Chapter Three – Ruby POV

I had been running for far too long. I thought I knew the woods like the back of my hand, but I didn’t. Not at all. I didn’t have a cell phone to ask for help. Not like it would work out here anyway. I was just surrounded by a vast map of dense forest for miles every direction. I didn’t regret my decision to leave, but I certainly regretted the method I was using.

The sun was rising. Unlike Caleb, I didn’t have sun resistance. I had other powers, like the ability to transform into a bat, but even that wasn’t helpful here. I got far too tired too quickly and had to come back to land.

However, the bat form came in handy during the day. Moving into a small niche I crawled into it. It would keep me out of the sun and allow me to rest from my endless running. Lowering myself to the ground, I transformed. I flew out of my shirt and attempted to use my wings to gather leaves to cover my clothing. It didn’t really help. Bats weren’t exactly built for that. I grabbed my shirt in my teeth and flew backwards, pulling it into the niche with me. Then I did the same with my pants, undergarments and shoes.

‘At least I’m not wearing that dreadfully heavy dress,’ I thought. That would have been too much for me to carry. I couldn’t leave it out for others to see, on the off chance someone would be strolling through.

I got into position, dangling from my feet and wrapping my wings tightly around me. I looked out at the vastness from the safety of my temporary home. How the hell would I get out of this? No phone, no compass, no way to leave. Was I just stuck here now? No one would look for me. I left on my own accord. It wasn’t like I had a lot of friends, either. Only some of the vampires in the hollow and Morgyn. After Jade and Marco allowed their son to kill Caleb’s, I refused to allow either of them into my life. It’s not like I particularly liked Marco anyway, and he had clearly tainted Jade’s mind in my absence from my revival. 

I mentally sighed and closed my eyes. Everyone justified Orion’s passing, including his own parents! That poor boy needed help, not to be killed, yet everyone just carried on with their lives. Other than the funeral, I didn’t even see Caleb shed a tear.

‘Calm down Ruby.’ I shut my eyes tighter. ‘Dwelling over this won’t change anything. You left Caleb. That’s the end. Just don’t go back.’ He was obviously not who I thought he was for all of this time. How disappointing.

I managed to drift off, hibernating until dusk. I flew out of my niche and landed on the ground, glancing around to make sure no one was near. I used echolocation around me just in case, and when I knew the coast was clear, I transformed and quickly dressed myself. 

I headed off again, but had another idea. Follow the path of the moon. I glanced up at the sky, but couldn’t see anything through the trees. 

“Dammit,” I said quietly, looking back down at the ground. “I could navigate, but I would have to do it as a bat. I couldn’t exactly carry a duffle bag.

Looking up again, I sighed. “Here goes.”

I dug a small hole and undressed fully, burying my clothes in it. Maybe when I had discovered a viable path, I could come back for them. I quickly transformed again and flew up to the top of the tree, landing and nuzzling the branches, marking them with my scent so I could find it later. Not like it was very strong though. I would have to be close to smell it.

When I felt I had nuzzled enough to look like a tree hugging fool, I flew off, occasionally landing on tree tops to watch the moon rise higher and regain my strength. I continued heading due west for miles, avoiding other bats as I went. They would know I wasn’t like them, and it could cause aggression. 

After what seemed like forever, I started to see a clearing. As I got closer, I saw faint, sporadic lights. The countryside. I had found something! I flapped my wings faster, eager to finally have a better sense of direction.

I found a pub and landed on the roof. I heard a lot of laughing, playful shouting and music. I closed my eyes, taking it all in.

However, one hurdle became apparent again. I couldn’t exactly speak to them in my current form, nor could I in my human form. Yet, I had traveled so far that my clothes might as well have been forgotten.

So, what now?

I didn’t really have a choice other than snagging clothes from a nearby home as they slept. But I didn’t really make a habit of committing crimes. What the hell was I supposed to do?

