Finally! It was Halloween! Dorinda was cheery the entire day! Kazuma was amazed that she could be so chipper. Dorinda was humming all day long. About three in the afternoon Dorinda ran into Cougar. Literally. "Ow." Dorinda looked down. "Hey, Cougar! What're you doing on the ground?"
"You're ontop of me." Cougar replied. "Your feet are digging into my ribs. Get off." Cougar coughed. Dorinda stood and helped Cougar up. "Dori, I'd like to talk to you about something." Cougar walked with her. "Why do you wear those gloves? I mean, usually I don't care but I talked to Kazuya and he brought up some good points. Then I realized I don't know you as well as I want to."
Dorinda looked away. "Do you really want to know, Cougar?" Dorinda asked.
"Yes, I want to know. I want to know about you. I want to know you well enough to be--" Cougar stopped himself.
"To be. . . What, Cougar?" Dorinda looked up at him.
"To be the way Mimori and Ryuho are." Cougar sighed.
"But we are friends." Dorinda said.
"No. . . . I mean. . . . I want you to be able to tell me everything and anything. I want you to depend on me. Stop doing things by yourself. Accept my help." Cougar reached to brush her cheek. Dorinda grabbed his hand.
"You can't touch me." Dorinda said shakily. "Not with your bare hands. . . You just can't. I don't want to hurt you."
"What?" Cougar asked confused. "Are you threatening me, Dorinda?"
"No, I'm warning you for your own safety. . . . You can't touch me with your bare skin. This is why I wear gloves. You want to know? I'll tell you, it's because my alter is--" Dorinda was cut off.
"Dorinda, c'mon! You said you'd help me with the last of my costume!" Scheris ran up and grabbed her gloved wrist. "C'mon. Bye, Cougar!" Scheris ran off with Dorinda.
Cougar stood there, watching her being dragged off by their friend. "Damn. . ."
Kazuma popped up. "So, what do you know?"
"Nothing. Go away, Kazuya." Cougar walked away from Kazuma.
"IT'S KAZUMA!" Kazuma huffed angrily.
"Just go away, Kazuya!" Cougar kept walking away, Kazuma ran up.
"Fuck you! You know something! Tell me! And it's Kazuma!" Kazuma hissed.
"Why the hell do you care!" Cougar snapped at him.
"Because I--. . . . I don't know. Why do I care?" Kazuma thought on it. "I have no clue."
"You're so fucking stupid, Kazuya." Cougar angrily stomped off.
"Scheris! What're you doing!" Dorinda pulled away. Scheris didn't loosen her grip and Dorinda's glove slipped off her hand as she fell back.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to let you fall." Scheris said. "Oh, hi, Ryuho." Scheris smiled.
"Hello, Scheris. Lemme help you Dorinda." Ryuho grabbed her ungloved hand.
"No! Ryuho! Don't!" Dorinda warned but it was too late. The same white light surrounded the two. "Ahhhh!" Dorinda yelped. She started crying. "No. . . Stop!"
Ryuho held in his yelps of pain. 'What's going on? Is this. . . . Her alter power? But how. . . . How is she so powerful!' Ryuho thought.
Kazuma walked up. "Holy shit!" He ran over and pulled Ryuho away from Dorinda. "What was THAT!"
Ryuho looked at Dorinda, panting. "We just. . . You saw it didn't you?"
Dorinda put her glove back on and looked down, crying. "So much pain. . ." She felt herself start to shake. "So much. . . . sorrow. ." Dorinda got up and ran down the hall.
"What happened to you, Ryuho?" Scheris asked.
"I think. . . . I think Dorinda just shared my memories. I think she just saw into me. . ." Ryuho collapsed to his knees. "I feel so weak. . . . Why? Is this what happened to Mujo?" Ryuho stood shakily. It felt like she was stealing my life away. . . . Mujo's words rang as clear as bells in Ryuho's ears. Ryuho felt like something was missing in him now.
