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The plane landed in a not-so-smooth landing in the city of Harper Rock. As usual people were antsy gathering their items trying to be the first one off the plane only to stand in line and wait their turn. Klara always wondered why people inevitably did this knowing the outcome would always be the same. We would all wait in line until those before us had disembarked. She stayed waiting in her seat to be the last one off not really caring. She was here to get away, there was no one home to rush to, no friends to see.

As she sat there she overheard a couple talking wondering if vampires were real or not. The girl rolled her eyes at the obvious stupidity of the pair. “Vampires? Really?” she thought as a migraine began to slowly make her head pound. As she sat there she looked out the window at the landscape. “Not very impressive” she mumbled to herself but knew that many small towns didn’t look like much at first but always had those special places that made it unique and worth coming too.

The rain had begun to fall as the taxi deposited her in front of the Hotel West. The brochures had made it look nice. She hoped for once they were right. “Here’s your room ma’am” the bell hop opened the door carrying her luggage into the room, turning on the lights. “I do hope this is acceptable?” standing waiting for a tip to be placed into his open palm.

Klara smiled as she dug in her purse pulling out a few bills and placed them into his waiting hand. “Thank you, it’s lovely. It will be fine.” She walked to the window looking out at the city not hearing the door click. The tears began to roll down her face as her father’s face flashed before her. First her mother had died of cancer the year before and now her father was MIA. She had a feeling when she had said goodbye that going back to Afghanistan would come to no good. She knew her father had been a wanted man since he had rescued her and captured several top Taliban leaders but each time he laughed and told her God was on their side and he would be fine.

The news had come a few months earlier that he had been unaccounted for after an ambush and was no on MIA status. They General that had come to her campus to tell her had been her father’s friend for years and had wanted Klara to hear it from someone who loved her. He offered to let her stay with his family but she needed time away. Doing what any 25 year old would do, she disappeared after the semester ended and picked a place on the map that she could disappear into and grieve. The General had her phone number if needed.

Klara had settled into a routine quickly after the first couple days spent crying in her room. The day was a beautiful spring day as she left the hotel on foot and began to walk down the street. She slowly meandered through the many shops lining the street, beginning to find the city quite charming. She tried to keep her thoughts in check and not dwell on the fact that her father was most likely dead. She stopped at a little book shop and spent the next hour browsing before finding an old antique book. Smiling she made her purchased and asked for directions to a place she could get a bite to eat.

The sun was slowly beginning to set as she ate her meal and read her book. The restaurant was quiet, the food better than average and the service was impeccable. Looking up as the check was laid quietly at her table she noticed it was dark outside. “Damn” she quietly cursed as she hurriedly grabbed the check and paid. Since coming to this town she always seemed to get an odd feeling when being out after dark and had taken to spending the evenings at the hotel.

The air was still warm as she made her way back. She spotted a café that specialized in desserts and coffee and decided to take something back to her room for a treat later. As she walked out of the establishment there were people enjoying the evening at the outside tables. A woman smiled at her as she left when she spotted him. The coffee went crashing to the ground splashing everyone near causing the man to look in her direction. Recognition seemed to register in his face as he stood and quickly left. Klara recovered quickly trying to follow him but by time she got to the street he was gone. She looked in the shops but he was nowhere to be seen. She even went back and asked those there if they knew the man but no one was able to give her information.

Angry at herself, she walked back to the hotel unable to register what she had just seen. She was sure of it, it had been her father. Alexander White, alive and well it seemed but it made no sense to the girl. She was the apple of his eye, his only child adopted at the age of 13 after he rescued her in Afghanistan. They were inseparable, there was no way he was alive. The thought crossed her mind that maybe he didn’t realize he was MIA but he was an officer of course he would know what he would be classified. Maybe he was on a mission? Klara sat picking at her dessert trying to put what she had seen together with what she knew and only came up with more questions.

Morning came quickly and Klara was out on the streets looking for him. She went into the shops that she knew he would love and asked about him. People had seen him but didn’t know his name or much about him. Day after day she looked for him beginning to think she had just been seeing things. Ready to give up she went to the park and sat and cried for hours realizing that she had been wrong. She sobbed talking to the squirrels asking them why her father had to die and now she was all alone. After she had cried herself out she headed back to the hotel.

Passing a little café she decided to get something to eat and took it outside. She picked at her food, staring, lost in thought. As she sat there she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder as the chair next to her was pulled out, a kissed placed on her cheek. “I guess I have some explaining to do, don’t I?”

Klara’s eyes snapped to the ones she loved so deeply and sat there mute, thinking she had finally gone insane. Alexander pulled her into his arms and he held her tightly to himself giving her time to adjust to the idea. When he had seen her it had broken his heart to walk away but he had no choice he felt. In all the days she had searched for him he had been near, always in the shadows until this evening when he had watched her cry her heart out. He knew it was time to face her.