‘Live on the edge?’ I questioned, flying away to a nearby home. There were dim lights, and peeking into the windows showed no activity. Good. I snuck in through an open window and into an unoccupied room. As long as it had a dresser, I’d be in luck. I looked around and transformed, creeping quietly toward the dresser and opening the drawers as quietly as possible. I found a nice outfit that didn’t exactly fit my style, but would fit my body. As I started to pull the pants on, the door cracked open. 

I had never transformed so fast. I crept under the dresser to avoid being swatted at, leaving the clothes in a heap on the floor. 

The light turned on, temporarily blinding me from being in darkness for so long. I let out a surprised squeak as I shut my eyes tightly, quickly covering my snout with my wing. 

“What the hell?” I heard. It was a young man’s voice. I crept further into the shadow, hoping and praying he wouldn’t look underneath.

‘Shit, shit, shit. Don’t look. Please don’t look.’

I got my wish. The man bent down, picking up the clothes and tossing them. The rustling told me they landed on the bed. The light turned off and the door shut. I breathed a sigh of relief and slowly creeped out again.

“Gotcha!” He exclaimed, grabbing me up from the floor and cupping me in his hands. I squeaked again, peering up at him from between his fingers, my eyes terrified and pleading.

He started to head out, but stopped, seeing my expression. Instead, he sat down.

“You…” he opened his hands. When I didn’t fly off, he tilted his head. “Hey there, little guy. Are you someone’s pet? You’re pretty calm for a bat.”

It’s not like I could answer. Instead, I looked around for a quick escape. There wasn’t one, and I didn’t really feel like dying.

“No, no, it’s okay,” he smiled, stroking my fur. “You’re safe. At least as long as my daughter doesn’t see you.” He laughed. 

I closed my eyes, the feeling of his affection calming me.

“I never knew anyone could tame a bat, but you’re certainly not wild, are you? You’re almost…human like.” He studied me as I opened my eyes. “Hmm, if I can’t find your owner, I may have to keep you myself. You’d be the talk of the town!” He stood up and picked me up gently with one hand, holding out his index finger on the other and placing me on it. I decided to humor him, wrapping my feet tightly against it, perched like a bird. 

He laughed. “Very nice! I feel like a Disney princess. Or maybe just a prince. Do the princes also have animal friends?”

Damn, this guy must have been lonely as hell, just talking to me as if I could respond. To be fair, though, he was handsome enough to be a Disney prince.

“I have an old bird cage. I’ll put you in there for now until I can ask around. I hope that’s alright. I think you’d be safer there.”

I glanced around nervously. A c-cage? No way! I loosened my grip on his finger, spreading my wings until he stopped me.

“Alright, alright,” he said calmly. “I got it. No cage.” He gazed at me. “You really are way too human. Let’s try something else. Blink once for yes, and two for no. Can you do that?”

I blinked once as he carried me into another room.

‘But, the clothes!’  I gazed longingly back at the door we had stepped out of. Dammit. There went whatever chance I had.

He sat down on the bed of the room we had gone into, closing the door. “Good. Okay, this further proves my theory.” He looked around. “But what questions can I ask you?”

I could think of a few, but I could only sit and wait patiently. 

“Do you have a family?”

Two blinks. No. I was alone. Far too alone than I was used to, or wanted to be.

He nodded. “Okay.” He laughed softly. “I never thought I’d ask this, but are you actually a bat?” 

Two blinks.

“Human?”

I hesitated. For the sake of this conversation, sure. One blink.

“I knew it!” He exclaimed excitedly. His sudden movements spooked me, and I let out another squeak, raising my wings. “Right, right, sorry. Here, perch here on the post. Hopefully I won’t scare you anymore. 

I perched where he requested, and he laid on the bed, gazing up at me. He had these bright green eyes that glimmered under the light. His dirty blonde hair fell behind his head as he laid, removing the side part it had been held in. His smile made me genuinely happy. He seemed thrilled to have a new friend.

“If you’re human, how are you in this form?”

I couldn’t exactly answer that, could I? It wasn’t a yes or no question. I tilted my head and glanced around.

“Oh, uh, yeah.” He thought for a moment. “Are you a shape shifter?”

