Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The garden

 

“Can we get out of here?  I need to get some air,” I said looking into Alex’s eyes.  He took my hand and led me to the back yard.  As we walked slowly hand in hand towards the trees I noticed they had an interesting shape.  As we got closer I realized I wasn’t looking at trees, but at an archway of climbing roses.  They weren’t in bloom yet since it was too early in the season, and the leaves on the trees, bushes and vines had only begun blossoming a few weeks ago so the trees were just starting to look full.  As we walked through the archway we entered into the most beautiful secret garden I had ever seen.  I stopped suddenly and gazed around in wonder.  The spring flowers were a rainbow of colours, pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, reds and white. It made me feel like I had just walked into a story book it was so perfect.  There was a large white classic-looking fountain in the centre with benches surrounding it and the trees in the background were draped with ivy which gave them a majestic look.

“It’s absolutely breath taking,” I said completely awed. 

“I knew you’d like it.”  Alex said smiling tenderly at me.  We walked to the other side of the water fountain and nestled under the trees was an old-fashioned swing bench that blended into the garden so well that I hadn’t even noticed it. We sat on the swing and slowly rocked back and forth. 

“This place is magical,” I breathed.  I inhaled deeply enjoying the fragrances.  It was so amazing, each scent blended into the next and I sighed happily as a cool breeze played with the loose tendrils of my hair.  Alex caught one of these in his fingers and gently tucked it behind my ear.  I could feel my heart quicken as his hand softly brushed my cheek.  I looked at our hands intertwined and noted how perfectly they fit together.  I smiled happily and looked up into his vivid emerald green eyes.  I could gaze into his eyes forever.  I felt like I was falling into their hypnotic depths; it was hypnotic, and I couldn’t seem to look away.  Alex’s eyes had never affected me like this before and mesmerized I moved closer to him and placed my free hand gently on his cheek.  Somehow I knew his temperature had increased slightly and my breathing started to quicken in response.  My fingers moved slowly from his face to play with his hair.  Alex placed his free hand gently under my chin and raised it slowly.  My heart was hammering in my chest as he slowly leaned down and brushed his lips gently over mine.  His lips were warm and soft as they moved searchingly against mine.  His breath was warm and sweet and my lips parted slightly responding to his.  My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.  His tongue traced my lower lip sending a shiver up and down my spine as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his solid chest.  His tongue searched for mine, and I responded eagerly and passionately.  My head swirled and my heart was beating so hard I wasn’t sure it would stay in my chest.   All I knew was that I didn’t want this feeling to stop.  When Alex slowly pulled away, I was breathless.  He smiled at me mischievously.

“Well, for someone who’s never dated you do that rather well,” he teased.  I blushed and buried my head into his shoulder as he chuckled softly and kissed my hair.  I squeezed closer to him.

“I feel like I’m in a dream.  The best dream ever, and I don’t want it to end,” I admitted as I inhaled deeply and sighed happily.  He tightened his arms around me pulling me closer.

“I feel the same way you know.  I want to remember this moment forever,” he whispered in my ear.  We sat on the bench for a little while longer and watched the sun set.  The sky was a beautiful orangey-red and the clouds had a pinky purple glow. It was starting to get cooler, so we finally got up and started to walk back towards the house.  It was the perfect end to a very long day.

The next day we went to school.  As expected there was an assembly held first thing in the morning.  Everyone was buzzing about Prom, so the assembly was a surprise this late in the year.

“Good morning everyone” Mr. Stevens said talking into the microphone as he stood on the stage facing the students.

“Morning,” everyone replied.

“I’ve gathered you here today for an important announcement.  I received some news yesterday that concerns all of you,” he took a breath and started again.

“I want to remind you that in order for you and your date to get into the Prom you both must be wearing a clear ID bracelet. You will not be allowed in without it, and if you are caught not wearing one it will result in you being removed from the prom and an automatic suspension,” he said sternly.  A collective groan rose from the assembled students.

“There is a reason why we are doing things this way.  We have received reports that there are strangers in town looking for someone.  We do not know who that someone is, but these men have been seen hanging around the school parking lots.  The principals of the other high schools, and myself, are concerned for your safety and we ask that if any of you see anyone that shouldn’t be here, please report it to the office immediately,” he announced.

“Mr. Stevens,” one of the students called.

“Yes Sarah,” he said looking at her.

“I saw a man with a camera in the parking lot this morning taking pictures.  Is that what you mean?” she asked.  I looked at Alex, Will, and Lizzy my eyes wide and my hands started shaking.  Alex squeezed my hand reassuringly while the others remained expressionless.

“What did this man look like Sarah?” Mr. Stevens asked.

“Tall, short dark hair, tanned skin.  He definitely didn’t look like he was from around here.” she replied.

Alex held me in place because he knew I wanted to run, but the only thing we could realistically do was wait.  After the assembly we all returned to class.  Everyone was buzzing with the news wondering aloud who these strange men could be looking for. 

Alex and Will spent our lunch break outside looking around while Lizzy and I sat at our usual table and quietly picked at our lunch.  I was so nervous and anxious I could hardly sit still. 

“Would you please calm down Anna, you’re driving me nuts!  Nothing is going to happen,” Lizzy whispered harshly to me.

“I can’t help it.  I just don’t feel safe.  I would rather be at your place, not here,” I said honestly.  Lizzy looked at me sympathetically.

“Even if they did find you, they wouldn’t dare touch you with all these witnesses,” she said confidently.

“I’m not so sure about that.  They shot Alex and my friend Paul in a public place,” I reminded her.

“You’re safe Anna.  This is the best place for you to be.  Now we had better get to class,” she said as she grabbed her bag and tray and stood up ready to leave.  I know that Lizzy was doing her best to keep me calm, but I could see the cracks in her calm demeanour.  Saying nothing, I just nodded and followed her out of the cafeteria. 

The rest of the week passed without incident.  I was able to get to and from school without any trouble, and the man with the camera had not returned.  However I was still wary of my safety.  I had to be – I couldn’t let my guard down even though I had some powerful protectors.