by Amanda Long
“Fine, Dorian. I'll stop if you can give me a reasonable explanation for your lack of follow through when feeding.”
“I can't,” Dorian whispered, turning from his disappointed face.
“Continue on with your life as you see fit. I will no longer butt in,” Thomas regretfully promised to Dorian's side profile.
“Thank you,” Dorian breathed out in relief.
The silence that followed was palpable. Neither vampire spoke or moved from their respective placement in the study. Dorian stared into the flames of the fire as if they held the answer to Thomas' inquiry while Thomas stewed in his chair, sipping his Scotch, rethinking every move made in his attempt to evolve the 'stray'. Hours passed without either having a revelation.
True to his word from that evening on, Thomas no longer pressed Dorian about his latest evolutionary stall, but it was apparent Dorian's unwillingness to evolve further was a thorn his side and a strain on their friendship.
Seeing Dorian's uncertainty as a perfect opportunity to mettle, God introduced a catalyst of His own; a counter to Thomas' vile influence. Using a seemingly chance encounter, He ensured both participates would be forever changed by their collision.
Chapter 6
Collision
“Uh,” the sigh escaped her pale pink lips. Her weary green eyes scanned the never ending sign-in sheet. On nights like tonight, Megan trusted in the wisdom of the old saying that a full moon brought out the crazies, especially if those crazies were hypochondriacs. Shifting the weight of her small frame in an attempt to alleviate some of the aching in her feet, she mentally calculated how long it would take to clear out the overflowing lobby.
1,2,3,4 hours, and that's only if we locked the doors. This night will never end.
These thoughts of eternal servitude were interrupted by a familiar voice – one of her favorites.
“Go home, young lady!” Ordered the motherly voice. “You have already worked a double shift and I don't have time to be picking you up off the floor and treating you for exhaustion, not with all these crybabies, I already have to deal with.”
“Josie, be nice!” Megan chided.
“Oh, don't tell me you weren't just thinking the same thing. You are just too sweet to speak up.” Yanking the sign-in sheet from her sight, Josie insisted, “There is not a thing wrong with half the people on that list. Now, shoo! I can handle this lot.”
“Yes ma'am!” Megan acknowledged the command with a semi salute. “You're coming over for dinner and a movie Saturday. Don't forget.”
“I couldn't forget a date with my favorite girl,” Josie assured, softening her voice, “although you could go on a real date.”
Megan rolled her eyes at her suggestion. “Don't start 'mother', you know I already have the perfect fella at home so why would I waste my time dating.”
“Four legged fellas don't count,” Josie reminded her friend for the hundredth time.
“Why not? Blaze is perfect,” Megan joked with a dreamy stare. “He listens to me and likes to snuggle.”
“True – minus the fur and fleas,” Josie teased before turning serious, “I just worry about you being alone.”
“For the record, Blaze does not have fleas,” Megan protested, “and I am never alone.” She kissed the cross dangling around her neck. “I have God, you and Blaze. Who else could I possibly need? So stop worrying about me.”
“Never!” Josie stated adamantly.
Stealing a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, Megan headed for the sliding glass doors. “See you Saturday night. Love you!”
“Love you too!”
Stepping out into the crisp cool night, Megan immediately felt rejuvenated. She relished the night, which drove her friend and self-appointed surrogate mom crazy. A young lady has no business wondering around at night alone. She knew those words might save her life one day and she should probably heed Josie's warning, but she held no fear of the night nor its occupants. Without a doubt, she knew she was protected by not only God, but two guardian angels who were taken from her too soon. She wasn't delusional believing herself invincible with their protection. However, she knew where she would end up when her time on earth ended.
She lost her parents a year ago in a fatal car crash involving an intoxicated teen. That event tarnished a pivotal moment in her young life, leaving the nest and flying on her own.
*****
Late Monday evening, two weeks after graduating nursing school, Megan was ready to start her new job in the ER at St. Mary's Hospital. Dressed in frog adorned scrubs, she raced back inside her tiny one-bedroom apartment to answer the ringing phone. Bringing the receiver to her ear, she expected to hear her mom's voice wishing her good luck on her first day.
“Hi,” she said excitedly.
“Ms. Miller?” Questioned an unfamiliar voice.
“Yes,” she answered curiously.
“This is Officer Davis. I am sorry to inform you but your parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Miller, were involved in a two car collision this evening on Interstate 4.”
“Oh my God!” She grabbed the cross around her neck.
“They were both killed on impact.”
Silent tears streamed down her face as her world came crashing down. “You said it was a two car collision. What about the other driver?” She questioned in between sobs.
“Yes, ma'am. I am not supposed to give out information to non-family members.”
“Please, I need to know.”
“The other vehicle was driven by a teen who had been drinking. He suffered only minor injuries and is currently being treated at St. Mary's Hospital.”
After several more minutes of being told what needed to be done, she ended the conversation.
