Back to the Dream Page
Chapter 10: Teresa
I felt a presence in the room with me but when I opened my eyes, there was no one to be found. A little confused, I closed my eyes, willing myself to fall back asleep. However, sleep eluded me and I could faintly smell food cooking. My eyes flew open and I struggled to get out of bed, carefully placing my bracelet and the white stone in a pouch that hung at my waist, my talisman pouch. I slowly made my way to the doorway, croaking out, "Kim?"
I froze in my steps upon seeing him. Marc sat with his back toward me. He sat next to the fire, stirring something in the pot. I could see that the table was set for two, waiting for dinner to begin. I stood there and watched him silently for a long while, thinking about nothing and just watching him work. I leaned against the door, letting it support me as my headache began to come back.
Some time passed by before he finally moved the pot to the table to cool off. He straightened out and stretched as he waited for the food to cool a little. I saw him hesitate then and then look up, finally catching me looking at him and he smiled. "Hello, Tess. I didn't hear you get up. Do you want something to eat?"
I ignored my pain and his question and asked him one of my own. "What are you doing here?" I asked, a little hoarse.
He shrugged. "I wanted to see how you were doing. We're all getting worried about you."
"Oh really?"
"Yes."
A silence followed as my headache began to pound more ferociously and I leaned more against the doorframe.
"Tess," he spoke quietly. I opened my eyes. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, Marc."
"Tess, I'll be honest with you. I've been feeling lost these past few months without you by my side. It's been painful watching you from afar, being forced to keep my distance as you went on with your life without me. I don't know what else to say except that I'm sorry. I swear, I don't know how we ever got to my room-"
"Stop!" I cried out, feeling the tears flow down my face. I shook my head, trying to banish the image of them together. "No more! I don't want to remember!" I sobbed.
Marc quickly made his way over to comfort me, drawing me into a long, overdue embrace. It felt strange being in his arms again… Yet very peaceful and comforting. "Tess, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you."
I continued to cry into his shoulder, letting him support me in my weakened state. Then he noticed me shivering. "Tess, what are you wearing!? I'd guess that being employed to the wealthiest family in town, you could afford more than these rags you're wearing," he joked.
I gave him a sharp look and remained quiet. He took the hint and redirected the conversation yet again. "Come on. You need to eat." He drew away and beckoned me to go to the table as he went to get my chair. I leaned away from the doorway and took a step. And then I saw the floor rush up to meet me.