CH 7 Free at last, free at last
~*~ONE YEAR AFTER CLARICE'S DECISION~*~
I looked out the window at the moon. It was beautiful. But I was hoping it would calm my sorrows. As I thought about my decision and everything I had left behind in France, a tear fell down my face. It was going to be a long, lonely night. Did I make the right choice?
A 'yes' whispered in my mind as I felt his right arm go around my waist, his hand resting protectively and lovingly on my rapidly expanding stomach. I lent back into his chest and closed my eyes. Yes, this was right- it was so right.
"What's my little Starling up to?" He asked in a warm but mischievous voice.
"Exercising…" as I say this the child that is growing inside me kick's at Hannibal's hand. "You're late, I thought I was going to be alone tonight."
"Work let up much quicker than expected, my dear. And what is my Starling up to?"
"Thinking…"
"Uh-oh- a dangerous past time Clarice…" He said, a teasing tone in his voice. "Did you send the package?"
I nodded. Yes I did. I just hope she understands….
~*~
Ardelia signed for the package. It had been a year since Clarice's disappearance and she still blamed herself. Opening the package, she found a VHS tape- without a thought she popped it in her VSR and pushed play. Clarice showed up on the screen. She looked difference. Her long auburn hair was longer and chestnut brown. He lips were puffier and the spark was still in her blue eyes. And she was…
"Hot damn Clarice- You're pregnant."
"Hey Ardelia!" Starling waved. "I know this is kind of a year late but I wanted to make sure we were safe. I miss you a lot. And I know you're first thought when you saw me was either- 'Good she's not dead' or 'hot damn your pregnant.' And yes I am- 7 months along. What I would do to have you here for some girl talk- Hannibal may be able to provide a lot of things but that's the one thing he can't give. If it's a girl I'm thinking of naming her middle name after her god mother- you of course." Starling giggled and smiled a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "And yes, Hannibal is the father. He's not keeping me here- not with drugs or force at least. Our love is keeping us together. I'm so happy Ardelia, so happy- I hope you experience this love that I am feeling. I really hope you'll understand. If you don't turn this in- I am sure we can have further correspondence but NO ONE can know. NO ONE, not Jack, not Dana, not the Guru. NO ONE. I hope I can trust you 'Delia, you're the one string I refuse to cut from my past life. I'm going to miss you girlfriend. Maybe I'll call you in a few years." Tears welled up both Starling's and Mapp's eyes but they both refused to release them. "See you around…" a wispy smile came on her face she reached forward and shut off the camera. "Love you." Starling mouthed just before the screen went black. Ardelia cried, whether in happiness or in sorrow she didn't know and still does not.
Starling and Mapp did stay in contact and remained friends, they even shared a few phone calls. But no one- not even Ardelia saw Hannibal Lecter or Clarice Starling again face to face. And they all lived…