Page 24 of Cain
I look at him completely speechless. “I don’t know what to say.”
He wraps his arm around the back of my neck and pulls me closer. “I can tell you what I’d like you to say. Tell me yes and I’ll spend every day making you happier than you’ve ever been.”
I smile at him, knowing he’s already done that.
“Yes.”
***
Walking into work the next day, I look back at Cain sitting in his truck. He’s watching me and even with everything going on I feel safe.
“Mommy, can I come to your classroom for a little with you since we are here early?” Amy tugs on my hand.
“Sure, but only for a little bit. Once most of the kids come in you need to go to yours.” She runs ahead of me and I smile at Donna behind the desk. Walking into my classroom, Amy is of course at my desk pretending to be the teacher. It makes me feel good that she spends time pretending to be me. I have always tried to set the best example for her I could and it wasn’t always easy.
“Mommy, look! Someone left you a valentine! Maybe it was Cain!” She blows kisses at me and I can’t help but laugh.
Opening the note, it falls from my hands immediately. I grab Amy’s hand and pull her to the front door. Cain is sitting in his truck on his phone and I wave at him. He must see the expression on my face because he runs to the door.
“What? What’s wrong?” He is looking me up and down like he’s checking for a wound.
“In the room…there’s a note.” I point to the door, unsure if I can actually move. The darkness feels like it’s creeping in and I can barely breathe without concentrating on it.
Cain takes Amy’s hand. “Hey, princess, why don’t you go to your classroom and tell your teacher all about your new room.”
Amy’s eyes light up like she forgot the people here don’t know that she has a new friend.
Cain places his hand on my back and starts to walk with me to the room. The note is still on the floor and he picks it up.
I WANTED THINGS TO WORK
I WANTED TO MAKE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH ME
YOU RUINED THAT
IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU NO ONE WILL
I’LL SEE YOU AND AMY SOON
Cain looks over at me. “I will protect you, Emma.”
I don’t answer him. I know it’s what he thinks, but with each thing that happens, each time he does something and we have no idea how I lose faith.
“Look at me.” He lifts my chin. “I love you.”
My breath catches when he says those words. I’ve been thinking the same thing, but I haven’t said it. People don’t actually fall in love in a week and a half in real life.
Love takes time.
I want to say it back to him, but I can’t.
I’m scared to say it.
I’m scared of what could happen with this maniac.
I’m scared to love again just to have everything yanked away from me.
