Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or VD…I just create beautiful world for them to play in.
Walking along the heated beach, I loved the feeling of the sand between my toes. The way the sun shone on the water made it seem inviting, and hypnotizing. I would have to get in there later when we came back from the waterfall. The water was very clear, and I knew I wouldn't have to worry about not seeing the ground.
I took one step into the woods and all I could see was being left in the woods by Edward. It was dark and scary and all I felt was hurt and betrayal. I froze and just thought about being alone in the dark cold woods for hours after he broke me. My eyes glazed, and I could feel the beating of the rain against my face, the chill swept though me and I rubbed my arms to ward off the chill.
I was never the same after that day. Not even Jake could coerce me into the woods with him. Normally he would have to blindfold me and carry to our destination. The day I walked through the woods to the field where Laurent found me, was the 1 and only exception. I was led by his face, his voice, even the smell of him. It was as if he was standing with me, guiding me tour special place that we could just waste away the day in.
I took a step forward, thinking I could do this. I could make it the mile to the waterfall and then on the walk back. But my vision clouded over, and I lost my balance, falling flat on my face. I laid there for a minute, trying to collect myself. Hot tears ran down my face and I wasn't sure if I was hurt or embarrassed more that I fell out in the open for anyone to see.
I got up, cleaned off myself and left. There was no way I was going to make it there today. I would have to try again, but next time I knew I had to have someone with me. There was just no way I was going to be able to make it alone. I also knew I would have to talk to someone about what was going on because there was no way I was going to get out of questions. NO matter who I walked with, I knew I would have to explain to them about my phobia, I just hoped that whoever it was can understand what was happening inside my head and not judge.
I turned and headed toward the beach, thankfully Caroline wasn't close enough to see the tears stinging my eyes. He made the woods I once loved, painful for me, but I would get over it the more time I spent in them. I wouldn't let go of something that once meant so much. I just had to find a way for them to come good to me again and I would have to replace the dark thoughts and memories with a few happy bright ones.
I could feel something trickling down my face and I could make out a metallic smell, letting me know I had cut my face. Since I didn't have a mirror, then I wouldn't be able to tell how bad the gash was until either I took a picture of it or someone told me. This was just my luck, to split my face open after going almost a whole month without falling. I thought I had gotten over being clumsy but once again, my body betrayed me whenever I thought about him.
A twig snapped behind me, and I almost fell in the sand spinning around. Damon caught me around the waist and in my head another scenario formed. One where my arms would go around his neck and I would get to hold him close while he kissed me, and we wouldn't have to worry about the others looking down at us.
The feel of his warm body pressed to mine brought me back to reality. It sent warm shivers over my body and helped to rid the cold goosebumps that had formed. The way the sun hit those blue eyes of his, helped to push back the demons and make me forget those haunting golden orbs I use to love staring into. The way his hands held me helped to shed the rain drops falling on me and banished the dark cold night. I knew this feeling of peace wouldn't last forever because sooner or later, Damon would have to let go of me and we would go our own way.
"You scared the shit out of me." He smirked. "How long have you been standing there?" He let me keep my hands against his bare chest and his muscles rippled under my fingertips. Not only could I feel how well he was shaped, but I could feel how his body reacted to the slightest movement of my hands. And was he flexing for my benefit or his?
"Long enough to see the scared look on your face," he put a hand to my cheek and wiped at a tear that had stopped making its way down my face. "And to see the hurtful tears in your eyes." He set me right before producing a towel and wiping at the cut on my face.
"I'm assuming you saw my fall then? That's so embarrassing, but in my defense, I always fall." He chuckled as he nodded his head. "Ugh, how bad is it?"
"It doesn't need stitches, but it could use some strips or some glue. Some salt water might help to stop the blood, but I got to warn you that it will sting. "I let him lead me to the water and watched as he dunked his towel in the water. "May I?" He asked softly.
