Healing (Damaged Sequal)

Date With Damien.

Jessica"S POV:

        So since I only had to wear casual clothes, I am in a pair of leggings and a black nylon cotton skirt that went to my knees. When I spun the skirt floated around me. I wore a black sweater that had what looked like a turtle neck but was looser and you folded it down. It resembled more of a built in scarf except you don’t tie it. Then I add my bear paws and jacket. 

        I put my hair up into two loose buns and they were low and close to the base of my neck. I left some bangs to swipe to the right behind my ear. I put on my usual makeup, grabbed my hat and gloves and headed downstairs.

        Damien waited for me by the door. When I came into view he smiled at me.

        “Ready?” He asked me. 

        “Yes,” I replied instantly. Damien was dressed in a pair of blue cotton pants, sneakers, a blue sweater and his hoodie. I don’t understand how these guys don’t really get cold, but then again they work out and train a lot.

        Damien held out his hand and I took it. He led me to his car, helped me in, and then got into his side and we drove off.

        “So, are you going to tell me where we are going?” I asked curiously.

        “Nope, you're going to have to wait till we get there,” he said. Since it’s winter now and we have snow on the ground now, it gets darker earlier. It is five and it is pitch black out now.

        Damien held my hand the entire drive. I had no idea where we were going, but we were going a couple of towns to the west.

        We pulled up outside of an ice skating rink. I looked at him and back at the rink. It’s been so long since I’ve been ice skating. I didn’t realize I was so excited that I was bouncing and the car bounced too.

        “Sweetie, calm down,” he said as he put his hand on my shoulder. I froze. Did I just act like a child in front of him. I peeked at him only to see that he was smiling at me.

        He got out and came to my side and opened my door holding his hand out to me. I took his hand and he helped me out. He shut my door and locked the car. He took my hand and we walked in hand in hand.

        It was silent here. No cars were in the parking lot and I noticed Damien had a key in his hand. We were now in front of the doors and Damien slid the key into the keyhole and unlocked the door. He pushed the door open and pulled me into the building in front of him. He turned and locked the door.

        He took my hand and led me to the skating rink. Of course the rink is cold, but luckily he told me to wear something warm.

        “Have you been ice skating before?” Damien asked me. Of course I have. It was a long time ago, but I still remember how to ice skate.

        “Yes. It was a long time ago though,” I said. He had walked me to the bench and I sat down. There were two pairs of blades. One smaller than the other. They looked a little warm, but it’s better than trying to skate in a new pair.

        I was about to take my boots off to put on the blades when Damien stopped me. He pulled one boot off my right foot and slid on one of the blades. He tied the shoe part tightly and made a nice bow. Then he took the other one off and slid the other one on and tied it as well. The moment he got up and sat next to me and took off his left shoe. I jumped up and ran onto the ice. I looked back at him as I was skating backwards. He looked at me with wide eyes. Then he rushed to get his skates on. 

        Once he had his on he rushed onto the ice chasing me. I kept skating avoiding his hands that tried to reach for me. I even dropped and skated right under him. That's how tall he is.

        As he was chasing me I was letting loose. I was doing jumps and spins. I did a triple spin and then I realized he stopped chasing me. I would spin in place. I would be standing then squating. Do fast and then go slow.

        I used to go to the skating rink and watch the kids do this over and over again. This is what I would do when I was hiding from dad, or sister or brother. I saw the beauty in skating. I went a couple times a week when one of the girls approached.

        “Hello,” this nine year old girl came up to me and said. She had golden blonde hair that was tied in a tight bun. She was wearing a pink leotard and a pair of white tights and pink leg warmers. She was walking with her skates still on. Her deep brown eyes scrutinized me.

        “Hi,” I said shyly. I was trying to hide while watching them practice. I was seven years old at that time.  I was caught and I knew it.

        “What are you doing here? Practice is about to start,” she said. She probably thought I was here for the lessons. I really wasn’t. I just wanted to watch them practice.

        “I-I-I’m not here-,” but she pulled me up from the floor. She dragged me down to the rink. Once down there she turned and looked at me confused. 