“You’re alive! But why did you make me think you were dead? What’s going on Daddy?” she asked. Alexander only asked where she was staying and took her back to her room where they could talk in private. Once inside the room he pulled her into his arms and held her as she cried until she could cry no longer. “Why?” she whispered.

He led her to the bed and sat her down as he pulled a chair up across from her. He took her hands into his and began to tell her a story that seemed too fantastical to be real. He told her how they had been ambushed by the Taliban and as they waited for help to come a man had come to him and liked his spirit, the way he fought and protected those he was in charge off. The man knew that Alexander would die and offered to save him. Alex explained his thought was if he was alive at least he could keep track of her and watch over her but for the sake of the masquerade he would never be able to see. He then explained that he could be killed for telling her if she ever exposed that vampires were real or that he had told her.

Klara sat and listened, the idea of vampires seemed reasonable to her if her father said it was oddly enough. As she watched his face while he talked, she made a decision. Looking back through the years she questioned the wisdom of that decision time and time again. She knew one thing, she couldn’t live without him. The pain was too much for her to bear and there was no walking away.

When Alex had finished he looked at her face waiting for the questions to begin. Never had there not been questions when faced with something she didn’t know or understand. He had an eternity and what little time he could spend with her before sending her away would be worth it in his eye.

“I have a question Daddy.”

Alexander smiled, “I knew you would sweetheart, ask all you want.” She took a deep breath getting up to look out the window, her back to him.

“Can you turn me into a vampire? If you can’t do you know someone who could?” she turned to look at him seeing the shock on his face. “Klara you don’t know what you’re asking. I could do it but you don’t want this life. You want to grow old and live naturally.”

Klara ran to him and knelt before him taking his hands into her own. “What kind of life would I have? I have no family. My natural family are all dead or in custody at Gitmo, mom is dead, you’re, well you’re a vampire, I have no grandparents. I get to live life by myself until I marry. Payne joined the military and is away on missions and you know I’m not the most social person. I’d rather be a vampire and be near you than by myself. I really have nothing left since you disappeared.” She looked into his eyes hopefully.

The pair sat there in silence for several minutes. Klara could see the emotions flowing across his face as he argued with himself. Finally after what seemed an eternity he spoke. “Alright, I’ll do it but you will live with me until I teach you all there is about this lifestyle and only then will you be allowed to have your own life. I will not do it here, I will take you to my house. Gather your things, check out and we will go there.” He took her chin and held it. “Klara you can change your mind at any time, think about this. If you still want it in 24 hours then I will do it. You will stay in your room and talk to no one at my house.” Klara agreed and soon they were on their way to his home, knowing she wouldn’t change her mind and life as she knew it was over.

Looking back to that day years later, she still cursed him for the things he had done to her, for what she had become. She had asked, but he was her father and a good father doesn’t always give their child what they want. The moment of finding her father and the joy she felt would always be tainted by that one single act performed.

((Memory 1))

Klara would never forget the day that caused her best friend Payne and Alex to become enemies. Payne had been her best friend since she was 13 years old. Somehow she had known the woman wouldn’t just accept that she had disappeared off the face of the earth. Klara was happily living with Alexander but knew Payne showing up was going to cause issues. Alex didn’t like Payne and Payne didn’t like Alexander.

Payne stuck around and quickly convinced Klara to change her. The girls were close and rarely could be found apart unless they were working. The days of fun were getting further apart as Alex had appointed Klara second in charge of his family and had tasked her with their security and protection. He expected her to watch over her sisters.

The day of the fateful event started out normal enough. Klara showing up to work. She had a desk in Alex’s office. They ran through the items of the day and then Alex left to go hang out with his “new *****” as Klara liked to call her. She was an evil woman who hated them all and didn’t kill them only because of Alexander. Alex couldn’t see past his ****. Klara was hurt and angry at how Alex had treated her and continued to treat her. Payne was tired of not hanging out with her best friend and paid her visit. The two girls talked and giggled as Payne provided reason after reason to pack up and go have some fun.

Klara, unable to ever tell Payne no, finally relented. She locked the office hurried home, showered and slipped into something sexy. Payne had texted her and told her to meet her at the Necropolis Nightclub. She arrived and fought her way through the crowded nightclub looking for her friend. She smiled as she saw Payne already on the dance floor with a mutual friend. The pair saw her and motioned for her to get out there with them.

Klara came up behind Payne and slid an arm around her waist from behind and said something into her ear. Payne laughed and ground her body backwards towards Klara. Both women were in a dangerous mood tonight, only wanting to have fun and they knew how to draw attention on a dance floor. Their friend went and got them all drinks made especially for their kind and kept them coming until neither woman had many inhibitions left.

