Life of Heidi
Dr. Palmer Jekyll was in disgrace as he drove back to Shepherd Falls. His thin and pale silver-bearded face was grief-stricken, but his eyes on the other hand showed that he was hopeful. The scientist's gray hair was messy, and his gray eyes were baggy and tired-looking as he drove on, hoping to see his niece. Hoping that she was still safe and that she would forgive him for his awful mistake.
"I never should've abandoned her." he thought sadly for the umpteenth time as he drove. The thought had kept flowing in and out of his brilliant mind as he pressed on. He kept picturing the sad look on her face as she realized he and his daughter, Marianna, were long gone and fleeing the village and even their state of Vermont.
That night weighed heavily on Dr. Jekyll's mind. He thought of how poor Heidi had to experience even more loss - something a twelve-year-old should never have to experience so much of, in his mind.
"But," he thought. "Hopefully she will forgive me once I provide her with this."
The scientist patted the pocket on his dingy polo shirt, still feeling full of hope for what contents were there. That maybe, just maybe it would offer some form of restitution for his neglect and initial abandonment. Something the disgraced scientist hoped he could finally put behind him.
There was still a small tinge of fear in Jekyll's mind. Would the village going to come after him? Was this all a waste? Would Heidi even bother to forgive him? What would she say? What could she say?
At last, Dr. Jekyll pulled into Shepherd Falls. The beautiful sunny autumn day made the little village seem much more friendly looking to him. There were various Halloween decorations hanging about through the beautiful village as he drove through. And much to his amazement, in the five years he was away, the town had grew. There were vacationers looking to get away from it all, there was a huge grocery store that now sat at the town's entrance.
So far no one was looking at him weirdly, or strangely. There were familiar faces he remembered seeing in the mob of people looking for him and Marianna, but none seeming to care once they saw him.
He drove through wondering where to start his search for Heidi. Who would know where she could be? Dr. Palmer Jekyll pulled into a parking lot next to a bait and tackle store and scratched his head with his bony hands in exasperation.
"Where could she be?" he asked himself, now rubbing his temples of his thin head. "Where?"
Dr. Palmer Jekyll had called Heidi's few remaining relatives a day earlier and some barely knew of her, or remembered who she was or who her parents even were. No one knew just where the hopeful girl was.
Suddenly, his eyes shot wide open, he pounded his fist in his hand Jekyll had a thought. He remembered Marianna describing a boy protecting Heidi one night with a bat.
"Alan? Adam? Ashton?" the not-so mad scientist thought. "Anthony? Aiden? Ari?"
Dr. Jekyll decided it would be best to check stores and hope that perhaps maybe he could find a place to start from. Jekyll decided to start with the bus station where she first arrived as a beginning searching point for Heidi or the protector-boy who saved Heidi and possibly looked out for her.
The scientist walked down the street and saw many friendly faces. People seemed, happier. Perhaps because no werewolf-like creatures were ravaging through Shepherd Falls at night, or because they were happy they ran a 'mad' scientist out of Vermont.
As he walked down the street to the bus station, there was something oddly calming about seeing the happy townspeople and even tourists vacationing in the small little town. He felt that his niece would love this. It was now a friendly-looking town a girl who just lost her loving parents and had to a start anew with a brand new family should have stayed in. Not a town terrorized by a monster and people bent on killing it.
The skinny and frail scientist made the walk to through the small town. A small part of him wished he had wore something better. He was wearing a dingy blue pocket-polo shirt, faded black jeans, and plain white beat-up sneakers. His white hair short and untidy - even his new beard had seen better days. However, poor Dr. Jekyll couldn't muster ability to care for his appearance. Not these days.
He tried hard to remember what Heidi's friend's name was as the now larger and official Greyhound station was in view and he could see the old luncheonette that was behind it. Suddenly, thoughts of the mystery boy had faded, and the first thoughts of positivity flooded his mind instead.
He remembered frequenting the restaurant before Marianna's beastly change. He remembered always coming by on Fridays for his favorite soup and sandwich combo, and finishing it with a nice cup of coffee. ("Fuel for the always working scientific mind.")
He even remembered the beautiful woman who worked at the counter, Alexis Friedus. He remembered always wanting to speak with her, and having a correspondence with her, but never able to truly muster the right words to tell her his true feelings when he could talk to her.
Just suddenly a thought immediately burst through his mind! She mentioned a boy to him! She had a son!
"Aaron!" he suddenly blurted out, while slapping his head to the bewilderment of those walking around him.
