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Elpitha
Jul 23, 2005 23:19:53 GMT -5
Post by BorderWolf on Jul 23, 2005 23:19:53 GMT -5
This story is getting interesting. I've been reading it over on fafiction.net . I laughed at one part of chapter 17, when Elli and Elpitha had an exchange of words.
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Elpitha
Jul 25, 2005 20:13:01 GMT -5
Post by zinovia on Jul 25, 2005 20:13:01 GMT -5
Elpitha: Chapter 9: Bedside Confessional Part II
A/N: Chapter nine is here. I’m glad you all enjoyed chapter eight. I hope you enjoy this one as well.
She covered her mouth with her hands, realizing that she shouldn’t have reacted in such a way. Luckily, Jack mistook her shock for concern.
“It’s OK. It was a longtime ago.” He said.
Elpitha was trembling. This was why he ignored his instincts. This was why he didn’t recognize her. She tried desperately to keep her voice steady. “Who was she?” She asked.
“We were friends. I had known her since as far back as I can remember. Ellen…I was three years older than her, but that didn’t stop us from becoming quick friends. We lived next door to one another. My father was the chief of the fire department and her father was a fireman too. We were always together. It’s funny that you named your dog Mikri. It sounded strangely familiar to me when I heard it, but I remembered something afterwards…it doesn’t matter now, I suppose.”
Elpitha gathered all the strength she had remaining in her. She was still weak from her injury. She was tired too, and now all the emotion that she had long ago buried was surging up inside her and she didn’t have the strength to suppress it. She barely kept it inside. “What happened?” She asked.
Jack took a breath before answering. “When I was fifteen, something terrible happened. She lost everything that she held dear in one night. She witnessed it all and it broke her. I remember finding her wandering helplessly in front of my house. She had this look…this horrible desperate look in her eyes when she saw me. It was as if she was searching me. It was as if she was begging me desperately to make everything that happened that night untrue. I thought that she couldn’t get any worse but then…” Jack had to stop speaking. He stood up and wandered to the other side of the room, looking out of a window that was to the right of Elpitha’s bed. “Her parents had left their homes to come to our town. They had lived in Europe before settling down to start a family together. Even so, they had virtually no relatives anywhere except…” Jack’s voice became low, as if he was trying to control a surge of anger. “Ellen had an aunt. Her only blood relative that anyone knew of. A drunk. She came out of nowhere, having heard the news. She was so drunk that she could barely stand, and the first thing she did was confront Ellen. She blamed Ellen for everything.” It was very quick. Jack’s fist slammed against the wall, denting it. “Ellen was already fragile.” He said, his voice shaking. “It…it destroyed her.”
“I’m so sorry…” Elpitha said. The crack of Jack’s fist on the wall had shaken her considerably. Where was that familiar numbness? How much longer could she hold back?
Jack returned to his seat. “No, I’m sorry. I’m sorry about the wall. I’ll fix it. I shouldn’t be telling you this when you should be resting.” He said quietly.
“Don’t worry about that.” She replied. “May I…” Elpitha swallowed. “May I ask how she died?”
“They allowed her to stay over my house that night. Everyone agreed that since we were such good friends and since she always came to me for help, that maybe I would have the best influence over her. She was unapproachable. She didn’t cry. She didn’t scream. She just had this helpless stare and wouldn’t sleep. My mother finally put a sedative in some tea and gently coaxed her to drink it so that she would sleep. It was at the funeral that she finally lost it. Perhaps it was good that she let it out. She wouldn’t be calmed. No one could console her. She finally collapsed, exhausted, and I carried her back to my house and up to my room. I watched her sleep. It was the last time I saw her. I dozed off, and when I woke up she was gone.”
Elpitha had leaned back against the bedstead. Her eyes were closed.
Jack took another breath before continuing his story. “I wanted to believe that she would find peace. I wanted to believe that she would end up somewhere where she could live happily. It was a few weeks before we found out that she was gone. What a terrible time it was. Her aunt died soon after of alcohol poisoning. It seemed as if every trace of her was being erased.”
Elpitha could hardly stand it. She was going to explode. “But how did she…How can you be sure she…” She stammered.
“There’s no doubt, Elpitha. There was a bus wreck twenty miles away from the town. There were no survivors. My father was called in to help with the accident. Weeks later he was called in to complete the report of the accident and among the things that the police had collected from the wreckage he found a necklace. A silver necklace with a small cross on it that I had given her. On the back I had engraved her name.”
Elpitha’s mind was traveling back. She had taken the bus, but had gotten off at a gas station along the way. She had no idea that the bus had crashed. She had no idea that her aunt was no longer living. It was too much. Everyone thought she was dead. Perhaps it was for the best. She didn’t know what was for the best. She didn’t know anything. She didn’t want to know anymore. The necklace wasn’t lost, but that meant…did he have it?
Jack slowly reached inside his shirt and pulled out the necklace. He stared at it for a bit. “The night before last…I saw that same look in your eyes…the look she had that night. I couldn’t save her. I couldn’t make it right. I couldn’t bring her back…but I could save you. I had to save you.”
