Chapter Four
She heard something clang, then a loud crash. The sound scared her awake.
What was that? Who was there? Was it Joshua?
"Rafe!" Alison called out as she sat up and reached for him.
"Damnit!!" she heard him say from across the room.
Her heart was beating like crazy, but she quickly realized she was safe. The nightmares might still come, probably would for a while, but as soon as she opened her eyes she knew she was OK. She was home. She was with Rafe. At least she thought he was there. She had just heard his voice but when she looked around the apartment but couldn't see him anywhere. "Rafe?" she asked, "Where are you?"
"Ouch! Son of a -! Hold on, one second."
Curious, she threw back the blankets and got out of bed. Walking toward the kitchen she said again, "Rafe?"
She saw him then. He was bent over, peering into the oven. She began to smile. "Rafe. What are you doing?"
He stood up straight and knocked over a carton of milk with his elbow, spilling it all over the counter. "Alison - what are you doing out of bed?"
"You look like you could use some help."
"No. It's OK. Seriously, I've got it all under control." Rafe grabbed about 10 paper towels at once and tried to mop up the spill.
"Oh. I can see that." Her voice filled with laughter.
"You need to rest. Go. I'll be there in a second."
Alison looked at Rafe, nearly speechless. He was so incredibly sweet. He was actually trying to cook her breakfast.
Trying being the key word. From what she could tell - she'd better have a big lunch.
"Rafe? Are you sure? Let me just." she moved toward him.
He caught her around the waist and kissed her quickly. "Alison. Please? Just go back to bed. I'll be right there."
Kissing him back she agreed to do what he asked. "OK. OK. I'm going."
Alison turned and walked back toward the bed. She must have turned too quickly, because she suddenly felt really dizzy. She put out her hand and caught the edge of the night table to steady her self. Maybe Rafe was right, she thought. I should get some more rest. I've been through a lot these past few weeks.
She climbed back into bed and began to snuggle in, glancing at the clock as she did. It was nearly noon. She loved sleeping late. Too bad Rafe wouldn't let her most days. I'll have to work on that, she thought.
Many minutes later she saw him walk toward her, carefully carrying a tray. Who is luckier than me? She thought with a grin.
"What have you been up to?" She asked, her eyes squinting in amusement.
"I figured you'd be hungry, so I."
".fixed me breakfast?" She finished his sentence.
"Yeah. I just -. If you don't like it - I'll understand. I can go out and get you something from the diner."
"Rafe, stop. If you made it for me I'm sure I'll love it."
"Well, you know. I tried."
Alison sat up against the pillows behind her back, smoothing the blankets around her as Rafe placed the tray on her lap. He was too cute, she thought as she looked at him. He'd even put a pink rose in a small vase on the tray. She picked up the rose and sniffed it.
As she did she said with a sigh. "Did I tell you today how much I love you?"
"Better wait until you taste it first before you say that." he said, looking guilty.
"Doesn't matter. Even if it tastes horrible - I'll still love you."
"I love you too." Rafe said as he leaned in to kiss her. He sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. He grinned as he reached over and pulled the strap of her nightgown back onto her shoulder. He loved how it just would never stay up.
"So, chef." She said giggling. "What's today's special?"
"Oh." Rafe was surprised at the question, since she could see what he'd made for herself. "It's scrambled eggs."
Alison looked down at the plate in her lap. Hmm, really? Which were the eggs? She thought as she peered closer to the plate. That's scary. She thought. I can't actually tell.
"Scrambled eggs and.?" she asked, trying for another clue. She could see there was toast, and he hadn't even burned it. She could at least eat that.
"There used to be bacon." He said sheepishly.
"Used to be?" she asked, trying to hold back her laughter.
"I burnt the first batch - and then - I uh. I sort of got hungry while I made the eggs so I."
"You ate all the bacon?" She had to laugh then. He was so adorable; he looked just like a little boy who knew he was in trouble.
"Yeah. I'm sorry. I thought there was still some left - but I didn't pay enough attention."
"It's OK." She said as she brought a hand to his cheek. "I appreciate the thought."
"So. Aren't you going to eat?"
"ummm. Sure. It looks delicious." Alison picked up the fork and stabbed at the "eggs" on her plate. She brought the fork to her mouth and paused for a second. They smelled like eggs. She looked at Rafe, who was staring at her nervously. Oh for God's sake, just eat some and make him happy, she scolded herself. How badly could he screw up eggs? She opened her mouth and took a big bite.
You know what? They were definitely overcooked, but they actually tasted pretty good. Where did he get the idea for this? She thought. She could even taste cheddar cheese and onions as she chewed and swallowed.
