Disclaimer: I'm writing this for the entire story. It covers everything so I don't have to write it again. I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters but I do own my own characters like Shane in this chapter and would prefer if they remain mine alone. Thank you. I revised this chapter.
Rap-Rap-Rap-Rap!
Shane couldn't believe it. Here he was just enjoying his evening, alone, doing nothing wrong but sitting back and eating his dinner. Alone. Brooding into the fire while the rain poured down outside, alone. Who would visit him this late at night in this storm? Who would visit him at all? He only went into town for groceries and that was once a month. Most people didn't even know he existed. His own mother thought he was dead.
Rap-Rap-Rap-Rap!!!!!!
He pushed himself out of his old worn armchair and walked to the door. The banging had ceased but he opened it anyway. Standing there was the most rain-soaked ragged looking, beautiful woman standing there. "She'd be about twenty something…" he thought with passing. It didn't matter though…she had no right to disturb him at this time.
"Who the hell are you?"
She hesitated. It was only slightly, but he still saw it. His training had required him to see things like this. Why did she hesitate?
"Elizabeth." She was staring at him. It shouldn't have bothered him. He was used to people staring at him, what with his grotesque scare on his left cheek. But it bothered him all the same. He snapped out of his daze and realized that she hadn't said anything further. Like she was expecting him to ask almost.
"Well Miss Elizabeth. What are you doing on my doorstep at this time of night in this storm."
"I'm having some car trouble. Can I use your phone to call the nearest mechanic?"
"Well as much as I would love to let a doll like you use my phone, I don't have one."
"What do you mean you don't have a phone?"
"Just like I said it princess…I…Don't…Have…A…Phone. I don't even have electricity."
"What a terrible way to live. Why not?"
"Electricity means you have to pay bills…which means you have to interact with people…which means you have to have a phone, which makes noise, which I don't want so good night!" He proceeded to close the door in her face.
She stopped the door with her hand. He looked at it and then at her.
"Yes?"
"Look could I at least use your restroom to dry off a little, please?"
"No. I don't have a "restroom." I have an outhouse. Your welcome to use that but it's probably just as wet as you are."
"Well what am I supposed to do? I have no where to go."
"There's a hotel in town."
" I don't have a way to get there. Could you give me a lift?" She really didn't want to ride with a stranger, but she really had no choice.
Shane looked at this girl standing dripping on his porch. She was shivering from the cold and she looked like she could use a good night's sleep. There were huge bags under her ice blue eyes now that he looked closer. There was no way anyone could drive in this storm. It was too dense. She was lucky to have made it this far. He had a couch. It wouldn't hurt. He just didn't do well with company. Just one night was all. Just one!
"I can't take you tonight, but if you want you can sleep here tonight and I'll take you in the mourning."
Relena thought about it. She didn't know this man. She didn't know anything about him. He could be a serial killer for all she knew. But she really didn't know of any other option. The positive thing was that it seem like he didn't recognize her. That was her greatest fear. "Thank you mister…"
"Shane Coldric."
"Mister Coldric."
"Shane."
"Excuse me?"
"Shane. I don't let people refer to me by my last name."
"Oh…well Shane, thank you. I would greatly appreciate it."
Shane stood aside so she could enter.
"Living room and couch are through there. I'll get you a towel and a cup of tea."
"I appreciate it." She turned to him with a smiling. It was the loveliest smile he had ever seen, and then she slumped to the floor.
"Shit."