Together We Stand

by JA Lafrance

  “What’s incoming?” Angelique asked, rushing to the sanitizing station. The mask and gloves ripped off, hands already under a stream of hot water. A splash of water hit her face, before replacing the protective layers.

  “It’s not the virus,” Janet replied. “These are stabbing cases, probably muggings since none of them have any identification. They are all listed as Jane and John Does.” She rolled her eyes. “As if we didn’t have enough problems today.”

  The hammer hit the nail on the head with that statement. “Which one is first?” Angelique asked, letting out a sigh.

  “Room thirteen,” Janet replied. “He’s the hero of the bunch... tried to save them all, I hear. As a result, he’s in the worst condition of the lot.” Her head shook as she spoke. “It doesn’t pay to play God when it comes to life and death.”

  “I’ll head there,” Angelique said, already partway down the hall, ignoring her co-worker’s final statement.

  Room thirteen was normally only assigned as a last resort. For the most part, it had been a storage room used for any overflow of supplies. Growing need was responsible for its recent remodelling.

  “He’s losing blood!” the doctor yelled. “We don’t have time for samples.”

  “Starting it now,” a nurse answered.

  “Blood pressure’s falling!”

  Angelique froze at the door, watching the lines on various monitors go flat. Alarms sounded. Someone knocked her aside, a crash cart racing in.

  “Code blue, room thirteen. Code blue, room thirteen.”

  There was nothing to do but watch and pray. Her gift was spent for the children’s sake. Outside the heavens wept. Beneath the ground demons rejoiced. This time the curse brought with it a devilish twist they were proud of.

  “Mark time of death,” the doctor sighed. “Put him down as another John Doe.”

  Angelique’s armour shattered, tears streaking down her cheeks. “That won’t be necessary.” Shaking knees gave out, sending her plummeting to the ground. “His name was Chris. He was my husband.”

  About C.A. King

  USA Today Bestselling Author, C.A. King, is the recipient of several awards, including: The Hamilton Spectator Readers' Choice Award for 2017, 2018 & 2019 in the Best Local Author category; The Brant News Readers' Choice Award for 2017 Best Local Author; Readers' Favorite award in the short story/novella category; the 2017 SIBA Award for Best New Adult; the 2017 SIBA Award for Best Novella; 2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction—Supernatural genre; 2018 Readers' Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction—New Adult genre; 2019 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction—Supernatural genre; and 2019 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Young Adult—Fantasy—Urban Genre.

  Currently residing in Brantford, Ontario Canada, she lives with her two sons. She began her writing career after the tragic loss of her parents and husband. Redirecting her emotions through writing became therapeutic in her battle with depression and in 2014 she decided to publish some of her works.

  www.portalprophecies.com

  Finding Love Amongst the Empty Shelves

  Tracy Willoughby, with assistance from JA Lafrance

  All she needed was toilet paper, she got more with him — Finding Love Amongst the Empty Shelves

  Finding Love Amongst the Empty Shelves

  It was the middle of March and the weather was just starting to blossom into the warmth of spring.

  We were ready to dance with the midday sun while we reacquainted ourselves with the world after a long winter's rest, but a threat lurked just around the corner.

  It wasn't a lone man threatening our sanctuary, nor the threat of war threatening our very existence. It was a virus that was largely unknown but had the capacity to strike anyone within its path.

  We were all sent into the isolation of our homes without the luxury of socializing with friends or family. There was nowhere to go as the world was virtually closed.

  Panic struck the hearts of every man, woman and child, as people began hoarding everything they could get their hands on.

  Where once obtaining toilet paper was largely taken for granted, it was now a hot commodity.

  I was in desperate need of a roll or two, so I set out on an adventure, my objective was to dodge landmines that were the very people who surrounded me; one could never be too cautious.

  As I headed from store to store, I witnessed the chaos of people behaving like they had been locked inside a cage and lost the ability to act civilized. It was as if a zombie apocalypse was upon us.

  I was determined to find my prize, so I kept going, as I wheeled into what was the tenth grocery store, if my calculations were correct.

  A lone pack of toilet paper sat on the shelf, as if it were a golden statue with a seemingly orange glow surrounding it almost as if it was summoning me. I was going to do everything in my power to bring that package of toilet paper home with me.

  Movements caught me out of the corner of my eye, someone was getting closer to the elusive paper product as well, but there was no way that guy was getting it.

  He was tall, dark and handsome with the most piercing grey eyes I ever saw, but there was no way this five foot two inch woman was going to let him win. I had a leg up on him.

  Well actually, I had four wheels up on him and even if I had to wheel over his foot, that tight ass was not going to get it.

  My wheelchair was my lifeline, my way of exploring the world and getting the things I needed to survive, and right now I needed that roll of toilet paper like I needed air to breathe.

  With every turn of my wheels, I was getting closer and more determined to be victorious. Finally, reaching my destination, I had just placed my hand down on the plastic covered bundle of gold, when tall, dark and handsome did the same.

