Distance of the Heart

by Agnes H Hagadus

  “I’ll give you all the old known contact information. And I’m certain that Melissa, the owner of the bed and breakfast, has her contact information.” When the doctor wouldn’t meet her gaze, Tabby knew. She had already known what the answer would be. While the healthcare system reported known cases of HIV and their known partners, to go seeking them actively was considered a breach of patient confidentially.

  “It’s all right, Doc. I understand.” Tabby was able to stand. Of course she had to lean on Emily for support. Correction. They had to lean on one another for support. As they would, hopefully for the rest of their lives. “I seem to have a bit of my appetite back. I’m going to take this gorgeous lady to lunch and maybe make a day of it. Thank you again.”

  Instead of saying anything, the doctor held out his hand. Both Emily and Tabby gratefully shook his hand before slowly making their way out of the clinic. Both stood, allowing the breeze to flow through their long hair and the sun to beat down on their faces. Life. They were going to live. And they were going to make the most of it. Starting now.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Emily blinked several times, quickly sliding her silver shades upon her eyes. As many times as she had done it, she could never prepare herself for the brightness after sitting several hours in a darkened movie theater. Of course holding her soulmate’s hand the entire time as they leaned against one another caused the exact amount of time to be lost.

  The therapist smiled as she felt the arm wrap around her waist. Had they really come that far in such a short time? There had been the tension between them because of Lena. There had been tension between them because of Emily’s parents. There had been tension between them because of the sudden appearance of Helen. Tension remained because Nicky didn’t want to place his heart on the line.

  But the latest tension, which had been caused by Helen, was thankfully over. The irony of it all? Helen had attempted to break them up. Instead, she had only succeeded in bringing them closer together. Partially it was to fight yet another outside force to their relationship. Partially it was realizing they would stay, even if the tests had come back positive.

  They continued to walk down the street. Their hands slipped into one another like it was the most natural thing in the world. While Emily wasn’t worried about anyone saying anything about them, she was worried if they should run into Nicky. While he was enjoying, she hoped, time with the Walker clan, she knew it was a possibility that they could run into one another.

  Middletown wasn’t that large of a town. It was more like a family with the Walkers being the First Family. It probably irritated the mayor to no end. While Emily didn’t know a whole lot about the situation, she did know that he was potentially a bad man. He and his son were definitely a bad influence on Little Nicky and the rest of the Walker children. Any of the children for that matter.

  Though the sun was bright, something caught her attention. Tabby was about to cross the street into the parking complex across from the small movie theater when Emily caused her to pull up. Without saying a word, she retrieved her cellphone and took several snapshots of two figures walking nearly identically to the way she and her soulmate were.

  Though Tabby had only seen Rick in a couple of pictures and once from a distance at the bed and breakfast, she instantly recognized her soulmate’s brother. What was more, she also recognized the person he was with. Having been around Sierra and Desiree more than Emily, she instantly recognized the man as the mayor’s bodyguard.

  “Is that your brother?” Tabby stared after the man that barely even resembled her soulmate. The man had his head leaning on Rick’s shoulder. It wasn’t exactly as if the two were madly in love. However, it was clear that they were more than friends. It seemed Emily’s brother was as quick a worker as his sister.

  Emily continued to take picture after picture. She immediately sent one to Sam. She hated to continually interrupt the time Sam and Abby had with one another but needed to know if her brother was safe. Or if he was getting in over his head, without even realizing it. “That’s Rick all right. I just wonder if that guy is who I think he is.”

  Tabby only debated with herself for a few moments before she decided to tell her soulmate what little she knew. After all, she was privy to more than Emily was. And if this was a dangerous man, they had to know for certain. “The only thing I know about the man is that he does work for the mayor. He’s classified as his aide. But not many aides carry a Glock like he does. Did you send his pic off to Sam or Steve?”