Eh, yeah? I could switch, so that counted, right? One blink.

“Can you shift now?”

If bats could blush….

I blinked once, but didn’t transform. I couldn’t. I wasn’t about to be in the nude before some random guy.

“But you aren’t.” He sat up and gestured got me to come closer. I glided onto the pillow beside him. “Are you scared?”

Scared? No. Hesitant? One blink. Yes. Let me shift in the bathroom with some clothes and we’d be in business. 

“You are so intriguing, little guy.” He smiled warmly, stroking my fur again. He held his finger up to my face like you would with a cat. I leaned into it, nuzzling it and closing my eyes.

“Is it weird that I’m petting you like this? I mean, if you’re human, that has to be awkward, right?”

Two blinks. No. It felt good. He was softly curing any itches I couldn’t get. I wasn’t complaining.

He laughed softly. “Well, I won’t do it once you’re human, okay? I’m not a weirdo.”

Yeah, good. That would be weird.

“Maybe…” he looked around, thinking again. “Maybe you need your own space? Is that it?” 

I blinked once and widened my eyes, nuzzling his hand and staring at him.

“Ah, that’s a big yes.” He laughed. “My daughter is away at college. I’ll take you to her room again for privacy. Is that okay? Just meet me downstairs after.”

I blinked once again.

He collected me into his warm hands, carrying me to the room and turning on the light. “Here you go, little guy. I’ll wait downstairs for you.”

Thank God. I was starting to feel a bit cramped. As soon as the door latched, I transformed again, quickly throwing on the clothes I had pulled out. I gazed at myself in the mirror. It was a perfect fit.

“Not too shabby.” I grinned. 

I headed down the stairs nervously and walked into the living room where he was waiting. He gazed at me, surprised.

“You’re…not a little ‘guy’, are you?” He started to laugh. 

I laughed too. “No. I’m not.”

“How do you do that?” He asked as I sat beside him.

“Uhhh.” I stopped. “I’d I tell you, you might just toss me out.”

“Doubtful.”

“Do you believe in vampires?”

He stared at me, wide eyed with surprise. Here we go. “Oh…my god,” he said excitedly. He jumped up and ran to a bookshelf, emptying almost an entire row of books. “I love the idea of occults! Mermaids, spellcasters, vampires, aliens! All of it! They’re…real?”

I held my head high, as if I had accomplished something amazing. “I am one.”

He took my cold hands excitedly. “Aaah! Tell me more, please! Tell me about your world!”

I laughed, but gazed at him, my expression shifting to confusion. “You aren’t afraid of me?”

“No way!” He exclaimed again. “Well, as long as you don’t bite me.”

“I don’t bite humans.”

“So, like Twilight? You feed on animals?”

“Ew! No, no, not anything like Twilight, I assure you. I drink from plasma packs. They’re like juice boxes.” 

” Do you have some?”

I shook my head. “Well, no,” I admitted. “I couldn’t carry them, or clothes, while in bat form.”

“Ah, that’s why you wouldn’t shift in front of me.”

I nodded. 

“I see. Where do we get them? Are you thirsty now?”

I shook my head again. “No. I had plenty to drink before I left San Myshuno.”

“Ah, a city girl?” He sat back. “Interesting.”

“Yeah.” I blushed a little as I saw his eyes narrow flirtatiously. “And, I bought mine online. It’s just easier that way.”

“Tell me where to go, and I’ll buy some, okay?”

I smiled. “That’s very nice of you. Thank you.”

“Of course! Anything for my new guest.” He leaned forward again, folding his hands. “When do you plan to go back?”

I looked away sadly. “well, I don’t actually.”

“Oh. Where are you headed?”

“Anywhere but there.”

“Yikes. What happened?”

I looked at him with a hesitant expression. “For now, I think I’d rather keep that to myself, if it’s alright.”

“Oh, yeah, I’m sorry. I think sometimes I’m too inquisitive.” He smiled cautiously.

“It’s alright,” I assured him. “I know I’m a bit if a mystery to you.”

