Here he paused thinking if he should really tell her everything, but Charles decided he had nothing to lose. So he took in a calming breath and then related this story to Melissa. "I had been invited to stay at the family's horse ranch, north of the city. I enjoyed my time there as there is much to do on the ranch. I found the two sister's wonderful company and their brother was very rich and powerful and thankful I had saved his sister. The entire family had an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards me, and they took me in and made me one of their own. Their mother treated me as if I were her son and I came to love them, as a stray puppy loves it's new master. So I stayed with them their on the ranch in luxury and style, as the two lovely sisters would take me out shopping with, they loved to dress me in expensive clothing and bought me presents and showed me great affection."
Charles paused recalling happier times, then he picked up the thread of his story once more as Melissa listened waiting to hear the twist in his tale, when things turned dark. "I did inform them as to my misfortune, back home, in the States and they promised to protect me, giving me a new identity and then I became Charles." he waited for her to ask him what his real name was, but she did not as Mellisa knew it is not what a man is called that matters, but rather, his actions alone should define him. "I went on in this way for well over a year and had at times attended to the family when someone was ill with the flu, or fell from a horse etc... So in this way I felt I could still be of service, and this was really the only work that was required of me. Until.., one summer their arose a problem. I was informed that I, in a show of loyalty, would have to get rid of this individual. I was instructed to inject this person with suyxonal-choline, so, I did as I was told only because, if I did not, their brother would turn me over to Interpol. And so I was tricked into doing his bidding, all because I told him the truth about the crimes I was wanted for. So I acted out of fear." he sighed feeling suddenly very weary and light headed.
"And now?" Melissa asked quietly and calmly.
"And now.., I can't sleep at night, I'm haunted by the most realistic nightmares and, this time last month, I was trying to summon up the courage to swallow an entire bottle of pills, but I always fell asleep thinking of death. And I am afraid." Charles confessed expecting her to get up from the bed and show him the door, but she did not. Instead she moved from her position and Charles sat back where she was resting, the pillows still warm from the warmth of her body. Melissa lie next to him as she looked up in his eyes taking his hands in hers. She had a strange look of disgust and pity on her face, so much so, he did not know in that moment if she wanted to kiss him or kill him.
"Cha..," she stopped herself "Whomever you are. Why have you told me this? Is it merely to unburden your soul? Or are you seeking my help and advice?" she asked her eyes sharp and sparkling.
"Your advice would be the greatest help to me." he said with the utmost sincerity.
Charles paused recalling happier times, then he picked up the thread of his story once more as Melissa listened waiting to hear the twist in his tale, when things turned dark. "I did inform them as to my misfortune, back home, in the States and they promised to protect me, giving me a new identity and then I became Charles." he waited for her to ask him what his real name was, but she did not as Mellisa knew it is not what a man is called that matters, but rather, his actions alone should define him. "I went on in this way for well over a year and had at times attended to the family when someone was ill with the flu, or fell from a horse etc... So in this way I felt I could still be of service, and this was really the only work that was required of me. Until.., one summer their arose a problem. I was informed that I, in a show of loyalty, would have to get rid of this individual. I was instructed to inject this person with suyxonal-choline, so, I did as I was told only because, if I did not, their brother would turn me over to Interpol. And so I was tricked into doing his bidding, all because I told him the truth about the crimes I was wanted for. So I acted out of fear." he sighed feeling suddenly very weary and light headed.
"And now?" Melissa asked quietly and calmly.
"And now.., I can't sleep at night, I'm haunted by the most realistic nightmares and, this time last month, I was trying to summon up the courage to swallow an entire bottle of pills, but I always fell asleep thinking of death. And I am afraid." Charles confessed expecting her to get up from the bed and show him the door, but she did not. Instead she moved from her position and Charles sat back where she was resting, the pillows still warm from the warmth of her body. Melissa lie next to him as she looked up in his eyes taking his hands in hers. She had a strange look of disgust and pity on her face, so much so, he did not know in that moment if she wanted to kiss him or kill him.
"Cha..," she stopped herself "Whomever you are. Why have you told me this? Is it merely to unburden your soul? Or are you seeking my help and advice?" she asked her eyes sharp and sparkling.
"Your advice would be the greatest help to me." he said with the utmost sincerity.
