Chapter Seventeen

Though it's the third night he's stood there watching me, something tells me he won't do so again.  He turns to leave, I know it's now or never.

Me - Don't go. 

He looks over his shoulder.

Turner - You're awake?

I nod even though I'm not sure if he can see me and repeat myself. 

Me - Don't go.

I cross the room wrapping my arms around him from behind.

Me - Please.

 I do care, if I didn't I would just let him walk away. 

Turner - Hayley.

I can hear the pain in his voice as he moves out of my arms and steps though the doorway before turning to face me. 

Turner - Why did you come back? What are you doing here?

As he speaks he moves farther into the room and I follow.

Me - Isn't it obvious?

Turner - You should leave.

Me - Haven't we had this conversation before? 

Turner - Why did you come back?

Me - Because I felt guilty. Because I'm not my mother. I've always hated her, not for leaving me, but for how she hurt my father. I couldn't bare the thought that I had done the same to you.

Turner - You came back out of guilt? 

Me - My stepmother is the one who made me see the parallel. She asked me if I thought my mother ever felt guilty. I said no, because she didn't care. But I do feel guilty

Turner - So you've said.

Me - Don't you get it? I said that I don't think my mother ever felt guilty about leaving us BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T CARE! I do feel guilty because I do care. I care about you. After I left, I went back to my past boyfriend, we had never broken up. But I just didn't feel the same as I used to, and I did everything to try to fix that, everything, but nothing changed the fact I didn't belong with him anymore. If I ever belonged with him I don't anymore because I belong with you. 

I start to cover my mouth realizing what I've just said but then stop my self as I realize the truth of it.

Me - I belong with you Turner.  I see that now. I know it's late but please, please tell me its not too late. 

He'd had his back to me but upon my saying I belong with him he looked back at me and as I finished walked over to me.

Turner - You think you belong with me?

Me - I know I do. I'm sorry I hurt you.

Turner - It's not as though I have not done wrong by you as well.

Me - I don't want to think of that, it no longer matters. 

Turner - Yes, let the past, just be the past. 

He kisses me sweetly and softly, gently holding me against him, his strong hard body a stark contrast to his soft lips.

He holds me for a moment just looking at me before releasing me and stepping back. I blink slowly staggering back .

Turner - Something wrong?

Me - No, just pretty tired all of a sudden. I mean I was a little tried before but...

It happens practically in an instant but seems longer. I stop short feeling my legs give out from under me.

Turner grabs for me and my arms instinctively wrap around his neck, catching me in my fall. 

Turner - Are you okay?

His voice is full of concern.

Nearly completely out of it, I let out a slight groan and he picks me up.

And then the world goes black.

Its a while later I open my eyes,dazed, and find myself in bed, Turner now sleeping by my side. I scoot close next to him putting an arm around him and close my eyes again.

The next morning after dressing I make myself breakfast and sit down to eat. I've informed Laura that I will continue to do the cooking and that she is mostly here to clean. I like to cook and don't know how good a cook she is, but am willing to bet I'm better.

Its gotten dark and Turner invites me outside to look at the stars.

Turner - I wanted you to see this view. 

Me - It's amazing.

We sit together in silence for sometime before I push him back against the ground and move closer to him resting my head on his shoulder. I wordlessly pass it off as just being sweet and romantic. Which it is, but also I'm felling that sudden tiredness again. As I close my eyes I feel him kiss the top of my head.

Turner - Everything alright my beauty? 

Good question.

Me - Mhmm.

A short time later after the slight wave of tiredness had passed, I start to head inside and see this adorable little dog chasing its tail in front of the door.

Me - Well hello there little fella.

Stooping down I let him sniff my hand before petting him.

 Me - Aren't you a cutie?

Turner coming around from back heading inside as well but stops upon seeing me with the dog.

Turner - And whose this?

Me - He doesn't have a collar and I can't feel a chip. He must be a stray.

Turner - Would you like to keep him?

Me - Seriously?

Turner - Of course, he really seems to like you. Can't say I blame the little guy.

Me - He does doesn't he?

Before I brought her here Laura mentioned she worked as a nurse, maybe she can tell me why I've been having this sudden waves of exhaustion.

I find her and have to quickly cover my mouth to stop the gasp of shock moving to hide along the wall.