Note from Author.
**WARNING**
This story is a work of fiction and does CONTAIN ADULT & VIOLENT SITUATIONS. Some of the characters USE COARSE LANGUAGE. Please be aware of that before you read this story.
Due to the very generous nature of a couple of special people, my latest endeavor has been edited. As I said I'm not a professional, I like to do this for fun.
So I would like to thank Mr. Mike Regan, Mr. Evan Mayerle, and Mr. David White for taking their time to help me make this a better story.
Special thanks to Mr. David White for the idea of the Swallow and her ordeal after the boat. Thanks Dave your input is always welcome. J
Thanks guys.
*Author's note: Tabitha in Eric's timeline is about 3 and Sabrina is 22 in this time line and story Tabitha is 6 and Sabrina is 25. *
****Disclaimer****
All characters that appear in this story that have appeared or have been mentioned in "Sabrina On Line the comic strip" by Eric Schwartz are the copyright of E.S. Productions & Eric Schwartz and are used with his permission.
The characters Chris Foxx and Dexter are the copyright of Chris Yost and are used with his permission.
Character Thomas Woolfe is the copyright of Michael Higgs.
Character Lee Evans copyright of Mr. Evan Mayerle.
The characters Max The Black Rabbit & Zig Zag are the copyright of Malcolm Earle and are used with his permission.
Other characters mentioned in this work of fiction are the creations, ideas and situations of the writer.
This story is based on Copyrighted characters and situations created by Mr. Eric Schwartz, Chris Yost and Malcolm Earle but is not intended to represent or be a part of the Sabrina On Line Universe Created and drawn by E.W.S. Or the Sabrina Online Story written by Chris Yost and Sabrina At Algonquin. Written and drawn by Malcolm Earle A.K.A Max The Black Rabbit.
Chapter 9: Reunion.
Sid and Nancy were horrified as they burst through the door and into the store. "Heather!" they both screamed. Heather lie on her side in a very awkward position, unconscious and breathing erratically, something was horribly wrong with her.
"Nancy, call 911; tell them they have a taur patient!" She ran to the phone and dialed with a shaky paw all the while watching her husband trying to make Heather more comfortable. She got through to an operator and began telling her what they had found. They tried their best to give her the answers to her questions. The female operator told them to cover her if possible. "Keep her warm at all costs," she said, "The ambulance will soon be on it's way." Sid ran outside and snatched the blanket and pillow he kept in the car. Nancy listened to the operator and kept her updated. Heather's eyes twitched and her salivating tongue moved back and forth in an uncontrollable fashion. Her body shook violently as it went into spasms, losing all control of her bodily functions. As they waited Heather's condition didn't improve and it had them both very frightened.
Both Sid and Nancy felt as if time had slowed to a stand still as they waited helplessly for the ambulance to arrive. They stroked and talked softly to Heather. Hoping to make things all better, although they knew it wouldn't. Heather didn't seem to be acknowledging their presence, which frightened them even more. They remembered all those times as a little girl when she had fallen. She was so strong willed and worked so hard, most of the time until she was totally exhausted. Now they feared they could lose her. Finally in the distance they heard the sirens wail and looked at each other in somewhat relief. There was now a chance for Heather as they held paws and prayed.
Britain Present Day.
Getting the Plane ticket wasn't a problem, getting a seat; well that took a bit more doing. Ti had to fight with the ticket agent to allow her to take up two seats and only pay for one. She was finally satisfied with what they offered and she took her seat on the plane. She had tried to call ZZ studios one more time but this Sabrina wasn't available to take calls. This annoyed her; talking to her would have calmed her nerves. Flying was such a hassle for someone her size and it didn't help her already frazzled nerves. Now she was just an emotional wreck. She was also glad that she had the foresight to get her passport a couple of years before, getting it at a moments notice would have been almost impossible. The couple of drinks she consumed while sitting and waiting before the flight helped calm her a bit. As she sat, she noticed that the couple in the adjacent seats kept on peering at her and she eventually became perturbed.
"Excuse me, but I don't mean to be rude but would you please stop staring at me. I know I'm different from you but it is impolite to stare. I'm nervous enough about flying, you are not helping." The couple sheepishly took her advice and kept their eyes off her. Ti sighed and tried to get some rest, it was going to be a long flight. She had called a Limousine service and asked if they had something that might be a little more comfortable for her. She explained her situation and they were very helpful. Seemed they had a couple of special ones made for basketball players with a higher roofline and larger doors. That would help at least on one front. It would be late when she would get in, so finding Swallow would have to wait one more day, she sighed.
She looked out the window and watched the clouds go by. She had prayed over the years that Swallow had somehow survived, although she had doubted it so. Her condition had been so bad that she had barely survived. Swallow was so much more fragile that deep in her mind she had expected the worst. However, all that had now changed by her face on the Internet. It didn't matter that her name was supposedly Sabrina. It could have easily been made up. There was no one like her in the world, they were twins and nothing could change that. Emotions stirred within her and she thought about that day again. She hadn't thought about that place in time in quite awhile and she wished that she could forget. Time did not always heal all wounds and this one ran deep. It would be one of the many things that she would discuss with her life long friend and sister. The one thing that worried her was the fact that Swallow might not remember her at all. Leaving her just as alone as if she had really perished.
