing a room with Seth and Alice and Adrian share the third room. We arrive late in the night and all anyone wants to do is sleep in an actual bed.

I lay in bed with my eyes closed waiting for Lucinda. I can feel her eyes on me. She hovers just above me, I expect her to kiss my forehead like she always does, so I pay no mind. To my surprise, however her lips press a timid kiss against mine! My eyes snap open. She sits on her knees motionless and wordless watching me as if to gauge my reaction. Even so, I notice a light flush in her cheeks. I lay perfectly still and stare back. After a moment, with a timid hand she lightly traces my jawline. Again I do not react. Then she hesitantly kisses me softly again. I return it. Her timid and gentle kisses and touch remind me of something but the fleeting memory slips from my mind before I can grasp it. However it brings with it anger.

"Stop." I hiss, much to her surprise.

I pin her against me, which perhaps defeats the purpose but at this point I don't care.

"Don't you get it?! I can't give you what you need!"

Her eyes shone brightly.

"No you don't understand. You are all I need."

Her eyes shine with tears. She shuts them, trying to will them away, no doubt. I feel my sudden flare of temper calm. I didn't mean to hurt her. I never do.

"Don't leave me..." she whispers, her voice cracking a bit. I'm not sure if she's talking to me or herself but the effect is the same.

Something about this statement coming from her breaks me, my anger dissolves, and I give in, pulling her close to my chest securely, as though comforting a child. She quivers and grasps me tightly. Like I'm her only lifeline. I cant help but find that rather ironic. I touch my lips to her head anyway.

As she buries herself into me she whispers, "I feel so safe with you..."

I'm amazed how she can say that so easily to not only the man who is ruining her life but a killer as well.

I feel her slipping from consciousness and mutter half to her and half to my self, "You shouldn't."

But she is fast to sleep and likely never heard those words.

Eventually I too decide to sleep. As I close my eyes I feel a dream playing on the edge of my mind.

Sea spray washes over us both and the salty air overwhelms the my senses.

I wade knee deep into the water.

"Lucinda." I call.

"Come on Lucinda!"

She shakes her head.

"No. I don't like water."

"Oh come on you're not a cat are you?"

"Well no but-"

"Then get over here!" I say, splashing some water at her.

"Nathan!" she shouts indignantly.

I find myself grinning ear to ear ad she tears down the sand and tackles me onto my back. It doesn't take long for her frustration to turn into childish laughter as we lay on top of each other in the surf, completely soaked. I cup her face in one hand and press my lips to hers.

"I love you, Lucia..."

The dream shifts and we are children again. My brother Jacob has returned.

"Uuuuugh...Can't we stop?" Jake groans, trudging along the path ahead of the us. "My feet are KIIIIIILLING ME...."

Although he was acting extremely out of character, Nathan knew his brother was just trying to annoy their father.

The man behind the them rolled his eyes at the boy's comment, retorting, "I'm sure they are, Jacob." At the sound of his father's sarcastic tone, he whips around to face the small group, a scowl on his face. "Well, THEY ARE!"

Lucinda giggled slightly at Jake's flamboyant antics; Jacob was just too much, sometimes. Feeling quite rejected, Jacob turned his back from the group, and started to walk faster up the hill-side trail, forgetting about our agreement to stay together. Knowing Jake would never fully leave them behind, the rest of the group continued on after him, speaking casually every once in a while. After a couple of minutes, Jacob was at the top of the hill - frozen stiff. Noticing his rigid pose, the rest of the group halted as well. Jacob gasps.

"I'LL RACE YOU THERE! LAST ONE'S A ROTTEN EGG, LOSERS!"

Jake took off down the opposite side of the hill, shedding the top layers of his clothing into the wind. With confused faces, the other two children hurry, as they watch the dark haired boy scale the remainder of the hill, to see what it was that caused their quite stubborn friend to have such a dramatic change of heart. Their bright eyes widened, taking in the sight before them; joy began to fill every corner of their deprived hearts, just as Jake's was filled.

