Dark Nights, Empty Hearts
It had been settled by all that both plans would create one. They would play dumb until graduation and then bail without a word.
We should all go home and if asked just say we had a last minute sleepover. Max announced to all in the room. But what about Tess and Alex? Isabel asked as she quickly and nervously glimpsed at Alex and then turned when he returned the look. I was thinking that we could alter Tess' and Alex's appearances for the time being. The princess rolled her eyes. Fine. She said reluctantly and proceeded to change the small blondes features.
She passed her hand over her and in a blink of an eye turned her into a long, straight haired, dark red head with honey brown eyes. As for Alex, Max had turned him into a dirty blonde, shaggy haired kid with green eyes. The changes had been enough to make them look like other people but they still held features of their own.
Alex you look like a super… model. Maria said as she pinched his cheeks. What do you think Izzy? He asked surprising Isabel. It looks good. She plainly answered. It was apparent to Alex from the get go that his once crush was distant and intended on keeping it that way. He had also noted that she was now with the man destiny had given her. He weakly smiled at her and turned back to Maria who was all over him.
Isabel turned and Michael sat watching her intently. He smiled at her with loving eyes and she returned it with a very obvious fake smile. He scrunched his eyebrows together and looked at her and then to Alex, suddenly it was clear that she had begun to feel guilt for not waiting for him even though he had died.
Liz, Sean and Kyle said their goodbyes and walked out together. Maria held on to Alex like a lost puppy. Can I take him with me? She asked Max with pleading eyes. He isn't our pet Maria; he can do whatever he wants. But you both need to be careful. Maria smiled at Alex and he smiled back. Maria I think I rather just hang around here for a while. I'll call you. He said with a reassuring face. Immediately she frowned but nodded in understanding. Fine, but I'll hold you to that. She kissed him on the cheek and walked out as well.
Max put his hand on Tess' back to her surprise. Max? She asked. Let's get some breakfast. He responded with a gentle smile. She nodded eagerly and followed him out the door. Isabel watched with a degree of disgust but like usual there was nothing she could do or say to protest. Michael stood and walked into his bedroom; now that everyone had left he could sleep and give Isabel and Alex time for closure.
Where are you going? Isabel asked her boyfriend. I'm going to sleep; this so called "sleepover" barely had any sleep involved. He kissed her on the forehead and stared deeply into her eyes. Closure. Michael said and left his girlfriend confused. She turned around and there sat Alex and it dawned on her what Michael meant.
She sat next to him but with enough distance to allow someone else to sit. It's ok. He said instantly breaking the silence. It's ok? She asked playing dumb.
You know what I mean. About you and Michael. He smiled a sort of smart ass smile. It wouldn't have been fair for you to feel like you had to stay alone for the rest of your life because I died.
She grabbed his hand and came closer. I missed you so much; all I did was dream of you every night. Isabel looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He stroked her cheek in his manner and felt as though tears would soon begin to fall from his eyes. I can't change the cards that were dealt to me or the way they affected the people I love but I won't sit here and tell you that only being your friend isn't killing me, because it is.
He sat back and sighed deeply as though releasing despair. Immediately she covered her face with her hands and sobbed like she had the day he had left this world. Silence filled the room and they both let go of the pain in their own way.
I remember our kiss like it was yesterday. Alex finally said and broke the silence. She looked at him with a red, swollen face and nodded as well remembering. All I could think was that I finally had the girl of my dreams and nothing could ruin it. He laughed at the irony of the turn of events.
I can't tell you I missed you because I don't remember being gone, but sitting next to you at this moment knowing that time has passed me by I rather wish I was still dead. Isabel's eyes widened and she looked at him. Don't ever say that again. Anger was present in her tone. I can't pretend like things are going to start were they ended because I would be lying to the both of us. But I rather suffer the heart break of not being with you even though you are alive than having to suffer it some more with you gone. He looked at her with a plain expression. Maybe in our next lifetime we will be together. He said. I know we will. She answered firmly. Alex kissed her on the lips softly and walked out the door.
Valenti house…
A knock came from the door and Jim walked to open it. He rubbed his wet hair with a towel he had on his shoulder and looked at the man standing there.
Can I help you? He asked in a stern tone. Yes, I'm looking for the former sheriff. The man asked in a dry tone. Well, you are looking at him. What do you want? He now asked rudely.
