Tainted Blood

by S S Bazinet

  Arel started for the front door. “I’ve got to go after her, Will!”

  William laughed. “Of course you do, you idiot.”

  Arel laughed too. He had been an idiot, but now he didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was finding Elise. He flung open the door and charged out into the cold. Once he reached the street, he stopped. He looked up and down the sidewalk. “Oh hell, I don’t think she went home, so which way did she go?”

  He suddenly smiled. Thanks to Michael’s blood, he had powers at his command. He could tune into Elise’s whereabouts. He relaxed and let his mind clear. After that, it only took a few moments before he saw Elise in his mind’s eye. She was sitting on a bench in a park located a couple of blocks away.

  When he noted how sad she looked, he began to sprint down the walk. By the time he got to the park, he was out of breath, but that didn’t stop him from rushing over to where Elise was sitting. He stood a few feet away, gasping and trying to think about what to say.

  Elise didn’t notice him. Her eyes were red, and she was sniffling. She seemed deep in thought as she stared at the tissue she was gripping.

  “Elise, I’m so sorry,” he whispered. He held out a hand and called to her again. “Elise?”

  Elise startled and looked up with surprise. When she saw his hand, she stared at it for a long moment as if she had to figure out what to do next. Finally, she took hold of it and stood up.

  Arel carefully pulled her into his arms and held her close. As he did, he realized how small she was, how he could lay his head on top of hers. As he rocked her gently, it felt so natural to be with her. The familiar feeling made his heart stir again. It wasn’t a gentle stirring, but rather one that fought the boundaries of flesh and blood. The feeling was so consuming that he was flung into the ethers again. For an instant, he was that young boy in the garden, the one who talked to William. That boy had so much love in his heart. It was a love that he wanted to share in spite of his mother’s hatred.

  When Arel returned to himself and held Elise in his arms, he was determined to leave his fears behind. In a moment of abandon, he blurted out his feelings. “Elise, I think I might be in love with you.”

  His announcement had an immediate effect. Elise pulled away and stared up at him with teary eyes. But the more she looked at him, the more her gaze crystallized into one of concern.

  “Oh my, Arel, for an instant I almost let myself think that you share my feelings.”

  Arel stepped back. “Is there a problem with that?”

  “Yes, I don’t believe you’re yourself.” Elise put her hand to his cheek. “You poor dear, you told me that you’re not well. But I didn’t listen. Now I realize you’ve come running after me when you should be in bed.” Elise dug a hand in her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I’ll call Michael and tell him to come pick you up.”

  “But Elise, I’m fine.”

  Elise shook her head as she made her call. “You’re hot and probably running a fever. Maybe you have the same bug that Annabel has.”

  Arel paused and felt his forehead. Elise was right. He did seem to have an elevated temperature. But for him, it was almost normal. “Don’t worry about it, Elise.”

  Elise stilled his protest by putting up a hand as she talked to Michael. When she finished her conversation, she pocketed her phone. Taking Arel’s arm, she started walking towards the street. “Michael will meet us along the way. In the meantime, try to calm yourself, Arel. Conserve your energy.”

  Elise was so sincere and convincing that Arel did as he was told. A few minutes later, Michael pulled up to the curb in the Mustang. As soon as Elise saw Michael, she went into full-out nursing mode, giving Michael directions.

  “Michael, take Arel home and make sure he rests. After overexerting himself trying to help me, he’s probably coming down with the flu.”

  Arel didn’t have a chance to say anything more. Elise helped him into the passenger seat of the car, waved goodbye and started walking back home on her own.

  Arel frowned as Michael put the car in gear and started home too. “Elise thinks I’m ill. Maybe she’s right.”

  Michael glanced over with a smile. “She’s very concerned about your welfare.”

  “But Michael, when I was holding her, all that I felt was this wonderful, blissful warmth.”

  “Yes, I’m sure you did.”

  A short time later, the Mustang pulled into Arel’s garage. As Arel got out of the car, the door to the house opened.

