Page 80 of Straight to Me

“I’m telling you, it could happen. The last time I convinced myself of it, was the night the smiler cornered me…”

His face drops, no longer finding it funny. “I hated that night.” His voice is low.

“I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

Remembering that nightishorrible. I found out Chris had been cheating and got a woman pregnant. The smiler tried to hurt me. Then a moment of passion before VP told me he was leaving.

It was a night of mostly downs.

VP’s voice breaks my musing. “Seeing you hurt. That broke me. Don’t ever put yourself in that situation again, promise me.” I hadn’t realised how much that night had affected him. I didn’t know it was something he focused on. But I bet seeing someone abuse me reminded him of his own abuse.

“I promise,” I tell him.

He pulls me closer to him, wrapping his arm over my shoulder. “I’ll never forget taking you in those toilets though,” he says smiling cheekily as he kisses my head, “and your pants getting caught round your ankles.”

I hit his chest playfully. He laughs and the tension is gone, the mood lighter again. “So, you don’t think I’m crazy then?” He looks down to me, swinging his cap backwards on top of his head.

For a moment, no air goes into my lungs.

“Oh no you’re crazy. But it’s a beautiful crazy.” He leans down tenderly placing his lips on mine as we walk. “You ready for your next challenge?”

“As long as it’s not another waterfall.” I smile, but I’m deadly serious.

“No waterfalls, just got to get to the top of there.” He directs my attention to what must be Malham Cove itself. Gigantic rock cliffs, two hundred and thirty feet off the ground.

I sigh. “There had better be steps.”

We picnic at the top of the cove, overlooking the never-ending landscape. The view is out of this world beautiful. Sightseers from all over have come to witness it for themselves. Fortunately for me, a long-staggered step path had been incorporated into the cliff edge, making it easier to get to the top.

“So, tell me, if zombies do attack tonight, how are you planning to fight them?” VP jokes, eating his lunch.

“Well tonight I have you, so you can do it. Failing that, I’ll let them eat you first, seeing as you’ll be sleeping closest to the door, then I’ll use the distraction to run away.”

“Can I use a gun?” I smirk, but do a double-take wondering whether he’s seriously got one. “I’m joking,” he says, reading my mind. He takes another mouthful of food before saying, “I didn’t bring it.”

My eyes slowly work their way to his. He is serious. “I’m sure you’ve packed a knife somewhere; we’ll just have to use that,” I say, trying to show I’m not freaking out about the idea he owns a gun.

“Good to know.” He leans over, kissing my neck.

After lunch, I feel sufficiently rested and full. We pack up the bag and start towards our descent. Hand in hand, we start the zigzag steps down, patiently waiting for those slower walkers to find their feet. About one quarter of the way, I can’t help but enjoy the view and people-watch as we wait for the older couple in front of us to negotiate the sharp turn.

A slight slip down a step leaves the lady a little shaken. Like a true gentleman, VP proves chivalry isn’t dead, helping her to her feet, making sure she and her husband are both okay. He takes their bag and moves them to one side, handing them a bottle of water and offering to help them the rest of the way down.

I watch on with a tender heart. His genuine kindness feels contagious, bringing a warm elevating feeling all over me. “That was very sweet of you,” I say as he makes his way back to me, taking my hand in his.

“It was nothing. Just doing what anyone else would have done.”

“Still, I think she really appreciated it.” I turn to look at the lady and her husband walking away. They look back and give a small wave before continuing on their way.

At the bottom of the steps, VP carries me across a stream on his back, then proceeds to drag me the last quarter of a mile back to our pitch. We don’t stop chatting until we’re back at our tent, time seemingly passing us by so quickly.

VP starts our campfire as the afternoon temperature drops. I rub my arms to keep warm, the cool air making me shiver. “It’s getting dark now. You’ll have to come with me every time I need the loo,” I say.

He stands away from the fire and walks to me. He wraps his arms around my waist, hugging me close. “I can do that.” He notices I’m cold and takes off his hoodie. “Here, put this on.”

“What about you?”

“I have another jumper.” I accept, and boy does it feel heavenly. It’s toasty warm and smells just like him. I lift it to my nose and take in a big breath.

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