Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman

trail,” I cringed, choosing my words carefully. “I ran out of gas and my cell phone died. I thought taking a shortcut through the woods would be better than walking around.”
    “You took the trail?” His faced screwed up like he’d just smelled something rotten. “In the woods? In the dark? Alone!”
    Luke acted angry, but I felt a wave of frustration and powerlessness come over him; I instantly felt guilty.
    He took a deep breath and swore. “Julia!” he growled.
    “It’s okay Luke. I’ll be fine. I just twisted my ankle.”
    “And how did that happen?”
    “I tripped and fell.” I forced a smile.
    “I think she needs medical attention,” Nicholas interjected, shifting the subject.
    “I think you’re right. I’ll get the Blazer. Wait here.”
    I blinked and became horrified when the words medical attention registered in my mind.
    “No,” I bellowed.
    My sudden insistence startled them.
    “Why not?” Luke asked.
    I would rather eat shards of glass than go to a hospital. They had no idea the personal hell it would cause me, forced to feel everyone’s pain and angst—especially in the emergency room.
    “I’m fine, really. I’ll heal. Nothing’s broken, see?” I tried to stand up and then almost toppled over, wincing in pain. Nicholas prevented me from falling.
    “You’re NOT fine and you’re going!” Luke insisted.
    I stared them both down and clenched my jaw. I knew neither would budge and I couldn’t get myself into the house without help, so like it or not I’d be forced to go.
    “Fine.” I snapped, surrendering.
    Luke left the porch and headed in the direction of his Blazer. Alone with Nicholas, I didn’t want to waste my last chance to avoid a trip to the ER.
    “I’m really not that hurt.”
    “I think it would be best for a doctor to check you out, just in case.”
    Why did he have to be so sensible? This maddened me. It was my body. I should be able to decide when and if I needed medical attention. I let out a determined huff. They could try to make me go, but I wouldn’t be forced.
    Luke pulled around front and got out, opening the passenger side, turning to head in our direction. Nicholas, two steps ahead of him, swept me up and carried me to the Blazer effortlessly. My mouth fell open as he carried me off the porch. This wasn’t how I imagined them getting me to the car. It was hard to be an uncooperative hostage when I didn’t have legs to run away.
    I looked into his eyes and my anger subsided as I felt his tenderness again. Losing myself in his intoxicating aura, I forgot where he was carrying me as we headed to the Blazer. Feeling all giddy inside, I wrapped my arms around his neck secretly glad he didn’t have the power to read emotions like I did.
    “Will I see you again?” I said in a slip.
    My cheeks flushed in embarrassment for being so forward.
    “Well, if falling off cliffs and such is going to be your favorite past-time, then I imagine yes,” he joked.
    I gave him a dirty look relieved he thought nothing of my comment. We were almost to the car and I wished I could hold onto his neck forever. I pouted as he put me down gently on the front seat. I felt the same ache return with the absence of his touch.
    “Drive carefully Luke. I didn’t go through all this trouble just to have you crash on the way to the hospital,” Nicholas said.
    My heart fluttered listening to his concern for my safety. I thought I saw him wink at me.
    Luke finally relaxed. “Thanks man,” he told Nicholas. “Hey, you need a ride?”
    “I’m good. My car is down the way,” he said as he motioned down the road.
    I followed his motion with my eyes, confused as I didn’t see a car. Then Nicholas closed the door and I quickly rolled down the window. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
    “I’ll check on you later,” he said as he reached out and squeezed my hand resting on the windows ledge.
    My heart leapt. There couldn’t have been a better ending to a perfectly horrible day.
    “Okay,” I said softly.
    I watched him, hoping the moment wouldn’t end. He smiled at me, but his emotions changed again as he stepped back away from the Blazer. The sadness and guilt had resurfaced, even though his face didn’t show it.
    I wonder what’s wrong?
    Whatever it was, I wanted to help. I secretly hoped he’d let me. Hoped he would answer the questions that nagged me about our evening.
    Luke pulled away from the curb and I took a deep breath, sinking back into the seat, already