If you've been sticking around this long, I'm thoroughly glad to have y'all in my audience. I hope I've done well thus far, and I look forward to satisfying y'all's appetites with the last few pieces of this story! Granted, the content has inspired envy in my girlfriend, who in retalliation intends to refer to me exclusively as "fluffy-head," and "cutie-pie" for an indefinite period of time. All the same, y'all have fun!
What a beautiful day. I may have had some obligations to fulfill with the authorities of the school, but I at least had a beautiful girl to look forward to seeing later today. The rain had left its marks upon campus with puddles and dew gently laden about the grounds, and my nose still detected the ever-present and pleasant petrichor of the previous night. Thinking about it made me feel just as guilty as I did happy that it was over, but I could at least breathe easy knowing my Katie was all right, even if she was probably under the watch of guards and at least one psychologist. Before anything else, I made sure to know she was the first thought in my head today. I didn't know whether or not she'd see my message before I arrived, but it couldn't hurt to let her know once again that I loved her. I unplugged my phone from its dock and wrote her.
"Hey, Katie, it's Daniel. I just got up, and I'll be there to see you today. I need to take care of a few things here, but I'll go see you as soon as I'm done. I love you." I felt so happy as I hit 'send.' My smile faded, however, when I remembered that Principal Wells had wanted to have me come in at nine. It was almost eight, and in the commotion, none of the teachers wanted to come to class, so I quickly dressed, packed my bag, and grabbed a protein bar on my way out of my room. With a sigh, I walked to the main building. The whole school seemed like it was still asleep, but to be fair, if you'd nearly watched someone fall to their death from bullying, you'd probably be pretty scared for a while. I had a good minute before Principal Wells wanted me in his office, so I sat at a picnic table under a tree and got out my fantasy journal. I'd neglected to write anything about my stories in the wake of that damn party, and it felt good to crack the old leather-bound open. I wrote for a while about the mechanics of magic, the great mythic creatures of the universe, and of the (as far as I was willing to congratulate myself,) epic conflict between good through force and good through liberty. I kept checking my watch to make sure I had enough time to get to the office on time, and after filling a few more pages with my mythos, it was ten till nine. I packed back up and walked into the building.
It was as desolate as the rest of campus. I walked up to the door to the principal's office and knocked. Within a few seconds, David Madsen let me in. He didn't say anything at first. He just frowned like he knew I'd done something wrong. I immediately wanted to get defensive, but as I scanned the room, I was surprised to find that a medium-sized crowd had gathered. Principal Wells and David were accompanied by Mark Jefferson, Max, and much to my displeasure, Nathan fucking Prescott. Half of me wanted to break the bastard's nose right then and there, but I remembered the gun he'd had. I didn't think he'd be insane enough to bring it where anyone could see it, but that rich worm definitely had the privilege to help bypass almost anything cast against him. Seeing as there was nowhere to sit, with either chair occupied by Max or Nathan, I stood behind Max. Without thinking, my gaze absentmindedly wandered in the direction of Mark Jefferson. He met my gaze, and I immediately turned away, trying to focus on anything but Nathan. I didn't want to set him off. If he went off, I'd end up going off. Still, Jefferson wouldn't stop looking at me. I didn't know what was going on in that man's head, but for whatever reason, I couldn't help but feel unsettled. Before I could dwell too much more on the subject, the feeling of my phone buzzing inside my pocket snapped me back into reality. I made a note to check it later, and redirected my attention to the meeting at hand.
"I apologize I haven't any more seats for you to borrow, Mr. Harper. I trust you will be all right with standing?" Principal Wells spoke up. His tone was resolute, and yet far from accusatory. I couldn't help but think I was no longer a significant target of his ire after what fresh hell had been displayed only last night. Still, I wasn't about to put all my chips on red just yet.
"Yeah, I don't mind." I succinctly replied. To be perfectly honest, I was a little uneasy being so close to David Madsen, as I knew his temper was a key attribute of his militaristic personality. Then again, if things went sour, I could at least immediately run. I stood behind Max and kept an eye on the rest of the people in the office.