But Palmer didn't care. He suddenly ran to the lunch restaurant filled with hope. If Alexis was there she could know where Aaron is, and then Aaron could lead him to Heidi!
Grinning from ear to ear, the excited scientist ran all the way past the bus station to the Shepherd Falls Cafeteria. As he approached the luncheonette he noticed that the building was now much cleaner and had a retro 1960's look to it, to match the now cleaner look to the old town.
It wasn't busy when Dr. Jekyll walked in. He looked around, he saw a tv in the top corner facing the tables, with the current news reports playing, there were happy customers enjoying their soup and sandwiches for the day - talking and happily discussing their plans and places to visit. He then looked down and thinking about the happy people.
"If only Marianna were here." he thought with tinge of sadness. Suddenly his thought process was broken by a cheery teenager's voice from the counter.
"Welcome to SFC, sir!" the teenage boy chirped. The boy had a long brown hair that was in a ponytail and friendly brown eyes. His face had short and trimmed fuzz for facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. He wore an all white uniform that sported a red name tag above the pocket of his shirt that read: AARON.
Upon seeing Aaron's name tag he rushed over to the counter still feeling hopeful. The first and second key to finding Heidi was already solved. He possibly found the brave boy once fended off his rampaging daughter. Jekyll approached the counter.
"Excuse me, are you Aaron Friedus?" he asked calmly, trying to contain his excitement.
"Yes sir," replied Aaron happily and still maintaining a positive attitude. "How may I help you?"
Dr. Jekyll pulled out his black leather wallet, and pulled a tiny picture out that showed a twelve-year-old Heidi Davidson.
"I believe that you know my niece, young man," he said calmly, still trying to contain his joy of being one step closer to finding her. "Please help me find her. It's important that I see her."
Aaron's dark brown eyes opened wide and he stared astonishingly at the skinny, scruffy-looking man in front of him.
"Y-y-you're D-Dr. Jekyll aren't you?" he managed to splutter, pointing at the scientist.
"Yes," Dr. Jekyll answered promptly. "I am him but I really don't want a lot of people knowing I'm here and I must find my niece. It's very important, young man."
Aaron's stunned expression turned into a blank gaze at Dr. Jekyll. He looked down, and let out a heavy sigh, causing the troubled and forlorn Palmer to study the teenager's troubled demeanor, wondering what could be the matter, not fearing the worst. Then, after a short pause, he then looked back up at the scientist and spoke.
"Heidi made me promise that we would see her together the day you ever returned here, Doctor." Aaron said solemnly, dropping his professional guard.
"Even better," replied Dr. Jekyll. "I'd like that. It would be for the best."
"Yeah," breathed Aaron. But he quickly shook his head to regain composure. "Would you like something to eat? You look like you haven't eaten in days, sir."
"Oh, I'm sorry I can't. My money is tight-"
"I'll pay for it," Aaron said, holding up a hand. "Mom won't care."
"Your mom?" asked Dr. Jekyll raising an eyebrow. "Is she the manager?"
"No, I'm the manager," replied Aaron. "My mom owns the place. She won't mind if I take off. Just let me call in an employee and we can leave once they get here and you're done eating."
Once one of Aaron's employees came in, he and Jekyll got into Aaron's black Firebird and drove off.
"Nice car, Aaron." admired the impressed Dr. Jekyll.
"Being a manager in a popular tourist attraction has its benefits." quipped Aaron smiling.
"Just how did it happen?" asked Dr. Jekyll astonishingly. "This place used to be so desolate and poor."
"A big tall basketball player came here of all places to get away from it all a few years back," answered Aaron sounding jovial. "They loved the town so much they funded all of the renovations. Crazy huh?"
"Amazing," replied Jekyll slowly, who couldn't believe his ears. "I'm sure Heidi has to love all of these changes. She deserves to be somewhere happier."
Dr. Jekyll looked over to Aaron who looked like he was about to cry. "Something wrong?"
"Oh no, not at all," Aaron said quickly, shaking his head. But then Aaron quickly rebounded. "You know all about the bite, right?"
"Yes," whispered Jekyll looking down. "Poor Heidi. That's why I need to see her. I can save her."
Aaron who had come to a complete halt at the red light at the intersection turned to Dr. Jekyll.
"Save her?" he asked the scientist.
Dr. Jekyll pulled out a closed vial from his front pocket. The liquid inside the little glass vial was a dark brown color and was thick like cough syrup.
"This could save my niece from a horrible fate," he said. "I only need her blood sample. It'll bond with these chemicals as apart of a binary compound that will create a enzyme that stops the changes and cures her of related ailments the changes cause."