The vast lake that lay ahead of them gleamed, even with the minimal amount of sunlight that broke through the clouds. Observing such an innocent haven left the children in awe. Lucinda reluctantly turned away from the lake to get Nathan and Jake’s father's attention.

"Mr. Ashford! Look! It's a lake!" The young girl beamed at the man as he finally made it to the end of the hill. He smiled back down at her, clamping a hand onto her shoulder.

"Yes, yes it is, Lucinda." The rather brash tone in the adult's voice caused poor little Lucinda's face to fall in confusion. The cold man continued to jeer his lurking smirk at her. After what seemed like an eternity, Nathan slowly split the two, and carefully escorted Lucinda away from their his sick father. Walking (rather nervously) down the hill, he exchanged a quick, "It's okay. He's just....excited....." to the uncharacteristically vexed Lucinda. With the bob of her head, and a small "mmm-hm.", he knew she'd be alright.

A loud shriek from the lake caused the two to look ahead. Jake had stripped himself of all of his clothes, excluding his boxers, and had dived into the lake. The ice cold lake. Hearing the boy's howls of complaint, we sped up their pace to join him.

"AH! COLDCOLDCOLD! YIKES!" Nathan smirked as he watched his brother jump around in the water, still attempting to get used to the chilly sensation. A laugh escaped from Lucinda mouth. "Maybe you shouldn't always jump right into things, Jacob!" she teased. At that comment, Jake stood erect in the water, unmoving and defiant.

"Pffhh! It's not THAAAT cold. Jeez Luce, you always exaggerate!" he stated, crossing his arms. "I'd like to see you two get in here! WHIMPS!" Satisfied with his comeback, he dunked back under the water with a large resonating SPLASH! Seeing this as a great moment to outshine his brother, Nathan began to strip himself of his clothes as well. Lucinda decided to take a seat by a desolate tree planted right on the shore of the lake. The leaves draped far over the lake, and created a sort of cove. Lucinda, being captivated by such an aesthetic scene, sat staring upward at the mysterious greenery. The quiet orphaned girl was not accustomed to beholding such plant life - if any at all. She was content.

The sound of a small splash awakened Lucinda from her trance. When she glanced down at the water, she saw a mess of black hair and a pair of silver eyes staring back at her. Nathan. She slid him a small smile, and he lifted the rest of his head out of the water. She silently continued to look at him, waiting for him to speak. He lifted his slick arms out of the water, and rested them on the cliff-like shore she was sitting upon. For a moment, all they did was stare at each other. Lucinda's face began to feel a little warm, so she turned away from him.

Feeling that he he'd gotten her attention, he began. "You looked lonely over here, Lucinda. Is something wrong? Won't you come swim with us?" Nathan's soft words seemed to echo around the small cavern. Lucinda glanced at him, and then out at the water.

"Well, I....." Nathan pulled himself out of the water, and sat next to his friend. He crossed his legs and sat silently, waiting for her to continue. Lucinda's eyebrows furrowed. Nervousness and embarrassment swarmed her. Nathan quickly picked up on the change of attitude, and went on ahead. He knew why she was so embarrassed; She's never swam with them before, and she had a loose-fitting, "now-that-she’s-a-budding-child, - I-guess- I-should -go-out-and-get-her-a-bra" bra given to her by her aunt. He rose from his sitting position, crawling over to face her head-on. He placed his hands on her downcast shoulders. Lucinda lifted her face to stare at him through her dark locks. He directed a soft smile at her.

"It's okay, Lucinda. You can swim with us. I'll even watch you." Lucinda's face grew red within moments of the words leaving his mouth. But she ignored it and instead smiled. "Thanks Nathan."

Good. She'll join after all. Nathan thought. He gave her an encouraging smile, and then turned away from her. Lucinda slowly began to strip, reluctantly letting each element flutter to the ground. Finally, after much mental strain, Lucinda was down to her undergarments. For a minute or two, Lucinda just hovered there in silence, staring at the back of Nathan's head, questions and thoughts flying through her mind. How could she let herself do this? Wasn't this what Aunt Marie would call, "Un-ladylike"? Her nerves began to envelope her mind. She shook the thoughts away. This was Nathan after all. He wasn’t anywhere near perverted like his father.

