Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 51

Nikolas glanced at his watch. Again. Dawn should have been home by now, he reasoned. The last ray of sunlight had shone long ago. Her rehearsal was not scheduled to extend beyond early evening. He wondered what was keeping her.

As he paced in front of the fireplace, he weighed the consequences of going to Jacks to bring her home. The outcome would not be a good one, he knew. She would become upset that he went against her wishes and the last thing he wanted was for her to be upset. She had told him that she had her cell phone and she knew how to use it. If she needed him to drive her home, she would have called. He would be patient and wait, he decided.

He drew a long breath and forced himself to go back to the table. After he was settled, his hand blindly reached for PCU's Fall Quarter Schedule of Classes. Resting his back against the antique wooden chair, he attempted to give the brochure his full attention. As he began to leaf through the courses...Economics, English, Languages, Sociology, his frustration grew. Unable to continue with the pretense any longer, he slammed the schedule back down onto the table. Running his hands through his hair, he stood.

"What's made you so agitated?" Stefan asked, as he came into the room. He had stood silently in the door, watching Nikolas pace back and forth. His curiosity and concern were piqued. He wanted answers.

"Uncle!" Nikolas turned at the sound of Stefan's voice. With a small frown, he answered, "I didn't see you there."

"I'm aware of that. Is anything the matter? Was Dr. Fischer unable to aid Sheba? Has she...?" Stefan asked, as he neared Nikolas.

"No, Sheba's fine. Her leg will heal. Dr. Fischer said that we got there in time," Nikolas said, moving to bar. Suddenly feeling parched, he poured himself a glass of water. He quickly gulped the liquid down. Not fully satisified, he poured himself another glass.

Stefan continued to watch Nikolas with interest. Something was bothering him. Maybe something was wrong with Dawn, Stefan wondered. He knew her appointment with the obstetrician was earlier that day. What if something was amiss in the pregnancy. Surprised at the anxiety he felt at such a thought, Stefan sat down on the sofa. "How was the meeting with Dr. Newman? Everything was fine, correct?"

Stefan's inquiry reminded Nikolas of the sound of his child's heartbeat. The memory brought a smile to his lips and a glow to his eyes. "Everything was perfect."

Nikolas placed his empty glass on the countertop. He moved to sit beside Stefan as he continued speaking. "We heard the baby's heartbeat."

"So soon?" Stefan asked, turning so that he would have a better view of Nikolas' face. Seeing the look of pure joy which radiated from Nikolas pleased him and Stefan smiled in return.

"That's what I thought, too," Nikolas said, relaxing as he recounted the memory. "At first, Dr. Newman's attempt at finding it was unsuccessful, but she didn't give up. She tried again, and then she found it. I wish you could have seen the look on Dawn's face when she heard it. I've never seen her look so beautiful before..."

Stefan's mind overflowed with questions and concerns, but he willed himself to remain still. Nikolas was entranced with his own thoughts. Stefan would give him the time to continue, and he knew Nikolas would continue as he wouldn't be able to help himself. He was right.

Nikolas laughed suddenly and added, "The heartbeat, Uncle, was so fast. I was afraid at first, but Dr. Newman reassured us that it's normal. Have you ever heard an unborn child's heartbeat? I think it's the best sound I've ever heard."

"Never," Stefan said softly, averting his eyes. He would have moved heaven and earth to hear Nikolas' heartbeat while he was still in the womb. However, the pleasure was not his to be had. Stavros had undeservedly heard Nikolas first precious sounds of life. If he could only turn back time, Stefan thought.