Burden to Bear (3 page)

“Yeah,” Sarah said. She smoothed her dress.  She’d found one similar to the long slinky deep blue dress she’d been fantasizing about the day in the coffee shop that she’d met Wilson.  She knew that fate dictated she be dressed the very same as she saw herself in her head the moment she met him.  It was meant to be.  She’d even curled her long straight dark hair and piled it atop her head.  All she was missing from that perfect fantasy was the red rose.

The rest of the band quickly assembled, and the curtain was pulled aside.  The band exploded with perfect resonance into the Elsa Fitzsimmons song, and Sarah launched confidently into the first verse.  Wilson gaped in awe.  When she belted out the chorus, she had the attention of every patron in the place.  Sarah’s spirits rose higher and higher.  Performing was the only time she allowed herself to feel so buoyant and self-confident.  No insecurities tonight.  They all wanted her, but Wilson most of all. 

The band was caught up in the moment, too.  Lana grinned at her in pure exuberance, and the drummer winked at her when she looked his way.  They were all at peak performance tonight.

When the song ended, the entire audience leaped to their feet and cheered raucously.  Sarah shouted, “Thank you!  Thank you!” She flashed a triumphant smile to Wilson, who tossed a single red rose on the stage beside her.  She kneeled gracefully to pick it up, and tucked it into the curls on her head.  Then she quickly rose and grabbed the microphone as the band launched into their second song. 

When their set was finished, Sarah grabbed a white wine from the bar and went out to join Wilson at his table.  She was a little giddy and flushed from all the excitement.  He stretched out his hand across the table and enclosed her inside it. 

“You are amazing!” he exclaimed sincerely.  “I’m so happy to be with you tonight.”  He squeezed her hand warmly.

Sarah colored.  “I was thinking of you the entire time,” she said.  “You make me happy, too.”

Wilson reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a small box.  “I hope you don’t think it’s too forward, but I bought you a little something to commemorate tonight.  After that performance, you definitely deserve it.”

He opened the box.  A dainty silver bracelet, bedangled with tiny colored stones, lay inside.  Wilson lifted the bracelet, undid the clasp, and fastened it around her wrist.  Sarah lifted her arm up and studied it in admiration.

“It’s so beautiful, Wilson,” she breathed.  “Thank you!”  She stood up, leaned over the table, and hugged him fiercely.

After they finished their drinks, Wilson said, “We’re decked out a bit glamourous tonight.  Especially you.”  He fingered one of Sarah’s long glittering earrings and flicked it playfully.  “But let’s go get something to eat at the diner down the street.  It’s open all night and we can talk.”

Sarah was pleased.  She had been worried that their night might end when the club closed at two a.m.

Outside, she began to walk down the block towards the diner when Wilson put his hand on her shoulder to stop her.  “Let’s take my car, even if it’s only a block.”

He motioned to the bright yellow Ferrari parked on the street outside the club.

“Wow!” Sarah was flabbergasted.  “You own a Ferrari?”

Wilson nodded demurely.  “I inherited it.  It has a lot of sentimental value for me.  I couldn’t resell it.  Though the cost of insurance in the city is through the roof.”

He opened Sarah’s door and gallantly held it for her while she tucked herself and her long dress safely inside.  Then he bounded over to the driver’s side and got inside.

He parked the car carefully in the parking lot behind the diner.  “It will be a bit safer here than out on the street,” he explained.  “At least I hope.” He tapped the remote on his key ring to set the alarm.

There were no more than a dozen patrons in the diner when they entered, but every single person looked up to stare at the handsome couple when they entered. They quickly chose a booth near the front of the diner and ordered coffee. 

They talked long into the night, drinking coffee and munching on fries and onion rings.  Eventually, at 5 o’clock, when the sky began to lighten, they both decided it was time to go home.

Wilson drove Sarah to her door.  Although she lingered a bit to encourage a goodnight kiss, he seemed oblivious to the bait.  He made sure she was safely inside, then drove away.

Sarah closed the door behind her, slightly disappointed, but still elated about the evening.  She climbed into bed, still clad in her long gown, and soon drifted off to sleep.

***

“Hi Douglas,” Sarah chirped. 

Douglas looked up.  He was slouched over his grocery cart at the local supermarket near the university.  Sarah was skipping towards him from the other end of the aisle.

“Hey, Sarah,” Douglas waved.  He waited for her to reach him.

“What are you up to?” he asked.

“Had to get the cats some food,” she answered, shaking the bag of kibble in her hand.  “I’ve been feeding them tuna and canned soup for the last couple days.  Too busy to get to the store.”

