Second Chance-In the mist Book 1 novel Chapter 17

"Thank you..." I mumbled, with some disappointment in my voice. I didn't even know if it was that noticeable to him. I really didn't want him to feel bad.

"You know that you're more than welcome. But you have to be careful and ask for help when you need it. You know that your condition is not permanent. Now let me give you what you wanted. Warm milk, wasn't it?"

"That's right, warm milk..." I confirmed half-heartedly because I didn't have to see his face to know he was upset about what had happened. Or rather worried that something bad might happen to me. At the same time, I could feel how he tried every time to put distance between us. 

"So, do you feel more comfortable here?" He changed the subject almost immediately. 

"I guess so..." I muttered, dropping my gaze. Then I continued on a sadder note. "When you're away, I feel lonely. Lucky for me, your friend Megan still comes over and keeps me company..." I didn't even know why I'd said that. Someone would think that I missed him when he was gone. But his response was kind of blunt.

"I know I'm gone most of the time. I am sorry..."

I could hardly believe that was his explanation. It was as if he'd built an enormous wall and I couldn't penetrate it. Like he didn't even want me to. He clearly aimed this shield of his at me. 

"It's okay..." But my answer wasn't fully told either. And I really wanted to leave him with that impression.

"Rebecca... can I call you that?" he began with a permission that didn't seem important to me. Although so far, he had only called me Miss Rebecca. It was only when he got scared that I might fall that he called me by my first name. And my God, the sound of it coming out of his mouth. Even now, I shuddered at the thought. 

"Okay. I still don't know if you believe me or not that I'm Dominic Stone, the actor. We haven't talked about this anymore. But when I leave, I'm going to rehearse my role. I just won an audition for the newest movie my agent Nick set up for me. So, if you ever wonder where I am, that's where I am." 

Ok, maybe we hadn't discussed whether I believed him, it didn't really matter right now. To me, he was the man who rescued me from the clutches of death and brought me into his home to care for me. If, in the meantime, anything made me believe him, then I would. 

"Congratulations, I suppose. And when will the filming start?" To my surprise, I was very curious about this aspect of his life. Maybe I was the one looking for a reason to believe him.

"Soon, in about two weeks. But until then, there will be a gala, some very important awards in the film industry."

A gala. The kind I used to see on TV. It was supposed to be interesting. 

ALMOST A NEW BEGINNING

Dominic's story

I had just walked into my room when a million thoughts made their way into my mind. How would I help her walk again or see again? So, she could join me at the gala. I intended to hire the best physiotherapist in all of New York. And that could only be Declan, who I knew had such courses under his belt. And also arranged for a specialist to perform surgery and restore her sight. It was a bold and difficult plan, but not impossible. And I would be with her all the way.

Just as I was getting ready for sleep...

"No, Tom! No! Leave him alone, you beasts!" 

I immediately jumped out of bed and went into her room. She was having a nightmare, one of her many. She was calling her fiancé. I reached over and grabbed her shoulders with both hands and shook her a little, then harder... She didn't wake up. Every second she sank deeper into her dream and she was more anxious. I could feel the terror she was feeling right now. Beads of sweat caressed her angelic face. Seeing her like that broke my heart. I had to get her out of her dream.