*********
Chapter 1
*********

Natalie arose to the smell of bacon and eggs frying down in the kitchen.  She smiled to herself as she thought of her wonderful husband of nearly 30 years.  She rose from her bed and crossed over to the bathroom...today would be special.

After dressing, Natalie descended the staircase.  She could hear murmuring coming from the kitchen.  She could hear the enthusiastic tones of her eldest daughter,  "Dad, what did you get Mom this year.  You know she would love that vacation to Bermuda you've been promising her for the past 10 years."  

Natalie heard the familiar stifled laugh, "Well, young lady.  You will just have to wait until tonight....like everybody else.  You're mother will love her present, but you will have to wait until the party."

Natalie smiled warmly to herself, then emerged into the kitchen.  "Good morning."

The young woman sitting at the table rose and crossed the room.  "Hi Mom.  Happy Birthday."  She wrapped her arms around Natalie and gave her a huge hug.

"Thanks Sweetie."  Natalie released her daughter and continued toward the stove.  He stared into her beautiful blue eyes.  "Hi Honey.  Your birthday breakfast is nearly ready.  Do you want some coffee today?  I know the Doctor told you to cut down, but I don't think he would object on your birthday."

Natalie kissed him tenderly on the lips,  "I believe I will.  What's the point of living to the ripe old age of 65 if I can't enjoy a cup of coffee now and again, huh?"  She laughed lightly and caressed his cheek.  

He kissed her fingertips lightly.  "Exactly.  You have a seat and I'll serve you today."

Natalie sat down at the table and soon heard the scampering of little feet.  "Granny!  Granny!"  Before she knew what had hit her, she had a small bundle bouncing up and down in her lap.  "Hi Pumpkin.  And what have you been up to lately?"

The bouncing toddler looked over at her mother, then to Nat.  "Not much.  Mom said we could to the store today and get a new stuffed cat for my room. "  She wrapped her arms around Natalie's neck and whispered into her ear, "But I'd rather have a *real* cat, Granny."

The child's mother gave an disapproving frown, but Natalie smiled warmly at the enthusiastic youth.  "Well, I'll talk with your mother.  Perhaps, maybe, you're almost old enough for your own kitty."

The child squealed with glee and squeezed Natalie with all the strength her young body could muster, "Oh!  Thanks Granny!"

Natalie looked over at her daughter.  She smiled and shrugged when she noticed her daughter standing with her hands on her hips giving a disapproving look.

"Okay!  Here we go. "  He sat the plate gently on the table in front of Nat trying to avoid the squirming mass in her arms.  "Okay Pumpkin, how about letting Granny eat her breakfast now, then we can go out later and you can help me finish picking out the decorations for her party tonight."

The child looked into Natalie's face, then cupped her chin in her small hands.  "I get to help Grandpa pick out your balloons.  You like red ones right?"

Natalie nodded her head in the affirmative as the child held her chin tightly, "Right."

She squealed once more then kissed Natalie on the cheek.  "I love you, Granny."

Natalie wrapped her arms around the young one and whispered tenderly back in her ear, "I love you too, Pumpkin."

Natalie's daughter walked towards the table, "All right, come on.  Let your Grandma eat her breakfast in peace."  She looked into her mother's tired eyes.  She knew her mother had not felt well lately, she was hoping the party would help to brighten her spirits.  "We'll be back tonight, Mom.  Dad, is there anything else you need me to bring?"

The man shrugged, then laughed.  "Well, you might make sure that wayward brother of yours gets here on time tonight.  For once I would like him to get here before we begin to say goodnight to the other guests."

She laughed.  "Okay Dad.  I'll drag him here with bells on if you like."  She looked again into her Mother's worn features.  "See yeah tonight Mom."  She leaned over and kissed Natalie on the cheek.  "Don't over do it, okay?  Remember what the Doctor said."

Natalie shook her head, "I'm fine.  But, I'll do what you say.  I wouldn't want anything to spoil the day."

***********
Chapter 2
***********

Natalie stood in her bedroom before the full length mirror.  She adjusted the belt on the dark blue dress, then grabbed for her brush.  As she began to comb her hair, she stopped halfway through a stroke and began to inspect the graying mass upon her head.  She pulled it gently over her shoulders letting the curls flow freely.  As she gazed into her reflection, she couldn't believe the face that stared back at her.  A face that was now tattered by time.  Her hair was turning gray very slowly, she could still make out part of the vibrant color that use to rage like a wild mane around her delicate features....but with the passage of time, she pulled at the laugh lines and crows feet.  She began to brush her hair again, but grabbed at her left shoulder.

