A Hunters Life For Me

Flashbacks

"Erin LaNelle, why must you be so stubborn? You never listen to me. Ever. It's like talking to a brick wall."

Silence.

I didn't want to answer Tess, my girlfriend of 3 years, because I knew she was right. But I'll be damned if I tell her that.

"Exactly what I mean. By the way, I'm pregnant."

I've never felt my heart drop or my chevy nova stop so fast before in my life.

"Why the fuck would you say that? Teresa Latierre, you nearly gave me a heart attack."

I know same sex relationships can't have kids, technically, but it still freaks me out every time.

"Well next time listen to me."

"I was listening. Just didn't feel like answering. I'm doing this job and that's final. You're staying in the car. No arguments."

My girlfriend wasn't going into that vampires nest. I'll do whatever to keep her safe.

"Bullshit. We've been hunting for ten years. And you still don't trust me. How am I going to become a better hunter if you keep holding me back?"

Her voice was rising and I didn't like it.

"You know for a fact I'm not trying to hold you back. I'm trying to keep you alive. I would never be able to forgive myself if you got hurt or worse, died. I want to keep you safe. You are the only person I have in my life and I'm NOT going to lose you."

I looked over at her, eyes not wavering as I started down the road again.

"Tess. I love you. And I'm sorry if you think I'm holding you back. I just..." I sighed, holding back tears as I looked forward, not wanting to meet her gaze.

"I worry." I finished softly, knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel.

I felt her soft hand reach for mine and she held it there, a gesture she normally does when calming myself down.

"Erin, I'm sorry. I love you too. Promise. But you need to know I'm a big girl now. I can take care of myself." She kissed my cheek softly, a blush rising to both our faces.

Even after three years, we can still make each other blush.

Life was hectic, but it was okay.

A normal life wouldn't be any fun. So we make our own fun hunting any supernatural thing out there.

Hunting things, saving people, it's the family business.

***************

An hour later, still driving...

"Tess, go ahead and get some sleep, we'd be better off fighting the vamps in the daylight and with us fully rested." I glanced over and saw her head fall to the window, Tess falling asleep instantly.

I, myself, felt tired, enough to know I'm tired but not enough for us to find a motel. I just had to push on like I normally do.

Tess deserved sleep more than I do. Her hand was still in mine and I lightly ran my thumb over the back of her hand, a caring gesture.

I hated driving at night, especially in small towns because semis like to keep their lights off, knowing they could take any car coming their way.

But it had to be done. Tess wasn't allowed to drive my car, no one was. It was a gift from my brother, who took 7 years to restore it.

My now late brother is probably turning in his grave with the stuff Tess and I have done in this car...

Suddenly, bright lights flashed to the side of me, and it soon turned to a horrible noise and blinding pain in my side.

I couldn't see anything at all but figured we were upside down, still strapped in the car.

My side was annihilated and burning with pain, and as much as it hurt, I turned my head and tried to see Tess and check on her.

"T-Tess? Babe. A-are you o-okay?" My voice was gravelly and barely audible.

"I c-cant feel my legs. Erin. You look like hell. We need an ambulance."

I felt like hell. My arms and legs felt stiff, sore, and just dead.

Am I dying? I can't leave Tess.

I lamely raised my hand to wipe my eyes of the blood and searched for my phone.

Quickly I dialed 9-1-1, hoping they could get here fast.

I looked out my broken window and the semi was gone. No sign of a truck even being here.

The pain became too unbearable as I felt myself slip out of consciousness, the darkness clouding my vision.

Goodbye world. Until next time.