Within (a short story)

by Edwards, Christian

  Within

  A Short Story

  Christian Edwards

  2015

  Copyright © 2015 by Christian Edwards

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the author.

  Within

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover illustration by James at GoOnWrite.com

  Formatted by Polgarus Studios

  ISBN-13: 978-1507740323

  ISBN-10: 1507740328

  www.christianedwardsauthor.com

  To Jessica Tan.

  Contents

  Prologue

  1. Weekend Getaway

  2. Loners

  3. All In This Together

  4. Two Truths and A Lie

  5. 1534 Letter

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  We are all born with a unique genetic blueprint…

  —Joan D. Vinge

  Author’s Note

  This story will bring you into one of my many worlds.

  Prologue

  Jonathan throws a few pairs of boxers and t-shirts in his duffle bag.

  “John, baby, please don’t forget your nasal spray and your cream for your scar!” yells Amanda from the kitchen.

  “Got it,” responds Jonathan, stuffing his socks in his already full bag.

  Amanda walks into the bedroom with a flannel shirt tied around her waist and two tickets in hand. “Are you ready to go? We don’t wanna miss our flight.”

  As they sit side by side in their first class seats, the flight attendant asks for the attention of all passengers to go over the safety procedures.

  Jonathan looks over at Amanda who smiles back at him, “This trip is gonna be good for us.”

  She smiles, “I think so too. No worries, just you, me, the sun and drinks.”

  Jonathan grins, licking his bottom lip, “And you in a bikini.”

  Amanda grinds her teeth trying to hide her smile, “If you behave yourself.”

  He looks at his itinerary, “How did you find this place anyway?”

  Amanda puts her head on his shoulder, “Victoria’s Island was rated one of the top get away destinations and all we could afford right now.”

  1. Weekend Getaway

  Newlyweds Raymond and Kara Longfellow pass a small run-down red house as they pull into a gravel parking lot near the only motel on Victoria’s Island.

  Raymond pulls their two suitcases out of the trunk of his Highlander. “Looks like it’s gonna be just us this weekend.”

  Kara checks her makeup in the car window, “Good for us. A peaceful weekend is just what I need.”

  Raymond bangs the suitcase against the front desk in the reception area and rings the bell, “Hello? Checking in!”

  Moments later an old short lady with white hair and deep blue eyes comes around the corner, “Welcome to Victoria’s Island folks! What can I do for you?” She stares at Raymond with a grin, showing her rotting yellow teeth.

  Kara pulls out her wallet, “We are checking in. Last name Longfellow.”

  The old lady sits in a tall chair behind the desk and pulls a pair of glasses over her face, “Ah, yes. I see you right here. You’ll be staying in our master suite. Very nice.”

  Kara nods her head and smiles, “Yes.” She looks down and plays with her wedding ring.

  “Recently married?” asks the lady.

  Raymond looks at Kara and smiles, “Yes, three months ago.”

  The lady hands them their keys, “That’s great. Enjoy your stay.”

  He grabs their bags as they head for the elevator and the old lady adds, “Welcome back Raymond,” with an evil grin.

  Raymond looks back at her, confused, as the elevator doors open.

  “Have you been here before?” asks Kara with a snide look.

  He chuckles, “I think if I had been here before I would remember it. She just has me confused with someone else.” He kisses her on the forehead as the elevator doors close.

  “Thank you sir,” says Jonathan as the clock strikes midnight. He shakes the hand of the Uber driver as he drops them off in front of their motel.

  As they walk into the reception area of the motel, the old lady at the front desk eyes them as she reads her magazine. “Welcome,” she says, grinning at Amanda.

  “Hello,” Jonathan pauses. “We’re checking in.”

  “Last name?” asks the old lady, still staring at Amanda.

  Jonathan pulls out his license, “Smith.”

  The lady begins typing on her computer, “Are you two married like the other nice couple who checked in earlier?”