The man in front of him held up a photo. Jim looked at it surprised, by his expression the man understood he knew the person and let himself in.
Excuse me Sir; I don't recall you telling me your name or me inviting you in. Valenti said having a bad feeling about this man. Agent Smith with the FBI. He said as he looked around. Tell me Sheriff Valenti whatever did happen to this young girl? Smith said turning around and facing Jim. He cleared his throat and spoke not a word. Let me rephrase that for you simple folk. What happened to Tess Harding, partner? He asked in a mocking southern accent. I don't know. Jim responded annoyed. She left one day last year without saying a single word.
He stood his ground trying not to seem nervous. Well Sheriff you'll be happy to know that she has come back to town, and I have a nagging feeling that you know where I can locate her. Smith took a seat and waited for an answer. Agent I might no longer be a man of the law but I know my rights so if you would. He pointed at the door. Get out of my house. Smith walked over to the door. You know, all of you are protecting these monsters and you do it so nonchalantly. I hope you all suffer as much as they will, when I find them. He smiled and closed the door.
Kyle pocked his head out and looked around. Is he gone? He asked in a whisper. Yeah you can come out. Jim said. Now tell me what the hell is going on.
Outside…
Agent Smith sat in his car and felt as the never ending frustration accumulated more in the back of his mind. He thought about his family and how he had promised to do anything to get them back.
William Smith's Point of View…
Daddy?!? Yelled a little girl at the sight of her father. She ran with all the might her 4 year old legs could handle and embraced his legs. You're late again. She said looking at him with an upset face. I know Annie, I'm sorry. He gently smiled at his angel. She continued to look at him upset and then quickly returned to a smile. Daddy, mommy always says you are too busy to remember us. He looked at her sadly and knew his neglect would make him a man of guilt.
Bill you could have called me to let me know you were going to be late again. His wife said as she leaned against the wall. It was pretty hectic at the office Mel (short for Melinda) I forgot to call. She rolled her eyes. It's always the same excuse with you. You're even to busy to come up with something new. Jr. is upset, you missed another game. Smith looked away ashamed. You know Bill, one of these days we won't be around for you to take us for granted and then you'll know how unimportant you make us feel.
End of Memory…
He slammed his hands against the steering wheel. DAMN IT! He yelled. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!
After the Deaths…
He ran with every breath allowed to him by his body. He had just received the most horrible call anyone could get. He pushed the hospital doors opened and looked around frantically not knowing where his next steps were to be. A hand touched his shoulder and he quickly turned.
Susan? He spoke in a hopeless whisper staring into the tear stained face of his sister-in-law. I'm so sorry Bill. She managed to blurt out before bursting into tears. He held her close not wanting to accept the fact, but it was as though his soul died and no emotion existed within him.
End of Memory…
Smith turned the key in the ignition and drove in no particular direction. All thoughts went back the faithful day he had los his family and then to the one were he had met Nikolas.
Before the Deaths…
Smith had dedicated 11 years to the FBI and for the past 4 he had been submerged in the "Special Unit". His first year on the unit was spent in the small town of Copper Summit, Arizona. It was then he had encountered the "young" Nikolas.
This seems more like a cult than a group of super natural creatures, Sir. Smith reported to his superior. Smith don't be fooled by what your eyes let you see. The dial tone was all he heard and he closed the phone feeling defeated. He turned around to find Nikolas smiling at him with an intriguing look. How long have you been listening? He questioned as he got closer. You think we are a cult? Nikolas responded in an innocent tone.
Get lost kid. Smith put a cigarette in his mouth and walked away. Nikolas shrugged it off and began to walk away himself, as he got far enough William turned and began to follow what he thought was an unsuspecting teen.
Nikolas turned his head softly and smiled to himself knowing that Smith would not have been able to resist. He quickly turned into a Western Style museum and disappeared through a back door. Smith entered cautiously, pulling his gun out and watching all areas around him to secure he hadn't fallen in a trap. He saw a door and immediately made his way to it; he pushed it open and walked a few step downs. What the hell is this? Escaped his mouth as he stared at an endless row of humans in tubes.
I take it you are new to the "unit". Nikolas said as he stepped out from a shadow. Smith could not say a word he simply looked on terrified. You know how I can tell? Nikolas asked sarcastically. It's because you are there, standing like a weak scared human. You can train and discuss all you want about me and my kind but it isn't until you come face to face with our evil ways that you realize "I'm just over my head". Now Agent Smith, I'm going to give you two choices just like I did to your predecessor, you can try to kill me and die or you can take what you have seen here, walk away and perhaps many years from now I will call in a favor. Nikolas smirked a bit. Didn't I just sound like the Godfather? I swear that movie is like the greatest thing you humans ever thought of.
