Dark Hearts

by P. L. Midnight

  I smiled as he sat down in the chair beside my bed. I wondered if he’d still be sitting beside me when I awoke.

  “Your favorite patient, hmmm, I thought I was your only patient for the time being.”

  “Well, you’re still my favorite. Now go to sleep before I’m forced to sing a lullaby.”

  “So, you sing, too?”

  “Well my voice has caused a few patients to swoon or perhaps it was fright that caused them to faint. Sweet dreams, little leallen.” He said, and I could almost hear the smile in his voice as he brought my hand to his mouth for a quick kiss before placing it back down and covering it.

  Would he really take me on a date, I wondered as I drifted off to sleep? Alex, Raven, and Vince had already asked me out, too. I wondered if they’d all forget about the dates by the time I healed. I knew I wouldn’t.

  The next few weeks went pretty much the same. There was still no news of my mother’s whereabouts or my father. I was beginning to know each of the guys better and found I liked them all. Each one of them had become unique and special to me. Miles still seemed a little gruff at times, but seemed like a good guy. I had no doubt he’d protect me. He was an even bigger guy than the rest of them. I think he was just a bit overprotective, like Vince.

  I learned more about all of them even though I felt there was an overlying secrecy around all of them. I’d even met Raven’s illusive father who’d invited me to stay at their house as long as I wished.

  Overall, my days were spent pleasantly but I still felt helpless and frustrated at my lack of vision. I wanted to do something to help them find my mother. I wasn’t sure what I could do, but it had to be better than spending every day in this bedroom.

  I yawned as another night passed and Julian bid me goodnight, and I did what I seemed to do best, fell asleep with one of them beside me, either holding my hand or actually lying on top of the covers next to me. I slept so much I wondered what Sebastian was giving me in the way of medicine, but thought no more as my mind drifted off into mindless oblivion, tucked beneath Julian’s arm.

  I knew I was growing stronger with each day, now if my sight would just return.

  I was learning to do many things by myself, but getting out of here, as long as my vision hadn’t returned, would be impossible. I wouldn’t let myself think about that possibility. I was going to see again. I just had to be patient and believe it. Other things had begun to happen as I grew stronger. I hadn’t mentioned those things to anyone, because I thought it might just be my overactive imagination. I’d started hearing voices when no one was speaking. When I first starting hearing the voices, I’d ask what they said. Whoever happened to be in the room would tell me that they hadn’t spoken. After a few times, whenever I heard the softer voices I realized they were not someone’s conversation. Therefore, I stopped asking.

  I hadn’t figured out where the voices were coming from, but there seemed to be a pattern. It seemed to be the thoughts of the person or persons in the room with me. It was snippets of their thoughts at first. It seemed to be happening more frequently as I fully regained my strength. I was learning to control it so I could fully access any of their thoughts. I also learned to focus on shutting them out so I could concentrate when I was having a conversation with one of them.

  I wondered if telepathy ran in my family. If it did, I hadn’t heard about it. My folks hadn’t talked much about any members of their family and had been rather secretive on the whole subject of relatives. I eventually stopped asking. Surely, they would have told me if telepathy ran in the family. I didn’t want the guys to think I was some kind of a freak so I didn’t mention it.

  Chapter Eighteen

  I awoke to the sound of soft humming, as someone seemed to be leafing through pages of paper. I opened my eyes to the ever-present darkness that greeted my days. I immediately closed my eyelids against the reality that my life had become. Before I could think of how terrifying my situation was, a pleasant voice interrupted my thoughts, “Well, good morning, sleepy head.”

  I didn’t recognize the voice but I did hear the word morning. Had a short nap turned into an all-nighter yet again?

  “What time is it?”

  “It’s just after nine a.m.”

  I didn’t recognize the scent either, which permeated the air around me. The hint of an icy-fresh, winter waterfall was pleasant, but I didn’t recognize it or the man’s voice.

  “I’m sorry I don’t recognize your voice. Do I know you?”