“Hopefully, they don’t eat your arm off before you can get it out of the bag,” Douglas joked.  “Those are some feisty cats.”

Douglas noticed the sickening smell wafting from Sarah’s coat again.  He had not noticed it since last Sunday.  She must have seen Wilson again.

Sarah peered into his cart.  “Chocolate chip mint ice cream!  Chips and dip!  Tacodillos!” she exclaimed.  “You’re buying all my favorite food, Doug.  I need to visit.”

Aloud, Douglas said, “I like this stuff, too.”  Inwardly, he was thinking, “Yup, Sarah, it’s all your favorite breakup food. I know what makes you happy.”

Sarah’s mind was not focused on the food.  “Wilson and I went out again last night. He was soooo sweet.  He gave me this.”  She extended her wrist to show him a silver charm bracelet.

“Looks expensive,” Douglas grunted.  “Especially for the second date.”

Sarah shrugged.  “We get along so well, it’s like we’ve known each other forever.  I really can’t believe we’ve only gone out twice.”  She twisted the bracelet self-consciously. “I really had to accept.  It would be rude otherwise.”

Douglas said nothing, then he suddenly remembered.  “I thought you sang at the Club last night.”

“I did,” Sarah said.  “Wilson came to watch.”

“Sorry I had to miss,” said Douglas.  “I had that family dinner for my dad’s birthday, remember?”

“Yeah, I knew you had to take the night off,” Sarah said.

They walked together to the checkout.  Sarah was deep in thought.  Douglas’ disapproval had reminded her of a few uncomfortable moments she had experienced the night before.  At times during their date, she had discovered Wilson staring at her in the most disconcerting manner.  It reminded her of the way Chum-Chum and Noodle tried to hypnotize a toy mouse just before pouncing and shredding it to bits.  When she had addressed Wilson at the time, it was almost as if he were stuck, like he could not stop himself from staring at her in that way.  It had been a little frightening, she had to admit.

She shook away the negative thoughts and paid for the cat food.  She was determined that she was not going to ruin her relationship with Wilson by doubting his intentions towards her.  This was the guy she would marry.  They would have a big fancy wedding and many children together.  She refused to accept any other outcome.

She followed Douglas to his apartment.  He heated up some tacodillos and they chatted for a while about classes while they snacked and drank a few beers.  Then she headed back to her apartment to feed the hungry cats.

CHAPTER THREE

  The following week, Wilson called again, and Sarah happily acquiesced to a third date, even though it was scheduled for a Thursday night, when she was supposed to be rehearsing with the band at the Holiday Club.

She was usually so serious about her studies and her job, but lately, she was beginning to slack a little.  Right now, her thoughts were consumed with Wilson, and she welcomed any opportunity to see him, talk to him, text him, or telephone him. 

Wilson still had not told her much about his past – where he was from or what his family background was.  If she even hinted at the subject, he became silent and a bit surly.  She knew now to avoid it.  She had even refrained from asking about the relative that had died and left him the yellow Ferrari.  She was sure that the topic would only make him unhappy.

Thursday night, he took her salsa dancing.  Sarah was always game for a hot Latin beat, and she tore up the dance floor in some sexy black kitten heels.  Wilson was a remarkable dancer.  At one point that evening, as they were dancing sveltely together, for some strange reason she found herself thinking about Douglas.

“What are you laughing at?” Wilson whispered into her ear.

“I didn’t realize that I was laughing aloud,” Sarah said.  “I was thinking about Douglas.”

Wilson stopped dancing and dropped his hands to his sides.  He looked annoyed. “What about Douglas?”

Sarah grabbed his hands.  “Oh, it’s nothing romantic,” she reassured him.  “I was just thinking about how funny it would be to see him try to dance to salsa.  He’s six foot five, you know,” she added.  “He’s like a big burly bear.  Totally has no rhythm.”

“Lucky for me, then,” said Wilson and suddenly twirled her body around so that their faces were almost touching.  His eyes glittered.  However, Sarah did not feel excited while staring into his eyes.  She was instantly terrified.

A moment later, the look was gone.  Wilson’s face relaxed, and he danced with her for the remainder of the song as if nothing had happened.  Sarah was unsettled for a while, but as the night wore on, she questioned whether she was not suffering from alcohol- and dance-induced paranoia, and had imagined the whole thing.

After the date, Wilson drove her home again and walked her to her door.  She unlocked it, and glanced up to tell him goodbye when he moved forward, embraced her, and then kissed her.  His lips were full and soft, yet cold.  When he was done, Sarah’s toes were tingling.  She leaned towards him again, inhaling the intoxicating fragrance that always enveloped him.  She was not sure whether it was pheromones or expensive cologne.  Whatever it was, she could not get enough of it.

