She's like the wind 11

11

 

Lena spent two weeks in her birth house in New York with her mother and brother Tom. It wasn't quite vacation because she was in touch with her authors and also with Ian and worked now and then.

 

Every day she went for a walk to the park nearby on her own and thought about what she wanted to do with her life, she thought about her feelings to heal her hurting heart.

 

She replayed her conversation with Eric in her mind over and over again trying to understand his intentions and feelings. She freed herself from her own feelings, from her shock the moment he explained her everything.

 

Today was Sunday and she was supposed to return to Hagerstown.

 

*

 

Walking through the hall at Hagerstown's airport she remembered meeting Eric for the first time when he offered to take her to New York. She stopped at the place for a few seconds before she continued outside to her parked car.

 

She put her suitcase in the trunk and opened the door to sit down behind the wheel.

 

„Hi Miss Gray,“ she heard a familiar voice, „my name's Eric Corbett. I was told that you work in The Golden Gate which published my previous book. Mr. Somerhalder said we're going to work together. I was wondering, if we could get to know each other.“

 

Lena slowly turned around and looked in his eyes, surprised to see him. He'll never give up. After a brief hesitation she took a deep breath and decided to play along.

 

„It's Lena,“ she offered him her hand to shake. „Actually I'm a deputy manager of The Golden Gate,“ she lowered her eyes to their hands, as he squeezed hers gently but firmly.

 

„Congratulations! I didn't know,“ he gave her a small smile.

 

„Thank you,“ she raised her eyes to his. „Excuse me but I just arrived from New York and tomorrow I have to go to the office so... I should go.“

 

„I understand. Can I call you?“ he stooped to look at her as she got in the car. „Or should I wait for your call?“

 

„As you wish, Mr. Corbett. You have my phone number,“ she glanced at him, her lips twitched.

 

„OK. It's Eric. Thank you for talking to me. Have a nice evening,“ he winked and closed the car door.

 

She nodded slowly and waving her hand she drove away.

 

*

 

Lena walked in the club and made her way around the bar to the booth where she saw Eva.

 

„Hi,“ she took a seat next to her. „How are you? Where is Joel?“

 

„Hi,“ Eva greeted her with a smile. „I'm fine, thanks. And yourself? Joel will come later, he was held at work.“

 

„I'm fine, too. Yesterday I returned from New York and I was swamped by work the whole today.“

 

„How was it going in New York?“ Eva sipped from her glass. „Did the change help you?“

 

„I think so. It was kind of refreshing. I thought a lot, putting my thoughts and feelings in order,“ Lena nodded slowly. „I'm going to the bar to get something to drink,“ she got up. „I'll be back in a moment.“

 

Waiting for her drink she felt someone's eyes on her. Turning her head she saw dr. Mikaelson, sitting at the bar.

 

„Hi, Miss Gray, how are you?“ he gave her a wide smile, shifting closer.

 

„Hi, dr. Mikaelson, nice to see you. I'm fine, thanks,“ she grabbed her glass as the bartender put it in front of her.

 

„It's Kol. The seat is free,“ he pointed at the stool next to him. He put his hand on her forearm as she was about to leave.

 

„That's nice of you. But my friend is waiting for me over there,“ she waved her hand to their booth. „I'm sorry.“

 

He got up, standing in her way. „She'll understand when you stay here with me. What's your name?“ he lifted his hand to her cheek.

 

„My name's Lena. Let me go, OK?“ she raised her eyes to him.

 

„You're beautiful, Lena. Why are you in a hurry so much? The night has just begun,“ he leaned closer attempting to kiss her.

 

She turned her face away so his lips touched her cheek. „Leave me alone,“ she hissed and tried to slip around him. He took her wrist. „You're drunk, Kol,“ she looked in his eyes, frowning.

 

„I wanted just a small kiss, sweetheart,“ he pulled her closer. His head started spinning as she slapped him in the face. „Oh... you like it rough,“ he smirked and pushed her to the wall next to the bar.

 

Lena growled as she felt his hand on her body and sank her teeth in his upper arm. He screamed and released his hold on her. She lifted her knee, aimed to his crotch. „Get out of my way, Kol, if you don't want my knee to meet your balls,“ she panted, her eyes wide open.

 

„You wouldn't do that, darling,“ he grimaced.

 

„You can be sure that I would,“ she snapped at him. „Without hesitation. Try to touch me one more time and you'll see what happens.“

 

He laughed and pulled her to him so she couldn't move her legs, his hand on her bottom, in her hair the other, trying to kiss her. She put her hand on his chest, defying and slid the other to his crotch, squeezing his balls.

 

„Should I squeeze them more or did you already understand that I mean it,“ she whispered in his ear. She tightened her squeeze when he didn't move. „Let me go. Now!“ she demanded.

 

„You bitch,“ he let her go, his face twisted in pain. „We could have had just a little fun,“ he stepped back and aside. Then he returned to the bar.

 

Lena ran her hand through her hair and breathed out in relief. She smoothed her top, took her glass and headed to the booth. She stopped in the middle of the room as she noticed Joel talking to Eva. He arrived in the bar and took his friend with him. Joel was sitting on her place next to Eva and his friend, no one else than Eric, took the seat opposite them so she would have to sit down next to him.