  “No,” Jonathan and Amanda say at the same time.

  The old lady lifts her eyebrow and smirks, “That’s too bad.” She pauses and hands them their room keys. “Enjoy your stay,” she smirks.

  They both stand in front of the elevator, “Was she creepy or what?” whispers Jonathan in Amanda’s ear.

  “Totally,” she whispers back.

  Jonathan slides his key card through the card reader as the light turns green and he swings the door open.

  Amanda flicks the light switch. A large king bed covers the middle of the room. A flat screen television sits mounted on the wall. The oak desk diagonal from the window facing the beach is covered in folded towels and chocolates.

  “This is undoubtedly the nicest motel I’ve ever been in,” says Jonathan.

  The next morning Raymond and Kara walk down the street to the Denny’s diner on the beach.

  “Coffee. Black,” says Raymond to the waitress as they’re seated in a booth facing the water.

  “It’s such a beautiful day,” adds Kara looking at the menu as she takes off her sunglasses. She pauses. “What do you wanna do today?”

  Raymond checks his email on his iPhone, “Lie on the beach until I am burnt to a crisp,” he grins. “Is it too early for alcohol?”

  “It’s never too early for alcohol,” whispers Kara as the waitress brings back Raymond’s coffee. Kara slides him a mini bottle of Bailey’s.

  Moments later, Jonathan and Amanda walk in.

  “Just two. Squeeze us in anywhere if you have enough room,” says Jonathan sarcastically to the server. It was only them and one other couple in the diner.

  The server rolls her eyes and seats them in the booth behind Raymond and Kara.

  “Great to see others here,” says Jonathan as he nods to the couple and takes his seat.

  “Ahh,” says Raymond, scratching uncontrollably behind his right arm.

  “Did you put your cream on this morning?” asks Kara.

  He continues scratching, “I did. But maybe I didn’t put enough on.” He pauses. “’Cuz this thing itches. Like really itches.”

  Amanda sits facing toward Raymond in her booth and looks over at him as she opens her menu.

  2. Loners

  That afternoon, Jonathan and Amanda go to the beach and rent Jet Ski’s. Raymond and Kara lie on their towels tanning a mile down.

  “Fancy seeing them here,” says Jonathan.

  Raymond turns over and sees them passing by, “Hello,” he says.

  “Hey what’s up?” adds Jonathan.

  “You guys were in Denny’s this morning,” says Kara with a smile.

  Amanda nods her head, “Yes we were.”

  A quick silence fills t
he air as birds chirp and the sound of waves repeat.

  Raymond wipes his hand on his shorts and holds it in front of Jonathan, “My name’s Ray”.

  Jonathan shakes his hand, “John. This is my girlfriend, Amanda.”

  Amanda smiles at him then looks at Raymond.

  Kara stands there awkwardly and shrugs her shoulders, “I’m his wife, Kara.”

  “So what brings you nice folks out this way?” asks Raymond.

  “What brings any man out to the beach in the off season?” Jonathan adds sarcastically.

  “Would you all like to get some drinks with us later on tonight?” Kara pauses. “Say 7 o’ clock at the bar?”

  Amanda smiles, “We’d love to.”

  “See you then!” says Jonathan as he grabs Amanda’s hand and they walk back towards their Jet Ski’s.

  Later that evening, Amanda and Jonathan walk into the small bar next to their motel.

  Raymond raises his hand to greet them, “Hey guys, glad you could make it.”

  “Thanks for having us,” says Amanda.

  Jonathan rubs his hands together, “Let’s get this party started. Let’s get some shots going.”

  “I like where this is headed,” says Kara, signaling the waiter.

  Raymond chases his shot with beer as he puts his arm around Kara, “So tell us about yourselves.”

  Amanda smiles at Jonathan, “You go first.”

  Jonathan shrugs, “Ok, well, I’m twenty-five. I work for a small law firm in Mississippi. I played Quidditch at Ole Miss, don’t judge me. I have four older brothers. I like to play golf and fish in my spare time. My birthday is Christmas day.”