Slowly Jack began to regain his composure. He took a deep breath and felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He looked at Elpitha and laughed nervously. “Thanks for listening to my rambling.” He said with a smile. “I feel a lot better. It’s been weighing heavily on my mind lately, you know?” He looked at Elpitha with concern. “I’ve made you sad.” He said.
“No…” Elpitha whispered. “No, you didn’t.” It was all she could manage to get out.
“Yes I have.” Jack said, standing up. “I’ll bet Mikri will make you feel better! Don’t worry; I’ll make sure Elli lets her in. I’ll be back in like twenty minutes.”
Jack left the room. Elpitha heard him exchange goodbyes with Elli and then heard Elli approaching the room. She was shaking violently with the effort of suppressing her surging emotions. Elli entered the room with a food tray.
“Alright, you. Let’s see if we can’t get that appetite of yours back in business.” She said with a smile. Then she saw Elpitha. Elli placed the tray on a nearby table and quickly approached her. She sat down on the bed stared Elpitha in the face, studying her. “What’s the matter? Honey, what happened?” She asked with concern.
Elpitha could not answer. She could only take a shaky breath and avoid Elli’s gaze.
“Hey…it’s OK. Are you alright? Come here…” Elli said, leaning forward and gently hugged Elpitha. Elpitha had no more strength left. She slowly placed her forehead on Elli’s shoulder and quietly let the tears that had been building up inside her escape between ragged breaths.
----------------------------------
“Alright. You won’t tell me what’s wrong and you won’t eat. I really don’t know what I’m going to do with you, Elpitha.” Elli said with a sigh. “I’ll let you off the hook for a bit because you’re upset, but I still expect you to eat, understand? I’ll be back after Jack’s visit.”
“Jack?” Elpitha asked. She had forgotten that he was on his way back.
“Yes. I see him coming now through the window. He’s got Mikri with him.” Elli replied.
“Listen…Elli…you can’t…you can’t tell Jack that I…” Elpitha began desperately.
Elli sighed once more. “Sweetie, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if he, or anyone else, found out, you know.”
“No, you don’t understand.” Elpitha said, rising out of the bed. “He can’t find out about this.”
Elli gently placed a hand on Elpitha’s shoulder and pushed her back against her pillows. “Relax. I promise I’ll keep it between us, OK? You be a good girl and stay in that bed. Don’t make me get the feather duster!” Elli said with a smile.
Jack entered the clinic with Mikri in his arms. “Hi Elli. Listen, is it OK if I bring the pup in to Elpitha? She was upset when I left and I think it will cheer her up.” He said.
“Yeah, I guess it’s a good idea just this once.” Elli replied. “She needs to be cheered up.”
“Do you still want me to…” Jack asked.
“Yes, but be gentle. She’s been through a lot the past couple of days, and I think it’s weighing in on her today. I would much rather she stay as calm as possible in her condition, but it has to be done.” Elli said with a sigh.
Elpitha was overjoyed to see Mikri. So of course, as soon as Jack presented her with the puppy, she said, “Oh. You brought the stupid thing all the way here? I guess I’ll hold her. She gets all squirmy otherwise.”
After she had played with Mikri for a decent amount of time, Elpitha spied Elli entering the room. Was she hiding something behind her back? Mikri hopped up, licking Elpitha’s face, and drawing her attention away from Elli. Jack laughed suddenly.
“You look like you’re feeling a bit better.” He said.
“I was fine and still am.” Elpitha replied flatly.
“Awww. You look like you need a hug!” Jack said with another laugh.
Elpitha looked at him as if he was about to attack her. Jack sat on her bed, gently drawing her into his lap and wrapping his arms around her tightly. He squeezed her, pinning her arms to her sides and knocking some of the breath out of her. “There, don’t you feel better now?” He asked.
“While you’re up, why don’t I take a look at your cut.” Elli said cheerfully, taking a pair of scissors and cutting off the bandage.
Elpitha eyed her suspiciously for a moment and then her eyes widened as she suddenly realized what was going on.
Outside, Jeff was passing by on his way to the church. A crash made him dive into the bushes nearby.
“Jack! Hold her still!”
“I can’t! Elpitha hold still! It’ll be over in a minute!”
“Rapists! Murderers! Two timers! Double teamers!”
“Sweetie, I’m almost done, just let me do this! Jack! Please!”
“I’m telling you she won’t stay still! OUCH! She bit me!”
“No no no no no no no! Wait! Elli…I ah…I cleaned it myself before!”
“Uh-huh. I’m going to do it now. Why don’t you take a deep breath if you’re scared?”
“Why don’t you kiss my AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!”
“OUCH! Hey! Elli! Are you done yet? I can’t hold her much longer!”
“There now. I just need to put the new bandage on.”
“OK, Elpitha. I’m going to let you go now. Can I trust you to…OW! OUCH! Hey! Stop it!”
“Elpitha! Don’t beat up on Jack! Let me put the new bandage on first!”
