The Bodark
folder
Paranormal/Supernatural › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
10
Views:
8,491
Reviews:
17
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Paranormal/Supernatural › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
10
Views:
8,491
Reviews:
17
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
Story and characters straight from the dredges of my mind..muwaahhaahaa!
Chapter six
Chapter 6
I knew it. It took three days. Three days and I was crawling out of my skin in boredom. Hello, I am Rachel and I'm a shameless workaholic. 'Rolls eyes'
I was a good girl the first day, staying home taking it easy. Watched a few movies and slept. No strenuous activity to speak of.
Second day I decided on finally tackling some cleaning issues that I have been putting off. Got the laundry done, finally cleaned out the fridge, scoured the much dreaded toilet. Probably a good thing I got to that.
But now it was the third day of my forced leave of absence, and I had to find something to do. I didn't particularly care what that something was, but it had to be outside of my apartment.
Sitting at my small round kitchen table finishing up a breakfast of eggs and toast, my eyes fell on the refrigerator then to a small slip of paper held on by a magnet 'Ah ha..' There's something I could do. I had almost forgotten about the robin blue silk blouse that had been dropped off at the dry cleaners over a week ago.
Gathering my dishes together, I sat them in the sink to soak and be washed later. Mentally mapping out my day, I decided on running by the bookstore, drop off a couple rented movies and perhaps grab a Starbucks coffee. Then of course I could just pick up my blouse before making my way back home. Satisfied with the game plan, I headed off to the bedroom to get dressed.
I squeezed on a pair of well worn black skinny jeans, size six, which I topped with a small white polo shirt. Going to the dresser mirror, I brushed out my hair until it hung lose in waves down my back and bright red natural highlights shone in the light, I opted for once to just leave it unbound.
Rubbing in a bit of moisturizer over my face and then lightly coating my lips with Mac lip gloss, my makeup routine was done. Never much one for makeup anyway, any lingering vanities I may have had earlier in life went out the window in med school. Satisfied with my appearance, I made my way toward the hall closet.
After throwing on a pair of favorite converse, grabbing a lightweight jacket, and my purse, I was ready to go. 'Opps.. almost forgot the dry cleaning slip', I remembered.
Slip now safely in my pocket, I was finally on my way out the door.
-
-
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^^*
-
-
I was a regular there at the quaint little used bookstore named Stacks, since discovering it some months ago. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew it was my kind of place. The first thing that hits when walking in the door was the sweet cinnamon and vanilla smell that wraps itself around you, like warm homemade cookies combined with the slight musky smell of old bindings and ink.
Amongst the books were strategically placed plush couches and chairs, all done in rich, warm colors. It was a place that actually invited a person to kick up their feet and relax. In a city as impersonal and big as New York City, Stacks was truly a breath of fresh air.
Today I was in no hurry and planned on taking full advantage. Walking slowly through the...well..stacks, I quickly found my way to the used medical book section. Finding a selection that piqued my interest, an old and out of print book on hematology, I settled down into a comfy chair that was set back into a quiet corner.
After reading three or four chapters, I had decided to buy the book. I found it fascinating to compare medicine then and now, as well as how some of the same principles of medicine from 100 years ago was still applied today.
Securing my purse strap across my chest, I collected my book and stood up. As I stepped in the direction that would take me to the registers at the front of the store, I ran strait into another person. I felt two hands grab my upper arms in a firm hold, for what I assumed was to help steady me. Feeling a bit startled I immediately apologized.
“Oh..um excuse me.”
Looking up from my feet I quickly discerned the person that now held my arms in their grasp was a male. With a quick look his age was hard to pin down, anywhere from mid twenties to late thirties. Smooth face, slightly crooked nose, dark eyes, close cropped dark hair.
Dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, extremely broad shouldered and muscular he was only a couple of inches taller than my own height of 5'8. I did take note of a scar in the upper right corner of his mouth that hooked deeply almost all the way up to his cheek.
Physical appearance aside, one thing stood out immediately. The sense of danger that this man gave off in waves, and he wore it as casually as someone might wear a hat or gloves. I don't know why, but I could feel it from my head to my toes, and it set my teeth on edge.
Shifting my body toward the right with intention of quickly moving past him, I felt his large hands tighten as they held me in place. Feeling my heart speed up, I repeated a little more firmly this time, “Excuse me sir.” This time I looked him directly in the eyes.
His large dark eyes seemed to bore into mine as we just stood there and stared at each other. He almost seemed to be searching for something, examining me even. Another moment passed, and I was beginning to contemplate calling out for Mr. McCallister, the kindly store owner who I knew was just around the corner, when I felt his hands relax then let go.
With a slight bow of his head and a strange look in his eye, he slowly stepped away from me angling his body sideways, then gave a small sweeping gesture with his hand that I should pass.
