Part 13. Internal Bond
Before anyone knew it, that very next day the realtor had been more than happy to not only show the lot their house but make them a reasonable offer. She sold the place to them that very same day, telling them to move in as soon as desired. They all thought this seemed far too good to be true, yet things certainly were falling into place just as everyone hoped. What helped their situation even moreso had been Elias telling Crystal they were staying at a motel having recently traveled from Ohio. He then explained how the six could pay half the mortgage outright, sealing the deal.
The men hauled Wynnie and Ada's luggage inside, telling both ladies to relax and get settled in for today. The pair walked down to the lake which literally was right outside their back door. They smiled when seeing a gigantic camphor tree, a wooden swing hanging from a wide branch. It looked big enough for two and so they walked down the gradual declining hill, sitting side by side, the sound of taut rope rubbing against the branches as the two slowly swung back and forth, feet dangling close to the soft grassy ground. Wynnie wore a strapless off white lace dress with sandals that had small daisies on them while Ada still wore the same outfit from last night. It seemed so surreal, almost reminding one of a scene from a romantic movie.
At that moment, Ada turned to Wynnie, holding out a hand. It appeared she wanted to give her something.
"What's this?"
A thin golden chain was placed into her hand that had an intricately designed heart locket attached to it. She slowly opened the jewelry piece, admiring the beautiful design. A picture of a smiling youthful Ada was inside. She looked no older than sixteen.
"That photo had been taken of me at the age of sixteen. I still lived in China at that time with my parents before moving to America two years later. I want you to keep this...In case I don't return from my mission."
"Ada...You will come back. I have faith in you."
She pulled Ada into a gentle embrace which suddenly turned into a deep kiss. Two swans paddled by on the lake, the sun sitting high in the sky reflecting back on the calm waters showing that morning gave way to afternoon. A gentle May breeze blew in the wind softly tousling both women's hair, along with the shaded trees leaves. Neither pulled away. They just stayed in that moment for as long as possible.
When the kiss slowly ended both looked onward in near silence only the sound of the wind lightly blowing. Others were watching just not who they expected. They were scheming, waiting for the right time to make a move.
The pair walked back up the hill after a short time making idle talk. They entered into the kitchen finding Frankie preparing lunch. He bid them good afternoon while chopping vegetables. Both asked if he needed any help to which he politely declined, telling them to enjoy themselves until lunch was ready. They sat down on a mauve colored love seat in the living room, sighing in content.
"It feels so weird not having to be ordered around all the time."
"Being able to make your own decisions..."
"Choosing who you want to be with."
Wynnie's gaze naturally gravitated her way, a light blush spreading over both cheeks. She wondered if Ada had any feelings for her or if she merely viewed her as a friend or perhaps even a friend with benefits.
"Ada...how do you feel about me?"
Before a response could be made, Albert casually strolled over, asking for a moment of Wynnie's time.
"Wynnie, I'm pleasantly surprised to find you here. I'm not intruding on anything, am I?"
"Actually yes, you were. Why don't we talk in private, Ada?"
As she was about to walk away with her, Albert firmly grabbed onto a hand out of urgency it seemed.
"Wynnie, this can't wait."
"Yes, it can."
She gave him a hard stare, forcefully removing his hold. He watched the two walk out onto the patio finishing their conversation. He took a seat on a nearby black suede chair resembling the material on the couch and the other two chairs.
"Wynnie, I care dearly for you and hope that you feel the same way as I do. Meet me in my room tonight if the feeling is mutual."
She held her hands close to her chest, kissing them then gave a light peck on Wynnie's cheek before quickly walking away. Wynnie naturally touched the cheek that had just been kissed, still smelling her strawberry lip balm. She re-entered the room feeling that same tension again.
"Give me an answer. I won't share you with anyone else."
"I need time to think this over, Albert. I feel love towards Ada in a way that you couldn't understand. We care for each other but haven't been able to freely show this until now...It's different with you and I. Oswell didn't entrust me in her care since her feelings were probably so transparent at the time. He must have been able to see right through her. Things just aren't as simple as you may make them out to be."