Aaron didn't know what to say to Dr. Jekyll as the light turned green. But he sighed, and finally found the right words to say.
"Palmer, it'll be a long ride to Heidi. Want to hear a story about her while we drive?"
"I'd like that, young man." Dr. Jekyll answered politely.
"Well I guess I should start with the most wild one I can think of," he started. "Heidi wasn't the only one your daughter bit."
"It was about five years ago. Heidi had been in hiding until the town could get over the damage Marianna caused. Luckily, no one knew Heidi was staying at our house."
"What's wrong Heidi?" asked a younger Aaron Friedus.
"Oh, nothing." sighed 12-year-old Heidi staring out of Aaron's bedroom window.
"Do you want to play some more Goldeneye?" he asked her handing her the second game controller.
"No, I'd rather not." she sighed again still not facing him.
Aaron could sense something was wrong with his good friend. He walked over to Heidi and stood close to her. She then put her arm around him and gazed at him sadly. Her brilliant green eyes, looking glum.
"It's gonna happen again tonight," she sighed. "And there's nothing I can do."
"You'd be a big hero if you beat him, Heidi." Aaron said softly. "Plus you've done such a good job of controlling the transformations. You're like an X-Man or something!"
That got a chuckle out of Heidi. "Are you trying to say I'm a mutant?"
"A really cool one," Aaron said cheekily. "I even have your superhero name picked out for you."
"Yeah?" asked Heidi now smiling. "What is it?"
"Heid!" joked Aaron. Heidi playfully pushed Aaron away and both started laughing.
"You always know how to make me laugh." breathed Heidi smiling a slight smile.
"What are friends for?" said Aaron shrugging his shoulders.
Heidi, still smiling, turned away again, looking out of Aaron's window to the forest behind the little village.
"What's on your mind, really?" asked Aaron softly.
"It's just..." Heidi began but trailed off still in thought. "I wish my uncle found a cure. I wish he didn't abandon everything and run."
Aaron looked to his sad friend. Heidi didn't show her sadness, but something about her admittance of feelings made him know that Heidi was hurting deeply. He then smiled at Heidi.
"But you're now with a family that loves you." assured Aaron with his hand placed gently on Heidi's shoulder.
Heidi's demeanor had changed at that, which made Aaron only smile.
"You're right. You and your mom are my family now!" she declared pounding her fist in her hand.
"Of course we are!" responded Aaron now sharing Heidi's enthusiasm.
"My cousin bit him, so I should stop him. Shouldn't I?" asked Heidi, starting to sound confident.
"Yes," Aaron said quickly.
"Will that mean, I will have to kill him?" she asked gravely.
"The old hunter was a psycho anyway," grumbled Aaron, crossing his arms. "He wanted to kill your cousin."
Heidi remembered seeing the man in the mob that horrible night, and wondering why he was so adamant about killing poor Marianna.
"Okay. I'll do it," Heidi declared. She then placed her hand on Aaron's shoulder. "But please stay here. I've lost my parents and my uncle and cousin are gone. I don't wanna lose you too, Aaron."
"But Heidi-"
"Promise me," Heidi said frowning now adding weight to her hand on his shoulder. "You and your mom are all I have left."
"Okay, I promise." Aaron said solemnly.
"I'll be back, I'll promise." she said calmly.
"I really didn't mean it. As I watched her put her black tennis shoes on and leave my room and the house, I couldn't bear the thought of her facing a hideous creature all on her own. She might've not wanted to lose me, but I didn't want to lose my only friend more."
Aaron stared out the window to the woods and only began to worry about Heidi. He thought about his unfortunate friend, his poor unfortunate friend. He thought about her being left behind by the only family she could have had left that cared about her. He thought about how she had worked so hard to control the transformations. He thought about how strong-willed she was. He thought that for all of Heidi's pain she handles it so well by always being the best she could be.
"I gotta help her," he whispered to himself. "I can't lose her. She doesn't deserve this."
Aaron put on a black sweatshirt, black jeans, black shoes and jacket. He didn't want to be caught outside after curfew and by the volatile villagers still reeling from Marianna's rampages and now the rampages of a new monster. He retrieved his old baseball bat from the closet, a backpack and finally he grabbed big spare blanket. He quickly tucked the blanket in his black backpack and tiptoed through the house to head into the woods.
"This is nuts." he thought weaving in and out of light, trying to remain hidden until he could reach the woods.
