Chapter 4
"There is a new experimental drug available that's showing some promise," Dr Alesto said as he stared at me through his round glasses.
I rubbed a hand across my face. I was just plain exhausted. I'd had three students that morning, and now I was sitting in the hospital for my bi-monthly check-up with my doctor.
"How much is it going to cost?" I asked automatically. I had health insurance, but my insurance company wasn't too keen on reimbursing me for experimental drugs, as I knew from past experience.
"It's still in its experimental phase, so it won't cost you a thing," Dr Alesto said with a kind smile. "You'll simply partake in the study."
"Experimental phase, huh?" I sighed. "So there are going to be a ton of side effects?" I'd taken experimental drugs before, where the side effects were much worse than the disease. And I wasn't too keen on doing that again.
"Celia," Dr Alesto said, leaning forward in his chair. "Your liver isn't going to get any better. And at the rate your liver functions have been decreasing I'd say you have another ten years or so before permanent scarring occurs."
I closed my eyes, but I couldn't stop a tear from slipping down my cheek.
"This is a good chance to stop that process," Dr Alesto continued urgently. "Please take it."
Another ten years before the damage would become too great for my body to handle. And after that? Who knew. Surprisingly, my first thought wasn't of myself, or my parents, but of Godric. Here I'd met someone, finally, who seemed to accept me for who I was, including all my problems, and now all I could offer him was another ten years?
I wanted more than that! I wanted a lifetime with someone like Godric.
Well, that made the decision much easier, didn't it? If I had a new chance at a future with Godric, who was I to turn that down?
"All right," I said, wiping a few more tears away. "Sign me up."
Dr Alesto beamed at me. "Excellent. I'll get all the forms in order, and you should be able to start on your new treatment in a few days."
"Thanks," I said, pushing myself up from my chair. I shook Dr Alesto's hand, made a brief stop at his assistant's desk to make an appointment to start the new treatment, and then I hurried home.
I found a large bouquet of pink roses waiting for me on my doorstep. I smiled and searched for a card as I let myself into my house. I located it quickly, hanging from one of the long stems.
To new beginnings. I will count the seconds until I see you tonight.
Godric
I just about swooned as I read his message, and at once I knew I'd made the right decision to start the new drug treatment. Godric was worth it. I arranged the flowers in my last available vase and vaguely wondered if Godric would send me more flowers after today. I'd need to buy some more vases if he did. I placed the vase on my dining table, and admired the pink roses for a few moments before my exhaustion caught up with me.
I flopped down on the couch and hugged Elmo close. I needed some comfort, and my dog was the only one around to offer it. He didn't mind, though. "I'll take you to the doggie park tomorrow, I promise," I whispered in Elmo's ear. "I'm too tired now. Let's take a nap." Elmo curled against me on the couch, and I was asleep in seconds.
I woke up four hours later, and realized I didn't have that much time left before Godric would be there. I got some homemade vegetable soup from the freezer, nuked it in the microwave, and had it for dinner together with a simple turkey sandwich. Then I hopped under the shower, and got dressed in a light-blue dress in record time. Just as I finished applying my mascara, the doorbell rang. My hair was still a little damp, but it would just have to do.
Elmo made a beeline for the kitchen as I made my way to the front door. I shook my head, but I had no time to worry about my dog's strange behaviour, because my suitor had arrived.
"Hi," I said with a bright smile as I opened the front door.
"Good evening," Godric said, smiling just as brightly.
"Thanks for the flowers," I said as I stepped away from the doorway to let Godric inside. "But you really shouldn't have done that."
"Hm," Godric said, and pulled me close to give me a scorching kiss. "You deserve every rose that blooms in this world."
I blushed, and then grinned. "Every rose? I don't have enough vases for that."
Godric chuckled and closed the door behind himself. "Then I will buy you every vase as well."
I wanted to protest, because honestly, getting flowers was nice. But getting a lot of flowers might be a little bit too much. However, Godric pulled me close for another kiss, and I was instantly distracted by the feel of his lips against mine, the scent of his cologne, the touch of his hand against my cheek. I pulled back reluctantly and stared into his eyes. What was I worried about again? For the life of me, I couldn't remember.
"Come," Godric said and took my hand to lead me to the couch. We sat down together, and only now did I notice that Godric had brought some new sheet music with him. "That's for later," Godric said, as he placed the sheets on my coffee table. "Tell me, how was your day?"
Instantly, I was transported back to my doctor's office, and I had to bite my lip hard so I wouldn't burst out in tears. "All right," I whispered.
Godric frowned. "Did something happen?"
"I had my check-up with my doctor today. I'm starting new medication. It's still experimental, but the doctor said it's showing great promise," I rambled, because I didn't want to think about what else the doctor had told me.
Godric stared at me for a few moments. "That is good news, isn't it? Then why are you so sad?"
Biting my lip again, I looked down, but Godric cupped my chin in his hand and forced me to look up again. "What else did the doctor say?"
