The Forgotten City

Chapter 8

A pounding in my head wakes me from a restless nights' sleep. Trying my hardest to keep my dream with me, I focus, but it keeps slipping through my memory like sand through my fingers. Visions of fog and voices with no bodies are moving through my head as it seeps from my conscious and is forgotten.

Moaning, I roll over and shake Tiffany. All I get in response are some snuffly snorts.

Deciding I can't stay in bed any longer, I make my way to the shower and turn it up as hot as I can stand, nearly burning my skin, hoping the steam will relieve the pressure in my head. I let the hot water envelop me, causing me to ache Ian's warm embrace.

Stepping out of the shower, I feel better and my head clearer; but the feeling that there is something off with this little town has not left me.

After I dress in jeans and a hoodie, I move over and shake Tiffany awake.

"Huh? Wuz goin' on?" asks my sleepy friend.

"Come on, Tiff. Let's go see if John and Jeff came back last night. I can't wait any longer..." I huff anxiously.

Tiffany yawns loudly as she stretches. "Gimme a minute to get dressed, will ya?"

A few minutes later a now slightly more awake and dressed Tiffany is standing next to her best friend and ready to go check on the new boy of interest. Standing outside their door, the we knock loudly.

Ian answers the door in sweatpants and a tee shirt. His dark hair is sticking up all over. A lazy smile touches his lips, lighting up his whole face. Man, he is the sexiest thing I have ever seen; ogling him causes my heart to flutter.

"Good morning, beautiful," he says in a sleepy voice. "What brings you over here?"

I giggle. "Well, we... uh, I mean we were just... I was wondering if you wanted to get coffee with us... and uh..." I stumble over my words, trying to come up with a cohesive thought, while I completely fail at not to focus on the heat his body is emanating.

"We were also hoping John and Jeff could join us," Tiffany cut off my jumble of thoughts and helps her regain my focus.

"Sorry, Tiff. John and Jeff didn't come in last night. Jason's still sleeping, but if you would like someone to accompany you, I'd be happy to oblige," he answers Tiffany, while focusing on me.

"What happened to them?" Tiffany whines.

"I don't know. Gimme a sec, and I'll be right out and we can get some coffee and go look for the guys," he say with a wink.

While we wait for Ian to get dressed, Tiffany starts filling me in on her and John.

"So, after Jason hauled you off yesterday, what a jerk by the way! Ian and I ran into John and Jeff. We told them what happened to you at the library and John saw how upset it made me. He asked if I wanted to go for a walk with him to help me settle down. I was like, YES! Jeff went with us, but Ian decided to go make sure you were okay and told us he would meet us at the diner with you and Jason. Ian was really angry at Jason... But anyway, John let me talk to him and he grabbed my hand and we walked around for a bit. This town is super creepy! I mean, it looks like it should be normal, but it's not. Anyway, I'm getting side tracked again...." Tiffany chats away just as Ian opens the door and wraps me in his arms.

He kisses my mouth and pulls me closer to him. "I missed you," he mumbles into my neck, causing all kinds of tingles up and down my body.

I playfully shove his chest. "You just saw me last night, you goof!" I giggle.

Ian breathes deeply and places his mouth on my ear and whispers, "Even a night without you in my arms seems too long."

Warmth fills my body; his words fill my mind with all kinds of pleasant images of home.

"You guys are so adorable! But way too sweet this early in the morning without my coffee!" chuckles Tiffany. "Come on guys, let's get to the cafe before I have a melt down. Then maybe we can discuss how we are gonna find the other guys."

"Right, we still gotta find Jeff and John," Ian says. "Come on, baby. Let's go get somethin' hot to drink before Tiff blows a gasket," he smiles, taking me by the hand and leading us down the stairs.