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The first thing Henry Jekyll became
aware of, his fleeting consciousness returning to him, was the faint smell
of perfume . . . Emma's scent
that he had cherished since the day he met her. The second thing he
acknowledged was the pain, a searing agony that enflamed his chest, a warning
from Hyde. He wanted to open his eyes, to see the beautiful face that
was attached to the gentle hand stroking his forehead, but he couldn't
find the
strength or the will to face her like this.
"That's right, Henry . . . sleep,
you're very tired." He heard Hyde's voice whisper from inside him,
and despite the hatred that surged
through him at the mere sound, it was almost lulling as well . . .
tempting him to relax, let go of the pain . . .
"I love you, Henry . . . how beautiful you look, like a sleeping angel."
He heard Emma whisper, catching himself on the brink of
unconsciousness, unbelieving that he had almost retired without seeing
Emma, his wife, his reason for living. He took a deep breath, his eyelids
slowly fluttering open, and dared himself to be strong . . . at least
while he was in her divine presence.
"Emma, darling . . . " He whispered,
the words traveled on his exhaled breath, faintly drifting to her ears.
She grinned uncontrollably, her
beautiful features slowly coming into focus, her hand still gently
caressing him . . .
"Oh, sweetheart!" She sobbed, the
instant his eyes met hers. "My love, my angel . . . I'm so sorry, Henry
. . . I'm so terribly sorry!" She
gasped, leaning down to press her lips against his forehead carefully,
her hand shaking when he fumbled weakly and finally found it, squeezing
gently. He shook his head, wishing so much he could sit up, hold her
. . . wanting more then anything to dispel her guilt. But he could not;
he could
hardly find the strength to keep his eyes open, and so slowly and carefully
he raised a trembling had to her lips, silencing her gently . . .
"Don't do this . . . " He said softly, yet so much stronger then he sounded before.
"How could I . . . I nearly killed you . . . "
"It wasn't me at all, Emma . .
. it was him . . ." He said, clearing his throat painfully. He smiled up
at her with imploring eyes, desperate to
change the topic of discussion, not knowing how long he could hold
on to consciousness. "Might I have a glass of water, Emma?" He asked softly,
trying his best to prop himself up on one elbow. She grinned through
her tears and went to the dresser quickly, pouring some cool liquid from
a
pitcher. Before she could make it as far as the bedpost Henry began
to feel Hyde tugging at his soul, the familiar feeling of the pain of a
transformation
welling up in his gut. Not this time, I'm afraid . . . you will
never see her, never touch her again, Hyde!
He closed his eyes, biting back a groan, and soon Emma was holding the
glass to his lips gently, her free hand supporting the back of his
head, like and infant. "Thank you." He said softly, and slowly he began
to drink, letting the sweet, cold water caress his parched throat. He took
small, careful sips, and when he was done Emma smiled again, and gently
lowered him to the pillow.
The pain intensified greatly, for
a brief, eternal moment, and Jekyll instinctively tightened his grip on
Emma's delicate hand. His face clenched
in pain, and a small moan fought its way through his lips. Damn
you, Hyde! You will NOT break through . . . you will not harm her! In
a moment it
passed, and he let his hand fall from Emma's quickly, seeing the look
of terror and pain on her face. "Forgive me . . . I just . . . I didn't
mean to hurt
you . . . " He panted, gasping for air, watching Emma as she massaged
her sore hand, eyes never leaving him.
"You didn't, I'm fine . .
. " She said lightly, smoothing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
Then gently and tenderly she leaned forward
and placed a slow, tender kiss on his lips, soothing him more then
a thousand drugs. "I love you so much, Henry . . . my husband. In light
of events
the congregation overlooked the official vows, despite our horrible
. . . ordeal . . . we are very much man and wife." She said, her radiant
eyes
sparkling like precious jewels, her lips curled sweetly into a loving
smile. Henry closed his eyes and smiled back, taking her slightly sore
hand in his
once again.
"You look so beautiful, Emma .
. . when I awoke I was certain I had died and was being visited by an ethereal
being." He whispered, keeping
his words soft and controlled, dreading Hyde's next attempt at taking
over.
"Oh darling . . . you always were a hopeless romantic, Henry Jekyll." She giggled, kissing his cheek again quickly.
"Come now, Emma-" He paused, feeling a brief glint of fire in his belly.
"Darling? Are you alright?" She asked, her eyes welling immediately with tears as her face hovered over him with concern.
"Fine, darling . . . just . . . just tired." He managed to get out, his fear almost paralyzing.
"What were you going to say, Henry?" She asked gently, gazing at him questioningly.
"What was I . . . Oh, yes! I was
going to say that a husband and ... his ... wife ... " His words trailed
off as the pain came again, startling him with
it's intensity. Until know he had been certain he was in control, but
the agony Hyde had dealt him was blinding.
"Henry? Henry, say something, please!
HENRY?!" Emma screamed, seeing the shudders that over took his entire body,
like an epileptic fit.
He fought to remain silent; knowing that a wail of pain would send
Emma into hysterics more then anything else, but with a final invisible
blow, the
sound of anguish burst forth from his lungs with such force it shook
the room. "Oh my darling? What is happening?!?" Emma cried, clutching his
hand as he shook.
"Emma . . . I'm . . . " He bleated, trying desperately to comfort her. " . . . Helena . . . please . . . "
He moaned, and Emma nodded, knowing she should get the doctor, but completely unable to move from his side.
"What is it? What hurts, my love?"
She asked, and he could not answer, trying desperately with every ounce
of strength to keep him away
from his precious wife.
"Oh GOD!" He screamed, and with a violent shudder the attack ended.
"Henry? Please . . . Henry?" Emma
said, her voice teary and hushed in the sudden silence of the room. His
eyes opened slowly, but
immediately focused on her with an incredible strength and intensity,
his voice sounding raspy, but strong . . .
"Emma . . . have I ever told you
how beautiful your eyes are?"