Swallowing. That was the problem.
The eggs seemed to lodge in her throat. She tried swallowing again but they would not go down. Alison suddenly felt unbelievably sick to her stomach. She turned nine shades of green in an instant.
"Rafe. Oh God, get out of the way."
Alison frantically pushed the tray at him. Rafe caught it as she ran from the bed and into the bathroom.
And that was the end of her breakfast.
Rafe brought the tray back into the kitchen as he watched the door to the bathroom swing closed. Placing it on the table, he moved to stand outside the bathroom door. He faintly heard the sound of Alison sniffling and water running inside.
"Alison?" he asked, his voice full of concern. "You OK?"
The door slowly opened. Alison's eyes were teary as her hand gripped the doorframe to steady herself. She wiped at her nose with a tissue.
"I'm OK." She looked up and gave Rafe a weak smile.
"Alison. I am so, so sorry. I didn't think it was going to quite be gourmet but I didn't think it would be that bad. I didn't mean to make you sick. I was just trying to do something nice for you." He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"Rafe. No - don't be silly." she leaned into him as he helped her back to bed. "It wasn't the eggs. One bite could never make me that sick. I barely even swallowed them. I must have a virus or something - some sort of bug."
"Well, it's no wonder you've come down with something considering all you've been through lately."
"You're right." Alison sighed as she sank into the pillows "I guess I just need to rest some more."
"Yeah, you do." Rafe agreed. He pulled the blanket up to her chin. "Let me get you some water." He said, kissing her forehead. She heard him moving toward the kitchen.
He was back by her side in seconds. Handing her a glass of water, Rafe looked into her eyes and smoothed her hair.
Alison took a sip and placed the glass on the night table. She put her head back down and her eyes fluttered closed almost immediately.
"Thank you - and thank you for breakfast, too. Rafe, that was so sweet of you."
"You're welcome." He said, knowing now for sure that the only thing he was good at making was reservations.
Rafe ran his hand over her hair again and watched her fall back asleep. He bent over and kissed her cheek, then moved back towards the kitchen to repair the damage.
Even though the huge mess he had made kept him busy, his mind was racing, thinking of Alison.
Maybe it was just the flu or something. Maybe it was the whole ordeal of being held captive by Joshua. Maybe it was the shock of learning about her sister. It could be a combination of all of those things.
Rafe knew one thing for sure. He didn't like seeing her sick. He hated seeing her suffer at all. He continued to worry as he looked at the pan he'd used to cook the bacon. It was hopeless. He should really just throw it away and buy her a new one he thought as he tossed it into the garbage.
About an hour later he took a look around - he was pretty impressed with himself. He'd gotten the place back almost to normal.
Normal. There was that word again.
It was ironic. Here he was, a former angel, a vampire slayer who had the incredible luck to fall in love with the most incredible woman. Problem? She wanted normal. He had tried to be before. He had cut his hair, shaved his beard, rented this place and promised her a normal life.
Seems being normal together is a lot harder than they thought.
It really was just his problem. She could do it. In a heartbeat she could live an ordinary, perfectly average life. If she'd fallen in love with someone else she probably would have.
Except, when he thought about it, the only other person she'd been in love with was Jamal - and he was now a vampire.
Rafe looked over at her again, still worried. As he did he realized Alison had begun to stir, she was tossing back and forth. Suddenly, she sat up in bed.
"Ugh! Oh God!" she cried, running past him again as he simply looked on, feeling helpless.
A few minutes later he followed her to the bathroom and gently pushed the door open.
"Alison?" he called softly.
She was crouched on the floor, holding her stomach. He moved to sit beside her.
Alison curled up into a ball, pressing her cheek to the cool tile floor. "No. Rafe. Go away. Just leave me alone. I don't want you to see me like this."
"Like what? Sick? Don't be ridiculous, I've seen sick people before." He rubbed her back, hoping to soothe her.
"Yeah." She said as she moved to sit up. "But.I know I look awful when I'm sick like this."
Rafe began to laugh. "Alison. Look at you. You're beautiful."
"Shut up. It's not funny. I'm a mess." She said and began to cry.
"Yeah, maybe. But you're a beautiful mess." He said, as he wiped the tears from her cheeks.
He stood up and ran a washcloth under the faucet, drenching it in cold water. Wringing it out, he knelt back beside her and folded it up, pressing the cool cloth to her forehead.
"Where'd you learn how to do this?" She asked, completely in awe.
"Do what?"
"Take such good care of me."
"I don't know. It comes very easily to me. I guess I was just born to do it." He said as he smiled at her.