Lucinda giggled, causing Nathan to smile and open his eyes. He swiftly grabbed her wrist, and walked her over to the water. He sat, pulling her down with him, and placed his legs into the water. Lucinda followed suit. Nathan turned his head to look at Lucinda. He watched her, staring down at the water, and felt that familiar protectiveness that he had come to have over her. Her legs quietly sloshing back and forth, back and forth. Her soft, ink black hair was hanging down around her smooth pale cheeks. She was like a mirage. Nathan wondered why she was even here, why she cared for him at all.

"She is so....beautiful...."

Her blazing amber eyes met his gaze.

"What was that, Nathan?"

Did I really say that out loud? Well it is the truth. Why is she still here? Why did she come with us at all? Why doesn’t she hate me like everyone else? 

Lucinda's face continued to stare, confusion beginning to surface. He had been as still as a statue ever since her questioning.

"Nathan...? Are you...alright?"

Nathan blinked a few times before nodding, relieved that she didn't hear him. She flashed him a comforting smile, before moving her head solemnly toward the water. Nathan could sense her nervousness. His brows furrowed as he moved closer to the edge of the tiny cliff. He slowly reached out and gently grasped her hand. He held it for a moment, calming the girl. Nathan leaned forward to try to meet her face.

"Are you ready? It's a little cold so..."

Lucinda nodded, a new found determination in her eyes. Nathan smiled.

"Alright, let's go!"

Nathan let himself drop into the water, bringing Lucinda, by the hand, with him. She squealed at the cold shock. Nathan chuckled as she threw him a glare. He shrugged.

“Sorry. But its-”

Lucinda had splashed him in the face, cutting off his sentence. He sputtered as she laughed extremely hard. Nathan slyly stared back at her, as her laughing slowed. She gazed back, a light pink on her cheeks. He shook his head as he slowly started swimming toward her. Her eyes widened, understanding where this was going. A shout of laughter could be heard before they both took off at the same time. Lucinda dove underwater, trying to swim as far from her searcher as possible. He launched himself toward Lucinda, swimming loudly and psychotically, splashing this way and that.

The two eventually found Jake- who was terrorizing the fish-and invited him to play. The three joyfully swam and laughed together, as the boys’ father watched from the shore. The three turned toward him and waved. After a few seconds of waiting, Jake slid up next to Lucinda and haughtily whispered,

"Hey, Luce. Look who's got a pair of binoculars pointed strait. At. YOU."

With that comment, he laughed, and dove out of sight. Lucinda, on the other hand, was frozen in her spot, arm slightly raised in the air still. Her eyes grew slightly wider when she noticed the perverted man looking at her through binoculars. And giving her a thumbs-up. Embarrassment and confusion smacked Lucinda like a brick. She couldn't tell why he was looking so strangely at her. When she realized the silence coming from Nathan, she turned toward him.

Nathan had his eyes averted from her.

"Um...Lucinda…?

Something told her she already knew what was happening, but she asked anyway.

"What?"

Nathan lifted a finger out of the water to point at her torso.

"Your....top..."

She felt embarrassment colour her cheeks furiously. She quickly cover herself with her arms as she tried to lower herself further into the water. She was devastated...

Her top came off.

Nathan knew to avert his eyes out of courtesy. His mother had taught him that much. He could imagine her embarrassment but more than anything he felt furious and disgusted at his father! Making a spectacle out of her like that. She’s a girl for goodness sake! And he’s a grown man! Bloody paedophile…

He didn’t mind the fact that Lucinda was half naked. He already knew she was beautiful clothed and he really didn’t care what she looked like under them. He was raised as a gentlemen no matter what he was put through. He hovered there for a moment, next to a stunned, deathly embarrassed Lucinda. He took a deep breath. He’ll deal with his father later.

