Chapter 11: Holly (Part III)

I'm just too close to love you.

     “Were you there that night?” I ask turning around and distancing myself from him.
     “What are you talking about?”
     “I’m not a child anymore don’t act like I can’t put a puzzle together!” I yell, frustrated at how much a really didn’t know about my family, their deaths and this man.
     “I know that. Yes I was there that night. It was the first time I’d seen Jessica in years and she brought you to meet me "although I wished she hadn’t.” He must know more than he is leading on for him to know exactly what night I was talking about either that or he knew I had seen the picture.
     “Why did you wish she hadn’t? Did you and my Nan leave on bad terms? Why wouldn’t you want to see her? Wait what exactly was your relationship with my Nan?”
     “I wish she hadn’t come because every time I saw her was a reminder of what I did…who I truly was. I had failed her and she left; so was sick of trying to save someone who didn’t want to be saved. I was happy to see her but more so wish she hadn’t introduced you to me because ever since that night I had hope…I can be something more than this, your smile that night…it was enough to keep my dream of freedom alive. Your Nan, she was a very unique individual, she was my best friend and my grandmother, my provider and my protector.” I could feel my eyes start to swell as my mind was filled with the images of my Nan and our time together. She was such a strong person; there was always just something so special about her that made me want to be just like her.
     “Who are you, truly?” I asked pressing my hand on his chest. He looked ashamed like I’d hit a nerve, he hung his head and I eagerly awaited a response.
     “A monster.” I loud purr had my heat racing. I looked down to his side where Ezra rubbed her face against his jeans.
     “What’s going on back here?” a loud voice laced with worry said from a far. I turned around rubbing my eyes.
     “Not now mate.” Thief said but Slade now at my side was unwilling to leave. I looked at Heart Thief and now I see the monster. The things he did and said just didn’t add up and that stunt in the tent before the show; it looked so real. I was perplexed as to how his skin beared no burns even if it was an illusion.
     “You don’t want to do this!” Slade yelled at Thief and I jumped a little, was I missing something? I looked up at Thief; he was shaking his head, looking like he was about to say something. He ignored me and just walked away without saying a word. His hands in fists and his body tense; like gravity I went to follow him but Slade pulled me back.
     “He’s going to be ok, I promise. Come with me” His hand travelled down my arms to my hand and I snatched it away.
     “I’m a little tired. I think I’m just going to go to bed.” I said heading to the Thief’s tent. I looked over my shoulder and he was gone. The candles were out and I wasn’t even sure if he was even in here. I walked cautiously trying not to break or disrupt anything.
     “Goodnight.” I said staring up into the blackness. I was still fully clothed in my performance outfit make up and all well minus the boots. Only at the moment did I realise how tire I really was. I let my eyelids flutter until they fell shut heavy and exhausted.