Well, I made it and am back to give you chapter ten! Sorry the last chapter was a little short, but sometimes it works out better that way. This chapter is a decent length, so please review!

_____________________________________________________________________

Chapter 10

It seemed like forever that they laid there and Lea even felt herself drift off into a light slumber, her arm around Nick's thin waist and her face nuzzled in his chest. It was the kind of light sleep where you could hear everything around you and were conscious of where you were.

"Lea." She heard Nick breathe her name, his arm moved away from being wrapped around her as he brushed her hair behind her ear, "We should get back."

"Right." Lea mumbled into his shirt with a sleepy sigh, "Let's go." But she didn't make any move as she inhaled deeply. It couldn't be over yet-it was too perfect. What if she woke up the next morning and it had all been a dream?

"C'mon, we really do need to get back." Nick chuckled, and Lea smiled at the sound and feel of it. She unwillingly lifted her head to look at his face, the smile dropping from her expression at how close their lips were. It would be so easy to lean down and…

"Did you fall sleep?" he whispered with a small smile, and Lea found herself unable to tear her gaze from his lips. She was sure she looked like a lovesick fool now, and silently cursed herself for the weakness.

"Y-yes." Lea managed, swallowing slowly and almost gasping when his gazed flicked from her eyes to her lips and back. Still resting on his chest, she could feel his breathing coming more nervously suddenly.

"It's late." Nick sighed, breaking the silence and Lea closed her eyes a moment in disappointment but enjoying the feel of his warm breath on her face. He made her feel like a helpless girl with useless emotions that easily got the best of her.

She couldn't manage to form a reply, but stood up and brushed herself off, ignoring his intent gaze as he remained laying on the ground. If he would stop looking at her like that, it'd be easier to stop her pounding heart.

"C'mon, angel boy." Lea teased, offering him her hand to help him up. He laughed at the nickname and brushed himself off too before they headed to the grazing horse a little ways off. Neither of them spoke, but Lea felt his hand brushing continually, almost casually, against hers until they reached the black horse and mounted.

They rode at a brisk trot in silence, and Lea tried to calm her nerves down at the past few moments. No reason to get excited, she told herself, they were just friends- and that was all she could be. As if she knew the first thing about having feelings for someone. She didn't even care for her own father!

Lea smiled to herself, unable to think how strange it was that he rubbed off on her so easily. Nick was right, there was so much to be thankful for, and he may not know it, but he was at the top of her list right now.

Sighing happily, Lea tightened her grip around him and felt him tense a moment before relaxing at her touch. She rested her cheek on his shoulder, wanting to savor every moment of the ride back.

She didn't know how it happened, really. One moment Lea was the happiest girl on earth-or so it felt-and the next moment fear clutched her as the horse got spooked and reared. Things blacked out after that, but now consciousness was tugging at her, and she wasn't sure if she felt like responding to it.

Lea sat up slowly, the world spinning around her at the motion. Darkness was around them and it took her a moment to figure out what had happened. Nick. Trying to keep from panicking at the eerie silence, Lea urged her eyes to readjust to the darkness as she knelt.

Where was Nick? Was he alright?

She found him lying not far from where she had been, but he didn't move an inch. For a moment, all Lea could get herself to do was rest a hand on his chest, the steady rise and fall helping her to calm down more. He was still unconscious.

"Nick?" Lea's timid voice broke the dark silence, and she hated the tone she heard coming from her own mouth. Since when did she sound so desperate saying someone's name?
She shook him gently, but he didn't respond and Lea began to feel cold with dread. Thoughts raced through her mind, and she wasn't sure if she should run back to find help-she hated the thought of leaving him alone for so long. The horse was no where in sight. Lea stroked his hair as she tried to decide what to do, but felt her heart nearly leap into her throat at the moist feeling in his curls.

"You're bleeding." Lea whispered in shock to the unconscious Nick, panic rising in her chest as she wiped the blood onto her jeans before feeling the wound again. It didn't seem to be rushing with blood, thankfully.

There was no doubt now, she had to get help. But he was bleeding- should she leave him alone out there? Lea bit down hard on her lip, glancing around as thought the answer would come to her. Why did they have to sneak out? Oh, right, because she basically called him a goody two shoes. It was her fault.

"Stupid Lea and her stupid words because of her stupid feelings." She muttered to herself, but leaned down and kissed Nick's smooth cheek.

Ok, she had to do something. She only hoped that something wasn't the wrong choice. Lea stood up, hating leaving Nick's side, and listened. Was that footsteps? Did the horse come back?

"Lea Harper?" a distant voice called and she could have sworn her heart stopped, "Nick Lucas?" People were looking for them?! How long had they been gone? How long had they been lying on the cold ground unconscious?

"Over here!" Lea choked out, pushing back the frightened tears, "Over here!" she called again, kneeling down next to Nick and lacing her fingers with his limp ones. If something happened to him, she swore she'd never forgive herself.

It wasn't long before loud and hurried footsteps could be heard and Lea squeezed her hand around Nick's. How could a perfect night go so wrong?! A couple of adults emerged from the darkness, rushing over with bright flashlights. There wasn't much speaking once they saw Nick, and the next few minutes ran together for Lea.

Lea did remember that she hated letting go of Nick's hand. It was her fault, after all.

Yes, it's a cliff hanger ending! So review and I'll update sooner!