Return to the Meadow

Chapter Seven: A Place to Stay

Emerging from the shadows, Liza hastily made her way back to the kitchen, running in to Damian as she turned the corner. “Here I am,” she said, desperately trying to sound normal, though her mind was whirling and processing what she had just read. The rational part of her brain regarded the writings as a fantasy novel, but deep inside of her it felt familiar and… true.

As the day came to an end and darkness fell upon the world, Liza and Damian found themselves seated at the dining table, a spread of deliciously smelling dishes in front of them. The clinking of cutlery was the only sound that filled the room, as they ate their meal in silence. Liza didn’t feel the need to start a conversation. Rather than feeling awkward, Liza embraced this moment of quiet solitude as an opportunity to retreat within herself. She knew that sometimes, the most profound discussions happened inside one's own mind.

She was covered by the perfect excuse that she was still confused and upset by the situation with Nate, a topic Damian cleverly avoided preventing another emotional meltdown. Liza couldn't help but let her mind wander. Memories of the situation with Nate, and the emotions it had stirred within her, replayed in her mind like a broken record. In the depths of her being, Liza knew that there had to be an explanation for Nate's puzzling behavior.

“Are you done?”

Liza had always been prone to getting lost in her thoughts. She turned to face Damian, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Done? Done with what?" she replied, momentarily disoriented by the interruption. Snapped back to reality, Liza realized she’d barely eaten anything, and her stomach growled, desperate to be fed. She quickly shoved a couple spoonfuls of the food in her mouth. The food was delicious and Liza did regret getting lost in thought to the extent she had because now she devoured the food without actually tasting and appreciating it.

Damian stared at her with a strange look in his eyes. Consumed by her sudden appetite, Liza didn’t notice it at first, but once her stomach seemed to be satisfied, she looked up and her eyes immediately met his. Liza locked gazes with Damian, his penetrating stare sending a shiver up her spine. There was an air of mystery surrounding him that she couldn't quite fathom. She felt a strange mix of fascination and discomfort. It was not the look of desire or admiration that one might expect, but rather an intensity that seemed to delve into the depths of her soul. Try as she might, Liza could not shake off the feeling that Damian knew more about her than she even knew herself. Slightly taken aback by the inexplicable intensity of his gaze, she abruptly broke it off as she stood up and moved her chair backwards.

"It was delicious. Thank you," she muttered, her voice sounded weak as she tried to mask her unease. Hit by a sudden urge to create distance between them, Liza took her plate and cutlery from the table and headed to the counter. She had just placed them in the sink when she felt Damian’s presence right behind her. Her heart skipped a beat, and goosebumps danced upon her skin as she realized he had her cornered. She stood there, her hands resting on the marble counter, anticipating his next move. Her mind was racing as she tried to figure out what his intentions were. He was too close for comfort and Liza felt his warm breath against her skin.

"Is something bothering you, Liza?" Damian's voice cut through the thick silence like a gentle breeze. She felt his hand on her arm as he gently pushed her aside. She watched him awkwardly as he put the dishes on top of hers in the sink. Liza found herself momentarily at a loss for words, her mind a chaotic chorus of conflicting thoughts. Had she misread the situation just now? Why did his presence and intense stares affect her this much?

There was something about him that unsettled her deeply, leaving her questioning his motives and intentions. Liza couldn't shake off the sense of distrust that surrounded Damian. Although he’d been kind enough to care for her the past couple of days, how much did she know about him? He accused her of not being talkative, but he wasn’t oversharing information about himself either.

“I’m just tired, I guess,” she said hesitantly, “it’s been an emotional day.”

They hadn’t discussed the living situation after the situation with Nate and now that he’d brought her back here, what was she supposed to do? She couldn’t go home and when she tried thinking of anyone she knew who’d be willing to help, her memory failed her. Did she not have any friends? Liza’s heart ached and a sudden feeling of loneliness made her shiver.

“I understand,” Damian said slowly, as if he was searching for words that would comfort her, “emotions can be both a burden and a source of strength.”

Liza nodded in agreement.

“You can stay here tonight,” he continued. “Come, I’ll show you your room. I saved some of my wife’s.. uh… ex-wife’s regular clothes as well.” His eyes wandered over the dress that still hugged every curve of Liza’s body. She didn’t like the way he looked at her. But before she found the courage to tell him, he had already turned around and headed to the staircase in the hallway. Rooted in her spot, Liza contemplated whether she’d follow him. The fact that she didn’t seem to have any other option frustrated her. Going outside dressed like this was out of the question, she’d succumb to hypothermia before she made it to the end of the street. Besides, where could she go? Wandering the streets without purpose didn’t sound very appealing either. Liza decided to take her chances on staying there for tonight.

Damian was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She knew he was looking at her, desperate to meet her eyes. Eye-contact seemed to be his thing, but Liza held her gaze to the ground and followed him quietly.

Liza expected he’d lead her to the room she’d spent the past few days in, but instead, Damian guided her to another door. As Damian pushed the door open, Liza's eyes widened in awe. Before her stood a bedroom that could only be described as a sanctuary of enchantment. Liza stepped over the threshold, feeling as if she had been transported to the realm of a dream. The walls, painted in delicate shades of lavender. The air held a faint scent of roses, as if nature itself had breathed life into this breathtaking refuge. Her gaze fell upon the king-size bed. Its sheets, adorned with delicate embroidery, beckoned her to rest and lose herself in a world of dreams.

Feeling a sense of enchantment tugging at her very soul, Liza moved towards the small writing desk placed by the window. Her fingertips stroked the wood and Liza wondered who had created this beautifully decorated space. There was a lot of attention spent on detail. Delicate crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting shimmering sparks of light across the room. A large, ornate mirror in the corner showed Liza a glimpse of herself. She looked like a fairy tale princess in the beautiful dress she was wearing, blending in perfectly with the magical atmosphere of the room.