  William stared out with curiosity. “Arel, what happened?”

  Arel slammed the car door shut. “First I fall in love with someone who could care less if I was on my sick bed dying. Now, with Elise, it’s the opposite. She’d probably call for an ambulance if I skinned a knee. I just can’t win, William.”

  “Maybe Elise needs some time to sort things out.”

  “She is right about one thing. I’m exhausted. I need to go to bed and get some sleep.”

  Forty-Nine

  ELISE SAT AT her kitchen table listening. With Annabel gone, the house was quiet. It was the perfect time to think about her recent experience. When Arel came after her and found her in the park, he talked about a change of heart. He’d mentioned the word, love. She was instantly thrilled. She wrote about those kinds of happy endings.

  But standing next to him and realizing that Arel’s face was flushed, she’d come to her senses. Things that felt too good to be true were often too good to be true. That’s when she started to put some facts together.

  Earlier, when she visited Arel, he’d told her that it wasn’t a good time. But did she listen? No, she’d been pushy and ignored his protest. Afterwards, she’d expressed her deepest feelings and left the house crying. “Arel is probably ill, but he forced himself to come after me just like he’d helped me find Freddie.

  The more she thought about Arel’s behavior, the more convinced she was that she was right. But being right didn’t make her feel better. She was back where she’d started. She was in a one-sided relationship when she needed to be getting on with her life.

  She stood up and went to the counter. There were still dishes in the sink from breakfast. She was about to tackle a skillet when the doorbell rang. The sound roused Freddie from his nap. The puppy was instantly up and running to the door. Elise wished she felt so enthusiastic. Instead, a kind of lethargy was taking over as she picked up Freddie and opened the door. When she saw her visitors, she tried to smile. “Annabel, William! Annabel, did you forget something?”

  Annabel smiled and kissed Elise’s cheek. “No, we slipped out while Arel was sleeping.”

  Elise pulled back as a shiver coursed through her body. The physical part of her seemed intent on reacting to Arel’s name.

  Annabel and William both gave her looks of concern.

  “Is something wrong, Elise?” William asked.

  Elise took some fortifying breaths and shook her head. “No, it’s just been a demanding day.”

  Annabel took Elise’s arm and ushered her into the living room. “Let’s all sit down and chat.”

  Elise didn’t protest. She was happy to have some company.

  Once everyone was seated, William crossed his arms and frowned at Elise. “Does your look of confusion have something to do with Arel?”

  Elise avoided William’s eyes and turned her attention to Freddie. The puppy was lying on the cushion next to her as she petted him. “I’m worried about Arel. I think he might be ill. Is he running a fever again?”

  “He’s fine,” Annabel insisted.

  Elise stalled. “Fine? I don’t think so. Did he tell you that he thinks he’s in love with me?”

  Annabel’s face lit up a bit brighter. “Yes, he did. He said that you were pleased with the idea at first, but then—”

  Elise caressed one of Freddie’s ears. “I suppose I would be pleased if I didn’t think he was delusional.”

  William sucked in an uneasy breath. “Let me assure you that Arel will always be sligh
tly delusional. It’s one of his many charms.”

  Elise paused and stared back. “I don’t know what that means.”

  Annabel frowned at William and then back at Elise. “Elise, as your friend and Arel’s friend, I’d like to warn you that a life with Arel might be challenging.”

  William looked heavenward. “That’s an understatement.”

  Elise stiffened. “Define challenging, Annabel.”

  “His moods can shift dramatically—”

  “His moods?” Elise asked. “When he said he loved me, was he just expressing a mood or was he physically sick?”

  William put his hand on Annabel’s arm. “We’re getting off track, Annabel.”

  Annabel nudged William back. “Please, let me explain.” When she looked at Elise, Annabel’s eyes were intense, but she kept her voice steady and soft. “What I’m saying is that Arel tends to be a bit too enthusiastic at times.”

  “Like when he was in love with Claire?” Elise asked.

