Crissa's Mate

Chapter Forty-Two

She heard Trisha behind her talking softly to her boyfriend in San Diego, and just before going into the bathroom—presumably to take a shower and prepare for bed. Crissa began to feel helpless, wondering how David would be, all alone there in the woods, hopefully sheltered in the cabin. She knew her own telephone would be useless to her now with him, and she would have to accept that the one she loved was temporarily removed from any human activity. That she would have to expect his own behavior to be what she had studied wolves to be like, but hopefully not in every way.

She went to bed that night trying desperately to relax and not think of David in his wolf state. She did not fall into a sleep until an hour or so before her alarm went off, signaling her to prepare for classes and yet another busy day.

* * *

Following only two classes that morning, an exhausted Crissa could no longer endure the stress of worrying and took the bus once more into the heart of the city. Once there, she called a good friend of hers who had elected to not attend college that year but took a gap year instead to work. She knew Diane was now doing an internship with a real estate agency, but was also certain their friendship was strong enough to permit Crissa the plan she had to check on David. After hailing a taxi at 11:00 AM, she called her friend's number on her cell phone.

"Hello . . . Diane?"

"Crissa?  Is that you?

"Yeah. It's me, listen . . ."

"Are you alright?  I heard you went to Germany . . . but you never called  me . . ."

"I know, Diane. Things got really intense since I've come back and . . ."

"You've started school over at UBC, right?"

"Yeah. As planned. But so much else is happening right now. You can't believe." 

"You sure you're OK, Criisy?  Is there something I can . . ."

"Yes, actually Diane. There is. Don't ask me why, but I need to borrow your car for a little while today."

"My car?  Well, OK. Is it something . . ."

"Yeah. Kind of serious. Are you at work, or home?"

"Well, I'm here at the office. On Dawson Avenue. I won't get home until around . . ."

"So, can I stop over by taxi and borrow the car? I won't be long with it."

"Well . . . sure, Crissa,  if it's . . ."

"An emergency? Yes. Iit kind of is. But your car can really help me, Diane."

"Will you be here in a few minutes?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Look, I'm going out in a minute or so in the company car. With a client to show some apartments. I'll leave the keys to mine under the seat, OK? It's parked around the back. The white Honda Accord."

"Yes, I remember it."

"I'm at 107 Dawson Ave. Ground floor. But I want to see you today!"

"I'll stop in with the keys. We can talk then. I promise."

"OK, Crissy. Later then!"

* * *

Driving up the mountain into the northern suburbs, Crissa passed by her parents' house, hoping her mother or father would not be in the yard to possibly see her. She drove further on into the hills and came to the dirt road that would lead her to the cabin. After twenty minutes of travel, Crissa parked the car in the cabin driveway and began to walk slowly and nervously toward the small, isolated dwelling. Before she even reached it, she saw the front door was wide open.

"David?"  she called out. "David . . . are you inside?"

There was no sound or movement. Inside or out.

She walked to the open door and stopped, not knowing what she might find if she went in. As she passed through to the entry way, she could feel her heart beating hard and fast. As he looked around the room she saw some of the food which David had brought for himself that day before. It was spread out messily onto the floor. There was also a large salad bowl which he had obviously filled with water and placed near the food for ease of drinking.

Walking quietly into the bedroom, Crissa could see the blankets David had folded and place onto the wooden floor. But they did not appear slept upon. Perhaps, she thought, he had not even slept inside, instead staying out all night in the wilds.

While standing, still facing the empty beds, and the wool blankets below themr, Crissa suddenly felt the sensation she was not alone in the room. Turning slowly, her breathing stopped immediately as she saw sitting on the floor , and framed in the doorway, a large wolf quietly staring at her. Its eyes were gray blue and its fur was thick, gray and full—a coat that covered a robust body. The perfect specimen of a male canis lupis.

She tried to stay calm, slowly beginning to breathe again, the looked into the animal's intelligent eyes,. It was obvious, by the animal lowering its head non-threateningly, that it was truly David. As she slowly and silently put out her hand, the beautiful creature moved forward imperceptibly like nature itself,. It came near her and sat down. As she bravely kept her hand out and stopped her breathing once again, the wolf was now close enough to slide its furry head affectionately under her out-held palm. Crissa stroked its head slowly and stooped down on to the floor to sit.

David, in his wolf form, moved closer still, and leaned his warm fur-covered body up against Crissa's side for her to pet his neck and ears. She was then convinced it was the man she loved—now in an incarnation she had accepted, and would love just as much.

* * *