Chapter 14

Chapter 14

They talked for most of three hours. George gave Seth many insights into Liza’s character and her personality. The man talked more openly than Seth could have hoped. He presented everything with the same concerned expression and tightness in his voice. It was more than obvious this man considered Liza a daughter. The protectiveness shown in his body language and tone said more for who Liza was then the words ever could.

“When Liza was just a small child she was so vibrant and curious. She was constantly finding new things to pick up or take an interest in. She always had her nose in a book or was doing research on something.

“As she got older and came to understand the situation around her she became sullen and repressed. This is due more to the way her parents treated everyone around them than anything else. Neither showed much love or affection for anyone or anything and I believe she began to feel that she should be as stoic and uncaring as they.

“Once she got into middle school and high school she really turned for the worse. The other children knew who her parents were and how they treated people so none of them wanted to be close to her for fear that something bad would happen.

“So they ostracized her, left her out of everything. The more brazen bullied her and made fun of everything she did or said. She withdrew more and more. She began to second guess herself at every turn and looked at herself as the other children did.

“Her parents, instead of being real parents, just fortified everything the kids were saying by trying to involve themselves. They lashed out at the families of the children, tried to buy friendship for her, force people to like her with their wealth and status.

“As much as I tried to help her and build her confidence in herself and her individuality, I could inevitably do nothing. She became a shell of her former self, by then a loner by choice rather than by outside action.

When they were nearing the end of the conversation George surprised Seth when he turned to him with the most honest and pained expression Seth had ever seen, either in his human days or since he had been turned.

“I know that you are going to be trouble for my Liza and I cannot believe I just told you all I have. Know this…she is going to fall hard and fast and completely and you had better live up to what she believes you to be. She has been the only constant joy in my life and if she ends up hurt I will find you and destroy everything dear to you.”

Seth could only stare at the man in wonder. He had no words to give. This man who couldn’t even begin to hurt him had effectively rattled him. No that was fear. For a split second Seth had actually feared this man.

“I will do my best by her if things come to that. There some very extenuating circumstances that may prevent us from even meeting. If that day does come George you have my word that I will protect her and will spend my life devoted to her and her happiness.”

For the first time George smiled. “I believe you, God help, but I do!” He stuck his hand out for a shake and Seth obliged. They parted ways wondering at the girl who could cause two men to love her so completely, albeit in different ways.

As Seth headed for his car he mulled over the information he had learned. The sum of it came to this: Liza was a smart and caring person. She was also insecure and distrustful. This made for an odd combination but it worked for her. She was also very indecisive about even small things. She loved to make people happy and she was loyal to those who won her trust.

Seth felt his heart beating faster than usual and realized that this information had only served to make him love her more than he already had. His heart seemed to keep cadence with the thoughts running through his head. They were flashing through so quick even his enhanced intelligence was having problems processing and keeping up. This was new, as was the light-headedness that he was experiencing.

 

When he reached his car he took a moment to calm himself. He needed to be in control not some giddy schoolboy with his first crush. There was a lot at stake and he could not afford to make any mistakes.