In one swift movement, the mysterious dark-haired man swept her up in one arm. With his other hand he gathered up her crumpled clothing and backpack. He swiftly carried Allison through the wind and snow to his Mercedes parked outside the doors. He placed her fragile, battered and bruised body on the leather passenger’s seat. Quickly, he retrieved a soft gray blanket from the back seat and covered her exposed flesh. He wanted her to feel safe and secure.
“Where am I? I am so confused. I was in my office, a minute ago...” Her voice riddled with confusion.
The stranger didn’t answer her. He retreated to the driver seat and turned over the ignition and flipped on the heater.
“You are safe now,” he replied, making an effort to comfort her. She was the most stunning creature he had ever seen. Pale, innocent and unblemished. Thank God, he stopped. His desire was to protect her like none other before.
“Those men...they were going to kill me. They tried to rape me but I fought—I fought so hard. Then you were there with me...just before,” she whimpered, than began sobbing heavily.
“You are okay?” He placed his strong large hand tenderly on her shoulder, using caution to not invade her space. His touch sent chills bumps down the length of Allison’s spine. “Those men will never damage another soul again. I promise you that, Allison.” The perfect stranger said with a strong degree of conviction.
“You fought them all...and risk so much to save my life.” She sobbed, her eyes filled with horror and relief at the same time.
“It’s my honor.” He smiled and winked at her. There was strength in his eyes but also something forlorn and distant.
“You’re such a good man,” Allison proclaimed, shuddering still from the deplorable ordeal.
“Do you want me to take you somewhere, to the hospital or—”
“No. I don’t know where I am supposed to be right now.” She scanned the world outside the window of the car. “But I am okay with this. I feel safe with you. Thank you for saving me.” She tightened the soft cotton blanket around her shoulders then reached over and kissed him on the cheek.
“Allison,” the gorgeous stranger spoke. His voice was so familiar.
“Wait. You know my name...but how—?”
His eyes flashed to her neck, “Your necklace, isn’t that your name?” He asked. She clasped her hand over the pendant that scripted her name in silver.
“Yes it is.” Allison titled her head. “Everything is so foggy, now. What is your name?” She stared at him appraisingly.
He couldn’t be much older than his late twenties, perhaps thirty years old at the most. His strong, chiseled jaw-line was hidden behind a day’s worth of stubble. He was the most gorgeous man she had ever laid her eyes on. There was something familiar about him, so mysterious, blue eyes, and jet-black careless hair.
“I am Channing Stephens, a movie director from Hollywood. I was just passing through when I saw into the dirty window two men running into the bathroom. I had a hunch something was wrong. When I slowed down to get a closer look, I heard through the space in my open window your screams. I am so glad you fought them; you have the lungs of a singer.”
Allison managed to let out a half-hearted laugh, considering her near demise. “I had voice lessons when I was a child.”
“I may not have heard you if it was not for your piercing vocals.”
“I am glad you did,” she paused. “So, are you really a movie director?” Young Allison’s ears perked up.
“Yes. Are you an actress?” He asked.
“No, not yet, but that was—no—is my dream.” She smiled, blushing, tucking her hair behind her ear and bit her bottom lip.
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“My father isn’t happy about it...He wants me to follow in his footsteps.”
“I think you should make your own footsteps...” Channing said pointedly. Allison’s eyes contemplated his suggestion.
“Would you like to ride with me on your way to capture your dreams?”
“To Hollywood? Oh yes,” Allison beamed.
“I am making a movie called To Heaven and Back and I believe I have found my starring angel.” Channing winked at her.
Allison gazed into his hypnotic crystal blue eyes...She thought she saw a twinkle of light in the iris of his eyes or maybe it was falling star reflecting off the prisms on the wet windows. Nonetheless, she closed her eyes made a wish.
“Did you make a wish?” The corners of his mouth tilted upward.
“Yes, how did you know?”
“I am not sure...but somehow I did.” He looked at Allison like a questioned and relented. His eyes clouded over. Maybe he was remembering the way they were...somewhere in time, another time. “I hope it comes true.”
“It all ready did,” she batted her lashes, and smiled. Perhaps she too was reflecting on the way they were...somewhere in time, another time. “Thank you.”
“For what this time?” He said, inquisitively.
“For saving me from my future.” She blew him a secret kiss.
“You’re welcome little lady.”
Channing pulled out of the parking lot of that abandoned old Laundromat. The windshield wipers dusted away the snowflakes that had gathered on the window. The wheels of the car spun for a moment, gaining traction, as they pulled onto the snow-covered highway. They drove into the darkness of the night into the future. The moon was their sentry, guiding both Channing and Allison to their dreams.
Allison gazed up toward Channing and she knew. She remembered everything, his strong hands, his firm lips, his touch and his manhood, touching every inch inside of her. Their passion and the moments of real intimacy flashed in her mind. But, what she remembered the most was the story he shared with her about the young girl—his heartache—his regret...and the echo of his footsteps walking away ten years ago.
“I forgive you,” she whispered, silently to herself. Somehow they have undone the past or was it the future? It didn’t matter at this point. All that matters now is that he didn’t past her by this time.
“Did you say something?” Channing asked.
“No, I was just thinking out loud how lucky I am that you didn’t drive by tonight. Who knows what would have happened to me if you didn’t hear my screams.”
“I would have regretted that, Allison.” He glanced at her, while keeping one eye on the road.
“I know.” She smiled, laying her head against her hero’s strong shoulder and closed her eyes.
Allison glanced out of the rear window for a fraction of a moment. Her past faded away, along with any confused memories of her life before.
A cozy stream of warm air embraced their souls. Channing rescued her and somehow she knew she rescued him back. Her heart gushed with a degree of love. Channing reached over and squeezed Allison’s small hand, her eyes flashed on a homemade star tattoo between this thumb and index finger. It all made sense, she exhaled, and knew they were one; two damaged souls that were given another chance.
THE END
Also read Savor’s Pleasures the box set
Available on Kindle now: Click here!
~~~~~
Also available in ebookstores everywhere:
False Dichotomy
A Suspense Screenplay by
Charlize Bennett
Kindle or Nook
“Hodges' Harbrace Handbook,” 16th edition [one of the best grammar books EVER created, and reissued, time and again]:
Also read Savor’s Pleasures the box set
Available on Kindle now: Click here!
~~~~~
Also available in ebookstores everywhere:
False Dichotomy
A Suspense Screenplay by
Charlize Bennett
Kindle or Nook
“Hodges' Harbrace Handbook,” 16th edition [one of the best grammar books EVER created, and reissued, time and again]:
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Bad Doctor Page 11