Redeeming

by Gabrielle Demonico

  “Who’s Harold?” He whispered.

  Daniella shook her head. “It’s nothing, I’ll explain everything later.”

  She turned her attention back to Victoria and Candi. “Guys, this is Jett.”

  “Hi there,” Candi cooed. “Daniella, where have you been keeping this one? Oh my…”

  “We… just met.” Daniella lied.

  With the idea of Harold now a distant memory to the both of them, Victoria said, “I think this calls for another toast. Don’t you, Daniella?”

  “No… I…” Daniella said. “I’m not feeling up to it.”

  “Oh nonsense,” Candi interrupted. “You already blew us and our dates off earlier. You are drinking and that’s that.”

  Desperate to distract them, Daniella said, “Where are your dates anyway?”

  “Who knows?” Victoria replied with a casual flip of her hair. “They were outside smoking a minute ago. They’re around somewhere. Why are you so worried about them? Come on now, what do you want?”

  Candi was already at the bar. As the bartender made drinks for her and Victoria, Victoria touched Jett on the forearm and said, “What about you handsome? Whatever you want is on me.”

  Jett chuckled at her brazen flirtations. “Yeah, sure… I’ll have a beer.”

  Victoria smacked her lips at him and then looked at Daniella. “Alright party pooper… What about you?”

  “I don’t want anything.” Daniella said in an exasperated tone. “Really. I’m not feeling well. I think I’m just going to go home.”

  “Home?” Victoria said. “What are you talking about? It’s not even nine o’clock yet.”

  “I know,” Daniella replied. “But I’m exhausted. I… haven’t been sleeping all that well.”

  “What’s going on?” Candi said as she came back with Victoria’s drink.

  “Well, Daniella is being super lame is what.” Victoria said as she put her hand on her hip.

  “I know, I’m sorry… I don’t feel like drinking is all.” Daniella replied.

  “Okay, then just stay and hang out.” Candi replied. “Don’t you want to enjoy all this hard work?”

  “Yes, but I just…. I can’t.”

  “Well, okay I guess.” Victoria pouted. “It’s a shame we won’t get to know Jett here a little better.”

  Jett smiled. “Another time guys, alright?”

  The women nodded and with that, the group said their goodbyes. Daniella gathered up her things and looked around for Kim but couldn’t find her anywhere. Although she wanted to thank her again for putting her in charge of the event, it was probably for the best they didn’t see her. All Daniella needed now was for Kim to remember who Jett was. She didn’t want to have that conversation.

  As she and Jett walked across the parking lot towards her car, he said, “Hey, everything alright?”

  Without looking at him, Daniella reached down in her clutch for her car keys. “Yes, why?”

  “I don’t know…” he said. “It seemed like as soon as they asked you to drink you couldn’t wait to get out of there.”

  “What?” She said as she continued to avoid eye contact with him. “I don’t know what you are talking about. I’m fine. I just didn’t feel like drinking, that’s it.”

  As they neared her vehicle, she looked around. “How did you get here?”

  “I had Owen drop me off.”

  “Owen is driving?” Daniella asked. “Already?”

  “Yeah, he’s doing great.” Jett replied. “It’s unreal.”

  “That’s good to hear at least.” She said. “Where is he now?”

  “At your place…” he said as he kicked at the ground. “We, um, leave tomorrow for Fesser’s Grove.”

  Daniella bit her lip and shook her head.

  “Are you still upset about that?” he asked.

  “You know I am, Jett.” Daniella replied. Super pissed was a more accurate description of how she felt. Still, she knew that the parking lot was no place to get into it with him.

  “I just want to go home.” She groaned.

  “Okay,” he said. “Here, give me the keys.”

  ***

  They arrived back at her apartment to find Owen awake and sitting on the couch. Boredom must have gotten the better of him because Daniella couldn’t imagine he had any interest whatsoever in the gossip magazine he thumbed through. As they walked in, he tossed it onto the coffee table and went to stand up.

