Till Dark

Jordan sat quietly next to Andy in utter contentment. They were heading off the island toward the mainland and she had a view of the bright city lights in front of them and a serene view of the ocean surrounding them. She sighed deeply and took peace in knowing that for a while her stalker might not know exactly where they were. Andy watched the tension leaving her face and body as they headed toward the colorful city lights ahead. He stole glance after glance hoping that the time he was spending with her now would be enough for him when she left next week. He had grown so accustom to having her here with him that a dull ache somewhere deep inside started the moment he thought about her leaving him or the island. Jordan watched Andy out of the corner of her eye wondering what his pained expression was caused from. She thought better than to ask because that might make it worse. He might start talking about her stalker and she didn't wish to discuss it right now. Not while she was finally getting the relaxation that she needed and the peace she had been hoping to find on such a remote place. Andy glanced at Jordan as he drove. He wanted to know what she was thinking but didn't ask. "So what is this restaurant that we are going to?' she asked breaking the silence."Just a little out of the way place that I found one day while searching for something else." "What type of food do they serve there?" He smiled at her childlike questions. "Mostly seafood, but they also have steak, and chicken." Jordan glanced sideways at him before smiling and looking back out the window. "Where did you grow up?" He asked. Slowly Jordan brought herself from the faraway place she visited and turned to Andy. "I've already told you. Why does it matter?" "I like the soft look on your face when you speak of things that pertained to your past."

She knew the look he was referring to but it was not one of happy memories but of trying to put the past as far behind her as she could. "Tell me of your childhood."Jordan's eyebrows shot up. "Just how is it, that you are suddenly so interested in my hometown and family.' "Take it easy I'm simply trying to get to know you better, and make conversation, that's all." She relaxed her shoulders a bit. "There's nothing to tell really." She shrugged a tiny shoulder and returned to staring out the window. The air grew thick with silence the rest of the way to the restaurant. Andy didn't ask her any more questions and she didn't offer any more answers. He knew he had pushed her too far too fast. There was a wall she seemed to be hiding behind and he was determined to break down that wall. He stole quick glances at her now and then but she was hardly aware of his presence; lost in a world of pain and regret.