You've made it past that long chapter, only to have another to go… Sorry, about that, hope this answers a few questions… Or maybe not :) Please R&R (even if it isn't your cup of tea). Not too sure, this could be it in this series, time to visit other possibilities…
Characters: Rube/Roxy and Georgia with a splash of Delores Herbig
Abstract: Some answers and still an unanswered question. Will they, or won't they find their way back to each other?
Disclaimer: Dead Like Me and its characters are the creation of Bryan Fuller et al. and copy written under MGM/Showtime/etc. No infringement of their rights is intended. The stories written under the penname Gabigail, however, do belong to me. None are written for profit and are intended for entertainment purposes only.
Moving Towards Something?
There are times when I cannot help but find myself marvelling at the wisdom that sprouts from the lips of our young today. Perhaps it's partially due to some jaded experience in life, there again maybe not. Is it possible that it's something as simple as general observation? I'm still unsure, but whatever it is, I'm thinking that George, while still very inexperienced in life seems to have an interesting handle on her afterlife, even more so than I'm sure any of us had when we first crossed into this undead existence. My undead philosophy has always been to remain upon the fringe, never allowing myself to get too attached to the living, and most importantly never allow them to know that you exist, for if they had any idea about us, things could get out of hand. But somehow, George has managed to find her place among the living, perhaps better than she had when she had been alive.
Like everyone else in the elevator, except a couple of what look to be accountants who are deep in some conversation pertaining to figures I'm sure, I stare up at the numbers above the door and watch as they ascend. As the lift comes to a stop at my floor and the doors part, I quickly put tuck my thoughts away and step off entering "Millie's" world, the very odd world of Happy Time. I pass the receptionist, a very odd busy body of a woman, who I'm fairly certain knows more about everyone on this floor than any of them know about themselves. Crystal, I think her name is and she reminds me of one of those women from the beehive days, which nearly causes me to shudder as I carefully navigate through the maze of cubicles, in hopes of avoiding that woman named Delores. I find George's workspace and noticing that she's so wrapped up in her work she doesn't notice me standing there, so I gently tap the waist high barrier. Closing whatever she had been working on, she turns to find me leaning against the partition, my arms resting on the top.
"Rube!" she says in a slightly surprised voice, but with a kind smile. I smile back.
"Is this a bad time?" I ask quietly.
"No, not at all. I was just finishing up a few things, but they can wait. You look as though you need to talk." She adds.
"Millie could I." Delores stops herself short of whatever she wanted to ask George noting me standing there. Oh great! I cannot help myself thinking. "Oh hello, Rube." She adds with her brightest of smiles, that just brushes me the wrong way today.
"Good day Delores." I say trying not to frown.
"Millie, I didn't know you had a meeting today." She says quietly so as not to draw too much attention. George looks at her quizzically for a moment before telling her the truth, which I'm fairly certain is the first time.
"I don't. Rube and I are just going out for lunch." She says.
"Well then, you and I will talk later." Delores says with a wink. George just continues to smile brightly before logging off her computer and getting her things.
"Let's get out of here." She sighs, grabbing my arm and nearly dragging me to the lift.
We walk to a restaurant that I've never heard of. It's fairly nice with the perfect business luncheon décor and atmosphere. The hostess seats us beside a lovely large window and places our menus on the table in front of us with a pleasant smile. George looks at me for a long moment before picking up her menu.
"You still have that look Rube. What's on your mind?" she inquires as she lowers her menu enough to see me and peruse at the same time. I follow suit.
"I'm sure you know that I'm curious as to how your very unusual reap went. You seem to be okay at least. I couldn't help but be worried about you." I say as I decide on soup and a club sandwich. She tilts her head to the side in response.
"Are you sure that you can handle my telling you what happened?" she questions me and I nod. "Collin really was quite the stalker that day." She begins her story of what happened, but stops just as our waitress arrives.
"Good afternoon. My name is Tanya and I'll be your server today. May I get you an appetizer? Or something to drink if you're not ready to order." She seems very nice, but I think George has already decided.
"I'll have a BLT sandwich and an ice tea." She says with a smile as she closes her menu.
"The mushroom soup and a club sandwich with an ice tea as well please." I reply as she takes our menus and leaves us to our conversation.
"The strangest thing was that it wasn't that difficult to lure him into a secluded ally. I don't know if I've ever seen evil before, at least I don't think I have, but after reaping his soul I was left with the strangest sensation. As I glided my hand down his arm, I saw everything that he did in his life and even in the limbo that followed. I understood why he wanted Tessa to be the one to release him, yet he somehow got why it had to be me. Rube, I now have an understanding of death that I never thought possible, nor would I want to wish upon anyone. I can't explain it, but the oddest thing was that he thanked me for relieving him of a tremendous amount of pain."
"Was it physical pain?" I ask in wonder trying to understand how one who was almost beyond death could experience any kind of pain. As reapers we only experience a momentary discomfort when injury strikes and we are rapid healers.
