The Return

    Savannah's nerves jumped into her throat and wound a hot ball in her chest, as she stood in front of the little yellow house. The flowers bloomed in riots of colors around the stone walkway, their scents perfuming the air. The little white shutters were open, so she could make out lacy curtains that would billow in the breeze. How could something so quaint spark so many fears? With an unsteady hand, Savannah stuck the key in the lock and turned. Forcing herself to push the door open she looked wistfully at the car. She could go back, no one was forcing her to be here it was her choice. She could go back to her little apartment in Portland she kept as a safety net. That was being a coward she chided herself. One step at a time.      The house smelled of fresh lemon cleaner and furniture polish, and while there was no dust it felt musty from being shut up. Savannah went around and opened the living room and kitchen windows to let in a nice cross breeze. The house was furnished with what she sent ahead. A small brown sofa rested against one wall looking out the windows to the meadow. Houses were farther between out here, most people wanted the quick commute into town and not the 15 minutes it would take her. Savannah could make out through trees her closest neighbor about half a mile away.  In the kitchen, cherry cabinets glowed against the green mist walls, and the appliances were shining. There were white granite counters smooth as ice. She would need to go into town and get groceries, but not today. She wasn't entirely sure if settling the house and going to town the same day would send her straight back to her apartment. The realtor left a small house warming basket and a handful of take out menus on the counter. Flipping through them she decided to call and have pizza delivered.       While Savannah waited for the pizza, she headed to start unloading the car. She went into the bedroom with her suitcase, the black rod frame bed sat against a quiet blue wall facing the dresser and bathroom. She opened the curtains and saw a flagstone patio and more flowers. She was really going to need to read some gardening books. Savannah looked at the dresser, was it cowardice to want to wait to put her clothes away? Sighing she tossed the suitcase on the bed and began methodically organizing them. She was just sliding the suitcase in the closet when the doorbell rang. Sweat sprang to her palms and she ruthlessly wiped them on her jeans.      "Get a grip, its just going to be the pizza," she muttered to herself. She still cautiously looked out the window to see the delivery car before opening the door.       With her stomach achingly full, the last slice she knew was an indulgence she should have skipped, she set to walk around the grounds. Soft grass covered around the cottage, and droves of flowers, she had no idea their names, sprouted in waterfalls of color. A little stone path led to an old tree and stone bench that looked over a pond. Now she needed a book on pond maintenance, or would she need to hire someone to maintain it. She added that to her mental list and walked to the stone bench. A hammock would be nice under the shade of the tree she mused. If she stayed it would be something to think about. Savannah sat there and listened to the crickets and birds softly filling the air. Trees flanked, enclosing and protecting the little meadow between. The soft gray light of dusk was settling over her little meadow pushing her to go inside. It was too soon to be comfortable outside in the dark. The dark was once her savior, but for now it made anxiety flicker.      She settled down at her desk to check emails and update her website. She would need to get back with her editor in the morning on a conference call, and needed to add new content to the blog on her website. After a couple hours her shoulders ached, and as she got up she rolled them to loosen them. Yawning widely, Savannah went around to each window checking they were shut and locked before going into her room. She slid under the soft duvet and within minutes was asleep.     Savannah heard heavy footsteps echoing in the hallway, she fumbled to get the light turned on beside her bed, why was there no light? Panic clawed icy fingers into her chest and she groped for the light. The footsteps were getting closer, Savannah fell onto the floor and crawled to try and brace something against the door. Light slammed into the room blinding her as the door flew into the wall. A scream lodged in her throat and wouldn't loosen.      "There you are, my princess, I've been looking for you." The gravel voice froze her where she sat. All she could think was, no not again. His hand closed around her hair and yanked back, forcing her to look into his ice blue eyes. How could his eyes be considered blue, they were as pale as ice on a lake; but she knew they could rage with a self righteous fire.     "Did you miss me?" He laughed as he tightened his hold.      Savannah clawed at his hand trying to release his grip, if only she could run get out, get away. As his other hand reached for her she screamed.      Savannah sat up in bed shivering and clammy with sweat. Cautiously, she turned on the bedroom light and pulled the blanket up around her. Hugging her knees she rested her head against them and let the sobs come until there were no tears left. The hammering of her heart slowly regulated and she sat until the dark softened, and the sun rose above the mountains.