Author: Bitz
Title: Finding Holly
Rating: Teen
Marshmallow #13. a good deed
Fudge Ripple #10. fear
Topping/Extra: Butterscotch
Story:
Hearts on Fire SeriesSummary: Shane picks up Holly after the phone call
Characters: Shane, Holly
Word Count: 609
A/N: This piece is after
Cold Homecoming Shane gripped hard onto the steering wheel of his truck had he drove at a speed he didn't know the old rusty pickup could allow itself to go to. He didn't know why he was risking his valuable rehearsal time for a woman he truly just met. All he could remember was how terrified her voice was on the phone. His blood ran hot as he also remembered the words of how her so-called boyfriend put his hands on her. In Shane's mind, no man should ever have a reason to do so to a woman. It was cowardly in his opinion. He had to get there. He had to make sure she was all right.
Making sure he took the directions she told him to go, he soon found himself turning into a gas station. He searched all over; the pumps, the store, everywhere. But she was nowhere to be found. Shane's heart leapt in his throat. "Where are you?" He whispered, shutting the truck off so that he could get out and search more. He ran towards the store, past the dumpster only to stop seeing a woman sitting on the curb beside it. She looked up and Shane cursed seeing the slight bruise on her cheek.
"Hello, Shane." Holly greeted with a weak smile. "Long time no see."
If he wasn't so worried about her, Shane would have chuckled to that. Instead he ran up to her and kneeled while checking her face all around. "Holly! Are you all right?" At her nod, he still wasn't convinced. "You sure?"
"Yes, Shane. I made it out of there before he could hit me again."
"That bastard...who put their hands on a woman?"
Holly didn't answer-she couldn't answer. She seemed just as surprised and questionable as he was. Shane stood back up and ran a hand over his face. She was all right and he thanked the Lord above for it, staring up at the sky.
"I know we just met and I know that I wasn't really nice to you at the time." Shane looked down at the woman who was hugging herself so tight, pausing only to move blond strands out of her face. He slowly kneeled back down to the concrete to hear her better.
"I was hoping you could help me find a place to stay. I won't be too much of a bother, I promise. I just- I don't have anything with me. All my belongings are at the trailer. I'm tired and afraid and I just want this to be over for today. So, please..."
They stared and Shane could see the hopelessness in her eyes.
"Can you help me?" She asked in a soft whisper.
Shane grabbed her hands and helped her up, hugging her close. He felt Holly stiffen against him, before she slowly wrapped her arms around his torso, the embrace tightening. He heard her sigh and then sob all the while he held her tight. He wanted her to know that he would be anything she wanted him to be at that moment and right now she chose him to be her shield as she broke down in fear and relief. After what seemed like forever, Holly finally stopped crying and she looked up at him as water pooled still in her eyes. Shane wiped the tear trails away with his thumb. She seemed touched by the gesture and Shane smiled, putting a arm over her shoulder. "Come on, Darlin' I'll take care of everything."
He walked with Holly to the truck and after making sure she was good, got in the truck and promptly drove away.