        “Where’s your stuff?” She asked me.

        “I told you I’m not here for the lessons. I don’t even know how to ice skate,” I said, ripping my hand from hers.

        “Oh, would you like to join?” She asked me. I don’t have anything for me to skate with.

        “I can’t. Plus I don’t have any money to pay for the lessons,” I said. She went onto the ice. I sat down on the bench that was just outside of the icy part. I just wanted to come and watch them skate. 

        I sat there for a good few more minutes before the girl who dragged me from my hiding spot. A woman with dark, shiny hair locked tightly in a bun. She had brown eyes and glowing white skin. Her thin figure in a black leotard, leg warmers and skates. 

        “Katie, what did I tell you about inviting your friends to practice?” She asked the little girl.

        “I found her in hiding up there and thought she was a student of yours, but she claims she isn’t, but I thought maybe she wants to skate with us,” Katie said.

        “Honey, I know it may not seem it, but your lessons are paid for. I don’t think she could afford our lessons. Plus maybe she just wanted to watch,” she took a look at me. She stood silently. “Okay. I have seen you watching my lessons several times. I’ll let you skate with us for today. We will provide some used skates for you.” Katie happily took my hand and dragged me somewhere. It was a blur from the shock, but I was handed skates and then I was sitting back on the bench putting them on and the teacher removing the blade covers.

        I stood up and wobbled a little. I was younger than them, but I managed to keep my balance as I walked onto the ice. I walked as the teacher glided on the ice. The ice felt slippery and I was going to fall. I kicked forward and slowly glided on the ice. I slowly made my way to the group. Like what the others have done in all the lessons I have witnessed I used the front end of the blade. It was what they called a toe pick.

        She started the lesson and I joined in and because I had watched and was putting into practice what I had seen. I picked things up pretty quickly. 

        Mom found out about the practice and she signed me up for lessons and such and paid for them. I was in the classes for a year before dad found out. He stopped me from going. I was upset because I really loved ice skating. I was really upset and had to just hide in the woods, even in the cold of winter. 

        Finally when I turned nine I managed to appeal to the courts with mom about her getting custody. I then went to live with mom. 

        Remembering my lessons and my dad I realized how lucky I am to be where I am now. I slowed down a little. Damien had caught me while I was remembering the past. He was beside me to my left holding my hand. He laced his giant fingers with mine. 

        “What was on your mind?” He asked. I smiled ruefully.

        “My past. I used to hide from my dad and we moved to an area that had an ice rink in town about two miles out. I Used to hide from my dad there and I would watch figure skating lessons. I ended up getting lessons there. Mom paid for the lessons. He didn’t find out until a year later that I was taking lessons. He pulled me from the course. I used to feel so unlucky, but now I don't feel as if I am unlucky or cursed. My life became perfect the moment I was on that bus ride to Chicago. I feel really happy now. Though tough challenges await me in the future I will fight through them,” I said. The next moment I was pushed against the plexiglass. Damien was bent forward with his forehead against mine. His hands on my hips. His eyes lit up with want. He kept looking at my lips.

        He clenched his eyes closed. He sighed and then opened them again. He slowly pulled away from me.

        “Sorry about that. I have been holding back for a while now. The words made me want to kiss you. I haven’t kissed you either. I don’t want your choice to be swayed by a single kiss. I know you haven’t kissed Daniel and David yet either.” I avoided looking at him and bit my lip. He went wide eyed. “Which one?” He asked me, shocked.

        “David. It was the day I finally caught D’Angelo,” I said. I heard him chuckle. 

        “Well, Johnny owes me money,” I heard him mumble.

        “What?” I asked him wide eyed.

        “The guys made a bet on which one of us you would kiss first. I ended up betting David because he has also been holding back, but I guess he couldn’t hold out for too long. Unlike most of us David doesn’t really voice much. Even though there is a rift between us we also watch each other and I have noticed how he stares at you. How he watches you. His feelings are true. I’m not saying mine are not, but you can see it in his eyes. Daniel isn’t any better.”

        “Who started the bet?” I asked.

        “Evan,” he said.