“Thanks A LOT! Can’t wait to help you out with your work again, Elli!”
There was silence for a while and Jeff peeked out from the bushes. He saw the clinic door open and Elli and Jack came out.
“OK, now this stuff is very potent, but it has to be taken right away after it’s put into the drink for it to be the most effective. I don’t want her to see me and freak out, so when I call you, put this stuff in her tea and bring it in.”
Jeff gasped. They were drugging the patients at the clinic! He dashed to get Officer Harris, but ran straight into the lamp post and was knocked unconscious.
“She’ll sleep well with this stuff alright.” Jack laughed.
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Elli gently took the teacup out of Elpitha’s hand and covered her with the blanket. Closing the door to Elpitha’s room, she prepared to go home for the evening. Meanwhile, Kai slunk around the bushes outside of the clinic. He knew that Elli was due to go home soon and he planned on climbing into Elpitha’s room through the window. Kai smoothed out his bandana, sprayed some breath spray into his mouth, and then leaned back against the bushes as he waited for Elli’s departure. Suddenly he felt something stirring behind him. A scream pierced the air.
“What? Jeff?!” Kai exclaimed in shock.
“Help! Help!” Jeff screamed, struggling to get to his feet.
Elli had just exited the clinic and approached them curiously as Harris, who had been on his way home also ran over.
“What’s going on here?!” Harris asked as Elli watched curiously from the sidelines.
“He…he…” Jeff stammered. “I just woke up and he was on top of me…”
“Gross! I didn’t even know you were…” Kai began in protest.
“He must have drugged me!” Jeff cried. “He was going to take advantage of me in the bushes!”
“I did not!” Kai yelled, backing off in disgust.
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Elpitha’s face was very peaceful as she dreamed. Voices echoed in her mind.
“You’re going to be too afraid to climb down again and then I’ll have to come get you.” The boy said with a sigh. He couldn’t suppress the grin on his face, however.
“I don’t care! It’s nice up here.” The girl replied defiantly. She sat on a tree branch, her legs swinging above the boy’s head.
“Ellen…why do you think grownups get married?” The boy asked curiously, leaning against another tree and looking up at the girl.
“So that they have someone to play with, I suppose.” The girl said with a shrug. “So that they won’t be lonely.”
“Oh, OK.” The boy said thoughtfully. Then looked up at the girl once more. “Ellen, when we get bigger, would you want to marry me?”
“That’s a long way off, stupid.” The girl said.
“Yeah, I know…but would you?” The boy asked once more.
“I guess so, Jack.” The girl replied.
Until next time…
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Elpitha
Jul 25, 2005 20:27:27 GMT -5
Post by Butterscotch on Jul 25, 2005 20:27:27 GMT -5
Very interesting...I can't wait to find out what happened on the night Elpitha lost everything. And poor Jeff. lol Great chapter! ^-^
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Elpitha
Jul 25, 2005 20:29:56 GMT -5
Post by zinovia on Jul 25, 2005 20:29:56 GMT -5
if you analyze the poem from chapter 8, you'll have a good indication of what happened that night. actually I just posted chapter 21 and Mary is doing just that and slowly figuring it out...
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Elpitha
Jul 25, 2005 22:41:18 GMT -5
Post by BorderWolf on Jul 25, 2005 22:41:18 GMT -5
Great chapter Zin.
*exalts*
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Elpitha
Jul 26, 2005 10:47:03 GMT -5
Post by Entegy on Jul 26, 2005 10:47:03 GMT -5
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Elpitha
Jul 26, 2005 19:17:07 GMT -5
Post by Candyapple on Jul 26, 2005 19:17:07 GMT -5
that was an awsome chapter! *exalts* MORE PLEASE!!!!! ;D
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Elpitha
Jul 27, 2005 10:27:14 GMT -5
Post by Entegy on Jul 27, 2005 10:27:14 GMT -5
Eh, I couldn't wait, so I went to FF.net to read the rest.
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Elpitha
Jul 31, 2005 20:26:42 GMT -5
Post by zinovia on Jul 31, 2005 20:26:42 GMT -5
Elpitha: Chapter 10: The Escape
A/N: Chapter ten has arrived. This is the last of the “hospital” chapters. Next chapter I’m going to fast forward a little bit.
PacificTwist/azn anime addict47: Thanks so much! Glad you like it!
DrippingInk: I’m not really sure what I did differently between chapters 8 and 9…perhaps the “drama” was a bit too much for your tastes in chapter 9? I hope you like this chapter!
Lioness Blackfire: I feel the same way you do in that respect. I like the heavy stuff, but I get depressed so I sometimes avoid it. That’s why I like a mix of humor in there. I’m actually not trying to make it a heavy story. It just so happens that Elpitha has a difficult past, and this story is about her trying to get past it and live a peaceful life. I’m glad you like it so far!