  “I sent it to Sam.” Emily hated for yet something else to attempt to come between her and Tabby. It wasn’t so much coming between them as it was taking away from time they had to share with one another. The time was precious as in only a couple days Emily would be boarding a plane for California once again.

  Granted it was only on the other side of the country. The distance didn’t matter. It would be like there was an ocean between them. It would be like the distance between the moon and the earth. It would be like the distance between them, before Emily had decided she needed to spend some time with her soulmate and to tell her parents what they could do with themselves.

  It was nearing dinnertime. Part of Emily wanted to follow Rick. He was a big boy now. But the problem was, he had lived a sheltered life. Especially compared to his older sister. Even Emily had lived a sheltered life compared to Sam and Abby. Still, she and Tabby’s life had been touched by evil. The kind of evil that, unfortunately, still roamed free.

  “Let’s leave my brother to his own devices, for now.” Emily wanted to call Sam instead of merely sending the pictures to her. But she also wanted to continue her time with Tabby. Of course she wished that Nicky was a part of their time. As was life, nothing was ever simple. Nothing was ever easy. But the journey was what makes life worth living.

  “How bout we share a fattening milkshake. After all, the nachos weren’t fattening enough.” Tabby laughed at her soulmate’s recommendation. Neither was what one would term a health nut. They did, however, like to take care of themselves. They also liked to indulge. Whether that meant they were indulging in themselves or indulging in something fattening was the difference.

  “I’d say let’s leave your brother to it and have something sweet.” Tabby once again grasped her soulmate’s hand. It wasn’t long until they were in Emily’s car. It wasn’t long until the familiar buildings were once again flying by. It wasn’t long until they were pulling up to the diner. It wasn’t shocking to see Jeff and Tina herding the entire Walker clan, Nicky included, from the diner.

  Instead of exiting her car, Emily remained frozen. Her hands were gripping the steering wheel tightly as Nicky came into view. The little boy froze for a moment. His look was one of those that could kill. Emily swallowed hard. She had never been afraid of anyone quite like she was of the little boy. She knew he had the power to destroy what she was slowly rebuilding with his mother.

  Emily felt the hand on her leg. She sighed deeply as she covered it. While Tabby would say the right things, she knew that Nicky was the major obstacle in their happiness. She knew that the young boy would do anything to keep them apart, as long as he was convinced that he couldn’t trust anyone, not even Emily, with his or his mother’s heart.

  “We don’t have to go in.” Tabby had given her son a warning look. If Nicky had realized she was chastising him for his behavior, he didn’t show it. In fact, the young boy didn’t miss a beat. He ran ahead of the rest of the Walker clan. It was a race to the two vehicles it had taken to transport all those children.

  Emily swallowed. She knew she was being silly. Yet, was she? There were few things in the world she understood. She knew about nursing, though she was becoming removed from it. She was becoming familiar with being a therapist. It seemed to suit her personality more than being a nurse ever did. In fact, she could imagine herself in a relaxed environment, her patients even in their night clothes. A benefit of working via the internet.

  The young woman w
as also learning how to become a sister. While she and Rick were the same age, Emily felt she was older and by years and years. Sadly, her brother had never been nurtured like she had been. Uncle Mitch had attempted to be there for both of them, but her stubborn brother had decided he knew best. Now, he was paying for those beliefs.

  The therapist also knew about family and friendship. While her family was behind her most recent problems, having become best friends with a certain nurse had shown her what a true family was like. Emily knew that being part of a family or a true friend meant doing things you didn’t like. Or facing things you’d rather not.

  Emily sighed. She needed to enjoy what little time she had with her girlfriend. Soon she would be headed back to California. Soon she would be facing her mother and father. Soon she would have to deal with whatever mess they had made of their lives. Sadly, she would soon have to most likely bury both of them.

  The morbid thoughts, combined with how Nicky had looked at her, had Emily nearly becoming physically ill. It was time to continue what they had begun. Which was what? She finally pried her hand from the steering wheel. Her hand found the door release. “Let’s get those sweet treats. Then I’ll take you back to the bed and breakfast. You can spend some quality time with Nicky.”