  I could hear him walking towards the bed as I sat up holding the blanket tightly to my chin.

  “No need to cover up. I mean you can’t see anything. Your nightgown has one of those high, hidey-necks. I’m Julian, Vincent’s brother and I’m pleased to get to talk to you alone. I was called away and if you remember, we’ve only spoken once since my return. Vince told me all about how you’ve grown up. So, I feel like I already know you.” I felt him take my hand in his long slender fingers in a rather clumsy attempt at a handshake.

  Vince hadn’t talked much about his brother after he’d left home. It was strange that he was here now. I remembered Raven mentioning him though. I wondered why he’d returned to St. Paris.

  He released my hand and continued to talk in his friendly teenage voice that seemed a bit higher pitched than the other male voices I’d heard. “I guess I’m going to be staying with you for a while longer. Vince had to run some kind of errand. Sebastian said I was to ring for your breakfast as soon as you woke up. Did you need anything else? I could get you some help, um, if you needed to, you know, go to the bathroom. We could walk outside in the gardens after breakfast if you want. You have to be sick of being in this bedroom. I usually get the night shift and you’re already sleeping. Let’s have some fun today, okay?”

  I wondered what he looked like now that he’d grown up. Julian sounded friendly, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. I hesitated, but it might be nice to get out of the room for a while even if I couldn’t see anything. I vaguely remembered meeting him. It should be okay to go with him. Maybe some fresh air would be a good idea, too. I was doing everything I could to keep my attitude positive. I also needed to go, as he put it.

  I mentioned that I’d like to go to the bathroom. I hated that part the most. It was just so embarrassing to ask someone to guide you to the bathroom.

  He immediately helped me up and slowly walked me to the bathroom. Wow, Emma has sure grown into a lovely young woman. Her robe can’t even hide her curves. Too bad Sebastian put another robe over her gown. Oops, I forgot to shut down my telepathic link to his brain. I quickly concentrated on putting up my shield to block the rest of his thoughts that seemed to be centering around my lush body as he put it. I was pretty sure I was blushing by the time he left me at the bathroom door.

  I was able to function by myself in the bathroom now. Everything I needed was set out in a specific pattern. I even managed to get into the walk-in shower on my own now. I knew Julian was waiting by the door for me. They all did. It was embarrassing, but he needed to hear if I called out or fell. That was my compromise with Sebastian. Someone was always by the door, but I had some privacy this way. I’d found the switch for the fan and always turned it on so I could use the toilet without anyone hearing, which allowed me a bit of dignity.

  I dressed in the usual sweat suit, but had no idea what color it was, which I really didn’t mind. At least I was dressing myself and wearing something besides a nightgown or robe all the time.

  Julian helped me to sit down at the table so I could eat breakfast.

  “Thanks, Julian. What color am I wearing today? Would Sebastian mind if we went outside after breakfast?”

  I could almost hear the carefree tone in his voice as he spoke. “Sebastian isn’t here, is he? What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Anyway, it will probably do you some good. Don’t worry, you’ll be safe. I’ll make sure you get back safely, otherwise my brother will kick my ass…oops, sorry.”

  I let my shields down
for a minute to hear his real thoughts, because I could tell he was a bit more apprehensive than his tone let on. As long as Raven and Sebastian don’t get back before we come inside there’ll be no problem. Fuck Sebastian, anyway, she probably feels like a prisoner. He’s like a bloody watchdog with her. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was bedding her as damn overprotective as he has been with her, especially lately. Unfortunately, we’re all getting possessive about Emma. He didn’t understand what it was about her that seemed to call to their very souls.

  Well, that answered a few questions, I thought as I shut down the link. I still wanted to go outside, but I’d make sure we got inside before either of them returned, if I could.

  Sebastian had been kind to me. I didn’t want to be rude, but it did sound like it might be just what I needed. I was tired of being in that room. My scrapes and bruises were all gone according to Sebastian. Seems like everything healed quickly, but my eyesight was still non-existent.

  “What time will they, I mean Sebastian, be back?”

