Chapter 10

Minds at War

Caleb walked over to the balcony leaving an unconscious John lying there on the other side of the room. He looks out to see the grounds he use to love exploring with Livvie.

"Soon enough you'll remember Livvie… and then we'll have all eternity to put everything back together." The two goons walk into the room. "Master Caleb, would you like us to escort the prisoner back to his room?" Caleb continues to stare silently outside. "No" he starts. "Put him in the dungeon… and make sure he doesn't get a chance to escape like the last time." "Yes Master Caleb." The two goons each take one of John's arms and drag him out of the room.

Caleb turns around averting his eyes away from the scenery, and onto Sam lying unconscious on the bed of pillows. He gives her a half smile before kneeling down next to her. He adores her still body, taking in every precious moment. Caleb's fingers slide through her dark silky hair as he leans in for a kiss. Sam's eyes start to flutter open as he pulls away. "Welcome back" he says in a sweet voice.

Sam's face is frozen. She says nothing, not knowing what to say anyways. "You are as perfect as you were the first time we met… so innocent… so fragile." Caleb's hand strokes Sam's hair. "I regret how we left things the last time… but now I'm able to make it up to you." Sam still stares at Caleb.

"One week" she says. "You said one week, and then you'd let me and John go." Caleb stares gazing into hers then smiles. "I said what I meant." Caleb stands up and holds his hand out to Sam. She waits a minute then places her hand on his. Caleb pulls Sam to her feet and leads her over to the balcony. "I hope you enjoy the scenery. I had the rose garden put in special for your return. Each rose as beautiful as you… yet none quite as precious." Sam's eyes wander around. "It's all magnificent" she replies. Her answer is what Caleb had been hoping for. Caleb's hand moves Sam's hair away from her face. Sam's eyes are still full of fear. She turns away from Caleb and walks back into the villa. Caleb follows her close behind.

"Are you hungry?" he asks trying to be patient. Sam turns around and nods. He walks over to the table and gets a platter with a silver lid. He takes the platter over to the bed of pillows and sets it down. Caleb looks back at a cautious Sam. She hesitates for a moment then slowly strolls over to the pillows and takes a seat. Caleb opens the platter to a plate of all Sam's favorite foods. Sam gives a smile when she spots her favorite delicacy of them all.

"Sardines?" she asks with a smile. "They were always your favorite… I hope they still are." "Are you kidding? Most people would hate to be in the same room as them, but I love them." Sam's delight gives Caleb a dash of what he had been searching for. "By all means, help yourself." Sam doesn't hesitate to dig in to the beautifully set platter of food in front of her. With every bite Caleb's heart grows fonder, knowing that he has made her happy.

Within minutes Sam spots the section of chocolate covered strawberries and can't resist. Her nimble fingers grab hold of the fruit and proceed to indulge in its sweetness. Sam lets out a moan of pleasure as she chews the berry with delight. Caleb's hand then sweeps across her cheek, forcing her to lock eyes with his.

"I remember the first day I brought you here" Her starts. Sam's heart is racing as she gets swallowed into Caleb's crystal blue eyes, unable to pull away. "You were very hesitant… just as you are now. Your heart was at war with the rest of you, and you were unsure of what side was going to come out as victor." Caleb's hand sweep through her hair. "But that day… That day was also the first moment I began fighting for your heart... The moment when you didn't have to fight alone anymore… because I was right there beside you."

Sam's eyes were still locked in Caleb's, and had never broken away, not even for one second. Suddenly Sam's eyes pull away as she puts her hand to her head. Her head begins pounding as she sees a glimpse of an image in her mind. Her breathing becomes heavier as the pounding worsens. "I….I….." she starts. "What is it?" he asks placing his hand on her shoulder. The image flashes again, and again. Becoming clearer each time. "I… Don't know…" Caleb gives another smirky grin. "I think you do." The pain of the pounding is starting to become unbearable, and the images are now starting to fade away. "I can't see… It's too much!" she shouts in agony. Caleb then grabs hold of her arms and pulls her close.

"Look at me!" he shouts. "Look into my eyes…" Sam does so and sees a flash of white light, then sees the image clear as day. "What do you see?" he asks. Sam is frozen in place. "It's an image of you… in the villa with the platter of foods, kind of like now. But… but it's different somehow." "Different how?" he asks. "You're there… and….. so am I… Only…" Sam stops talking. "Your clothes…. And mine… They're different. So is my hair…" Suddenly the picture is gone.

Sam's heart begins to return to its normal pace, and her breathing begins to slow down. She looks away, then looks back at Caleb. "What just happened?" Her face expresses fear, as Caleb's expresses delight.

"It's simple darling… You're starting to remember."