 

„Hi guys,“ she put her glass on the table, taking the only free place at the table.

 

„Where have you been for so long? I was worried about you,“ Eva looked at her.

 

„I ran into someone at the bar and had to deal with him. He thought I could like him,“ she grimaced and her eyes shot to Eva.

 

„Was he bothering you?“ Eva lifted her eyebrows.

 

„Yes. But I explained that I have no interest in him,“ she shook her head.

 

„Didn't he hurt you?“ Joel asked, watching her.

 

„No, Joel. It's OK,“ she smiled faintly. „Rather I hurt him, so to speak.“

 

Joel nodded. „I brought Eric with me tonight. I hope you don't mind,“ he shrugged. „I had no idea you'll be here,“ he said when Eric retreated to the restroom.

 

„I didn't tell him,“ Eva admited, seeing Lena's frown.

 

„A-ha. It's OK. To be honest, I thought you were plotting behind my back,“ Lena took a sip from her glass.

 

„In no way!“ Eva shook her head no. „Do you know me at all?“

 

„I believe you, OK?“ Lena responded. „You two should go to dance. I'm not a good companion tonight.“

 

„Are you sure, you're OK?“ Joel asked, glancing at Eva.

 

„Sure, I am. Feel free to go,“ Lena waved him off, lifting her glass to her lips.

 

Seeing Eric come back, Joel got up and took Eva's hand. „We'll be back soon.“

 

„You look tired tonight. Don't you want me to take you home?“ Eric asked as he took a seat opposite her.

 

„I was out of the town for two weeks and I had a lot to do today. I feel tired,“ she raised her eyes to his. „But I'm not sure if I want to go home.“

 

„As you wish. Just asking,“ he shrugged lightly. „I don't want to bother you. I can see you're not in a good mood,“ he reached out for his glass across the table. „By the way, who was that guy? Do you know him?“

 

„Just a little. Dr. Kol Mikaelson, do you remember him?“

 

„Yes, I do. He alternated with Joel in the hospital back then,“ Eric answered, surprised.

 

„Don't tell Joel about him, Eric. He was really drunk. I don't want him to get in trouble,“ she looked in his eyes, enchanted by them just as she was the first time she saw him. „Actually nothing happened. I just hope I didn't hurt him too much,“ she lifted a corner of her lips in a half smile.

 

„I won't tell him. I think dr. Mikaelson's going to be alright,“ he smiled. „You know, it's so good to see you again. Yesterday at the airport... I meant it. Do you think we could start over again?“

 

„I was thinking a lot while I was in New York, trying to understand how you'd felt before. I want you to know... that taking it from your point of view it was quite understandable, it was selfless of you,“ she wrapped her hands around her glass. „Tell me one thing. Do you realize... no matter why you did it... that you hurt me really badly?“

 

„I do,“ he sighed. „It was the hardest thing in my life, believe me or not. But I couldn't stand the mere thought of you sticking with me in a situation like that. I couldn't bear compassion. I'm really sorry that I was wrong right. I was blind.“

 

„If you were right back then, you would have ended on a wheelchair. Don't regret it,“ she smiled. „I'm forgiving you, Eric,“ she said in a low voice. „Maybe... I'll be able to forget everything bad. Even though...,“ she broke off, shaking her head.

 

„Thank you, Lena,“ he gave her his charming smile and she could see the familiar sparks burning in his eyes afain, after a very long time. „Even though...?“ he lifted his eyebrows questioningly.

 

„It was too much pain,“ she waved it off. „But I'm able to get over it now. You can think I was stupid because I didn't understand your behavior back then...“

 

„No, nothing like that, Lena,“ he lifted his hands for a second in defensive gesture. „You had right to feel betrayed,“ he made a pause for a second. „I think we cleared it up. I suggest to draw a thick line to end this ordeal and if there's left something in your heart... a little spark... I'd like to set the fire... if you want to see me again...,“ he took a deep breath, seeing Joel and Eva return to them.

 

Lena got up, nodding lightly. „Do you still want to take me home?“ She stepped aside to let Eva and Joel sit down and turned her eyes to him again.

 

Eva and Joel exchanged surprised looks as they watched Lena and Eric leaving together.

 

*

 

„Will you let me drive?“ Eric held out his hand as they arrived to her car.

 

„Why not?“ she dropped her car keys in his palm, smiling.

 

He started the car and turned on the main road. He winked, feeling her eyes on him without looking at her. She smiled, realizing how comfortable she felt in his presence. As if she hasn't been complete, till today.

 

„Wait, how are you going to get home?“ she asked as he parked in front of her house.

 

„I can call Joel to pick me up,“ he shrugged light-heartedly.

 

„No,“ she shook her head. „Turn the car and go to your house. I can drive home then. You don't know when he comes.“

 

„Are you sure?“ he lifted his eyebrows, glancing at her.

 

„Yes, I am. Do it,“ she insisted, nodding.