"I'm not sure. Partially, I think it was physical, but I somehow it seemed far more emotional than anything else. He just seemed to be hurting for a very long time. I don't know what he and Tessa spoke about before I reaped him, but whatever damage his stalking her had caused had somehow been alleviated."
"When you reaped him, it was something akin to a physical soul? A run of the mill kind of reap?"
"I don't really know for sure. There is so much that I have yet to process. The big question at this point is why he didn't turn into a graveling, like Ray did when Mason killed him, when there was no Post-it." She says as Tanya returns with our meals. "Thanks." George adds before starting to eat.
"So you think it's over then?" I ask.
"Yeah, it's done." She replies with a reassuring smile.
"But are you okay?" I have to ask from the sounds of it, she's been through a lot. She nods, reassuring me with a bright smile. Returning her smile, we eat our lunch in a bit of peace.
"And what of Tessa?" I ask having to know that she's gone for sure.
"She said that she was going home. Whatever that means." She replies taking a sip of ice tea. I still wonder what that means, but brush the thought aside for a moment. "Besides, if I were you, which I'm not, but if I were, I'd be more concerned if Roxy would ever have anything more to do with me." She says with a very serious expression. I know she's right, but somehow I need to know for sure that Tessa is gone, that she won't be making another appearance, that she won't always be somewhere lurking in the background, reminding me of what we shared in an attempt to do as George suggested. Worm her way back into my unlife, I really have to stop myself from thinking about that and concentrate on more important things.
"Once again, you are right." I say, getting my wallet out to pay for my share. She wrinkles her nose.
"I have it." She smiles and places the needed bills in the black wallet-like folder. "You do realise that we are nowhere near finished with this conversation." She says as we make our way out of the restaurant.
"At least I know that you're okay. That's the main thing." I say, walking her back to Happy Time.
"I wish we could finish this conversation. I think it's very important." She adds as we step onto the lift. "I'm fairly certain Tessa is the least of your worries. I think that maybe you should try some old fashioned methods in wooing Roxy." She adds as the doors part.
"I know you're right. I've done just about everything." I say as I walk her to her workspace. "Well almost everything." I add as she puts her stuff down on a chair before settling herself back in front of her computer. "We will finish this later. Oh, can you take care of something?" I ask holding out a Post-it.
"Sure. I'll catch you later though?" she adds with a smile.
"Later." I say with a nod and make my way to the lift, narrowly escaping Delores, who I can hear speaking with George.
Checking the time, I remove my planner from one of my hidden pockets in my bomber jacket and pull out my Post-it before heading to the address that I had carefully written upon it last night. J. Thompson, Florentines Bakery, ETD 2:25pm. Entering the bakery, I look around for the tell tail sign of trouble, something to indicate what's likely to transpire. There is a young woman behind the counter tending to an elderly gentleman buying pastries. She might be J. Thompson. From where I stand I can see the name on her nametag reads Janet, but the older gent could be a Thompson. Suddenly I catch the tell tail sign of a graveling as I suppose it sets up the accident. It's on her side of the counter, so I better buy something to nab her soul and quick.
"Good afternoon sir, how may I help you today?" she inquires with a bright smile.
"Afternoon. One of those Danishes looks really good." I say casually pointing to a cherry one.
"That's quite the choice. You seem more of a strudel type to me." She says. "Are you trying to mix it up a bit?" I wonder how she knew.
"You're good." I say smiling. "Change is good." I reply as she places it in a small paper bag and rings it up. I gently remove her soul as she gives me my change. "Thank you." I add as I turn to go. That's when I hear the commotion. I don't usually miss out on how people die, but today seems different. Even after having lunch with George I'm still a bit off, so I turn around in time to direct her soul to her lights, which were absolutely beautiful. I don't recall a time I've seen all the colours of the spectrum so cleverly used. With the end of the lightshow, I make my way Danish in hand home.
I cannot help but think that returning home is not one of my better ideas, as I step off the lift, finding my keys and opening my door, I pick up the internal envelope. Strange how deep a breath I need to take as I close the door behind me and remove my bomber jacket and shoes before heading to my desk. Without much thought, I set the envelope down on some loose papers, before returning to the area that serves as my kitchen and get something to drink. I then sit myself at my desk and settle into the comfort of my routine, setting up the next day's ledger. Once I've sorted through the information, written up the Post-its, I quickly glance at my watch and think about starting dinner, which happens to be left over pasta.
Soft jazz fills my flat as I finish drying the last of the dishes, when I am interrupted by a gentle knock upon my door. It's strange how I freeze and my heart feels as though it's fluttering in my chest, as I'm filled with hope that it's Roxy. I know I should know better considering everything that's transpired in the past of I don't know, thirty days, but I can hope right? With feet planted firmly to the ground, I check to see who it is and open the door.
"Georgia, what have I asked you not to do?"
"Drop by?" she smiles brightly, a little too brightly. "Come one." She instructs me.
"How do you know that I wasn't busy?" I inquire as I watch her fish out my jacket from the closet.
