The Christmas Cat
Chapter 7
By Vickietori
A/N: I'm glad all of you liked the last chappy... I was afraid I made it too boring... Well, this chapter's going to be much better, I promise ^-^ Some scenes may go by a little fast but I'll be more then happy to change anything if ya really want me to... Jus' don't flame me ^_^ Anyhoozerhankeydoodle, thank you sooo much for reviewing. I really appreciate it! Welp, here's the story... and a stupid little disclaimer *growls*
Disclaimer: I'm not even going to go there, k Disney??
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Bernard and Terri had returned to the appartment. Bernard sat in her living room, gazing at his watch every other second. He couldn't stop looking at it. He was worried.
What if I can't go back?? he asked himself over and over. What happens when I'm stuck here... With Terri. He broke his gaze from the watch and looked around the room. He then realized once he leaves one world, he would be in another... And he would be happy. Either way, he told himself aloud. I am going to be happy... But will everyone else?? He sighed.
Should I make up the couch for you or are you leaving soon?? asked Terri. She stepped from behind the corner of the wall with a towel over her head. She had been showering.
Oh... erm... I hadn't thought about that... admitted Bernard. He definitely didn't want to intrude.
Well I'll make it up just in case, Terri winked and folded the towel neatly atop of her head. Bernard smiled back nervously.
Well, not if it's too much trouble... started Bernard getting to his feet as Terri started to pull pillows off of the couch he was sitting on. She stopped and looked at him, surprised.
Trouble?? After all the trouble I've caused you?? Bernard, it's the least I could do... She looked at Bernard modestly before turning to pull the rest of the pillows off, tossing them on the next chair. Bernard smiled. I knew someday this pull-out would come in handy... Terri yanked off the cushions and tried hard to bring the heavy bed out.
Oh, let me help you... Terri scooted over as Bernard grabbed the handle. On the count of three... One... Two... Terri took in a deep breath and gripped the bar tight enough to make her knuckles turn white. The bed was lighter then they expected. With all of their strength put into it, the bed popped up like a synch. Terri tumbled to the floor with a thump making the towel on her head unravel. She laid on the carpet, rolling around with laughter. Bernard looked at her and too started laughing.
That thing gets lighter with the help of two people eh?? Bernard asked her once his laughter got controllable. Slowly, Terri's laughter died down. She sat up and crossed her legs.
Usually Bro. is strong enough to lift it out on his own. I'm so bad living here on my own! She giggled some more and got to her feet. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Terri looked toward the door and frowned.
Wonder who that could be... She walked to the door and peeked through the peek hole.
Who is it?? Bernard asked coming behind her.
Oh! It's Kia!
My neighbor... She and I are friends... She then opened the door. Kia! How are you, girl?? She hugged her friend tenderly.
Oh same ol' same ol'... How was your trip?? You have got to tell me... Oh! Whose this?? Kia grinned as she saw Bernard. I see you brought back a friend... Bernard looked at Kia nervously. She looked like a typical girl. She had short brownish blonde hair pulled back in a half-ponitail. She had curious green eyes, and a nice smile.
This is Bernard. He was kind enough to come back with me to make sure everything was okay.
Pleased to meet you, said Kia shaking Bernard's hand.
Yeah, uh, same here.
Where are you from??
Oh a place far north of here. The same old excuse Bernard would use for every occasion. He looked at Terri and grinned. Terri had her hand over her mouth as she started giggling again. Secret keeping was a specialty of hers, but it always made her giggle no matter what.
Lets just say this is the first time he's seen the ocean, managed to say Terri. Kia looked back at her friend with an eyebrow raised. She looked back at Bernard, pointed, and then broke out in laughter. Bernard watched as the girl gripped her stomach and whipped the joyous tears from her eyes. Then, he flinched and cried out in pain as it felt as though his stomach was hit by something hard. He fell backward hitting the wall and sliding to the floor.
... Bernard?! Terri frantically leaned down to Bernard as he shuddered in pain. Terri put a hand on his shoulder and looked at him, confused. Bernard what's going on?! she demanded. Bernard breathed heavily and kept his eyes locked shut. Terri then noticed one of his clenched hand open. Dripping out of his left palm was a pool dark red blood. Her eyes widened and she quickly put a hand over her mouth to hold back her screams. Kia also was terrified.
Terri... what's happening?? she asked in a frantic, hoarse whisper.
I don't know... Terri breathed staring at Bernard's palms.
Should I call a doctor??
No... I think you better leave though...
But I-
Terri said seriously turning around to her friend. Kia nodded.
If you need anything you know where to find me. She opened the door and stepped outside.
Thank you. Kia nodded and closed the door. Terri put a hand to Bernard's cheek and to her he felt cold. With her touch, his eyes flew open and he stared widely at her. Terri flinched, for Bernard's eyes were bloodshot... and the cores were gray. Everything seemed to go by slowly as Terri watch Bernard's eyes close, leading him to unconsciousness.