It was 11:15 p.m. on the fifth day of Elpitha’s stay in the hospital and she had had it. She had behaved long enough and she wanted out. She had been planning it the entire day. Elli was planning on leaving at six, and the doctor would retire upstairs for the night at eight. That was her chance. Elpitha crept quietly out of bed and glanced around the room, finally resting her eyes on the closet in the corner. She knew her clothes were in there as well as some other hospital garments. Elpitha had spied something in there with a hood the last time Elli had gone in there, and it would be perfect to keep people from recognizing her right away. She took a step towards the closet, but fell. Had the doctor heard? All was quiet, and she pulled herself back up, using the bed for support.
“It’s OK, I’m fine!” She thought defiantly. “I’m just a little dizzy from being in bed so long, and once I get home and have a good night’s rest, I’ll feel refreshed and not so weak!”
Elpitha had had many arguments with Elli and the doctor over her stay at the hospital. She insisted that she was well enough to go home, but they did not agree. She refused to let them hold that over her head, and so she sat on the bed, listening intently for any movement from the doctor before once again venturing towards the closet. She made her way more carefully this time and grabbed her clothing, quickly getting dressed and throwing on the hooded cloak. She would not let her dizziness prevail. If she made her way slowly and carefully, she would be able to reach home without anyone noticing. Once there, she would be able to gloat over her success, and they would have no choice but to acknowledge that she was cured. They would most likely nag her to come in to check up on her injury. That was perfect! She would agree to that. After all, she had to make some compromise, and agreeing to go to a doctor’s appointment and then not showing up seemed like a perfect one to her. She tiptoed out of her room and entered the lobby, heading stealthily for the door. She took a quick glance up the stairs before quietly turning the door handle and exiting the clinic.
A gentle gust of air hit Elpitha in the face as she stepped outside. It seemed like such a long time since she had gotten fresh air, and she breathed it in deeply as she quietly climbed down the stairs. Looking around, Elpitha noticed that no one was outside. The crickets were in fine form that night, and the moon seemed to wink at her as she looked up at the clear night sky. It was a beautiful fall night. It was a bit on the cool side, being midway through the season, but that made no difference to Elpitha. She thoroughly enjoyed the cool breeze as she made her way down the lane and into the square. Luckily for her, the square was abandoned as well, however she had other worries. She was beginning to feel faint, and she still had a little bit of a walk to make it to her house. Elpitha was stubborn. She would not give in and forced herself to go on, staggering a bit in the process. All at once her strength left her and she fell, bracing herself for the collision with the stone paved floor of the square. Moments later, someone lifted her. Elpitha looked up to see a smiling face below a purple bandana.
“Hey there, beautiful! What are you doing all the way out here?” He asked, lifting her up a bit and allowing her to lean on him for support.
“I was..they let me out!” She said, trying her best to regain her ability to stand.
Kai laughed. “Nice try, babe, but I don’t think Elli would have let you out in this condition! Come on. Up we go.” He said, slipping his arms under her knees and lifting her. “Put your arm around my neck. I don’t want you to fall.”
Elpitha was too weak to put up much of a fight, and Kai was able to carry her back to the clinic. He gently put her back into bed, tossing her her hospital gown and, after a wink, leaving her to change. When Kai came back, he put Elpitha’s clothes back into the closet, completing the illusion that she had never left. When he sat down on Elpitha’s bed, he noticed her staring at her arm.
“What is it?” He asked.
“My arm. It’s bleeding a little.” She replied.
Kai leaned over and took a look for himself. “Yeah…must’ve been from that fall! Here…Elli left that bandage tape stuff here. I’ll see if I can wrap it up for you.” He said, grabbing the tape and wrapping it snugly around her arm, but easing up when Elpitha flinched slightly. “I’m sorry, baby. There. That’ll hold her for a while.”
“Thanks.” Elpitha said.
“You’re most welcome.” Kai replied with a grin. Then it changed to a slight frown. “Listen doll, I’m all for sneaking out at night, but you really should be careful. You could have really hurt yourself, you know?”
“I know…I just wanted to go home…” Elpitha whispered, looking down.
Kai gently lifted Elpitha’s chin, bending his head a bit to meet her eyes. He ran his fingers through Elpitha’s hair, finally resting his hand on her cheek. “I know how you feel. I’d hate being locked up in this glorified prison myself, but it’s the only way you’ll get well. After all, I still want to take you out again.” He said with a smile.
“I know.” Elpitha said with a sigh. She leaned back, forcing Kai to let go of her face, and looked up at the ceiling. “Anyway, Elli’s going to kill me in the morning.”
“Nah.” Kai said. “I won’t say anything. I should leave you to get some rest.”
“I don’t mind the company.” Elpitha replied. “I have trouble falling asleep here, and it gets lonely during the night. I think Elli’s catching on. I’m almost certain she drugged me the night before last, and she tried last night and tonight as well.”
“Alright.” Kai said. “I’m a night owl myself, so I’ll hang around at least until you fall asleep.”
Elpitha didn’t fall asleep, however. They talked so long that they didn’t even notice the time flying by.
“I’ve been thinking a bit about you.” Kai said suddenly.
“You have?” Elpitha asked, eyeing him warily.
