Witness: See Series (Volume 1)(15)

Before I could say a word, his lips were on mine. I struggled to hold a thought, an argument, as his arms pulled me against him - but my efforts were fruitless. I wanted to be with him, to forget the demons we were fighting and melt in his arms. He leaned forward and laid me down across his bed, and I let myself slip into the passion of the moment.





Chapter Four


My eyes fluttered opened as a guilty smile came across my face. I reached to my side, but Draven wasn’t there. The room was dark. I sat up slowly and focused my eyes. I could hear what sounded like yelling downstairs, but I was alone in this room. I slid to the side of the bed, then tiptoed to the door, opening it slightly so I could hear what was going on. The yelling had stopped, and I could hear music…I recognized the music...somebody was gaming downstairs. I rolled my eyes and closed the door. I wasn’t sure where Draven was or even what time it was. I could see it was dark outside.

I rubbed my hands across my face and stretched. I felt good – really good. It was the first time I’d slept without bad dreams in weeks…it felt like I didn’t leave Draven’s arms until I opened my eyes, like I had just spent hours emerged in the bliss of love, surrounded by electrifying music. I started to move my fingers to the sound of the guitar I heard in my dream; I knew I’d never heard it before, and I wanted desperately to play it.

I started picking up the pillows and blankets that were scattered across the floor. As I pulled the comforter across the bed, the black book that Draven had thrown fell to the floor. As I stared down at it, my newfound peace diminished; the dread of what was happening to us was near overwhelming. I reached down and grabbed the book. A photo of me fell to the ground. It was taken at Bianca’s house. I was sitting on the couch, and Britian’s arm was stretched out behind me. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think we were a couple. I was furious and tore the picture in two, then shoved the pieces in my pocket. I found my hoodie on the floor and put it on before sliding the book inside the deep pockets; I wasn’t going to leave it here for Draven to mull over.

I pulled my hair back with one of the endless hair ties on my wrist, then found my belt and shoes and finished making the bed before I went to find Draven; I wanted to know how he thought he was controlling the nightmares...I wanted to hear this song. The stairs to the studio were at the end of the hall. I walked up the stone steps, hoping to find him there, but the room was empty. I fought the urge to sit down and play…the song that was in my dream was begging to be played...it was a dark, powerful, mind numbing sound that I wanted to bring to life. I closed my eyes and tried to hear it again, but my thoughts were dominated by Draven. I shook my head as I turned to go down the stone steps. The yelling downstairs began again, and I didn’t recognize the voice laced in a thick British accent at all.

Once I reached the base of the stairs, I could see the young boy that had opened the door earlier today across the hall in front of the TV, shifting from side to side as he yelled at the screen. I think Draven said his name was Winston. He was an awkward looking guy, rather short and way too thin. His black jeans were tight, and his T-shirt was wrinkled and untucked. I heard voices mumbling in the kitchen, but I crossed the open hall to the den to watch the boy play.

I quietly stepped closer to him. I wanted to focus - to ‘see’ him - and I knew if he saw me there and started talking to me, I wouldn’t be able to see very long or very deep. All at once, I wasn’t standing there anymore; I was in what looked like hell. The ground was black, but what looked like lava was seeping from the cracks in the ground - then all of a sudden, it began to snow…I heard dogs growling all around me...panic came over me. When I did manage to see, I never stayed in one memory or one place…my heart started pounding as I closed my eyes...I wanted out...I wanted out now.

I felt someone’s hand on my shoulder and stepped back quickly as my eyes flew open. I was back out of whatever that was. The boy was in front of me, smiling devilishly. “Charlie, right? Winston,” he said as he cocked his head to the side.

“Winston…do you not have any memories that aren’t of hell?” I asked sarcastically.

“Ah…do you not know it’s rude to step into a man’s mind without asking?”

“A man?” I mocked, glaring at his small frame. I had no idea it was possible to see something that dark in your thoughts; even my shadows had lives that were easier to stomach – to understand. How could it snow in hell?

“Right. Do you want proof?” he asked, stepping back and holding his arms open as his eyes moved up and down my body.

“You perve. Who do you think you are? Go back to your stupid game.”

His eyes became darker, and I knew he was trying to see me, but I’d been hiding behind my shield since the moment I walked in the room.

“Well…damn…I figured having a look in your mind would be fun – but it looks like you’re careful to keep your secrets.”

“The last place you’re getting is in my head.”

“Already been there, love – Draven…he likes you.”

“Likes me? Good to know,” I said shortly.

“You know what I mean. I told him to stay away from you. What does he do? Has you locked up in his room – next thing you know, books are flying...you’re dangerous.”

“ME?! How dare you tell him to stay away from me – what are you?! Go to Hell! Obviously, you know where it is.”