Page 11 of Watercolor Skulls

“She is,” Jesse agrees easily. “She’s hurt, physically at least. She said she fell.”

I stare into my wife’s eyes. Pain from her past rises to the surface.

“She reminds you of yourself?” My hand trails along the side of her face.

She nods, biting back tears.

“Okay, then she’s the next project.”

Jesse bites my bottom lip. “Not project. She’s the next friend we help.”

“You don’t have any friends that are girls.”

“That’s not true.

“How many friends do you have that are girls?”

She thinks about it for a minute. “I’m friends with Penny.”

I laugh in her face. “Penny is hundreds of miles away. It’s easy over the damn phone. This will not be easy, and you know it.” I tap the side of her head.

“Haven’t you ever met someone, and you just know they’re meant to be in your life?” she asks.

“I think you already know the answer to that.” I roll my hips, pressing my hard cock against her. Her lips part slowly, releasing a tiny groan of desire. Damn, I never get tired of this.

This new girl is going to be work. But, I can’t say no to my wife so here we are. Jesus Christ. One thing about being married to Jesse, life is never boring.

She’s always bringing home strays.

Her legs wrap around me, pulling me closer to her and it seals the deal.

I will definitely be helping smurf girl.

Hope she’s ready for her exorcism.

Chapter Six

Lily

???

Iopen my eyes finding the sun high in the sky. Holy cow, how long did I sleep? I glance at the clock on the phone. Shoot its noon. I’ve never slept this late in my entire life. My fingers dance over my dragonfly pendant. “It’s a new day,” I whisper to my aunt.

I lie in bed for a few more minutes enjoying the thought of the day being entirely mine. My stomach grumbles so I decide to head down and find something to eat. I grab a yogurt and plastic spoon before gravitating towards the porch. A swing dangles precariously from the rafters above. I don’t think I’ll chance it. My ribs can’t take another blow. Perching myself on the top step I take in the scenery around me.

The tightness in my chest eases a tiny bit more. Every day it loosens, and my heart beats a little freer. It’s so beautiful here I almost worry I’m dreaming. The birds chirp happily, carrying my soul to higher ground. I smile as the breeze kisses my cheeks. I’m free.

I’m free.

I stand up as the realization slams into me. I spin in circles, the world swirling around me before I fall into the grass, dizzy with happiness. The sun shines brightly above me. I shield my eyes noticing a dozen or so dragonflies darting overhead. I sit up, wiping tears from my eyes.

I’m home.

Somehow, despite everything, I found my home.

The next step is finding me.

I pull myself from the ground, feeling more hopeful than I’ve felt since my aunt passed.

---