Smith swallowed slowly and nodded. He picked himself up from the floor and ran, never once turning back. He felt ashamed but he had to admit to himself that he was afraid of dying.
End of Memory…
Sometime After the Deaths…
He held a bottle in one hand and puffed a cigarette with the other. Time had passed and he couldn't tell whether it had been two days since his family died or two months. Things had become so cloudy that he didn't even know how it was that he had ended up in New York. Perhaps my childhood is calling me home. He laughed out loud in a crazed manner. He continued to roam the dark streets looking like nothing more than a beggar; all he wanted to do was drink his life away.
After he had lay his family to rest he was put on paid leave to gather himself up. "You can't work after such a tragedy". His superior had said in his usual cold manner. "Morn them until there is nothing left in you". He added as though that was comforting at all.
Smith tripped and watched as his last bottle flew in the air and then smashed a few feet ahead. As he watched it, it seemed to go in slow motion and as it did it made him imagine that his families last moments must have passed by that slowly. He heard the smash of the glass and immediately covered his ears and cried hysterically. No one was around and even if there were no one would stop to comfort him.
The moon moved and he now lay on his back on the damp cold floor and watched the sky, he hoped against all hope that his life would slip away before he knew it.
I hate this damn city! A young male expressed as he approached. He hadn't noticed Smith and almost tripped on his extended legs. The young man turned and kicked William. Move it you damn bum! He yelled and continued on his way. Instantly Smith sat up and looked to the direction of the kid, something about him was familiar. He thought as he followed trying to catch up. Wai…wait. He tried to yell but could not.
Nikolas disappeared into a building and William had not been able to catch the door in time to step in, he slipped down on the door and decided to wait and see if he would come out again. He fell into a deep sleep and dreamt of his wife when he had first met her.
About two hours or so passed and Smith was awoken to the heavy door smashing into his back. DAMN IT! YOU BUMS GROW LIKE FLOWERS IN THIS CITY! Nikolas screamed furiously. Smith backed away fearfully but intent on speaking with the alien he had once known. Please help me. The weak agent asked. Do I look like a bank? Nikolas responded quickly walking away.
Wait…I know what and who you are…Nikolas. The alien stopped and turned with a curious expression. Who the hell are you? He demanded as he returned to the pathetic man. Am I in such a horrible state that you don't even recognize me? Smith planted the question with a weak smile followed by a cough, it left Nikolas even more lost.
I don't make it a habit of remembering every inferior creature I cross paths with, so I suggest you begin speaking before I kill you. William's eyes widened. Nikolas looked at him closer and remembered he had seen the same face on another man. Agent Smith. The alien declared.
It had been 3 years since they had encountered each other. I guess you did forget me after all. He suddenly felt stupid for talking to Nikolas. Threatening your kind is a hobby; I rarely ever take the time to actually do anything, unless it seems necessary.
Smith stood up but wobbled like a jello cube. As much as I'm enjoying our little reunion, I have matters to attend to and you should return to begging. The alien said no more and began to walk down the alley once again complaining about New York.
Nikolas! Smith managed to yell. I need something from you and I'm willing to do whatever you want if you can help me. Nikolas now turned intrigued. Making a deal with me is worse than selling your soul. He made clear with a dead glare. Anyways, what could you possibly have to offer me to convince me to help you with what ever you need? He asked in a business like manner. My family is dead…bring them back to me and I will do whatever you wish. Even though it doesn't seem like it, I'm still with the "unit".
The alien smiled widely. After the failure of the summit and almost sure failure of Lonnie and Rath to kill the king he would need someone to take care of Max and the others, including the humans who knew too much.
Fine, Smith. If you complete the task I have for you I will personally make sure you get your family back. William went to shake Nikolas' hand but the alien backed away. We don't need to shake on it; I'm a man of my word. He looked down at the filthy hand. I will contact you when the time is right. With the last word he disappeared into the darkness of the city.
End of Memory…
To be continued…
Sorry for the wait!!! I want to thank everyone that has sent my Reviews lately; they have been really great and encouraging. I will try to have the next chapter up ASAP!