Dorinda held her head, silver tears streaming down her pale cheeks, her eyes clenched shut. "It. . . . It hurts. . . Stop. . . Stop. . . Don't hurt my mother!" Dorinda gasped. Dorinda snapped back to reality, seeing Cougar bent infront of her. "Cougar. . ." She threw her arms around him, crying. Sobbing actually.
"It's okay." Cougar ran his fingers through her blonde hair gently. "Just relax. I'm here." He held her tightly. "Calm down. You'll be okay. No more tears. Shh. . ." He kissed her hair lightly. "Don't worry. No one's gonna hurt you."
"I can't take this pain anymore!" Dorinda sobbed.
"It's okay. It's all right. I promise. . ." Cougar soothed. "What is it? What's hurting you?"
"It's my alter. . . Cougar, it hurts. My entire body is throbbing." Dorinda curled up against him, crying. "I'm so weak. . . This is pathetic."
"You are not weak. And you're not pathetic! You are extremely strong. You've delt with this for so long and never complained once. You've been able to handle the pain all alone. That takes strength to be able to bare a burden like this. But you should've come to me. I would've taken care of you." Cougar smiled. "You go rest now. You need to be well rested for tonight. You've been looking forward to the this Halloween party for weeks now."
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That night Cougar awaited Dorinda. It was almost nine. The party had started two hours ago. Cougar was dressed in a pair of tight white pants and black gentlmen's boots that came to his knees, he wore a blue petticoat that had red medals of honor on it. A sword hung at his side from his best, his hands covered in soft white silk gloves. "I wonder where she is." Cougar tapped his fingers then stood straight as Kazuma walked up. "So, what are you?"
"I am a. . . Oh God. . . What are those things called?" Kazuma looked down at his outfit. "I'm a werewolf."
"Wendigo." Dorinda's voice rang gently.
"What?" Kazuma looked up the staircase, his jaw dropped.
"You're not a werewolf. You're a wendigo. They're like werewolves but much meaner and they feed on the hearts of their victums. They're terrified of fire and only attack during the three phases of the full moon." She replied.
Cougar waved his hand in front of Kazuma's face. "What're you--" Cougar looked up and his eyes froze on her. Dorinda stood there in an elegant white and gold silk gown. It was an off the shoulder gown but had low sleeves that flowed, it had a golden curving design on it in small beads, it came to the floor, dragging slightly. The dress was fitted to her body perfectly and flowing out like an angel's robe. There was a silk bow that tied in the back, making her dress just tight enough to fit exactly the way it should. A golden locket hung around her neck , the locket had a rose design on it and a single diamond. Dorinda's hair was up in a half bun, her hair in long barrel curls with a golden hair ornament decorated only with a big fake diamond. Her eyes had light silverish blue eyeshadow over them and her lips were painted a glossy pink.
"Hi." Dorinda smiled. "Sorry, I didn't want to be late but Scheris wouldn't let me go until she did my hair perfectly."
Cougar held out his hand to Dorinda. She took it. That's when he noticed that she wasn't wearing any gloves tonight. "Dorinda, your gloves. . . But what about--"
"I'm not touching anyone unless they have their hands covered. Like you." Dorinda smiled and stood in front of him. "Shall we?"
Cougar nodded. "Let's." He walked with her toward their friends. "Hey, Scheris." Cougar said. Scheris turned, she was in a long black gown with spiderweb sleeves and fishnet stockings. It had a plunging V-neck line and her heels were black stilleto. She'd died her hair black and painted her face white, she also had fake fangs in her mouth. "Yeah?"
"Thanks." Cougar smiled. "She looks great."
Scheris smiled as well. "How do I look, Cougar?"
"Dead." Cougar replied.
"Good! I'm a vampire queen!" Scheris smiled.
"And I'm. . . . What am I again?" Tachibana asked Scheris. "I'm no good at Halloween."
"You're a vampire slayer. You said you wanted to be something cool and tough." Scheris hugged her date. "But you look soooo cute!" she smiled. He wore a long black trench coat and a blood red satin shirt, matching black pants and you could see he had fake hidden weapons in his coat. "Have you guys seen Ryuho and Mimori, yet?" Scheris asked.