Natalie's husband came from the bathroom and noticed his wife's pain.  He crossed the room quickly, "Nat are you okay?

She shook her hand and waved him off.  "I'm fine, quit fussing over me."  She could see the torn emotion in his face as she saw his reflection in the mirror.

 She didn't like a fuss.  Her condition was chronic, there was nothing more to do.  He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.  "You're beautiful....I love you just the way you are.  I wouldn't have you any other way."

Natalie smiled and patted at her husband's hand.  "I'll bet you say that to all the women."

He laughed and spoke softly into her ear, "Only one dear heart, only one."

**********

Natalie was enjoying herself at the party.  She couldn't believe it when Grace came into the room with her husband.  She walked over and hugged her tightly, "Oh Grace, it's been so long.  How are Trenton and the children?"

Grace sighed and held Natalie tight.  "God it's been a long time girl!  You look great!  I've missed you.  Trenton and Casey are fine.  Casey is expecting her first child this fall."

Natalie gasped, "A baby really!  Oh Grace, that's wonderful.  I know you've wanted grandchildren for so long.  See I told you if you quit nagging her, nature *would* take it's course."

Grace only shook her head, "You're right, she said the same thing.  You can't blame me for being anxious can you?"

As Natalie continued to talk to Grace, she noticed her daughter enter the front door.  A huge smile crept across her face when she saw her son enter behind her.  "Grace, will you excuse me. "

Natalie departed Grace's company and walked quickly over towards the door.  The young man was placing his coat upon the rack when he saw his mother approaching.  "Mom!  You look great!"  He wrapped his arms around Natalie and lifted her off the floor as he swung with her in his arms.  He laughed into her ear, "Happy Birthday Mom!"

Once Natalie's feet touched the ground again, she could barely control the laughter.  "My we are getting strong aren't we?"

She thought she saw the slight blush cross her son's cheeks. "Oh come on Mom.  You know I've been working out.  If I want to make Lieutenant on the force, I have to be in tip top shape for the test next week."

Natalie rubbed her hand against his shoulder, "I know honey.  I know.  I'm still not quit use to your being on the SWAT team though.  Just do me one favor?  Be careful?"

He sighed and took his mother's hand in his.  "I promise, Mom.  I'm always careful."

*********

After nearly 3 1/2 hours, the first of the guests began to leave.  After another hour, everyone had finally gone home.  He walked up from behind and held Natalie snugly in his arms.  "Did you enjoy your party?"

She smiled contentedly, then smirked, "Yes, but I didn't see my present."

He turned her lovingly in his arms and held her body close to his.  His hand went around his back and he brought it back triumphantly,  "Two tickets to Bermuda.  I believe this was the lady's request?"

Natalie shouted for joy, "You are too good to me.  How did I end up with such a loving husband?"

He shrugged his shoulder's and laughed back, "Just lucky I guess."

Just as he kissed her tenderly on the lips, they heard the doorbell ring.  He looked at his watch, then into her eyes.  "I believe this is for you."  

Natalie kissed him gently on the cheek.  "Okay."

She walked over to the door and opened it.  Standing there in front of her was a young delivery man.  He smiled kindly to her and asked,  "Are you Natalie?"

Natalie shook her head, "Yes, I'm Natalie."

The young man handed the box to her.  "I have a delivery for you.  Will you please sign here?"

Natalie took the box and scribbled her name upon the notebook.  Her husband came up beside her and handed the young man a generous tip.  A smile crept across his face, "Thank you very much.  Good night!"

Natalie playfully slapped at her husband's shoulder.  "You just gave him a $20 tip."

He looked into her eyes, "I know, but it's your birthday.  Everybody deserves to be happy today."

Natalie shook her hand and walked over to the table and placed the box down.  She tugged gently at the huge red ribbon and opened the box.  Inside she found 11 red long stem roses.  Her husband walked up beside her and placed his hand upon her shoulder.  "Want me to get the vase?"

She smiled and shook her head,  "Please?"

He kissed her on the forehead, "No problem."

*********

Natalie finished arranging the roses into the vase and stood back to admire her work.  Her husband walked up beside her and wrapped his arm around her waist.  "You've had a big day.  Will you be up to bed soon?"

Natalie nodded and cupped his cheek in her hands.  "In a few minutes.  I want to go to the greenhouse for a few minutes and look around.  My roses are in bloom and I want to admire them a bit."