“Of course!” Kai replied with a grin. “I’ve noticed you go on the defensive whenever I try to sweet talk you.”
“Sweet talk?” Elpitha said sarcastically. “Is that what you call it?”
“Look, I know I come off as a bit of a sleaze-ball sometimes. I don’t mean anything by it. I’m just trying to get people to loosen up. Know what I mean?” He said, grinning.
“Yeah, I guess.” Elpitha said with a smirk.
“So…you don’t have a boyfriend or anything, do you?” Kai asked.
“No. Not at the moment.”
“So…do you want one?” Kai asked once more, grin still in place.
“Who? You?” Elpitha asked.
“Why not? I’m cute.” Kai said, smoothing his bandana. “I have a great personality.” He leaned back and grinned. “And I can carry you anywhere you’d like to go.”
Elpitha laughed. “So what does it entail? Are we supposed to do a courtship dance or something?”
“How about that second date?” Kai asked.
“I guess.” Elpitha replied.
“Does that mean you want me as your boyfriend?” Kai asked with a hopeful grin.
“How about we just see where it goes?”
Kai’s grin widened. “Fair enough! Now, I know just the right kind of medicine for you.” Kai said, leaning in very close. A door slamming made them both jump.
“What on earth is going on here?!” Elli cried. She was fuming, and Elpitha suddenly had the urge to hide under her bed. “Kai, what are you doing here? Did you get any sleep at all, Elpitha? I’m going to kill you both!”
“You’re a good nurse.” Kai said, and Elli nearly threw a nearby bedpan at him.
Elli stomped over, and the red on Elpitha’s bandage caught her eye. She seized Elpitha’s arm and glared at her. Then she grabbed a pair of scissors and cut off the bandage, examining Elpitha’s arm. “Your cut has been opened. A few of the stitches are broken.” She said in a voice of dangerous calm. “What did you do?”
“I…I…it was…” Elpitha stuttered.
“It was me!” Kai broke in. “You know me, always joking. I was trying to tickle her and I grabbed her arm a bit too roughly.” Elpitha stared at him.
“I might have known.” Elli said, dropping Elpitha’s arm in disgust. She went over to the other side of the room, and began to rummage through one of the drawers.
“Hey…don’t worry about it, Elli. I just need a need a new bandage.” Elpitha said.
“You need a good spanking!” Elli spat.
“Hey, I’m all for that. After all, you have been very naughty, Elpitha.” Kai said with a grin.
Both Elli and Elpitha glared at him.
“I…it was a joke!” Kai stuttered. Then he grinned hopefully. “…unless of course you want to…”
Elpitha shoved Kai off of her bed and Elli grabbed the feather duster out of the corner and attacked him.
“Ouch! Hey! I’m sorry! It was a joke!” Kai yelped.
Elli stopped and stared at him once more. “I think it’s time you left Kai.” She said in a voice of forced calm.
“Sure! I’m beat.” Kai said, backing towards the door. “Of course, if you don’t want to do it, and you think she really needs it, I can always…” Kai began.
Elli dropped the feather duster and grabbed a broom.
Jeff was on his way back to the store after a peaceful visit to the church. As he passed the clinic, he wondered if he should stop in and ask the doctor about his chronic stomach problems. Suddenly the door flew open and Kai came charging out with Elli in hot pursuit, swinging a broom at him.
“If I EVER catch you harassing one of my patients again…” Elli yelled, catching Kai with the broom.
“OUCH! I’m sorry! I’m going!” Kai cried, increasing his speed. He ran straight into Jeff, knocking him over. Jeff stood up once more and then Kai hid behind him. Elli followed, swinging at Kai and hitting Jeff in the process.
The doctor was just coming down the stairs when Elli entered the clinic once more, red-faced and breathing heavily.
“Good morning.” The doctor said with a puzzled expression.
“It’s a long story.” Elli said. “Elpitha broke a few of her stitches.”
“Ah.” The doctor said with a sigh. “That girl can be her own worst enemy. I’ll go wash up. Set things up for me, OK?”
“Yes doctor.” Elli replied. She turned and entered Elpitha’s room.
Elpitha was still in bed, and when she saw Elli enter the room, she sat up, preparing herself for the storm.
Elli didn’t speak. She simply turned her back and began to take things out of drawers. When she had finished, she approached Elpitha. “The doctor will fix you up in a few minutes.” She said a bit stiffly. “I’m going to make sure Kai stays away until you’re well enough to fend him off.”
“No, don’t blame Kai.” Elpitha said. “He covered for me. It was my fault. He actually helped me out.”
“What do you mean?” Elli asked.
“I…I…tried to leave the hospital last night. I honestly thought that I was well enough to go home…but I collapsed in the town square and Kai carried me back here…I broke my stitches when I fell.” Elpitha said timidly. She braced herself for the explosion. However, it didn’t come.
“Oh, Elpitha…” Elli said reproachfully. She looked much more shocked, hurt, and worried than angry. This made Elpitha feel worse.
“I’m sorry…” She said.