She turned towards the stairs hurrying to her room. After shutting her door she leaned against it, hearing two brisk knocks.
"I only want to talk, Wynnie. I won't force you into a relationship that is unwanted. Give me a chance."
She sighed, angrily opening the door. She clasped both hands behind her back leaning against the wall beside her bed.
"What if I don't want a monogamous relationship?"
"Then that is the decision you'll make, without me in your life. I thought you were a Christian?"
"Leave that out of this conversation. Not everyone is without sin, Albert."
"You're addressing me by my full name I see. Is that to make your point evident?"
"It's because you're working on my last nerve."
A tense brief silence passed as he then approached her, removing a piece of his clothing with each step.
"Why not indulge in sin right now? Ada can never make you feel the way I do...She can never give you children or cause you to shudder with passion as your legs tremble while I thrust in between-"
A loud slap filled the strained atmosphere, Wynnie now opening the door for him to go.
"You should leave before I do something that we'll both regret."
He smirked only wearing underwear at this point.
"Dear, I believe you don't realize the mistake you're making at this time. Did Ada read to you nearly every night as a child? Did she play games with you and teach you? What has she done for you that I haven't? This is the thanks that I get for devoting years of my life to serving you?"
She slammed the door storming over his way. Her voice raised but she didn't yell.
"You were required to watch me all of those times Albert! If you didn't want to then why even bother?! I owe you nothing for the orders you were given!"
He grabbed both wrists while walking her backwards onto the bed, hold tightening without his knowledge at first. He only realized he gripped too tightly when she let out a pained yelp. He loosened his grip before speaking with a low growl reminding her of a predator before making its kill, toying with its meal.
"It's taking everything within my power to avoid raping you and breaking each bone while doing so. You will never know how you have not only led me under false pretenses to believe I loved you but the other fools as well. We're incapable of loving, you vexing minx. Anyone would be after enduring what was forced upon us."
"You can't force someone to feel the way that you do...I have no idea in regards to the pain you had to go through as a child but degrading me just like Oswell had isn't going to make it right. It's not going to make me want you and you couldn't be any more wrong. You do feel love for me but you're just angry that I can't reciprocate it back.
Love isn't supposed to only be about sex. Ada is giving me intimacy...That's something Oswell never cared about providing only wanting pleasure for himself. It's also what I crave most. I have no idea if you've ever experienced it but it's a beautiful thing and you can still have that with me if you'll just let me love Ada too."
"And share you with her? What if both of you became pregnant by me, then what?"
"That's not what I mean. I want you both, just not at the same time. Don't you want her to have happiness too?"
He let out a heavy sigh laying down against her.
"I want to watch you make love with her. You need to include me in those future occurrences if our relationship is to succeed."
He began gently kissing her neck, lifting the already short dress to her waist.
"Albert, stop. I don't want this right now."
He didn't listen, removing his remaining clothing and aggressively beginning to thrust between her legs.
"Al..."
"Don't lie to me, Wynnie. I'm aware of your needs...I can smell the desire dripping between your legs. It's saturating my dick now, even with a thin cloth acting as a barrier. Give yourself to me now or promise you'll be mine. Either way, I want you."
He brushed tempting lips against her own, a soft moan escaping his mouth.
"I do promise I'll be yours but marry me first. Give me something that Oswell never could. A priest would never come anywhere near him...He even felt too ashamed having one come there. I know you're a good man, Al. You'll do the right thing, won't you?"
His eyes suddenly became misty as he pulled away, sitting up on the bed.
"I'll make arrangements today for a private wedding. It shall take place this evening. Do you agree to this?"
"Yes..."
"Excellent. I suggest you choose a wedding dress immediately after lunch."
He placed a quick yet passionate kiss onto her forehead, softly saying "I love you". She sat there for a moments time speechless as he walked away, doing what he said.
She wanted to eat in her roomnalone. After eating mushroom soup with toast she found Elias, asking him for the car keys. He shrugged while handing them over asking her why she needed them.
"I need to get something at the store. I'll be right back."
"Wait a second Wynnie, I'll come with you."
She sighed, letting him have his way.
