The Dark Society

103

Jennifer retreated to the Birdsong to await Sam's return, but following Anna's admission she was nervous about seeing her. But after entering the suite an envelope from The Research Medical Center grabbed her attention. Sam's vast battle with the ascension was infamous for ages, thus such an unusual letter was disturbing.

She adored Sam's anonymity prominently and had embraced the virtue, yet her passions remained conflicted, so Jennifer had minimized any further involvement. Regardless, it was two in the morning and Samantha still hadn't arrived, so Jennifer grew worried knowing her aptitude for punctuality.

Whatever the case, this minuscule document rested on the table beckoning. Sam shared the details about medical appointments more often than not, but she'd withheld the results of this recent visit; one of the many petty acts that'd caused animosity between them.

Unfortunately, Sam was again keeping secrets, though this time Jennifer couldn't walk away without knowing why. Meanwhile, she again considered a return to California even despite Sam's prolonged objections.

In summary, she wasn't religious or heeded the word of God, but Sam was changing and being home was a solitary choice. On this premise, Jennifer leaned against the table, retrieved the envelope and opened it.

Inside were various pages that detailed Sam's latest exam. Broadly defined, Jennifer wasn't a medical scholar but she'd grasped the terminology. Even then, after omitting the basics her diagnoses were conclusive.

"She's dying." she mumbled while allowing the papers to fall to the floor.

Hardly surprising, Jennifer was angered and ready to leave, but upon exiting she found Samantha waiting.

"Going somewhere?"

Jennifer gazed into emotionless eyes.

"I grew worried."

Sam reopened the door, took Jennifer's palm and together they returned inside. For the first time, she was terrified and anticipating a negative reaction to the invasion of privacy.

"What've we here?" she inquired while collecting the discarded forms.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Sam scowled.

"It wasn't necessary and you know that."

Jennifer recoiled as Sam's answers again rekindled earlier fears.

"You're giving up?"

Sam simpered.

"No, but there are alternatives."

While clutching the papers Sam walked to the window and parted the drapes.

"Aren't you curious about where I've been...?" she requested. "Or, for that matter who I've spoken with?"

Jennifer drew closer.

"The mortuary..." she validated. "Where I assume you encountered Sabrina."

She and Sabrina had spoken at length of course, but notwithstanding her sister's pleas Sam had refused.

"Yes."

"What happened?"

"She asked me to come home; an offer I'm still considering by the way..." She answered. "But, in the meantime there are things to tend to."

"Your father and Saint Anthony's."

"I need answers..." Sam pronounced. "And since Katherine's absent Harold will do."

"What am I supposed to do?"

Sam stared.

"You and Anna want to protect me...?" she questioned while taking a hand. "Then revitalize your practice."

Jennifer gazed.

"My involvement is limited you know that..." She justified. "Plus, I can't impose upon free will and influence the sect's decisions."

"In that case, why are you still here...?" Sam challenged. "Especially after I've learned the truth of all this."

Jennifer was again angered.

"Because, despite everything I love you."

Sam recoiled.

"You're a creature of magic and incapable of authentic human emotion."

"Don't say that!"

With the sentimental attachments finally forgotten Jennifer grew frustrated and conceded to Sam's will. From hereon, Samantha wouldn't take liberties with blind emotion even with Harold's assault on Saint Ann's.

Even still, she was leaving for Saint Anthony's and after many years it was time. If anything, Jennifer knew Sam might not return, so before she departed she offered her a final plea.

"I wish you wouldn't go!" she insisted.

With a solemn glare, Sam headed out.

"I have to; I'm sorry."