"You went out there all on your own, young man?" asked an astonished Dr. Jekyll, his grey eyes wide in shock.
"I was only twelve," sighed Aaron, looking a little embarrassed. "But I really liked and cared about her. She was always so nice to me. And I didn't want to lose my only friend. Besides, it wasn't the first time anyway."
Aaron safely made it into the misty woods that night. He slowly tiptoed through his eerie surroundings, trying not to let his imagination get the best of him.
"I'm about to help a friend kill a monster." the young boy thought as he stopped to catch his breath.
The thought didn't cross his mind at all. To Aaron he only had Heidi on the brain. His good ol' Heidi. But he didn't think of the cost of what it would mean to save her. A life must be taken. Aaron leaned against a tree and began to think hard. He knew Heidi could be in grave danger. He knew Heidi could lose her life. But to take a life to save one?
"This is nuts," Aaron scoffed in thought. "But there's no one else that can stop him. Only Heidi can and I have to make sure-"
His thought process was suddenly interrupted a loud growl and a harsh breath of air wash over him. Aaron spun around quickly and nearly screamed in fright. It was a hideous beast standing behind the tree peering down at him. Marianna was a frightening sight that night a few weeks ago, but this beast was even more frightening.
His teeth were yellow and jagged, his eyes were blood red and filled with unbridled fury, he was furry all over, almost like a bear with silver and black fur and a torn orange shirt hanging from his body and torn black jeans. His snout was long and almost pig like, sticking out from it's brownish-gray face. He was hideous.
Aaron was frozen in fear at The Hunter. He didn't know what to do but his mind flashed immediately to his friend. But Heidi wasn't in sight. The poor boy now felt guilt as the monster stared at him bearing it's nasty and jagged yellow teeth. He was going to die. And Heidi would suffer yet another loss in such a short span of time.
"I'm sorry, Heidi." Aaron whispered to himself as the monster began to lick it's big ugly lips.
Aaron just closed his eyes and accepted his fate. He knew that there was nothing he could do. Just as the monster stepped towards Aaron and a big wet tear began to escape his face, there was another growl that was monstrous, but not nearly as frightening as The Hunter's growl. Suddenly a brown-furred monster similar to The Hunter came charging from the mist, pouncing on it's bigger foe.
Aaron, who dived backwards, knew by the torn loaned away New England Patriots jersey and white jeans that hung off of this monster's body that it was Heidi. And now both monsters were fighting and rolling around in the woods.
"My God." gasped Dr. Jekyll.
"Oh yeah," Aaron said quietly. "I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was like Godzilla vs. King Kong."
"Such a brave girl." Dr. Jekyll said shaking his head.
The Hunter lifted his clawed feet and kicked Heidi off of him. Heidi flew back and nearly collided into a tree. But Heidi was smart, she stuck her arms out and like a monkey swinging on a branch, she spun around the tree and flung her feet into The Hunter's midsection sending him flying through two trees causing them to fall.
Aaron was in stunned silence at what he seeing, and only watched with his jaw open wide.
Heidi roared and once again pounced at The Hunter. The Hunter tried to push the rabid Heidi Davidson back and get her off but in fury she struck and clawed at his face making it harder for the evil beast to grab her.
"Please don't die, please don't die." moaned Aaron in thought as he watched his best friend battle the deranged creature.
After another strike to it's ugly face, The Hunter roared and caught Heidi's hands. He picked her up as she dangled in front of her larger foe, kicking and trying to get her clawed feet sank into him, and he threw her beastly body at another nearby tree. This tree fell just as the others from the power behind the throw. The force caused Heidi's back to bend against the tree and she fell to the ground, letting out a shrill yelp.
But Heidi wasn't going to quit. She slowly got back up, much to The Hunter's surprise and with her speed she rabidly pounced onto her foe one more time. The two beasts were growling and yelping - biting and striking each other as they rolled and fought to death on the cold earth in the misty woods.
Aaron was still in stunned silence. Then there was a huge commotion behind him. A mob. The loud noise of the two beasts fighting and yelping woke up the townspeople and now they were ready to kill a new beast that had terrorized them.
"Oh noooo..." he groaned in thought. The were all shouting and sounded full of malice and rage.
"Kill the beast!"
"Skin the fur!"
"Cut it's heart out!"
Aaron spun around and tried to stop them. But he didn't have to say anything. The townspeople were stunned at what they were seeing. TWO monsters.
Aaron's chance had come. "Listen to me!"
The people stopped looking at the rabid beasts and turned to the boy.
