Harsh Reality

Michael

The drive into town was a mixture of relief and dread. I knew I said I would take her to the hospital, but once I did, the reality of what happened during the attack would be made that much more real. Being trapped in my house afforded some kind of distance from the tragedy, but anytime one found themselves in a hospital it was impossible not to feel every emotion.

Diana sat silently beside me, knowing this as well. She was curled up on my passenger side, my truck already dwarfing her. I barely held it together helping her into it. My senses seemed to be heightened when it came to her.

She stared out the window, once again back in her own clothes. I liked seeing her in mine. The town of Bamberg always looked in a word, magical, after a snowstorm. The town had almost a half moat splitting it in half, stone bridges connecting the halves. Forest trees surrounded it, but not enough to dim its bright glow, like a beacon or haven in the mist of woods and myths. Everyone in Bamberg took part in the myths, using it as a marketing strategy and some even believed the stories. There were groups of homegrown and bred people in Bamberg who had never set foot in the woods. I didn't blame some of them.

I pulled into the hospital and immediately saw how full it was. Cars were lined up on the streets, and news crews took up most of the parking spots. I saw the chief of police waving to the reporters, telling them he didn't have many details yet. They were still working on it and waiting for some of the survivors to wake up.

"Seems there are survivors," I said and realized my mistake when she jerked to me.

"How do you know?" she asked, and I could see how she longed for my words to be true.

"Why else would the news be here if they didn't expect details from a survivor?" I said, hoping she accepted that, unlike my other failed attempts at changing her mind. She sighed and stared back out the window.

"Yeah, true," she said.

I went around the back, wanting to avoid the cameras for one and for two, I didn't want Diana to have to give a statement. She didn't know, but I already gave it to her, and the chief accepted it; our working relationship was enough for him.

I parked and went to open the door for her, but she already had it open. Normally, she would have smiled at me, but now the mood was somber; still, I couldn't just leave her alone in this. I slammed the door and touched the small of her back, she didn't move away, and I took that as a good sign, though I shouldn't be playing this torturous game.

The elevator ride was tense, and she leaned into me. Seeing her in these lights, I studied her face and found I hated seeing it in distress. The doors opened and as we walked onto the floor; I couldn't help but notice how crowded it was. Families were crying in the corners, doctors standing by them, trying their best to comfort them, and remained unmoved by the news they just shared.

"Oh god, Phillip," she said, and headed toward a room down the hall. I wanted to ask how she knew but she must recognize the older couple talking with the doctor.

"I'll be right back," she said, touching my arm before departing. I watched her go, uncomfortable with the fact that it was not me she needed right now.

I sensed Robert coming up behind me and turned to meet him.

"It's a madhouse here," he growled.

I didn't ask if he was okay; I could feel how uncomfortable he was. He glanced around looking from face to face, no doubt picturing them twisted in fear when they would discover what he really was.

"What are they saying?" I asked him. Through our connection I gave off the feeling of calm and ease, knowing he would feel it and relax.

"It's Bamberg, so of course, the myth chasers are here convinced it's time to start a manhunt for the wolves. Others think it's a prank gone wrong. Parents want answers; the news is creating what sales it can, and if you can believe it, Bamberg is trending." He trailed on, unimpressed by the workings of modern social media.

"We need to get ahead of this," I said, and yet found my gaze landing on Diana again. "Do we have an official count of deaths?"

"So far eleven have been confirmed dead. Three are in stable condition and one is still fighting," he answered.

"So eleven or twelve new werewolves could be coming to Bamberg?" I said what we both thought. "I'll have Francis deal with the bodies. Perhaps we can get rid of some of them before they turn," I ordered him.

"Uh… hi, can we go please?" said a voice that stirred more in me than it should. Diana's face was red, and I could smell the tears on her cheeks.

Robert stepped aside. I didn't mind that he wanted to add distance between us. I wasn't prepared for my reaction to seeing her next to another guy, a handsome one at that.

The complete opposite of me, his hair short and blond, grey eyes. He shifted when he was only twenty, so he kept at least a five o'clock shadow to appear older. Some days it worked for him. His build mirrored that of a wolf, lean and yet powerful, he wasn't as tall as me, but taller than the average man. And yet, Diana mumbled hello to him and gave me a look, waiting for my answer.

"Yeah," I said to her then looked at him. "I'll talk with the chief about setting up barriers to the wood entrances, though I'm sure people might be deterred for a while at least."

He nodded to me and headed for the stairs, hoping for less traffic. Seeing her in distress, I took her into my arms and led her to the exit. She was shaking and I could see her lips trembling.

We got to the car, and she allowed me to open the door this time. I leaned over to click her seat belt and her inhale took me by surprise, so I rushed to add space again.

The drive to her grandmother's house was shorter than I wished. I wanted to make sure she was okay, but for once I couldn't find the words. Being close to her at my house seemed easier; perhaps this was what I needed when I said I wanted space from her. As it was, I was way past that now. I could guard my heart against her, but I wouldn't let anything happen to her, I couldn't. The house came up and I pulled in front of it.

"Diana," I called to her and rolled my head toward her.

"Thank you for everything, Michael." She cut me off while facing my dashboard. She sighed then looked at me and sniffled. "He'll live, but he'll never walk again. It was awful." She sobbed and fought back her tears. "That could have been me," she added.

"I won't let that happen," I said. I leaned to her side and popped open my dashboard. I pulled out a phone and handed it to her. "Here, take this. It has my number in it; call it whenever you need. I'll be here for you. You can count on me, Diana."

She smacked her lips and wiped her nose before taking the phone.

"Even if I need someone to watch me sleep?" she said, trying to smile, but the tears took the humor from it. I waited until she looked up at me before I answered. I brushed a strand of her hair from her face, her skin soft to the touch.

"Especially then," I said, my voice deeper, hoping it conveyed just how serious my convention was. Her smile was sad but genuine. The door to her house opened and an elderly woman stood in the doorway.

"I should go," she said, then opened the door. I rolled the window down after she closed it and watched her rejoin her family. I didn't miss the way the old lady eyed me, knowing my secrets and warning me to keep away.