Blood and Silver: First Bite

Static Woman

Abigail finished her pancakes and shifted on the kitchen stool she sat on, ready to stand up, although she had no idea where she would go next.

‘Wait!’ Said Jack, quickly appearing beside her and helping her to steady herself.. ‘I still need to bandage up that ankle, I don’t want you doing more damage to it!’

She smiled and turned her body on the chair. She had forgotten about her ankle, as it wasn’t throbbing like it had been when she tried to get out of bed. She gently put her toes on the floor and gradually put weight on her foot.

‘It really feels much better!’ She said. ‘I think the hot water must’ve soothed it. Really, it barely even hurts now, it’s just a slight twinge.’

Jackson crouched down next to her chair and took a look at her ankle.

‘You’re right, it doesn’t look quite so swollen. You probably slept with it in a strange position which made it feel worse earlier. Fast healer!’ He winked.

‘I’m still going to wrap it up, after a twist it’s not going to be as stable as usual. You might find that it starts hurting again later, and you don’t want to accidentally do something that leaves you with a very unsexy limp.’ He chuckled, making her blush.

He walked over to a large cupboard, and pulled out a first aid kit. He crouched down again, taking her foot in his hands. There was a small shock as he touched her, and he immediately jumped back.

‘Ouch!’ He said jokingly, putting his hands up in mock surrender. ‘I mean you no harm, Static Woman!’

Abigail blushed and giggled.

‘Sorry!’ She said. ‘That’s never happened before!’

Jackson smiled flirtatiously. He bandaged her foot and ankle, and the flutters came back with a vengeance as he ran his hand up her calf, ensuring that she could move alright. This time though, they affected more than just her belly.

‘Right, no heels for at least 2 weeks!’ He said in an authoritative tone.

Abigail smirked and stuck out her tongue at him.

Jack mockingly clutched at his chest ‘such cheekiness, after all I’ve done for you!’ He laughed.

Abigail stifled a laugh. She felt so comfortable with Jack, as if she’d known him for years. The only time she didn’t was when he flashed her a grin or touched her, which brought waves of nervousness and excitement. She couldn’t believe that this ridiculously handsome man was flirting with her, and making her feel like the sexiest woman alive. The shy little girl with no friends still lived inside her, and she couldn’t help but feel cautious, like this was some kind of joke or that Hannah had hired an actor to try and build up her self esteem.

‘By the way,’ she suddenly said, stopping to think and trying to knock the negative thoughts out of her head, ‘the dressing on my shoulder came off after my shower…’

Before she could finish her sentence, Jack unzipped his first aid kit again.

‘Oh yeah, let me put a fresh dressing on, I’ll get you a blanket to cover yourself.’ He said. Abigail felt a rush of warmth and appreciation that he had boundaries, and respected her rights to dignity.

‘The thing is,’ Abigail continued, ‘I don’t think it needs a dressing. I don’t know why you put such a huge one on it to start with, a bit overkill don’t you think?’

Jack have a confused look to Abigail. When he’d dressed her shoulder last night, there were deep puncture wounds, and a lot of bruising and blood. He’d been worried that she might need stitches, and had considered taking her to the hospital. He’d avoided this for his own reasons, but had hoped that his decision wouldn’t threaten this beautiful girl he had found in the woods.

‘I think the mirror was still steamed up when you saw it, let me take a look.’ He said, thinking she must be mistaken and handing her a blanket from the couch so that she could cover herself up.

She unbuttoned her shirt, and Jack had to force himself to look away. He turned around, and saw her reflection in his over door. He thought it best, and most respectful, to close his eyes until she gave him permission to turn around.

‘Okay you can look now!’ Abigail cooed.

Jackson turned around, Abigail with her shoulder exposed holding a blanket over her chest. He took a look, and was shocked at what he saw. The holes in her shoulder weren’t fully healed, but the looked like they’d done a few weeks with of healing and we’re just slightly pink with some fine scabs. Something about this clearly made him uneasy, and Abigail noticed this, even though he was making his best effort to remain stoic.

‘It must’ve looked worse when it was all dirty.’ He said, searching for something to say. He paused, a million things running through his head. Abigail could practically see the cogs turning, but had no idea why.

‘Do me a favour and don’t tell anyone about your shoulder, okay?’ He asked.

Abigail could see the pleading in his eyes. Her head told her that something wasn’t right, but her heart told her to trust him and honour his wishes.

‘Please Abigail, this could cause trouble for me. I can’t tell you why until I’m sure, but please can we keep this between us?’

Abigail resisted the urge to ask questions. She could see that this was important to him, and she felt that she owed him at least as much as do as he requested. After all, he’d saved her life and patched her up, and one little secret seemed like a more than reasonable exchange for her life.

She stuck out her pinky finger.

‘I won’t say a word, pinky promise!’ She said.

Jackson chuckled and wrapped his pinky around hers. Another small shock occurred as they touched but this time he just shook his head and muttered ‘Static Woman.’