"The brown one is my friend! It's Heidi!" he pleaded. "She's trying to save you all from The Hunter!"
The townspeople began to chatter amongst each other regarding that. But instead a woman's voice called out.
"Aaron!" she called. "Aaron what are you doing here?!"
Aaron knew who it was. It was his mother, Alexis Friedus.
She charged through the still chattering townspeople and hugged her son, her coppery hair draped over her face. "Oh, Aaron. I was so worried about you."
"I had to try to save Heid-" but he was cut off but another yelp.
It was Heidi. The Hunter had gotten the upper hand on her. He was on top of her and had his arms wrapped around her neck.
"No-no-no!" cried Aaron in horror. Without thinking he jerked out of his mother's grasp and grabbed his bat.
He ran to the mad beast and with all of his might he swung the bat as hard as he could and it collided with The Hunter's snout. The Hunter moaned a mournful yelp and released its grip and staggered backwards off of Heidi, grasping it's nose and mouth in pain.
Now it was Heidi's chance to end the evil creature's terror. She rebounded and now pounced on the creature's back and grabbed The Hunter's head. The Hunter got up and began thrashing and trying to jerk Heidi off of him with force.
He collided into trees, and roared angrily. But Heidi held on with all of her might. Twisted and torqueing her nemesis' big ugly head. The townspeople, Alexis Friedus, and Aaron were all watching in shock and horror. Some were still chattering regarding what to do about Heidi.
Finally with one roar from Heidi and a final torque of it's neck, a sickening snap came from The Hunter's neck and he immediately collapsed to the cold ground. Blood slowly trickled out of the evil monster's mouth, his furious red eyes were now lifeless. He was dead. His terror was finally over.
Heidi threw The Hunter off of her and gingerly stood up from the ground. She leaned against a tree and was panting hard and slow. Aaron quickly grabbed his blanket out of his backpack and walked to his tired beastly friend. His tired Heidi.
"Aaron, wait!" his mom cried running towards him and grabbing him.
"Let me go, mom." he said looking serious. "I know what to do."
She only gave him a blank gaze as she stared at him, but she nodded.
She released her grasp and he slowly walked towards Heidi, all the while the townspeople were murmuring and chattering on just what to do about this new beast.
"Heidi," he said slowly and softly. "Heidi, it's me."
She jerked her large head up and growled at Aaron. He knew to stop right in his tracks. He held his arms out revealing the blanket in his hands.
"Heidi, I just want to cover you up," he said softly. "You've had a long night."
Heidi sniffed around him and then surveyed him slowly and once she let down from her hostile stance, she let out a sad whining moan to her best friend. Aaron knew why. Aaron could see blood trickling down from Heidi's brown fur from her arms, her forehead, and the her left cheek - and with her colliding hard against the tree he knew her back was hurt too.
"I know you're hurt Heid," he said walking closer to her. "Let me help you."
Heidi smirked a little at that remark. She then nodded and knelt down on the ground slowly and gingerly to where she would be at his height, wincing in pain. Once Aaron got close he wrapped the blanket around her.
"It's okay, Heidi." he said softly. He then wrapped his arms around Heidi and hugged her, holding her close to his chest where his heart is.
In his arms, Heidi began to change back to herself and was weeping. Her snout was once again becoming a normal mouth as it melted back into her face. Heidi's brown fur began to slowly shrink back into her body and her hair began to become her normal head of hair again. The beastly crying and snorting became soft weeping and sniffling as her face changed back into her small human face. The real Heidi Davidson was crying into his arms.
Her long arms now were shorter, her feet were now human feet. And the townspeople were stunned and silent. Aaron's mother, was crying at the site of Heidi and her son. Alexis Friedus turned to the quieted people and spoke.
"Look at her!" she said furiously. "That child has lost two parents and her only family abandoned her! She saved you all!" Aaron was next to speak.
"Please," he pleaded. "Please let her go. We'll keep her inside at night. She can control when she turns into a monster! Honest!"
The townspeople began to all look guilty. Once again they all began to chatter and murmur amongst each other. With all of the talking at once, Aaron couldn't make out what was hey were saying. After what felt like an eternity to Aaron, the townspeople stopped chattering. And then Aaron was surprised again.
"They dropped their pitchforks and torches and walked away." he said proudly.
"They did that for my niece?"Dr. Jekyll breathed, with a wet tear forming in his eye.
"Yep." nodded Aaron.
Heidi looked up to the people walking away and smiled weakly. "I think that means I can finally leave the house now."