  No way in hell was he going to get this trophy, I don't care how pantie melting hot his smile is.

  I looked up into his memorizing grey eyes, it should really be illegal to be this gorgeous and out in public, especially since I looked like I just rolled out of bed, threw on my leggings, a baggy sweatshirt and slapped on running shoes. I wasn't trying to win any beauty contest; I simply needed that toilet paper that we were now having a stare down over.

  “Hey, I was here first.” I glared at him; I was determined that the package would end up in my cart.

  He looked down at me, I could see him wrestling with his thoughts on how to handle me and this situation.

  “‘I don't think so sweetheart. This pack right here is mine.” He went to lift it up, but I refused to loosen my grip. I held on with all the strength I had in me, but I knew if he really persisted, that I would be no match against his magnificently muscular body, and I would once again have to trudge to yet another store. I don't think I have it in me to deal with anymore of this craziness. So, I made one last pitiful attempt.

  “I think I should get it, after all, I have rolled my ass to so many stores and I really need it. Besides, aren't ladies supposed to go first?” I bat my eyes, trying my best to get him to let go of the package, but it’s not working. I bet if I was beautiful and normal like other women, I'd have him eating out of the palm of my hands.

  “Batting your eyes at me won't work, lady. I'm a cop and I've seen it all,” he snaps at me.

  I knew at that point I had lost, so I let it go, turned around and made my way to the front doors. I knew once he said he was a cop that I had no hope in defeating him, so I sat there outside the store wondering what my next move was.

  Do I declare defeat, or do I try one more store with hopes that I can find my treasure? I decided my need for toilet paper could wait for another day and I headed in the direction of my apartment.

  I was too tired to watch humanity at its worst and decided that a nice long hot bath was in order.

  I hadn’t gotten very far when I heard yelling from behind me. I ignored it and kept going, because let’s f
ace it, what female would turn around when they heard yelling. I heard the hard foot falls of fast approaching footsteps.

  “Hey, didn't you hear me calling out to you?” His gruff sexy voice would have been a complete turn on, if I wasn’t totally stressed out.

  I sighed, spinning around and crossing my arms over my chest. I'm once again blinded by how good he looks.

  I thought cops only looked good in those calendars they sold for charities. I mean, I’m seriously considering rolling over his foot just to get him to cuff me. Lord knows it would make me feel better, plus it would feel like I was in a scene in one of my smut books. I chuckle and open my mouth to reply when he cuts me off.

  “Were you laughing at me?” he growls as his eyes roam from head to toe, lingering on my chest.

  No way was I going to answer that so instead, I decided to respond to his first question.

  “I didn't know that the yelling was directed at me. If you haven't noticed, everyone seems to have lost their minds lately. Now, how can I help you? If you want more toilet paper, I have none, hence why I was willing to do anything to get the one that you have.”

  I could tell he wasn't impressed with my sarcasm. He just shook his head in annoyance.

  I stared at the one thing the whole world wanted but I couldn't find, simply because a handful of people decided that they needed all of it. What happened to the golden rule of sharing our parents taught us?

  “Look, I feel bad about taking this so it's only fair you take it.” He had that look of pity written all over his face.

  A person in my shoes knows that look and as much as I needed that toilet paper, I wasn't going to take a pity gift. Nope, I would rather go without, because if there's one thing I hate it’s when people pity me.

  I have never used this chair to get me stuff and I'm not about to start now.

  I was pissed but unfortunately, he was a few feet away from me, so being able to "accidentally" hit him as I turned around to leave was out of the question. It was more important to leave with my self-respect than take the offered package of guilt paper.

  Besides, tomorrow's another day, even if we weren't supposed to leave the house with the exceptions of necessities. I figured toilet paper was one thing that would grant me the right.

  I rolled off, he kept calling after me, but I was too stubborn and annoyed to give a flying rat's patoot, plus a hot bath and a book from my Kindle sounded so good right now. Though I think I'll pass on any sexy hot cop stories.

  As I'm rolling home, I hear his footsteps behind me, and I know he's not giving up. I know his conscience is getting to him but truthfully, I'd rather he just left me alone. Today is obviously not my day because it seems he's not going to let this go. I shouldn't be surprised he is in law enforcement and I'm sure they are taught to never quit.

  He has met his match, because I was born not to quit. My very existence depends upon my ability to never give in. I decided right there and then I was going to put a stop to this. So, I turned around and looked into his insanely gorgeous face as I stood my ground.

  “Look, this has been a long and extremely stressful day dealing with crazy people acting like the world is going to end. I just want to wheel my butt home, take a bath and read a book to help take my mind to a much more peaceful place than the one we are currently in. Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go.”

  He stood there with an expression that told me he didn't expect me to stand up for myself. He has another thing coming if he thinks I am some weak little girl; I may be confined to a wheelchair, but I am so much more.

  He just kept looking at me, I guess he was trying to decide what to say to me that wouldn’t make him look like more of a moron.