Wasting no time, while trying not to break into a undignified trot, I went strait toward the front. Turning my head to check behind me several times, I quickly paid for my book and left the store.
-
-
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
-
-
Juggling a large White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, the bookstore bag, and a small garment bag, I made my way up the sidewalk toward my apartment building. Smiling at the doorman as he opened the door for me I said, “Thank you Rico.” Returning my smile warmly he quickly offered, “Your welcome ma'am.”
As I turned to ask Rico how his wife and baby were doing, I noticed a figure in my right peripheral across the street standing by a parked black car. Frowning I turned my head a bit more to make out why the figure had caught my attention. The figure was talking to someone in the car, and there was just something about the way he was standing, or perhaps his clothing...
Then a dawning realization hit me, and I felt slight panic in my chest. It was the man from the book store earlier! Why he was standing across the street from my apartment building was a mystery, but I hoped it was purely coincidental. Something about him sent my creepo meeter through the roof.
“Doctor?” Rico's questioning voice broke through my thoughts. I was still standing in the middle of the doorway, so I gave him an apologetic smile and moved on through to make my way toward the elevator doors within the lobby.
-
-
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
-
-
The next night
-
-
“So this guy just grabbed you?” Amy asked with a small frown on her face as she listened to my story about the man at the bookstore.
Tyler was out of town on a business trip, and I had invited Amy over for dinner. Never one to pass up a chance to eat some of my Grandmother's recipes when I cooked them, she had wasted no time beating a path to my door. Tonight, I had made Kotmis Satsivi, which is basically traditional Russian dish of Roast Chicken with Walnut Sauce. We had both thoroughly stuffed ourselves and were now curled up on my overstuffed couch drinking a glass of red wine.
Nodding my head I answered her, “Well..yeah, at first I thought he was just trying to keep me from falling on my ass..you know? But then when I tried to go past him he sort of..tightened his grip on my arms. That would qualify as a grab, right?” I asked then took another sip of my wine.
“I guess so..what happened then?” she encouraged as she absently played with her glass.
Thinking back to the incident, “Well he just looked at me..no..he kinda studied me, then he let me go.” I said with a shrug. Now saying it out loud, I began to feel a bit silly even sharing the story. New York was full of weirdos, and it was no surprise to run into one when out and about. Deciding to drop it, I changed the subject.
Waving my hand in dismissal, “Eh...it was no big deal..probably just the most exciting thing to happen in four days I suppose.” I said with a depreciative laugh. “I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow though.
Smiling big Amy chuckled, “I just bet you are.” she said with a knowing twinkle in her eye.
Catching her look I demanded, “Whaaat?!”
Outright laughing at me now Amy picked, “You forget girl, I know you. The last four days have had to been hell for you, just admit it.” She added “I made a bet with Tyler that you wouldn't make it, you know.” I gave off a mock offended gasp hearing that. “ I told him that you would be at the hospital begging Dr. Cross to let you come back a day early.”
Holding my hand to my chest I said sarcastically, “Why..Amy..I am hurt by your lack of faith in me. I am perfectly capable of being off work and doing nothing.” She just gave me a deadpan stare and I cracked, “Ok..ok..I almost went, but you still lost that bet because I didn't...so there.” I said sticking out my tongue at her.
Chuckling at me Amy said, “Oh mature Rache..and like I said, I know you so don't even go there.”
After another glass of wine and a lot of giggling, it was time for Amy to head home. Standing in the hallway and slipping on her jacket she asked, “So back to the hospital tomorrow?”
Handing her a tin foil wrapped bowl of leftovers to take home, I answered, “Yeah..I'm officially on shift from 10 am till 8pm..but I have to go in a bit early and get these stitches out.” As an afterthought I added, “I wanna go down to the lab and make sure nothing else showed up on those blood test either.”
Giving me a sympathetic look Amy tried to reassure me, “I am sure if there was anything you needed to worry about it would have shown up by now..and you know Dr. Cross would have called.”
Nodding my head in agreement..I simply said, “I know..I just want to double check, you know how mix ups happen in that department sometime.”
“All right..well I'll see you tomorrow night. I start my shift at 6pm.” She said as she gave me a quick hug at the door. We said our good nights and I locked up for the evening.
Later on that night in bed, I felt restless and was having a hard time sleeping. I tossed and turned, but just couldn't seem to get comfortable. It was as if I was full of nervous energy, my body almost thrumming with it. Finally getting up to get a glass of water I stopped to look out of my apartment balcony windows. It was a beautiful clear night and the stars were shining bright. My eyes were immediately drawn to the waxing crescent moon in the sky.