“Good night,” she whispered, starry-eyed.

“Good night, beautiful lady,” said Wilson, giving her a mock bow.  “I’ll see you again real soon.”  He flashed a beguiling grin.

After Sarah closed the door, she spied on him through the peephole and watched as he hopped into his car and sped away.  The man oozed sexiness.  She wished she’d had the nerve to invite him up tonight, but she knew she must submit herself to the fact that Wilson was looking for an old-fashioned girl who did not rush into relationships, and she must behave in accordance therewith.  She would let him make the first move.

***

Sarah hopped up the stairs to her apartment, two at a time, boisterously singing her and Wilson’s favorite Elsa Fitzsimmon’s song.  The cats fled in terror as she entered the living room, unable to understand her sudden elation.

She rifled through her handbag until she found her phone, then immediately dialed Douglas. 

Douglas answered on the second ring.  “Why weren’t you at rehearsal tonight?  Are you sick?”

“I’m fine.  How did you know I wasn’t at rehearsal?” Sarah asked.

“Joe, the drummer, texted me,” Douglas said.  “We kind of know each other from high school.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize that,” Sarah said.  “I called out for an emergency, but I lied.  I went out on a date with Wilson tonight. Don’t tell Joe.”

“Sarah!” chided Douglas.  “I’ve never seen you act quite like this about a guy.”

“He’s not just any guy,” said Sarah.  “He’s The Guy!  I just had to see him tonight. Besides, he finally kissed me!” There was silence.  Sarah finally spoke up.  “I can hear you frowning through the phone.”

Douglas snickered.  “I guess we’ve been friends long enough that you can hear my facial expressions,” he kidded.  “But seriously,” he sighed.  “Don’t do anything rash or stupid.  Take your time.”

“Douglas, one kiss on the third date is neither rash nor stupid,” Sarah corrected him.  “Why won’t you believe me?  It’s really different with this guy.”

Douglas could have retorted that she made these comments about every guy she dated, but his intent was not to hurt her, just to put her on her guard.  He decided to go with a different approach.  If he met Wilson, he could decide for himself if the guy was a supernatural, like himself, and what the guy’s objective was.

He forced a good-natured chuckle. 
“
I’m willing to give Wilson a chance.  When do I get to meet him?”

“Really?” Sarah’s voice brightened.  “You want to meet him?”

“Yes, of course,” Douglas tried to sound as upbeat as he possibly could.  “I’ve got to meet this man who’s got my best friend in such a tizzy that she’s willing to skip rehearsals!”

Sarah giggled.  She was silent a moment, then said, “Doug, there is something about him I want to warn you about.  I think maybe he gets seizures or something.”

“Seizures?” asked Doug skeptically.

“Yes,” Sarah replied.  “Once in a while his eyes get a little weird when he’s looking at you, like they’re locked onto you.  Someone told me once that an affect like that be common with people who get small seizures.  They aren’t even aware they are having a seizure.  I haven’t told him yet, but when I get to know him better, I’ll try to get Wilson to see a doctor.”

The hair on the back of Douglas’ neck bristled.  “Seizures, indeed!” he mused to himself. “There’s something seriously disturbing about this guy, and I haven’t even met him yet.” He said aloud to Sarah, “I’ll be tactful.”

Sarah exhaled.  “Thanks, Doug.  I know you’re gonna like him as much as I do. Why don’t we set up a double date?  You still haven’t called that girl Taylor who gave you her number at the Club last week.  She’s on my friends list online. Can I message her and see if she’d like to come?”

“Sure,” Douglas agreed, somewhat unenthusiastically.

“What’s wrong with her?” asked Sarah.  “She’s pretty.  Why don’t you like her?”

“I don’t dislike her,” Doug said.  “I just don’t especially like her.  But yeah, sure, let’s do a double date.  What’ve I got to lose?”

“Be a little more enthusiastic on our double date, please,” ordered Sarah. 

“Yes, ma’am,” Douglas murmured. 

“I’ll message Taylor, and give Wilson a call tomorrow morning and work out the details,” Sarah said, oblivious to his thoughts.  “Good night!”

After hanging up with Sarah, Douglas dialed his grandfather.  He stretched out on his couch, and prepared for a long conversation.

“Hi Granddad.  How are you?  Sorry to be calling so late.  I need some advice.  You know my friend, Sarah?  Well, she’s seeing this guy.  I think he may be some kind of supernatural predator.  Yeah.  I wanted to see what you think.”

Their conversation continued long into the night.