  Behind me I could hear yelling and arguing, so I turned around, just in time for me to witness people on the ground fighting. Times of crisis either bring out the good or the bad in humanity and right now I'm witnessing a childish act by adult males. I looked back at him and saw him staring between me and the fight going on.

  “You really should break that up.” I nod in their direction.

  I could actually hear his brain wrestling with what to do when he tossed the golden prize in my lap and took off running, shouting, “Hold this,” over his shoulder.

  He took off at a sprint in the direction of the violent struggle, probably over something that in six months won't be important to anyone. While my tall, dark and handsome cop, with the perfect round behind broke up the fight, I was left holding the one thing people were willing to kill each other over.

  I could have so easily taken off with it and by the time he noticed I'd have been long gone. It was so tempting but honestly, that would be so wrong. I'm left sitting here looking longingly at the fluffy rolls of white paper as if it mocks me.

  As I raise my head to watch him break up the barbaric scene unfolding in front of me, I notice that all the women are turned watching my tall, dark and handsome breaking up the fight faster than it had started.

  After everyone went their separate ways, he turned in my direction and looked absolutely shocked that I was still here. I guess he thought I would take off. As he approaches me, he shakes his head.

  “I'm surprised to see you're still here. I thought my toilet paper would be long gone by now, but I do have a proposal for you." Now, it’s his time to cross his arms over his firm chest and stare at me.

  “Go on,” I whisper and smile at him as his sexy smirk comes back onto his handsome face. I could completely get lost in his facial features.

  He leans down, placing his hands on my chair and staring into my eyes, before he licks his lips and whispers, “Well, it’s actually two things. One, how about we split this pack of toilet paper and when I find more, I will drop it off at your house. Two, you go on a date with me.”

  I stare at this gorgeous man and wonder if he sees who I am. I want to ask him what he sees when he sees me, but what comes out is, “I thought we were supposed to be socially distancing.”

  He chuckles and shakes his head as I bite my lip. He pulls me closer and whispers, “You would be worth any ticket I would get. Go out with me or let me bring you dinner.”

  I turn my head and look at all the women around us whispering and snickering, thinking to myself that this would make them eat their words. I turn back to him and nod before whispering, “Yes.”

  His smile is so much better than his smirk, but this man could bring even the most gorgeous woman to her knees.

  I watch as he stands up and looks around, waving at another officer who is quickly coming our way, before he looks at me and winks.

  “My name is Nala.” I extend my hand out and watch as he takes my hand in his, bends down and places a gentle kiss across my knuckles.

  “Such a pretty name, for an amazing woman. My name is Tavis.” Just as he places another kiss on my hand, the other officer joins us.

  “Tavis, man what is taking you so long? You went into the store to get TP for your bun…” I snort, because I know what he is going to say and it’s how I refer to toilet paper on the best of days as that.

  “Oh, well hello beautiful lady. My name is Turner, and I am the better-looking partner of this man.” He throws his thumb towards Tavis, who is still holding my hand but now he is shaking his head.

  “Mine, dude,” Tavis growls and interlaces our fingers.

  I watch as Tavis and Turner chat back and forth. They talk about how much longer the social distancing will go and how they hope things start to go back to normal.

  Just as I am about to tell Tavis that I need to get going, their radio’s blare with a call.

  “Hey, sweetheart, I need to get running.” He bends down and kisses my hand again. I don’t want to let go of his hand, but I know he needs to run and catch the criminals.

  I hold out my phone not sure if I should ask for his phone number or if he even wants it.

  “We are completely on the same wavelength.” He smirks and takes my phone sending himself a message, before handing it b
ack and smiling as his phone vibrates.

  I look down at my phone and giggle as his message pops up.

  Hot Cop: I’m glad I met you today. The toilet paper was always going to be mine, just saying.

  Me: That’s okay, you owe me many more rolls of toilet paper and no dates. Lots and lots of dates.

  I watch as he runs to his cruiser and jumps in, flipping on the siren and waving as he speeds off.

  The days and weeks and even the months that followed that entail meeting were some of my favourite memories.

  We spent hours texting each other, and I felt so comfortable talking to him that I wasn’t worried about the virus anymore, because I had found someone that saw me for who I was and not a person in a wheelchair.

  Today, even though we are still under strict instructions to stay home, he is coming over to talk with me in person.

  I have cleaned up my house and made sure that I am wearing my best and prettiest outfit, even though we are only going to be talking through the door.

  I hear a knock and the butterflies in my belly spring to life, as I go to answer it.

  As I swing open the door and stare out the glass of the storm door, I gasp. Sitting on my front porch is a turned over box with a bouquet of fresh ruby red roses decorated with baby's breath, a box of something, it’s labelled candies, so I am assuming that he got me my favourite candy.

  “Hi, beautiful. I can’t wait until this is over and I can take you on a proper date.” He smiles at me and sets a pizza box on the box.

  “Tavis, thank you so much for doing this. I can’t believe how much you spoiled me,” I whisper as his hand comes to the window.

  I raise my hand and smile at him as he whispers, “Not soon enough.”

  Surrendering Hearts