Determined to get some kind of sleep, I headed off to bed as soon as my water was drank. Only tossing and turning a bit more, I finally drifted into a restless sleep. I wouldn't remember the dreams that plagued my sleep that night, but the next morning I would feel tired as if I had been running or chasing something all night long.
-
-
I knew it. It took three days. Three days and I was crawling out of my skin in boredom. Hello, I am Rachel and I'm a shameless workaholic. 'Rolls eyes'
I was a good girl the first day, staying home taking it easy. Watched a few movies and slept. No strenuous activity to speak of.
Second day I decided on finally tackling some cleaning issues that I have been putting off. Got the laundry done, finally cleaned out the fridge, scoured the much dreaded toilet. Probably a good thing I got to that.
But now it was the third day of my forced leave of absence, and I had to find something to do. I didn't particularly care what that something was, but it had to be outside of my apartment.
Sitting at my small round kitchen table finishing up a breakfast of eggs and toast, my eyes fell on the refrigerator then to a small slip of paper held on by a magnet 'Ah ha..' There's something I could do. I had almost forgotten about the robin blue silk blouse that had been dropped off at the dry cleaners over a week ago.
Gathering my dishes together, I sat them in the sink to soak and be washed later. Mentally mapping out my day, I decided on running by the bookstore, drop off a couple rented movies and perhaps grab a Starbucks coffee. Then of course I could just pick up my blouse before making my way back home. Satisfied with the game plan, I headed off to the bedroom to get dressed.
I squeezed on a pair of well worn black skinny jeans, size six, which I topped with a small white polo shirt. Going to the dresser mirror, I brushed out my hair until it hung lose in waves down my back and bright red natural highlights shone in the light, I opted for once to just leave it unbound.
Rubbing in a bit of moisturizer over my face and then lightly coating my lips with Mac lip gloss, my makeup routine was done. Never much one for makeup anyway, any lingering vanities I may have had earlier in life went out the window in med school. Satisfied with my appearance, I made my way toward the hall closet.
After throwing on a pair of favorite converse, grabbing a lightweight jacket, and my purse, I was ready to go. 'Opps.. almost forgot the dry cleaning slip', I remembered.
Slip now safely in my pocket, I was finally on my way out the door.
-
-
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^^*
-
-
I was a regular there at the quaint little used bookstore named Stacks, since discovering it some months ago. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew it was my kind of place. The first thing that hits when walking in the door was the sweet cinnamon and vanilla smell that wraps itself around you, like warm homemade cookies combined with the slight musky smell of old bindings and ink.
Amongst the books were strategically placed plush couches and chairs, all done in rich, warm colors. It was a place that actually invited a person to kick up their feet and relax. In a city as impersonal and big as New York City, Stacks was truly a breath of fresh air.
Today I was in no hurry and planned on taking full advantage. Walking slowly through the...well..stacks, I quickly found my way to the used medical book section. Finding a selection that piqued my interest, an old and out of print book on hematology, I settled down into a comfy chair that was set back into a quiet corner.
After reading three or four chapters, I had decided to buy the book. I found it fascinating to compare medicine then and now, as well as how some of the same principles of medicine from 100 years ago was still applied today.
Securing my purse strap across my chest, I collected my book and stood up. As I stepped in the direction that would take me to the registers at the front of the store, I ran strait into another person. I felt two hands grab my upper arms in a firm hold, for what I assumed was to help steady me. Feeling a bit startled I immediately apologized.
“Oh..um excuse me.”
Looking up from my feet I quickly discerned the person that now held my arms in their grasp was a male. With a quick look his age was hard to pin down, anywhere from mid twenties to late thirties. Smooth face, slightly crooked nose, dark eyes, close cropped dark hair.
Dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, extremely broad shouldered and muscular he was only a couple of inches taller than my own height of 5'8. I did take note of a scar in the upper right corner of his mouth that hooked deeply almost all the way up to his cheek.
Physical appearance aside, one thing stood out immediately. The sense of danger that this man gave off in waves, and he wore it as casually as someone might wear a hat or gloves. I don't know why, but I could feel it from my head to my toes, and it set my teeth on edge.
Shifting my body toward the right with intention of quickly moving past him, I felt his large hands tighten as they held me in place. Feeling my heart speed up, I repeated a little more firmly this time, “Excuse me sir.” This time I looked him directly in the eyes.
His large dark eyes seemed to bore into mine as we just stood there and stared at each other. He almost seemed to be searching for something, examining me even. Another moment passed, and I was beginning to contemplate calling out for Mr. McCallister, the kindly store owner who I knew was just around the corner, when I felt his hands relax then let go.
With a slight bow of his head and a strange look in his eye, he slowly stepped away from me angling his body sideways, then gave a small sweeping gesture with his hand that I should pass.
Wasting no time, while trying not to break into a undignified trot, I went strait toward the front. Turning my head to check behind me several times, I quickly paid for my book and left the store.