"Now, I understand we're all at least a bit jarred by the events of last night. I want nothing more than to resolve the issues and understand the various contributing factors to what could have very easily been a catastrophe for everyone at Blackwell." Principal Wells began. Thinking about last night made me nervous enough as it was, but to hear it reaffirmed by an exterior source was a strong embellishment of my fear. I swallowed my thoughts of 'what could have happened' as he continued to speak. "First and foremost, I would like to thank both of you," he gestured to me and Max, "for stepping in and saving Miss Marsh. That does not supplant, however, the importance of investigating further into the varying factors that contributed to her being on the roof in the first place. I'm sure each of you have something to contribute to this discussion, but before anything, I want to understand what happened from the two of you." He looked again at me and Max. "What can you tell me about what has been going on with Kate?" He finished. I looked at Max, and she looked back to me, and I gestured to let her go first. I only had so much to go on, and much of it after the events of my episode came from her.
"Kate told me yesterday morning that Nathan Prescott drugged her. She said she couldn't remember anything from that night after the party started, and her video, from what I've heard, doesn't sound anything like what she'd do." Max began. I saw that Nathan was starting to heat up, so before he could interject, I cut in.
"I also saw Nathan yesterday in the woods when I went to clear my head, and when I went to confront him about that, he immediately pulled a gun on me!" I added. David's ears perked up, his brow furrowed, and his eyes burned. I knew the Prescotts were rich enough to keep the entire local police department under their thumb, but it was nice to see that David, despite his hostility, had some integrity.
"That's bullshit! You attacked me! I can't believe I have to hear this defamation!" Nathan spewed out with a forked tongue. Hearing him cover his ass so poorly was enough to make me want to rip him in half right there. When I saw the look on Principal Wells' face, however, I felt reassured.
"Nathan, this is the second time someone has come forth and mentioned you having a gun on school grounds. I'm sure you understand what kind of trouble you're in if you're hiding one anywhere near Blackwell Academy's campus." I couldn't help but smile to myself as Nathan sunk back in his chair, trying to look indignant. The smell of his fear was delightfully cathartic. "Mister Harper, please explain your accusation."
"I was about to go to class yesterday, but my brain was still making me swim in self-loathing to the point where I found it necessary to leave the main grounds of the school and go for a walk in the woods just behind us. I walked for a little bit until I stumbled across Nathan Prescott walking around, twitching and frantically rubbing his head like he was on the verge of a psychotic break. I knew he must know something about what happened to Kate if Max's words carried any weight, so I marched over to him to try and get some answers." Before I could continue, Nathan interrupted me.
"You came stomping up to me with murder in your eyes! I thought you were going to kill me!" Nathan bit back at me. I nervously cracked my neck as he said that. He may not have been wrong, but he was hardly one to talk.
"I may have appeared aggressive, yes, but I wanted to know more than anything if he'd had something to do with Kate's video. Before I could get within arms' reach, however, he pulled a handgun from his jacket and pointed it at me! He started yelling about me being 'just like them' or something, and I managed to fight him off and run back to campus. That's what I was on about yesterday, Principal Wells." I finished. Nathan looked like he was fighting to control himself in this instance. Part of me hoped that he lost it. Even if he had a gun, a skinny teenager with mental problems would be no match for a hardened veteran like David. Principal Wells looked worried for the first time since I'd met him, and David looked like he was ready to throw Nathan in prison. Max looked nervous and yet remained strong and brave. Mr. Jefferson, however, just stood there, cold as ice, his eyes boring into Nathan. I didn't know what the hell was going to happen next, and to be completely honest, I was afraid to find out. With that, Nathan's posture and body language changed. It seemed subtle at first, but as I analyzed his motions, I could determine he was afraid. I glanced between the two of them, back and forth between Mr. Jefferson and Nathan, and as I arrived at the conclusion that this teacher was likely manipulating the student, the man turned his attention to me. It was only for a split second, but in that time, his one look managed to give me disturbed chills. For a guy that looked no more threatening than the average hipster, something about him was deeply and intimately threatening about Mark Jefferson. The sound of Principal Wells clearing his throat in a definitely audible manner broke up this silent and subtle confrontation before it heated any further.