"No, why?" Dorinda looked around.
"Because everyone's saying they're going to win the costume contest." Tachibana replied. "You'll like their costumes."
Cougar led Dorinda a bit farther into the crowd. He put his arm around her waist. "Dance?"
"Yes." Dorinda took his hand and put her other hand lightly on his shoulder. Cougar slowly led her in the dance but suddenly the music became fast and bumping. Dorinda looked at him and smirked, Cougar just grinned right back. He spun her around fast then let her out but pulled her back. "You dance well."
"Thanks you, too." Cougar turned her back toward him. "Tell me, did you really make that?"
"The dress yes, the necklace was already mine." Dorinda smiled as they danced together. "Hey, there's Ryuho and Ms.Kiriu." Dorinda pointed them out.
Ryuho was dressed a Marines uniform. Mimori was dressed in a blue 1940's dress and hat, her hair curled and held back by a silver barrette. "That uniform suits him y'know?"
"Yeah, he looks nice. I wonder why Mimori dressed up as a World War II girl." Dorinda smiled. "Oh well. They look great. Mimori! Ryuho!" Dorinda walked over to the couple with Cougar. They were merely talking and Ryuho wore a genuine smile that was almost never there anymore. "Mimori you look great. So do you Ryuho."
"You look lovely." Mimori smiled. "Cougar are you a knight?"
"Yes, I suppose. I just thought it made me look cute." Cougar joked. "You look very nice Ms.Mimori."
"It's Mimori." Mimori said.
"That's what I said. Mimori." Cougar smiled. "Ryuho, where'd you get the uniform? Looks good on you."
"A friend of my father's was a Marine and his uniform was about my size. He offered to let me wear it and I said all right." Ryuho shrugged. "You look good too, Cougar. Dorinda you look. . . Great. I've never seen you dressed up before. It's kinda weird."
"Ryuho, this is Halloween, not career day. Where's your costume?" Dorinda joked.
"Very funny candy fanatic." Ryuho led Mimori out to the dance floor.
"I'm not a candy fanatic. I love Halloween." Dorinda pouted fakely.
The party was going great, everyone was having fun and the music wasn't just waltz music. Midnight was approaching and that meant the contest winners would be announced soon. "Did you ever want something that you thought you could never have?" Cougar asked Dorinda as he slowly danced with her.
"Yeah, I did. Still do. Why do you ask?" Dorinda replied. It was 11:58. "What do you want that you can't have?"
Cougar looked down at her. "You." He replied simply. Dorinda looked up into his eyes. "Ever since we met." Cougar brushed her cheek gently. 11:59.
"Cougar. . ." Dorinda touched his hand. They were announcing the winners of the contest now. But Dorinda and Cougar ignored it.
"Don't tell me at midnight you have to run off because your beautiful dress will turn into rags." Cougar smiled.
"No, I don't have to go anywhere." Dorinda kissed Cougar gently. Cougar held her close. Dorinda was astonished. 'My alter. . . It didn't activate. . . But why?' Then she forgot completely and enjoyed the ever lasting moment. The winners were called but neither Cougar nor Dorinda heard who they were. Not that they cared at all. They wanted to stay in this moment forever. "I love you, Cougar." Dorinda breathed. Cougar held her tighter.
"I love you, too, Dorinda." Cougar smiled. A spotlight hit the two, blinding them practically. "What the--"
Scheris shook Dorinda. "You won! You two won!" She smiled widely.
"We did?" Dorinda asked.
Cougar turned her head towards him gently. "Yes. I know I did." He kissed her again lovingly. Dorinda smiled into the kiss. "C'mon." Cougar led her up to Captain Jigmar whom was the judge.
"Dorinda, I do believe you're missing your crown." Captain Jigmar joked as he put a gold metal tiara on her head. "You always said you were Halloween Queen. Now you really are."
