Chapter 6: by his side

     Just a moment ago, Henry and Nicole seemed to be having a good time and all of a it was a race to prevent Nicole from going to the bottom of the river. Fortunately, Henry acted very fast.

     Without hesitation, he immediately dove into the river and reached out to Nicole. Her black out episodes were getting increasingly frequent and persistent, initially she would experience flashes of her memories but now she was blacking out for minutes. It scared him and Henry blamed himself, since he thought that it was the werewolf blood he had introduced into Nicole's body.

     Once he brought her to the shore, he began applying some pressure to her chest trying his best to resuscitate her but she was not responding. He panicked when he realized that his efforts to enable her regain consciousness was not working. Even if she had the blood of a wolf, she had never turned so Nicole was still a mere mortal human.

     “achoo!” Nicole sneezed as she opened her eyes slightly, “Henry, what happened to me?” she asked him, Nicole did not realize that she had blacked out earlier.

     “Oh! Thank God,” he sighed, as he relaxed his shoulders showing relief, “you got me a little bit scared back there, for a moment I thought that I had lost you,” he explained to her, Henry stroked the side of her face slowly and softly.

     “I am truly sorry about that, I must have blanked out for a while. The episodes seem to be getting more and more frequent, and each time they happen I feel like there is something I have to do but I just can not remember,” Nicole uttered, her gaze was fixed directly upon Henry. She sat up a little bit, supporting herself with her hands.

     “Do not worry dear, you will definitely be fine. I would make sure of that,” he promised, “It is all my fault, I should not have let you step a foot in the river. Maybe it triggered the memories,” Henry told Nicole, he was feeling guilty.

     “Oh come on, it is not your fault. I am meant to be the one offering those apologies, You have been with me since my accident. Although I can not remember what happened that day, but you did it without even knowing who I was,” Nicole said, “I have no memories of my past, but I know that you have to be the best person I have ever met,” she assured him.

     “Its nothing actually, you are amazing too.” Henry uttered, trying to be modest. “I think we should head back, it is getting a bit late,” he suggested, as he helped her up from the ground.

     Supporting her left hand over his shoulders, they walked back to the cabin.

     “So what do you suggest that I do, I honestly want to get back my memories. I would need your help to do that Henry, I just hope I won’t regret getting back my memories.” Nicole told Henry, she looked a bit depressed. The sudden realization that she had a life that she could not remember began to take a toll on her.

     “As I said I would be with you toll the end, I would make sure that we get all your memories back.” Henry promised, “Although I know that you would forget me once you eventually return to your former life,” Henry uttered, it was obvious that he was bothered about losing her.

     “Look, memories or no memories, I would never forget you or leave you.” Nicole promised, her eyes seeming genuine as she assured Henry, “You mean the world to me right now,” she spoke softly, giving him a kiss on his lips followed by a warm embrace.

     Although Henry did not utter any word, his eyes said it all as he gazed into Nicole's blue eyes. Telepathically both of them knew exactly what the other thought, Nicole’s fingers interwoven through his her as she held his face in place. His hands softly but tightly grabbed her waist, the distance between their lips reduced once again until the softness and warmth could be felt by Henry and Nicole.

     This time, the kiss was more sensual and long lasting.

     “I love you,” Henry finally broke the silence, just before they continued the journey back to the cabin.

~~~

     Stretching and yawning, Nicole woke up to the sounds of the wild. The sounds of chirping birds and the rustle of trees all around, she loved looking into the wild whenever she woke up, it gave her some kind of satisfaction.

     Henry was still fast asleep, which was a bit weird. During most mornings he was mostly already out before she was up. He was so handsome and peaceful while he napped.

     Nicole had never been one for sleeping, but she always found herself drawn to the quiet man, watching him while he dreamt.

     Sometimes, if she could hear soft snores coming from him, it was enough to bring on a smile. Other times, even with his eyes closed, there would be that soft, relaxed smile playing across his lips. It was almost like music to her ears,  as beautiful as any music she’d ever heard. Her heart swelled, as she admired the beauty of his face. He was so perfect, so pure.

     She wanted nothing more than to hold him, to touch him all over. To have those arms around her, to feel his warm skin against hers, to know where he was, even if only through the sound of his heartbeat.

     To wake up next to someone she loved with such devotion and love made her feel giddy in happiness, just thinking about it.

As soon as she noticed how close she was leaning towards him, he shifted slightly before settling back into his position. Even in sleep, Nicole felt his presence.

     The warmth of him, the weight of his arm, the way his breath tickled her skin...it sent shivers down her spine, and Nicole could feel her cheeks burning at being caught staring. But, as much as she tried, she couldn't get away from him.

     Every time their hands touched, whenever she looked into his blue eyes, every time she heard his voice, every time he smiled or laughed or kissed her...she couldn't stop herself anymore. She wasn't sure whether it was a result of the fact that they were soulmates, or because he'd enchanted her soul, but Nicole simply didn't want to leave.

     She wanted everything about him, and even though she knew he wouldn't accept her, she couldn't help the way she felt.

She was scared that if she moved too quickly, he'd wake up, and she did not want to disturb such a peaceful moment.