4. The Nightmare

-Conner's POV-

I haven't felt anything like this before. It's as if my heart is going to blow any second. I was walking back home when I heard her calling me. I was hesitant. Is she really calling me? I turned to see my lovely maiden run towards me. What is she doing this time? Is she really out of her mind? It's raining really hard now and she might get sick. I was too worried I had to run to her. "What the hell are you doing?! Go back to your house you might catch colds." It melted my heart when she said "Help me, please." and when she embraced me I couldn't do anything else but embrace her back. I had to break free from the hug because if we stayed longer in the rain she might get sick. I held her arms and looked at her in the eyes. "Now, how will I be able to help you if you will get sick? I need you in good health and most especially I need you to be safe. You have been wet for a long time now. You need to go home, freshen up and get some rest. You are one crazy woman. Do you know that? I'll walk you home before you think of any stupid stunts." I brought her right at her doorsteps. I faced and told her, “I live just around the corner. I can always come and visit you. I’ll come back for you, I promise. Go inside now and get some rest.” She nodded and went slowly up the stairs. I made sure that she went inside her house before heading home. I was too fascinated with what had transpired. There's this tingling feeling inside my heart that I haven't felt before. What is this I'm feeling? I have dealt with numerous people, but with this one it feels weird. I couldn't seem to find contentment. I wish to be by her side always. It's like an undying hunger. I changed for I, myself was soaking wet and sat on my couch thinking of her face. It was a breath of fresh air for me and while I was reminiscing what happened today I suddenly remembered, "Oh shit! I forgot to even ask her name." I snapped. "Really Conner? How stupid of you? You just couldn't think clearly couldn't you?" I sighed, but sniggered at the thought of how she embraced me before heading home. It was a feeling of comfort that led me to sleep.

`Serenity...the word came out bluntly, but it felt so familiar. I could hear the birds chirping as a gush of wind blew. I was hopping from one tree to another like I was playing hide-and-seek. I looked around and there she was sitting down with a book in her hands. She really liked reading books; gives her solace. She raised her head and gave out a sweet laugh when she saw me trying to hide behind a tree. "Come here, son.." she called out and just as simultaneously the window glass broke. My father angrily marched out of the house and grabbed the hair of my mother and punched her right at her stomach without giving her a chance to defend herself. I tried to shout, but nothing came out of my mouth. I didn't have any voice. This is a nightmare! I have to snap out of it! I struggled trying to gather all the strength that I had to open my eyes and when I did,  I felt terrified. I'm still haunted by my past.  The face of my lovely maiden flashed in my mind. Will I really be able to help her?  I began to feel fear inside my heart and just the thought of letting her down makes it even worse. I got out of bed and went inside the bathroom to wash my face. I stared right in front of the mirror. I stared at my reflection calculating the man that I am today. I shrugged my shoulders, "What was I thinking? How can a man like me help someone when I, myself is in need of it? What did I get myself into?" In frustration I punched the wall without even knowing it and it stunned me. "I can't make the same mistakes my father did. I can't become like him. I will never be." Watching the fist with smeared blood due to the impact of the punch I made, I gave out a harsh sigh. "Damn it! I have to do something about this! I can't fail someone! I don't want to hurt anybody! Especially her!" I looked at myself in the mirror with determined eyes. I will help her in any way I can. I will protect her. Yes, I will not hurt her. Never!

I was in this state of mind when there was a knock on the door. I checked the time and it was still two in the morning. It made me wonder who would come look for me at this hour. I hesitantly opened the door to see who it was. There was a man in a black suit with matching black sunglasses waiting outside. “Excuse me sir, I’m sorry for disturbing you at this time, but may I ask if this is where Conner Lowell lives?” I looked at the man from head to foot wondering how he knew me and what does he want from me. “It is I Conner Lowell and who would you might be?” “Somebody is here to see you.” the man stepped aside and a man in black tux came out from a BMW iX3 car and approached me. For some reason my heart started to pound frantically. I have a bad feeling about this. “Hello there Conner, I am truly sorry for disturbing you at this hour. Allow me to introduce myself.  I am Jack Lowell the brother of your father Raul Lowell. I’m your uncle, son.”