Chapter Twelve
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Hello, my lovelies! I am so sorry but I want to take this moment to remind my reader's that I never promised this story would end happily. You all know I would love nothing more than to see Norman and Norma live happily ever after together, but I'm not sure this is that story.
For my reviewers:
Edifying, I'd be interested in hearing about your situation. Feel free to make it private if needed... ALittleTasteOfMadness, you know it is. You have the most amazing feedback on my fanfics. I love it. Everything is for you, sweetie, don't you know? Hannigram-13, thank you! It will be another few chapters, although we're getting towards the end. Hang on with me, and be ready for the angst! Cleo, I'm glad to know you're with us through the end. You've been amazing!
I just want to give everyone a quick reminder; I never said this would end happily. I'm not promising what will happen here, but I can promise you it won't be happily ever after. Please stay with me, none the less.
I am so grateful for my readers. Thank you for staying with me through this story. Here we go!
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It was dark and warm and safe, and Norma hummed as she snuggled back into the warmth of Norman's embrace. Cracking her eyes open, she saw the clock read 3:06 AM, and smiled. They had been up until midnight giggling and hanging on each other, so giddy to finally be together as they should be...
She only had a moment to wonder before she became aware of lips on her neck and an answering hum. It reminded her of the night, weeks ago now, that she had lost control of her feelings and given in. Now, instead of remembering it with shame, she let the memory flow over her, goosebumps rising all over her skin. "Norman, are you awake?"
"Mm hmm..." He loosened his arms as Norma turned to face him, then pulled her tight against him once more.
"We need to rest," she protested feebly, not really wanting to resist.
Chuckling, he buried his nose in her hair and nuzzled her ear. "Well, there's plenty of time for sleep tomorrow, isn't there?" he breathed, his young voice full of innocent love.
"Come on, honey. There's plenty of time to make love tomorrow, too. We have all the time in the world..."
She pulled back and kissed his lips chastely, and he relaxed into the mattress, head sinking into his pillow. "I like that. I plan to take advantage of every second of it."
Norma smiled and pressed her forehead against his, holding him close. "Me too."
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The final stitch went easily, and Norman pulled the cotton string taut and knotted it before snipping it with small clippers. The feathers were easily patted down, and he turned the hawk back over, laying it carefully on it's back.
It's wings were spread, beak open as though it was swooping down to attack it's prey. Norman was pleased; it looked even better than he'd hoped. The only real decision left was how to mount it...
But that could wait until tomorrow, he decided, as he saw the time. He quickly and carefully placed the hawk inside a protective plastic sack and stored it on the shelf. "My mom will be here soon, Mr. Decody," he called.
He realized now that "all the time in the world" had perhaps been incorrect, seeing as he had to work and his mother had a motel to run. Still, they had arranged to meet in town after his shift so they could go to the supermarket together and plan a meal.
"No problem, Norman." The older man came around the corner. "How's Mr. James' hawk coming?"
"I'll have it done by noon tomorrow," Norman said confidently.
"All right, then, have a good evening, my boy."
Norman shrugged into his coat, grabbing his keys. It had bothered him all day that he hadn't seen Dylan around the shop at all, today or yesterday. "Hey, Mr. Decody?"
"Yes?"
"Have you seen my brother?"
The older man shook his head. "Not since yesterday. He got a call and just disappeared."
This seemed strange to Norman; after all, he'd been attached to Emma at the hip ever since he had helped her get her lung transplant. "Do you know who it was from?"
Mr. Decody thought for a moment. "No, he didn't say..."
This puzzled him, but he pulled his phone out and texted Dylan to ask how he was. He'd have an answer soon enough... "Okay. Have a good night, Mr. Decody!" He waved and left, spotting his mother just down the street.
She was leaning against her old BMW, her knee length paisley skirt blowing against her thighs in the wind of the winter's day as she checked her phone. Uncrossing her booted ankles, she reached out to him as he came to her. "Hi sweetie," she said, smiling brightly.
"Hi, Mom! Who was that?"
"Just the sheriff." She had been avoiding talking to him; who knew whether he wanted to discuss her brother, or their own relationship? "I'll call him back later."
Norman had to resist the urge to kiss her, very aware of the fact that they were out on the street in full view of everyone. Instead he gave her a hug, surreptitiously kissing her neck behind her hair. "Let's get home soon, hm?"
Norma giggled and looked into his dark blue eyes as he pulled back. "Of course, Norman... We'll get dinner and head home as soon as possible..." She kissed his cheek and hooked her arm through his, heading them into town.
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"No, Caleb, you have to stay here with me!"
Dylan's father swayed on his feet, gesturing with his beer can. "You can't keep me here! I've got rights, you know!"
With a sigh, Dylan pushed Caleb back and hooked a padlock he'd brought as a precaution through the chain lock. "Romero only let me bail you out on the condition I would keep you away from town until your trial," he reminded the older man, his frustration obvious in his voice. The sheriff hadn't explained his reluctance, but had been absolutely insistent that if he saw Caleb on the streets in town or anywhere near the motel he would arrest him again immediately.
Dylan would be lying if he said that the sheriff's requirement hadn't given him pause. He knew Caleb had been charged with breaking and entering at his mother's residence. He couldn't dismiss the is father grabbed him by the front of his shirt, face inches from his own. "You can't keep me here."
"Why do you need to get out?" Dylan asked, his face blank.
Caleb's face crumpled, his grip on Dylan's shirt slackening. "It's Norma... I need to..." A small sob escaped him, and he released his son completely, falling against he wall behind him, incoherently weeping.
Dylan shoved the key into his pocket, "I know you.. I know you have feelings for her. But she isn't interested." He reached forward, trying to bring his father to lay on the bed.
Caleb socked Dylan in the jaw, and before he fished inside Dylan's pocket and extracted the key. Caleb's skull connected with Dylan's forehead, and he fell stunned to the floor, barely conscious of his father's actions.
Before he could react, Caleb had had unlocked the door and escaped, closing it firmly behind him. Dylan felt his heavy eyes closing, unable to hang on to his consciousness...
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To Be Continued...
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