My Name is Rapunzel(67)

In fact, I wrote the Grimm Brothers about what they had done and told them it was wrong to bend my true story into some twisted tale to line their pockets. I had told them the truth and confided in them in hopes that they would help me. They wrote me back and said they had paid for my story. They informed me they purchased it from me, with the right to tell it as they saw fit and thanked me for my time. They even included a few more coins to appease me. As if I needed their money.

I’d vowed never to tell my story to anyone again. I glanced at John Jenkins. Yet here I was, sucked in by another storyteller.

“I've read them all, too.” I lowered my eyes to avert his gaze. I didn't want him to see the sadness on my face or the hurt that I felt inside and the painful memories I dream about every night. If he looked in to my eyes, I knew he would be able to see it all. He would know everything. He would know the truth. And truth be known, he already did. I hadn't fooled him one bit.

“Well, it's time we should get going,” John announced. “It'll be dark soon and Rap…” I interrupted him with a slight elbow in his rib cage and he coughed to cover it up, suddenly realizing he'd been about to say my name. “As I was saying, Rapella needs to be home before dark.” He was good at covering things up, I'd give him that. But, Rapella? “Nice to meet you sir.” John paid for the books and picked up the bags then turned to leave.

“Very nice to meet you, um, Rapella. My name is Edwin.” The old man gave my hand a strong shake. His warm touch reminded me of Father.

I moved toward the door to follow John. I felt the shopkeeper’s eyes on me the entire time. I glanced over my shoulder once more.

“One day, Rapunzel will have her hero. I promise.” The clerk winked, then smiled again, before he turned and walked away.





CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE




John tried to make small talk while he drove me home, but all I did was bite at my fingernails—a bad habit I’d just started. I didn't want any part of John. I think I uttered a few uh-huh’s, but he finally gave up trying. Edwin had recognized me. But it was more than that. I should never have come to town this early.

“Just pull over here. I’d rather walk up the lane than risk getting caught by Gretta.” Too much excitement for one day. Plus, daylight was fading fast and the dragon would be nosing around soon.

John pulled to a stop and held my hand to his cheek, and then caressed it with a light kiss.

Too much. This had gone too far. “I'm sorry, John.” I pulled my hand away. “I should never have gone to town. We should never have kissed. It was all a huge mistake.”

“Going to town or the kiss?” He smiled.

Was he serious? “Look, you're a nice guy, and I've enjoyed spending time with you, but this has to end. This, whatever we have between us, will never amount to anything, and for that I'm sorry.” I opened the door, got out of his car, and headed up the lane. It wasn't that I didn't want to have something between us. Our friendship had grown, and it would have been nice to see where it might have gone, but I just couldn't. Besides, I was too old for him in both years and experiences.

Gretta's words kept swimming through my mind. Why was I even thinking about marriage? Gretta was right. This friendship had to end now. I couldn't let it go on any longer. It wasn't like we were in love or anything, but the promise of hope was strong in the back of my mind. There was no hope for me. I would always be unloved.

I heard John’s footsteps behind me. He placed his hand on my arm and tugged me back until I turned to face him. I should have just kept on going and ignored him. But I didn’t. He wasn't making this any easier. Why didn’t he just leave me alone?

“Rapunzel, wait. Just wait.” Sincerity shined from his eyes. Somewhere between our meetings, picnics, and stories, we had found a connection.

“I can't be with you, John. It would never work.” I hung my head. I didn't want to see the hurt in his eyes nor did I want him to see it in mine.

He lifted my chin. “Rapunzel, look at me.”

I lifted my gaze. His eyes were filled with hope. I could see it and I could feel it. My pulse raced at his soft touch.

Before I could utter a word, John's mouth covered mine, and my arms found their way around his neck, pulling him closer to me. We had shared a kiss once before, but this one was different. It was an escape. I was lost in a blissful moment of pure rapture. Then I heard it. That familiar sound that kept me prisoner in my home.

The dragon.

We were out in the open and too far away from the trees. I scanned the sky. He was close. The dragon's roars were angry and full of pain. Was it hurt? Something was wrong! But what?