Ever After

Chapter 7

“Back to Corrine’s Point of View”

I pretended to be asleep, as I watched William looking out the window. He was deep in thought as he watched the snow falling. I knew he was worrying about me, he watched nearly every breath I took as if it might be my last. I wanted to reassure him I could make it through this, but if I said that, I would be lying.

I could feel myself slipping away, very much like the night Todd nearly killed me. I remember it like it was just yesterday, it was burned into my memory. I had lain there in my own room, in my own bed, bleeding to death from the cuts Todd put on my wrist. He had meant for it to look like a suicide, so he would not be implicated, and still get his revenge.

I remember with each second I felt like I was floating outside my body, leaving it. I was feeling the same way now as I lay here and more so with each hour that passed. I tried to fight it, but I didn’t know how. I couldn’t stand to leave William, but I was so weak and tired I wasn’t sure how long I could keep this up.

I knew I was dying now, it was a fate I had thought I had beaten, but it was 100 times worse. I had only wanted us to have a future together, somehow some way. I knew me being sick might cause problems, but never like this. I never thought it would end my life.

“You’re awake?” He said softly.

“Yeah, I get tired of sleeping all the time.” I sighed sadly. “I know that sounds stupid, but it’s true.” I knew all about Emma Pratt, and I really was hoping I could be like her and survive a botched up transformation. My mind was filled with thoughts of this woman who had survived, and I prayed I could do what she did.

“So you know Dr.Pratt? Is he nice?” I asked William, he walked over to my bed and sat on the edge and took my hand.

“Yes, he’s really a great guy, and very smart. He lives to do research and medical studies.”

“What about Emma, do you know her?” I leaned against his arm as he scooted next to me. I laid my head onto his chest.

“I don’t know her really well, but she’s nice, and they have a child together.” I was speechless at that bit of information. I had no idea any vampires could have children. I never asked, but I had assumed they couldn’t.

“I remember Doc saying that.” I shook my head. “A child how is that possible for vampires?” I gasped loudly. I guess William could see my shock, as he blushed slightly.

Will took a deep breath. “Well yes, but only between half blood and human or a half blood and full blooded vampire. That’s why I was so hesitant to…. uh.” He looked down a bit embarrassed. “Be with you… Corrine. I couldn’t risk losing you if you got pregnant, and you being sick too.”

I smiled laughing a little bit. “Why William, I thought it was only because you were a true gentleman!” This time he smiled and laughed.

“Ok… well I am, but I had your health in mind too, but believe me I wanted to give upon the gentleman act several times.” He playfully kissed my nose.

“Me too!” I giggled, hugging him. “It still amazes me all the details of vampire life, I still have a lot to learn.”

“Yes, and I will teach you all you need to know.” He gave me a warm smile. I felt sleepy now and curled up next to William as he rubbed my back and I drifted off to sleep. I desperately wanted to believe I could become a half blood like Emma and William. I prayed Dr. Pratt could do for me what he did for Emma.

The morning brought a cold bitter wind, which was causing white out conditions as the snow was blowing and drifting over the roads. The woods surrounding the house were blanketed in heavy snow. Ice had coated the branches of the trees and the power lines as well. The massive stone mansion was now running on generators since two power lines snapped due to the heavy ice.

The scene outside my window was beautiful, despite all the damage the ice had caused. It reminded me of the day Will, his cousins and me went sledding last winter, and Will told me he was a vampire. I would never forget that day as long as I lived, it reminded me that Will and I could overcome anything.

I wished now maybe I could go back to that day sometimes, but not to change my decision to stay with Will. I wished I could have gone to the doctor and gotten treatment for my headaches. Maybe I could have prevented it from getting so dangerous and terminal. I knew it was pointless to waste time thinking about that. I knew Will would be by my side no matter what, and if there was any way, we could get me through this we would.

Doc came in after Libby had brought me my breakfast tray. I nibbled on my toast as he and William spoke. Will sat in the armchair next to my bed, looking stunning as always. I admired his muscular arms as he wore a perfectly fitted white t-shirt and faded jeans. He could make a paper bag look hot as far as I was concerned. I smiled at him as I thought all this; he turned and winked at me as he felt my stare.

“What?” He asked his brows raised, he was about to bite into an apple.

“Nothing, just thinking.” I smirked.

“About what?”

“Paper bags.” I grinned wickedly.

“Why on earth are you thinking of that?” He looked confused.

“Never mind.” I sighed; I was amused at the confused look on his face. He always wanted to know exactly what was going on, it irritated him when he didn’t. Doc chuckled at us as he flipped through my charts. I had forgotten Doc could read my mind…I blushed.

“Well kids Pratt will be here in two hours. His plane landed one hour ago and Roth’s taking the Hummer to pick him up due to all this snow and ice. I think he and Emma will only be an hour later than we actually expected them.”

“Corrine’s doing better; maybe she won’t need anything more if she keeps doing so well.” Will announced. I could tell he was worried about what Pratt was going to do to me. Honestly, so was I.

“Yes, she is doing well right now, but she’s on a high dose of pain meds. I can’t keep her on them much longer, or they will damage her system. Her heart rate is getting even faster and her blood pressure is unstable, so we must take action.”

“I was hoping Pratt wouldn’t have to do anything to her, it just worries me not knowing what’s going to happen.” Will said in a low voice.

“I understand Will; we all care about Corrine and don’t want to do anything drastic. I smiled at them, it felt good to know the coven members all felt I belonged, and wanted me here even though I was still basically human and not a vampire. I just hoped this Dr. Pratt could perform a miracle for me, and save my life. We all sat and waited for Roth’s Hummer to come barreling down the snow covered drive, with the man who was going to try to keep me alive.