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Bernard sat up straight, making the blanked pulled around him fall to the ground. He felt an overwhelming pain in his lower chest and fell backwards. He could feel sweat pouring from his brow as he breathed heavily, taking in hard blows of pain. When the pain died, he wearily opened his eyes. He looked around at his surroundings to find he was still at Terri's condo.
Slowly, he lifted his left hand and looked at the dried blood. He squinted in confusion, and looked at the rest of himself. He came to find he was lying on Terri's pull-out couch and also was no longer wearing his hoddie. He had a white bandage wrapped around his chest. The middle part was stained red with his blood. His head fell back and he took in a deep breath. He couldn't figure out what had happened to him... or why. He remembered meeting Kia and feeling an incredible amount of pain... but that was it.
Bernard opened his eyes and lifted his head. From around the corner, Terri came about. Her eyes were red and bloodshot. Noticing he was awake, she hurried to where he lay. Are you all right?? she asked gripping his right hand. Bernard looked at her (his core color back to normal) and slowly nodded.
I'm fine, he said hoarsely. Terri took in a breath and smiled. What happened though?? Terri's smile faded.
I don't know... she said shaking her head. It all happened so fast... First I was introducing you to Kia... and then this happened... She nodded toward Bernard's bandaged body. I could tell you were in pain, but I couldn't see any blood through your shirt. There was a puddle of it in your hands, but I couldn't tell where it had come from. Then you looked at me... your eyes were gray... It looked as though you were becoming something, but somehow I could tell you were still yourself. You fell into unconsciousness then... She sighed and lowered her eyes.
Good thing we pulled out the couch-bed thingy, eh?? Bernard tried to lighten Terri's spirits. She looked at him, and a small smile spread on her face.
Has the bleeding stopped?? she asked Bernard. He looked at the bandage and pressed his right hand to it. He pulled it away, and a light coat of fresh blood stained his palm.
I don't think so...
Damnit! And I just ran out of bandages... Umm, I'll be right back, okay?? I'm going to go to the drug store to get some more bandages. Will you be all right here alone?? Bernard smiled.
Don't worry! I'm older then you think... He groaned as he tried to lift himself from the couch, but failed and fell. Terri put a hand on his shoulder.
Don't try to sit up... she then looked at the wound. Every time you do, the blood flow increases... Bernard looked down at the wound himself and saw the red circle spread slightly. He clenched his fist and pounded the bed beside him and threw his head back with frustration. Terri watched him and could feel his pain. Just don't do anything. She then left Bernard. He watched Terri walk away from him, her golden hair trailing behind her made her seem heavenly. He closed his eyes again and did as she instructed. He lay there as though he had died... Doing nothing.
~*~
Why did the damn clerk have to take so long... Terri thought as she stuck her purse inside the plastic bag full of bandages.
Kia appeared out of the shadows of one of the buildings. Terri nearly toppled backwards out of surprise. She held her hand over her heart and looked at Kia.
You scared the crap outta me, girl! Kia laughed and walked beside her friend.
I am pretty scary aren't I?? Kia giggled making Terri do the same. How's... Bernard was it??
Bernard is doing fine, don't worry. I just had to run over to the drug store to pick up more bandages. You see, the puddle of blood in his left hand was from his bleeding stomach...
God... how did any of that happen?? Terri stopped walking and shook her head seriously.
I don't know, she said quietly. Out of the corner of her eye, both Terri and Kia saw something move in the shadows of the tightly packed houses. Quickly, Terri jumped to where the thing had moved and pressed her back to Kia's. Both of the girls luckily had taken three years of karate recently.
Who is it?? demanded Kia. She raised her fists in a ready position and looked hard to where Terri could not.
Come out! Terri called into the shadows, the brick wall in-between the houses echoed her voice. From the tight little space where Terri had called, a man stepped from the shadows. Quickly Terri nudged her friend in the back. Kia spun around, ready to face their opponent.
What are two pretty girls like yourselves doing on the streets of California?? the man asked in a deep voice.
None of your business! Kia shot back.
Terri rummaged through her wallet and pulled out some money. If you want my money, take it! I have to get home... She threw the money at the street thug and pulled Kia behind her and started to run. Slowly, more thugs revealed themselves from the shadows. Terri skidded to a halt on the damp street pavement and began to step back, Kia doing the same as she.
Terri... We're surrounded! Kia said over her shoulder completely terrified.
I know I know just stay calm! We can take them on... Terri dropped her bag beside her and put up her clenched fists. A look of hate and readiness filled her eyes. Behind her she could feel Kia doing the same.
One the count of three... Kia readied. One... Two...
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cliffhanger... MWAHAHAHAHA!!! Next chapter is the final one... but remember R&R or no more chappies ^_^ latrz!