Payne turned into Klara and the two women danced, laughing as kisses and touches began to surface. Both women were purely heterosexual but when they got drunk things seemed to always get heated between the two. The man dancing with them enjoyed watching the two women as they became more focused on each other. They held one another’s hips dancing close, their bodies touching as Payne kissed Klara deeply for several long seconds. Klara could hear those around them encouraging more and blushed. They caught one another’s eyes and were both were finally drunk enough that each were remembering the other drunken nights in college when they weren’t quite sure what had happened.

Payne leaned in and said something to Klara which elicited a blush from her and a kiss for Payne. Klara had a feeling this would be another one of those nights they wouldn’t remember but awoke naked in one another’s arms. As the women’s glassy gazes devoured one another a blinding pain followed by darkness slammed into her. She awoke to a hand on her hair being drug off the dance floor and through the club. Klara reached up to hold the hand to try and take some of the pain from her hair being pulled as she was drug. As she was pushed to her feet and pushed into her car she saw her father’s angry face. “Oh ****” she whispered. It was taking every ounce of energy to not pass out. She tenderly touched her head feeling the wet, sticky blood and a large open gash as the car flew out of the parking lot.

“What happened” she asked holding her head wishing Alexander would quit yelling. He was calling her a whore and a slut and threatening to kill Payne and no White would ever act that way in public again. She looked at him wishing she had the strength to wale back at him about his behavior with Shiva. Their relationship had deteriorated to next to nothing since she came in her life and her last thoughts before blacking out was that it was over.

A couple days later Klara awoke to find herself in her old room at Alex’s house with him looking worse for the wear sitting next to the bed. She tried to speak and he was instantly on his knees beside her. He got her some blood to drink and for the first time in a very long time they talked. Each sharing their hurts with the other. Alexander finally kissed her tenderly on the lips and asked for her forgiveness for striking her and hurting her. He hadn’t known his own strength or intended on hurting her as he did.

The father and daughter held one another and began to heal their relationship, each seeing the other in a different light. Alexander finally seeing her as a woman with needs and dreams, she saw him as the same. Klara had no issues with him having a woman in his life but one that wanted to kill his children she had huge issues with. She kept her thoughts to herself and prayed Alex would get smart.

Klara knew in her heart the day Shiva came into his life changed him, and not for the good. She loved her father dearly but as they sat and talked and tried to find the peace between them again, she knew deep in her heart this would be the last time her father would be there for her.

All these years later she still cried at this memory. Often she wondered through the years if had she been able to ignore everything would things have been different. She always came back to Alex had abandoned his family for a woman, instead of melding them into a family. Alex had always blamed Payne for the changes in Klara. Payne simply had let Klara see herself how everyone else saw her and gave her permission to be a woman.
(Memory 2)

Things had become intolerable in the White household. Klara had been working almost around the clock trying to keep up the day to day things that needed to be done. She knew that at least one other sister was working just as hard as she. Alex had finally relented and allowed her to date but she had no time to date. She often wondered if that was why he allowed it; he knew she wouldn’t be able too. Rarely did she even see her father in the office anymore for he was always with his girlfriend. She had no idea besides schmoozing with the upper crusts of the city trying to worm his way up the social ladder.

There was no love lost between Shiva and Klara. Klara viewed her as a security threat to their family after being told by the woman the only reason she hadn’t killed them was in deference to Alex. Klara wasn’t stupid and knew if something were to happen to Alex, every one of them that had made their feelings clear would be dead.

Klara remained watchful over her sisters and her own little family but it became more and more evident that they all meant very little to her father anymore. The end of the day was near and she was busy tying up loose ends and realized she had left a file at the West’s offices. She grabbed her key as it was after hours and headed that direction. The streets were empty as it was getting close to sunrise. She slide her key into the lock and nothing happened. She tried it again. “Odd, it worked yesterday” she said to no one in particular. She went to the front door where there was a keypad and she put in her code. Yet again nothing. Grabbing her cell she called her father to see if Wolf had given him new keys. Alex said he would check on it and get back with her.

Her phone chirped as she was walking back home with her father screaming on the other end that Wolf had broken the alliance between the two families. Klara tried to calm him and find out but there was no talking to him. She quickly called Payne and headed to her house needing some input from her best friend and child.

The two women talked through most of the night. Payne’s answer was to leave the family immediately but Klara couldn’t just forget about her sisters. Klara decided they would stay for now and see how things went, maybe for Alex it would be a wake-up call. She went home and pondered on what exactly had happened and what should be done. She had been lucky that he had answered the first time she called and why would Wolf do that.

That night lying in bed, Klara made a decision and texted Wolfgang asking him why he had broken the alliance. Wolf replied with two reasons. She set an appointment for later that week to meet in person. If what he had told her was true she wasn’t sure she wanted to claim him as a father anymore. The next day she called her own small family to her for a family meeting. She explained to them what had happened. She told them depending on the next few days and her meeting with Wolf, their opinions on staying or leaving would be needed. Klara groaned inwardly as her children all agreed they trusted her to make the right decision for them all. She hugged them all and excused herself and went to bed, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Their future truly was in her hands.

