“Gaby, are you talking about Chuck?” asked Haven, coming close to her bed.
“Yes,” said Gaby, finally remembering. “It was Chuck. He saved me. He beat up the two men, and carried me so a safe place, sheltered from the rain.”
“And then what happened?” asked Haven. “Where did he go?”
“He…” said Gaby, “I…I don’t remember.”
“It’s okay,” said Dr. Adams. “You’re still in shock. You’ll remember later on. Just rest for now.”
“But I don’t know why I don’t remember,” Gaby said, beginning to panic. “Why don’t I remember? I should remember?” she suddenly burst into tears.
“It’s alright, Gabs,” Haven said, quickly hugging Gaby. “It’s like the doctor said, you’re still in shock. You’ll be okay. We’re all here for you. You’re safe.”
Gaby spent a couple of nights at the hospital, with Haven constantly staying with her. Gaby was much better after the first night, and was back on her feet like before. Haven and Gaby spent an afternoon in the hospital garden, trying to get Gaby to relax and regain her strength. After the second night, Dr. Adams visited her again and gave her a second general checkup.
“Well,” he said, looking at her chart, “You’re as strong as an elephant. You’re free to leave, if you want.”
“I’m feeling great,” said Gaby with a wide smile. The paleness of her skin returned to a crimson red, and her eyes were again shimmering in health. “I’m ready to leave.”
“That sounds wonderful,” said Dr. Adams. “I’ll tell the nurses to get you checked out.”
“I’m so glad you’re feeling better,” said Haven. “You know, I was kind of thinking…”
“What were you thinking?” asked Gaby, changing out of her hospital gown and into her clothes.
“I was thinking that we should thank Chuck,” said Haven. “I mean, wouldn’t it be awesome if we buy him a great Thank You lunch or something?”
“You’re absolutely right!” said Gaby. “I honestly think I should have thanked him earlier. He did save my life after all. I don’t know if I would even still be alive if he wasn’t there.”
“Yeah,” said Haven, “I can’t even imagine what these men would have done to you. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. I’ve heard so many stories like these before. It’s awful how some men could just be so gruesome.”
“I know,” said Gaby. “I’m so lucky Chuck was there. I also would never have guessed how strong he was. I mean, when I see him around he is always limping, as if dragging his entire weight behind him with each footstep. He is an old man, after all.”
“Yeah,” agreed Haven, “I mean, when you said he beat them up I couldn’t believe it. Chuck? Old Chuck? He can barely carry his own bags, or at least that’s what everyone thought.”
“I know, right?” Gaby said. “Anyway, we should thank him nonetheless. Let’s go tomorrow. We can buy a really nice lunch from that Italian place next to the library, and we can go give it to him and thank him sincerely.”
“Sounds awesome!” said Haven. “And he’s always on that street corner next to the church, so he’ll be easy to find.”
They both left the room, and went down to the reception to sign Gaby out. They walked out of the hospital, and took a cab back to the house. When Gaby walked in, Amanda, Trevor, and Gavin had organized a “Welcome Back” party, with lots of balloons and food in celebration for her recovery.
“You had us all so freaked out!” said Trevor. “We’re so glad you’re okay.”
“Thanks, guys,” Gaby said as her eyes began to tear up. “This means so much to me, really. You’re all such wonderful people. I am so lucky I have you as my friends.”
They all walked up to her and gave her huge group hug. They rested for the rest of the evening, having cake and just hanging out with Gaby.
“And guess who ended up saving her from these two men?” said Haven as they all were sitting on the couch and listening to Gaby’s story.
“Who?” exclaimed Amanda.
“It was Chuck!” Haven said out loud.
“Wait,” said Gavin, “Old man Chuck? The homeless dude with the dirty beard?”
“Hey!” said Haven, “He practically saved Gaby’s life. No one knows where she would have been if he wasn’t there.”
“She’s right,” said Gaby. “I owe him a huge Thank You.”
“We’re going to buy him lunch and thank him tomorrow,” said Haven, jumping in excitement.
The next morning, Haven and Gaby met up and decided to meet at three in the afternoon to go thank Chuck. They finished their errands and classes for the day, and met up at the Italian place. They bought him an extravagant lunch, with a drink and even dessert. They asked the waiters to wrap it up and put it in a bag. They carried it thrillingly to the street where Chuck usually stays. When they arrived at the corner of the street, he wasn’t there. They walked down the whole street, and even around the entire area, but there was still no sign of him. They had no idea where he was. It was the first time that Chuck hasn’t been there.
They walked up to a police officer, and asked him if he had seen Chuck.
“Sorry, ladies,” said the police officer. “Haven’t seen him today, I’m surprised myself. But to be honest, it’s about time someone took him off the streets.”
“How do you know someone took him off the streets?” Gaby said angrily. “No one knows if he’s even safe. He’s a good man, you know.”
“Miss, he’s an old homeless man that won’t accept anyone’s help,” said the police officer. “He’s lucky the authorities didn’t force him into an asylum.”
Gaby was furious, and so was Haven. They both told the officer that what he said wasn’t fair, and that he should take it back.