  Annabel shook her head. “That wasn’t exactly love. That was Arel trying to please someone. It’s an old pattern that didn’t work out. With you, I’m sure he’d be very different.”

  Elise felt her confusion mounting. “He wouldn’t want to please me?”

  Annabel laughed. “Of course, he would. But in a different way.”

  Elise rubbed her temples. “I’m sorry, but I think I’m more mixed up than ever.”

  William cleared his throat. “Maybe this will help. Arel can be difficult. He can be crazy. But the bottom line is that if he commits to you, he’ll do everything in his power to be there for you.”

  “That’s true,” Annabel said as she sniffled. “Anyway, I hope we cleared a few things up. Arel seems to think you have the wrong idea about his feelings.”

  “I don’t have a clue about his feelings, Annabel.”

  William stood up. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

  Elise picked up Freddie and held him close. “I doubt that, but thank you for the encouragement.”

  Annabel stood up too and took a tissue out of her pocket. “We better go. I still have this cold.”

  William put an arm around Annabel’s shoulders. “I told you not to overdo.”

  Elise noted that Annabel’s nose wasn’t as red as it had been, but she was still a bit pale. “William is right, Annabel. But maybe with your cold, Arel should keep his distance. No matter what you think, he needs to take care of himself.”

  Annabel gave William a thoughtful look. “Perhaps, you’re right. Both William and Arel have been through a lot recently.”

  As they all headed to the foyer, the doorbell rang again. Elise was surprised that she was getting so much company. She called out to her newest visitor. “Come in! The door’s open!”

  A moment later, Carey let himself in. As soon as he saw Annabel and William, he hesitated. “What are you two doing here?”

  Annabel used the tissue to dab at her nose. “We were just chatting with Elise.”

  Carey smiled back. “Oh, that’s nice.”

  * * * * *

  Elise was sure something was wrong with Carey when he said he didn’t want a donut. But no matter, his smile seemed genuine as he sat at the kitchen table. He agreed to a glass of tea, but he didn’t have much to say. Elise started a conversation. “So Carey, what do you think about Arel telling me that he might love me? Could it be true?”

  Carey paused and took a sip of tea before he answered. “Arel is great and so are you. You could be great together.”

  “Yes, but isn’t his change of heart sort of sudden? I’m wondering if it has something to do with William’s comment. He talked about Arel’s delusional spells.”

  “I’m sure Arel is sincere.”

  “Yes, I’m sure he is, but Annabel mentioned his moods. Maybe Arel felt magnanimous in the moment and spoke without thinking.”

  “Elise, please, why don’t you think he could love you?”

  “Annabel also said something about Arel’s need to please. When he was with Claire, he seemed so determined to do what she wanted. It was almost scary.”

  “He’s a good man, Elise. Please believe that.”

  “I do.”

  Carey sipped his tea. “The thing is that Arel can be a worrier.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of that.”

  “Elise, try not to buy into that part of his personality.”

  “Okay, but what’s that got to do with Arel liking me?”

  “Arel can get distracted. Please be patient if he starts to brood about something. The best thing you can do is remain very positive.”

  “Just how much brooding are you talking about?”

  “Maybe brooding is the wrong word. He can be very introspective.”

  “Please, Carey, be more specific. At this point I’m beginning to think I fell for someone with both physical and emotional disorders.”

  Carey leaned in. “Do you think you could still love him in spite of his issues?”

  “That’s not the point, Carey. If Arel does have those kinds of problems, he might not be capable of having a relationship.” Elise sat back and sighed. “Poor thing, I wish I knew what to do, but I’m just a writer. I’m not equipped to deal with the problems Arel seems to have.”

  Carey stood up. “Really, Elise, Arel can be quite capable. You need to believe in him.”

  “I do believe in him, but that isn’t enough.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Elise grabbed Carey’s empty glass, stood up and walked over to the sink. “I know you have Arel’s best in mind. So please, as his friend, get him the professional help he needs.”