But before tending to the now traumatised girl he lifted his hand out of the water and flipped him off.

That seemed to get his attention.

Within seconds, his sick face had twisted into one of malice. But this was a public place. Anyone could see him, and report him for child abuse. He could do nothing about it.

With a satisfied sigh, Nathan turned around toward Lucinda. He was surprised to see her eyes staring up at him from the surface of the water. He could see her embarrassment embedded in them. Nathan glanced sideways, a blush beginning to appear on his white face.

"I‘m really sorry, Lucinda."

Lucinda blushed slightly, feeling a bit surprised at how courteous Nathan was being. Any other boy would have reacted… well differently. She lifted her head out of the water enough so that she could mutter, "Its alright..."

Nathan smiled, and faced Lucinda again. They both just looked at each other for a moment, before he bent at the knees and asked, "Do you mind if I..."

Lucinda shook her head, grabbed his hand, and helped him kneel on the muddy lake floor. Nathan was grateful that they were at a shallow, muddy and dark area. She shouldn’t have to worry as much here… When keeling, the water reached Nathan's shoulders. Lucinda lifted her head completely out of the water, feeling a little more comfortable now. The water hit her collar bone. Lucinda glanced back down at the water, feeling completely dejected. Nathan watched as she closed her eyes, scrunching her brows together. Then, he heard her whisper,

"Did....did you see....?"

Nathan tilted his head to the side in thought. He didn't know whether he should lie or tell the truth. Lying would probably make her feel better.... Lucinda whipped her head toward him, her hair sending little droplets of water into the air. Her sad amber eyes caught his attention, cutting off all of his previous thoughts.

"Tell me the truth.....I want to know...."

He nodded.

"Yes. I did."

Lucinda looked sadly at the water. A warm tear fell down her face. There goes her chances with Nathan…

Nathan didn’t like seeing her like this. He had a strong desire to protect her and felt like he was failing right now.

"...You're really pretty, Lucinda..."

Lucinda's eyes brightened. Did he… Just say what I think he said?

Lucinda looked up at him with hopeful, teary eyes, clinging to his every word. Nathan noticed this, and began to blush. He sunk a little lower into the water, and averted his eyes from her. She makes me feel so out of sorts…

She could have died right there.

She smiled timidly. He liked that. He wanted to make sure that she always had a smile on her face. He especially liked being the reason behind it.

He racked his brain trying to think of something else to make her smile. He decided that she seemed to appreciate honestly more than anything else.

"I mean it. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen....and you shouldn't let this little mishap bring you down. Who knows? Maybe we'll sit around and laugh about this someday."

Lucinda splashed him in the face, earning a laugh from Nathan. He moved the hair out of his face.

She’s the only one other than Brother to get me to laugh too…

“Come on.”

The two shared a warm smile before swimming back toward the cavern where they had started their swimming adventure. It had become somewhat of a sanctum for the couple; the serenity surrounding that little cove was that of a type forgotten by the pain they had dealt with despite their youth. They were drawn to it. After pulling himself out of the water, Nathan spread out on the shore-like ground, gazing at the ink-haired mermaid floating in front of him. Lucinda lazily gazed back, still hiding in the water.

“How am I supposed to get out? Without....you know...." Lucinda immediately ceased her speech, fully aware that he understood, and needed no more explanation.

“Wait there!" He exclaimed as he ran off, through the large drooping branches of the tree, to places unknown. Lucinda waded in the cool water as told, until finally she could hear his stamping feet announcing his arrival. Lucinda found herself blushing at the panting boy, shining from the water droplets that clung to his body. Oh, how her thoughts tormented her so.

He took his t shirt and raised it in the air.

“I think this is long enough…” he said, mentally gratified that he was much taller than her.

"If you want...I could help you with your shirt..."

Swallowing all of her nervousness, she rose slowly, feeling extremely light-headed from the heat on her face. Her arms half out-stretched to meet his with the shirt, she froze. She couldn't take her eyes from his face. His eyes were shut calmly, and his mouth was set in a relaxed position. Lucinda's heart started to pound. Was she really doing this...?