"Yes!" cried Aaron hugging her tightly. "Finally!"
Heidi groaned from the tight hug, Aaron let go with a quick "Sorry!".
"Can you walk honey?" asked Alexis.
"Oooh-," groaned Heidi as she tried to stand. "Yeah, I think I-can."
"Oh woah, woah," Aaron said quickly. "Come closer to me."
Aaron rushed to her side and had her place her arm around Aaron's shoulders as she leaned against him for support.
"Thanks Aaron." Heidi said in a low moan, trying to smile through her pain.
Alexis immediately supported Heidi on her left.
"Let's get you to a hospital, honey." she murmured.
Heidi took one last look at her fallen foe. His body had turned back into what he truly was. A frail and tall old man.
"The townspeople will deal with the body," Alexis said whisking Heidi away. "Don't worry about him."
Heidi began to cry again as they began the walk out of the misty woods.
"You're a hero, Heid." quipped Aaron trying to help her friend feel better.
Aaron could tell his friend felt terrible. If he was feeling guilt, how could she feel? Heidi was quiet as she stumbled through the woods with Alexis and Aaron. Aaron had been quiet. And trying to find the right words to say to his friend. At last as they began the walk to the local clinic, he found the right words.
"We'll get through this together, Heidi." he said solemnly. "Your transformations, everything. I promise I'll never leave you, Heid."
Heidi turned her head towards Aaron and gave him a weak smile. She was still in a lot of pain.
"Thanks Aaron," she mustered the strength to say. "I won't leave you either."
Shepherd Falls, Five years later...
"She is so brave, Aaron." Dr. Jekyll said in amazement.
"Oh yes," agreed Aaron. "Heidi really was a hero. And the town loved her once they got to know her."
"Wonderful, absolutely wonderful." Dr. Jekyll said happily. The happiness he felt at knowing that Heidi got to love a happier life, felt...good. For the first time in days, Dr. Jekyll had experience true happiness.
"When do we get to see Heidi, my boy?" asked Dr. Jekyll now with enthusiasm.
Aaron sighed heavily. "We're here Doctor."
Dr. Jekyll realized the car had stopped and he turned to his right and saw the one thing he was afraid of. His happiness was now gone. His joy has turned into sadness, and sadness turned into grief.
"No, no, no-" Dr. Jekyll said in a low tone, the words quickly escaping his mouth. "Please, Aaron. No, oh God no! No!"
"Yes, Dr. Jekyll," Aaron in a low sad tone. "Heidi passed away last year. She was seventeen, sir."
Tears began to escape the scientist's grey eyes.
"Why didn't you t-tell me, Aaron?" he asked, his voice shaking from his crying.
"I had to be the one to bring you here," he said in a low guilty tone. "I felt if I told you in the state you were in, you would've came here alone. And I couldn't honor my last promise to her. She was more than my friend, Palmer. I had to."
Dr. Jekyll understood his implication. And composed himself.
"Please take me to her grave." Dr. Jekyll asked in a sad tone.
"Yes, let's go sir." Aaron said calmly.
The two men walked up to the large iron gate that was held sturdily by the stone wall that surrounded the cemetery. Above the iron gate was an arch that held black iron letters formed together that read, Shepherd Falls Cemetery.
It was a quiet walk as Aaron led the way through the small but neatly kept cemetery to Heidi's grave. Dr. Jekyll was feeling ashamed as he walked through. Ashamed that he left her, that she had to die without her only family left at her side.
"We're here, see." Aaron said pointing at the large tombstone at the end of it's row.
The tombstone was black marble and beautiful. It had an arch of assorted silver flowers engraved along its border. The cursive and stylized silver lettering sculpted and carved into the tombstone read:
Heidi Marie Davidson
March 17, 1988-May 19, 2005
"Her ray of hope will shine an everlasting light."
Dr. Jekyll walked up to her grave and stared at the grave. His gaze could've pierced a hole through the black marble. He stepped forward and slowly knelt down and pressed his hand against the warm tombstone.
"Oh, Heidi." he breathed slowly. "I'm so s-sorry."
Jekyll then collapsed on the ground and began to cry, which too caused Aaron to shed a tear as he watched the scientist break down. The scientist then started pounding the ground.
"If I only-!" he cried. "Had I just came back sooner! She suffered so much!"
Suddenly, Aaron had an idea. Hopefully one to subside Jekyll's pain.
"She didn't die miserable, Dr. Jekyll." he said to him.
Jekyll still crying didn't face him. But he did speak to Aaron.