Dorinda smiled up at Cougar as he put his crown on. "Do I look dumb? I feel stupid."
"I thought you felt that way everyday." Kazuma chuckled.
"Be quiet, Kazuya!" Cougar snapped.
"It's KAZUMA!" Dorinda, Mimori, Ryuho, and, Tachibana said in unison.
"Geez, you people." Cougar chuckled.
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Cougar kissed Dorinda gently. "You really did look perfect tonight." Cougar whispered into her ear.
"Really?" Dorinda asked between kisses. Cougar kissed down to her neck. "Cougar. . . . I. . . Mmm. . ." She purred.
"Do you want me to stop, Dorinda?" Cougar asked brushing her hair out of her face.
"No. . . I don't, Cougar. . . . If you love me then you can have all of me. Do you?" Dorinda looked into his eyes.
"I do. I said I loved you and I meant it." Cougar touched her cheek. "Do you believe me?"
"Yes, I believe you. Just remember, Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn." Dorinda grinned.
"I get it." Cougar had to laugh a little. He kissed her sweetly. Dorinda stopped him and took his hand, leading him to her bedroom. Dorinda locked the door, typing in her computer code. Cougar smiled. "Fast aren't we?"
"Oh be quiet. Like you weren't aiming for this the moment you saw me tonight. Aside from that I've known you for five years now. I waited five years to have you to myself. And I don't want to let you go for one second." Dorinda smiled. Cougar kissed her deeply.
"You're damn right I was aiming for this." Cougar smiled and kissed her sweetly, unzipping her dress. Dorinda undid his shirt eagerly, returning the kiss. He slid the dress off her. Dorinda shut her eyes, she was nervous. What if she displeased Cougar? Cougar wrapped his arms around her. "Don't be afraid. You're beautiful, my love." He kissed her neck. Dorinda ran her hands over his chest. It was hard and strong. That made her want him more. She brushed his nipple and he moaned into her mouth. She unbuckled his belt and started to undo his rather too tight for comfort pants. Cougar unhooked her bra, letting it fall to the floor. He slid her panties down her legs and kissed her thigh gently. Dorinda shuddered. He stood and laid her onto her bed, not breaking the kiss they now shared. Cougar slipped his pants off.
"Am I really THAT easy looking to you?" Dorinda sighed, feeling that Cougar wore no underwear.
"No." Cougar assured. "But did you see how tight those freaking pants were? There was no room! There just wasn't!" Cougar kissed her. "Besides, if you don't want this just say so. If you don't want this I'll get dressed and leave."
"Why would I not want this?" Dorinda asked.
"Incase I offended you with the no underwear thing." Cougar ran his hand down her side.
"No. You didn't offend me. I kinda figured those pants were too tight." Dorinda kissed Cougar gently. Cougar kissed her neck, his hands running all over her body. Cougar positioned himself over her.
"Are you ready?" Cougar breathed gently.
"Yes." Dorinda nodded. Cougar pushed inside Dorinda gently and slowly. Dorinda gasped in pain. Tears started to roll down her cheeks as he got deeper. Cougar pushed through her hymen. Dorinda let out a strangled yelp. Cougar stopped and looked at her. "I'm fine. . . It's okay, Cougar." Dorinda tried to catch her breath. Cougar thrusted into her slowly.
"Does it hurt?" Cougar asked. Dorinda nodded. "Do you want me to stop?" She shook her head. "If you want me to stop just say the word and I will." Cougar soothed. "It won't hurt much longer. I promise." Cougar started to thrust a bit faster. The pain that Dorinda felt slowly turned into incredible pleasure. And she began moaning his name. Cougar groaned thrusting deeper and deeper. Cougar han his hands down her legs, lifting them slightly to gain better access to her. "Dorinda!" He moaned. "I love you. . ." He breathed into her ear, kissing her neck again. Dorinda gasped feeling him slide in and out of her.
