Chapter 11

     Knock. Knock. Drake found himself at the door of the doctor's house once again. He hoped Leanne would be awake this time, missing the sight of her beautiful blue eyes that held nothing but purity, and the gateway to her soul. Leanne had tried many a time throughout their childhood to lie to Drake, but he could always see right through her. He had never met anyone quite as innocent as the young seamstress. Many found such openess repulsing, but it drew Drake even closer to her.

     Finally, he heard the door begin to open and he gathered his wandering thoughts. "Oh, hello, Drake," Seth answered. "Perfect timing."

     "Leanne!" exclaimed Drake as he approached the bed, a wide, giddy grin upon his lips.

     "Oh, Drake," she replied with a relieved smile.

     He lightly kissed her forhead. "What happened to you? I was so worried."

     "Well, you know better than anyone what happened, so I hear. But so does everyone else, it appears." She motioned towards a cluster of flowers on the windowsill.

     Damn. I knew I should have brought something.

     Leanne placed a hand on his cheek. "Don't worry. Just having you here is more than I could have asked for."

     Drake brought his hand on top of hers, holding it firmer against his skin. "Leanne, did you happen to see anyone on your way to the cemetery that day?"

     She thought for a moment. "I don't believe so, no. Why?"

     "I was just wondering." Nothing so far had lead unquestionably to Truth, but Drake still had a feeling it was her. Who else would want revenge on Leanne? "I'm sorry you had to go through all this. But everything's going to be all right now, I promise." Drake felt like he was talking to Cassie, but knew that sometimes it didn't hurt to be simple, and from the heart. His heart was overflowing with emotions, so close to leaking. He needed to get out before he said something he would regret. Holding her face in his hands, he said, "I must go, but I will return as soon as I can."

     Leanne smiled and her eyes shone more brightly than the radiant sun. Such raw emotion, such blind happiness unnerved Drake. He was glad he was leaving. "Good. I feel so safe when I'm with you."

     Drake smiled back at her. He liked the attention, but he knew for the wrong reasons. When he left the room, he motioned for Seth to come closer. "I have a favor to ask of you."

     "What can I do for you?"

     "You see..." Drake wasn't even sure quite what he wanted - he had only just though of approaching Seth. "I want to ask Leanne to marry me." A smile grew on the young doctor's face. "But I don't have the money to buy a ring. Perhaps there is something I could do for you, any kind of job, that would get me enough money to get it, I would be greatly appreciative. You know I am a carpenter, I could make something for you -"

    "No, I don't need anything. I actually hear that you are quite handy with a sword. I have the patience and the brains, the only thing I need is a teacher. If you have the time, I would be willing to give you the money."

     Drake eagerly extended his hand. "It's a deal." Seth grasped his hand with a firm shake. Drake began to walk toward the door.

     "Say, when do you need it by?"

     "As soon as possible would be best."

     "Of course. I can get you the money tomorrow, and we'll go from there."

     "Thank you." Drake knew this was a huge favor to ask of a new acquaintance, but he had faith in their growing friendship. Faith had always been hard for him to grasp, so it suprised him that he used it now.

 

Drake closed the door behind him and stepped out into the street. He saw the figure of Truth walking down the road, and he quickly hid behind a large barrel. She looked exactly the same as she had the day before, no signs of a late night. She stared silently down at the pathway before her, perhaps in deep thought. A small group of young men walked past her, one turning his head to look back at her. He nudged one of pals, who stopped, and whispered something to the other. They smiled and began to follow Truth. The first one cam up beside her. "Excuse me, miss, but are you lost?" he asked almost mockingly.

     Truth did not take her eyes off the ground. "No, thank you."

     "Are you sure? Because I think this is the right way," the second sneered, suddenly pushing her into a small alleyway. Drake rushed over to them, but stood hidden. He desperately wanted to charge in and save her, but was also curious as to how she would handle them. He resisted the urge and watched silently. How are you going to get yourself out of this one?

     One had her pinned to the wall, a hand over her mouth, while the other stood away, sharpening a small knife. She quickly kneed the first in the groin, leaving him doubled over on the ground, and braced herself for her next opponent. He rushed at her but she avoided him and pushed him back so hard that he collided with the opposite wall.

     All right, Drake thought. She did well. He hurried into the alley, stopping before Truth. "Are you hurt?" Truth shook her head. "Let's go."

     "Hey!" cried one of the men, running up to them. "She's -"

     Drake responded with a forceful blow to his jaw, blood splurting out of his mouth as he fell next to his comrade. Once out of the alley, Drake immediately turned from Truth and walked the other way. God, he didn't want to see her right now. He felt a hand on his shoulder and stopped.

     "Thank you."

     He waved a hand. "Don't worry about it," and continued away from the angel, though he had no idea where he was going.

Reviews

[Autumn]

I almost cried when I read the part about Leanne and her raw emotions for Drake. That was actually very heart warming and I think you pinpointed the feeling quite well.