He kissed her gently on the lips.  It was the same answer he received every year.  "Okay, I'll keep the bed warm for you.  Don't be long."

She sighed, "I won't"

************

She walked down the rows of blooming roses.  The aroma was heavenly as she breathed the scent deeply in.  Then, she felt a cool hand brush across her cheek, she turned and saw him holding a solitary long stemmed red rose.  "Hi Nick."

*********
Chapter 3
*********

***Flashback***

As Nick knelt over Natalie's body holding her hand.  He braced for the blow that was to come from LaCroix.  He raised Natalie's hand to his lips, "We'll be together my love."  As his lips brushed across the back of her hand, he felt it twitch.  Through his tear filled eyes, he looked down and he noticed her chest moving as she inhaled deeply.  Nick cried out, "Wait LaCroix...she still lives!"

LaCroix caught himself on the down swing and pulled the stake quickly away.  He peered over Nick's shoulder and noticed the signs of life coming from Natalie.  "She appears to have a very strong heart and will.  You may still be able to save her Nicholas, but you need to get her to the hospital immediately.  She will need blood."  

Nick looked at his Master, then to Nat.  Without hesitation, he picked her up in his arms and flew her towards the hospital.  LaCroix threw the stick he held in his hand into the fireplace.  He didn't know why he had urged Nick to help Natalie...perhaps in some small way, he could yet save his son.

****

Nick landed outside of the emergency room and rushed Natalie inside.  "I need help here!  She's lost a lot of blood!"  The orderlies and nurses took Natalie from his arms and rushed her into a treatment room 2.  Once the initial hysteria had died down, one of the nurses emerged from the room to look for the young man that had brought the woman in.  She searched the waiting areas, but he could be found no where.

After a couple of days, Natalie had recovered enough to give them her name.  When they asked her what had happened, she would simply say she didn't remember.  After a week she had been released and went home.

Natalie stood in her apartment and slammed the phone down for the tenth time.  "I'll be damned if I am going to call him!"  She was on official leave from the coroner's office for at least another week.  She had answered questions from Doctor's and police until she was blue in the face.  The one face she had expected, or wanted to see....never appeared.  Natalie sat down on the couch and tried to replay *that night* in her mind.  She had asked Nick to make love to her, then he had bitten her.  She could remember the whirlwind of images that passed between them.  Bits and pieces of his life.....the *horrible* things he had done.  Natalie shuddered.  She had always told Nick that his past *wouldn't make a difference*...but now...now she had actually seen a glimpse into his past and she was truly horrified. 

She had spent a lot of time thinking while recovering in the hospital.  The images and feelings that had been passed onto her from Nick were more frightening than she could ever imagine.  She could feel herself basking in the glow of the hunt...then the kill.  Natalie shook her head.  She couldn't do it.  The tears rolled down her cheek.  She couldn't cross into Nick's world now....not now that she *truly* understood it all.  She sat holding her face in her hands.  "I'm sorry, Nick."

"Don't be."  

Natalie jumped when she heard the familiar voice.  She looked and saw Nick standing near the open window on the balcony.  She wiped the tears from her eyes.  "Nick?"

He walked slowly into the room.  "It's me, Nat."

She rose from the couch and walked over to him.  Her first instinct was to wrap her arms around him and hug him, but deep down something held her back.  "Where have you been, Nick?  You never came to the hospital.  They didn't even know who I was until I was able to tell them myself.  Why did you leave me like that?"  Nick felt her hesitation as she backed away from him and walked towards the couch.  "I don't get it Nick.  Why?"

Nick didn't move any closer to her.  "Now you know, Nat.  You have felt the full rage of the vampire.  Can you honestly tell me that things aren't *different*?  Would you have felt comfortable with me in your room so soon after what I nearly did? "

His words rang true to her heart.  Since that night, her feelings were now in a turmoil.  "I don't know, Nick.  It was a lot to take in all at once, but I'm trying to sort through it all."

Nick moved closer, then he saw her shy away.  "Things *have* changed Nat.  I repulse you.  Whether you want to admit it or not....you no longer feel the way you did."

Natalie neither confirmed or denied his suspicions.  She knew in her heart he was right...things were different.  She hated herself for being such a hypocrit...she cursed herself for feeling like this.  She saw him turn back towards the window.  "Wait, Nick.  Just give me some time.  Everything will be different in time."