"Rafe - I'm sick." Alison said, sniffling back her tears.
"No kidding?" Rafe replied, laughing.
"I hate being sick." She said, sounding almost like a child.
"Well, I hate seeing you sick, so let's try and get you better so I don't have to watch." He placed the washcloth on the sink and handed her a tissue.
"I really, really hate it." Alison continued as she took the tissue and blew her nose.
"So you've said."
She looked up at him and said as if it was the most important thing on earth, "I have to brush my teeth."
"OK." He said with a grin as he helped her to stand up.
She brushed her teeth quickly, the taste of peppermint actually settling her stomach a bit. She suddenly felt much better.
Alison turned to look at Rafe. His grin grew wider as he saw a bit of toothpaste still clinging to the corner of her mouth. He rubbed it away with his thumb, his fingers lingering on her cheek as he looked lovingly into her eyes.
"All done?" He asked.
Alison nodded in reply.
"OK. Now - my beautiful mess. Let's get you back to bed." Rafe turned her around and kissed the top of her head as he gently shoved her towards the door. "Do you think you can walk?"
"Rafe. Stop. Of course, I can walk." Alison insisted, but as soon as she tried to move she was suddenly dizzy.
Rafe caught her in his arms as her knees gave out.
"OK - no walking." Rafe said, getting worried about her again as he scooped her up into his arms.
Alison laid her head on his shoulder and curled her arm around his neck. He gently placed her back on the bed.
As she lied down she kept her arm curled around him, pulling his face close to hers.
"Rafe?" she asked, her voice soft.
"Yes?" he whispered back.
"Will you come to bed too?"
"Why? I'm not sick." He teased.
"Rafe. Please?" She said, her voice serious. "Can you just hold me till I go back to sleep? You make me feel so much better."
"Oh, all right, if I have to." he sighed as he lied down beside her, pulling her close and kissing the back of her neck. "Man, this is such a tough job."
Alison pulled his arms closer around her and settled in. She lifted his hand and linked her fingers with his. "Well, too bad. Stop complaining. Don't you even think about quitting," She said, with a smile, her voice sounding groggy in seconds.
He felt her breathing slow as she fell asleep before he could even answer. It didn't matter if he answered her anyway. She had nothing to worry about. He planned to keep this job for the rest of his life.
She heard something clang, then a loud crash. The sound scared her awake.
What was that? Who was there? Was it Joshua?
"Rafe!" Alison called out as she sat up and reached for him.
"Damnit!!" she heard him say from across the room.
Her heart was beating like crazy, but she quickly realized she was safe. The nightmares might still come, probably would for a while, but as soon as she opened her eyes she knew she was OK. She was home. She was with Rafe. At least she thought he was there. She had just heard his voice but when she looked around the apartment but couldn't see him anywhere. "Rafe?" she asked, "Where are you?"
"Ouch! Son of a -! Hold on, one second."
Curious, she threw back the blankets and got out of bed. Walking toward the kitchen she said again, "Rafe?"
She saw him then. He was bent over, peering into the oven. She began to smile. "Rafe. What are you doing?"
He stood up straight and knocked over a carton of milk with his elbow, spilling it all over the counter. "Alison - what are you doing out of bed?"
"You look like you could use some help."
"No. It's OK. Seriously, I've got it all under control." Rafe grabbed about 10 paper towels at once and tried to mop up the spill.
"Oh. I can see that." Her voice filled with laughter.
"You need to rest. Go. I'll be there in a second."
Alison looked at Rafe, nearly speechless. He was so incredibly sweet. He was actually trying to cook her breakfast.
Trying being the key word. From what she could tell - she'd better have a big lunch.
"Rafe? Are you sure? Let me just." she moved toward him.
He caught her around the waist and kissed her quickly. "Alison. Please? Just go back to bed. I'll be right there."
Kissing him back she agreed to do what he asked. "OK. OK. I'm going."
Alison turned and walked back toward the bed. She must have turned too quickly, because she suddenly felt really dizzy. She put out her hand and caught the edge of the night table to steady her self. Maybe Rafe was right, she thought. I should get some more rest. I've been through a lot these past few weeks.
She climbed back into bed and began to snuggle in, glancing at the clock as she did. It was nearly noon. She loved sleeping late. Too bad Rafe wouldn't let her most days. I'll have to work on that, she thought.
Many minutes later she saw him walk toward her, carefully carrying a tray. Who is luckier than me? She thought with a grin.
"What have you been up to?" She asked, her eyes squinting in amusement.
"I figured you'd be hungry, so I."
".fixed me breakfast?" She finished his sentence.