"Daniel, I will say that it is concerning that you would approach Nathan in such a threatening manner, but if this is true, Nathan, that you had a gun anywhere near school grounds, it is highly likely that drastic disciplinary action will have to be taken. Until further notice, however, I have some forms from the Police Department. Max, Daniel, I would like you to fill these out regarding your statements and your involvement, and once that's resolved, we can adjourn this meeting." Principal Wells' bureaucratic jargon usually made me want to gag, but I wanted this to be over as soon as possible. I had a beautiful woman waiting for me at the hospital, and it was ungentlemanly to keep a lady waiting. I looked over the form, reading it carefully and filling in all the necessary information where it asked for anything. I wrote where it asked for my testimony about everything involving Kate, the party, and by God, if I had a dime for everything I had to say about Nathan, I could have paid Max's student loans. I made sure to leave nothing out, even if it made me look at least partially unstable. By the time I finished, Max was getting up to leave.
"I'll see you later, Daniel." She said. Before she left, however, I got up.
"Hey, before you go, I really appreciate how you've helped me out with all of this. I really wouldn't be nearly as healthy now if it hadn't been for your help." I thanked her.
"Anytime, Daniel." She said. She looked like she had somewhere to go, so I finished my words quickly.
"Can I get a hug? For me and Kate?" I bashfully asked.
"Sure." Max smiled as she came in and gave this big idiot the hug he needed. It was paltry compared to what I'd shared with my beloved Katie last night before she went to the hospital, but it was still nice to feel my circumstances changing for the better. As she left, we shared one last wave goodbye, and I looked back to Principal Wells. I didn't want to have to worry about my infractions now, but it would be honorable to see this through. Nathan exchanged one last dirty scowl with me as he slithered out, Mr. Jefferson didn't look at me at all, but David, surprisingly enough, gave me a subtle grunt and nod. I'd never thought of David very positively, but I had to admit, this was a nice turn of events. I walked up to Principal Wells, but as I was about to sit down, he held up his hand and softened his expression.
"There's no need to discuss what happened that night, Daniel. What happened last night is jarring enough for everyone at Blackwell Academy. I expect things to go back to normal very soon, but for the time being, I even received word from the student allegedly assaulted, and he, for whatever reason, did not want to press any kind of charges. My only concern is that I would like for you to start regularly speaking with the school counselor and work to resolve these issues." Principal Wells flatly stated, albeit with a sound to his voice like the events of last night had aged him by at least a decade. I found it uncharacteristic of Principal Wells to be so lenient, but I wasn't about to question a 'Get Out of Jail Free Card.'
"Yes, sir. Kate and I actually agreed I should see a therapist. I'd be more than happy to start seeing the counselor as soon as possible." I responded. Principal Wells seemed impressed by this, almost making me think I'd taken a bit of that burden off his back.
"That's very mature of you, Daniel. I'll hold you to it. We can work out the finer details later. For now, I just advise you get some rest. We all need it after a night like that." I saw Principal Wells start to reach for a drawer on his side of his desk, then quickly halt himself. I knew he was an alcoholic, and although we'd had our fair share of confrontations, a part of me wanted to stay behind and try to convince him not to drink, but I knew it would be a pointless exercise. So many tried, so many failed. At this point, I just had to hope his habit wouldn't get any worse.
"Yes, sir. Thank you for your kindness." I said as I turned slowly to go to the door. When he didn't stop me, I walked on out. The moment I stepped beyond that threshold, I felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. All there was left to do was go see the most beautiful woman in the world. Without missing another step, I actually started humming Pachelbel's Canon in D Major to myself as I sprung from step to step on the way to my bike. The parking lot was surprisingly full today, though I imagined perhaps the genuine fear of everyone at the thought of… I shouldn't think about that. I pushed that thought from my mind and pulled the rain tarp from my beautiful blue motorcycle. I sighed with nostalgia and awe as the water rolled off the tarp and onto the ground. Behold, the other woman in my life.