In some small way she wished that she had not seen Swallows picture, it was all a confusing mess and she felt every agonizing minute of it. She looked at her watch and saw it was time to take another tranquilizer. She buzzed for the stewardess and waited for her to arrive. Richard had insisted that she see a doctor for she bounced off the walls that entire day. He feared that his fiancé would have a heart attack. It had been a good suggestion; the pills had a good effect on her. The female fox stewardess inquired to what Ti wanted and then gladly went to get her a beverage.
With all the worrying and getting ready, she had began to wear down. The pills just hastened this and soon she drifted off to sleep; it was going to be a long flight. A gentle nudge pried her from her slumber as the lovely young stewardess informed her they were about to land. She thanked her and readied herself, as she found landing was the worst part. As they touched down she let out a big sigh, she now was one step closer. U.S. Customs checked her bag and the young gentleman could hardly take his eyes off her. Ti always thought it was an interesting reaction from a male. After being released from customs she looked for the baggage claim, she also saw a small black male bear holding a sign that read "Ti Kent". Ah.... the limo she thought, she approached him and she saw him gulp.
"Hello, I'm Ti Kent." She said, although it was a tired hello.
"Good evening, Miss Kent." He said in a friendly voice. "I'm Trevor, your driver for this evening. "
"Nice to meet you Trevor. " She shook his paw.
He smiled, "I hope your flight was a pleasant one. "
"Good, I slept right through it. I'm not much for flying."
"I understand; I like to keep two feet on the ground myself. "
"It's a good plan. Do you know which way is baggage claim?"
"May I see your ticket?" She found it and gave it to Trevor. He studied it, and figured out where her luggage should be. "If you will follow me, Miss Kent, we'll go and locate your luggage. " They picked up a cart and after awhile they located Ti's bags.
"First time to the U.S., Miss Kent?"
It was an honest question, "No my third. " Her past business trips had brought her to American soil several times before. Each time was a different experience. She reset her watch to the local time and felt the weight of time on her shoulders she was 6 hours ahead of everyone else and now she felt it. They found the luggage, no worse for wear, and carefully took it back to the waiting car.
True to the company's word, the roofline of the car was substantially higher than the main car. It made the car look funny but it was very comfortable. Ti always found it weird to see the cars on the wrong side of the road but that was true the other way as well. She was impressed with Trevor's driving skills; he seemed very adept at it.
As they pulled into the hotel, several of the staff got out to meet her.
"I hope your stay is a pleasant one, Miss Kent." Trevor said with a smile.
"I'm hoping, Trevor; I'm hoping. " She got out her wallet and Trevor noticed what she was doing.
"No need Miss Kent." He waved her off, "It's all covered in the cost. "
"Are you sure? I don't want you done out of your tip. You're a wonderful driver."
"Tell that to the Missus!" He laughed. "It's fine Miss Kent; maybe we'll see each other again."
"I hope so; take care and thanks for a pleasant ride."
"Our pleasure."
Ti waved goodbye and entered the hotel followed by the bellhop. She approached the desk and a cheetah met her. He was old, she could see by the expanding gray fur over his face, but still had a pleasant smile for her.
"Yes, Miss, how can I help you?"
"Reservation for a Miss Kent."
"Ah...Miss Kent, we've been expecting you. You are in room 406; there is also a message here for you. " He checked her in and gave her keys and the message.
"Thank you." She followed the man with her luggage and opened her note as she walked; it was from Richard, Federal Express. That sly Raccoon, she thought, she began to read, "Hope your flight was good, love; miss you already. Tell me all that happens and come back to me soon, love Richard." She sniffed the note, caught his faint scent, closed her eyes, and pictured his face easily. The note was so thoughtful; there was no doubt that he was the one for her. It filled her whole tired body with joy and love knowing that even though he was so far away he cared.
The hotel was well prepared for her arrival and had given her a room with a king size bed. Plus, she noted, the extra towels and bedding. She was tired and the difference in the time had thrown her biological clock all off. It was time to crash and she would see if she could get something done tomorrow. She hit the shower and afterwards collapsed on the bed. It wasn't long before she was asleep and dreaming of her reunion with her sister.
Canada 1am
The phone rang again at Sabrina's apartment and she hastily grabbed for the phone. It had almost been an hour since she last heard anything and she knew that Heather's parents didn't live that far from the store.
"Hello?" She said with apprehension in her voice.
"Hello Sabrina, this is Sid."
"Hello Mr. White." Sabrina knew in an instant that something wasn't right, he sounded funny. "Has something happened?"
"Sabrina…" He paused. "Heather's collapsed."
Sabrina covered her mouth. "Oh no!"
"Nancy just left with her in the ambulance, they are taking her to Mercy General. She wanted me to call."
"Oh Mr. White, I'm so sorry." Her paw was shaking now.
"I know, I'll call you when I hear more, I have to go."
"Ok Mr. White, my prayers are with you."