“An urban legend,” he agreed with a smile. Damn, that smile. No, that was just the rebound in me talking. I looked away. 

“So, what is this place? I was lost in the woods for what feels like forever. I’m not sure where I am.” I gazed around at the decor on the walls. It was a very quaint cottage home. Warm and welcoming. Safe and quiet. It was familiar. Far different than the more modern and busy city, but not dark and lonely like Forgotten Hollow.

He perked up excitedly. “You’re in Henford-on-Bagley! Just a little countryside village with fertile farmland and very nice people. Everyone gets along here. There’s no shortage of kindness.”

I nodded with a smile. “I can see this, given how kind you were to a small bat. And…now me.”

He looked away with a sheepish smile. “I have a soft spot for animals. But other than our farm babies, we couldn’t have any pets. My wife was very allergic. She did all of the plant related things while I took care of the animals.” His expression turned to sadness.

Instinctively, I put my hand on his shoulder. “Where is she now?”

“In the cemetery on the hill,” he said sadly. 

“Oh.” I stopped. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It wasn’t my place “

“No, no, it’s alright,” he said, reassuringly. “It’s been many years now. It’s just still a bit painful. She was the love of my life. I’ve refused to see anyone else since her.”

I nodded. “My fia-um, ex boyfriend was the same after I-” I stopped. “Okay, well that story is quite complicated, and I’m sure you don’t need to hear the sob story.” I laughed nervously. “But he had similar issues.” I cleared my throat and looked at the floor.

“My wife died from Cancer,” he said quietly. 

I nodded solemnly. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.” He gazed at me. I saw him from the corner of my eye. We stayed silent for a moment, then he spoke again. “Well, I told you my short sob story. I’m ready to hear your long one, if you’re willing to tell it.”

I laughed softly. “Alright, alright. If you insist.” I gave him a playful grin. “Once upon a time…” I began laughing, and he laughed with me. “No, no. In all seriousness, I was killed by vampire hunters in the 1920’s. I had just given birth to a baby girl, and they kidnapped her. My fiance at the time, Caleb, had been weakened by garlic-“

“Wait, I’m sorry,” he interrupted. “Did you just say Caleb?”

I nodded with a confused expression. “yes. Why?”

“As in Caleb Vatore?”

“Yes….”

His eyes gleamed. “He’s real? He’s like a celebrity in the legends I’ve read.”

I hung my head. “Oh great. So, anyway, he had been weakened and wasn’t even aware I had our daughter until decades later.”

“God, that’s awful,” he said softly.

I nodded and continued. “I found a way to intertwine my spirit with another. A baby born in the 1980’s named Jade. I saw she was destined for greatness, and chose her to complete what I couldn’t. I stayed dormant within her for a very long time. She was in her early twenties when I finally decided to show myself.” I smiled, remembering her fondly. “By some strange twist of fate, she and Caleb had become best friends without my intervention. Of course, this made my job easier. When he finally opened up to her about me, I decided to manifest myself. At first, I didn’t show myself. Instead, I began to live through her. Our souls existed as one, and she fell in love with Caleb. She also fell in love with a young sage in the magic realm, Morgyn Ember. The three of them started a polyamorous relationship.” 

“That’s intriguing! Your life is so interesting.”

I smiled. “I started showing her my memories when they had been locked in the magic realm by an evil spellcaster named Marco Lew. I knew she needed hope, so I gave it to her. I finally showed her the day I died. The day I gave birth. She, Caleb and Morgyn found the strength to defeat Marco and save the realm from his grasp. Then Jade and Caleb set out to find our daughter, Ambrosia.”

“She sounds very strong. You chose a good woman for the job.”

I gazed at the floor. “Yeah….I guess I did, didn’t I?” I began to feel guilt for the way I had treated her. I sighed and continued. “They found her. She is a well known model and we’re able to meet with her at a celebrity meet and greet where they told her our story. Eventually, she came to terms with it and brightened their lives. Caleb and Jade had a son together. The first ever spellcaster/vampire hybrid.”

“But, that can’t be done, or it causes chaos.” He tilted his head.