Now my lips were trembling. "That I have about ten years left before my liver will be scarred permanently," I whispered, and I fell against Godric's body, my face pressed against his shoulders as sobs wrecked through me.
"Sssh," Godric said softly, stroking his hands down my back a little reluctantly, as though he wasn't quite sure what to do with a crying woman. "These drugs might work, yes? And even if they don't, something else might come along in time."
I wasn't sure what he meant by that, since he sounded rather vague. Maybe he was simply referring to a potential cure being found in the next ten years. Maybe he was an optimist, which was good, because I was usually far too pessimistic for my own good.
"Yeah," I said, as I pulled back. "Sorry about that."
"Don't apologize," Godric said sternly. "I understand why this upsets you."
"Okay. Excuse me for a minute." And I got up from the couch and hurried to the bathroom. Thankfully, my makeup had survived my crying spree for the most part. Let's hear it for waterproof mascara. I freshened up quickly, and returned to Godric, who was waiting patiently for me on the couch.
"So what did you bring?" I asked, trying to sound as chipper as I could. I desperately needed a distraction.
"See for yourself," Godric said as he handed the sheet music to me.
I grinned once I saw the title. "Saint-Saens' Dance Macabre!"
"You like this piece?" Godric asked me with an expectant smile.
"Oh yeah. I've played it at a recital once. But I've never played it as a duet before," I said, eagerly looking through the music. I was so engrossed by the notes, striking the keys in my head, that I jerked in surprise when Godric pressed a kiss to my temple.
"Take as long as you need," Godric whispered, nuzzling my ear, and then he moved lower and nuzzled my throat just below my ear. I vaguely realized I'd forgotten to put on some perfume, which I usually dabbed behind my earlobes, but Godric didn't seem to mind. He softly kissed my throat over and over again, while I tried to concentrate on the music in my hands.
"Okay, I got it," I said, after many long moments. My breathing was deeper than it should be, but Godric's attentions had stirred more in me than just a desire to play the piano. Godric pulled back from my throat and moved his lips over his teeth, and then his tongue, as though he had something stuck in his teeth. "Do you want some water?" I asked, concerned.
"I'm fine, thank you," Godric said, and smiled. His teeth looked all right, so I figured we could get something to drink after we played our duet. We got up from the couch and took up our positions behind the piano. Godric arranged the sheet music on the standard, and we exchanged a smile, and Godric struck the first keys. I followed soon after, and we played this macabre tune in perfect harmony.
My heartbeat sped up, and I was transformed again, but this time it was about more than just the music. It was also about Godric, who sat pressed against me, our hands dancing over the keys together. And even though the piece lasted for almost ten minutes, it was still over far too soon.
I leaned my head back as soon as we were finished and just smiled in sheer happiness. Playing the piano with Godric was something else. I glanced at him and noticed his expression as he stared at me.
Godric looked like he wanted to devour me, and at once my body responded. Things started tingling low in my body and my breathing sped up all on its own.
I licked my lips. "Did you bring - "
"Yes," Godric said, and pulled me into a fierce kiss. "I have not wanted a human this badly in a very long time," he whispered against my lips.
"Human?" I asked with a frown.
"I mean, woman," Godric said quickly, and looked down. "Sometimes, my English - "
"That's okay," I said and gave him a firm kiss. I didn't want to embarrass him. He was basically speaking a foreign language, after all. "So..."
"So, I suggest we go to your bedroom now, if you are willing," Godric said, and pulled me up to my feet.
Oh, I was willing. But I was also completely inexperienced. What if Godric expected me to do things I had no clue about?
"I want to," I said softly as I gave Godric an insecure look. "But I've never done this before."
"I will be gentle," Godric said with the kind of smile that made me swoon. "And you will enjoy it, that I promise."
"Okay," I said in a tiny voice, and then I let Godric pull me along towards my bedroom. I was both more excited and more scared that I'd ever been in my life. I was going to have sex (finally!), and I was going to have it with Godric.
Once we stood in front of my bed, Godric kissed me, and he took his time to explore my lips and my tongue with his own. I placed my hands on his chest and rubbed softly. He really did feel quite cool, even through his clothes, but I wasn't going to comment on that. He'd accepted my condition, so I could accept his. Godric reached a hand behind my back and pulled the zipper of my dress down. I gasped against his mouth in surprise.
I knew it was silly, but up until that point I hadn't actually realized we were going to have to be naked for this. I wasn't used to being naked around other people. And no matter how much I liked the idea of having sex with Godric, I couldn't help but feel a little bit embarrassed when my dress fell to the floor and I stood there in my white cotton bra and panties.
Godric took a step back and looked me over head to toe.