"Thank you, I'm praying too, goodbye Sabrina."
The phone went dead and Sabrina pushed her speed dial for a cab. She was going to the hospital to see her sister. She then placed a call to her Mother; she had to know what was going on.
The phone rang and awakened a very tired Margrette Johnston out of a very lovely sleep. She looked hazily at the annoying ringing thing. This had better be important, she thought, or there is going to be one very surprised telemarketer. The clock showed 1 am; which didn't help things. She picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Mom!" She said loudly into the phone, which got Margrette's immediate attention.
"Sabrina, honey!!!" She said as she quickly sat upright.
"Heather has collapsed and they've taken her to Mercy Hospital."
This wasn't good. "Oh no. What happened?"
"I don't know but I'm heading to the hospital to be with Mr. and Mrs. White. I just thought you should know."
"Wait!! I'll come and get you, we can both go." Margrette said as she maneuvered herself out of bed becoming more awake every minute.
"Already got a cab coming."
"Ok, I'll meet you there, then."
"Ok, love you, Mom."
"Love you too, sweetheart." The phone went dead and Margrette quickly put down the phone. Her clothes were spread out all over the place, so finding them wasn't easy. All the commotion aroused her companion.
"What's going on?" Said Kathren in a groggy voice.
"Heather's in the hospital, Sabrina just called, I'm heading out."
Kathren's massive form began to rise, "Not without me, lover." She was now up too searching for something to put on.
"Oh God I hope Heather's going to be ok." There was obvious concern in her voice.
"She will be; she's a strong one." Kathren had taken a shine to the taur; she was spunky. Heather had reminded her a lot of Sabrina; physically she looked the same but in many ways different. The day she came to swim, sheesh, was that a day to remember. Now hearing that something bad had happened to her was an extreme shock. She couldn't show she was worried; she had to be strong for Margrette. They both dressed and hurried out of the house as quickly as they could.
Sid parked the car and headed towards the hospitals emergency admissions area. He found his wife giving the administrator information. The female equine took it all down and told them to take a seat in the waiting room. A doctor would be around shortly to talk with them. Sid looked at his wife and saw the panic in her eyes.
"It's going to be alright, Nance."
"She's not good, Sid."
"I know, but she's strong; you know that." He said trying to reassure her.
"I know." She held him close and cried on his shoulder. They understood it was going to be a long night. Looming over their heads was the fact that they could also be leaving this place without their child.
As they sat waiting and watching the clock, Sabrina came and sat with them to their surprise.
"Hi." Sabrina said softly with great concern in her voice.
"Sabrina, what are you doing here?" Nancy said in surprise. "You didn't have to come, it's so late."
"I had to Mrs. White, Heather's my sister and well……she promised me that she would leave after I did. I sorta feel responsible."
"Oh, Sabrina……" Sid spoke, "It's not your fault, it's not anyone's fault."
"No, Sabrina, don't blame yourself, it's as Sid said; no one is at fault."
Sabrina nodded, "I phoned Mom and she'll be here soon."
"Oh Sabrina…" Nancy reached over and gave Sabrina a hug, "Thanks for coming."
"Anytime, Mrs. White." It was an emotional time. "Any word?" Sabrina said as they parted.
"Nothing." Sid said.
"What happened?" Sabrina asked and Sid explained what they had found at the store. It was hard for them to talk about it but Sabrina being there helped.
It wasn't long after that when Margrette and Kathren arrived and helped console Sid and Nancy. They all sat and waited for some news. An hour went by; then two; all without a word. Then finally a doctor came out to the waiting room. He was a pure white Siberian tiger and he didn't have a pleasant look on his face, it was more like deep concern.
"Mr. and Mrs. White?" He inquired.
"That's us!" Sid and Nancy said as they stood up to meet the doctor. "What's happened to Heather?" Said the Whites almost together; in fact they almost leapt on him.
"It might be best if we spoke in private, Mr. and Mrs. White." The Doctor continued, noting the others behind them.
"They are family, now about Heather?" Nancy said anxiously.
He took a deep breath then spoke, "Your daughter has had a stroke." He said with grave concern.
Everyone was shocked, "A stroke! That can't be!" Nancy exclaimed.
"She's too young." Sid said, shaking his head not believing what he had just heard.
"That's normally true Mr. White, strokes usually don't effect the young, but she's a taur and taurs are prone to them in later life. We have Heather resting comfortably now and I apologize for not seeing you sooner. We ran into a slight complication." Sid and Nancy's faces went pale. "It's ok, we had to insert a breathing tube, for a taur it's a little more complicated. We had to go in through the torso, you'll see a hose coming from there when you see her. That's what it's for, her breathing was too erratic to leave be."
Sid and Nancy were now trembling with fear; this wasn't good news. "Is she alright now? Can we see her?" Said Nancy.
"She is breathing normally Mrs. White, which is good. You got her here just in time for us to administer some really new drugs on the market now for strokes. It improves her chances greatly of not having a recurring one. Technology in clot-busting drugs has come a long way." He put on a reassuring smile. "Of course, right this way." The doctor proceeded to Heather's room, with everyone following close behind.