Chapter Four (two weeks later)

Sunset reds, golden yellows and ocean blues distracted Leah from her problems. The swirls of paint on the paper in front of her keep her away from thinking about what just happened.

Her father had left to go drinking again, but not before beating her and calling her horrible names. She had immediately retreated to her room and began to paint. Being so deeply absorbed, she didn't hear her front door open, and didn't notice Simon step into her room.

"Leah," he said, causing her to scream and drop her paint brush.

"Simon! What the hell are you doing? You can't just barge into people's houses like that and you scared me half to death!"

"You look half dead," Simon remarked cruelly. Leah knew he was probably right. Her hair in a messy ponytail, her eyes were red from crying, and her cheeks were bruised. "I know what's happening to you Leah," Simon stepped carefully towards her and put his hands gently on her shoulders.

"Why did you come here, Simon?" Leah demanded, feeling a bit frightened. Simon had her against the wall, and he was at least two times stronger than her. Don't think like that, Leah scolded herself. Simon would never hurt you.

"I haven't seen you in two weeks Leah," Simon said, hurt in his eyes. Of course he's hurt, Leah thought. One minute I'm kissing him, the next I'm avoiding him. "After you ran away that day at the river, I was worried about you."

"Simon, you could've knocked," Leah snapped.

"I did, you didn't hear me," Simon replied, just as angrily as she did. In the midst of their anger and hurt, Leah couldn't help but think about how close they were and Simon's passionate kisses.

"Leah, you have to tell someone about your father," Simon gently whispered, his anger dissipating. He lifted a hand and stroked her sore cheek softly.

Leah closed her eyes and let the tears flow down her cheeks. "I can't," she sobbed. "He's killed before, and he'd kill me if I told anyone."

Simon was shocked. "Who did he kill?"

Leah sobbed harder, shaking violently. "My mother," she managed to choke out.

"Oh God," Simon groaned. "Leah, I'm so sorry."

"I can't stand it anymore, Simon," Leah cried. "I want to kill myself, I don't want to live any longer."

Simon shook his head vigorously. "No, Leah," he whispered. "I couldn't manage. I need you.I'm in love with you, Leah. I-I love you."

Leah looked up into his eyes, tears glistening in hers. "I love you too, Simon," she whispered. "So much." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He pressed her up against the wall harder, and she gasped.

"Sorry," he muttered, feeling ashamed of himself. He had lost control, her barely knew Leah.

"Simon go shut my door, and lock it," Leah instructed huskily, passion in her eyes. Simon did what she said and returned, kissing her again hungrily.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked, breathing heavily, as Leah pulled his shirt over his head. Leah nodded, since her lips almost never left Simon's. Not seeing him in two weeks made her realize how much she missed him. She ran her fingers through his hair and allowed him to carry her and lay her down on her soft mattress.

"I promise you, Leah. I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again, okay?" Simon murmured, burying his face in her hair, smelling her sweet shampoo. Leah nodded, and kissed Simon again and again and again....



"My father met my mother when he was sixteen, working as a fisherman. His parents kicked him out of his house and he was left to fend for himself. For the four years before they got married, my parents were inseperable, despite the fact my mother was supposed marry some rich man. Her parents disowned her, and the two survived on their own." Simon whispered softly to Leah, stroking her arm. She played with his hair, occasionally smiling and laughing when he told her stories about his family. The moonlight shone in her window, making her look like an angel.

"It sounds like they really loved each other," Leah sighed. She closed her eyes and smiled. "It's too bad about your father, Simon. He seemed like a good man."

"He was," Simon replied. "My mother always disapproved of him being a zealot, but she wanted to be with him, so she forced herself to accept it."

Leah sighed again, and gazed at him blissfully. "That is a true romance. I hope my marriage will be like that."

"It will be," Simon said, smiling. "Because the man who marries you will know he's the luckiest man in the world." Simon paused and then laughed. "Actually he already does know." Leah giggled and leaned up to kiss Simon. They were just drifting into a peaceful sleep when Leah's bedroom door banged open.