Life of Spike Murdoch

Chapter 7 - The Angelic Rose

Autumn Rose. A very mysterious person. One day she's the new girl moving into town, and the next, befriends practically everyone she meets on the street. Being in town for the past few months has made her known to most people as the kind and generous young soul who helps out the poor in need. She doesn't want anything from them in return; only doing it for the courtesy of being their angel from above, giving her the name "The Angelic Rose" around town. Many guys fawn over her looks and personality, but know when it becomes too much for her to handle. Older and younger women look up to her as a goddess sent from the heavens, but always denies her apparition from them. She just wants to live a normal life without having to be worshiped all the time. Growing up in a wealthy home, she knew that money would eventually corrupt her mind, but had enough to clear her mind and to get out in the world. She only wishes to settle down and grow old enough to see a better change of the future. Not everyone can have that luxury, and she realizes that.

She thinks about the night at the bus stop, seeing Spike, thrashing his anger around, kicking over trash bins in a fit of rage and anguish. Feeling such a deep red aura from him, sensing he's losing his way too fast. She knew he wasn't in a good state of mind, but kept him calm under the pressure. She felt bad for him, but knew she couldn't do much but hope for him in his case. They haven't seen each other since their last meeting, but kept her worries for him. He seemed different from the other guys she's met in town. She can tell he's a nice guy with his mannerisms and apologetic tone with his voice. He just needs help.

Autumn didn't keep up much with the news, but one day, her usual stop at a café came to an interesting visit, taking a sip of her Frappuccino, darting her eyes up at the television, watching the newest broadcast, seeing the heroic hedgehog on the news, reporting that he, Truck Stonewell and Tyrone Kulan were involved in the rescue of Roxanne Stonewell from the kidnapper and ex-psych patient, Ruthley Tsunako, who was then capacitated by Spike with a firearm. Autumn was shocked to the core, listening to the news of Spike nearly killing someone to save his friends. She couldn't tell if she should be afraid of him, or have more empathy, seeing what she would in his shoes. She was unsure as to what escalated at the scene, but could only pray for him in the moment. She would then read more about the news online, getting more of a grasp on the situation. She didn't know why she bothered; it wasn't her business. As a cat, she was just too curious.

As the weeks go by, things have calmed down for a while, but Autumn still thinks about Spike from time to time. Hearing word from her friend, Lenny, who has recently taken Spike in as a new employee at the surf shop, has told Autumn where he lived, so she could visit and check up on him. It was a strange move on her part, but something inside of her was eating her up to see the hedgehog once again, fully well-knowing the steps he's willing to take for his loved ones. Making her way toward Spike's neighborhood, spotting the right house, letting out a breath of air before walking to the front porch. He was home, for sure. Autumn peaked through the open window, seeing the hedgehog pacing himself around his living room. She hesitated herself from knocking on the door, rethinking her choice to just turn around to not bother him for the day, but her instincts lead to her hand closing in a fist and raising her knuckles toward the door. She flourished in the moment, but let it happen. Maybe it was the right thing to do.

The door opened. Taking a second to recognize her appearance, Spike realized who it was, not having seen her in a good while.
"A-Autumn?", Spike stuttered.
"Hello there, Mr. Murdo- er, I mean- Spike.", Autumn said, correcting herself.
"Uh... hi. I haven't seen you in a while."
"Yea, it has. Hope you've been well."
"Of course. Um, did you want to come in? It's really hot outside."
"Oh, sure. Thank you."

Spike awkwardly welcomes the feline to his home. Walking in, looking around the house, Spike kept his house well-organized. He grew an attachment to cleaning after having to do much housework when he was at the Stonewell house. Autumn was surprised to see a man like Spike tidy up pretty well. They both walk in the living room as Autumn sits down on the couch. Spike sits in a chair, opposite to Autumn.
"So, uh, did you need something?", questioned Spike, not trying to sound rude.
"Not really.", answered Autumn. "I just came over to see how you've been doing these past couple of months. I heard about what happened between you and your friends. That must have been horrible to experience that sort of predicament."
"Yea, definitely. It was difficult to live down, seeing one of your friends get kidnapped and the other beaten down by a psycho. I had to shoot someone to save my friend's life. Thank god I didn't kill him, but the trauma developed over time. I had to go to therapy for a while after those events."
"Oh, my... I'm so sorry to hear that. Hope you and your friends have been doing way better now since that one guy is in prison."
"Ugh... I hope he rots in that cell for the rest of his days."
"Hm..."