 

„OK.“

 

Several minutes later they got out of the car in front of his house. She rounded the car to the driver's door.

 

„Thank you for a great evening, Lena,“ he said, looking at her. „It was...“

 

„Refreshing?“ she supplied, tilting her head on one side.

 

„Exactly,“ he nodded, pointing at her. „When can I see you again, Lena?“

 

„Frankly, I really have a lot to do at work and as I can see I'm going to work in the evenings as well. A few chapters of your book is left to finish, I'd like to do it first,“ she looked in his eyes, her face serious. „Call me on Friday evening, OK?“

 

„It's pretty long time for me to wait,“ he nodded slowly. „But I was waiting much longer to see you again, so I can wait a few more days,“ he broke off for a second. „You're worth it.“

 

„You deserve to wait. I'm sorry for saying it,“ she lifted a corner of her mouth in a half smile.

 

„You're right,“ he stuck his hands in his jeans pockets, averting his eyes. „You know, looking back at the whole time of my recovering and rehabilitations... I had the only one picture in front of my eyes and there was you in it,“ he raised his eyes to hers. „I struggled to be alright to be able to see you again. You were with me all the time. I knew if you were in my shoes you would never give up. Thank you.“

 

„Glad to hear that I helped you even against your will,“ she laughed lightly, feeling her cheeks redden. „I'm happy you're fully recovered.“

 

„I'm happy, too,“ he ran his hand through his hair. „Well, you should go home and get some sleep. I'll call you,“ he stepped back, resisting to touch her.

 

„Yeah...,“ she opened the car door. „Good night, Eric.“

 

„Good night,“ he smiled faintly.

 

He turned around as her car disappeared out of his sight and walked in the house, his heart fluttering in his chest. It was so nice to spend some time in her presence after such a long time when she lived just in his memories.

 

*

 

This week Lena was fully swallowed by work. She finished Monica's book yesterday and tonight she wanted to finish the last chapter of Eric's one. He will have another part for her for sure. She felt a wave of energy since Monday and had no problem to deal with work. She enjoyed it after a short pause she'd taken the last two weeks. She looked forward to Eric's call because today was finally Friday. She smiled for herself, collecting her things, ready to leave the office.

 

„Have you read my e-mail?“ Ian asked.

 

She didn't notice him at all. „Oh... I haven't yet. I'm sorry. I'm going to read it once I arrive home. By the way what is it?“ she looked at him, grabbing her purse.

 

„Danny Shields started writing a new book and sent me his plot and the first chapter asking for our opinion,“ Ian responded. „So I forwarded it to you. Take a look at it and let me know, OK?“

 

„Danny? Yes. Of course. I'll tell you on Monday,“ she lowered her eyes at the thought of Danny.

 

„Is something wrong?“ he asked, watching her become sad.

 

„No, everything's OK,“ she looked at him. „I broke up with him three weeks ago. But I want to work on his new book.“

 

„Really? Seems I missed a lot. Are you single now if I can ask?“ he lifted his eyebrow.

 

„Probably... I'm not sure...,“ she blushed. „It doesn't matter,“ she waved it off.

 

„Whatever,“ he shrugged lightly, not wanting to push her. „Well, have a nice weekend, Lena.“

 

„You too, boss,“ she smiled and left the office.

 

*

 

Lena heard her phone ringing and slowly opened her eyes. She had to fall asleep.

 

„Hi,“ she picked it up, yawning.

 

„Hi Lena, are you OK?“

 

„I am,“ she laughed lightly. „Probably I fell asleep reading your book.“

 

„Oh... I didn't want to wake you up. Is my book that boring?“ he chuckled. „Where are you?“

 

„Not at all,“ she giggled. „I'm in bed. I'm used to working in bed, you know? It's comfortable. But sometimes I sleep with my notebook.“

 

„Ahh... it's not exactly comfortable,“ he laughed. „You have to be tired.“

 

„Just a bit,“ she put the notebook aside and shifted to lay down. „How was your week? Did you write?“

 

„Well, those days dragged. Anyway, yes, I was writing.“

 

She heard him taking a breath but he stayed silent. She smiled for herself knowing the question floating in his mind. She knew he didn't want to ask, to push her.

 

„Maybe you should put on a flash disc everything you've written and take it with you tomorrow so I can continue. And I'll give you my flash disc with corrections,“ she smiled, waiting for his reaction.

 

„Does it mean... I can see you tomorrow?“ he held his breath.

 

„Yes. I'll leave it up to you to plan the day if you don't mind,“ she smiled.

 

„Sounds fantastic,“ he breathed out and she sensed his relief and smile, too. „At what time should I pick you up?“

 

„Depends on the plan. I can prepare something delicious for lunch and then we'll see. So... about one p.m.?“

 

„OK. I'll be there.“

 

„I'm looking forward to it,“ she said after a short hesitation.

 

„So am I. Good night,“ he whispered.

 

„Good night, Eric,“ she hung up, closing her eyes for a second.

 

Then she got up and went to the kitchen to check her fridge. She pulled chicken meat out of the freezer and put it into the sink to have it defrosted till morning.

 

She turned off the notebook and walked in the bathroom.