Chapter 15: The new reality

The sun felt sweltering this morning as Lily swung her legs to the side of the bed to stand up. Three days had passed and she had completed her instructed bed rest. After that information overload from Arlo, she wanted out of that room, no, out of that house. She felt suffocated. She stretched a little and still felt a small sting of pain in her chest. It would take much longer to completely heal but by keeping herself immobile, she hoped that set the break. Lily walked over the desk as she saw a brand new pair of clothes and a note. "I am stepping out for a little while, please do not leave the house unescorted. I have supplied clothes I think you will find more appealing. I look forward to seeing your beautiful face tonight." - Arlo. Just like the last letter she felt herself embarrassed and crumbled up the paper and tossed it into the trash. "Why am I getting so worked up over him?!" Lily's mind was racing, remembering their kiss a few nights ago. The way he whispered in her ear, she couldn't stand it. "That's it, I'm out of here!" Lily quickly got dressed. As she descended the staircase there was a knock at the door.

Gerald rushed to the front and cracked the door open. Lily saw it was Finn and got instantly excited. She ran to the door. "It's ok Gerald, he's my friend." Gerald looked at Lily suspiciously. "Ok my lady, I shall finish my duties. Please call if you need me." Gerald slithered away quickly. Finn's face lit up as Lily stepped outside and shut the door. She then jumped at Finn to hug him. Finn was so surprised he didn't know what to do. He leaned in to hug her back and couldn't help but smell her. That smell. That intoxicating aroma that made him want to fall at her feet and do anything for her. "Lily I am so glad you're ok." Arlo stopped by yesterday to let me know what happened and that you were safe. And to stay away until you were done healing..." Lily was shocked, Arlo doing something sweet like this? Especially after his jealous outburst. "I'm so glad he did. I was hoping I would see you again." Lily grinned. Finn was so happy to see Lily was safe and smiling. "Of course you would see me again! I have to teach you to read after all." Finn smiled at Lily. "Can we start now!?" Lily grabbed Finn's hand. "Umm, we can but Lily you just..." Finn couldn't even get all his words out. "Okay!" Lily shouted. "Let me grab my coat and boots and we can go to your place." Finn watched as she ran back into the house so excited. Finn"s mind raced and felt his heart skip a beat. "I know she's not mine, but I think I'm falling for her."