“It’s a tough world, girls,” he said. “You can’t be this soft in a place like this.”
“Let’s go, Gaby,” said Haven, pulling her away before she got into an argument with an officer. They both walked away, with Gaby still engaged by what the officer said about the man who probably saved her life. At the very least, she knew that he rescued her from two men who were going to gruesomely hurt her.
They took another round around block, but still couldn’t find Chuck. They decided to go home and try again the next day. When Gaby and Haven walked in, Trevor told Gaby that her mother had called.
“I told her you were out and that you’d call her when you got back,” said Trevor. “Is that cool?”
“Oh, thanks!” said Gaby. “I’ll give her a call right away. Wait, you didn’t say anything about the accident, did you?”
“Nope,” said Trevor. “I wasn’t sure if you wanted to tell her, so I didn’t say anything.”
“That’s great,” said Gaby. “I really don’t want to worry her. Thanks for not telling her. I appreciate it.”
“No worries,” said Trevor. “I know how parents can be.”
She took the telephone and dialed her mother’s number.
“Hello?” said a woman’s voice.
“Hey, Mom,” said Gaby. “It’s me. Trevor said you called.”
“Hello, sweetie,” said her Mom. “I’m just calling to check up on you. You know, just to see how you’ve been. I haven’t heard from you lately. Has everything been okay?”
“Yeah, yeah,” replied Gaby, trying to sound as sincere as she could. She had never lied to her mother before. They both had a very strong bond, and Gaby felt like she was betraying that relationship by lying. But she knew how attached her mother was to her, especially after her father died. She couldn’t bring herself to think that she almost lost the only child she had. “I’m fine, Mom. I really am.”
“Are you sure, baby?” said her Mom. “You sound a little funny.”
“I’m just catching my breath,” said Gaby. “I was out and just got back.”
“Did you have class?”
“Yeah, yeah. I did.”
“Well,” her mother said, “don’t work yourself too hard
. I know how hard you try.”
“Yeah,” said Gaby, feeling even worse yet determining not to say anything about the accident. “Thanks, Mom.”
“I am so proud of you, babygirl,” said her mother. “I love you so very much. Your father would be thrilled.”
“I love you too, Mom,” Gaby said.
They chatted for a bit, and then Gaby walked up to her room. She burst into tears on her bed, missing her mother. Overwhelmed by the past few days’ events, she fell into a long and deep sleep.
Chapter 6
Gaby spent the next few days swamped with classes, activities, and her part-time job. Every day, around four o’clock in the afternoon, she would stop by the street where Chuck usually stays and walk around the block looking for him. She never found him, and whenever she would ask either pedestrians or police officers, they would all say that there had been no sign of him of days. Eventually she stopped looking, and resumed with her work and studies, hoping she might accidentally run into him.
On a cold Friday evening, she went to the library to take the keys from Madam Marie and begin her nightshift which always ended at around two in the morning. Her job at the library always kept her from going out on the weekend, especially on Fridays. This night in particular was quite disappointing because there was indeed an interesting concert at the Student Union that she was hoping to attend. Yet, given her studious and hard-working character, she always stood by her duties even when she wanted to be out having fun. She always knew that her perseverance would get far in life. She walked in, greeting the security guard with a smile and a wave. When she opened the door, Allan was on his desk packing up and ready to leave as always.
“Hey, Allan!” she said, smiling at him. “How was your day?”
“It was hectic,” he said, seeming quite relieved to be finished for the day. “We had an inspection today so we had to get things in order before the Mayor arrived. And then after spending the entire morning checking databases and catalogs, the inspectors called and said they want to reschedule until next week!”
“Ouch,” said Gaby, feeling sorry for Allan. “Well, look on the bright side. That means you don’t have to do it all over again next week. You’ll all be ready for the inspection anyway, right?”
“I wish,” he said with a heavy sigh. “Madam Marie is very particular about these things. I bet you she’ll make us do it all over again and just as meticulously.”
“I’m sorry, man,” said Gaby, resting her bag on the desk to take his place.
“It’s alright,” he said. “I’m glad it’s the end of the week. I’m going to see the Glass Breakers at the Student Union. Have you ever heard of the band?”
“Have I heard of them?” she said. “I love them to bits. I actually wanted to go see them myself, but I had my nightshift.”
“That sucks,” he said, understanding how much she would have wanted to go. “You can always watch their video online, but I know that it’s not the same.”
“Yeah,” she said, “It’s not going to be the same. But it’s okay, I knew I would have to be put in this situation one day or another. I chose the job nonetheless.”
“Well,” he said, shaking her hand goodbye, “Good luck for the evening.”
“I’ll see you later,” she said, waving as he walked out.
“Oh!” he said, suddenly turning around and looking at her, “Madam Marie is actually in the drawing room. She told me that she wanted to see you.”
“Am I in trouble?” Gaby asked a little anxiously.
“No, no,” he said, laughing at her worried character. “I think it’s something minor. But no, Gaby, you are not in trouble. She actually said you’ve been doing very well, and that’s a huge compliment from Madam Marie.”
“Okay, good,” said Gaby in relief. “I’ll go see her now.”