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Mujo walked through the halls. He was bored now that the party was over. He'd had his way with that girl that he'd called his date. He couldn't even remember her name now. But he didn't care. She was an easy lay for him and he'd sent her away. He passed Dorinda's door but stopped when he heard moaning. He leaned against the door so he could hear better. He heard Dorinda moaning loudly.
"Cougar. . . I love you!" Dorinda moaned.
Mujo opened the door easily. Her password was simple enough to figure out. It was Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful in latin. He'd seen that written on a picture of a parents together. He saw Cougar and Dorinda making love. And this infuriated him. He shut the door quickly and locked it again. This would be interesting. Cougar was, what? Twenty one? Dorinda was just barely eightteen. Jigmar would have a heart attack over this! Especially, since Dorinda is the daughter of one of Holy's biggest supporters. Dr.Kazutaka. A rich and powerful man. Mujo grinned wickedly and walked off.
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That morning around ten or eleven Dorinda laid in Cougar's arms, nuzzled against his warm chest. He ran his fingers through her dirty blonde hair and kissed her forehead. Her fingers ran down his chest and stomach. "Luekemia." Dorinda said simply.
"What?" Cougar asked confused.
"You wanted to know why I wear those gloves and train so much. It's luekemia. I figured that if I trained and got stronger I could fight off the sickness and get better. And I wear gloves because my alter power originally was healing, giving life to others. Restoring memories and what not. But when I was diagnosed with luekemia I had to do a bunch of different drugs to keep me alive. It messed with my alter. And I couldn't fix it. So, now I have to wear those gloves or when I touch people I hurt them instead of help them." Dorinda explained.
"Then how come it didn't effect me?" Cougar asked.
"I'm not sure. I think it's because I always thought about it. I was scared when Ryuho touched me. I was angry when Mujo touched me. Maybe because when you touched me I was happy and only wanted to be with you." Dorinda nuzzled into the crook of his neck. "Maybe it's because I love you. I love you so much."
"I love you as well my sweetest Dorinda. I'm sorry it I hurt you last night." Cougar smiled.
"It did hurt at first but it was worth it." Dorinda smiled at him. Cougar rolled ontop of her and kissed her sweetly, pinning her wrists to the bed. Dorinda returned the kiss happily. "I love you." She smiled.
"I love you, too, Dorinda." Cougar kissed her neck and pushed into her. Dorinda gasped. She moaned in pleasure. "Ohh. . . G-Gods Do-Dorinda. . ." Cougar moaned.
"Oh. . . Cou-Cougar! Yes!" Dorinda moaned.
Cougar thrusted harder. "Ohhhh!" He moved faster.
"Straight Cougar!" Jigmar's voice yelled furiously from the doorway. Cougar looked up at him and Dorinda shot up in suprise.
"Commander!" Dorinda covered herself with the blanket. Cougar pulled out of Dorinda and snuggled against her.
"Hey, Commander. I strongly advise knocking from now on. It's kinda rude to watch without permission." Cougar grinned. "So, what can I do for you?" Cougar smiled.
"Get dressed and report to my office!" Jigmar stormed out.
Cougar sighed. "Lets get dressed, love." Cougar kissed her then started to get dressed slowly. He was particularly excited about going to see the Commander.
Dorinda dressed into her Holy Uniform. She and Cougar went to the Commander's office. They stood together, Dorinda's hand in Cougar's. Jigmar scowled at the sight. "Cougar, how dare you take advantage of Dorinda." He hissed.
"What? Take advantage? What are you smoking!" Dorinda gaped at the Commander.
"Silence Dorinda!" Jigmar barked at her. She was quiet instantly. "Dorinda is the daughter of a very powerful mainland supporter! And you've tainted her!" Jigmar looked at the two. "Dorinda, I'm sending you back to the mainland. Cougar, you will be punished in time." Jigmar turned from them. "You leave tonight Dorinda. Start packing."
"No!" Dorinda yelled. Jigmar turned to look at her in shock. "No! I won't go! You can't make me go! I want to stay!" Dorinda held Cougar's hand tightly. "I love Cougar!"
