Older Isn't Always Better

Rashes appeared across my face as the rum I consumed started to take effect. My breathing became short and hurried.

Younger Evan worriedly yelled for help, but no one could hear him or see him except me.

He rushed to his older self, trying to warn 27-year-old Evan about my condition.

Alas, his hand passed through older Evan's body; he couldn't touch anyone.

Meanwhile, older Evan was busy chatting and drinking with Hannah to notice my changes.

Another woman who sat beside me noticed me struggling to breathe. She came up and inquired, "Ms. Castillo, what's going on?"

The rashes on my face hurt. Holding my neck, I opened my mouth to gasp for breath. I couldn't speak.

Evan finally remembered that I was a human who could not consume werewolf rum.

Panicking and guilty, he tried to carry me in his arms.

"Bella, hang in there! I'll bring you to Dr. Brandt. He has diluents that might help."

I shook his hand off and walked out of the room with great difficulty.

Evan shot up and forcefully pulled me into his arms.

"Listen to me, Bella! You need to get an injection of diluents, or you might die!"

Hannah reached out to pull him back.

"Evan, our party hasn't ended. It's not nice of you to walk out."

Despite looking guilty, he still decided to carry me out of the room. He explained, "Hannah, Bella is in danger. I'll throw a bigger party later to make it up to you, okay?"

…

When we arrived at Charles Brandt's clinic, Evan shuffled into the place and mumbled, "Bella, hang in there. You'll be fine soon."

He finally sighed in relief when he watched Charles inject the diluent into my veins.

I lay in bed. He held my hand and said apologetically, "It was my fault. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you after you took that rum."

I looked away, refusing to talk to him.

I knew Evan loved me, but his love was worth nothing because I had to share it with many other women.

Younger Evan teared up and pressed his cheek against mine. Feeling exhausted, I wasn't in the mood to comfort either one of them.

"I'd like to rest."

Evan thoughtfully tucked me in and looked at me tenderly. "Go to sleep. I'll stay by your side."

I closed my eyes, ignoring him.

Just as I was about to drift to sleep, someone pushed the door open.

I opened my eyes a little but quickly closed them and went back to rest when I saw it was a nurse from the clinic.

To my surprise, Evan suddenly stood up, grabbed the nurse, and went into another room.

Since Evan was loaded, he had paid for a premium hospital suite for me—one that included everything, including a few break rooms.

Younger Evan followed them around. Soon, he returned but stood far from me. He dared not come closer.

In truth, I could tell the nurse was Hannah by the gasp she let out when Evan pulled her away.

I asked, "What are they doing in that room?"

Younger Evan said nothing.

I pulled out the needles from the back of my hand and proceeded to get out of bed.

He stood at the door, blocking my way and sounding worried. "Bella, don't go! Please don't go."

His tone took a pleading turn.

I stared at him stubbornly through my red eyes. He looked back at me before finally stepping aside.

The two rooms were not far from each other. Still, I could only hear some heavy grunts and muffled talking from their door due to the impeccable soundproofing in the premium suite.

"Evan, can Bella do it in this position?"

"No. She's too fragile. She won't be able to take this."

"Heh. So, do you love me or her more?"

"I love you more than her in bed; you're such a charming temptress."

"Haha! Mr. Ferguson, get on your back. Nurse Hannah will perform a checkup on you."

Their intimate and daring exchange sent a shooting pain through my heart and 17-year-old Evan's.

Younger Evan, hiding his pain, tried to cover my ears, but his hands passed through my body.

"Bella, don't cry."

I stared at the shut door and shook my head. "No, I'm not crying."

I looked away, my face devoid of expressions.

"Evan, this is your second chance."

I stood there for a long time until older Evan finally opened the door, looking satisfied.

His suit was crinkled, and I saw bright lipstick stains on the collar of the shirt I picked out for him.

With a satiated smile, he looked up and met my eyes. His face immediately paled.

"Bella, why are you here?"