I nodded my head and saw his eyes soften as he placed the freezing cold against my face. I didn't want to flinch, but I couldn't help it. Not only did it sting but it was freezing against my heated skin. I wanted to say something, but I wasn't sure what to tell him, so I just stayed looking into his baby blues. I was lost in the sea and felt the urgent need to kiss him, but I knew I would probably get rejected again.
"Whoever he was…that did this to you. I feel sorry for him. He lost an amazing girl and if he ever came back, he doesn't deserve you Bella. The look I saw on your face made me want to hunt down this ass-whole and kill him. Maybe even bring his head back on a plank for you to see." I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at his statement, I just knew with those words, I was beginning my fall down a very dangerous path.
But it was a path I was more than willing to take.
"My ex, Edward, dumped me in the woods. He took me out back to just in the tree line, so I could still find my way home. But I didn't want to let him go without a fight. So, I followed him trying to get him to come back to me and I got lost. I didn't have my phone or anything and it was well into the morning before I was found. I was hospitalized for a couple days due to hypothermia; it had been raining and in the negatives. I'm trying to get over my fears but sometimes it's hard when I'm alone."
The way one hand held the towel softly to my check and the other rubbed soothing circles on my back, told me he cared more than he was willing to admit.
"I'm sorry he was an ass and did that to you. I can tell there is more, but I won't pressure you to tell me. I know that in time you will tell me on you own, until then just know if you ever need a friend, I'm here." I shrugged and headed into the water. I paused when the water reached my hips.
"And will you then tell me your story? And don't even think about lying to me. If you want to be my friend, know I hate lying. I was lied to most of my life and just about every day in both of my relationships. I don't need friends that are going to lie to me, I can handle whatever it is you have to tell me. I have been through more than you know." He chuckled and tossed his towel onto the beach. I waded in a little further into the water but paused once again as the water reach the top of my ribs.
When he looked up into the sun, I smiled as a bittersweet plan came to mind. I knew this plan was a bit childish, but it would also help to rid our minds of darker memories. I splashed him, making sure to soak a good portion of his body. He was shocked at first and the gleam in his eyes told me I was in such deep trouble. Half smiling at me as he stalked closer had me wondering if he had two dimples or just the one I saw.
The predatory look that came into his eyes was both thrilling and frightening. I was his prey now and I knew I would never be able to escape his clutches. Damon had left his mark on me with the simple offer of his raw friendship. Laying lose all the cards. This was a friendship I think I could come to enjoy, until the one I had with the girls where lying was always their first instinct.
I tried to run from him as he chased me into the water, trying to soak me with splash after splash. I don't think I ever laughed so hard, so we stayed in the water, playing around for a while. It was nice and not something I would have expected form him. He didn't seem like a splashing in the water type of guy. Or a make me feel better when he barely knew me type of guy. I knew pictures of us had been taken since I noticed Caroline pointing her phone toward us a couple times.
When I couldn't move anymore we went closer to shore where I could just sit in the water and enjoy the sun. We sat together just enjoying the view until the waves started coming in. Then we stood and while the waves rolled over my head, they somehow never made it over his chin. Of course, he laughed every time my head went under water, but it was worth it to hear his deep chuckle. He finally did me a favor by pulling me to him and holding me up.
He had me wrap my legs around his waist and kept his hands on my waist always. We talked about a lot of things and I was surprised at how much we had in common. He let me know the others had gone back to the beach and I could just see them building a fire. They were also taking out the coolers and I knew there would be food waiting for us when we got back to them.
As we watched the sun set, I started receiving small kisses on my neck. I craned my neck to the side to give him better access. I could feel one hand holding me up by my butt while the other hand messaged my hip and side, running small circles on the underside of my breast. I had tingles going up and down my whole body and despite being in the chilly waters, he had me burning from the inside out.
And just as the sun hit the water, sending beautiful colors dancing all over us, I was being blown away by yet another smoldering hot kiss.