7. A Protector

Nick’s POV-

A month ago..

I was about to do some stretching when I noticed this young lady walk past my house. A new lady in town? She was walking and looking around like she was trying to find something until she started approaching people like she was asking something from them. I stopped what I was doing and ended up observing her. She got me curious of what she was trying to do. She was walking with no direction and stretching her neck while her eyes were searching. That confirmed my initial reaction that she was truly looking for something or maybe it could be someone until she stopped her tracks and began to slowly sit on the white sand. I guess she got tired from all the walking she did since early morning. I saw her pulling her hair up into a bun and wiped the sweat that was dropping from her forehead down to her neck. I swallowed concurrently as her hands went down her neck to wipe her sweat from there. What was that for, Nick? You are acting like you are about to devour a delicious treat. I couldn’t ignore the fact that this lady is such a beauty even with her tired look. What could she be looking for? I wondered. I wanted to walk to her and ask, but I couldn’t seem to move my feet towards her. She stood up and looked at her watch to probably check on the time then, she looked around again before she went away. I watched her keenly to at least know where she was going or until where my eyes could see her. Then, she went inside the house five doors away from where I was residing. Is that where she lives? How come this is the first time I saw her? Is she the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Summers? I was truly intrigued by this new face in town.

 The next day I went outside to do my daily routine when I saw this lady again from yesterday who was still on for a search. She still kept on looking and asking people something. Her search went day by day and goes home when it was time for lunch. One morning Mrs. Brooksman knocked on my door. “Hello, Mrs. Brooksman! What can I do for you?” The old lady smiled at me and said, “Hello there Nick! I would actually ask a favor from you.” My eyebrows arched and politely asked, “What is it Mrs. Brooksman? Anything for a fair woman.” She lightly tapped my shoulder “Oh you are such a sweet child. Well then, there was this young lady who knocked on my door this morning and she was trying to search for a certain man.” Could Mrs. Brooksman be referring to the lady I have been observing for a month now? “She is looking for a tall young man, about 20 years-old she said with black hair and dark brown eyes. She also said that if you have seen his back you will see a lot of scars which is quite strange to me.” Having said that, I now know who this lady is looking for. She is looking for my friend, Conner Lowell. “Don’t you worry Mrs. Brooksman I’ll take care of it. By the way, do you happen to know where this lady is?” Mrs. Brooksman turned and pointed out to the lady who is now sitting on the sand. I smiled at Mrs. Brooksman and bid goodbye. I watched the lady and saw the sorrow in her eyes. I inhaled as much air as I can and walked towards the lady. Here goes nothing. Upon approaching her I noticed that she was closing her eyes. I was star struck by her beauty. I knew back then that she was beautiful, but I was looking at her from a far. Now that I am right in front of her, she is just stunning. Are you just going to stand there and watch her or are you going to make a move and make your existence known? I nervously tapped her shoulder and when she looked at me I could see the pain in her eyes. I could barely talk when she asked me “Yes, How can I help you?” I knew I had to answer “Are you that woman who have been looking for a certain man in this area?” I could tell that she was shocked, and I could feel the eagerness when I said that I might know who this man is. I had to take her to Conner’s house to make sure that the person she was looking for was really him. The thing that I’m worried now is that if it was truly Conner, how will she react if she will know that Conner wasn’t here anymore. I opened the door and I can see how she savored every corner of the house and when she took the picture that was right on top of the side table her eyes widened, looked at me and nodded. The excitement in her eyes made it difficult for me to tell her that Conner isn’t here, but I knew better, I have to immediately tell her. I don’t want to keep her hopes up and just end up falling down again. I faced her and said, “I hope this won’t disappoint you, but I have to tell you he isn’t here anymore.” I can see the excitement in her eyes vanish and she cried her heart out. I couldn’t understand why I am feeling this way. It was as if there was somebody throwing knives at me and cutting my very flesh. When her cry subsided, I felt the need to cup her face like soothing a baby. However, she was no baby and when I was trying to console her, I felt the urge to kiss her. I am not sure what I am putting myself into, but I really want to protect her. I will protect her.