  “Owen,” Daniella said. “How are you feeling? Better I hope…”

  “Yes, I reckon I am improving.” He said as they embraced. “Course, I ain’t never been shot before so it’s hard to say if I’m healing slow or fast.”

  Daniella smiled at him as Jett closed the front door behind them. “I wish there was something I could do for you.”

  “Oh,” Owen said with a wave of his hand. “You’ve been more than kind to me. I couldn’t ask anything of you.”

  “Can I get you something?” She asked. “Maybe a bite to eat or a drink?”

  “No,” Owen began. “Can’t say my appetite has returned all that much. Not yet anyway.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be,” he said. “It’s part of the healin’ process I suppose.” He sat back down on the couch and winced a little as he tried to find a comfortable position. “Funny what you miss in a situation like this…”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well,” he said. “The little things mostly… Like being able to do for myself… although that’s getting a little better every day. Also, miss my dogs… They’re the closest thing I’ve got to family these days.”

  Daniella felt so bad for him. Poor old guy.

  “Well,” she said. “At least they are in good hands for now. Billy’s got a friend who kennels dogs. It’s a nice place from what I understand.”

  Owen smiled. “And I sure am grateful for him doing that. I know I’ll see ‘em again before too long but just in case…” his voice trailed off.

  “What?” Daniella said with a concerned tone. “Just in case of what…?”

  “Nothin’…” he replied. “I guess I just think of them as my young ins. I always have when it came to my dogs over the years. You know, seein’ as how I never had any offspring of my own. Not that I didn’t want to but with the human wife…”

  “Yes,” Daniella said. “I’m sure that was hard for you.”

  Owen nodded as he looked at her when Jett appeared out of the corner of Daniella’s eye.

  “Hate to break up the little family reunion here but I’m gonna hit the sack.” Jett said.

  “Okay,” Daniella replied. “I’ll be right there.” She turned back towards Owen. “Did Jett get you setup in the other bedroom?”

  “That he did.” Owen nodded. “Miracles never cease.”

  “Hah, hah… funny.” Jett replied. “Get some rest old timer. You need it.”

  “I will,” Owen replied. “You go on now. Let me chat with Daniella here for a few minutes.”

  Jett nodded, leaned in towards Daniella and kissed her on the cheek. “See you in a bit.”

  “Yeah,” Daniella replied. “I’ll be right there.”

  After Jett disappeared into the bedroom, Daniella and Owen made small talk for a few minutes. It was mostly about what the doctors told him to expect as the days went on. Daniella knew better than to bring up the topic of Fesser’s Grove. She wouldn’t get anywhere with Owen on the subject. Instead, she sat down next to him and began a line of questioning that required an equally pressing resolution.

  “Owen…” she began. “Why is it that humans can’t have shifter offspring?”

  “Hmm?” He said. “What’s that?”

  She leaned in his direction and spoke a little louder. “I said why is it that humans can’t have shifter offspring?”

  Owen smiled and leaned back. He didn’t respond. He just smiled at her and nodded his head. After several seconds, Daniella started to feel awkward, even a little uncomfortable
.

  “What?” She said. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  He lifted his chin up and narrowed his gaze in her direction. “I would imagine you are pretty concerned about that right now aren’t you?”

  Daniella’s face flushed. She hesitated for an awkward second and then feigned ignorance. “What? I don’t know what you are talking about. What do you mean by I’m ‘concerned’?”

  He nodded. “Simple. You’ve got a baby in that belly of yours…”

  “What?!” She screamed. She covered her mouth as fast as she could and leaned over towards him. “What…” she whispered. “What makes you say something like that? That’s ridiculous.”

  “Is it now?” He replied as he crossed his arms at his chest. Again, he smiled and nodded.

  “Yes,” she said with frustration. “I am not pregnant.”

  “You are.” He said with conviction. “I can sense it.” His features turned solemn as he unfolded his arms. Owen leaned toward her and as he did, his seat groaned underneath. “You’re lucky he can’t yet…” he said as he pointed towards the bedroom where Jett slept.