"You're a child! You don't know what love is!" Jigmar huffed.
"I know love better than you do! You're bitter and alone!" Dorinda growled. "But I love him and even if you do send me away, I'll never stop loving him!"
Cougar held Dorinda. "Don't say anything else. Dorinda, the Commander may be right. . . Maybe it's time for you to leave Holy."
"What? But Cougar I. . . I don't want to leave Holy. I want to stay with you." Dorinda felt tears in her eyes. "You made the pain go away. If I lose you. . . The pain will come back but worse." Dorinda looked up at him.
"Dorinda. . ." Cougar couldn't bear seeing her cry. He looked at the commander hard. "If you send her to the mainland I'm going with her. I don't what you do to me but I'm staying with Dorinda."
So the months passed and Commander Jigmar decided after so many arguments with Dorinda and Cougar that they could stay at Holy together. But there was a rumor spreading that Dorinda had become pregnant with Cougar's child. But Dorinda knew she wasn't pregnant. But Mujo had been bothering her a lot lately.
It was now October again. And Halloween was today! Cougar smiled at Dorinda. She'd decided to be a singer this year. He wasn't sure which one but thats okay. He was a racecar driver. She looked rather exquisit in her red form fitting gown that came to the gloor, her full length silk gloves covered her arms, a silker diamond necklace hung around her neck and her hair was up in a bun. A slow beautiful song played and Cougar led Dorinda over to a table that had a small pumpkin candle in the center. "What is it, Cougar?" Dorinda smiled. She was now nineteen and her blonde hair was dyed dark brown. He sat her down.
"I love you. And I never thought I'd ever do this but. . . When I met you six years ago, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. And I still feel that way. You told me you were sick and I was scared. Scared I'd lose you before I got to do this." Cougar pulled out a black velvet ring box. He opened it to reveal a sterling silver diamong ring. "Dorinda, I know we've only been together for a year. But I've loved you since I met you. So. . . Will you marry me?" Cougar asked smiling up at her.
Dorinda looked at the ring in amazement. "Cougar. . . I. . . Yes!" Dorinda yelled happily and threw her arms around him. "Yes! I'll marry you! I will!" She kissed him deeply. "Cougar, I love you so much!"
Scheris smiled. "Tachibana." She tugged at his shirt. "Cougar just popped the question." She pointed. Tachibana smiled.
Mimori and ryuho smiled at their friends. Ryuho went and informed Jigmar of what had happened. And oddly Jigmar was happy. Over the past year he'd saw just how wrong he was. That they loved each other. He was happy for Dorinda and for Cougar.
It was settled within two weeks they were to be married on Valentine's Day. But sadly Dorinda's condition had become worse and she had to be hospitalized. Cougar was with her all day everyday. He wouldn't leave her. And if he did He'd call a million times just to ask the doctors if she was okay.
Dorinda laid in her hospital bed, thinking of Cougar. "My sweet Cougar. . ." She smiled. Then she heard the door open. Expecting it to Cougar she sat up. "Straight I thought you went to eat." She opened her eyes to see Mujo. "What're you doing here!"
"I'm here to take what's mine!" Mujo grabbed Dorinda and kissed her. She slapped him across the face. He hit her back, knocking her out of her bed and onto the floor. Mujo got ontop of her and held her down. "How dare you even look at another man without my consent!"
"Get off! Get off!" Dorinda tried to struggle against him but her body was too weak. "I'm not yours! I never was! Get off!" Mujo undid his pants and tore off her underwear. "STOP!" Dorinda screamed.
Cougar burst through the door and grabbed Mujo, shoving him up against the wall, Cougar's arm crushing Mujo's neck. "Don't you EVER come near her again! I'll kill you if you even think about touching her!" Cougar let go og Mujo and picked up Dorinda. "It's okay. I'm here. Shh. . ." He hushed her. Cougar laid Dorinda in her hospital bed. "I never should've left you alone."
"I'm okay." Dorinda smiled at him. "I was so scared!" She hugged Cougar tightly.