“It did. He took over the realm and forced Jade and Marco to put forth their darkness, taking over the realm again with the intention to destroy it.” I thought for a moment. “Oh, yeah. Marco had been revived and changed. He and Jade became close, and she left Caleb and Morgyn for Marco. It wasn’t too big of a deal because I was also revived, and Caleb paid more attention to me than Jade. I felt incredible guilt, despite Jade being completely understanding of the situation. When their son was killed by the hand of Jade and Marco’s son to save the realm, I became angry with how everyone just accepted it. Well, except Jade. She hasn’t taken his passing very well at all, from what I’ve heard.” I shook my head. “And that leaves us in the present. I couldn’t take it, and I left Caleb and Morgyn as well, setting off on my own.”

“Wow,” he said softly. “That’s a lot to take in.”

I smiled. “It’s alright. I can only move forward from here. And uh, maybe as I’m moving forward, I’ll make a pitstop back in the city to apologize to a few people.” I looked at him. “I don’t regret my decision, but I regret how I’ve treated some in the wake of my anger.” I sighed. “For now, though, moving forward starts with me finding a job and a cheap place to get on my feet.”

He seemed to ignore what I said. “You know, we’ve had this whole conversation and shared life stories, yet, we are complete strangers.” He held out his hand. “I’m Connor.”

I shook his hand. “Ruby.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ruby,” he smiled warmly. “And, if you’d like, I could give you that boost you need. After all, you did quite literally fly into my house. Maybe it was fate. You could help with the farm, earn a few bucks, and I’d give you a place to stay. There’s a guest room upstairs. Well, it’s an office right now, but I can change that pretty quickly.”

I blushed a little, feeling nervous about this new endeavor, but of course I would accept. “Thank you, Connor. This is all very nice of you. Are you sure I wouldn’t be a burden to you?”

He shook his head. “Absolutely not. Honestly, I’ve been a bit of a loner in the past few years. Just keeping to myself. I could use a friend. And hey, maybe I can learn a thing or two about those beloved occults from you, eh?” 

I nodded. “You’ve got a deal.”

“Great! Now, first, let’s get you some of those plasma packs. I don’t want you to be thirsty.” He stood up and took my hand. I stood up as well and followed him to his computer, happily.

I definitely lucked out. What were the chances?

The next few weeks were spent making my own life. I had never done this in the modern world. Well, I had never done it, ever. I always had Caleb at my side for everything, helping me. I quickly learned how to tend to the gardens, take care of the crops, harvest them and bring them to the town center to sell in farmers markets. I learned how to care for the farm animals, and even befriended them. Our chickens loved to play, especially in my bat form. I would fly around them and they would chase me around their pen. I found out that in that form, I could speak to the animals, learning more about them and sharing memories. I even began to pass messages along to Connor, making him realize that he had true friends all along.

I learned more about him. He was only 36, despite having a college-age daughter, who was 19. He and his wife were young parents, both shunned from their families when they became pregnant with their daughter. It was an old farmer who took them in, just like he did with me, and essentially became their new family. Connor’s daughter, Vanessa even called him Grandpa. Hearing their heartwarming stories always brightened my day. Hearing about his wife, too. They were soulmates, completely inseparable. They led their very happy and productive life on this very farm and took it over when the man who took them in, Joseph, passed away. Having no family of his own, he left a hefty inheritance to the young couple, a lot of which went to finding their daughter’s college tuition. The rest was tucked safely away in a bank account, only touched when necessary.

I began to realize more about myself as an individual, and I loved it. I even finally bought a cell phone and became slightly addicted to playing mobile games in my spare time. This was something Connor often teased me about, leading to playful shoving and plenty of laughter. He became my best friend, my rock, and someone I enjoyed sharing my crazy life stories with. He was fascinated with my vampire life, as well as the memories I acquired from Jade as a spellcaster. He wanted to meet her.

I needed to see her.

I woke up one Saturday evening and caught Connor before he went to bed. We took weekends off, like any other job.