"Yeah. I just -. If you don't like it - I'll understand. I can go out and get you something from the diner."
"Rafe, stop. If you made it for me I'm sure I'll love it."
"Well, you know. I tried."
Alison sat up against the pillows behind her back, smoothing the blankets around her as Rafe placed the tray on her lap. He was too cute, she thought as she looked at him. He'd even put a pink rose in a small vase on the tray. She picked up the rose and sniffed it.
As she did she said with a sigh. "Did I tell you today how much I love you?"
"Better wait until you taste it first before you say that." he said, looking guilty.
"Doesn't matter. Even if it tastes horrible - I'll still love you."
"I love you too." Rafe said as he leaned in to kiss her. He sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. He grinned as he reached over and pulled the strap of her nightgown back onto her shoulder. He loved how it just would never stay up.
"So, chef." She said giggling. "What's today's special?"
"Oh." Rafe was surprised at the question, since she could see what he'd made for herself. "It's scrambled eggs."
Alison looked down at the plate in her lap. Hmm, really? Which were the eggs? She thought as she peered closer to the plate. That's scary. She thought. I can't actually tell.
"Scrambled eggs and.?" she asked, trying for another clue. She could see there was toast, and he hadn't even burned it. She could at least eat that.
"There used to be bacon." He said sheepishly.
"Used to be?" she asked, trying to hold back her laughter.
"I burnt the first batch - and then - I uh. I sort of got hungry while I made the eggs so I."
"You ate all the bacon?" She had to laugh then. He was so adorable; he looked just like a little boy who knew he was in trouble.
"Yeah. I'm sorry. I thought there was still some left - but I didn't pay enough attention."
"It's OK." She said as she brought a hand to his cheek. "I appreciate the thought."
"So. Aren't you going to eat?"
"ummm. Sure. It looks delicious." Alison picked up the fork and stabbed at the "eggs" on her plate. She brought the fork to her mouth and paused for a second. They smelled like eggs. She looked at Rafe, who was staring at her nervously. Oh for God's sake, just eat some and make him happy, she scolded herself. How badly could he screw up eggs? She opened her mouth and took a big bite.
You know what? They were definitely overcooked, but they actually tasted pretty good. Where did he get the idea for this? She thought. She could even taste cheddar cheese and onions as she chewed and swallowed.
Swallowing. That was the problem.
The eggs seemed to lodge in her throat. She tried swallowing again but they would not go down. Alison suddenly felt unbelievably sick to her stomach. She turned nine shades of green in an instant.
"Rafe. Oh God, get out of the way."
Alison frantically pushed the tray at him. Rafe caught it as she ran from the bed and into the bathroom.
And that was the end of her breakfast.
Rafe brought the tray back into the kitchen as he watched the door to the bathroom swing closed. Placing it on the table, he moved to stand outside the bathroom door. He faintly heard the sound of Alison sniffling and water running inside.
"Alison?" he asked, his voice full of concern. "You OK?"
The door slowly opened. Alison's eyes were teary as her hand gripped the doorframe to steady herself. She wiped at her nose with a tissue.
"I'm OK." She looked up and gave Rafe a weak smile.
"Alison. I am so, so sorry. I didn't think it was going to quite be gourmet but I didn't think it would be that bad. I didn't mean to make you sick. I was just trying to do something nice for you." He put his arm around her and pulled her close.
"Rafe. No - don't be silly." she leaned into him as he helped her back to bed. "It wasn't the eggs. One bite could never make me that sick. I barely even swallowed them. I must have a virus or something - some sort of bug."
"Well, it's no wonder you've come down with something considering all you've been through lately."
"You're right." Alison sighed as she sank into the pillows "I guess I just need to rest some more."
"Yeah, you do." Rafe agreed. He pulled the blanket up to her chin. "Let me get you some water." He said, kissing her forehead. She heard him moving toward the kitchen.
He was back by her side in seconds. Handing her a glass of water, Rafe looked into her eyes and smoothed her hair.
Alison took a sip and placed the glass on the night table. She put her head back down and her eyes fluttered closed almost immediately.
"Thank you - and thank you for breakfast, too. Rafe, that was so sweet of you."
"You're welcome." He said, knowing now for sure that the only thing he was good at making was reservations.
Rafe ran his hand over her hair again and watched her fall back asleep. He bent over and kissed her cheek, then moved back towards the kitchen to repair the damage.
Even though the huge mess he had made kept him busy, his mind was racing, thinking of Alison.
Maybe it was just the flu or something. Maybe it was the whole ordeal of being held captive by Joshua. Maybe it was the shock of learning about her sister. It could be a combination of all of those things.
