This is a work of (fan) fiction. I own nothing.
Patience knelt at the pew before the Euchrist. Her longtime friend and confidant, Lyle, knelt next to her on her left side. He took her hand and threaded his fingers with hers, placing an unexpected kiss on the back of it. She didn't mind. After weeks of begging and pleading with him, he had finally broken down and come to church with her. After all, she did live across the street from it, and lately he'd been spending a lot more time with her. After what they had been through; her headaches, his mysterious disappearing/reappearing act, her stay at the psychiatric ward, his refusing to tell her about his past or the suited men who seemed to follow him. She was surprised that they were still friends. There were so many secrets between them. She still hadn't asked about where his thumb went. She was a little afraid to. But now, everything was getting back to normal. As the priest started to pray over the communional wine, Lyle leaned towards her.
"I have something to ask you." He whispered into her ear.
"Can it wait until after the service?" She whispered back.
"It's really important. I've been thinking about this for a long time. If I don't ask you now, I'm afraid I'll never get to." She felt him slip something onto her ring finger. She looked at their clasped hands to see he had given her a beautiful diamond ring. An engagement ring. "I know this is a little odd, but you're the only woman I keep coming back to. I feel like there's something missing when I'm not around you. So, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" She stared at the ring, then at his pleading blue eyes.
"This is...I don't...Yes! Yes I will!" Her answer just popped out. He lit up at her answer, leaning in to kiss her on the lips. It was a nice kiss, gentle and sweet, but it was missing something. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a dark figure emerge from the confession booth. Odd, there weren't any confessions during Mass. She pulled away from Lyle and focused on the figure. It was a decon wearing an ordinary black cassock. Tall, slender, and dark, she had not seen his strong-boned, rectangular face in the church before. She would have known if there was a new decon, she was here so often. And why wasn't he sitting in front with the priest?
"That's strange, isn't it?" She turned to Lyle. His gaze was focused on the decon. He had a cold look on his face that she hadn't seen since he'd gotten a phone call on his cell about a pretender project. He'd broken her hallway mirror in anger before he stormed out. She hated to see him this way now. The decon glanced at Lyle, winked one dark eye, and disappeared behind the alter.
"Come on. We have to go." he snapped, grabbing her arm roughly as he got up. She resisted his crushing grip.
"Ow! Lyle, that hurts!" She cried, trying to keep her voice down. Some of the other parishoners looked at them curiously. Her voice seemed to snap him out of his fury.
"I'm sorry." He said, letting go of her arm and gently rubbing the red finger marks he made on her skin. "I have to leave. I'll see you at lunch. My place. I'll fix you something apologetic." He kissed her on the forhead. He was his usual self again. She smiled up at him.
"Okay. One 'o'clock. Be careful." He smiled and kissed her on the mouth. She closed her eyes this time, hoping to feel something. He was down the aisle in a flash, whipping out his cell phone and dialing as quickly as possible.
"It's Lyle. I need a Sweeper team ASAP..."
"Lyle has a girlfriend?" Ms. Parker asked, shocked. It was quitting time at the Center. Sydney and Ms. Parker had just stepped into the elevator when Broots jumped in, out of breath, to dish out the latest hot topic of discussion.
"I heard that they are affianced." Sydney added smoothly, pressing the 'Ground Floor' button.
"That means they're getting married." Ms. Parker said to Broots' confused look.
"W'well, n-not only that, b-but she's here now, meeting Mr Parker!" Broots struggled to get it out. It was freaky to think of Lyle with a signifigant other, much less a fiancée. The elevator signaled and the automatic doors opened. "Oh, look! There she is!" They followed Broots' pointing finger to see Lyle talking to Mr. Parker, his arm around the waist of a pretty, dark-haired woman. She was attractive in an inoffensive way. Her features were Irish in looks and flawless but clearly weren't Asian. Her plain blue cotton blouse and worn jeans were fashionably relaxed without calling attantion. Her plain ponytail swayed as Lyle pulled her closer and planted an affectionate kiss on her cheek. She giggled and swatted him playfully. All in all, she wasn't remotely extrodinary. Besides the fact that Lyle was intent on marrying her.
"Let's see what baby brother's dragged up from the sewers." Ms. Parker said, striding towards her father.
"It's not a problem, Dad. Patty and I haven't discussed a date just yet." Lyle was saying.
"I was thinking maybe in June." The woman added before Ms. Parker decended on them.
"Good evening, Daddy." Ms. Parker said to her father.
"Hey there, Angel." He said jovially, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Have you met Lyle's fiancée yet?"
"Can't say that I have." She said with a chilling smile directed at her brother. Lyle rolled his eyes. He looked like he swallowed something foul.
"Parker, this is Patience Gonzales, my fiancée. Patty, this is my sister, Ms. Parker." He said tonelessly.
"I guess first names aren't a family trait?" She asked jokingly. Even her voice was agreeable. Mr. Parker chuckled. Ms. Parker noticed a silver cross around her neck. "It's very nice to meet you, Ms. Parker. Maybe we could go for lunch sometime soon? You can tell me some embarrassing stories about Lyle. It'll be fun."
"Yes, that would be fun." Ms. Parker's smile turned vicious.
"Patty, you don't have to-" Lyle began, looking worried, but she hushed him.
"Your family is going to be my family. I'd like to get to know them." Their eyes met, a soft look on Lyle's face. "Besides, I've always wanted a sister." She smiled at Ms. Parker. Then she caught sight of Sydney and Broots, who had followed Ms. Parker unnoticed. "Oh, hello."
"These are my sister's collegues, Sydney and Broots." Lyle said, pointing them out for Patience. "Guys, this is Patience."
"N-nice to m-meet you." Broots stuttered, his palms sweaty. Patience looked at him with sympathy.
"A pleasure." Sydney gave her a quick peck on the knuckles.
"So, how exactly did you meet my brother?" Ms. Parker interjected.
"Oh, we met a long time ago at a convent in-"she began, but Lyle cut her off.
"I thought we were going to dinner with Dad?" he asked her. She smiled sheepishly.
"I'm sorry. I almost forgot. You're more than welcome to join us, Ms. Parker."
"Much as I like seeing my dear brother squirm, I'll have to pass." Patience looked confused, but let it pass.
"It was nice to meet you all." She shook hands with everyone one last time and left with Lyle and Mr. Parker.
"She seems like a very nice young woman." Sydney said thoughtfully.
"'Nice', my ass. Lyle's up to something." Ms. Parker hissed.
"She also seems religious. I couldn't help but notice the crucifix around her neck." He continued. "I've seen it before somewhere. It's so familiar..."
"It didn't keep away from the vampire known as Lyle." Ms. Parker muttered. "Broots, I want you to find out all you can on this Patience Gonzales."
"But Ms. Parker, my work day just ended-" He began, but Ms. Parker glared at him.
"Do you want me to end your life?" She hissed. He shook his head and scurried back to the elevator.