Ch 11

Once more, Sully cried himself to sleep in the arms of this incredible woman. Pup was curled at his stomach, sleeping also. Michaela hugged him close; this time however she was more alert and felt the hard muscles under the T Shirt he wore. If she flinched he seemed to know and held her tighter, her hands held to him again, only over his heart this time.

Michaela was amazed that he seemed sane although vulnerable, aware of the very fine line he was treading. She knew there was more of his story. Her mind went back to when she would have been his age and watching someone she loved jump off a bridge.

He father had a stroke at the breakfast table when she was older, that was sad enough. Watching someone deliberately kill themselves she could not comprehend.

Sully's sleep was much shorter this time, and he kept himself still when he woke. He could feel her hug, it felt good. She was different to others: she cared, really cared. Taking on grown children would not have been easy. Amazed he lavished in the feeling of safety she evoked in him. It was a feeling of being protected he had not felt in a very long time.

The pup had other ideas; as soon as he knew his master was awake he was up and licking his face. Michaela tried stopping him but Sully grabbed her hand firmly, telling her he was awake. Michaela then attempted to sit.

"Stay a bit," he asked as she slid back down behind him, taking up her previous position.

Wanting to explore the freedom he was feeling, he began to talk.

"You make me feel safe and protected. When I was young I thought that my family did not want to be around me. That it was my fault they died." Turning to face her he put his finger lightly over her lips stopping her answer. "I know it isn't, but it has taken me a long time to sort that out." A silence followed.

"When I ran away from the home..., they used us as child labour...some kids were abused real bad." He stiffened a little.

"Sully?" her thoughts were "Oh no! Not that too."

"No! No thankfully nothing like that." He immediately reassured her. "I moved around a lot and met Daniel. He was a bit older than me, that is when we came out here."

She had not seen any notes about Daniel and wondered what had happened to him.

"Daniel he made it big in investment'. We kinda drifted away, I guess," he added as if hearing the voice inside her head. "Haven't been in touch a long time. Guess I supposed he was not interested."

Looking at her lying on her side, he put his hands around her head. She watched and felt as he freed her hair, running his fingers the length of it.

"Ya got real nice hair. I knew what it would look like if ya had it down." Using his finger like a comb, she could not prevent herself from leaning into his hand.

Their eyes locked and both found it hard to look away.

Suddenly he jumped up and pulled her to her feet.

"Now let's go and see what is wrong with ya washing machine." He felt like he had been hit by a freight train: he was caressing her head and she appeared to be enjoying it. "What do ya think ya doing? You made a PROMISE, remember? To Abigail, ya remember, don' ya?"

She let him pull her to her feet, returning his smile, although it did not meet his eyes. She thought that he was sad because of the forgotten friend.

The pup was jumping around, excited at going out. "Sorry Wolf. 'member no animals; that is why ya here." Sully told him.

Outside he went to the barn and collected a few tools, pleased that they had not rusted. Before he had gone off to the war, he had seen to it that they had been stored well. They had been used to build the house, he had been a carpenter by trade. Although when he left he had plans never to be returning.

Putting Wolf down, Sully shut the door before he could escape. "Sorry boy, ya gotta stay." He knew there was no way the pup could leave and there was enough water and food for him.

He had left his SUV and he knew he could not take it. Moving over to Michaela's car he waited near the passenger's side door. "Sorry, my car is not fit to drive at the moment."

Nodding she pressed the lock, and the sound of it unlocking could be heard. He smiled as he wondered who would steal it out here.

Sitting in it, he glanced around the car. It was very nice and new and big enough for her and the kids. It was clean and looked like someone looked after it.

Gazing around he was amazed at the changes that were taking over the area he loved. Then he realized that houses were nearly up to his gate. He had not dreamt that the urban sprawl would be so close. Suddenly he leant back into the seat, dropping his head into his hands as his pulse quickened and his breathing became shallow.

Michaela was aware of his change in posture, "Sully are you all right?"

He was too intent on getting his heart rate and breathing controlled and was not aware she had stopped the car. Gently placing her hand on his shoulder; trying to prevent him from jumping, she asked again, "Sully, are you all right?"

He tried nodding as he felt her draw circles on his back. This slowly connected him to his surroundings again.

"I'll take you back," she said as she started the car after he was better.

Placing his hand over hers on the steering wheel he answered, "No, I gotta do this. May as well be now, with you by my side...supporting me. 'Sides, I have ta fix that machine 'cause it won' fix itself."

Michaela nodded, knowing that this was another vital step in Sully's recovery. She pulled out and continued home.