“I’ll be gone today,” I said. “I can’t have my phone, as I’ll be flying. It’s faster than the train. I can call with a number I can be reached at if you need me for anything.”

“Wait,” he said, turning around and rushing through a drawer. “My wife bought this…thing. Not really sure what to call it, but it’s a tiny, handheld purse, just big enough for that phone of yours. Do you think you could carry it?” He pulled out a very small satchel, and as he said, it fit my phone only. 

“I’ll try it,” I said. “just, uh, sorry for the clothes on the floor.” I giggled as I transformed, perching on his finger again as he placed the satchel around me and tightened it so it wouldn’t fall off. It was a little heavy, but I tried it anyway, flying around the room with ease. I landed on the chair and ducked out of it, then put my head back in the loop, putting it back on. Perfect. I wouldn’t need assistance with it. I flew up to his hand again. 

“You like it, my little bat?” He asked, gently stroking the fur on my belly. 

I blinked once, then narrowed my eyes affectionately as he nuzzled me. I guess, in bat form, I was like a little pet to him. In my normal form, a friend. 

I stretched my wings and flew out of the open window, setting out for the city.

To my surprise, no one was home as I fluttered into the bedroom, hoping my clothes were still in the wardrobe. They were, and I transformed, quickly dressing myself and tucking the satchel into my pocket. I headed to the train station and set out for Newcrest, grabbing an umbrella for the sunlight I would encounter once I got there. 

I arrived as the sun was rising, opening the umbrella and heading toward the hospital. I was greeted by Marco, standing at the entrance, smoking a cigarette.

“Ruby?” He asked, letting out a quick puff of smoke. 

I waved it away. “Y-yeah. I’m glad you’re here.” I looked at the cigarette, then back at him. “You’re a smoker?”

“Guess I am now.” He sighed, putting it out. “Maybe I’ve picked up some bad habits in the wake of…” he gestured toward the building. “This.”

Without thinking, I pulled him into a hug. 

“Oh!” He exclaimed, surprised. He wrapped his arms around me with a small chuckle. “Thanks.”

“First, I want to apologize,” I said, letting him go. “I haven’t been the kindest to either of you in the wake of Orion’s passing, and I feel horrible for that.”

He shrugged. “You had your reasons.”

“But you did too,” I added. “I should have been more sympathetic.”

He smiled sadly. “Well, I forgive you. No worries.”

“Thank you,” I replied quietly. “How is she doing?”

He sighed and looked up at the sky. “It’s…a slow process, but she’s getting better. We are hopeful she can come home in a few more weeks.” He laughed a little. “I promised her a vacation, and she has her heart set on Sulani.”

I smiled. “Of course she would. She loves beaches.”

“Mhm.” He nodded. “And hey, it’s where we shared our honeymoon. Might relight the spark.”

“Okayy, things I didn’t need to know,” I laughed. 

He grinned. “You took it a bit differently than I meant it, but who knows.”

We both laughed as we headed inside.

“You should quit, though.”

“Yeah, yeah. I will.”

We made our way to the wing Jade was in, and Marco stopped me. “Caleb is looking for you,” he said. “I was waiting for you to say something, but I needed to say it.”

I sighed. “I’ll see him after I leave here.”

He nodded. “Good. Morgyn says he hadn’t been home at night as often. We assume he is searching for you at that time.”

“Oh,” I said, looking down. “Y-yeah, I’ll explain it to him. I have a good life now. I’m working on a farm in the countryside. The man who owns the farm is allowing me to stay there in exchange for help on the farm. It’s been really nice.”

He tilted his head with a grin. “I saw that.”

“Huh?” I asked, confused. 

“You’re so similar to Jade, I can read you like a book. I saw that sparkle in your eye when you mentioned the man who owns the farm.”

“I-I…” I laughed softly. “Sure, there may be some attraction, but he doesn’t know, and nothing is going on.” I shrugged. “I didn’t leave to find love.”

He nodded. “Well, hey, maybe love found you.”

I blushed. “I doubt that.”

