Chapter 16 – Healing - Revised
Once all the cuts were filled Burdette placed a hot towel over my back. It felt cozy under the huge towel, even with my lack of clothes. The door banged open in the hall and Paul, still naked, came rushing in carrying Emma in his arms.
"Put me down Paul," said Emma angrily, "I have legs, I can walk!"
Paul ignored her, "Burdette, can you have a look at her, she has a huge gash across her hip," he said.
I sat up, pulling the towel around me. Jacob got up too and took my hand as I hopped off the table.
"I am not done with you Arianna," said Burdette.
"It's ok Burdette, I feel fine. Take care of Emma, she's already lost a lot of blood," I said, looking at Emma whose skin was ghostly white in contrast to her usual russet skin color. "Alright," said Burdette, sounding hesitant," Jacob, take Arianna upstairs and get her some clothes, please."
He nodded and still holding my hand led me up the flight of stairs across from the front door.
The upstairs of Burdette's house was comprised of 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. The largest of the bedrooms held a big bed, a dresser, a small writing desk, and a large trunk at the foot of the bed. Jacob walked over to the dresser and opened it. With his back turned I shifted the towel to cover my body entirely; only now feeling embarrassed about him seeing me naked. He pulled out a pair of worn jeans and a light green tank top and handed them to me.
"Thanks," I said.
There was a knock on the door and Sam came in. He was holding the bundle that had been belted to Jacob's leg.
"This was outside the front door, I assume it's yours," he said handing him the clothes.
"Thanks Sam," said Jacob.
Sam nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
He turned to me, "I'll leave if you want some privacy," he said, rather awkwardly.
"Actually, I uh, might need your help," I said, and I could feel my cheeks turning red, "Ya know, to get the shirt over my back."
He nodded and turned his back to me, giving me as much space and privacy as the room allowed. I followed his lead and faced the opposite corner. It was a bit of a struggle but I got the jeans on. I managed to get the shirt over my head but stretching my arms and trying to pull it on fully hurt like hell. I felt a hand on my waist and looked around.
Jacob stood right behind me, "Let me," he said gently and began pulling the shirt on me.
He pulled it carefully over my back without touching it and before he stepped away he bent his head down and said softly, "I'm glad you're ok".
I felt his hot breath on my ear and it sent pleasurable chills down my spine. Jacob stepped away and walked out of the room leaving me standing stalk still in the middle of the room.
"He's so kind, and gentle, and charming…" I thought to myself, "...but that was how Vance was, before... NO you are not going there now! Absolutely not!"
The panic was rising inside my chest and I fought to push it back. The fear I felt in the face of that vampire was somehow nothing compared to how I felt now. Perhaps, I should tell the others; maybe Jacob or Burdette whom I trusted implicitly now. I decided to keep t to myself for now, no need to worry them. I turned and walked into the hall and down the stairs.
When I came back into the kitchen Paul, now dressed, stood and walked over to me.
He slammed a massive hand onto my back and yelled, "Congrats!"
I cried out in pain, tears welling in my eyes.
Jacob was at my side in five seconds flat, "What the hell are you doing, she's hurt!" he yelled at Paul, putting a hand on my waist again.
Paul looked taken aback, "What?" he asked.
I pulled my shirt up carefully and turned to let him see. "Oh, hey, sorry Arianna didn't realize" he said awkwardly.
Jacob pulled the shirt back down for me.
"Thanks," I said.
I looked over at Sam and there was an odd expression on his face, a mix between calculating and surprised. When he realized I was looking at him he schooled his face and put on a smile that was a little too wide.