"Why don't you let me drive? I'll feel safer that way."
"Okay, let's just go please."
"Hold on a second, I need to know where you want to go before leaving."
"I want to pick out a wedding dress."
His eyes widened with shock as he started the engine not saying a word. He looked quickly to her then focused back on the road. He spoke when reaching the driveways end.
"What made you choose to do this so suddenly?"
"We both felt the same and didn't want to wait any longer. Wouldn't you do the same if you loved someone?"
His grip tightened around the steering wheel as they pulled out of the driveway and sped off toward town.
"Yes, I suppose so. However, the person I loved didn't have mutual feelings. Thus, I wouldn't know."
He concealed his disappointment with each word spoken, doing his best to focus on driving. She didn't say one word when arriving to the bridal shop after picking out a traditional gown or even on the ride back. When Elias put the car in park a hand clutched against Wynnie's stomach causing worry.
"I'm suddenly not feeling well...I just wish this thing could get out of me already. I mean, it could be removed."
He didn't respond for a brief moment, eyes closing until he mustered up enough courage to speak again. Not only what he had to say but the way he chose to word it would ultimately decide her fate.
"Wynnie, why don't we go to the patio and get some fresh air? Surely that will help you feel better."
She gave a small nod, saying "I hope so".
He placed his arm around her shoulders, gently rubbing one while lending support before both took a seat. The large umbrella at the grated table provided plenty of shade, the cushioned chairs helping her to relax as well. He positioned his chair directly behind hers beginning a gentle massage. She rolled her neck from side to side, thanking him. Muscles relaxed gradually while she leaned back into his touch.
"Ahh, that feels so good. I can't thank you enough Elias."
"Don't think anything of it...There's something else I should mention specifically to you. Wynnie, do you know how you recently made it aware to everyone that removal of the compound within yourself is urgent?"
"Yes...Why?"
"There's only one way this procedure can currently be performed. Wynnie, I had been exposed to not only the T-virus and Progenitor virus, but the control compound as well. I managed to survive all three and my body naturally fought them off, counteracting all three's harmful effects. The control compound should have neutralized the other viruses and yet, it failed.
Listen, my point is that the safest way to neutralize the compound within yourself is through me. I have natural antibodies against all three anomalies."
"That's wonderful! As soon as we have lab equipment and the necessary tools delivered then you can perform the procedure on me and use your blood to create an antidote!"
Her voice was filled with so much hope and joy that he knew delivering the next part of this news wouldn't be easy. She'd be greatly disheartened for sure.
"You should read the documents for yourself before I say anything more. Why don't we go to my room in order for you to see them?"
She obediently followed Elias thinking nothing of it. All he wanted was to provide reassurance.
"I trust you brother, why not just tell me?"
He closed the door behind them taking out the documents stored in his filing cabinet beside his bed, handing them over.
"I strongly suggest for you to thoroughly read your file, sister. It's time."
She exchanged nervous glances, hesitantly accepting the file while trying to make herself comfortable on his bed. After giving her brain time to process all that had been read she backed away, slowly shaking her head. She looked ready to cry, tears forming in the corners of both eyes.
"We have to do this today, don't we?"
"You may want to sit down for what else I have to tell you."
She listened to him, sitting back down.
"Today is your actual birthday. Spencer only chose to celebrate it several days earlier for his own selfish gain. You see, by doing this, he felt important since it meant you knew even less about yourself and your past. That's the way he wanted your life to be; completely controlled by only him while he relentlessly bred you. I however am giving you a choice.
This will be the safest way to destroy the compound, only if you're willing to trust me. It doesn't mean that you can't be with Albert if that thought even crossed your mind or perhaps with Ada. What happens between us will remain confidential if that's what you wish...Rest assured, I'd never do anything to hurt you."
"Yet at the same time, we have no choice, don't we?"
"Yes, unfortunate as it is. Once more, I'm leaving the decision in your hands. Just know that if this process is further prolonged, the drastic consequences will surely be irreversible."
She let out a small sigh laying back.
"That's why you tried coaxing me last night. It all makes sense now..."
"Yes, until we began recalling childish memories."