        When he said Evan I immediately linked Jaime.

        Hey Jay can you kill Evan for me? I asked her.

        Yeah, but why.

        Because he started a bet about which one of the three guys I would kiss first.

        I will once I get the name of which one kissed you first. I mentally rolled my eyes and sighed.

        You all are just ridiculous. You guys will rue this day the moment I tell dad.

        Snitch. I did not win though. I bet it would be Daniel.

        Alright well going back to my date now.

        Alright. Have fun. Don’t get pregnant.

        Ha Ha, very funny. Not going to happen. Bye.

        I locked her out.

        “Well this date is about us and not anybody else,” I said. He took my hand and we skated around the rink. We talked like we were taking a stroll through the park. It was fun. We stayed for two hours. I did break away once or twice to do some jumps and turns. He let me and enjoyed watching me. 

        “It’s time to go to the next part of our date,” he said. Just as he finished my stomach growled loudly. He chuckled. 

        He took my right hand and pulled me back to the bench. He took off the skates and replaced them with my bear paws. We left the ice rink and back to the car. He held the door open for me and then got into his side. He drove down the road. 

        Damien turned on the radio and turned to an oldie station. A love song had started, but I didn’t know the song. He started to hum the song. But his hum sounded very soothing. If I wasn’t hungry I would fall asleep. We were on a winding road before he pulled into a dirt road. He followed the road for a bit before turning onto another. It was half an hour before we pulled up to a big log cabin. The windows glowed with the light from the inside. There was a porch that went all around the place but I couldn’t see what was around back.

        Damien opened my door as I was admiring the place. He reached his left hand out for me. I took his hand and he helped me out of the car. The little plowed out parking lot was small, but was nice to know that not many people were here. He led me toward a shoveled path. That led to stairs and a ramp for the handicapped. He helped me up the steps to a homely door with a four paneled window. With some yellow flowers on curtains on the inside of the door.

        Damien gripped the golden colored door handle. He twisted the knob and opened the letting me go in first and him right behind me. We were greeted by a man and woman. They looked to be quite young. 

        The woman had long, straight, golden blonde hair, ocean blue eyes. She was about my height and she had a small nose and mouth. She had round cheeks and milky skin. She was wearing black dress pants, a white button up blouse with her sleeves rolled up. Though her bosoms were very hard to miss. She wore makeup, as well. She wore blue eyeliner on her top and bottom lid, blue mascara and a light pink blush with a clear lip gloss. She wore a pair of black ankle heeled boots. Made her a couple inches taller than me. 

         The man beside her was in the same attire, but he wore all black sneakers. He looked to be just as tall as Damien. He had shoulder length dirty blonde hair and such dark blue eyes. He held one killer smile. His big smile lit up his entire face. They both wore aprons around their hips. And they both wore rings on their fingers. 

        As soon as we walked into the building their attention was on me. They looked quite shocked to be honest. Then they looked at Damien still shocked. I looked up at Damien who was frowning.

        “I thought you were going to bring your son again,” The big man said. I twitched at the mention of Johnny. I’m over it, and I am okay with him, but I’m guessing these two know him. 

Damien openly glared at the man. 

        “What my husband means to say is that we didn’t expect you were on a date with such a beautiful woman,” the woman spoke up quickly expelling the tension, but didn’t work. The man nodded desperately and rubbed the back of his neck.

        “Sorry,” he mumbled. The air was still tense, until a loud growl sounded from my stomach. I actually didn’t eat much today and I was seriously hungry. My face turned red in a matter of seconds. 

        “I guess someone’s really hungry,” The woman said calmly. 

        “I didn’t have much of an appetite today, so I didn’t eat much,” I said shyly. 

        “Sorry, where are my manners. My name is Raven Killian, and this big lug over there is Thomas Killian. It’s nice to meet you,” Raven said holding out her hand and I shook it. “We’ve known Damien for a very long time. You're the first girl he has brought here since Kanah.” That made me feel special to Damien. 

        “It’s nice to meet you too. My name is Jessica Stone,” I said.

