THE HEART IS GOLD
Chapter Six

Celeste awoke to the soft sound of Sam’s footsteps in the kitchen. She grinned as she got up, and smoothed out her dress. She took in the lovely smell of frying bacon and eggs. She strolled gracefully into the kitchen, even though she was still very sore.

"Hello, there. Sleep well?" Sam asked softly.

"As always. Very nicely. Yesterday’s episode had me knocked out."

"Well, I hope you’re in a breakfast mood."

"I sure am. But do you need any help?" She felt kind of bad that she had not been helping that much. He smiled at her.

"Well, not really. You can get some plates and glasses out, though, if you want."

"Sure. I’d love to, but where are they at?"

"The cabinet to the far left."

"All right." And with that, she brought out the plates and glasses and set them on the table.

"Now, Celeste, if we go outside like that again, make sure you’re always with me. John has a better chance of getting to you if he sees you’re alone."

"That is all right. I will be glad to," she replied with a smile. She liked how much he cared about her. It meant a whole lot. They sat down and said the blessing. Celeste enjoyed the delicious meal. She and Sam washed the dishes together when they were finished. He deliberately flicked water on her.

"Oh!" she exclaimed playfully, getting him back.

"Come on, Celeste. A little water won’t hurt anybody."

"Oh? In that case…" She brought forth a glass of cold water and threatened to drench him with it.

"Okay! Okay! I’ll stop!" He backed away, pretending to be scared. They finished washing the dishes in no time. Celeste noticed Sam staring at her.

"What?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing…nothing at all," he replied hurriedly. Suddenly, their eyes met. She blushed slightly. Her heart began beating faster and faster. She stared into his beautiful blue-eyed gaze.

"Celeste…I…" he stammered.

"Yes?" She frowned slightly at him. What was it? But before either of them had a chance to answer, a loud, frightening knock sounded at the door. Celeste jumped slightly. "Now, who could that be?" she asked.

"I don’t know…"

"Open up! I know you’re in there!" The deep, startling voice was recognized as the most dreadful person thinkable…John. Celeste shrieked in horror.

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed in despair.

"Celeste…don’t worry. I have a plan."

She looked at him, and inquiringly asked, "What plan?"

"Um…a plan. I haven’t quite thought of it yet, but don’t worry. I’ll have one." He gave a mischievous smile.

"All right. Fine. I’ll leave it you."

"Open this door now!" John yelled.

"Hang on a minute. I wouldn’t let you in anyway!" Sam shot back. He went to the door and flung it open courageously. Celeste smiled, but stayed well-hidden.

"Where is that worthless whore?" John demanded.

"If you know what’s good for you, then you’d better not call her that. Because she’s better than that!"

John gave an evil laugh. "Right. Give me the girl."

"You won’t have me, John. I’m not a little worker on a farm you can command. And I won’t stand to be your little toy." Sam and John both looked up, shocked, as they heard Celeste’s voice ring out. Celeste stayed a safe distance from John.

"Shut up! You will come with me! Now!"

"If she says no, then leave her alone," Sam calmly said.

"Seriously, Celeste, if you don’t come with me, I’ll kill your little friend here." Celeste gasped as John pulled out a gun.

"No!" she yelled, thrusting herself forward and crashing into John. She sent him flying to the ground and hurriedly began slapping him in self-defense.

"Watch out, worthless rodent!" John yelled angrily, throwing his stronger arms forward and pulling her off. She yelped in pain.

"You won’t get away with this!" Sam yelled, punching John hard. He lightly grabbed Celeste. "Celeste, come on. Run inside and lock the door."

"All right…" She sighed in pain. But she did as she was told. They both got in safely. Celeste stepped out and pushed John down the stairs. He was howling in pain. She and Sam smiled at each other happily.

"Yes!" they shouted together. He pulled Celeste into his arms.

"Come on. I want to show you something." Before she had a chance to answer, he was pulling her forward. She laughed at him.

"Where are we going?" she asked nervously.

"Shh. You’ll see!" She could tell that Sam was somewhat nervous.

Where could we possibly be going? Celeste wondered.

"Now, come on. Do you trust me?"

Celeste thought for a moment. "I trust you." Her words were very sincere. How could she not trust him after all they’d been through? She saw that Sam was smiling. They were heading to the back of the apartment. She wondered why. He led her into a small room that she had never seen before. In the room was a small staircase leading up to somewhere.

"Step up. I’ve got you," he told her calmly. She smiled, her whole body trembling with nervousness. She took a cautious step up, gripping tightly to his hand, which was rough from so much writing, but warm. She took a quick glance at him below her.

"Close your eyes now."

"All right…" she whispered softly.

He led her further upward. She fought hard to keep her eyes shut. He lightly grabbed both of her hands in his and led her across what was now the roof of the apartment building.

"Okay. Now, open your eyes."

She slowly did as she was told, and gasped at the beautiful view of the sunrise of every color over the sparkling blue sea. From up here, she could see most of Southampton. It was so gorgeous! And it was even better to have a friend to share it with.

Sam stood behind her, still gripping her hands in a soft grip. His hands were strong and rough from writing, but warm.

"It’s marvelous, Sam," she whispered, smiling at him. He moved closer to her. She became even more nervous, but trusted him.

"Yeah, I know. But you know what’s even better?"

She looked at him with a slightly confused look. "What?"

"You."

"Wow…thanks. You are, too."

Sam leaned his head closer to hers. She noticed that he was trembling slightly. Slowly, their lips met, and they were in a deeply passionate kiss. It was just the two of them in the world, and nothing else. Sam pulled away slightly and opened his mouth to speak.

"Celeste, I…I love you…and I always will." He looked very relieved after saying this.

Celeste was deeply touched by his words, just because he meant them, truly meant them. "I love you, too." Joy filled her heart as she thought more about true love.

They stood in an intimate embrace. Their eyes held only love and passion for each other. It was true love, not fake love like John had given her.

Chapter Seven
Stories