A faint smile appeared across her face, leaving just as quickly. She wanted to get this over with. Hopefully Al would understand.
She fully undressed, exposing herself to him. He slowly did likewise tenderly stroking and kissing the majority of exposed flesh before him. His lips gave gentle pecks when hovering over hers pausing for a moment. They gazed affectionately into one another's eyes. Her gaze held no passion or deep love that a couple might share, only understanding. His, however, told another story...He patiently waited for her permission watching a once calm expression change to worry.
"All I ask is for you to be gentle."
"Of course I will...I truly would never cause you any harm, Wynnie."
Hastily, she pulled the covers up over herself, shamefully looking away. A tense, awkward silence passed until he hesitated himself before asking again.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Wynnie? You're actions are communicating otherwise...Would you like to consult with Albert about it first? And perhaps Ada as well?"
She took a moment when considering his suggestions, sighing in acceptance.
"I think that would be best. I'll let you know our decision afterwards."
He shook his head a couple times to regain senses, sitting on the edge of the bed with hands clasped.
"Good. I'll be close by."
...
Wynnie found the rest of the house empty save for Frankie relaxing outside. He sat back, leaning in a chair on the patio sipping tea and reading a newspaper. She rushed over to him hastily inquiring of her potential partner's whereabouts.
"Frankie, have you seen Albert lately?"
"Oh, do take a seat, dear. We haven't had a chat in quite some time after all."
He stood, pulling out a chair for her.
"Frankie, please tell me! There's an urgent matter I must discuss with him."
"No my dear, I don't believe so. Last I saw of him, both he and Ada were with you."
She sat down sighing out of frustration, placing her head in both hands. This caused Frankie to fold his newspaper up seeing to her.
"Obviously this matter is troubling you greatly. Why not talk with me, dear? It may help you feel better."
She gave a weary look before explaining the choice that had to be made before todays end. He pondered a reply for a moment searching for the right words.
"Wynnie, we've known one another for quite some time and if I know you as well as I think, you will do what's right. What do you think is right under these circumstances?"
"That's just it, Frankie. I have no idea. I don't want anyone to feel hurt or angered because of me but if I don't decide soon, I believe my outcome will be grave."
She covered her face in shame, turning to run away.
"Maybe I should just die! It would be better for-"
He stopped her, the young woman embosomed in a loving hold. He calmly stroked her head whispering lowly "No one. It would be better for none of us. You will do the right thing, dear."
She sobbed quietly within his hold, nuzzling against his chest, inhaling his familiar calming scent. Smelled like he always had, for as long as she could remember- lilac. She sighed in content wrapping her arms around his lithe yet broad waist.
"You always know what to say, don't you Frankie?"
She looked up at him with a lustful gaze, trying very hard to avoid doing anything rash but feeling resolve slowly slip away.
"Frankie..."
His lips slightly parted as he tried resisting her pull yet failed miserably.
"Wynnie...What is it that you're doing here?"
"Sir, can't you feel it inside of you? I don't think I've even felt this way with Al or Elias. There's something different with you. It's as if my body is screaming at me to run away but at the same time, I can't seem to resist you and that hasn't happened with anyone else. What do you think it means, Frankie?"
"I just may be a threat to your...internal anomaly, dear. I thought you told me Elias was the solution to your predicament?"
"I thought that too...Until I felt this reaction while against you. Tell me, did your body naturally recover or did it bond with the control compound?"
"I do believe that a temporary bond had been formed with the compound in order to completely eradicate all viral hazards along with the compound itself, from my body. It did gradually go away with treatment over the years. Thus, that can only mean it is I who can fully...help you with..."
She grabbed at his face, kissing wildly until Frankie pushed away, seeming to temporarily regain control of himself.
"Let's not rush into anything now. We should discuss this with Elias and Albert. All that's currently required of us is to wait for them."
She rubbed the back of her neck while rotating it from side to side, nodding in agreement.
"You're right. Want to go back inside?"
He draped an arm around her shoulder when leading her back towards the living room. She took a seat on the couch while he started on dinner.