  “What Sebastian doesn’t know won’t hurt him, like I said. It’s cool. He should be gone a few hours.”

  “Okay, we’ll go outside. You’re right, I’d really like to get out of this room.” I anxiously asked, “When can we go?”

  “As soon as you eat some breakfast we can sneak, err, get out of here.”

  “Are you sure it’ll be okay?” I asked, giving him a final chance to back out if he wished.

  “Trust me. I’m Vince’s younger brother. What kind of trouble would I get you into?”

  I could hear the snicker in his voice as he spoke. I didn’t have time to ponder anything else as a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. A female voice spoke to Julian, asking where he wanted the tray. He replied the usual and then the voice was gone as the door was softly shut.

  The smells of a delicious breakfast filled the room. Julian placed the tray on my lap as soon as he’d adjusted the chair, pushing it into the table.

  As if ending any lingering hesitation I might have about eating, Julian cheerfully told me that he’d be helping me. He explained to me that the food was placed as usual on the tray. Sebastian had instructed everyone on my food placement. He helped me learn to maneuver the chore of feeding myself. I was reminded how difficult some of the simplest of tasks had become even with weeks of practice. I wanted to scream when I missed the bowl yet again.

  Patiently, Julian helped me by guiding my spoon where it needed to go. With his help, I finally managed to eat all my oatmeal and several orange sections. The fruit tasted sweet and juicy as it slid down my throat. I didn’t remember oranges ever tasting that good. I wasn’t sure if it was the constant encouragement of my partner or his corny jokes, but it was one of the best meals I’d had in a long time.

  I felt the juice dribble down the side of my mouth until Julian quickly caught it with the gentle brush of his finger. It caused flutters in my stomach from his warm, tender touch. I vaguely remembered him from when he’d lived with Vince. He’d been quiet and shy, but a handsome child. It seemed he’d grown out of the shyness as he kept me smiling throughout most of the meal.

  Again, I wondered what he looked like. Did he look as handsome as Vince did? Could I be bold enough to ask him? He sounded nice, funny, and adventurous as he shared some stories about himself. Maybe he wouldn’t mind if I took a tour of his face.

  I had nothing to lose so I decided to woman-up and ask, “Julian, would you mind, I mean…what do you look like?”

  He chuckled again. I knew he didn’t mind, but my cheeks reddened at his laughter. Julian took my hand in his while he dramatically described his appearance. “Ah, my fair Emma, I thought you’d never ask. The handsomest member of the Wolfe family will be escorting you today. My brother got the brains in the family. However, I got the looks. I’m taller than Vince is, too. I’m six feet two inches of charm and sex appeal or so I’ve been told. My hair is white, which runs in our family, as you know. My facial features are amazing or so the women tell me. I have brilliant green eyes that are great for looking at pretty women. Oh, and I’m all lean muscle. I’m also modest, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

  As he paused, I laughed at his antics, which were most entertaining. I wished I could see his eyes. I was sure they were dancing with mischief at that moment. I could tell by his voice tone that he was full of it and absolutely bullshitting me. I felt comfortable with Julian almost immediately. He’d been patient, helping me feed myself, which was still a bit difficult and had encouraged me with his easygoing manner and childishness when I’d miss the bowl or drop some food.

  Julian might have been acting silly with me, but his thoughts were far from childish. He didn’t think he’d ever forget the sleeping angel he’d seen in Raven’s bed. When he first walked into the room, he thought I’d looked so pale and helpless that I’d apparently stolen a part of his heart. He’d agreed with Vince that I was special, just as he remembered from our childhood days together.

  Acting foolish with me was apparently easy for him. It seemed he was willing to say anything to see me smile. He thought my smile literally lit up his world. He thought I was one of the bravest people he knew to face the world of darkness with a smile. I’d miss the dish, but didn’t get discouraged, or so he thought. I couldn’t help reading his thoughts. When I’d get frustrated, my walls came tumbling down, allowing me to hear his every thought.