"I know you a lot better than you think?" she winks at me. "You uh, might want a pair of shoes." She says staring down at my feet. I follow her gaze.
"What makes you think that I'm going to let you drag me anywhere?" I ask with the knowledge that it really doesn't matter what I think at this point.
"Just trust me on this." She replies. Sure, what's the worst that could happen, I wonder as we leave my flat and get into her Mustang. I get the sinking feeling that she's cooked something up, and that something is something I'm not particularly going to like. Especially when one adds trust me.
"What are you up to?" I inquire as she carefully manoeuvres the car into an empty slot.
What's the worst that can happen? Being royally set up is what can happen. Getting out of the car my eyes immediately catch sight of Daisy and Mason with none other than Roxy in tow. Rolling my eyes, I sigh loudly.
"Rube, you are going to go along with this, even if it kills you." George says calmly as she grabs onto my arm. My heart is beating so quickly, I feel as though I've just run a marathon, my palms are sweaty with nerves, and I'm not too sure I'll be able to find my voice. George follows Mason and Daisy wherever it is that they are taking Roxy to. Somehow I think blindfolding us would have been a more effective method. I take a breath and go along with it.
"You guys shouldn't have done all this." I hear Roxy exclaim as George and I catch up. A fire has been made in the pit, blankets have been draped over the long slabs that serve as seating around the pit. Off to the side are thermoses filled with something hot I'm sure.
"We thought that it was time that we spent some time together." Daisy says beaming, her smile illuminated by the dancing flames. "Unless of course, you would rather be alone." She winks at Roxy who seems to have relaxed quite a bit.
"We know that the two of you need to stop avoiding each other. We also know that you've been miserable, and that's been driving the rest of us nuts. The two of you need to somewhat kiss and make up, if you'll forgive the expression." Mason says as he places an arm around Daisy's waist.
"What he said." George says, adding a smile. "You don't have to start dating again, unless of course that's what you want. We just want you to talk things out and figure out where things stand between the two of you."
"Hence, the reason we brought the two of you out here. You're pretty much stranded till you work something out." Mason says with a twinkle of mischief in his eye. I can hardly believe this, but then again, these are my reapers; I shouldn't expect anything less. I'll remember this for next time, to always remain at the very least twenty steps ahead of them.
"Now, here's the deal." Daisy begins. "One way of doing this is with all of us here, but I don't really think that's the way to go. The second option is a lot better."
"Which is?" Roxy demands.
"The two of you alone. We'll wait at the party over there and when you've finished working something out, you can come and get us and we'll take you home." It seems to me that Daisy has put quite a bit of thought into this little ploy. I know that I'm game; that I want to figure out what to do, so that we can at the very least be in the same room together. Nodding I wait to see her reaction, she exhales and nods her ascent as well.
"Good!" Daisy exclaims. "We're off to the party." She adds dragging Mason and George away with her, leaving Roxy and I in the metaphorical ocean of absolute unknown. I stand frozen to my spot, almost afraid to move, yet knowing that I have to close the distance between us. Gesturing for us to sit, I take her cue and sit on one of the long blanket covered logs. She hesitates for a moment, perhaps needing a moment to put her thoughts and emotions together. I open one of the thermoses and pour the contents into the mugs that were left for us. I hold one out towards her and she smiles.
"Thank you." She says before taking a sip.
"Rox, tell me what she said that's got you?" I ask quietly. She looks down at her feet, watches the flames in the fire for a long moment before raising her eyes to mine. I can see the onset of tears, as the light catches the corners of her eyes. "I cannot stand to see you so upset. Put the you and I factor aside for a moment and tell me what's going on. I've never seen you like this so it must have been interesting at the very least."
"She basically gloated that you and she had reconnected, had re-ignited the flame that had been between the two of you many, many years ago."
"Pardon? You took what she said at face value? How long have we known each other? How many lovers have you had in that time? Do you not know what that did to me?"
"No, you never said anything. Remember? Besides, how I'm telling you is the very pg-thirteen way. She had the time to go into the gory details."
"That totally explains it." I say under my breath. "Look, when Tessa became undead, I helped her. Granted, for a little over ten years we were more, but out of the blue one day. She left without a word. I never thought I'd see her again, let alone be in the position to help her. Yes, I offered her a place to stay, yes she slept in my bed, but I slept in my favourite chair. I hope that you know me better than that. It was a distraction from the loneliness I had been suffering with your being away." Laying it on the line isn't the easiest thing to do when you've managed to become the master of avoidance in the field of romantic entanglements. But seeing that I'm tightly wrapped up in something loudly singing that tune, at this very moment, I'm still unsure of how to tread, for I know I'm in way over my head.
"I know that I shouldn't have listened to a word that came out of her mouth, but you being so detached, it was easy to jump to the wrong conclusion." She says. "But you're not off the hook by any stretch of the imagination." She adds with a coy smile as she stands. I jump to my feet.
"Roxy please!" I reach out towards her, but unlike that night, I lack the courage, as the words I long to say remain trapped within.