The next few days flew quickly. Her meeting with her father went as was expected. It was everyone’s fault but of course he had played no role in it; completely innocent. She had known for too many years to know he was far from innocent and had no issues lying if he felt it would get him ahead. Even to her.

Klara decided to walk to Wolfgang’s office. She had only met him once in person and truth be told he terrified her. She needed time to work out her nervousness. She had heard so many stories about him, all contradicting the other until she didn’t know what to believe. Entering the office the handsome man extended his hand and gave her a firm handshake and invited her to be seated. There was no hint of displeasure in his features, his calmness gave her assurance. He knew who she was and had no reason to welcome her after what had happened but he was kind enough to hear her out.

Klara explained her position and she just wanted to get to the bottom of things and find out the truth. Wolfgang explained his reasons for breaking the alliance and Klara had to agree that if what he said was true, he had every right. Sadly she realized his words did have the ring of truth to them and there was no reason to lie and it sounded just like something Alex would do. The office phone rang loudly almost making her jump from her seat. She said she would step out and wait while he conducted his business to just text her when he was ready.

Klara had to think quickly. Nothing had prepared her to hear Wolfgang’s reasons explained in full. She pulled her phone out gazing at her father’s picture and swiped at the tears that began to fall. It was then that she got a text that one of her sisters had been injured and needed healing and blood and couldn’t reach her sire. “Damn it Alex” she cursed quickly sending out texts and began to make calls. Nothing. No answers at all. She called Eva and asked if she could do an appraisal on her father to see if there were any clues about his whereabouts as well as send people to take care of her sister. A screen shot was texted to her phone moments later. She transferred the money into the woman’s account and thanked her for the help; help that Alex could have provided had he been available. His blood was low, he was wounded due to the games he and Shiva had been playing. Some kind of foreplay was her guess. He was around according to the appraisal that Eva had included of Shiva for he had attacked her just a couple hours before.

“Damn you to hell Alexander ******* White” she cursed. Trying to calm her anger her phone beep as Wolf told her to come back. She tried to compose herself knowing there was no way to hide her anger or hurt. Klara entered and sat once again and as expected Wolf asked what was wrong. She sat for many long moments contemplating her choices and finally praying she had made the right one and he could trusted.

Wolf sat back and listened patiently as the story was laid out before him. “So as you can see, my father is unable to be trusted to take care of his family. His **** means more to him than his daughters. I hate to leave the others but I fear most believe his lies and I have to protect my own family.” She squirmed and finally looked the man straight in the eye, her chin held high, “Would you accept the allegiance and my small family into your fold in?” She stared at him praying he would say yes.

The pair looked at one another until Klara thought she would scream if he didn’t answer. Finally a smile came to his lips and claimed he would be honored. She fought the tears that threatened to spill as she thanked him. The arrangements were made for the next day for them to move into home and begin their new life. Klara thanked him, unexpectedly hugged him in happiness knowing she had made the right decision as his arms encircled her with his words of comfort.

Klara found that though Wolfgang could be a force to be reckoned with, he was a tender and loving man who cared deeply for his family. From day one it had been just as if he had personally sired her. He never made her feel like she was just one of the crowd but someone who was special and loved. Though he came and went, had his ups and downs never had she regretted her decision in leaving her father. For the first time since her turning she was in a place that she didn’t feel used and the things she did mattered. She was a West by heart, something she was very proud of.

(Memory 3)

Sometimes Harper Rock could be a lonely place, even in the midst of so much humanity and other creatures milling about. Klara was adjusting well to her new family, her own children were off doing their own things but something was missing. It seemed everywhere she went she was the only person single in this city. She wasn’t exactly looking for love but she realized it would be nice to at least have someone to do things with once in a while. All one had to do was mention you were interested in dating and all the match makers of the city seemed to crawl out of the woodwork.

Names were thrown out of people she had never heard of, promises of introductions that never seemed to happen, guys that were just creepy and only wanted sex, you name it Klara had seen it. This day was a bit different. More than one person had suggested this particular gentleman. He was part of the family and she thought he was really nice, good looking and didn’t seem to be an asshole like so many of the men out there. What Klara didn’t know was a bug had been put in his ear as well and as fate would have it the two finally met again.

The conversation with Gabriel flowed easily. Klara found him delightful and found herself wishing he would ask her out, not able to get the words out herself. They talked late into the night, both anxious for the day to begin once again. They found one another again and again hours of talking ensued. She had to admit that she was smitten far beyond what she should be. He was fun, witty, kind and sweet.

Gabriel told her that he had a place out in the woods and wanted to share his love for camping with her. He had a hot tub and nearby a waterfall with a pond. On top of that he also had a tent that he favored sleeping in full of soft fur hides to cushion his sleep and keep him warm. It was a warm summer night and invited Klara out. She packed a bag and took off for an adventure. Not being one for spending a lot of time in the wilderness she was really looking forward trying something new but more importantly spending time with Gabriel.

