Thirteen ~ Evelyn
The burn in my shoulders under the weight of my bag is the least of my concerns.
I try to increase my pace by the smallest degree to regain the distance between us.
My phone vibrates in my trembling hand.
"Keep walking down the main road, I'll drive down from the other direction."
Thank god.
I just need to keep the distance until then.
Rain drops start shading the pavement, bouncing an earthy fragrance upwards.
The air freezes over and a chilling blade blows down the back of my jumper.
I normally find the rain relaxing and observe the droplets racing down the window. But tonight it only slows me down, forcing me to take extra caution not to slip.
I try to keep counting my steps to ensure my breathing remains level, yet with an adrenaline fuelled mind, everything accelerates on it's own accord.
The rain is a heavy drum against the abandoned cars.
An increasingly prominent squeak raises goosebumps all-over my paling skin.
Convinced that my body has already betrayed me, I give in to the urge to glance over my shoulder.
He is but a few meters behind now.
Why is he even following me?
Even if I dump my bag and run, he'd likely soon catch up to me.
I have to just keep going! I look eagerly down the road, hoping to see headlights.
There was only darkness with flickers of light reflecting off of the torrential downpour.
Water dangled from my eyelashes, blurring my vision.
My hammering heart beat ricochets around my skull. The thrumming anticipation overwhelming my senses.
I try to focus purely on the street ahead whilst taking note of the following footfall.
Why hasn't he tried anything? I'm not challenging prey.
Nope, just remain grateful that he hasn't. It gives you more time.
My clothes stick to my skin, trapping me in the moment.
The boom of thunder startles me and I scream into the quiet night.
Sh*t!
Throwing a look over my shoulder, I spot his pace picking up to an almost jog.
In turn, I increase my speed, but my short legs do nothing to match his strides.
My throat burns and tears mix with rainwater.
The squeaking scrapes along my spine, willing my feet forward.
Another thunderous clap rattles my bones, making me jump.
The squeaks become shorter and more rapid.
I ditch my bag behind me with the aim of it being a trip hazard.
Breaking into the fastest sprint I could muster, the air started to graze by face.
I felt completely battered and worn through, but I couldn't stop.
My feet pushed off of the wet ground, puddles occasionally drowning my legs.
Looking back, my breath catches as I watch him chasing my shadow with ease.
I pound the ground with all of my remaining strength, trying desperately to increase my speed however I could.
Maybe it's the dizzying lack of oxygen, but I hear another pair of footsteps from a different direction.
Is there more of them?
My boot catches on the uneven slabs.
The built up momentum sends me crashing to the floor.
I brace for the impact.
It never comes.
A hand firmly gripped my wrist and tugged me tightly to their chest.
I try to pull away, yanking on my arm and hurtling the other towards his chest.
But the grip tightens and I fail to move an inch.
"It's me." A rich voice gently flows over me.
I inhale deeply, submerging myself in lemon, lavender and oak.
My whole body goes limp and the barriers shatter.
He strokes my hair as he holds my head to his chest.
"It's okay, he's gone. You're safe now." Adrian coaches me through the raging hurricane of emotions.
I grip his top with tightly clenched fists. Clinging to his warmth.
Cautiously loosening his grip, Adrian lets go.
Needing his arms around the circumference of my body, I look up through flooded eyes.
He removes his coat and drapes it over me before pulling me flush to him.
Adrian waits for me to work through my emotions.
When my sobs turn to sniffs, he scoops my trembling frame up into his arms and places a kiss to my forehead.
I let my eyes fall shut and rest my head on his shoulder.
Adrian walks us to his car and sets me down in the passenger seat, buckling my seatbelt.
"My bag…I dropped it." I tremulously whisper, looking back in the direction I ran.
"Wait here, I'll go get it." Ade orders before shutting and locking the car door.
A few moments later he deposits my bag in the boot and fills the front seat.
With the doors locked and the heating on, he turns to me. Cupping my cheek in his hand.
The heat almost burns my damp skin. I lean into it nonetheless.
Adrian remains there, just watching me. Almost as if I were a ghost and he needed proof of my existence.
Needing something to ground me, I place my hand over his. Focusing on the exchange of hot for cold.
Gradually the adrenaline releases its grasp over me.
My mind begins to calm, ignoring every sensory input apart from the warmth flowing from Adrian's hand.
Watching his chest, I match my breathing to his. Adrian's breathing is slightly elevated but less so than mine.
I lift my gaze to his.
"Thank you." I manage a fraction more than a whisper.
Ade shakes his head and pulls me against him. His grip nears suffocation but I don't mind the reassurance that he's there.
"I won't lose you again!" He declares into my hair, although it sounds like it's just as much a promise to himself than anyone else.
All I know, is right now I need him. I need the safety of his touch. I need the comfort of his warmth. I need to not be alone.
I need Adrian.
He presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head before pulling away.
The cars purrs to life and begins to sail down the road.
Ade squeezes my thigh with his hand.
My heart flutters back to life.
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"Back to mine, I need to have you close tonight." He pauses, his jaw working, "You can use one of the spare bedrooms, if that would make you feel more comfortable."
I nod my silent agreement.
The city flickers past in a haze, speckled with translucent drops.
Tonight needs to be addressed but not now. I don't have the energy left to filter through what just happened. For now, I'll let it blow over me, lost in the wind.