Page 11 of Pieces of Halves

The simple gesture makes me pause. The strong arms and shoulders are a welcoming sight, and they look like they could protect me from the world. I find myself craving to be held by him, but should I let him be my comfort if we’ll soon part ways?

“I am very warm, being a halfling and all, and I don’t bite.” He grins, his muscular arms still extended.

Shamelessly, I let my eyes flicker from his biceps peeking from under the brown shirt to his face. It’s okay to enjoy his company even if it’s for a little bit. Slowly, I get up and walk around the fire, heat suddenly creeping to my cheeks. I will be sitting between his legs, his arms around me, and his body snug against mine.

Playing with the inside of my cheek, I lower myself in front of him, unsure how close I am allowed to get. My rear end touches the ground, and his arms wrap around me, engulfing me completely, and he pulls me flush against his skin.

Dear God.My heartbeat escalates at the warmth and strength behind me. Halflings have super hearing ability. Can he hear my heart hammering against my chest? With his arms around my waist loosely, he leans his head against the tree. Heat radiates to my back, and suddenly, my muscles relax, and my eyes feel heavy.

“Sleep well,” he mumbles, his voice drowsy.

Slowly, I turn my head and look at him from under my lashes. His eyes are closed, and he seems to be drifting off, but Iwatch the sharp edges of his jaw and the soft curves of his thin lips. He is perfect in every way.

Maybe someday, I will find a man like him to love me. I don’t think I will. For me to find love, I would have to share my heart. How can I be honest with someone else if I can’t even do that with myself? I have been deemed unworthy of love. I feel it deep inside. Something tells me I am dirty and disgusting.

The memories haunt me, and I wish I were strong enough to face them.

The moon is just a sliver, halfway covered by thick, dark clouds. It is always dark in my nightmares. I may not remember what haunts me in my dreams when I am awake, but when I am here, it all comes back to me. I already know there are monsters lurking behind the silhouettes of the black, bare trees.

It’s just a dream. I remind myself. It never helps. Panic quickly settles, making my heart race and my palms sweat.

My eyes wide, I frantically search for a way out, but I am surrounded by walls of shadows and dead trees. I won’t escape – I never can – but every time, I try. With a dry throat, breathing becomes hard. Large, red, and glowing slits for eyes appear. They blink all around me, watching me, getting ready to tear me to shreds. And they will – they always do.

I want to run, but there is nowhere to go. Whimpering, I brace myself for the pain. There is nothing I can do but scream and cry. A growl echoes somewhere in the space, and dark, thin shapes show themselves, their white, sharp teeth coming out. My chest aches. I am trapped.

Gasping, I try to scream as loud as I can.

“It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you.”There is a faint whisper far away. I jerk my head around, looking for the sound. The voice is soft, kind, and soothing.“The monsters can’t get to you with me around.”

The figures around me stop advancing, their bodies fading and eyes frantically blinking. They shriek as they attempt to gnaw their way to me, but an invisible force is sucking them into the void. I don’t understand what is happening, but hope blossoms as I look around for the powerful source.

I can breathe again. A calmness I have never felt before settles into my chest, making everything feel okay.

“There you go. You’re okay.”The voice is far away, but there is a hot gush of wind next to my ear. It is comforting and beautiful, so I close my eyes for just a second and turn to the sound.

There is no one next to me, but the monsters are no longer there. Gone. Rays of sunshine replace the darkness, and vibrant green leaves grow on the once lifeless trees. I turn to look around the forest. Black vanishes, and bright colors replace it. Flowers bloom, birds chirp, and sunshine warms my face.

It is so beautiful here that my heart swells. Smiling, I twirl.

“I’ve got you, baby.”

Something delicate lands on my shoulders, causing me to spin around. Hundreds of butterflies surround me, their colors filling the space. Joy and awe fill my heart at the sight of them, so I twirl and twist, getting lost in the flutter of their wings. This feels so wonderful that I wantto capture it forever.

Never have I had a dream as beautiful as this.

Ripped Hearts.

Chapter Five

JACOB

It is tempting to load Izzie with questions. What is her connection to the witches? Why did her father take her there? Why is she running? Sadly, she is skittish about the subject. Hopefully, I have enough time to gain her trust before we part ways.

She had another dream last night. Her lips quivered, and she shook. It was painful to watch her, so I did something terribly stupid. I placed my lips against her neck.It was needed, I continue to tell myself. I had to do it, so I could whisper right into her ear without startling her awake. When I spoke and stroked her arms, she relaxed in my embrace and inhaled her scent. It was intoxicating. Now, all I can think about is her skin against my lips.

“Oh look,Cirsium muticum.” She points to a purple thistle plant.

Frowning, I watch her skip over a few rocks. It is strange how she uses scientific names for things that are commonly known as something else. She’s not showing off. It's something else; I can't quite pinpoint it.

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