More than a memory

Chapter 13

Jeremy

I carried Roxanne to the couch and covered her with a blanket. Ahana was in my heels, with her arms crossed in front of her chest and with a scolding expression on her face. To be honest, the way she looked at me scared the hell out of me. As soon as I laid Roxanne down and tucked her in Ahana grabbed my shoulders and shook me.

- ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?

- I don't know what you want to say. - I tried to act like a fool, but obviously I couldn't mislead my immortal cousin with such a cheap and miserable trick.

- Have you lost your few remaining braincells? What is she doing here? - I sighed and explained everything that happened to Ahana. She listened with patience and sighed at the end. She held her forehead and looked at me with a sorrowful expression.

- Jeremy... You can't keep doing this. We almost lost you. I know it is hard but you have to really let her go... I can help with that.

- How? - I asked but I knew her answer.

- I can erase all of your memories with her just like I did to Roxanne. This way you can move on. - I shook my head and stole a glance at the peacefully sleeping Roxanne.

- She needs my help. I am not a coward who runs away at the slightest obstacles.

- I know but this is not running away Jeremy. This is not giving up.

- In my eyes it is. She died because of me.

- She is also alive because of you. Jeremy, why not giving her memories back to her? - I let out a chuckle.

- You just said to erase mines so I could let her go, now you want her to remember? - Ahana shrugged.

- She clearly remembers about some things. You told me she wants to be with you. Let her remember and if she wants to stay after that, than just be happy.

- It is not that simple.

- It can be that simple. Think it over. - Ahana hugged me and disappeared just when Roxanne started to wake up. My cousin made a little more rain and storm as well so Roxanne would believe that she fall asleep during our movie.

- Hey sleeping beauty! You missed the best parts! - I said while I hopped next to Roxanne and put the bowl of popcorns I made to the table.

- Sorry... I had such a weird dream.

- The silver-eyed guy again? - I asked and she shook her head.

- No. It was about us. - I grinned.

- Us?

- Yes. - her eyes widened and she suddenly chuckled in embarrassment.

- Sorry again! How is the storm going? - I opened the curtains and she sun was coming out from behind the clouds.

- It looks like the sleepover came to its end. - I said and saw how sad and afraid Roxanne became. I sat back next to her and hugged her gently pulling her to my side.

- Everything is going to be okay Roxanne. I promised I'll help you to get rid of Damon.

- Oh... So that wasn't a dream. - I giggled.

- No that was still real. - she smiled and blushed.

- And the kiss? - now it was my time to blush.

- That was definitely a dream.- Roxanne groaned and covered her face into her pillow.

- This is so embarrassing... - I caressed her head.

- I won't lie I've dreamed about it as well. - she immediately looked at me with curiosity in her eyes. Roxanne leaned closer but I stood up and said.

- I'll check if your clothes are dry.

- Thanks.-she mumbled and got lost in her thoughts. It seems like Ahana couldn't make her forget everything. In her unconscious she remembered. The only solution would be to never see her again... But I'm tok selfish and not strong enough to do that. Maybe my cousin is right and she should remember... I groaned in frustration. I didn't know what to do... My heart wanted to be with Roxanne, I knew in my mind that she deserves a normal life, and I was terrified. She might wants to be with me now. But if she remembers will she still want to be with me? If she remembers of everything I've done, how I hurt her... Will she be able to forgive?

- Is everything okay? Or do you need help trying them on? - Roxanne asked from the living room.

- I'm coming! - I said and grabbed her now dry and clean clothes.

- I wasn't trying them on... But I thought we already discussed this. - I said and she smiled at me with a childish grin.

- Yeah I know. - her smile disappeared and while I handed her her clothes Roxanne asked.

- May I ask you a favor? - I nodded.

Half hour later we have been walking on the streets with our arms locked. I gave Roxanne a hoodie so she could cover her face with it. The face she made while she asked if I'd walk her home, got imprinted in my brain. I felt her grip getting stronger while we were getting closer to her apartment. At the door we stopped and I turned her to face me. Roxanne was trembling.

- Are you sure about this? - I asked and she nodded.

- I can't let him terrorize me. This is my home. - I hugged her and whispered.

- We will set you free from him. As long as I'm alive I'll do everything possible to drag that bastard down. Just keep hanging on. - I caressed Roxanne's face and placed a tiny kiss on her cheek. While we were in the elevator I added.

- You can always come to my apartment, or call if you need a friend or shelter. - she smiled and thanked me. The elevator door opened and she walked out. I waved goodbye but Roxanne stopped the door from closing. I understood her without words and accompanied her to the door of her apartment. She turned the key in the lock but the door opened harshly. Suddenly Roxanne found herself in the arms of Damon.

- Roxy! I've been so f*****g worried! Where have you been? - Damon asked but my got told me that he was more worried about what Roxanne said to me, than where she was.

- I needed some time. - she said and turned to me.

- Thank you for your help Jerry!

- Anytime Roxanne. - she walked in and Damon stayed in the door looking at me from head to toe. He then grinned mischievously and said.

- I hope you had fun, but keep it in your mind that Roxanne is mine. - Mine... No. That word switched something in me. I took a step closer to Damon and that got him by surprise.

- She isn't yours. - Damon laughed.

- Is she yours maybe? I don't think so. Look at yourself. You are a nobody. What would a person like you provide to her? I can give her everything! - I grinned.

- She is free and capable alone. I'm sure she doesn't need a jackass who mistreats her. - Damon's expression got furious and he grabbed me by my collar.

- Stay out of my way or... - I cut his little monologue in the middle.

- No. If she ever gets mistreated by you again. I'll destroy you. - Damon's eyes opened wide and he started to laugh so hardly that his tears fell.

- You? Destroy me? You are a bug, thinking he is a lion!

- I recommend you not to test my patience. - I said and found myself on the floor. Damon punched me in the face and sent me to the ground. He kneeled in front of me and said.

- Listen here little knight. Get lost and leave her alone, or soon you'll be an unrecognizable body what the police fishes out of the ocean. Got it? - he stood up and walked in Roxanne's apartment shutting the door behind him. I got up and cursed. After a minute of anger I smiled. He can kill me, no problem, but I won't go to hell alone.