After that Cougar asked if she could be cared for at home in her room. He could be with her then. And Jigmar allowed it.
One morning Cougar walked into Dorinda's room with a breakfast tray. Her now faded brown hair was in a braid and she looked pale. "Hello, my love." Cougar smiled and set the tray of her bedside table. "Wake up my sweet." He smiled then looked at her closely. He paled slightly. Cougar took Dorinda's hand. "N-No. . . No! NO!" He sobbed. Her skin was cold. Cougar kissed her hand begging Dorinda to come back to him. He begged on his knees at her bedside. "Dorinda, come back to me! Come back right now! We haven't been married yet! You have to come back to me!" Cougar pulled Dorinda into his arms. "Please. . . Please come back. . . I love you. . . Oh. . . Dorinda. . ." He sobbed. "Dorinda. . . I love you so much. . . Don't leave me! You said I took your pain away. . . Well, you took mine away as well! Don't go. . . God please. . . Don't let her go!" Cougar kissed her soft hair.
A few days later Dorinda funeral was held. Cougar had something to say to everyone. "Everyone here knew Dorinda as an alter user or a friend or an acquaintence. But she was the woman I loved. She was strong and beautiful. No one knew she was sick. Not even me. Not until she told me. I was unable to see that she was ill. And I regret that. Mostly because I could've helped her had I seen it sooner. Dorinda once told me that her alter was healing people. Giving life to others. Healing requires taking pain away. And she said that she only hurt people thanks to her illness. But thats not true. Dorinda took away my pain. She helped the people she cared about. She gave me new life. Dorinda was an angel. And all of you that knew her know that she wants you all to be happy. Not to dwell on her death forever. I want you to please always remember Dorinda like I do. As an amazing person." Cougar stepped off the podium with tears in his eyes.
And so Cougar's life went on. He loved Dorinda forever more. And on that Halloween night after Dorinda died Cougar saw her. He was walking around his bedroom, remembering how they'd made love. How she looked so beautiful. The joy in her eyes when he proposed to her. "Cougar." Dorinda's voice was gentle. Cougar spun around to see Dorinda standing there. She was glowing. She wore a beautiful white gown. "Don't be sad anymore." She walked toward him. Cougar stepped toward her, tears flowing from his eyes. "Why're you crying my love?"
"Dorinda. . . I. . . You. . . You're here. . . How could that be?" Cougar touched her hand that rested on his cheek. It was warm.
"They've allowed me back. Just for tonight though. All Hallow's Eve is the night when the spirits of the dead can return to Earth. Cougar, I love you. Do not stop living because you lost me. Mourn me, miss me, but do not stop living because I am gone. I'll always be with you. Maybe not in body but in spirit I am always here. I promise." Dorinda smiled.
"There's so much I want to say." Cougar embraced Dorinda. She held him close. "I love you. Dorinda I want you back so bad. I miss you. Everyday I have to carry on it hurts more and more. Oh. . . Dorinda." Cougar kissed her blonde hair. "Please don't leave me again." Cougar begged.
"I must. But whenever you need me I'll be right beside you. Protecting you and loving you." Dorinda smiled. "I'm going to kiss you. And then I must go. But please remember what I said. Live on in happiness. Who knows, maybe you'll see me again next Halloween." Dorinda kissed Cougar deeply. He returned the kiss and held her.
The next thing he knew Cougar woke up in his bed. He looked around and began to sob, thinking it was all a dream. Dorinda never came back. But then he looked over. Someone was in his bed. "Baby, what's wrong?" A woman with red hair and big brown eyes looked up at him. "You had that dream again, hunh?"
"Yes." Cougar leaned against her. "Melony. . . Did I ever tell you about the girl in the picture?" Cougar asked.
Melony looked over at the dresser. There were pictures of Cougar with Dorinda. "No. You never did. Would you though?"
"Yes." Cougar smiled. He loved Melony. They were married. They had a child. A six year old. A beautiful daughter named Dorinda.