        “Well, Damien and Jessica, let’s get you to your private room before the dinosaur decides to call out again,” Raven chuckled teasingly. I just chuckled along with her. 

        She led us to a room all the way to the back of the restaurant. The door was normal, but once she opened the door, I was amazed. The entire room was made of glass. Including the floor. You could see the snow covered forest and garden. It was beautiful. Underneath the floor was a tiny brooke flowing underneath. There was very little light in the room, but the lampposts out back brought in some light.

        “This is the garden room. We created this room as a means to see the scenery before you. It can also be very romantic. Please have a seat and we will bring in appetizers,”She said and then left the room. Damien led me to my seat. The table was in the very center of this room. It was spacious in the room yet it wasn’t a big room. Damien pulled out my chair and pushed it in as I sat down.

        “You really must have put a lot of thought into this date,” I commented.

        “I didn’t plan too much. I know you don’t like extravagance.  But I didn’t want you too bored. Plus it’s good to meet more Hunters as well. Expand your repertoire. I come here whenever I can. Kanah I only brought once, but because of how she was I could take her, but you I wouldn’t mind coming back with. Raven also seems to have taken a liking to you,” he said. Reach over the table and took both my hands in his. It was like I couldn’t breath for a moment. A shock from both his hands ran up my arms and shocked my heart.

        It felt like the ice on my heart cracked and a piece broke off. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t instead my eyes peered out into the snow covered garden. Suddenly ice roses filled the spot where real roses would go, and tulips and many other flowers. I hadn’t realized that it was my doing. I heard a gasp coming from behind us. 

        “Wow,” Raven breathed. I turned her way as the smell of stuffed mushrooms filled the air. My mouth water as she came closer with the platter and two smaller plates. The dinosaur once again roared and we all chuckled. She set it done and set the plates on the table before us. “How did that happen?” Raven asked in wonder.

        “I’m not just a Hunter, I’m half witch. I can use the elements, though this wasn’t normal. I wonder what caused me to be able to do this?” I asked rhetorically.

        “Wow,” she breathed again. “Well I will leave you to prepare your main course,” She said then quickly ran away. I chuckled before turning towards the precious food. I unrolled my napkin to reveal my silverware. I took my fork and knife and lifted two out of the four biggest stuffed mushrooms I’ve ever seen. 

        I cut a piece off and took a bite. The moment the flavor hit my tongue, I moaned in delight. It was very delicious. I was eating it slowly, enjoying all the flavors and the cheese that topped it. I enjoyed it to that last bite, forgetting that I was on a date with Damien.

        “You really were hungry,” A voice piped up. “You forgot I was here. I’ve been trying to get your attention.” Damien smirked at me as soon as I looked up at him. 

        “Sorry, but these were so good that I couldn’t help it,” I said, my face flushed red. I looked into his eyes and saw a hint of lust. My face flushed even redder if that was possible. Damien had eaten the other two, but I think he was more interested in how I was eating mine. We started talking. Raven came and cleared our plates.

        Dinner was Chicken, broccoli Alfredo with homemade garlic bread. And dessert was my favorite brownie sundae. We shared a sundae, but he fed me the first bite. It made me flush red. I took a big scoop of the sundae, and leaned over the table. It surprised him, but as he took a bite he looked into my eyes as he did. He was looking at me like a lion looking at his prey. That man looked like he was going to devour me (in a good way). I ignored the look and sat back down. 

        We ate our dessert in silence. I looked out into the snowy park and I sighed in happiness. I felt a hand on mine and looked up into Damien’s eyes. We talked for a while. We talked about our childhoods. His was more interesting because he is over 100 years old, so he had some cool adventures as a kid.

        We walked out of the restaurant hand in hand. He brought me to my side of the car and instead of opening the door he leaned down close to me and I realized just in time. I stood on my toes and reached up pressing my lips against his. It was a slow kiss. His lips tasted like the sunday, but were warm. I felt little explosions on my lips like pop rocks exploding in my mouth. My head became fuzzy and my heart beat fast. 

        As we pulled away from each other I was absolutely flushed and he had a huge grin on his face. He opened the door and went home. What a way to end this date.