  “I…” Daniella whispered.

  Owen grew angrier by the second. “Daniella, you know what happened to his mother. Why would you run off and do a damn fool thing like this?”

  Her eyes began to fill with tears. She did her best to stifle them and her voice. “I didn’t… we didn’t… It happened before we knew about Jett’s past or what happened to his mom. I swear…”

  Stone-faced, Owen stared at her without a word for what seemed like forever. At last, he shook his head and leaned back. Daniella got up and sat down next to him.

  “Please,” she said as she grabbed him by the upper arm. “You… you can’t tell Jett. Not with everything that’s going on. Please…”

  He turned to face her. “Forget about him for a second. Listen to me. Your life is in jeopardy. This child, it could kill you if you bring it into this world. You understand that don’t you?”

  Deep down Daniella knew it yet somehow she’d played a game in her mind. Maybe on an unconscious level, she hoped it would work out, and maybe for once something beautiful would find its way into her life. But his words cut into her. Blades of truth ripped at her soul as the gravity of what she’d done started to sink in, at last.

  Without thinking, Daniella collapsed into the old man and started to weep. At first, his body felt hard from his anger but as her emotion continued to spill out, he softened. A few moments later, he put his arms around her. She continued to cry as the grief bore into her soul. For several minutes, Owen did his best to comfort her until he began to speak once more.

  “Shh…” he said. “Daniella, listen to me.”

  “What?” She said as she sat up from his tear-stained shirt and wiped away the rivulets of moisture from her cheeks.

  He shook his head for a moment. “There may be a way but…” he began before his voice trailed off.

  “May be a way for what? What are you talking about?”

  Owen looked at her. “There may be a way for you to have the child and live but I’ve only heard whispers of it. Even so, there’s no guarantee it will work and you, the child, or both of you could die.”

  “I don’t understand,” she began as she rubbed her eyes. “If there was some way to do it, why didn’t Jett’s mom…”

  “Those were different circumstances altogether. In the end, she decided against it…” Owen interrupted.

  “Well, what is it?” She sniffed. “What do I have to do? I’ll try anything. I want this child.”

  Owen rubbed his palms together and nodded. “We will need the help of the clan. It is the only way.”

  “The clan?” She began. “You mean Fesser’s Grove?”

  “Yes.”

  “But I thought it was too dangerous. That I shouldn’t go…”

  “That’s right,” he replied. “You shouldn’t. This will have to be sorted out once we’ve dealt with Kane.”

  “But…” she replied with a nervous hitch in her voice. “What if something happens? To you? Or Jett? I can’t just sit around here and wait to be rescued.”

  “Well, you won’t be going with us… if that’s what you are driving at.” Owen replied. “Jett should have made that clear to you already.”

  Daniella shook her head. “He did. But, I feel like I should be there, especially now…”

  “No.” Owen said without hesitation. “And you’ve got that wrong. You shouldn’t go. It was a bad idea before I discovered your secret and now it’s insane to even mention it.”

  She felt the beginnings of tears once more in her eyes. Owen noticed it as well. He scooted close, put his arm around her, and pulled her close to him.

  “You have to trust me, Daniella.” He said. “You know I’ve got your and Jett’s best interests at heart.”

  “I know.” She said. “I’m just… scared.”

  “That’s understandable.” He began. “It’s a world you don’t know anything about. Hell, before I left the clan, the thought of living in the human world as one of them was terrifying.”

  She leaned away from him. “Really?”

  “Yes, indeed.” He replied. “And early on, it was tough. But eventually, it got easier. What I want is for you to be able to experience the clan with Jett. That’s his world just like this one is yours.”

  “I’d like that.” She said. “I want it more than anything.”

  “And it’ll happen…” he interrupted. “But, for now, you have to stay patient and let us do what we must. Promise me you’ll do that for old Owen.”

  A soft smile came to her face. “I promise.”