"Hey, Amélie. I missed you." I named my bike after one of my favorite female singers, and I understand, Amy Lee makes me sound like your typical middle school emo. I mounted her, fetched my helmet off her back seat, and started her up. I missed the rumble and purr of that engine almost as much as I missed… maybe I shouldn't say as much as Kate. She's my priority. I backed Amélie out of the space, and rode her to the nearest florist. The folks inside were a bit older, and they knew me well from all the times I'd tried to make a nice bouquet for Katie. I had an arrangement made of the nicest roses, red, white, and pink all seemed to convey together a message of my love and admiration for the immeasurably beautiful individual Kate is. Before I left, I made sure to find a stuffed animal, ultimately settling on a teddy bear big enough for her to cuddle when I wasn't around. I'd given her a teddy bear before, but nothing large enough to ride behind me on the bike. After I paid and returned to Amélie, I thought my decision to buy such a large stuffed animal was thoroughly ill-advised. Despite my better judgment, I knew I had some bungee cords in one of my saddlebags. I, insane as it may sound, bound the bear to me with one of the ropes, and once Roosevelt was nice and secure, I got back on my bike, keeping the bouquet in one of the saddlebags, and carefully rode in the direction of the hospital, all while the feeling of that oversized bear on my back kept one thought repeating through my mind: 'I'm an idiot, I'm an idiot, I'm an idiot.' Still, I'd never compromise on Katie again. I loved her way too much for that. I kept riding my bike into town, and as I neared the hospital, I for whatever reason still felt nervous. I took a deep breath, parked my bike, and undid the bungee. As I walked up to the front entrance, I felt my heart start to pump faster and faster. I tried to calm myself, but I still couldn't help but feel nervous at the recognition of what I was doing. Even if it hadn't been even twenty-four hours since I last saw her, I felt like I needed to sit down and take a breath. I walked over to a chair in the waiting room, and then I remembered my phone going off earlier. I removed it from my pocket, and my heart was put at ease when I saw the message.
"Hey Daniel! It's okay. I'm really looking forward to seeing you. Don't keep a lady waiting too long! I love you too." I heard those words in my head in her beautiful voice. With those words, I felt more than encouraged to go and see her. I didn't want to waste another minute. I checked in with the front desk to see where Katie was, and once I had her room number, I happily strode over there. I went up to the door, and even though I was sure I would be welcomed in regardless, I still felt it necessary to knock. As I waited for an answer to my four raps upon the door, I held the bouquet in one hand, and rested Roosevelt on the floor. A few moments passed before a nurse answered the door.
"Hello, who are you, if you don't mind me asking?" she said to me. She was a kind older woman of about sixty or so. He presence made me feel even more at ease, knowing my lady was receiving care from someone as friendly as her.
"Hi! My sincerest apologies for any interruption. I'm Kate's boyfriend, Daniel, and I wanted to visit her today. May I come in?" I politely asked. The older woman warmed up significantly as she surveyed the bouquet and Roosevelt. I smiled gently as she nodded.
"Of course! I'll only be in for a little while longer. She's still a bit frazzled after last night, but she's doing well enough to see a friend. Miss Marsh, you have a visitor, and a handsome one if I do say so myself!" I visibly blushed when she said that. I'd always like to think I had good self-esteem, but I always felt embarrassed when someone called me handsome outside my family.
"Is he tall, redheaded and sweet?" I heard Kate reply. My face kept getting redder with every sweet thing said about me. I hid behind the bouquet in my bashful state.
"And muscular! Shall I let him in?" The nurse asked Kate. If I blushed any harder, I'd be redder than the roses I'd bought. For whatever reason, Kate took her time with her response. I didn't know what was on her mind, but I could only hope it was better than last night. She seemed happy in her message, but I could imagine she would be at least a bit shaken after last night.