Nick turned his head slowly back.  "I have all the time in the world Nat."  He departed through her window.


****End Flashback****

Nick smiled as she brushed her cheek against his hand.  "Hi."  He leaned and kissed her gently on the lips.  "Happy Birthday Nat."  He pulled away and handed her the rose.  She took it and held it gently in her hand as she caressed the velvet pedals.

<>


Nick walked away from her and began to admire her roses.  "They look beautiful this year Nat.  You're gardening skills amaze me at times."

She walked up beside him and held his hand gently in hers.  "Me too."

He turned and smiled.  "How's Stephen?"

She squeezed his hand.  "He's fine.  He gave me a trip to Bermuda for my birthday this year.  You know how I've always wanted to go there."

<>

Nick continued to hold her hand as they walked through the flowers. "I saw where your son, Nick, was up for a promotion at the precinct."

Natalie stared at him,  "You still read the police news after all these years?"

Nick grinned and shrugged,  "It was the best time of my life Nat....being a cop...being with you."

Nick released her hand and placed his arm around her shoulder.  "You daughter, Tracy, and your granddaughter, Grace...how are they doing since her husband's death?"

"Well Tracy is recovering.  She has her bad spells though.  She loved him deeply."

>>And even though I know
How very far apart we are
It helps to think we might be wishing
On the same bright star<<

As Nick walked with Natalie in his arms...his thoughts drifted back to that fateful day......

Natalie was sitting on his couch, once again she had shied away from him as he touched her lightly on the arm.  "Nat, this won't work.  You can't even stand to have me near you anymore.  I thought after nearly a year...things would get back to some normalty....but..."

Natalie rose from the couch.  He was right.  They were both only fooling themselves...besides it was time he knew the truth.  "Nick, I won't be coming to the loft anymore."

Nick didn't turn...he had expected this.  He knew in his heart...Natalie couldn't release the images he had passed to her that fateful night.  Over the past year, he had tried to vanquish her fears, but they were rooted deep in her conscience.

Natalie spoke slowly, "I've met someone, Nick.  His name is Stephen."  She paused, she decided honesty was the best policy.  "I love him, Nick."

Nick rose from the couch and walked towards the fireplace.  "So, this is it.  We finally part our ways?"

The tears began to fall from her eyes.  "I do still *love* you Nick.  I just can't be with you...not like we want."

Nick turned to see her wiping the tears from her eyes.  He walked over and held her tightly in his arms.  She continued to weep into his chest.  "I *still* love you, Nick.  I love you."

A small blood tear trickled down his cheek.  "It's not our time Nat.  Someday.........in another time and place.  We'll be together. "  He kissed her gently on the forehead.  "Be happy, Nat.  Always remember, I love you too."

<>

Ever since that night over 30 years ago, Nick sent Natalie 11 long stem red roses on her birthday at precisely 11 p.m., the exact time he woke up on her examination table.  He would then meet her later and give her the 12th rose.  Seeing her once a year sustained his spirit and love. 

Nick pursed his lips together, he needed to know, "What do your Doctor's tell you Nat.  How long?"

She patted his hand, "You know doctors Nick...always gloom and doom."  

He stopped her abruptly, "Nat, what did he say?"

<>

She stared into his love filled eyes.  Even after all these years, she knew he still loved her as much as the day she had left him in the loft.

She sighed, "It's not good, Nick.  Doctor Spencer told me yesterday, it could be anytime."

He held her tightly in his arms and stroked her hair.  

<>

As Nick released her, they both had tears in their eyes.  She looked up towards her bedroom window.  "Stephen is waiting on me, Nick. "

He looked at the warm glow of light radiating from the window.  

She spoke barely above a whisper, "This is most likely my last birthday, Nick. "

He held her hands tenderly in his.  "I made a promise Nat...I intend to keep it."

The tears fell down her cheeks.  "No Nick, you can't."

He shook his head firmly,  "I can."  

Before she could say another word, he had flown through the skylight of the green house.  She wiped the tears from her eyes and went to her husband.

<>

It was three months later when Nick read the news of Natalie's death.  That night he visited her grave.  He placed a dozen red roses upon the soil and sat silently near the headstone.  He traced her name which had been engraved upon the stone.  

He sat for hours remembering his life with her.  He looked to the sky and saw the fingers of a new dawn approaching.  He rose and looked directly into the rays of a new day.  He picked up one of the roses and held it in his hand and whispered, "It's our time, Nat."

<>

The End.

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