Run Poppy Run

Christmas Eve

Poppy

I laid there, staring at my ceiling. I checked my phone; it read 3:00 a.m. I hopped out of bed, heading to my window. I felt a slight tinge of sadness when my stalker wasn’t there. Was it the cameras? Did I scare him away? Ugh, look at me complaining about getting rid of the guy who took my sleep from me. At least I won’t have to spend the money to get my locks changed.

I went back to bed, curling up under the blankets as I checked my cameras through the app. Sighing, I closed it and tried to go back to sleep. Mom was letting me have the morning off so I could go and pick up all the catering for her little party.

I finally dozed off. I don’t know when. My phone going off brought me back out of my sleep. The sun streamed in, causing me to shield my eyes. It’s never really this sunny during the winter in Sequim, and when it was, it was irritating. I honestly don’t mind the cold; I prefer it over the heat. I hate sweating.

I rolled out of bed, getting up and getting ready for the day. Once done with my daily bathroom routine, I worked my way downstairs. My knee was feeling slightly better, still sore. Flashes of Damian went through my head as I stood at the kitchen counter. I fidgeted with my shirt’s edge as I chewed the inside of my lip.

“Morning Poppy!” Jess startled me out of my impure thoughts of riding that godly build of a man.

“Morning Jess,” I softly responded as I headed to put my shoes on.

“So, we’re gonna stop by and grab everything we need from Walmart, right?” Jess snatched her keys off the counter, twirling them in her hand. I nodded, grabbing my wallet as we left. The day surprisingly flew by. I was standing in front of the mirror getting ready. My palms were sweaty as I adjusted the dress Jess got me. It made my boobs look bigger, which was a nice touch. I chewed the inside of my cheek as I pushed them together.

I looked through my cabinet, finding some perfume and putting it on my wrists. My heart was thumping against my chest as my stomach did somersaults. I haven’t felt this nervous since the first time I confessed my love to Jake. I wonder how he’s doing? I haven’t heard from him for two days.

“Poppy! We need to go!” Jess hollered up at me. I took one last look in the mirror, tucking a piece of my hair behind my ear before I turned and headed to the car.

We arrived at the bookstore; all the spots were taken, so we had to park down the street a way. We probably looked silly carrying all the food. Either way, I was just praying I didn’t trip and drop everything.

“Need a hand, mic rosu?” I froze in place as a familiar voice snaked its way around my ear drums. Jess started giggling.

“I’ll meet cha inside,” she said, winking at me. I felt my chest tighten as I felt his hands slip around mine, taking the food I was carrying. As his skin made contact with mine, I felt a cold shock run through my body.

“T-Thank you,” I whispered out as he turned, carrying everything with one hand. I pursed my lips together as I saw his attire. He was wearing a white button-up shirt that was neatly tucked into his black jeans. If looks could kill, he would have committed a mass murder. I heard him let out a slight chuckle as we walked forward. He extended his arm for me to hold on to. I meekly looked at him as he glanced towards me.

“With how clumsy you are, you’ll need to hold on tight.” He smirked at me as I rolled my eyes. I wasn’t going to take it, but then, as if it was the universe yelling at me, I tripped. I caught myself flailing around like an i***t as he laughed. I stood up, smoothing out my dress as I mumbled, taking his arm.

As we stepped inside the bookstore, people gasped and went dead silent. All the women started whispering to each other, and the few men that were there looked uncomfortable.

“Sheesh, what a snooze fest,” Damian said as he set the food on the table that was set in the middle.

“Oh, relax. it’s not for you young in’s, it’s for people who need some cheer because they’re alone on the holidays.” My mom chimed in as she walked up to us. She elbowed me as she mouthed ‘Go for it’ to me. I covered my face, embarrassed, as Damian let out a hearty chuckle.

I made my way to the refreshment table, snagging an alcoholic egg nog. Damian strode up next to me, grabbing a glass as well. He took a sip, then made a disgusted face.

“Why mask the taste of alcohol? If I wanna get s**t faced, I want it to burn,” he set the glass down as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. I kept the rim of the glass up to my lips as I slightly scooted away from him. I really wanted to move closer, but I can’t have him know that. My breath hitched as he scooted closer to me. Jesus! Can he read my mind?

“So, um... Mr. Locke, how long have you been in Sequim?” I sipped my drink, watching everyone browse through the books and converse. He moved closer to me, his arm brushing against me as my body felt chills run down my limbs. It’s nice to know he’s more tamed with people around.

“A lot longer than you mic rosu. I’ve been here for over a year.” He glanced at me as I avoided his gaze. Jess ran up to us with plates of food.

“Come on, eat, we gotta look like we’re enjoying ourselves. Your mom put a lot of work into this!” Jess shoved the plates at us. I set my drink down, taking it from her. Disgust washed over Damian’s face as he took his. I picked up my fork, eating the tamale and other assortment of food placed on my plate. Damian poked at his, taking a few bites as Christmas tunes lulled over the speakers in the store.

“I’m... sorry this is so, b-boring,” I mumbled out as I finished my plate. He shrugged, setting his down. The air filled with awkwardness as people started swaying and dancing in the small space. I checked my phone, seeing the time only read 8:00 p.m. Ugh, another hour of this.

“So, you work here. Do you like to read?” Damian smoothly asked me.

“Not really. Don’t get me wrong, I pick a book up here and there, it’s just...” I pursed my lips together as my reasoning seemed silly. He nudged me to continue.

“I would rather see the joy of others reading. Them finding their escape makes me happy.” I felt a smile cross my face. I turned to face him; his expression was soft as he looked at me.

“What about you?” I beamed at him.

“I like to dabble in the folklore of vampirism.” He grinned at me as I inched closer to him.

“Oh yeah! You recently bought Dracula! I just recently watched 30 days of night!” I found myself overly excited,, as his grin morphed into a genuine smile. I ended up talking his ear off about that movie. I honestly never expected to enjoy it, but the violence, the fear factor? Oh, my god, it was amazing! I don’t know how long he stood there listening to me, but it was nice. Normally Jake would tell me to shut up, but Damian? This man looked like he was enjoying my babbling. Before I could possibly bore this wonderful man any longer, Jess tapped me on the shoulder.

“Psst, Poppy, come here.” She gestured for me to follow her. I excused myself from Damian, whose smile dropped as I walked away. I felt a slight tug in my heart the further away I became from him. Jess grabbed me by the shoulders once we were under the “History Books” arc on the right side of the bookstore.

“What’s going on Jess?” I questioned, slight panic in my voice. She looked up, rubbing my shoulders.

“Don’t hate me,” she smiled a huge grin as she released my shoulders, taking a step back. I looked at her, puzzled, as my mom guided Damian towards me. She was so giddy she couldn’t stop bouncing. Before I knew it, he was standing inches in front of me. Jess bailed quickly as my mom followed behind her. She turned back slightly, giggling and pointing upwards.

My eyes followed her finger up to the ceiling. They widened as there was mistletoe hanging above me.