Once Klara was out there, Gabriel showed her around and told her to get changed into her swim suit. Once dressed he took her hand and led her to behind the waterfall. They laughed pushing one another into the cold water before he jumped into the pool with Klara quickly following. They spent the afternoon swimming and talking, just getting to know one another better. It was like they were the only two on the entire planet. He put his hand over her mouth to quiet her quickly as a deer came to drink from the pound. Gabe holding Klara as they floated by a rock as they watched it. It was a beautiful site that one rarely got to experience.

Once they were done swimming, he built a fire to warm them up. The tent was set up so with the flaps open you could look out to the night sky and see the stars. Gabriel slid his arm around her as they quietly talked, enjoying the warmth of the fire. As the night grew cooler the pair laid back and he covered them up with one of the skins; her head on his shoulder, his arm around her holding her close. The stars seemed close as she looked up, the crackling of the fire relaxing.

Klara turned to look at him, “It’s so beautiful here Gabriel, thank you so much for sharing this with me. It’s been a very long time since I’ve had such a great time.” His eyes were staring intently into hers as he leaned forward, his lips gently touching hers. When she didn’t protest he kissed her again, this time with more urgency, pulling her tighter to his body. She turned and slid her hand up his chest to his head, cradling his head in her hand as they kissed. Never had she ever dreamed a kiss could affect her so deeply or make her want someone so much.

Gabriel ended the kiss and they smiled at one another as he kissed her once again. Klara couldn’t think of a better end to a perfect day. After the kiss ended, he closed the tent so they could watch the fire but the sun wouldn’t bother them in the morning. He returned to her side and kissed her once more. She laid her head back on his shoulder as they talked until dawn before each slept content in to be in the company of the other. He had been the perfect gentleman.

No matter who she was with the memory of their first date was always held special in her heart. It was one of the sweet times of her life that she vowed never to forget.

(Memory 4)

“You’re funny Damalie” Klara remarked to her best friend and daughter over the secure connection. Klara had to go to the American Embassy just to talk to the woman to assure the communication couldn’t be traced. Damalie, priorly known as Payne, was away somewhere in the world fighting the bad guys for the United States of America. She was involved in some clandestine organization and worked for the government.

After Klara had honored her request to be turned Damalie had tried to deal with some issues in her past and leave the military life behind her. Unfortunately her supervisor showed up in Harper Rock, as a vampire no less. Even in a more unfortunate co-incidence Klara had turned him as well not ever knowing of their relationship. Needless to say the situation was sticky at best. Klara spent most of her time trying to keep the two from killing one another. No matter how much she told the two they just needed to screw each other and make up neither would listen or hear of it.

As the whining on the other end of the phone began Klara laughed. Payne letting her know that she didn’t know the story of how she and Simon met nor would she ever put it into a letter or an email. She wanted to know and it was about time Klara shared the juicy piece of information with her. Her idea of filming herself talking as a bit scary even though this was her best friend asking for it. Something about talking into a camera was just kind of hard.


“Oh **** a duck Payne, ok, ok I’ll do it. You should have left your name as Payne, it suits you better!” She heard the girl squeal into phone.

Klara laughed as she remembered the day that Payne told her the new name. They were in the library working putting up books that had been turned in. Payne looked at her as she slide the book into its slot. “Klara, my name is Damalie now ok?”

Those words were etched into Klara’s mind forever. Even now she could still hear them in Payne’s voice in her mind just as if her ghost stood beside her speaking. She had been so unsure of herself when she said it. It wasn’t like the woman at all. It actually bothered Klara more than she let on. She’d never seen Payne this unsure their entire life.

Klara remembered she just stood there staring at her wondering why on earth she would change her name. “Mind explaining why I must call you Damalie now? You know I’m never going to remember it.”

Payne looked at her friend hesitantly before calming telling her the reason. She was wanting to change. Something Klara had been working on her with. To take some of the military man out of her and put a little woman back into her. The woman could be a giant pain in the *** at times. There was no filter on her mouth, she had no clue what tact was but she had a heart of gold. The woman had taken her fair share of teasing about how much her name and behavior seemed to be one. Payne was so much more than many gave her credit for. It was an unfortunate twist of fate for her parents to bestow that name on the girl.

Klara stood staring at her and burst into laughter hugging her tight. She had no arguments against her reasons. She indeed had turned into the beautiful woman she knew had been hidden underneath, she could be taken out in public without fear of embarrassment. She was happy, truly happy with who she was for once in her life. Klara had gotten tears in her eyes knowing how hard it had been for the girl to make these changes. "Honey I feel so honored to be a part of your life and to be here to see this transformation."

It was a moment in time she would never forget realizing the butterfly had emerged from the cocoon and she was more than ever could have been hoped for.

