Chapter 164: Shock

Jamie's POV

I couldn't let him go. I couldn't even pry my fingers from his shirt! My hands were cramping and I think I was in complete shock, as *I seemed to have lost control of my muscle and brain functions.*

This time, whoever the hell it was, *they had put the damn mannequin right in the middle of the sales floor*. Dee and Judy and I were all busy helping customers, so none of us saw who brought the damn doll.

*It was like it just showed up out of nowhere*! Someone must have been paying very close attention to us to have known exactly when to bring the thing in without anyone seeing. I mean, who goes around carrying mannequins dressed like real people? *They are heavy and very noticeable!*

It was like looking at a *warped mirror.* It was wearing my clothes, had my long hair in a long braid and even had my *eyes.* How was that possible? But it had blood dripping off it! *How could no one see who came in with that thing?*

Well, I was just wearing my jeans and a red tee, so someone could've found those anywhere... *But the wig and eyes?* How long would that take to make it look *just like mine?*

And the riddle?

Wes was right. The answer was eyes. *I just don't understand why someone was asking questions about people's anatomy*. Was someone going to steal my eyes from me? Was that why it was dressed like me?

*And where did the blood come from?* It definitely was *not mine!* But it had to come from somewhere, right? It belonged to someone...

This time I called Wes *before* I called the cops. I *needed* him if I was going to make it through this again... Only this time was like ten times worse than the last one.

The same officers showed up and asked a bunch of questions to everyone who was still in the store. Rick was getting annoyed having so many cops in his store when he was *still open for business.* He complained they were cutting his sales. I honestly don't know if it would help, because the moment someone walked through the door they'd see the mannequin and run the other way if they were smart! But the cops promised they would leave as soon as they got what they needed.

I'm not sure what they needed, but it took them over an hour before they released us.

I don't know exactly when Wes brought me back to his room. He didn't ask me anything and I didn't say anything. I just held him tight. It's like he knew I just needed quiet because my mind was making too much noise. I couldn't think straight. *I needed his touch to ground me or I would float away.*

He pulled me into his body and he let me cry. *And I did.* My sobs seemed to go on forever until they didn't and then... Everything was blessedly blank and quiet. His warmth surrounded me, lulling me to sleep.

When I woke up this morning *I didn't want to get out of bed.* It's Thursday and the only class I have is at one. I just want to spend the morning in his arms. Wes didn't seem to be in a big hurry to let me go as he held me close.

I closed my eyes and snuggled deeper into Wes' warm body. If I just focused on his body, then there was no room for anything else in my mind and I could pretend like everything was fine. I ran my fingers over his strong muscles, which gave me a strange sort of peace.

He chuckled, running his hand down my back. "How are you feeling this morning, princess?" he asked, nuzzling my face and pulling my body even closer to his. He felt like a furnace, and I just melted into him. *I think I could be happy here forever.*

"I'm not sure. I think I'm still in shock," I admit. "I think my brain shut down."

"Well, that's fine. At least you are able to talk to me now," he kisses my cheek. He rolls me onto my back and presses me down into the mattress as he attacks my mouth with hungry kisses. I love the feel of his body against mine.

He kisses me, running his hands up and down my body for a few more minutes before the monster in my stomach announces its presence. I think I would much rather stay here in his arms and pretend the world doesn't exist, *but my tummy won't be ignored.*

I hide my face in his chest as he laughs. "C'mon, sweetheart. I'll make you some eggs and toast," he suggested.

That sounded good to me, and apparently my belly thought it did too, as it grumbled loudly in agreement, so I just nod my head, chuckling along with Wes. I reluctantly roll out of bed with my beautiful boyfriend.

I run to use the bathroom while he makes his way to the kitchenette. I relieve my poor bladder and wash up as good as I can. I know I have to go back to my place and get a fresh set of clothes and fix my hair, and brush my teeth, so this is as good as I can get right now.

When I'm finished I pass by Ryan's sleepy face. He gives me a small smile. "Mornin' Jamie," he says, following me to the breakfast table.

"Mornin' Ryan," I responded as I sat on the chair at their table.

Wes gives Ryan a look I don't understand, but doesn't say anything to him as he sits down by me.

Wes places a plateful of eggs and warm buttered toast in front of me with a sweet smile. "Eat up, princess. We need to get you back to your dorm to grab your stuff," he says.

"Thanks sugar," I give him a grateful smile as he takes a seat next to me with his own plate.

Ryan looks up at Wes with sad eyes, and he just huffs nodding his head toward the stove.

"Thanks man," he smiles at Wes as he gets up to grab his own plate.

After a warm breakfast, I help Ryan with the dishes while Wes uses the shower*. I am more than happy to do dishes when he makes me such a sweet breakfast.*

"Jamie, I'm sorry," Ryan says, keeping his voice low, looking over his shoulder like he is worried Wes will show up and reprimand him for speaking to me.

I sigh. "I know. You are *all sorry.* But unfortunately a *'sorry'* doesn't fix the picture or my reputation around the school." I may sound a little harsh, but it's only the truth. Words don't always fix the problems. There also needs to be actions taken.

"I know. But I'm hoping the whole thing just blows over in a week or two. Everyone will forget the picture and move on to something else," he gives me a sheepish smile.

I sigh. *Really? That's how he is planning on this being fixed?*

"Ryan, the damage is already done. *And I didn't even do anything!* Everyone is acting like I'm some kinda hussy, *and I'm really not!* I've never even had a boyfriend until Wes. I'm frustrated and scared, *and I haven't even been here a week yet,*" I try to explain how I'm feeling.

I didn't notice Wes was finished with his shower until he wrapped his arm around my middle and gave me a hug from behind. I leaned into him, absorbing his warmth and breathing in his fresh scent.

I look back at his face and smile. How does he make me feel so safe when everything seems to be spinning out of control? He seems like he is always there to catch me when I fall apart... Which I seem to be doing more than normal. *This really isn't normal for me!*

"Ready?" he asks.

I nod my head. "Sure," I smile, because I do need to get back to my dorm. I can't wear these clothes after that mannequin... I push the disturbing thought out of my head. I don't want to have a panic attack in front of Ryan.

Wes keeps an arm wrapped around me as we make our way back over to my room, where I find a very flustered looking Gwen. When she sees us, she turns her blue eyes into daggers, *aiming them directly at me.*