Elli was at a loss for what to say. When she finally spoke, her voice was a bit cold. “Promise me you won’t try that again.” She said.
“I promise.” Elpitha said quietly.
The doctor entered the room and sat on a stool next to Elpitha’s bed. He picked up Elpitha’s arm and examined it. Elli placed the tray of supplies on a small table near the doctor. She gave Elpitha a glance before turning to leave the room. However, Elpitha grabbed her wrist before she could leave.
Elli looked down in surprise to see Elpitha staring at the tray of supplies. She could feel Elpitha’s hand shaking. Elli sighed and sat down on the bed next to Elpitha, putting an arm around her. She gently tried to calm her.
After the doctor left, Elpitha got what Elli termed “a good talking to,” but what turned out to be a ranting and raving session on what would happen “next time.”
Elli grabbed a mug, poured hot water into it, grabbed some sleeping solution, poured it in, tossed in a tea bag, and shoved it roughly into Elpitha’s hands.
“So much for the pretense.” Elpitha said.
“Drink it.” Elli said with a glare. “You haven’t slept all night.”
When Elpitha had finally fallen asleep, Elli returned to her station behind the counter. The doctor was updating Elpitha’s file.
“You know, I was really impressed with how you dealt with the situation before. You kept the patient calm so that I could work more efficiently. Elpitha’s a nice girl, but a nightmare for a doctor to deal with.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Elli laughed. “We’ll make a good patient out of her yet.”
“Listen Elli…I hope you don’t think I’m being forward…” The doctor said nervously.
“What is it?” Elli asked.
“Well…day after tomorrow is my birthday and I was wondering if you would like to come out with me…”
“I’d love to!” Elli said with a smile. It was turning out to be a good day for her after all.
Until next time…
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Elpitha
Jul 31, 2005 20:34:19 GMT -5
Post by Butterscotch on Jul 31, 2005 20:34:19 GMT -5
Another great chapter. ^.^ I love Kai's personality. He's great.
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Elpitha
Jul 31, 2005 20:43:43 GMT -5
Post by Entegy on Jul 31, 2005 20:43:43 GMT -5
>.>
Well, I went to ff.net and read up to Ch. 21.
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Elpitha
Jul 31, 2005 22:20:08 GMT -5
Post by BorderWolf on Jul 31, 2005 22:20:08 GMT -5
Great chapter Zin. Maybe Jeff should start going to the doctor in Forget-Me-Not Valley.
*exalts*
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Elpitha
Aug 3, 2005 22:36:49 GMT -5
Post by Candyapple on Aug 3, 2005 22:36:49 GMT -5
Awsome chapter! ;D
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Elpitha
Aug 6, 2005 15:26:15 GMT -5
Post by zinovia on Aug 6, 2005 15:26:15 GMT -5
Elpitha: Chapter 11: Whirlwind
A/N: Here’s chapter eleven. It’s a bit like watching a tape fast forward, and it moves the story forward about a season. I’ve actually been sitting on this chapter for a while. It was completely done except for a couple of lines for the past week.
Quack-Wabbit: Elli just sort of developed that way. She’s good friends with Elpitha because Elpitha (as you’ll find out in this chapter) likes to visit Ellen. They get along much better outside of the clinic, where Elli doesn’t mess around when it comes to her nursing duties. As for the doctor, I plan on adding him in as well. I’m taking my sweet time, ha ha.
DrippingInk: Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Elli just likes to make sure her patients follow doctor’s orders. She’s much nicer outside of the clinic!
Azn anime addict: Glad you liked it!
PacificTwist: Round and round she goes. Where she stops, nobody knows!
Krazie4Christ: Thanks! I didn’t set Elpitha up as the type to fall into anyone’s arms. I don’t think it would have made sense.
Farmer Jen: I’m glad you’re enjoying it so far! Oh! And the only “creative writing” courses they have at NJIT are programming language courses where you “create” your programs. Fun, eh?
PVC: As you wish! Elpitha is out of the clinic! Jeff lives! Kai does indeed have an act. I wouldn’t exactly call him Mr. Right though, either.
Elpitha sat on her front steps, enjoying the cool fall breeze and the farewell song of a choir of wild birds fleeing for the south before winter arrived. She looked thoughtfully down at the cast on her arm. It was fall 30, and she had been released from the hospital just yesterday. On Elpitha’s final day in the hospital, the doctor told her that he wanted to take some blood to make sure that any allergic reaction to the bug bite that she had received was gone. Elpitha, in her attempts to evade him and Elli, ended up with a small fracture in her left arm. Perhaps the window was not the best escape route, after all.