"What do you mean?" Dr. Jekyll asked in a shaky tone.
"My mom asked for that quote to be put on the tombstone because Heidi never gave up hope," Aaron explained softly. Aaron then walked over to Dr. Jekyll and placed his arm around him, staring down at Heidi's grave with the sad scientist. "Heidi, no matter how hard life got, kept trying to live a happy life."
Dr. Jekyll was quiet but appreciated Aaron's company. His anger and initial annoyance at his actions had subsided. He was glad he wasn't alone in having to experience the pain and realization of Heidi not being alive anymore.
"My daughter died, Aaron." Dr. Jekyll murmured. "Marianna wanted me to save Heidi, and now I can't honor her dying wish. I couldn't save my daughter or my niece."
Aaron turned to the scientist and could see he was lamenting his mistake and could see he was guilty.
"If it helps, I can tell you another story about Heidi," suggested Aaron softly. "It's about the last day I could see her. Before she died."
"Okay," sighed Dr. Jekyll. "I'd like that."
"Here, sit with me," Aaron suggested he now sitting cross-legged at Heidi's grave. "All three of us can be together for it."
Jekyll gave Aaron a sad smirk and sat down next to him.
Five months ago...
"Heidi was on her deathbed in hospice care at the hospital. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with her and why her vital organs were failing and her skin was turning a strange yellowish color, and her lips were turning purple. She barely looked like her normal self aside from her long brown hair, but Heidi stayed Heidi until the end."
"You know, this isn't so bad." remarked 17-year-old Heidi Davidson.
"What?" remarked Aaron who was in his work uniform.
"This dying thing," Heidi mused jokingly. "Everyone is just so nice to you!"
"Heidi!" snapped Aaron playfully. "You shouldn't joke like that!"
"You should be used to that by now," laughed Heidi. "I have to cope some way."
"I know, babe." groaned Aaron sadly, still trying to smile. Heidi could tell he was forcing a smile.
"You promised me you wouldn't treat me any differently, Aaron Friedus." she said weakly shaking her clamped finger at him.
"I know, Heid." he sighed. "It's just-I wish we could've met sooner. I wish we could've grown old together, had a family, the American Dream."
Heidi then smiled at Aaron.
"If it helps," she said still smiling. "I really thought you were cute from the moment I met you."
"You did?" asked Aaron surprised. "Even in that old weird jacket I wore?"
"Yes, even in the old weird jacket you wore." Heidi said nodding her head.
"I thought you were cute too," he said then quipped, "You know, when you weren't an X-Man."
Heidi jokingly frowned. "That's X-Woman!"
"Sorry, X-Woman," he laughed.
The two began laughing together as if Heidi was just in a room in his house instead of in a white gown in a hospital. They laughed and laughed until Heidi began coughing and gasping for air from the hard laughter.
"Oh, sor-" he began, but Heidi threw her hand up to cut him off and she cleared her throat.
"No, this is good. I'd rather leave happily than sadly." she said boldly and confidently.
The realization had hit Aaron once again as it had been for the week leading up to Heidi's diagnosed last day. He knew he had to her his feelings.
"Heidi I have something for you. My mother saved this for me to give to you when I knew I loved-loved you and wanted to marry you when I turn the ripe age of 40." he said, laughing. "But she gave this to me, to give to you."
Heidi looked confused, but gasped once she saw what Aaron pulled out of his pocket. It was a small little black velvet box. Heidi clasped her hands over her mouth, in shock. Aaron opened the box and in a little pillow stood a silver diamond ring.
"I know I love-love you already Heidi," said Aaron walking closer to Heidi. "I knew I love-loved you forever when I saved you from Marianna. I knew I love-loved you when you would pick Oddjob when we would play GoldenEye together and I wouldn't get mad. I knew I love-loved you when you taught me to always try even when life got me down. I truly love-love you, Heidi."
Aaron gently took Heidi's hand and slid the ring on her finger. Heidi surveyed the ring and brought Aaron closer for a hug.
"I love-love you too, Aaron." she whispered in his ear. After a kiss on his cheek she released him and continued to look over ring trying to form the right words to say as Aaron stared at her lovingly and proudly.
"Aaron," she started. "Never lose hope. No matter what. I might be dying, but I'm okay with it. I refuse to be sad about it, and I don't want you to either."
"I won't, Heidi. I promise." he replied solemn and seriously.
"But also know this babe," she said lovingly to him. "I would've never been able to handle losing my parents and my only family abandoning me if it wasn't for you. You were my light in the darkness."