Allan left, shutting the door behind him. Gaby took the keys from the drawer in the front desk, where Allan had been leaving them for her recently. She took off her coat, rested it on the chair and then made her way to the drawing room where Madam Marie was supposedly waiting for her. She knocks on the door, and slowly pushes it open.
“Madam Marie?” she said, finding her standing still by the window. She walked in, but Madam Marie did not make a move. She was frozen by the window, staring out into the street.
“Madam Marie?” repeated Gaby, her voice a little louder. “Allan told me you wanted to see me. Is everything okay?”
From the reflection in the clear, stainless windowsill, Gaby noticed two shining blue dots. They were Madam Marie’s eyes, which had always amazed Gaby by their excessively clear blue colors. Are they…glowing? thought Gaby to herself. Gaby extended her arm, trying to tap Madam Marie on her shoulders as she walked slowly up to her from behind.
“Madam…?” asked Gaby again, her voice now shaking with fear. Suddenly, Madam Marie shook her shoulders and turned around. Her eyes were tightly shut. She stood upright, opened her eyes, which were now their regular bright blue, and looked sternly at Gaby.
“Didn’t you find it a little more polite to knock!” she yelled aggressively at Gaby.
“But Madam,” said Gaby, a little frightened by Madam Marie’s yelling, “I did knock! I’ve been standing here calling your name for the past couple of minutes. You didn’t make a move.” Madam Marie stood there staring at Gaby, and then her eyes roamed the room in confused as she took a seat.
“I’m really sorry, Madam,” said Gaby, her eyes genuinely apologetic.
“Never mind,” said Madam Marie, rubbing her forehead in frustration, clearly having much more important things on her mind. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that we’re closing up early today. I want you to finish your tasks and leave by midnight, is that clear?”
“Oh, yes,” said Gaby in confirmation. “Is it because of the inspection?”
“It’s none of your business,” said Madam Marie rather impatiently. “Just close up at midnight, give the keys to the security guard and leave. No questions asked!”
“Yes, Ma’am,” she said. Gaby then left the drawing room and went on to finish her tasks as quickly as she could. She had no idea why Madam Marie was so angry. She knew she had done nothing wrong. As she cleaned by the desks and began to put the books back on their proper shelves, she remembered seeing Madam Marie’s eyes glow in the reflection of the glass. She was not sure she knew what she saw. It must have been one of the street lights outside, she thought to herself in attempt of making up a logical explanation for what she saw.
She finished her tasks, and went to close off all the doors and then give the keys to the guard. She realized she forgot to lock the drawing room. As she walked towards it, she found the door to be slightly open. She peeked through the open crack, and found Madam Marie still inside. It was almost midnight, and she was standing at the window like before, motionless.
“Madam Marie?” she said. “I’m heading out. Should I leave the keys with you?” There was no response. She didn’t know what to do, so she thought she’d just tell the security guard that Madam Marie was still inside as she handed him the keys.
She collected her things, carried her backpack on one shoulder, and walked towards the library exit. She opened the library, and suddenly found a man that then stumbled on top of her. She gave a loud shriek as she fell to the floor underneath him. As she struggled to move him from on top of her chest, she realized that he was Chuck, and that he was entirely covered in blood. She yelled louder, screaming in shock as she stood on her knees hoping Chuck was still alive.
“Help!” she yelled. “Someone help, please! Madam Marie! Help, someone call 911!”
Madam Marie comes running out of the drawing room, and towards Gaby who was on her knees, holding Chuck’s chest to check if he was breathing.
“Quiet!” said Madam Marie, looking down at the blood running all over the floor in streams. “Sssshhhh!”
“What do you mean!” yelled Gaby as she burst into tears. “He’s bleeding, we have to call t
he police! We can’t just leave him like this!”
“No!” objected Madam Marie. “Don’t call 911, don’t call the hospital, don’t call anyone! No one must know, is that clear?” Gaby sat on the floor crying in shock and in confusion. She did not understand why Madam Marie insisted on not calling any help. She was also frightened that Chuck might be dying, if he wasn’t dead already.
“Gabriella!” yelled Madam Marie. “Stop crying! Get up and help me carry him!”
“What?” asked Gaby. “Carry him where? He needs to be at a hospital!”
“Not a single word more!” shouted Madam Marie, this time as loud as ever. “Don’t ask any questions, child! I know what I’m doing. Just get up and help me carry him inside!”
Gaby wiped away her tears, shut the library door and got up to help Madam Marie carry Chuck. Madam Marie held his legs as Gaby lifted him from the arms. They walked slowly with him, until they reached the drawing room. Madam Marie instructed Gaby to lay him on the couch as she closed the curtains of all the windows. Chuck was still bleeding heavily, and wasn’t moving or making a sound. Gaby was still sobbing.
“Now, get out and wait at the front desk,” said Madam Marie. “Don’t give the keys to the security guard, and don’t say a word to him or to anyone about this.”
“What do you mean leave?” Gaby said anxiously. “I can’t just leave him! How do I know he’ll still be alive? Don’t you see how much he’s bleeding?”
Touched by A Dragon: The Exalted Dragons (Book 2) Page 4