"I'll be in the kitchen preparing dinner. The others should be here at any minute. If there's anything else you wish to discuss with me, I hope you won't hesitate to ask, dear."
Both had uncertain expressions when parting ways for the time being, feeling overwhelmed. Their situation just may be beyond hope.It took almost an hour until the others returned, casually walking into the living room. Wynnie practically sprang up from where she sat, nervously grabbing at her top.
"Frankie, I think it's best to discuss this with everyone. Ada and Heath have a right to know as well."
He looked calm and composed, the exact opposite of her in this moment. His eyes shifted from her towards the others as he now folded his newspaper up, placing it softly onto the table.
"I do believe I agree with you, Wynnie. That is only fair. Although, I must urge you all to sit down while this discussion takes place."
They did as suggested, including Wynnie, listening to the information she recently recounted to Frankie. He prompted her with a glance and a quick nod, as if allowing her the chance to explain. No one could quite find what words to say patiently waiting for either her or Frankie's continuation. After a very awkward, extended momentary silence, Frankie added on his thoughts to her predicament.
"I recently informed Wynnie of my prior experience of having been cured from the viral Progenitor and T-virus strains with the help of the control compound then afterwards antiviral medications. There had been a temporary internal bond formed with the control compound...Until my body had rid itself of the compound completely with the help of treatments over each passing year. I believe there is presently some type of cure- if you will- within my blood stream which is capable of eradicating the compound itself entirely."
They exchanged tense glances, none still knowing what should be said. Frankie broke the silence once more.
"Elias, it will be quite some time...At least six months before anything can properly be done about her predicament, correct?"
He gave a somber nod, rubbing his face quickly followed by a long sigh.
"Yes. We will be without the necessary lab equipment needed for her procedure, which is why you have my permission. At first...I wanted it to have been me who could help her but...what you had said, it all makes sense now. The control compound only worsened my symptoms nearly having killed me as a child. I had a natural immunity to the viruses, somehow. Treatment of the more natural kind had also been administered to me directly after my negative reaction to the compound.
That being said, I don't think I could bear losing you, Wynnie. There's still lost time for us to make up for, after all...As brother and sister."
He slowly turned to her, lacing his fingers through hers. She barely managed to meet his gaze before pulling him into a sudden hug releasing a shaky, relieved sigh. She felt him pat her back right before pulling away, looking to Ada then Albert.
To everyone's initial surprise, Ada spoke first, meaning every word said.
"I wanted this conversation between you and I to be private but it seems there's no other way. Whatever you choose, I'll always have love for you in my heart. You must do what's best for you and I must agree with Frank when I honestly say that I can't bear the thought of losing you either."
They gazed warmly at one another, knowing where both stood. She slowly wavered her gaze to Al unsure of what his response might be.
"Do what must be done. There is no other alternative at this time."
He let out what sounded like more of an irritated grunt than sigh, leaving for however long decided. It appeared as though he headed towards the basement which had recently been converted into a "training area" by the men resembling more of a gym. They worked with the resources available for now, until more advanced options were made available.
Fankie gestured for all to make themselves comfortable at the dining room table, serving their first dinner course at the new residence. He brought out Shepherd's pie, hominy and water allowing all to become situated. Heath anxiously scratched the back of his neck, attempting to allow himself full acknowledgement and understanding of all that had recently been said. None of this seemed right to him, nor anyone else surely, but there truly did seem to be no other choice. All ate in silence going separate ways for the night when finished and returning back to their own rooms.
Elias gave one more hug before going back while Ada waited patiently, giving her a light pat on the shoulder and gentle smile. Heath just nodded returning his dishes as fast as possible to the kitchen and walking away. She chose to help Frankie clean up anxiously standing beside him when both finished.
"Guess we should...we should..."
"It'll be all right, Wynnie. God willing, things will be."
"Do you think...He'll forgive us?"
Frankie chuckled as she looked upwards when saying "He".
"I'm not certain about that but I believe He will be understanding and perhaps forgive over time."
His soothing, smooth English accent put her at ease while he lead her to his bedroom up the stairs, politely opening the door for her. She sat down on the bed nervously fiddling with her top once more.