Clutching her chest in an attempt to stop the pain, she unleashed her sorrow. Blaze, who had been standing by her side since she picked up the phone, meowed in response to her wails. Yearning for his comfort, she snatched him up, and cradled him to her chest. His purrs soothed her as she soaked his fiery fur with tears. When no more would fall, she released him and knelt down to pray.
“Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the most amazing parents and granting me twenty-two years with them. Although it saddens me deeply to know that I must continue my journey on Earth without them, I know they are in Your Loving Arms. Hold them tightly for me, Father, until my time comes. Please give me the strength I will need to get through this difficult time and the courage to forgive. Amen.”
Rising from the floor, she gave Blaze a quick rub and headed out the door. The three blocks she walked to St. Mary's were the longest of her life. It felt like she wore lead boots. She trudged along, knowing she needed to speak to her supervisor. She could have easily discussed her predicament over the phone, but she wanted to visit the teen who had shattered her world.
Why not kill two birds with one stone?
A crazed cackle rushed from her as she thought of the irony of that saying. She covered her mouth in shock over her sequence of thoughts and her involuntary reaction to them.
Get hold of yourself, Megan. Save the insanity for later.
Composing herself, she continued through the double glass doors of St. Mary's ER. Two steps inside, she received a tender, caring embrace from Josie, the head nurse of the ER and the person responsible for her training. Squeezed tightly but lovingly, she wept anew.
“There, there sweetie. I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to ask,” Josie spoke sweetly, gently rubbing her back.
When the tears stopped again, she pulled herself from her embrace. “Thank you, Josie. Is April here? I wanted to talk to her about taking the next few days off.”
“No, sweetie, but I will let her know about your parents. Take all the time off you need. Don't worry about work. I will be ready to train you as soon as everything settles down,” Josie reassured her.
“One other thing, I was informed the teen responsible for the accident was being treated here. I was wondering if
you knew where he was and if I could speak to him?”
“Oh, honey, are you sure you want to do that?” Josie asked, reservation obvious in her tone.
“Yes!” she insisted, both to herself and Josie.
Soon, Megan apprehensively stood outside Room 221. Curiosity had brought her this far, but she hesitated in the hallway as she questioned her resolve.
What will I say? I forgive you or damn you to hell. What would I feel? Will it be forgiveness or contempt? What will I see? Will it be a young man or a monster?
These conflicting thoughts and countless others burned through her mind like a wild fire threatening to scorch her entire being.
“Go with me, Father,” she whispered, finally reaching for the door handle.
On the bed lay a battered and bruised young man – not a hideous monster.
Phew, I can do this.
She entered the room as quietly as possible since the young man appeared to be resting. A tear-stained face turned to meet her.
“When will you nurses leave me alone? I've told you a dozen times that I'm fine,” the young man grumbled.
She glanced down at the scrubs she still wore, dressed for her first day of work. “I'm not a nurse. Well, I am, but I'm not working today, although it was supposed to be my first day.”
“Well whatever you are, why are you in my room rambling?” He barked.
The harshness of his words hit her hard. She almost stormed out wailing, but the hurt in his voice glued her in place.
“I am here to forgive you.”
“For what?” He asked puzzled.
“Please, don't interrupt me?” She pleaded, fearful any interruption would crumble her fragile will. Inhaling a deep breath, she began. “Earlier today, during a trip to visit me before my first day of work at this hospital, my parents, Julian and Rose Miller, were killed in a two car collision.” The young man's eyes opened wide as those words identified his visitor. “You were the driver of the other car. You are responsible for taking two precious lives from this world far too soon and possibly destroying two more. However, that is up to us. I myself am going to attempt to lead a life my parents would be proud of and that is why I came here to say I forgive you. Although I can't foresee what type of life you will lead from this point forward, I hope to instill in you the desire to become a better person than you were yesterday. It would be refreshing to know something good could come from this tragedy.” Knowing her emotions were about to take over, she turned for the door.
“Wait. I don't know your name.”
“Megan,” she whispered.
Moved by Megan's kindness and courage, “I'm Trent. I am sorry about your parents. I am not stupid enough to believe there is anything I can say that will make what I've done any less shitty. By the way, I was drunk when I killed your parents and I will probably go to prison. I have royally screwed up both our lives.” He clasped his face with his left hand. His right was handcuffed to the bed.
“Yes, at least for the moment.” A half smile graced her lips after hearing his candidness. “But your life doesn't have to stay screwed up. Along with my forgiveness, I offer you my prayers. Maybe God will help you fix what you've broken.” With that promise, she headed out the door.
The following days passed in a blur. An only child, Megan shouldered the entire responsibility of planning the funeral. She was thankful her parents had always been persistent about planning for the inevitable and unexpected; a trait she now hoped would transfer to her. The funeral director gave her a box containing the personal affects her parents had with them on their last day on Earth. Among the contents of the box was a card. On the outside were big bold letters “CONGRATULATIONS” and on the inside a message of love and support that would see her through many tough times.
Megan,
Your Dad and I are so proud of you.
You have far exceeded any and all expectations we had for you.
God blessed us greatly with a beautiful, brilliant, caring daughter.
Good luck at your new job.
