Paradise Lake: A Love Story

Chapter Five: In a Jam

Daphne

It wasn't that Daphne didn't like scones, far from it. The scones had the perfect texture to compliment the sweetness of the jams. Daphne dipped the little spoon in the dainty cup holding the traditional homemade strawberry jam. Taking a prim bite Daphne wondered about how nervous Velma had been acting. Had been acting for a while now, she amended. She hadn't mentioned her suspensions to either Fred or Shaggy, no need to with no proof.

There were a couple of things that had triggered the suspicions that something had happened or was happening between Velma and Shaggy. It wasn't so much Velma's nervousness that bothered Daphne as she sipped from her coffee; it was the fact that Velma denied anything was wrong. They had always confided in each other but not this time. For once there was a secret between them. Some discreet questions to Fred had left her with the sure knowledge that he knew nothing that would cause Velma's actions.

Scooby was the other reason for Daphne's suspicious feelings. Their mascot belonged to Shaggy as much as any dog belongs to any human; but recently, (about the same time as Velma's nervousness had begun, Daphne realized), Scooby had been paying a lot of attention to Velma.

"If you want to know about Ashley, follow me." The voice had come from behind her, she had started to turn to see who spoke but Velma decided to take a header at the same time.

Chaos had ensued as Velma had taken table, silverware and crockery with her. Shaggy, being closer, had caught her, easing her to the floor. She and Fred had joined him, concern for their friend utmost in their minds. A smear of red across her chest contrasted with her orange sweater.

"It's only strawberry jam! I'll take care of Vel, you guys go after him!" Shaggy pointed at the retreating stranger. Normally she would never leave her friend in such a predicament but she trusted Shaggy to do whatever was necessary and started after the man with the strange message. She noticed Fred flip the keys to the Mystery Machine at Shaggy which meant they would use her rented Mustang.

The bright sunlight slammed into her like a sledgehammer, near blinding her after the dim lighting inside. The man was no where in sight. Fred had been just behind and slightly to the left of her so when she turned left, and Fred turned right, a collision occurred. The collision was a minor one but could have been worse. Instinctively, Fred had grabbed her around the waist; the result was a light brushing of lips. A kiss, even a slight brush on a public sidewalk can carry a deeper message. As if they had a mind of their own, their lips returned, making proper contact, pressing tightly together.

No one can say how long they would have remained in that impromptu kiss on the sunbathed sidewalk had not the siren of an ambulance approaching broke into their world. The kiss was interrupted when the ambulance double parked and two EMT's removed a gurney loaded with equipment, rushing into the restaurant. Daphne shook off the feeling of loss of parting lips, watching the EMT's disappear into the crowd.

"Velma...," Fred started to follow the EMT's. Daphne remained close, enjoying the touch Fred's arms at her waist.

"No, Fred. Shaggy can take care of Velma. We have a job of our own. I'm not sure but I think I recognized that man."

-Xxxxxx

Shaggy

"Wha...what happened?" Velma's eyes fluttered open.

"Lie still. You appear to have fainted but we will be transporting you to hospital. Try to relax and let us do the work." One man said as they lifted her onto the stretcher, wheeling her out.

The EMT's had taken charge as soon as they had entered the restaurant. Shaggy had not called them so it was obvious they had been called by a bystander (unlikely, Shaggy thought) or more likely by the owner or manager. His heart had dropped to the bottom of his being when she had fallen.

Shaggy observed their actions then ran out to the Mystery Machine to follow the ambulance. Arriving at the hospital, the paper work was quickly handled and Shaggy headed into the depths of the hospital in search of Velma. He found the doctor first, being told that tests were being run to determine the reason for Ms. Dinkley's black out.

He found her in a curtained temporary room. She was awake but irritated.

"I want out of here! I'm fine." Velma protested but didn't disapprove of Shaggy taking her hand, "where's Fred and Daphne? You need to help them."

"Velma, you are a very smart person," Shaggy laughed, kissing her fingers, "when are you going to realize, I'm not going anywhere?"

"What about Fred and Daph?"

"Let them get their own room." He kissed her lips gently and tenderly.

TBC