"Yes, please." Katie finally said. The nurse let me into the room, and although Roosevelt was unwieldy, I still carried him in. I was already excited to see Kate, but to see her face light up with the sweetest mix of joy and bashfulness when she saw the bouquet and the oversized teddy bear. She buried her face in her hands as if she were about to start crying, so without a second thought, I rushed to her side to try and console her.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" I promptly asked. I felt a bit of extra panic in my voice compared to what would normally come from me, but when I saw her bright, bubbly, bashful smile as she laughed gently to herself, I felt at ease.
"You are too good to me." Kate said as she got up from her seat to wrap her arms around me. If I could live forever in her arms, I would not hesitate to take that chance. I felt her warmth comingle with mine and our hearts beat in sync. I hugged her back as best I could with her gifts in my hands. I loved nothing more in this world than being with her. She was my fantasy, my angel, my dream come true, and I could not sufficiently emphasize how much I loved her without failing to do justice. Everything about her was nothing short of poetic, symphonic, unadulterated perfection.
"Hardly. You deserve a break after all that. I'm just here with the presents to help you relax." I bashfully stated. I gently broke the hug momentarily to set everything down, and immediately put my hands on her hips and gazed into her hazel windows to heaven. That sparkle in her eyes made mine well up with tears, and she pulled me in close as I started to weep softly into her shoulder. Good God, I missed this so, so much.
"What's wrong, big guy?" Katie asked me as I pulled back to gaze into her eyes once again. My inevitable response made me feel all that fear and shame and guilt all over again, all at once. I tried to keep myself controlled as I told her.
"I shouldn't have been so cowardly. You n-needed me, and I failed you again and again… I'm sorry, Katie…" I said as my voice wavered and cracked. "I still can't believe I almost lost you…" I was ready to break down then and there, if it hadn't been for Kate gently cupping my fuzzy chin with her dainty, sweet, porcelain hands. She looked into my eyes with empathy and love the likes of which I knew her for better than anything else. I could see tears start to well up in her eyes as well as she spoke, each word a sonnet even Shakespeare would envy.
"Daniel, this is one of the reasons I want you to get help. You beat yourself up so much, even when I can tell you here that I forgive you. I'm so glad you came up to save me, and I want nothing more than to get back to us…" She paused for a moment to take a breath. As she readied her finishing statement, I instinctively felt myself say it with her:
"I love you." We said those words simultaneously. We caught ourselves, looked into each other's eyes, and laughed gently as we touched our foreheads together. This moment was nothing but bliss and joy, and everything about our reunion built an experience nothing short of paradise with every single second we spent in each other's presence. Where I was once so cold, I now felt warm, as if lying by a hearth, wrapped in a blanket with her. Where I was once ready to die of my own guilt, I now felt nothing but happiness and pure, unadulterated love with her. Where I was once empty and without rest, I felt I could now rest complete and full of pure joy in her embrace.
"I promise, I'm never letting go again." I whispered into my beloved's ear. If I could just stay in these moments of love forever, I wouldn't even consider a second opportunity.
"Thank you so much. I love you, Daniel." Katie whispered back. We continued standing there for a while before we finally decided to sit down and talk like old times. Kate was the first to speak. "If you don't mind me asking, what's his name?" Kate said as she gestured to the teddy bear.
"Oh, that's Roosevelt. I named him after my favorite President. Honestly, I think I was kind of an idiot in how I got him here. I tied him to my back as I rode my bike with a bungee cord." I said. As I finished that sentence, I saw Kate bring a hand to her mouth as she snorted with laughter. Once she heard the snort, she froze in embarrassment. Her face turned scarlet.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-" I cut her off before she could finish.