-
-
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
-
-
Juggling a large White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, the bookstore bag, and a small garment bag, I made my way up the sidewalk toward my apartment building. Smiling at the doorman as he opened the door for me I said, “Thank you Rico.” Returning my smile warmly he quickly offered, “Your welcome ma'am.”
As I turned to ask Rico how his wife and baby were doing, I noticed a figure in my right peripheral across the street standing by a parked black car. Frowning I turned my head a bit more to make out why the figure had caught my attention. The figure was talking to someone in the car, and there was just something about the way he was standing, or perhaps his clothing...
Then a dawning realization hit me, and I felt slight panic in my chest. It was the man from the book store earlier! Why he was standing across the street from my apartment building was a mystery, but I hoped it was purely coincidental. Something about him sent my creepo meeter through the roof.
“Doctor?” Rico's questioning voice broke through my thoughts. I was still standing in the middle of the doorway, so I gave him an apologetic smile and moved on through to make my way toward the elevator doors within the lobby.
-
-
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
-
-
The next night
-
-
“So this guy just grabbed you?” Amy asked with a small frown on her face as she listened to my story about the man at the bookstore.
Tyler was out of town on a business trip, and I had invited Amy over for dinner. Never one to pass up a chance to eat some of my Grandmother's recipes when I cooked them, she had wasted no time beating a path to my door. Tonight, I had made Kotmis Satsivi, which is basically traditional Russian dish of Roast Chicken with Walnut Sauce. We had both thoroughly stuffed ourselves and were now curled up on my overstuffed couch drinking a glass of red wine.
Nodding my head I answered her, “Well..yeah, at first I thought he was just trying to keep me from falling on my ass..you know? But then when I tried to go past him he sort of..tightened his grip on my arms. That would qualify as a grab, right?” I asked then took another sip of my wine.
“I guess so..what happened then?” she encouraged as she absently played with her glass.
Thinking back to the incident, “Well he just looked at me..no..he kinda studied me, then he let me go.” I said with a shrug. Now saying it out loud, I began to feel a bit silly even sharing the story. New York was full of weirdos, and it was no surprise to run into one when out and about. Deciding to drop it, I changed the subject.
Waving my hand in dismissal, “Eh...it was no big deal..probably just the most exciting thing to happen in four days I suppose.” I said with a depreciative laugh. “I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow though.
Smiling big Amy chuckled, “I just bet you are.” she said with a knowing twinkle in her eye.
Catching her look I demanded, “Whaaat?!”
Outright laughing at me now Amy picked, “You forget girl, I know you. The last four days have had to been hell for you, just admit it.” She added “I made a bet with Tyler that you wouldn't make it, you know.” I gave off a mock offended gasp hearing that. “ I told him that you would be at the hospital begging Dr. Cross to let you come back a day early.”
Holding my hand to my chest I said sarcastically, “Why..Amy..I am hurt by your lack of faith in me. I am perfectly capable of being off work and doing nothing.” She just gave me a deadpan stare and I cracked, “Ok..ok..I almost went, but you still lost that bet because I didn't...so there.” I said sticking out my tongue at her.
Chuckling at me Amy said, “Oh mature Rache..and like I said, I know you so don't even go there.”
After another glass of wine and a lot of giggling, it was time for Amy to head home. Standing in the hallway and slipping on her jacket she asked, “So back to the hospital tomorrow?”
Handing her a tin foil wrapped bowl of leftovers to take home, I answered, “Yeah..I'm officially on shift from 10 am till 8pm..but I have to go in a bit early and get these stitches out.” As an afterthought I added, “I wanna go down to the lab and make sure nothing else showed up on those blood test either.”
Giving me a sympathetic look Amy tried to reassure me, “I am sure if there was anything you needed to worry about it would have shown up by now..and you know Dr. Cross would have called.”
Nodding my head in agreement..I simply said, “I know..I just want to double check, you know how mix ups happen in that department sometime.”
“All right..well I'll see you tomorrow night. I start my shift at 6pm.” She said as she gave me a quick hug at the door. We said our good nights and I locked up for the evening.
Later on that night in bed, I felt restless and was having a hard time sleeping. I tossed and turned, but just couldn't seem to get comfortable. It was as if I was full of nervous energy, my body almost thrumming with it. Finally getting up to get a glass of water I stopped to look out of my apartment balcony windows. It was a beautiful clear night and the stars were shining bright. My eyes were immediately drawn to the waxing crescent moon in the sky.
Determined to get some kind of sleep, I headed off to bed as soon as my water was drank. Only tossing and turning a bit more, I finally drifted into a restless sleep. I wouldn't remember the dreams that plagued my sleep that night, but the next morning I would feel tired as if I had been running or chasing something all night long.
-
-