  Carey laughed. “I think you have the wrong idea about Arel.”

  Elise glanced back. “Do I?”

  “Elise, you’ve gone through so many changes since we met. Arel’s been going through changes too. I think that both of you are ready to take the next step.”

  Elise noted the sparkle in Carey’s blue eyes. It was enough to make her feel a little better about Arel. “You can be quite the matchmaker for someone so young, Carey.”

  Carey smiled. “Maybe Michael’s wisdom is rubbing off on me.”

  As soon as Elise thought of Michael, she remembered all the times his quiet presence gave her the courage to trust herself. “He’s been Arel’s friend for a long time.”

  “Yes, he has.”

  “Maybe I should talk to him.”

  Carey retrieved his phone. “I’ll give him a call and ask him to come over.”

  Elise crossed her arms. “Good. Maybe he can clear up a few things.”

  * * * * *

  Arel opened his eyes, stretched and was pleased that he felt better. William was right. Dying could be very draining. Thankfully, it didn’t take much more than a good nap for him to feel almost normal.

  After he dressed, he went upstairs, paused in the foyer and smiled. If he listened attentively, he could hear the sound of Annabel and William talking in their bedroom. He was happy that William had finally come to his senses and knew how lucky he was to have Annabel. The thought was followed by one about Elise. He began to go over his recent encounter with her. As he did, Michael came walking through the foyer. After the tall angel gave Arel a brief greeting, he continued to the door.

  “Where are you going?” Arel asked.

  Michael smiled. “To Elise’s. She wanted to talk to me.”

  “Elise? I was just thinking about how frustrating she is. Why did she have to call you and tell you I was ill? She’s always so dramatic.”

  “She said she was worried about you. Is that a bad thing?”

  “I think she overreacts.”

  “Arel, you told her you might be in love with her. I don’t think she expected you to say something like that.”

  Arel waved to Michael. “Come into the living room. I need to talk to you.”

  “What is it?” Michael asked.

  Arel sat down on the couch. “Look, I surprised myself when I was with Elise. It
started when I talked to William. The next thing I know, I was running after Elise.”

  “Why?”

  “I suddenly felt some strange connection to her. I had a flash of insight about some of her caring qualities. Next thing I know, I’m standing there in the park, holding the blasted woman. And for some reason, I told her I loved her.”

  “Are you saying that you don’t love her?”

  “Who knows? When I had her in my arms, it felt like I didn’t want to let her go. But love? What is love anyway?”

  “But what if love was a possibility?”

  Arel drummed his fingers on the arm of the sofa. “Her response wasn’t encouraging. She essentially told me that I was ranting. And maybe she was right. Every time I’m around her, I’m either feverish or the room’s too hot, or I feel very frustrated.”

  Michael smiled. “I see.”

  Arel stood up and glared back. “Don’t start, Michael.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You have an annoying habit of always keeping me in the dark. But that’s going to stop here and now. If you know something that I don’t, then tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “Arel, it’s better if you come to your own conclusions. But if you want something to consider—”

  Arel clenched his fists. “Yes, help me out here.”

  “When you were holding Elise in the park, how did it differ from holding Claire when you were with her in Paris?”

  Arel walked over to the window and stared out. As he let his mind relax, he remembered when he was first with Claire. “It’s strange, but being in Paris felt dreamy. I’d had so many visions of love and what it was supposed to feel like. Thinking back, it was if Claire was part of that dream. When I held her, it was like I was trying to hold on to those visions.”

  “And with Elise?”

  Arel laughed. “Elise isn’t a dream by any stretch. She’s the crazy person who locks herself out in the cold while she’s wearing those little, short pajamas. She’s the woman who wears tight blouses with rosebud buttons.” He touched his cheek and stared at Michael. “She’s a woman with the power to brand a person with only a kiss.”

  “Or maybe the person being kissed has the power to understand what that kiss was trying to convey. Maybe that person was frightened by Elise’s love.”