The meal continued in silence, not an uncomfortable silence but one of ease and companionship. Where we just enjoyed each others company. The burger was simple but to die for. The pattie was seasoned, the lettuce and tomatoes were crisp and fresh, the buns were buttered and grilled on the undersides. By the end of the meal I was pleasantly full and heavy, creating the perfect combination for a nap. I started to yawn on the walk back.
"Are you tired?" He waited for me to finishing yawning again for me to respond.
"A little. I'm nice and full and considering I'm practically feline I'm ready for a nap." He chuckled at my comparison.
"Well you can always sleep, I've got some work to do anyway." I pretended to consider it and nodded my head. Of course I was gonna nap and I trusted enough that he wouldn't murder me in my sleep. I went straight up the stairs and kicked my shoes off excited for my impending slumber. I climbed on the bed scurrying up to the pillows, then burrowed under the blankets and was out like a light in no time at all. I opened my eyes to a dark winter sky. Sitting up I knew where I was immediately, I was back in the dream. Snow started to fall as I got to my feet, my breath coming out in thick puffs. I felt something watching me from behind and my anxiety rose and my breathing picked up. Slowly I turned around and there it was, the black form looming behind me. I took off running in the opposite direction sparing no glances behind me this time. It appeared in front of me just like last time so I knew what was supposed to come next, and just like clockwork it did but it was different this time.
"Freya! Get away from her!" I started to look hoping I could finally see who it was. For so long I wondered what the man who saved me looked like. He always called my name with so much love and urgency. The moment had come, I was finally able to see him. It was Aiden! But he looked different, feral almost. He was crouched with his teeth bared. I should have been afraid but I wasn't, instead I ran to him and he wrapped his arms around me with one hand on the back of my head. I felt his head come down to rest on mine. I felt a rumble start in Aiden's chest as his head came up and a guttural snarl that belonged coming out of the body of a lion came out of his mouth. At that moment Aiden pushed me behind his body and he entered a protective stance. The form had started to approach when I peeked from behind. It rushed us and Aiden leapt at it. I bolted upright as I woke up, as usual my heart was pounding and my breath was near hyperventilation.
"Freya? Are you ok?" Aiden was sitting next to me reaching toward me but hesitantly. My nerves were raw and I was on the verge of tears. The images of him refused to leave my mind. I couldn't help it as I launched myself at him, unintentionally recreating the scene from my dream. Aiden was taken by surprise and stiffened but quickly loosened and held me.
"I'm sorry" I choked out while I cried.
"It's ok you can tell me about it when you're ready." He rubbed circles on my back as the crying and sobbing died down to hiccups. "Do you want to talk about it now?" His chest vibrated against my cheek as he talked. I sat up and nodded.
"I'm sorry I got your shirt wet." I sniffled and Aiden handed me a tissue and wiped my eyes.
"Don't worry about that it's alright." I took another breath and thought about what to say.
"It was just a dream I've been having a while. I think I've been having it because I'm stressed, it just seems very real."
"What happens?"
"There's this large, black, thing. It calls my name and it smells horrible and it's so visceral. But at the end there's always this person who saves me."
"Who is it?" I didn't really know what to say. I couldn't tell him my brain had inserted him into my dream. His demeanor was relaxed but there was something behind his eyes.
"I don't know I've never been able to see his face. But judging by the sound of his voice he sounds handsome." I winked. Aiden put his hand gently on my knee.
"I'm sorry you've been going through that. I've finished what I had to do for today, how about you get comfy on the couch, I'll make dinner, and we'll watch something." It sounded amazing but I didn't want him to do all the work by himself.
"Or I can make a quick call and then I'll help you cook."
"You want to help me?"
"Sure. I'm actually a really good cook not to toot my own horn." He actually seemed pretty excited when he finally said something.
"That sounds great! I was thinking about doing a simple lasagna and salad does that sound ok?"
"Oooh that sounds amazing."
"Then it's settled. Go ahead and make your call and I'll get started. Oh and a connection here is pretty much impossible to get so there's a landline by the bed." I looked at the bedside table closest to the wall and there it was. I didn't remember seeing it before but then again I wasn't looking that closely.
"Oh thank you. I'll be just a minute"
"I'll be right over there in the kitchen." As he got up to leave I grabbed the phone and dialed my mom's number. I was worried she wouldn't answer till her voice came over the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey mom it's me."
"Freya honey! I've been trying to call you. I was worried something happened to you."
"Oh, no mom I'm totally ok I just don't get a signal here that's all."
"Well could you blame me? You're far from home in a town you've never been to, you don't know anyone, and you're staying with a man whose a complete stranger."
"I can understand you being worried, definitely. But mom everyone has been so nice and Aiden has been amazing. He's really so sweet we watched Hallmark together, he bought me lunch, he's fixing my car, and he's cooking dinner. Also he gave me the bed while he sleeps on the couch." She was silent on the other end for a little while.
"Hmm you still don't really know him but that is very nice. Is he single?"
"Mom!" I checked behind me to see if Aiden had heard my outburst then went to a mild whisper. "Mom, first of all yes I'm pretty sure he is, second you were just saying he's a stranger now you want to know if he's single?"
"Well yeah from what you've told me I don't have to worry and he sounds pretty great. And you haven't had a boyfriend in so long not since, well you know who. Is he handsome?" She knew not to say my ex's name. My last relationship was not something i liked to look back on.
"Yes mom he's handsome. Listen I have to go, I'll try to call more often I promise."
"You know honey I can still come get you. I can leave in the morning."
"No mom it's ok, the roads are bad and I don't want you traveling that far. I'm fine and once the car's fixed I'll head home. I've got to go I love you."
"I love you too sweetie be careful."
"I will, bye." I sat there a minute after we hung up, I missed my mom but I tried to call as often as I could. I hopped up from the bed and went to the kitchen to see what I could do to help.