(Memory 5)

Klara looked in the mirror once more making sure her hair and make-up looked good. She laughed knowing Damalie could care less what she looked like but since this was part of her history she wanted to make sure she got it right and looked good doing it. Maybe it would help get rid of some of the worry that Simon really didn’t want to marry her after all. She knew he loved her deeply but neither did she want to clip his wings.

Walking to the camera she adjusted to where she thought it would look good, turning the screen towards herself and grabbed the remote. She brought it in a bit closer, took a deep breath and hit record.

“Hey sweetheart. It’s me, Klara.” She did a nervous giggle. “Well I hope I don’t look like a total dork but here we are. After you left Gabriel and I stopped seeing one another. To be honest I’m not even sure why. I really liked him a lot but I think I got scared because it was all going too fast. You know, slow and steady though you’ll be proud that I am becoming more assertive. I mean after the whole killing Alex thing I found I wasn’t as much of a chicken as I thought but I digress. “She took a sip of water and smiled at the camera.

“I had been making new friends and there was one guy I was very attracted too but he was too busy nursing a broken heart. He and I got closer and I was one of his shoulders to cry on sometimes. I would give him massages to help him relax. There was definitely an attraction. One day he turned the tables and gave me a foot massage and well it became very sensual.” She could feel herself blushing.

“Oh quit laughing at me Damalie. Anyways, it stopped before anything happened. We talked about what it might be like to be together. I finally approached him and told him I was interested in seeing him and maybe we could see if there was something really there. He thought about it but came and said that he was attracted but, you know how there always is a but” she shrugged her shoulder making a disgusted face, “he didn’t want to ruin our friendship and was afraid that if we didn’t work out it would cause problems within the family. It did make sense but you know it was kind of the last straw. I was so tired of nothing ever going anywhere just because I wouldn’t jump into bed the first five minutes. You were gone, it was like I was all alone. It had been a while since getting Alex killed and I was feeling guilty about that. Then to top it off having someone who is attracted to you, and a strong attraction, tell you that I want you but sorry better not I was like **** it all. So I went walking and started having pity party, yeah, yeah, I know what a pathetic thing to do.”

Klara paused the camera not wanting to tell her the next but Damalie deserved to know the worst. She wasn’t proud of what she did but she met Simon that night so it was well worth it in her eyes. She knew her friend would be calling and screaming at her but what was done was done and she was in a much better place. Though Damalie would be angry she also knew that she would understand how she felt. She had been there herself.

(Memory 6)

Klara walked around and then went back to her seat, took a deep breath and hit record again.

“Anyways I like I said I was feeling guilty about Alex and feeling sorry for myself so I went for a walk. All I could think about was how Alex has used me and thrown me away for that *****. Things didn’t work with Gabe and it didn’t seem like he really cared then to be told yeah I want you but no thanks was just too much then add on killing your own father, it was just way too much.” She paused and wiped at a tear that had started to slip down her cheek.

“I….I realized that you were the only person that would have missed me if I died. So I found some old man who tried to be nice to me. So I repaid him by drinking but I ended up killing him and I didn’t care. I just left his body there. Well I found a tree near the cliff at the edge of the city and sat and cried. I realized that I really was all alone except for you and well Uncle Sam owns you. I went and stood at the edge of the cliff. You know the Titanic movie how they stand at the front of the ship their arms out?” she giggled at the thought of what she must have looked like to Simon.

“Well I was doing that. Stop laughing. I know you’re laughing right now. I just wanted anyone to come and tell me not to jump. I just wanted someone to care enough to stop me. I heard something so I moved back to the tree because let’s face it, only a nutcase stands on the edge of a cliff not really wanting to die. Well he’d found the old man threw him over the cliff and came to talk to me. He was quirky and cute, he acted concerned, gave me his coat…..will you stop laughing. It was sweet and yes there still are nice people out there!” she lectured the camera once again.

“Anyways he invited me to come stay at his place and I took him up on the offer. I really didn’t feel like going home. He took me to his apartment, and no Dama it wasn't for sex, he made that clear that he wasn't after that but he let me soak in his tub and I slept on his couch for a couple days. We talked a lot and to be honest he really was an asshole before we met but learned some hard lessons and changed. Dama, he was so sweet and kind and dorky trying to make me feel better. He gave me a lot to think about and helped me refocus on what was important in my life. We started hanging out and just talked after that.” Klara stopped and stared into space for a few moments before continuing.

“Neither of us were looking to get involved. We just enjoyed talking to one another. There was definitely an attraction to one another but we ignored it. We just enjoyed being together. He pretty much saved my life. He makes me laugh and I never get tired of his kisses. I hope you’ll be able to be here for the wedding. Not sure what else there is to say. We’ve had our ups and downs, I put a hit on his mother but that story is for another time. I love you sweetie and I miss you so much. There is no one like you!” she threw kisses at the camera.