  There was an objection written across Tabby’s face. Emily’s free hand took her soulmate’s hand in her own. She slowly brought it to her lips and gave it the gentlest of kisses. “I know I’m only here for the weekend. Perhaps a couple days more. But there’s something more important than building our relationship. That’s maintaining the happiness of one little boy.”

  Knowing there would be more objections, Emily hastily continued. “Nicky isn’t out of the woods, not fully, with his leukemia. We, as medical professionals, both know this. Keeping him happy is one way to ward off an end to his remission. Yes, there is more to it than that. But to me his happiness and health come first. We’ll still be here, if only from a distance.”

  Tabby closed her eyes. The tears were threatening to fall. It wasn’t what she had expected Emily to say. Yet if she were honest, she knew her soulmate well enough to know that she would end their relationship if it meant Nicky could be happy and healthy once again. “I didn’t think I could love you anymore. But every time…”

  The nurse didn’t bother with finishing her thought. Instead, Tabby managed to squeeze herself between the steering wheel and her fiancée. She was grateful for her petite stature for once. While Emily was tall, she was not broad shouldered. It meant more room for the couple to be pressed together. It meant they could both feel the out of control pounding of the other’s heartbeat.

  Their lips met. It was almost painful the force with which they collided. It was from this need. It was from fear. It was from an attempt to reassure one another that when they parted, it was only temporary. It was something that would eventually not have to happen. That one day they would find their eternal happiness, here on earth, in this time and place.

  The pounding on the window scared Tabby back to her side of the vehicle. Emily quickly rolled down the window, hoping they weren’t in trouble. She began laughing when she saw who it was and the pose she was striking. Samantha Walker had her notepad out, scribbling furiously. “I thought I left writing tickets like this behind when I became a detective. Now as a private investigator, I’m still writing them.”

  With a flourish, Sam tore the paper from the notepad and handed it to her friend. Emily laughed when she read the contents. ‘Fined twenty-five dollars for making out in a non-making out zone. Fined twenty-five dollars for excessive speed. Fined twenty-five dollars for public displays of affection without prior warning’.

  “I take it was worth the fine?” While the words were playful, the tone of voice and the look upon Sam’s face was anything but. It was the look she had on her face when she was determined to be reunited with her soulmate. It was one Emily could relate to in so many ways. “I hate to do this, but do you have a moment. I need to tell you something. Something you and Tabby might not like.”

  Emily closed her eyes before peering cautiously at her soulmate. Tabby was staring straight ahead. By now, Emily knew that was to protect herself. To prepare Tabby for whatever news was to be given. Emily squeezed her girlfriend’s hand before they both exited the vehicle. Sam easily guided them so that they were out of earshot of everyone.

  Sam kept her voice low. While Jenny and Wild Bill were no longer threats, she wasn’t stupid. She knew her father and Leslie were running free. There was also new evidence regarding the mayor. Evidence that would hopefully not delay her and Abby’s much needed honeymoon. “I have news about the mayor and your brother’s…”

  As always when it came to delicate matters of the heart, Sam wasn’t certain how to proceed. It was always Abby that handled the sensitive chats. “His new friend. We have some very sketchy, but reliable information that points the mayor and his bodyguard/assistant being connected somehow with my father.”

  It was another thing she hated. Sam would never become accustomed to referring to Anthony Denardo as her father. The look on Emily’s face spoke volumes. “The way they’ve done things; details are difficult to come by. I just wanted to let you know. And believe me when I say your brother and his friend are being watched. Even if I and Abby decide to still go on our honeymoon, someone will always be watching.”

  “Samantha Walker, I know you. I know Abby. You both need and deserve this time away. I also know you both well enough that you won’t leave any of us unprotected.” Emily stood tall. While there was fear already for her brother’s well-being, she had to allow him his own mistakes. She had to grant him the freedom to explore. If only he had chosen more wisely, it might not be so difficult to allow.