  “Wow,” says Kara, drinking her Martini. “That’s impressive.” She looks over at Amanda, “You next.”

  Amanda cringes, “Ok, ok. I’m twenty-two. I just graduated from Georgia Tech. I’m an elementary school teacher. I like cooking and interior design. Netflix is my life and…” she pauses, “I’m a democrat.”

  “We love Obama,” says Raymond, nudging Kara.

  Amanda smiles, “So what about you guys?”

  Kara looks at Raymond who looks back at her. “Ladies first,” he says.

  Kara tucks her bang behind her ear, “I’m twenty-four. I am obsessed with the beach. My favorite holiday is Ground Hog Day. Ray and I met in college two years ago on Spring Break and recently got married. I don’t like watermelons and my favorite color is yellow.

  Jonathan chuckles, “Well okay.” He turns to Raymond. “You’re up buddy.”

  Raymond sighs, “My name’s Raymond.”

  Jonathan laughs, “Hi Raymond.” He pauses. “This isn’t an AA meeting, c’mon, get to the good stuff.”

  Raymond scratches his scar, “I’m twenty-three. I graduated from UConn last year. I used to play the piano when I was little. I’m a chemical engineer for a small company. I have a dog that is older than I am.” He pauses and pulls out his nasal spray. Spritzing it into both of his nostrils.

  “He has really bad nosebleeds sometimes,” adds Kara.

  Jonathan grabs Amanda’s hand, “It’s okay. Amanda has them sometimes too.”

  Raymond inhales, “Sorry about that. Anyway, I was in a coma up until I was eighteen.”

  Jonathan’s eyes get big, “A coma? Jesus, what happened?”

  “No one really ever gave me a real answer. I don’t remember anything from before it happened. I just woke up in a hospital bed and was told that I had been in a coma for a very long time.”

  Amanda looks over at Raymond.

  Kara leans in towards the table and whispers, “Do you guys smoke?”

  Jonathan whispers back, “Smoke what?”

  “You know, tree, cannabis, bud, green, weed, marijuana?” she says.

  Amanda nods.

  “It’s in the car. Why don’t you guys go start a bonfire on the beach and I’ll meet you there,” says Raymond

  Everyone except Raymond stands up. Jonathan reaches for his wallet.

  “Don’t worry John, I got the tab,” says Raymond.

  “You sure?” he asks.

  “I insist,” nods Raymond.

  Amanda glares at him, “Thank you.”

  Raymond kisses Kara, “I’ll see you in a bit.”

  As Amanda stands up, her blouse rises up above her mid-drift and Raymond catches a glance of her tattoo … which matches his scar.

  3. All In This Together

  Kara and Amanda wrap themselves in blankets as Jonathan starts a fire. The fire crackles as the sound of the waves fills the air. The sun is setting far out across the ocean.

  Raymond comes back with a pound of marijuana and a bong. Jonathan opens a six-pack of Budlight.

  “The ocean is so peaceful,” says Jonathan, passing Amanda a joint.

  The sky is holding onto its last bit of light as everyone begins to feel the effects of smoking. Fog covers the water and tall rocks peak over the water as the tide changes.

  “Let’s do something fun,” suggests Kara with a smile.

  “What is your definition of fun?” asks Amanda.

  Kara smirks, “Truth or Dare.” She pauses. “I’ll go first. Amanda, truth or dare?”

  Amanda rolls her eyes, “Dare”

  “I dare you to suck Jonathan’s big toe.” She laughs.

  Amanda disgustedly looks down at Jonathan’s feet as he happily wiggles his toes. She quickly sucks his toe then chugs a beer.

  “Truth or Dare, Ray?” she asks.

  “Dare,” he quickly responds.

  Amanda folds her hands, “I dare you to slap your wife as hard as you can for making me suck Jonathan’s toe.”

