What It Feels Like for a Girl (Part 5)

The world felt like it was collapsing around her as she sat alone on the bed thinking about her relationship with Daniel. Everything had seemed fine from the moment they had met and Shaun had even thought that they would have a future together...that was until the night he saw her talking to Alexander at a party.1

She hadn't seen her friend in months and now that he had finally left Ireland to sign a record deal in the US. She had gone up to Alex to give him a hug and to congratulate him when Daniel came up behind her without warning and roughly dragged her outside. Once there, he slapped her across the face and told her that he didn't like her talking to other guys in his presence. He then proceeded squeeze her arms, leaving small bruises from where his fingers had dug into her skin as evidence of their fight. That night was only the beginning of the nightmare for Shaun and the beginning of the end of their relationship.2

The beatings gradually grew worse with each fight, to the point that Shaun would end up overnight in the hospital with deep cuts, black eyes, and even a couple of broken bones. The worst beating she survived happened on Valentine's Day of the first year of their relationship. He had pushed her down a flight of stairs, causing her to break three of her ribs, dislocate her shoulder, and left her knocked out with a severe concussion. Daniel had enough sense to call 911 and she was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. After four days in the hospital, Shaun when home and broke things off with him for a while. However, he played the remorseful boyfriend routine all too well. He was so convincing that she eventually forgave him and they started dating again and with it the beatings started as well. Shaun turned a blind eye to Daniel's violent behavior towards her, constantly telling herself that he would change for the better. But it was after one of these beatings that she ran to Alex for comfort. He was the only person she could talk to about her situation with feeling that she was being judged. He was her lifesaver, her angel.3

'There is a special place in heaven for you Alexander Riley,' she thought as she got up from the bed and began to undress. A long hot shower is just what she needed to relax.4

~*~5

Alexander sighed deeply as he went to his room and closed the door. Taking off his black leather jacket then black t-shirt, he sat down at the foot of his California king size bed and buried his face in his hands. He loved Shaun. He loved her more that words could express. 'If only you knew of love my heart sings for you, Shaun,' he thought as he reached down under his bed and pulled out his guitar case. Opening it, he pulled out his guitar and began to play a few soft melodies and sing:6

In your eyes I see my future7

I see my love8

I see my world9

My love...10

I'm on my hands and knees11

Begging you please12

To have me13

To hold close to your heart14

Never let me go15

For I need you so16

You are the air that I breathe...17

"That's beautiful, Alex," Shaun said, causing him to stop strumming his guitar. "You don't have to stop playing because of me." She had changed into a dark green cotton chemise and her long scarlet hair was damp from a shower. 18

"I thought you were asleep," Alex replied, setting his guitar down on the floor. "Is there anything I can do for you?"19

Stepping further into the master bedroom, Shaun walked over to the bed and sat down on the black satin comforter beside Alexander. She noticed that he was not wearing a shirt, which was fine by her for she thought that he should show more of his lean muscular form. His long black hair fell below his shoulders like a thick dark curtain, his bangs hid his gorgeous blue eyes from view. The darkness of his hair and the paleness of his flawless skin made for an interesting contrast. To Shaun, Alexander looked like a marble statue carved by one of the masters of old then had life breathed into him by a higher being. 'He is so beautiful,' she thought as she laid her head on his shoulder.20

"I know this maybe asking a bit much, but can I sleep in here with you?"21

Alex looked down at the redhead from the corner of his eye then asked, "Why?"22

"I just need to be held, Alex," she replied. "I still remember the times you used to hold me until I would fall asleep in your arms. Those were the moments when I felt safest and at peace."23

A smile played upon Alexander's lips as he thought about what she had said. "What kind of gentleman would I be to deny my lady's request to be comforted?"24

This made the young woman giggle as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Alex, you're the best."25

"Let me put away my guitar first and get changed. Make yourself comfortable in bed."26

Shaun released him from her embrace and watched as he carefully put away his instrument then go over to the black lacquer dresser and pull out a pair of black satin sleep pants before disappearing into the bathroom. She crawled up to the head of the great bed and peeled back the covers, sliding between the cool white silk sheets. She had pulled the covers up to her chin when Alex emerged from the bathroom. He walked over to the other side of the bed and pulled back the covers, slipped between the sheets. He then moved over to the middle of the bed where Shaun lay and pulled her close to his body. Wrapping one arm around her waist and the other around her shoulders, Alexander held her firmly but gently as she laid her head on his chest and listened to his heart beat. "Is that better?" he quietly asked her.27

"Yeah," she replied, rubbing her hand across his shoulder. "Thank you again for everything."28

"My pleasure, Shaun," he whispered, kissing her forehead. Even though he wanted her, Alexander would not lower his morals so as to seduce her in her time of need. He gently rubbed her lower back until he heard her sigh with contentment. Not too long afterwards, he heard her breathing grow deeper and even and he knew that she had fallen asleep. Once more, he kissed her forehead and wished pleasant dreams upon her before he too stepped aboard the train bound for the land of dreams.