“Let me know when it’s safe I’ll teleport to see you for a few but only if you won’t get in trouble and I won’t get killed! I love you!!!! Stay safe!”

Klara clicked stop on the remote. She pulled the DVD out of the camera and went to her desk placing it in a protective case. She pulled out a notecard with her monogram on and wrote. “I love you, enjoy. I can’t wait to get your DVD back.” She tucked it into a mailer and the number on it and slipped that mailer into another one that went to the American Embassy who would see that the package got to her friend.

Klara sat her desk thinking, remembering those first few days with Simon when it was just one stranger helping another. Never had she thought she would fall in love with him, or that they would be planning their wedding. She had had doubts along the way at times wondering why she was allowing herself to be put through the hell that she was but then she would remember their first meeting. That sweet guy just wanted to help and would fall in love with him all over again.

(Memory 6)

Klara was on the phone with Damalie who had finally made it back to the states and was able to make a phone call. Dama caught Klara up with what she had been doing; well what she was allowed to tell her. Klara knew the questions about her and Simon would happen and soon they did.

The women talked and Klara answered all the questions that Damalie had, knowing when she saw her in person she would have to answer them all over again. The conversation turned to funny and stupid things that each had done at various times of their life. In their college days there had been some really stupid and embarrassing situations. The reminiscing had both women laughing, tears streaming down their faces as they remembered the silly things they had done in their lifetime.

“Oh my gosh you should have been there Dama! Simon and I were walking in the park one evening. His mother had made us promise to date for six months and no sex and if we did she’d give her blessing. She really didn’t like me because I was a West and wanted him to stop dating me.”

Damalie let out a stream expletives wondering why on earth Klara would go along with something like that. She listened to her friend rant for several minutes laughing as each point Dama made got more and more ludicrous.

“I know honey, it wasn’t my idea but Simon was trying to please his mother. We would go to the park and places that made it hard to have sex. One night we are at the park skipping rocks onto the lake. I told him how bad I suck at rock skipping. Well Simon said he could teach anyone. I tried one and it just plopped into the water so I tried another and I hit a duck swimming. The stupid thing started quacking and got all ruffled up and was cause a commotion but then settled down. I picked up another rock to try again and hit the same damn duck in the head. This time we wondered if I had really hurt it. I go to the edge of the pond to see if I can help it, as I’m reaching out I fall into the lake and scare the duck half to death. The duck starts attacking me because it thinks I’m attacking it so Simon comes to my rescue and is trying to pull me out of the lake and he falls in so the duck starts attacking him. He’s trying to keep the duck away from me and help me out and not hurt the duck in the process. We finally get out of the lake, both of us soaked. People were staring at us. Simon decided no more rock skipping, I was dangerous.”

Damalie was crying on the other end of the phone as the story was related to her. Both women agreed that so far it was the strangest happening that had happened to either of them. Klara realized just how much she missed her friend.

To this day anytime Simon and Klara saw a duck she would blush and Simon would tease her and call her “Klara the duck slayer”.

(Memory 7)

It was a beautiful spring day, the sun had just set, and the air was still warm as Klara set off and began to walk. She slid her phone into the pocket of her hoodie, her ear buds in her ears as she listened to music. People would have most likely been surprised that it was classical. She was busy trying to find the perfect song to walk down the aisle to at her wedding. She placed about 100 of her favorites and was slowly whittling through them to find the right one.

The streets were full tonight as people took advantage of the good weather. Couples could be seen everywhere going about their business. Harried mothers trying to corral their many children and get their shopping done. The teenagers who just liked to hangout and make fun of people as they walked past were all present and accounted for. The police seemed to more in abundance but that was probably due to the fact that so many more people were out and about. Klara decided to go to the one place that oddly always gave her peace.

The cliff. The cliff where she had almost ended it all the night she met Simon. The cliff were one of her most treasured memories happened, the night Simon proposed. It was a long walk to the outskirts of town but she didn’t mind. It was beautiful here, overlooking the river with the city lights in the background. It seemed like every important event with Simon was tied to this place.

As she finally arrived at her destination she spread the blanket out on the ground and leaned against the big, aging tree near the edge. The sounds of Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma” flowed through her earphones, tears coming to her eyes at the beauty of the music. She sobbed as the notes hit a crescendo, the song always having the same effect on her. She wasn’t sure why because she couldn’t understand the words but one didn’t need too when the music was so beautiful. Klara loved this song but knew she’d already most likely cry and this song would guarantee she would. Maybe she should cross it off her list she reasoned.

The stars were beginning to show themselves in earnest now. They always seemed so bright up here even with the city lights in the back ground. She looked up at them and reliving the man times she had been at this very spot.

