When the Heart Falls

Cade’s face is a mask of pain and righteous anger. "How dare he call what he did love. That’s not love."

"It was for him. When we were kids, he told me so. But as kids we liked to pretend. We played Hide and Seek. Our toys played Mommy and Daddy. When we became teenagers, the games ended. I became the book nerd. He, the all-star quarterback who hung out with the team, flirted with the teachers, and slept with the cheerleaders. He changed so much. But now, I realize, he didn't change at all. He wanted to fit in. He molded himself to what society thought was best, what was considered normal, so no one would doubt his humanity. But I was the closest thing he had to a true friend, a lover. He showed me the darkness inside. And I didn't stop him. He took his mask off around me. And he became a demon. He became himself."

Cade turns toward the window, his face in his hands.

I pull him to me, not wanting him to retreat into himself, or worse, blame himself for what happened.

Cade relents and moves close enough to hold me. I rest my head on his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a comfort to me.

When the doctor comes in I’m nearly asleep again. He’s holding a chart and Cade moves so he can check my pupil dilation with his light. His English is flawless, with only a faint French accent, and I wonder if he studied in the States. "There's no permanent damage, but you have a concussion. We’d like to keep you overnight for observation.”

“Doctor, please, I just want to get out of here. It’s too bright and too loud, and I’ll heal better in my own bed.” Or in Cade’s.

He nods. “I understand. As long as there’s someone who can stay with you and wake you every few hours to make sure you’re okay.”

Cade responds before I can. “I won’t let her out of my sight.”

The doctor tears off a sheet of paper. “Here are instructions. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring her back in immediately.” He scribbles something else on a small pad and hands that to Cade. “Some medication for her pain. She’ll need it for a few days.” He turns to talk to me. “I’m going to keep you for observation today. If you’re able to keep food down and walk without falling, you can go home tonight. An officer will be in here shortly to take your statement. I’m sorry your stay in our country has been so tragic. I hope it doesn’t sour you to France."

I smile and switch to French. “It’s not anything to do with this beautiful country. My own past followed me here, but my time in Paris has brought me love, joy and a deeper understanding of life.”

He pats my hand. “I’m happy to hear this.”

The doctor leaves and Cade sits back down with me. "Rodney's been arrested. The crowd heard your recording."

When the officer comes in, a short man with a paunch belly and a kind smile, I give him my full statement. They already have my phone, which sucks, because it was a really nice phone, but it’s now considered evidence. “What will happen to Rodney?” I ask.

He puts his notepad back into his pocket. "He go to jail, charged with assault, attempted rape and attempted murder. His trial happen in a few weeks most likely."

"Will I have to testify?"

"Of course."

"Good. I'm ready."

Cade’s hand flexes around mine. “Will he get out on bail before the trial?”

I hadn’t thought about that, and I shudder. I don’t like the idea of running into him or having him come after me.

The officer shakes his head. “We do not have bail here. He stays in until trial.”

The rest of the day moves slowly. I take short catnaps, but with the nurses waking me every 30 minutes, it’s not very restful. My head still hurts too much to read or even watch television, so mostly I just talk with Cade or cuddle with him, which, all things considered, isn’t the worst thing ever.

Just before I’m discharged I get two unexpected visitors. Daring and Autumn.

“Oh my God, what are you doing here?” I’m so happy to see them I’m nearly in tears.

“Cade called us.” Autumn hugs me. "I'm so sorry, honey."

Autumn moves on to hug Cade, and she thanks him for calling while Daring leans in for a hug. She sees my necklace and smiles. "I see you've found your key."

I glance at Cade. "We found each other."

She gives me a look that says she’ll want details later. “I hope my little gift helped?”

I’d forgotten about the condoms and lingerie and turn bright red at her words as Cade laughs. Time for a change of subject, because I’m not talking about my sex life right now. "How'd you guys get here so fast?"

"I was in the UK for an exhibit," Autumn says.

"And I was already in France, checking out Mont Saint-Michel,” Daring says. “I wrote an article on some ghost hunter there."

"Very famous ghost hunter,” Cade says, and we both laugh, though mine is cut short by pain.

Autumn looks back and forth between us. "What's so funny?"