Suddenly Kai appeared, dashing up to where Elpitha sat, grabbing her by the hand, and dragging her off towards the beach. A gust of air followed them, knocking loose some of the leaves on the tree in Elpitha’s front yard. The wind tossed the leaves around a bit in play, before tiring of its game and letting them fall gently to the earth. It regained strength and flew around the corner, finally finding Jack’s apple tree and jilting loose more leaves. Jack looked up to see the leaves flying through the air and stepped inside his house to grab his rake. He had just finished insulating the barn and chicken coop in preparation for the winter season, and now was clearing his fields. He had been in town for almost a season now, and despite the short amount of time, the hard work that he had put into his farm was apparent in his appearance. He was much more tan now, and his build had increased considerably. His farm looked much better as well. He had patched up his house and cleared off the farm land. He had also upgraded his barn and chicken coop so that his animals would have a decent place to live. Now he began to rake up the leaves as the mischievous wind lifted them out of the reach of his rake. Spike, who had also grown, jumped playfully at his heels.
The wind circled the farm once more before departing and heading towards Barley’s ranch. Barley was tending to his cows while May sat on the fence, her legs dangling and her head hung over a letter in her hand marked “return to sender.” Her hand loosened its grip on the letter and it fell. A gust of air caught it and carried it a little distance before gently dropping it a few feet from the barn entrance. Barley came out of the barn and noticed it. He walked over to May, letter in hand and spoke to her. He threw the letter contemptuously into the garbage bin and took May off the fence, motioning towards the path to Carter’s where he knew Stu was waiting for May. May nodded, her best attempt at a brave smile on her face. However, as soon as Barley had turned his back, May removed the letter from the trash bin. She snuck behind the house and crawled under the stairs leading up to the back door and began digging with a spade that she had hidden under there. She carefully removed a box from the hole and placed the letter atop a mound of similar looking letters within it. After she had interred her box once more, May slowly headed up the path to Carters. The wind followed her. However it left her along the way and headed for the clinic.
It flowed through the open doorway as Elli arrived to begin work. The doctor greeted her, and she stepped behind the counter. She picked up a file that she had left on the counter from the previous night and opened it. It was Elpitha’s file, and out of the folder she removed a report that the doctor had filled out. However, some of the sections were crossed out and written over in what was clearly Elpitha’s handwriting. Where the form asked for “nurse in charge of patient,” Elli’s name had been crossed out and replaced with “crazy lady.” In the “Hospital/Clinic” section, “Mineral Town Clinic” had been replaced with “Mineral Town Prison.” The “Reason for Stay” section was replaced with “Because they were desperate for patients.” On the bottom of the form was a rather unflattering drawing of Elli. Elli showed the form to the doctor and they shared a laugh. Elli gestured to the feather duster sitting in the corner with a smirk. Elpitha was scheduled to come in that day.
Outside, the wind had not settled one bit. It picked up its pace and flowed through the open window of the library. Mary sat behind the counter, her attention focused on a book on the desk in front of her. Gray walked into the library, slouching with his hands in his pockets. He shyly walked over to where Mary was sitting, and, after hesitating a moment, bent down and kissed her cheek. Mary blushed crimson, and looked away. She had lit up the moment that Gray had entered the room, and now she was positively glowing. He spoke to her, gesturing to the bottommost drawer of her desk, and Mary unlocked it and removed a book from inside. Gray took it and drew up a chair next to her, reading from a spot that he had marked in the book. The door opened once more and Anna entered. Gray practically flew to the other side of the room and pretended to search for a book. Mary threw her book into the bottom drawer and slammed it shut. She grabbed the book on her desk and pretended to read it upside down. Anna smirked a bit and walked over to Gray, shaking his hand and exchanging a greeting. Then she walked over to her daughter and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She took the book out of Mary’s hand and replaced it right side up, with another smirk. She gave Mary’s shoulder a playful squeeze and sat in the chair that Gray had vacated.
Outside the wind still circled. It traveled from the library back down to Jack’s farm. It circled all around Mineral Town. It flew in an endless journey and seemed to be everywhere at once. The time flew with it. Pretty soon there was snow on the ground and the winter season was almost half way over. Elpitha was sitting on the rug in the living room of Ellen’s house, leaning against a couch. Ellen was in her rocking chair, busying herself with knitting a stocking. Elpitha often visited Ellen. There was something about her that reminded Elpitha of her life before she had run away. Ellen had a very calming influence, and she also knew more about Elpitha than anyone else in Mineral Town, aside from Jack. Of course, Jack had no idea who Elpitha was.
“It’s Valentines Day. Are you and Kai doing something special?” Ellen asked, rocking gently back and forth in her rocking chair.
Elpitha stared up at the ceiling. “He says he’s got some surprise planned.” She replied.
“Oh, that sounds nice. You must be excited.” Ellen said, continuing to rock.
“Not really. I don’t care either way.” Elpitha said nonchalantly, avoiding Ellen’s gaze.
Ellen Smiled at Elpitha. “Of course not, dear. You would never let yourself actually care about what anybody else does. That would be foolish.”
Elpitha gave Ellen a sideways glance. She hated it when Ellen pegged her, but at the same time she let it slide. “What are you knitting?” She asked, changing the subject.
“A stocking for you, dear. It’s for the stocking festival. Elli told me you didn’t have one.” Ellen replied.
“Really? That’s…uh…I mean, thanks.” Elpitha said, blushing a bit.