Rafe knew one thing for sure. He didn't like seeing her sick. He hated seeing her suffer at all. He continued to worry as he looked at the pan he'd used to cook the bacon. It was hopeless. He should really just throw it away and buy her a new one he thought as he tossed it into the garbage.
About an hour later he took a look around - he was pretty impressed with himself. He'd gotten the place back almost to normal.
Normal. There was that word again.
It was ironic. Here he was, a former angel, a vampire slayer who had the incredible luck to fall in love with the most incredible woman. Problem? She wanted normal. He had tried to be before. He had cut his hair, shaved his beard, rented this place and promised her a normal life.
Seems being normal together is a lot harder than they thought.
It really was just his problem. She could do it. In a heartbeat she could live an ordinary, perfectly average life. If she'd fallen in love with someone else she probably would have.
Except, when he thought about it, the only other person she'd been in love with was Jamal - and he was now a vampire.
Rafe looked over at her again, still worried. As he did he realized Alison had begun to stir, she was tossing back and forth. Suddenly, she sat up in bed.
"Ugh! Oh God!" she cried, running past him again as he simply looked on, feeling helpless.
A few minutes later he followed her to the bathroom and gently pushed the door open.
"Alison?" he called softly.
She was crouched on the floor, holding her stomach. He moved to sit beside her.
Alison curled up into a ball, pressing her cheek to the cool tile floor. "No. Rafe. Go away. Just leave me alone. I don't want you to see me like this."
"Like what? Sick? Don't be ridiculous, I've seen sick people before." He rubbed her back, hoping to soothe her.
"Yeah." She said as she moved to sit up. "But.I know I look awful when I'm sick like this."
Rafe began to laugh. "Alison. Look at you. You're beautiful."
"Shut up. It's not funny. I'm a mess." She said and began to cry.
"Yeah, maybe. But you're a beautiful mess." He said, as he wiped the tears from her cheeks.
He stood up and ran a washcloth under the faucet, drenching it in cold water. Wringing it out, he knelt back beside her and folded it up, pressing the cool cloth to her forehead.
"Where'd you learn how to do this?" She asked, completely in awe.
"Do what?"
"Take such good care of me."
"I don't know. It comes very easily to me. I guess I was just born to do it." He said as he smiled at her.
"Rafe - I'm sick." Alison said, sniffling back her tears.
"No kidding?" Rafe replied, laughing.
"I hate being sick." She said, sounding almost like a child.
"Well, I hate seeing you sick, so let's try and get you better so I don't have to watch." He placed the washcloth on the sink and handed her a tissue.
"I really, really hate it." Alison continued as she took the tissue and blew her nose.
"So you've said."
She looked up at him and said as if it was the most important thing on earth, "I have to brush my teeth."
"OK." He said with a grin as he helped her to stand up.
She brushed her teeth quickly, the taste of peppermint actually settling her stomach a bit. She suddenly felt much better.
Alison turned to look at Rafe. His grin grew wider as he saw a bit of toothpaste still clinging to the corner of her mouth. He rubbed it away with his thumb, his fingers lingering on her cheek as he looked lovingly into her eyes.
"All done?" He asked.
Alison nodded in reply.
"OK. Now - my beautiful mess. Let's get you back to bed." Rafe turned her around and kissed the top of her head as he gently shoved her towards the door. "Do you think you can walk?"
"Rafe. Stop. Of course, I can walk." Alison insisted, but as soon as she tried to move she was suddenly dizzy.
Rafe caught her in his arms as her knees gave out.
"OK - no walking." Rafe said, getting worried about her again as he scooped her up into his arms.
Alison laid her head on his shoulder and curled her arm around his neck. He gently placed her back on the bed.
As she lied down she kept her arm curled around him, pulling his face close to hers.
"Rafe?" she asked, her voice soft.
"Yes?" he whispered back.
"Will you come to bed too?"
"Why? I'm not sick." He teased.
"Rafe. Please?" She said, her voice serious. "Can you just hold me till I go back to sleep? You make me feel so much better."
"Oh, all right, if I have to." he sighed as he lied down beside her, pulling her close and kissing the back of her neck. "Man, this is such a tough job."
Alison pulled his arms closer around her and settled in. She lifted his hand and linked her fingers with his. "Well, too bad. Stop complaining. Don't you even think about quitting," She said, with a smile, her voice sounding groggy in seconds.
He felt her breathing slow as she fell asleep before he could even answer. It didn't matter if he answered her anyway. She had nothing to worry about. He planned to keep this job for the rest of his life.