Chapter seven: Trust is key

It seemed Bane was far more patient than I would have ever expected out of someone that was build so tough and owned a voice that was as dark as the nights here. But he was. He taught me more about the plants I planted and cared for in our little garden. He would explain every detail and how he had came to this knowledge. He intrigued me, he inspired me. But my fears were never far away.

One afternoon a car came into the direction of the house and my first intention was to flee into the house, but Bane was sitting beside me on the porch, gripping my hand when I wanted to stand up.

'There is no need to hide yourself, Odette,' he told me slowly, his words kind, and soft, like he was trying to comfort a child. Sometimes I felt like one.

My eyes met his, my body yelling at me to get up and hide. Now. But Bane's hand was around mine, not letting go. His grip was gentle enough, but steady and firm. He wanted for me to trust him and feel safe. Why was that so hard for me? I took a deep breath and watched the car come closer and closer. Who would visit Bane here in the middle of nowhere? Was it again someone who needed something? I swallowed and shuddered a bit. I felt so uncomfortable just sitting there, waiting for something that scared me for unknown reasons. Bane on the other hand was completely at ease. His calmness was soothing, but not enough. Not yet.

When the car stopped Bane squeezed my hand softly, letting go when the drivers door opened. He stood and walked over there. It was a man stepping from within the car. A dark skinned man, long and thin.

'Joe, that has been some time, what has brought you here,' I heard Bane say. The man smiled and shook Bane's hand. Hunter curiously sniffled the car and man, before he came towards me, sitting down next to me, demanding petting. I did. It helped me stay calm. I completely forgot about running into the house and hiding myself. But I still was very nervous.

'It has been my, friend. How are you doing? I am just passing by. I was told you still lived here all alone. I thought you could need some distraction, but I see you are not so lonely anymore.' The man had a deep voice, but it was nothing compared to Bane's.

The man stared at me, watching over Bane's shoulder. He gave me a friendly smile. I swallowed not sure how to react.

'That's right Joe. Come, I want you to meet someone dear to me.' The words he said were special enough, but his tone gave me such confidence. Confidence that I could become a better person, a brave one. That he believed in me and valued me for who I was already, with a promise of the future. He gave me enough courage to not run when he and Joe came closer. The dark man gave me a warm smile, extending his hand towards me. I slowly stood and took his hand.

'Well hello there darling, my name is Joe. I am an old friend of this big man over here,' Joe said, shaking my hand. I nodded.

'I'm Odette,' I answered, not sure if I needed to say more. Did I?

'That is a lovely name. Not from around here, I reckon?' he asked. I nodded again. Bane came closer, standing beside me.

'Odette has been here for some time now, believe it or not, she actually likes the chores around here,' Bane spoke for me. I was not sure if Bane wanted Joe to know how the situation between us was exactly. Maybe he was ashamed or maybe he just was not sure how to describe it. I knew I was clueless.

'Let's have a drink, you must have had a long drive, coming all the way over here, meeting your old friend.' Bane seemed joyfull, like Joe was a really good friend. That fact made me feel better, a little bit more secure.

'Come Odette,' Bane told me, motioning for me to walk in the house first. Maybe he had sensed I was not sure what to do. Or he was just being polite. Either way, I walked inside and both of the man followed me.

The afternoon went by surprisingly pleasant. Joe and Bane turned out to be old friends with lots of stories. I think they told me every one of them, and I sat there and listened. Some stories were funny and others sad. Both men had lost people they loved and those stories ended with silence. Joe did not ask me who I was or why I was here. He just was kind to me, and that was it. Every once in a while Bane gently touched my hand or arm, almost reassuring me everything was fine. It meant a lot to me.

Even after, Bane insisted he'd stay for dinner, Joe said his goodbyes without sharing our meal. He thanked us thoroughly though and he promised to be back sometime soon.

Bane and I stood side by side, watching the car drive away, until it was gone from our sight.

'You did good Odette. Really good,' Bane told me, watching me from the side. I turned and watched him, a small smile around my lips.

'Only because of you, but you know that,' I answered softly. His eyes warmed even more, watching me. He stepped closer, taking both of my hands in his, bring them to his chest to lay upon his heart. The tension I suddenly felt took my breath away. Almost.

'You may not have realised it Odette, but you are healing me too.' I needed a few seconds to let his words sink in. I was helping him? How could that be?

'What do you mean?' I asked him softly. He placed his hands over mine, pulling me even closer.

'Those stories Joe and I told you. They are all true, but some are a little darker. Some still haunt me. Your presence here, your kindness helps me. I want you to know that.' He sounded so genuine, so loving and caring I felt something inside change. As if something shifted right into place. Something that suddenly made me see Bane even cleared. He suddenly felt even more as a home.

I had no clue how to reply, but his words made me feel warm inside. I smiled. And I think it was the biggest smile I had, had since coming here.

'Let's prepare dinner and then we'll retire early. How does that sound? I think we have earned some extra rest,' Bane asked me. I smiled some more and nodded. He released my hands from his chest, but he kept one in his, leading me inside the house.