A tear began to form in Aaron's eye, but he looked away quickly and pretended to scratch his eye. However, Heidi spoke again.
"I'm not mad at him anymore for leaving me behind though," she said shrugging. "Maybe he didn't want me to suffer with him and Marianna. And besides, I got to be with you. That was the best thing he could've ever done for me. I got to live a normal life with you the past five years. I got to go to school and make friends. So I forgive him."
Aaron frowned, and his mouth was a thin line.
"Heidi, I don't know if I can," he sighed. "He gave me you too, but he abandoned you."
"I know, but I can't be mad him for giving me happiness with you," she replied, but then she looked serious to him as he had a perplexed look. "I need you to promise me something, Aaron."
"For you, you can promise me two somethings." he said softly.
"Two somethings?" she said playfully. "Well then, promise me if he ever returns you'll be nice and you'll take him to my grave so we can all be together."
Aaron looked perplexed. "Heidi, I-"
"Promise me, Aaron Friedus." she croaked demandingly, crossing her arms.
"Okay." Aaron promised, begrudgingly. "I promise, I'll be nice to Palmer."
"Good," she said sounding satisfied. "I have hope that you will."
"You and your hope," groaned Aaron playfully. "It's sickening sometimes."
"Oh, like your face?" snarked Heidi chortling to herself.
"You thought it was cute when were 12," scoffed Aaron.
"I was a depressed preteen," she joked. "Any guy would've seemed cute to me."
"Okay that's it!" snapped Aaron, jokingly getting up. Heidi was giggling as softly as she could to avoid a coughing fit. "I'm going to work! Bye Heid!"
Aaron jokingly stormed out of the hospital room, but poked his head back in to Heidi with a playfully frustrated look in her face and an eyebrow raised.
"Fine," sighed Aaron. He walked back in and kissed Heidi on her forehead. "Love-love you."
Heidi now smiling replied back in a loving tone. "I love-love you too Aaron."
Shepherd Falls, Five Years Later...
"Heidi died always trying to be positive," Aaron said, thinking fondly of her. "I was supposed to come back for the night, but when I got there my mom met me and told me the news that she was gone."
Dr. Jekyll nodded and tears began to fall down his face once more.
"The doctors say, as she began to take her last breaths she began to say repeatedly 'Mom, Dad'." said Aaron, slowly. "I guess that's what helps me cope. Her hope and her attitude."
"Hope for what?" asked Dr. Jekyll, trying to compose himself.
"Hope that she got to be with her parents again," replied Aaron. "Hope that she finally can have a normal life."
"I'm sure she did," replied Jekyll warmly. "I just wish I could tell her, how much I appreciate that she forgave me. Like I said, abandoning her was my biggest folly."
"It's okay, Doc," Aaron said patting his shoulder. "You're a good man, I think she always knew you didn't mean to make that decision all that time ago."
"Thank you," he said. "And thank you for saving her, and being a good man to her."
"My mom raised me well." Aaron said chuckling.
"I'm going to take my leave now, son," Dr. Jekyll said standing up. "I'm going to travel the world."
"You are?" ask Aaron curiously now standing up.
"Yes," Jekyll replied nodding. "The enzyme can save others' lives who are affected by this infection. That is how I'll honor Heidi. I'll carry hope in saving others and help the world."
"I'll carry hope that you will too," replied Aaron. He then looked down at his watch. "Listen, my break is just about to end, and I have to get back-"
"Oh no, I understand!" Dr. Jekyll said kindly. "I got to get going to. I have to get enzymes created. Can I have a few words with Heidi, alone?"
"Of course, I'll wait in the car Doc." said Aaron. He then put his hands in pockets and proceeded to his car. While Dr. Jekyll stayed behind.
Jekyll looked down to her grave with a sad smile.
"You brave child, I'm sorry," he began. "I'm sorry I abandoned you, I'm sorry I didn't save you. But most of all, I'm sorry I didn't give you the love a child that lost her parents would've needed most of all. But I'll prove myself. I'll help those people, and give them deserved better days. Thank you forgiving me, and I'll love and remember you forever. Goodbye, Heidi."
And then Dr. Jekyll, gently touched Heidi's tombstone then turned and walked to the car. He didn't know where to start his quest, and who he needed to save first. But he hoped. Oh, he hoped to make Heidi proud as he began the next phase of his life.
THE END
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the story. Any and all criticism is welcomed. Admittedly this is one of my more melodramatic stories which I wanted to take another shot at combining drama, horror, and suspense together. Like Stine did with the original novel.