“You’re most welcome.” Ellen said with another smile. “It’s in case you have someone special who wants to leave you a surprise. I know you don’t care, of course, though.”
Elpitha blushed even more. She heard the front door open and close and then the sound of Elli entering the living room.
“Is Stu home yet?” She asked, hanging her jacket up in the closet.
“No, dear. He’s still out playing.” Ellen replied.
“This late!” Elli cried. “That boy…” She looked up and saw Elpitha. “Oh! Hello!” She said, walking over and giving an awkward Elpitha a hug. She laughed as Elpitha stiffened a bit, giving her an extra squeeze before letting go. “What am I going to do with you?” She said with a smirk.
“Oh don’t act so high and mighty! You’re only eight years older than me. Older. Not Wiser.” Elpitha said defiantly.
Elli smiled. “OK, sweetie, whatever you say. Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your date tonight with Kai?”
“I guess.” Elpitha replied with a shrug.
“Oh you’ll have a time getting ready with that cast on your arm. Give me a minute and I’ll come help you.” Elli said.
“I don’t need your…” Elpitha began.
“Never mind. I’m coming. If you had behaved yourself during your stay at the clinic, you wouldn’t have gotten that cast in the first place.” Elli scolded.
Elli and Elpitha soon stood on Elpitha’s porch as Elpitha opened the door. Suddenly pandemonium struck. Mary appeared as if from nowhere and shyly offered to help Elpitha get ready for her date. Before Elpitha could reply, Ann jumped out the bushes and attacked her with a bright red dress that would have made a stripper blush. While Ann practically strangled Elpitha with the dress, Karen came around the corner and joined the party, offering to style Elpitha’s hair. As Karen yanked Elpitha’s hair in one direction and Ann dragged Elpitha in the other direction by the dress around her neck, Popuri exited her house and ran to join the mob.
“I can do your makeup!” She cried, waving a makeup case in the air. “Don’t worry! I can color inside the lines!”
As everyone froze to stare at Popuri in disbelief, Elpitha tried to make a break for it. However, she wasn’t fast enough. The five women each grabbed a hold of Elpitha and dragged her into the house, slamming the door behind them. Two hours later, Elpitha looked like a less attractive Mimi from the Drew Carrey Show. She just barely had time to change, wipe the graffiti from her face, and put on fresh makeup when Kai arrived. Elpitha wore a short sleeved blue dress with a wrap to keep her warm. It wasn’t an overly fancy dress, but it was very pretty, and suited the occasion just fine. She knew she would have to remove her heels when they got to the beach, but that didn’t trouble her. She opened the door to find Kai standing there with flowers. As soon as she took them, Kai tried to lean in and catch her off guard with a kiss. Elpitha was too quick for him, however. She moved out of the way and Kai got a face full of door.
“Elpitha! We’ve been going out for almost a season! Why won’t you let me kiss you?” He asked in a muffled voice, his hand covering his nose and mouth.
Elpitha’s only response was to shrug and begin walking on the path towards the beach on her own. Kai let go of his face and followed her. For a little while they walked in silence. Kai took Elpitha’s hand as they walked and Elpitha let him. Kai had set up a beautiful candle lit dinner in his restaurant. After a quiet dinner, he took Elpitha out onto the dock and they looked at the stars together. Kai knew nothing of constellations, and Elpitha, who was no expert herself, was well aware of that fact. Still, she let him ramble on without stopping him, despite the fact that it wasn’t the first time he had attempted the same stunt.
“That group of stars over there? That’s the…big flipper.” Kai said with a cough. “Yes, the ancient peoples named that constellation after the dolphin god…flipperus dolphinus. Over there is uh…Ursula Minor…named after…the sea witch in The Little Mermaid…myth…”
Eventually Kai stopped talking and they stared up at the stars in silence. As they sat there, soaking in the mysterious beauty of the night sky, Elpitha became pensive. Finally she turned to Kai.
“Isn’t it amazing how small and insignificant looking at the vastness of space can make you feel?” She asked.
“Isn’t it amazing how small and insignificant looking into the vastness of your eyes makes me feel?” Kai replied.
Elpitha laughed. “That’s quite a line! Did you spend all week thinking of it?” She asked, looking down quickly to hide the fact that she had blushed a bit at his words.
Kai smiled before leaning in closer. When Elpitha finally looked up, he was there. He kissed her, and for just one moment, Elpitha felt as if the vastness of space was insignificant in comparison to her.
Later on that night, Kai left Elpitha at her door. She watched him disappear around the corner before turning to go inside. Before she could turn the handle, however, something sprung out of the bushes. Elpitha backed away, but stopped when she saw the form of a child in front of her. It was Stu. Elpitha looked at her watch to find that it was after two in the morning. She looked down at Stu in surprise.
Until next time…
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Elpitha
Aug 6, 2005 16:09:45 GMT -5
Post by Butterscotch on Aug 6, 2005 16:09:45 GMT -5
This was such a great chapter. The begining part with the wind was lovely. I loved Popuri's line " I can color inside the lines!" I can't wait for the next chapter! ^.^
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