Bite Shift

13

Turns out that Rhys and I are very similar sizes. I guess 300 years ago, men were smaller. Sad for him to always be the size of a woman but good for me because I had something to wear. I went with a plain, white tee shirt and some grey sweatpants. I looked like a college kid on my way to the gym or a class so long that I chose comfort over vanity.

When I walked out to the living room, he was on the phone. "Thank you. I owe you one."

"What was that? What do you owe someone?"

"I called a local who cleans carpets for a living. He believes I am a first-time hunter who stupidly drug a dead deer into my living room and through to my bathroom so I could cut it open in the bathtub. While he believes me to be an imbecile, he won't be shocked by the mess. I offered him a good fare to clean it tonight while we are gone. He was so pleased by the number he may hope I am dumb enough to do it again."

"Please let me pay for it," I offered.

"Absolutely not. Not only is it not your fault but 230 years of earning wages and investing has left me quite wealthy. You will never use your own money when I am around. You might want to become accustomed to that. Your sneakers are on the porch. They have been washed and dried for you. I like your choice of clothing. It looks much better on you."

"Do you think I will need a hoodie? Is it cold?"

Rhys smiled that smile again that looked like a small child had said something very cute to him. "You will no longer worry about cold or hot. You could walk naked through a blizzard and never be aware of the temperature."

"Well, that is handy. How come you wear a jacket sometimes?" I know I had seen him in a high school letterman jacket before and was suddenly curious.

"Because," he responded, still smiling "I want to fit in and I saw that jacket in a thrift store and loved it. I enjoy the idea of being the star quarterback or much beloved track champion who's only remaining connection to the glory days is that ragged jacket. It is very American and very human. It reminds me of the last movie I saw in the movie theater. It was something with candles."

"Whoa," I froze. "I don't know what is more surprising to me, the fact that is the last time you went to a movie theater was in the 80s or that you chose Sixteen Candles!"

"Why? Movies help me to act more human and keep up with the times."

"Not if you only watch a movie every 40 years! We are getting you caught up. So many movies to introduce you to. I don't know where to begin!"

"Let's get you settled first. Then, I will watch whatever you think I should." He opened the door and the night breeze met me. "While we drive, you should call your children before they sleep, so they know you are okay. Use my phone and we will buy you a new one."

I completely forgot about my broken phone. The girls must be frantic to speak to me. All I told Tom was that I was sick and staying at the hospital for tests. It was just after 8pm. They would still be awake.

"Hello?" Tom answered on the third ring and I could tell he was more than a little worried.

"Oh Tom. I'm sorry, I haven't called. I broke my phone and have been sleeping most of the day. It wasn't a lie. "I just wanted to tell you I am okay. They want to keep me a few days."

"Why? What's wrong? Whose number did you call from?" In the background I heard Olivia asking if it was me and he shushed her.

"It's a friend from work. He's visiting and I asked to use his phone." I looked up at Rhys and he nodded. "You can call this number if you need me and he will find me."

"What's going on, Kate? Should we be worried?"

"No," I assured him. "As soon as we know what is making me sick, I will let you know. But I can tell you I am not worried. I'll be home before you know it. Can I talk to the girls?"

"Sure. But, Kate, please tell me if you want us there."

"No way. You will just end up getting the flu or something and putting all of you through stress for no reason. Honestly, I am catching up on a ton of sleep and enjoying the quiet."

"You got it. Everyone is good here. The dog loves having them here. Sarah and I can keep them as long as you need. Sarah has offered to go clean the house for you. She just wants to help."

Most women hate their ex-husband's new wife but I got lucky in that department. Sarah is sweet and good to my kids and perfect for Tom. "I might take her up on that!"

"Mom!" It was Ellie, the baby. Well, I guess 12 is not really a baby but she is my baby. "Did you puke at work??"

I laughed. Of course, that was her first thought when she heard I was sick. "Sorry, kiddo, but no. I just felt kind of funny and they decided it was best to take a look. All my friends are here taking care of me and I am being treated like a queen."

"Good. We were so scared. So, you're okay?"

"I have never felt better," Also, not a lie. "Can I talk to Olivia?"

"Yep. I love you."

"Love you too, bug."

"What?" Ah, my teenager. I reminded myself that her attitude was likely because I have scared her with my radio silence.

"Just wanted to make sure you are okay," I responded, trying to keep the peace.

"I'm fine. Are you okay?" Her defenses fell, just a little, and I could hear her concern.

"100%. I promise. I will be home in 3 or 4 days, well rested and feeling like a million bucks."

"Good. My band concert is Saturday at 8pm. Remember. It's important."

"I wouldn't miss it for anything. Love you, Liv."

"Love you, too. I gotta do homework. Will you call tomorrow?"

"I have a day full of doctors and tests but I will call after dinner, okay?"

"Alright. Bye."

If I had any doubt deep down about the choice I had made on that hallway carpet, it disappeared with that phone call. I could never have left them, crying over my gravestone. They were too young to be in this world without a mother and to learn how permanent death was. I would do anything for them. I was 100% in. I turned to Rhys.

"Alright, tell me what to do next."

Rhys smiled and grabbed my hand in his. "Let's go for a drive. We need to meet someone."