The night she had met Simon, the night that she thought she was saying goodbye to him while he went back to Emily, the night she gave him his grandest fantasy but there was one particular night that stood out far above all else. The one thing that Klara never thought would happen. In fact she had all but given up on the dream and had learned to be content with she and Simon shared.

Her face became serene, with a slight smile as she sat up looking at the spot, reliving the night that Simon had proposed. It had been such a complete shock to her so unexpected it was. In fact she had thought he was breaking up with her when she came.

The couple’s relationship wasn’t what one would call an easy one. The one constant that never had waivered was the fact that they loved one another deeply. It was all the outside influences that seemed to keep getting in the way.

Klara pulled her phone out and pulled the history of Simon’s text and looked at that text that had put her in a panic and almost made her not show up, his text telling her they needed to talk. In her past that had always been the kiss of death to anything. ‘We need to talk’ was what everyone said when there was a problem, never when it was something good. She had stared at this same text for a long time before she had texted back telling him that she would be there and she loved him.

Klara giggled now at the memory realizing that she should have known something was up when he didn’t just tell her to come to cliff but gave her co-ordinates, both longitude and latitude which she had to plug into her ap on her phone to even find out where he wanted her to go. She had been so wrapped up in the words she missed the obvious clue.

(Begin Memory 8)

Klara teleported to the coordinates that Simon had sent her. Simon was standing on the edge of the rocks. She had walked up behind and hugged him from behind, leaning her head on his back still holding his waist. There had been no greeting of any kind, just a question.

Simon had wanted to know if she remembered when they first met. How could she forget? It had been a traumatic evening for her and one she was not proud of. Coming to stand beside him she looked at him. “How could I forget? It was a really stupid night of my life but it brought me you.” She turned and looked at him asking, “What’s going on Simon?”

The dread in her heart was real. He wasn’t acting his normal self at all. When he sighed and looked at her and told her he needed to be honest with her and tell her a few things her heart went cold. It was all she could do to stay upright. “This is it. He really is leaving me.” Her mind screamed. It took every ounce of self-control to stand there and listen to him.

Simon looked at her and told her that he had had an epiphany. Klara closed her eyes trying not to panic. As he continued sharing with her that he needed to do something because it wasn’t fair to her and then just stared her for the longest time.

Klara was fighting hard to not cry and stay in control. If he was breaking up with her then so be it. She wasn’t going to fight for him anymore. She had already had to fight Emily and Crissy for him and she was done. If he wanted to walk away from the best thing that had ever happened to him then she would let him do it and do it with dignity. She worked at keeping her face blank so he wouldn’t see what he was doing to her.

Simon simply stood there quietly looking at her. Just when Klara thought she would scream he dropped to one knee. She stared at him wondering what on earth he was doing and was ready to comment that it wasn’t funny when he began to speak.

The couple had long ago started referring to one another as husband and wife. Simon would often call her Mrs. Ward and she would refer to herself as his wife and he her husband. As he began to speak he talked of their habit of calling each other those things. They both already felt that it was true but he felt it wasn’t fair to her to be doing it if it were not true.

Klara listened to him, her brow furrowing wondering what he was getting at when he pulled a ring from his pocket, took her hand and asked her to marry him. As the words left his mouth Klara just looked at him dumbly, unable to comprehend what he had just asked. “Surely I heard that wrong.” She told herself. As she looked at the ring the tears began to flow down her cheeks. “Simon are you sure? If you’re sure then my answer is yes.”

Simon stood up and looked at her with a hint of a smile and told her they were going to try it again. Once again he went to his knee and told her he wanted to marry her, that he didn’t want an out and asked her once again. Klara blushed knowing he hadn’t expected to be doubted and this time gave him a definite answer.

Klara wiped at the tears laughing answering, “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, lord yes I can’t say it enough! I would honored to be your wife.”
Then a very odd thing happened. Simon grabbed her phone and his phone. She stood there in disbelief, she had just gotten that phone. She tried reaching for it, her words stuck in her throat as he threw them both over the cliff.

Simon explained he wanted to ask Wolfgang for her hand and do it proper and didn’t want her calling him. His second reason was even better in Klara’s eyes. He wanted the weekend alone with her. No interruptions from family or friends, just the two of them spending time with one another.

He slide the ring onto her finger and it fit perfectly. No matter what anyone thought about Simon he always knew it was the little things that endeared him to her. It showed Klara how much he loved her and wanted her by taking the time to know her ring size and having the ring pre-sized so she wouldn’t have to be without it. “I love you Simon” she told him as he leaned in to kiss her. His kiss more passionate and loving than any he had given her yet. Her eyes misted once again as he told her he loved her.

Walking to the edge, looking down at the light of St. James Cathedral across the river Klara looked down at the ring on her finger smiling. She could still see the two of them standing at the edge entwined in one another’s arms. Kissing one another, sharing their love for the other. This spot would forever always be their special spot. In her mind there was not a more beautiful spot in all of Harper Rock.

(End Memory 8)