  “That’s fair,” says Kara turning her cheek.

  Raymond licks his hand, “I’m sorry baby, I love you.” He slaps her so hard her face turns red.

  “YOU FUCKING JERK!” yells Kara holding the side of her face.

  “I’m sorry baby,” says Raymond, apologetic, trying to grab her hand.

  “DON’T FUCKING TOUCH ME!” yells Kara once more.

  “I didn’t think you’d actually do it,” laughs Amanda.

  Kara squints her eyes at Raymond, “Jonathan you better give Ray something good.”

  Jonathan thinks for a minute. “I got one.” He pauses. “I dare Ray to go give the motel receptionist a French kiss.”

  Amanda laughs so hard she spits out her drink.

  “I shouldn’t want my husband’s lips touching another woman’s, but this I’m okay with,” laughs Kara.

  Raymond holds his head as he stands up, “Baby don’t make me do this.”

  “It’s so wrong but it feels so right,” says Kara smacking his butt.

  They all walk back to the motel. Jonathan and Kara walk ahead of Raymond and Amanda.

  “Who are you?” asks Raymond, looking at Amanda and dragging his feet in the sand.

  “What do you mean?” she asks.

  “That tattoo on your side,” he pauses, “it matches my scar. Where did you get that?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replies.

  “I think you do,” he responds as he stops walking and grabs her arm. “Are you stalking me?”

  She takes a deep breathe, “We shouldn’t have brought either of them here,” she says, pointing at Kara and Jonathan. “They are not safe here. You and I both know how this ends.”

  “What are you talking about?” he asks.

  She continues walking, “Try to remember.”

  “Remember what?” Raymond asks, confused.

  “How you got in a coma. Who you really are. What you really are.” She pauses. “Just try to remember.” She continues walking and catches up with Jonathan and Kara.

  4. Two Truths and A Lie

  That night Raymond tosses and turns in his sleep as a hospital monitor slowly beeps in the background. He watches himself lying in a hospital bed, breathing through a ventilator. A female sits with her back to him with her hands entwined with his, watching him breathe. Raymond walks t
owards the other side of the bed to see the female’s face. It’s Amanda. She sits crying, tears flooding her face.

  Raymond wakes up, heavily breathing and sweating. He rolls over to spoon Kara but her side of the bed is empty.

  “Kara?” he says loudly as he jolts up. “Kara?” He walks towards the bathroom and sees her lying face down with a pool of blood coming from her nose.

  “OH MY GOD! KARA!” he yells. “Kara, baby, wake up!” He shakes her. Her body is boiling hot and her pulse is weak. He jolts to the desk phone knocking over everything in sight. “I need an ambulance at this location now! My wife is dying! Please hurry!”

  Raymond sits in the chair next to Kara’s hospital bed as her monitors slowly beep.

  A doctor comes into the room, shutting the door behind him and looking at his clipboard. “Mr. Longfellow, my name is Dr. Habian. I need to ask you a few questions.” He pauses. “Tell me your story of what happen.”

  Raymond’s eyes are blood shot red as he scratches his neck, “I woke up and found her on the bathroom floor excessively bleeding out of her nose.” He looks down at the ground. “Is my wife gonna be okay?”

  Dr. Habian sighs, “I’m afraid not. Unfortunately, your wife’s vitals are fine, her levels are fine, but internally her body is collapsing.”

  Tears flow down Raymond’s face as he nods his head, “We just got married. She can’t die on me. She can’t die on me.” He repeats it over and over.

  Dr. Habian pats Raymond on the back, “We’ve run multiple tests on her and cannot find the problem. There is something killing her from the inside that our monitors are not picking up on.”

  Raymond lets out a loud cry as he rubs his eyes, “How long does she have?”

  “We can’t put a time frame on it. Given her condition, it could kill her overnight, in a week, a month or a year. But she is definitely dying.” He adds, “Spend your last moments with her. Cherish all of your good times.”