I wasn't what anyone would call ugly, but I'd never really considered myself pretty before, either. I was naturally pale, though I did have a bit of a tan, thanks to working outside in the garden under the Texan sun. And that same sun also brought out my freckles, which covered my nose and parts of my cheeks, and also my shoulders. I had a generous b-cup, and I normally wore a size 8, and that had never really bothered me before. I liked eating good food way too much for that, but now that Godric was looking at me I wondered if I shouldn't have made an effort to lose a few pounds.
"You are so beautiful," Godric whispered, and looked at me in wonderment, his eyes widened just a bit. I bit my lip. He sounded sincere enough, but my feminine insecurities made it hard for me to really believe him. Godric kissed me again and reached behind my back once more to unhook my bra. It loosened at once, and I inhaled a sharp breath when Godric slid it down my arms.
"Perfect," Godric said as he stared down at my naked breasts. He cupped them with his hands, rubbing his thumbs across my hard nipples, and I arched my back involuntarily. Oh, but this felt good. "Now the rest," Godric whispered, and hooked his fingers behind my panties. With one clever shove they hung around my ankles, and Godric held my elbow as I stepped out of them. And then I was naked, completely naked, and Godric pushed me back against the bed.
"Aren't you taking your clothes off?" I asked softly as I sat down on the edge of the bed. If we were both naked, maybe I wouldn't feel so embarrassed.
"Of course," Godric said, and kicked off his shoes. He then pulled his white t-shirt over his head and I gaped at his torso.
He had tattoos! He had lots of tattoos.
That surprised me more than anything else about him. Godric just hadn't struck me as the type to get inked.
Godric caught my stare. "I have had these for a long time," he said with a tilt of his head. "Do they bother you?"
"No," I said quickly, and grinned up at him. "I'm just surprised, that's all."
"Good." Godric leaned forward, put his hands around my waist, and pushed me further up the bed until I was lying on my back. "I must prepare you first, or this will hurt," he said, and he kneeled between my legs. "Just close your eyes and enjoy."
I licked my lips and looked down at Godric curiously. Was he going to use his finger again, like he had last night? I'd certainly enjoyed that.
Godric gave me a devious smile, and lowered his head between my legs while he pushed them further apart.
Oh!
Oh my god!
I bucked my hips when Godric's tongue pushed between my folds and licked my clit. I wanted to protest (was this even safe?), but Godric gave me no time to think straight. He pushed a finger inside me while he licked around my clit; around and around and around. My pleasure built and I dropped my head back onto the pillow, my eyes closing on their own accord.
This was the most amazing thing I'd ever felt. Just as my pleasure was about to peak, Godric pulled back a little, so my body came down from its high again without having climaxed.
I moaned in protest, and Godric chuckled. "Patience," he whispered, and he added another finger before he returned his tongue to my clit. And off we were again, my body tensing and my back arching and my pleasure building and building. I squeezed my eyes shut and curled my fingers around the sheets beneath me, and then my climax hit me and I cried out in sheer relief.
This was the strongest pleasure I'd ever felt. It was so strong it was more than just pleasure; there was even a slight sting of pain, but that only made the whole thing so much better.
I came down from my climax with gasping breaths, and I finally opened my eyes to look down at Godric. He was licking my thigh and when he caught me looking, he licked my folds again, pushing his mouth against them as though he were drinking me. Then he pushed himself up my body and kissed my lips, first softly, but he deepened the kiss soon enough. I tasted myself on his lips and tongue, and I tasted quite metallic, which surprised me, but Godric didn't seem to mind.
Godric was still wearing his pants, and he pushed his hips against mine, as though asking permission. By way of answer, I rocked my hips against his, and Godric smiled against my lips before he pulled back from our kiss. "I have brought condoms," he whispered as he sat back on his knees, and I grinned at him expectantly.
Reaching inside the pocket of his pants, Godric produced a small box of Trojans and he looked at it studiously, as though he wasn't quite sure what to do with them. Surely he'd used condoms before, hadn't he? What kind of guy didn't use condoms in this day and age?
"It's been a while," Godric said as he noticed my expression. I nodded, though I still wasn't sure what to make of his ignorance. Or his obvious reluctance. I'd expected him to rip off the wrapper, get the thing on and start fucking me.
Didn't he want to do this anymore? Or did he really have no clue about condoms? In that case, I wasn't sure I wanted to do this with him anyway. I was a big proponent of safe sex, and in my condition I couldn't afford to catch something from a guy who didn't care enough about his health to even use condoms when he had sex.
"Look, we don't have to do this," I whispered, and there was suddenly a lump in my throat. I pushed myself up and away from Godric, and made to get off the bed. I had to get some clothes on, now!
"Celia," Godric stared at me with wide eyes, and his baffled expression made him look even younger than twenty. "Please, wait."
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A/N: Poor Godric! He's trying so hard to be a nice vampire. *g* I've added a link to Saint-Saens' Dance Macabre for a piano duo to my profile. It's definitely worth listening to! The next chapter should be up within a day or two. Thanks so much for reading, everyone! Let me know what you think. Reviews keep me writing.
