Almost midnight and I’m about to cozy up in bed after a warm bath. The late night movie has rave reviews, I have my bowl of buttered popcorn and the lights are turned low. The first scene opens with the female lead running away from a pursuer. The full moon silhouettes a savage werewolf closing up behind her. She opens her mouth to scream… and my phone starts to ring.

It’s midnight, on a Saturday. Who could it be?

It’s Birdie. What does she want this late? I answer the phone.

“Hey. Amber…?”

“ Paris.” Amber sounds distraught. “Oh thank god, you’re safe.”

A chill grips me. “What? What’s happening, Amber?”

“It’s Derek and Mason…” She almost sobs. “…they’ve… been assaulted.”

“What?” My heart starts hammering hard.

“We thought you were with them…” Amber goes on. “Where are you, Paris.”

“I’m at home. In my bed.” I manage a whisper.” But where… who… where is Derek?

“He’s at Mercy Hospital. Debbie’s there… with Gareth.”

Oh my god. Derek’s in the hospital. I feel my blood congeal.

“H-how… is he?” I hold back a sob. “How is Derek?”

“He’s in Intensive Care.” Amber says with a sniff. “Debbie’s calling me in a few minutes to update…”

FUCK! 

“I’m on my way…” I almost yell into the phone. “I… I’ve… I mean…”

“Okay, Paris.” Amber says. “Be careful… call me when you get there…”

“Okay, Amber…” I hang up and dial for a cab. 

Oh! Fuck! What have I done? What the fuck have I done?

Why Franco? Why the hell did he have to go after Derek? I told him to…

Unless of course Derek was there with Mason at the time. 

I should have anticipated that. 

Ah, my cab is here.

“Mercy Hospital on Central.”  I tell the cab driver. “And please… step on it. It’s a matter of life and death.”

The man nods and accelerates up to the speed limit. I can feel my hands shaking.

If anything happens to Derek, I won’t forgive myself.

I can’t believe this shit is happening… why did it have to come to this? 

Damn you, Franco. 

No! Damn Mason. Damn that smug bastard to hell.

The Hospital comes into view. The cab pulls into the entrance driveway. My hands are visibly shaking now.

Oh, Derek. Oh, no. I can’t… I won’t forgive myself. Why? Why did it have to be like this?

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PASSION OF PARIS

Copyright 2022 Uda Dures

Cover Art  -  Carlton Isaac