CHAPTER 14
MARCO
I was helping Allie get settled on the couch when the phone rang. I quickly picked up her cordless phone and gave it too her.
She was looking frail and weak but I had a new sense of her bravery and her strong will. I liked her for the way she was and since she had been honest, I felt that I admired her even more than before. I had never lost faith that she was a good guy. I knew she was on our side.
After an "ohmigod" and a few "uh-huh's" she hung up the phone. I fluffed a few pillows and stuck them behind her head, propping her up so she could watch some tube.
"That was the hospital," she said. "They explained that my brother had been in an accident and he had to be flown by helicopter out of town for treatment. It looks like he's going to live."
Her face was cold, deep in thought. "Are you disappointed?"
"I don't know," replied. "I don't think I can try and kill him again, Marco. When I was in morph, I just kinda got lost in the snow leopard and let him do the work, like I wasn't really there. I don't know if I can bring myself to kill him again."
I patted her arm comfortingly. "You don't have to think about that now."
Allie closed her eyes. "You're right. I just should be happy to be alive."
She looked so beautiful lying on the couch. Something inside me stirred, a gesture of love, a finger of god, I'm not sure. I lifted my hand to her face. She opened her eyes and smiled at my touch.
"I'm happy you're alive."
I leaned closer to her and in an instant our lips were touching.
At that moment I felt I could kiss the old Marco goodbye. Sensitive Marco was making an appearance and I liked it. It was nice to trust Allie, to love her. It felt good.
I waited for her to fall asleep before I left. I learned a lot that night. About life, about family, about trust.
It was a good night.
The End
By & © 1999-2002 kel@twilightlost.net