"You know, you're really cute when you do things like that." I said softly as I put my hand on her shoulder. We spent the rest of the day talking about everything. I loved her drawings, and I told her how it would be an honor to help her with a new children's book she was thinking of writing. The only caveat she gave me was that I was not allowed to have any dragons, wars, Lovecraftian horrors, or most of the stuff I had in my stories. I playfully grumbled and gave a pouty face in concession. She giggled at my feigning displeasure. She showed me the progress she'd made on her drawings since the morning, and it filled my heart with joy to see her exercising her passion again. Writing is my therapy, and drawing hers. Together, we were a symphony of storytelling, and once she was out of the hospital, I wanted to work together with her on all varieties of stories. Everything about Katie was beautiful. She commented about how she looked like a mess with her hair let down, and wearing only her pajamas, but no matter how she dressed, I saw her as a living, breathing miracle. Every breath she took was sweeter than a gentle autumn breeze shaking the loosest of leaves from trees. Every time she looked at me, I felt enamored with everything about her. I never wanted this to end. Eventually, however, visiting hours drew to an end, and I was told to leave by the hospital staff. I wanted to protest, to say anything that would keep me by her side, but when Kate gently took my hand, I looked back into her eyes, and she soothed my small but growing anger with her gentle voice.
"Please come see me tomorrow? I'll be right here for you." She said with a soft smile on her face. She always knew just what to say to calm my addled nerves. I sighed as my negativity left me.
"I really wish I could just stay the night, but… If you'll still be here, I'll be in as early as I can tomorrow." I said as she and I shared a tight, loving hug. I held her close for as long as I could, only loosening enough so I could cup her cheek gently in my hand, and slowly move in for one last kiss for the day. The sheer desperation I experienced in last night's kiss was not present, but was instead superseded by a sense of belonging, peace, and peerless bliss. It was in that moment that I felt a kind of love for Kate I had never thought I would experience… A kind of love… One that can barely be put to words with any efficacy at all. It would take me perhaps a month, maybe more, to write a story or poem with the words best fit for this intense feeling of love. I guess the best way to say it is… I felt at home. I wanted that kiss to last forever, even if I'd said that about previous kisses as well. Nothing felt more blissful, more passionate, more comforting, than when I felt her lips against mine. I would have very well stayed right there, unmoving for as long as possible, until I had no choice but to pull away. As the kiss ended, I looked into her eyes one last time for the night, and reluctantly stepped away.
"I'll see you tomorrow, beautiful." I said optimistically.
"Good night, Daniel." Kate lovingly replied. Stepping away from that, however necessary, was still disheartening. I never wanted these moments to end. Reality demanded that they did, however, and I made my way back to my bike. I was still going to be kicking myself for how dangerous it was for me to ride a motorcycle with a giant stuffed bear on my back, but at least Kate could cuddle with Roosevelt when I wasn't there to do so myself. I mounted Amélie, started her engine, and made my way back to Blackwell.
On the way there, I saw, in the beam of my headlight, countless birds all over the road, on their backs, wings splayed. Even in that scene, I thought I would only see so many, but it seemed as if they littered the road! Everywhere I turned my head inside my helmet, more and more bird corpses lay all around. I could hardly believe the sheer absurdity of the sight! Nothing but death as far as I could see! I would have joined their ranks too, had I not snapped back into lucidity before I drifted into the wrong lane just as a car came speeding by. I kept riding down the road back to Blackwell, all the while seeing more and more dead birds. First it snows in October, and now dead birds everywhere? None of it made sense! All over the road, up and down the parking lot, and even all over campus, under the lights of the artificial illuminations, I could see only dead animals. I wasn't scared so much as I was bewildered. Still, it was too late in the evening to worry myself so much about this. I had much more important things with which to concern my mind. I did what I could to put this out of my mind, and instead focused on what tomorrow would bring. I knew Max still owed Katie a visit, and knowing how selfless Katie is, she'll probably be sharing that bouquet with other patients. I really needed to make sure I never had to worry about losing her again. Therapy to help me, and then for both of us, maybe a vacation somewhere to get our minds off of everything, and… I knew it was cliché, and even objectively demonstrated as a scam, but surely I could get her something when asking such a monumental question… I'd leave that to tomorrow.