"Dear, perhaps we can try another method? It may not be as effective, yet, will most certainly reduce the risk of...pregnancy. That and I know how much you wish to marry first."
"What is it?"
She couldn't look at him as he sat down, draping a caring arm over her shoulder.
"Perhaps if a small amount of our blood were exchanged, it may work. This may be futile but we can only try, right?"
He willed a hopeful smile her way, fending of one of pain until seeing her clutch onto the source of her misery. She let out quiet, strained sobs as tears streamed down both cheeks, unable to even speak for a moment. He gently grabbed ahold both her forearms, attempting to placate her.
"Wynnie, dear, what do you think the best course of action to take is? I believe the more intimate one myself unfortunately but I leave the final decision up to you, nevertheless. Please tell me in some way before our time runs out."
She nodded her head quickly, forcing out a pained response. The realization fully dawned on them right then how even this might fail.
"Yes, please Frankie, just do it to me. I can't stand how much this hurts. Make it end..."
He turned out the lights undressed himself hastily then only removed her bottoms. He wanted to get this over with quickly since she felt more like his own daughter or a close niece. This situation was more than hurtful...It would most likely scar him and possibly her for the rest of their lives. She'd always come to him with some problem, dream or idea and he'd give advice when needed or just listen. He'd always been there for her and she, him. The dynamic between the two would never be the same after tonight. They'd never look at each other in the same way again.
He hesitated, forcing himself to begin.
"It will be all right, Wynnie. I promise you."
He felt between her legs which weren't all that wet. When willing his hand to keep moving he held onto her with his other, holding her head. She held onto his arms when feeling his finger penetrate, his next digit entering when she felt adjusted. A light whimper let out as he continued not wishing any discomfort on her part. He truly wished there were another alternative just as effective, they all did. But this had to be done no matter how horrible it made him feel.
"Are you ready, my dear?"
She opened tearful eyes at last, giving him a side glance. He awaited her response unmoving until hearing her consent.
"Do it, please."
He did look while gradually entering, hugging onto her and holding firmly while yet again giving ample time for adjustment. She called out at first with what resembled a sharp agonized groan then rubbed his back up and down in a pulling manner, urging him onward.
"Please Frankie..."
He obeyed, slowly and gently doing as told, still in disbelief of their current situation. Fighting back tears of his own he rested his face against her neck, now unable to help himself, moaning with unexpected desire. A tempting tongue licked her neck then trailed its way to her lips as he gave passionate, deep withheld kisses, his thrusts increasing in both speed and strength. What barely could be heard within the room now echoed, his slippery smacks against her canceling out the recent brief silence.
"I must admit, dear, this has been...a recurring fantasy of mine for the past few years. I've longed for you so badly...love."
"Yes baby, I wanted it too...I thought of you in such perverse ways even as a teenager. Maybe it was wrong but I couldn't help it either...You're so beautiful to me, inside and out."
He kissed her again this time but with a fierce intensity, penetrating rather roughly. It was hard to restrain himself the more she complimented and spoke so provocatively. He wanted this deep inside for quite a while, probably around the same time she began thinking of sexual scenarios with him. He noticed the way she acted around him at times upon turning sixteen...She could be rather bashful or barely able to meet his gaze. At least now he knew why. Sure he may never admit aloud how he felt similarly towards her even then and perhaps it was better that way.
"I'm almost there baby...Please don't stop."
Her longing, sultry moans spurred him onwards, begging him to continue. Not many words needed spoken as his climax neared, grip tightening.
"Yes baby, harder, please...I want you to take me harder."
"Ahh, Wynnie!"
He felt her insides clench around him suddenly, causing him to lose control of his own, releasing inside and experiencing a shared mind numbing high both panting heavily. His hands rubbed her shoulders while she lightly scratched his back, still entrapped between beguiling legs. They lied still until feeling ready to begin once more. He changed his mind from before aiming only to please her. Frankie never wished to let her go after this night. It was well understood he wasn't the only one desiring her but he'd be willing to share her if that's what she truly wanted. He couldn't go on without being this close, hoping she felt similarly.
...