  “Good,” he began. “Now, this old man needs some shuteye. I’d suggest you do the same. Lay with Jett and comfort him. That is the very best way I know for you to help.”

  Although the idea still didn’t sit well with her, Daniella decided any further discussion would lead back to the same place. For now, she thought it best to do as he asked. A few moments later, they both stood from the couch and hugged one another.

  “Well, good night…”she said.

  “’Night,” he replied. “I know this ain’t easy for you but you’re doing the right thing.”

  She nodded, walked down the hall and into her bedroom. By the time she slipped between the sheets, Jett was fast asleep. She curled up next to him and pulled him close. With any luck, it wouldn’t be the last time.

  ***

  Unable to eat even a single bite for breakfast, Daniella arrived at work the next morning a bundle of nerves. She felt helpless and angry at the same time. Even though Jett and Owen were probably right that she’d only get in the way, or possibly much worse, if she went to Fesser’s Grove, indignation grew within her.

  She had just as much at-risk as either one of them. Above all, she hated the notion of anyone telling her what to do. Add to that the fact they would leave that night and it was a recipe for a crappy start to the day.

  As she pulled into the parking lot, Daniella realized this theme of lack of control was the norm for her now. Very little went off without a hitch any longer. The lone exception was the juvenile diabetes fundraiser. By all accounts, it was a real success. At least that’s what she thought when she left the party. With so many people congratulating her on a job well done, she had at least some hope that she was off the radar of her boss, Kim, for now anyway.

  Daniella arrived at her desk a few minutes later and as she did, she noticed a note taped to her chair.

  “Daniella, please come see me as soon as you get in today. ~Kim.”

  She peeled the note from the chair and looked around. She thought that perhaps Victoria or Candi saw Kim drop by with it. Maybe she said something to them about why she wanted to see Daniella. At last, Victoria rounded the corner.

  “Hey…” Daniella called out. “Victoria… Come here.”

  Victoria stopped in her tracks and turned in Daniella’s direction. “Hmm?” She said as she raised h
er eyebrows and walked towards Daniella.

  As she neared, Daniella held up the note.

  “Did you see Kim leave this here?” She asked.

  “Yeah, I was making copies when she came by.”

  “What did she say to you… anything?”

  “No,” Victoria began. She lifted her finger to her chin in reconsideration. “Well, she did say ‘good morning’…”

  Daniella rolled her eyes. “I mean about the note.” She replied as she waved it in Victoria’s direction.

  “No,” Victoria replied as she took it from Daniella’s hand. She looked at it for a moment and said, “So, she wants to see you. So what?”

  “I know…” Daniella replied. “I just thought that maybe she hinted or… oh never mind.”

  In a huff, Daniella took the note back from her, slung her purse over her shoulder, and headed down the hall to see Kim.

  “Hey…” Victoria said as Daniella raced by her. “What’s the matter with you?”

  “Nothing…” Daniella replied as she walked away.

  A few minutes later, she arrived at the entrance to Kim’s office. Her receptionist wasn’t anywhere around. Undaunted, she clutched the note and headed for Kim’s desk. As she approached the doorway, she knocked on the doorjamb and peered around the corner. As she did, Kim looked up from her paperwork.

  “Hello Daniella,” she began. “Come in.”

  Daniella didn’t like the tone of her voice. Not one little bit. Deftly, she folded the note and slipped it into her purse.

  “You wanted to see me, Kim?” Daniella asked as she made her way across the office.

  “Yes, have a seat.”

  After Daniella sat, Kim began. “Sorry I missed you before you left last night. Candi tells me you weren’t feeling very well. It’s nothing serious I hope.”

  Daniella shook her head. “No, I’m fine. I was really tired.”

  “Well, that’s good to hear.” Kim said as she smiled.

  “Thank you.” Daniella replied.

  “And I wanted to congratulate you once again for the job you did with the fundraiser. I couldn’t be happier with your performance here at work over the past couple of weeks.”

  “Thanks, Kim,” Daniella said. “That means a lot coming from you.”