Page 48 of The Fallen

?“Where are you from, Jason?”

?“My girlfriend, Ashley and I are both from North Carolina, born and raised.”

?“You guys sound so cute,” Marie said sarcastically.

?“Oh yeah, she is my world. I was a mess when she found me. She saved me from myself. I owe so much to her. I love her more than life itself.”

?Marie could have thrown up with all this sweetheart talk. She couldn't end up like this. She didn't peg Brenton as the dependent type, but there was no way she would find out.

?Plus, she was sure Ashley was a mortal. There was no risk involved with Jason being with her. She didn't need to consult her mom, she knew what she had to do.

?“Well Jason, I'm glad to finally meet you, even though I didn't know you existed until some hours ago. You seem nice and I wish you and Ashley all the best.”

?“Thank you Marie, I appreciate that. It was nice to meet you, too,” then he turned to her mom. “It was especially nice to meet you Mrs. Mitchell. I enjoyed our talk, but I need to get back home. I'm sure Ashley is worried sick. Those thugs snatched me right out of the air after roughing me up a bit. I don't know how I'm going to explain this,” he giggled. Marie rolled her eyes.

?“Don't worry, we'll get you fixed up and back home in no time,” her mom said.

?Marie had to get out of there fast. She bolted for the door and headed back to the garden. She nodded to Lavonna and knew she understood.

?“It will be ready by dinner time,” she said.

?Marie hated she had to do this, but she could see no other way. She hoped Brenton would forgive her, but if he didn't remember, she wouldn't have to worry about it.

?Dinner was in about an hour, she needed to occupy her time until then. It wouldn't hurt to spend a little time with him as her boyfriend before she had to let him go for good.

?She mentally reached out to him and told him to come to her room. He was there within seconds.

?“Wow, I don't know why I still haven't gotten used to this super speed thing,” she said.

?“Don't worry, you will,” he kissed her cheek then laid down on her bed.

?She had to use all her energy to keep him from knowing what she was up to, but if she was silent he would figure it out quickly. So she began telling him random stories from her past just to keep her mind clear.

?They talked for a little over an hour and then her stomach started to rumble. They got up to make their way to the dining room.

?There were so many new faces added to the group. It was nice to see her mom and dad's there as well.

?Her uncle stood, as he always did, and they began to give thanks. When he was done, he sat down and they were free to eat.

?“It's already in his drink,” she heard Lavonna's voice in her head. She mouthed the words, “Thank you,” and looked away.

?She grabbed Brenton's hand and squeezed before he picked up his glass and drained it. He held onto her hand while he continued to eat his food.

?Suddenly, his fork dropped and his hands went straight to his stomach.

?“Brenton, what's wrong?” Marie asked.

?“I don't know. I just feel really sick all of the sudden. I think I need to lie down.”

?“Okay, I'll help you,” she said pushing her plate back and grabbing his arm.

?He put his arm around her shoulder and she helped him to the room he had been staying in. She gently laid him down and put a cover over him. He laughed through the pain.

?“I haven't slept in years and now I feel like I could sleep forever,” he said.

?“Well, you can take a nap, but I need you to wake up, okay?”

?“For you, anything. I love you Marie,” he said and kissed her hand, the same way her dad kissed her mom's.

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