The Hitchhiker - excerpt of the continuation

1

For the longest time, I leaned against the doorframe.  Even in the dark I could make out the shape of him sleeping on my couch.  I just listened to his breathing, deep and rhythmic.  His being there changed something inside me.  His face, his eyes, that damned haunted look.  2

Perhaps the body was home, but not the mind, not the emotion.  A part of him was still living in his past, and while the woman in me was so pulled toward him the survivor inside me warned me to keep my distance.  There was no way I would even think of giving my heart to anyone. 3

" What's so wrong with being with someone just because they're there?."  he'd ask. "Not every encounter has to be about love.  It can be about need."  He'd moved closer then as if to kiss me.4

"It can be about want." 5

I had tilted my head up, felt his breath upon6

my lips, about to let him in.7

"It can just be about the pleasure of the moment." 8

That had made me draw back.  9

I found myself thinking about the moment when he was gone, and I was alone again.  I knew where that would take me.  It was a deep, dark valley, and I had been there before. 10

No, better to stay isolated.  Insolated.  Safe.  11

He stirred in his sleep, the blanket slipping to the floor.12

I crossed the room soundlessly.  Picking up the blanket, I folded it in half placed it gently over his sleeping form.  Then I went back  into  my bedroom, closing the door behind me. All too aware of the squeaking of the couch frame as he turned.  I pictured his arms and hands.  Imagined how they would feel around me, hating the coward inside who refused to allow me to find the answer.  13