We went into the room as Jade was just waking up. Marco leaned in and kissed her, then sat in a chair beside the bed.

She turned and looked at me. “Ruby! Oh my god, what a nice surprise!” She stood up and hugged me tightly. “How have you been?”

“Good! Really good.” I smiled as she sat down, patting the bed. I sat beside her. “But before we chat, I want to apologize.”

I told her the same as I had told Marco, and she smiled. “It’s water under the bridge. I hold nothing against you. I’m just glad you’re okay. Caleb said you left in a huff.”

I bit my lip and looked away. “Yes, I need to address that with him before I go home today.”

We made small talk before Jade was due to start her routines. As the nurse came in, Marco and I left. I felt butterflies in my stomach for my next stop. How would Caleb react? 

“How often are you here?” I asked Marco.

“I actually tend to stay in a nearby hotel, so I’m here a lot,” he said. “I won’t let Jade go through this alone.”

I nodded. “She seems to be in better spirits than I had heard she was.”

“Yes,” he smiled happily. “She really is doing much better.”

I saw that look and it made me very happy. “You really love her. You’re a good man. She’s lucky to have you.”

He smiled, but it faded a little as tears filled his eyes. He wiped them away, putting his head down. “I’m sorry. It’s still surprising to hear that. Thank you.” He looked at me, his eyes still glassy. “And yes, she is my world. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

I hugged him again. “Get some rest, Marco. You need it. You still have bags under your eyes.”

He nodded. “Yeah. It’s hard to sleep with all of this going on.”

I held his shoulders. “Things will be better soon.” 

“You’re a ray of sunshine, Ruby,” he said. “Coming in at the right time to brighten everyone’s spirits. Thank you.”

“Aww, that’s very kind.” I smiled happily. “You all need some sunshine. I’m only a call away if you need more.” I scribbled my number down on a piece of paper at the desk and handed it to him as we headed for the door.

He laughed softly. “Well, thank you. I’m sure we will take you up on that.”

I opened my umbrella, stepping out into the daylight. “Take care, Marco. Of both of you.”

He waved. “I will.”

I set off for the train station, heading back to the penthouse in the city. But, once again, I was surprised that no one was home.

I decided to call Caleb, who was ecstatic to hear from me. He rushed back home and pulled me into a hug.

“You came back.”

I pulled away. “No. Not how you’re thinking. I came to apologize for my departure and wanted to explain. But, I’m not coming home.”

He nodded sadly. “I see. Why?”

“I just can’t anymore, Caleb. This life…it’s far too chaotic for me. The life we had long ago just doesn’t exist anymore. I’m not sure it ever will again.”

“It could,” he said, grabbing my shoulders. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You are always welcome to call me. You won’t be without me. We just can’t he like we were anymore. I’m starting a new life. A quiet life.”

“I understand,” he said with a sigh.

“I have to go,” I said, pulling him into a hug.

He hugged me tightly in return. “Be safe, my love. I hope to see you soon.”

We let go, and I held his cheeks. “You will.”

“One last kiss?” He asked with tears in his eyes. 

I was hesitant, but agreed. “Yes. One last.”

He pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me as we kissed, far more passionately than ever before. It was odd, because I smelled the faint smell of perfume on him, but only for a moment. The scent was…familiar. I couldn’t place it, though, and I wasn’t about to ask. As soon as I smelled it, it disappeared again. I figured I had imagined it.

“I’ll miss you,” he said after we broke the kiss.

I nodded, then looked at the floor. “And I will miss you. But we are only a phone call away.”

He looked away sadly as his tears fell. “Right…”

I kissed his cheek. “Goodbye.”

“Bye…” he spoke softly as more tears fell. I understood his pain. He was losing me again. But, I just couldn’t do this anymore. I hoped he truly understood.

I stepped out onto the terrace and took the satchel out of my pocket, placing it on the ground. I transformed and ducked into it, flying off into the night.

I didn’t know bats could cry until that night. I could count on one hand the amount of times I had seen him cry. Seeing the pain in his eyes never got easier.

Chapter Four (Click here!)