  Sam rubbed the back of her neck. She was unaccustomed to anyone but Abby or her mother speaking to her in that manner. “Sorry. I just don’t want the city thinking we’ve abandoned it in its time of need. After all, it was because of us that the likes of Wild Bill, Anthony, Leslie and Jenny were all drawn here. The mayor is still questionable if he was sent here by Anthony or one of his underlings. Whoever it is behind it all is good. Almost too good.”

  The last part was said under Sam’s breath, hoping Emily wouldn’t hear it. “Just go and be with your wife and family. I’m treating my gorgeous girlfriend here to a milkshake before returning her to the bed and breakfast. I have some phone calls to make. Does Uncle Mitch know about…?” The barely subtle nod was all the answer Emily needed. “See? Between all of you we’re in good hands. Now go.”

  Once again, Sam merely nodded. Before she turned to go, she also gave a wink. Emily felt the hand on her bicep. She knew they needed the next few moments. Even if it was only half an hour or an hour, it was needed more than words could say. They began slowly walking towards the diner, their hands finding one another.

  It was natural. It was how they had become before the interference of Anthony. It was how they would slowly return, without thought, once everything was settled. Then again, Emily knew that things would never be settled. After all, look at Sam and Abby. But even without their extraordinary lives, life in general was not easy. It was an adventure. One you can treasure and revel in or give up and live a solitary life.

  They were seated near the door for once. It wasn’t long before they were sipping on cappuccino flavored shakes and holding hands. It was one of those moments. Some would say stolen with everything happening. Some would say it should be an everyday occurrence. At that moment, the world faded away as emerald eyes stared into azure ones.

  The chirping of a cellphone broke through the moment. Emily knew what it was most likely in regards to. Part of her wanted to allow it to go straight to voicemail. The responsible adult in her knew she couldn’t do that. “Hello?” The grip on her hand increased slightly, especially when her eyes grew wide. Even though she had little to no feelings for either of them, the fact her father had passed on still caused tears to form in the corners of her eyes. “I’ll b
e there Monday afternoon.”

  There was a beat before Emily responded. “No, I can’t be back sooner, Mom. I have responsibilities here as well. And don’t you dare say one word against Tabby.” Emily listened, sighing heavily. “I know, Mother. I know. I’ll make all the arrangements. I promise. I have to go.” The tears were now streaming down her cheeks. “You know, it’s not the loss of my father that is getting to me. It’s the fact I won’t be here to help you deal with the emotions that were caused by Helen. Or be here should she return. And there’s Nicky’s birthday party. I’m so sorry.”

  Chapter 6

  Emily stood beside the open grave. Her father’s casket had already been lowered into the earth. Already everyone had sprinkled dirt upon the casket or had tossed a flower upon it. She could feel the presences behind her. One was strong and nearly overpowering. The other was unsure, yet attempting to become so much more.

  Her feelings were mixed. The father she had always thought of was cold and distant. Now she knew that her father was so much more. He was an alcoholic. He had abused her mother. The memories and anger were fresh in her mind. There was also the fear. Had he ever come after her? Had he ever gone after her brother? What about her uncle? Had he known what was happening?

  Azure eyes closed as Emily felt the first drop of rain on the tip of her nose. The heat had been stifling when she had returned the day before. Sunday had been a long day. The morning had been reserved so Tabby could spend time alone with Nicky. It had been Emily and her soulmate wrapped in a blanket, mostly to ward off the bugs, as they sat on the bench Jarod had provided for Melissa by the lake behind the bed and breakfast.

  It had taken Melissa bringing them something to eat. Neither had wanted to move from the cocoon they had found themselves wrapped in. Tabby had asked if she might accompany Emily to the airport this time but she had vetoed it. It wasn’t that she hadn’t wanted to see the beautiful face of her lover.