Shaking her head, she shoved the shirt into his palms. She saw his eye-brows rise drastically. Her face on fire, she slammed her eyes shut, and face away from him - totally missing the giant grin that appeared on his face.

She... actually agreed to it?!

The thought made him want to jump out of his skin. Once he realized that he had a huge smile on his face, the happiness quickly turned into embarrassment; he probably looked creepy, smiling at her like that. He could hear Lucinda shuffling about nervously. Nathan decided to take control, feeling a little awkward in their current situation.

"Turn around, Lucinda." Nathan was actually a bit surprised - his voice didn't sound nearly as nervous as he felt. Lucinda's eyes widened, and her face reddened. Trusting that he knew what he was doing, she listened, slowly turning away from him toward the water. Her face grew even hotter at the sound of him approaching. She knew that he'd opened his eyes after she'd turned away. The thought of his eyes on her bare back practically killed the girl with nervousness.

No words were passed between the two. Nathan walked toward her easily. He pulled the shirt over her head with ease.

Lucinda dropped her arms and turned. The two pre-teens were inches away from each other, their faces lit like lights. Lucinda's eyes were wide, and her mouth was slightly open in astonishment. Nathan just stared back and smiled a bit. She looked down at the shirt which reached about mid-thigh on her. She was still wet and the fabric had absorbed most of the water. She felt gratified that the shirt was black, realising what would happen if it was white… but at the same time she felt a bit guilty. He won’t be mad will he? The two were silent for a moment, before Lucinda glanced to the ground.

“Thanks.” she said quietly.

Nathan's brows furrowed at the tone in her voice. His lips slowly curved into the smallest of smiles, once he realized why she was so upset. She had gotten his shirt wet, and she was fussing about it. About him.

He chuckled, “Its no problem.”

The two sat back down on the shore. Nathan laid on his side, propped up an elbow.

He tried to think of something to get her to feel better. Then he remembered his mother telling him what most girls wanted at this age.

"You really are beautiful, Lucinda. I bet when you get older you'll get a husband in no time."

Nathan tried to make that comment sound as cheerful as it could be, but secretly, it made his heart sink in his chest. There are so many men she can choose from...

Lucinda's giggle silenced his thoughts. She had an idea…

"Thank you, Nathan." She started as she moved closer to the boy.

"I sure hope I get my husband fast...."

That comment struck Nathan's curiosity. He flipped over to lie on his stomach as his brows furrowed. Nathan couldn't help but whisper,

"...Why...?"

Their faces were but a couple of inches away from each other. Lucinda knew he would do this, so she humorously stared back at his inquiring eyes.

She smugly closed her eyes before stating, "Because, I've already got one picked out!"

He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. Could it be? Was it, dare he think...Jacob? Was it a mistake to introduce her to his brother? The options flew through his mind, all the more confusing the poor boy. Lucinda smiled, seeing that she had accomplished her goal: fluster Nathan. According to Jacob the feat was near impossible, but apparently not, after seeing that kind of reaction. Waving a hand in front of her best friend's zoned out face.

“Nathan?

"Lucinda, I-"

"GUYSSSS! WE'RE LEAVING! "

Jacob's voice ripped through the serene air around the two. Nathan's face changed to one of annoyance. I know he's trying to annoy father, but... He's really started to annoy me too! Lucinda giggled at the look on his face. The sound of her laugh melted the frown from his lips. Lucinda looked up into his eyes and smiled back, grabbing onto his hand.

Smiling, she led the boy away from the cove. She leaned down to pick up Nathan's pants, and shoved them into his arms, laughing. Nathan just smiled, watching her. Once they were finished, Lucinda connected her hand with Nathan’s. She looked into his grey eyes, she beamed.

"C'mon, Nathan..."

"Let's go."

The dream ended with our oblivious innocence. Things were much simpler then... Will they ever be again?