  I’d wanted to scream many times since the blindness thing had happened. However, I had no choice. I had to learn to take care of myself. If only he knew how I wanted to give up, but I had to keep going for Mom.

  He couldn’t imagine how horrible it would be to be in a world of constant darkness. Yet I’d faced it with as much courage as a warrior. He was convinced that I was even more wonderful than he remembered. I knew he’d do everything in his power to help me through this horrible time. He hoped that my vision would return soon, but wondered how I would feel when I actually saw him. Oh, he knew he was handsome, or so he’d been told repeatedly. However, he realized the competition for my affection was going to be overwhelming and some of the guys were amazingly handsome and powerful.

  It seemed that most of the guys were already as infatuated with me as I was with them. I’d closed down the shields again, trying to block Julian’s thoughts which had drifted to things about me that would make me blush. It was difficult to keep the mind shields closed constantly, but I felt like I was intruding upon his private thoughts. Besides, it’s not always beneficial to know what people actually think of you.

  I brought him out of his rather sexual thoughts when I spoke. He wondered how long I’d been speaking before he finally heard me. “Julian, I say, I’m finished. I’ve eaten as much as I can, okay?”

  “Oh, sorry Emma, yeah it’s cool. Let me get this tray out of the way and I’ll help you get up.”

  “Thanks. You’ve all been diligently caring for me. I appreciate it. I'm sorry that I’ve taken up so much of your time. I’m sure you all have better things to do.”

  “I really don’t mind helping you. It’s better than sitting around arguing with Vince.”

  “Don’t you two get along?”

  “Aw, he’s a good guy, as you already know. It’s just that he’s so intense all the time. He needs to loosen up and have some fun occasionally. Maybe when we get you out of this bedroom, and you can see again, he’ll loosen up.”

  “He has been more concentrated than usual. It must be something more important than me, I think. I hope he’s alright.”

  “He’s fine. You know how he is when he’s focused on science and problem solving. Here, let me help you stand up. I won’t let you fall, Emma, sweets. Just lean into me if you need to.”

  Julian’s hands were at my waist as he held me steady. It felt intimate, because he held me close. I suddenly felt a bit shy when I felt his warm breath tickle my neck as he helped me to stand.

  “You feel strong enough for me to let you go?”

  “
I think so,” I replied, wondering how I’d gotten so wobbly. I had to see my mother, but first I had to learn to walk more steadily, it seemed. I finally felt stable and took a small step forward which felt like a huge achievement.

  “Let me guide you. I won’t let you run into anything, okay?”

  “I trust you, Julian. I remember you from our childhood antics. The three of us were good friends at one time before you left. You’re also the brother of one of my very best friends, you know.”

  “True, but even if I weren’t Vince’s brother, I’d never let my fair lady fall and bruise her pretty face.”

  I ignored his comment as he took my hands in a firm grip. However, before I knew what he’d planned, I was lifted from my feet and carried in his strong arms across the room. I felt him carefully take each step with a natural grace while holding me in his arms.

  He didn’t miss a step. When I opened my mouth to speak, he whispered, “Emma, we need to be quiet so as not to disturb anyone. That’s why I decided to carry you outside. Anyway, I kind of like you in my arms. It’s like the old days when we played knights and princess.” I remembered that very well. Vince was always the big bad knight and Julian, my small, not-always-successful, brave knight and I, of course, was the beautiful princess. My father had even gotten me a little plastic crown to wear.

  I also remember how sad it had been for both Vince and I when Julian had been sent away to live with relatives. I wondered how frightening it had been for my small friend. I was glad he was back and I was getting some time to get to know him again. He seemed like sunshine himself at times. I hoped he’d had a good life.

  I remained quiet as he requested and soon felt the sunshine warming my face as he walked through what I assumed was the backyard. He walked a while before we finally stopped.

  “I’m going to sit you on the bench. We’re in the back yard and garden area of Raven’s house. You can walk around with me later if you wish, but for now I wanted you to enjoy the peace of the garden.”