Love, Mom and Dad
*****
The neon light stung Dorian's eyes as it seeped through the black of his shades. Oh, how he loathed the city for its noise, lights, and its brick and mortar. The forest begged for his return. He yearned for the quiet dark of night. Desperate for the absence of unnatural elements, he was ready to abandon civilization. The only thing keeping him from fleeing was the city's surplus of easy prey. Just a quick smile was usually all that was needed to lower a human's guard. Animals, on the other hand, were much better at noticing a predator. He had just left two helpless victims unconscious in an alley two blocks back. The young lovers effortlessly incapacitated and dined upon without a peep. He smiled, imagining the shock they would endure upon waking woozy and displaced; yelling words of blame at each other for their predicament. Preoccupied with thoughts of turning around to witness the couple's potential squabble, he didn't see her coming.
Revisiting the memory of her parent's untimely death and exhausted from her double shift, Megan wasn't exactly being observant. She slammed into what felt like a brick wall and staggered backwards, only to be caught mid-fall by two gentle hands.
“Excuse me,” apologized their owner as he released his hold.
“No, excuse me. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going.” She straightened out her rumpled scrubs. “It's been a long day.” Smiling weakly, she glanced up at the face of the young man who had knocked her down and caught her at the same time. For her troubles, she was privileged with a glimpse of one shockingly beautiful blue eye, though deeply sad, as the man straightened his shades. While staring at his face, wondering why he would hide such beautiful eyes, she noticed some blood on his cheek. “I think you have blood on your cheek.” She gestured to his finely sculpted left cheek.
“Must have cut myself shaving,” Dorian replied, wiping his cheek. Tempted to lick the delicious substance from his finger, he instead only inspecting the evidence of his misdeed. “You're right, guess I need to be more careful.” After a few seconds of awkward silence, he smiled. “Goodnight. Be careful walking home.”
Megan's cheeks flooded with color, “Thanks, I will. Goodnight.”
Sidestepping each other, they continued on their paths in opposite directions.
*****
A rotund mound of fiery fur greeted Megan as she opened the front door of her apartment. “How's my boy?” she asked, grabbing up her favorite and only “man” in her life. Blaze, her almost constant companion for the past fifteen years, responded with loud purrs. At only seven, she had fallen instantly in love with the little fur ball, spotting him clearly from a neighbor’s unexpected litter. Cuddling the runt in her arms, she inspected their uncanny resemblance. Both she and the kitten had nearly the same shade of ginger hair and moss green eyes. All it took for her to get her feline twin was to state the obvious similarities in the appearance. Since losing her parents, she and Blaze had become even closer. Never far from her side, he was a living connection to her parents.
After sitting him down in their favorite spot on the sofa, she entered her bedroom to change into pajamas and release her hair from the side braid. Once sitting comfortably on the couch, he snuggled into her lap. At times, it was difficult to tell where she ended and the cat began, giving his love of curling up in and under her bountiful red hair. As was their nightly ritual, she discussed her day with her favorite companion before tuning into late night TV. “I am so sorry buddy, I bet you thought I was never coming home. We were so busy at the hospital and it seemed to only be getting worse. If Aunt Josie hadn't told me to skedaddle, I would still be laboring away.”
Blaze responded to the information and patting with continuous purrs and occasional wiggles, while trying to tangle himself deeper into her hair. “I guess I was more tired than usual because on the way home, I literally ran into someone. How embarrassing. There was nearly an unfortunate collision involving my bottom and the sidewalk. Luckily, I was rescued by
the quick arms of the handsome stranger I just tried to bowl over.”
Megan became quiet as she thought of the encounter.
His hold on me was firm, but gentle. And the tiny glimpse I caught of his eye, such a striking blue that seemed to almost glow.
Soon her thoughts of the stranger became fuzzy and she drifted off to sleep.
*****
Upon returning from his night in the city, Dorian found Thomas engaged in an activity seldom witnessed: Reading.
Sitting by the fire, sipping Scotch and reading the copy of the Picture of Dorian Gray he had given to his friend, Thomas waved the book when he noticed him in the doorway. “Oh, I was just wondering how far you had gotten into the book. I suspect nowhere, since I don't notice a book mark. Kind of makes me think you don't appreciate my gift,” he fretted with fake sobs and the wiping of an invisible tear. “Well, I will try to not let it bother me too much.”
Yanking the book from his hand, Dorian retorted, “I haven't had much free time to invest in reading with you attempting to kick my ass all over the dojo during the day and traipsing through the city bearing witness to your carnage at night. I had to escape into that concrete jungle this evening alone just to get a break and catch my breath.”
“Oh, you poor immortal.”
Chapter 7
Obsession
Dorian stood in the shadow of a large oak tree, one of only a few found within the confines of the city limits, grateful for the shielding it provided from the blazing, overabundant street lights. This particular tree, so perfectly located, served a dual purpose, not only protecting his overly sensitive eyes with its deep shadow, but also allowing him to observe her unnoticed. Weeks had passed since literally running into her or the other way around. At the time, he had not given the incident more than a passing thought.
