Fated Marks

I got dropped off and once I walked in to the apartment I started feeling really weird. I said had forgiven them for everything they did but I still felt angry with them and I obviously couldn’t trust them. Speaking of I needed to start making arrangements again. I burned my spare alias when I showed up in New Orleans. I needed a new spare. I also had to do some damage control.

I had out in enough background information so there wouldn’t be any red flags during a background check. I went in and started cleaning up as much as I could. If I ever had to stop being Hayley that would be a hell of a lot harder. Almost three years of paper trails and loose ends everywhere, I’d probably have to fake a death to clean that all up.

I couldn’t get that conversation out of my head. As long as no DNA samples were inputted into the system I was clear, because the only match that would come up would be his and I’d be screwed. I slipped up big time.

I grabbed my laptop and got into the black market back channels. If I was lucky he’d be in town and I could set something up. I could always ask Nik but I knew Marcel would find out and then he’d try to help and just “take care” of things. I sent out a message to my usual guy and he’d set up the drop.

After that was all done I felt like despite how much I thought it out it made no sense to forgive them. Hell I was actually mad again. What the hell is wrong with me? Maybe I should take Nik’s advice and go see a therapist. I grabbed my phone and wallet and walked out of the apartment. I didn’t have time to talk to some over priced shrink so I went to visit the poor man’s therapist, a bartender.

MacLaren’s was pretty empty but it was a Monday so it wasn’t that strange. I sat at the bar and ordered a Vodka soda. It wasn’t long before Carl came over.

“It’s a little early in the week for you to be here isn’t it?” Carl asked.

“It’s been a weird day.” I said.

“You’re too young for you to have a day that forces you to show up to a bar to handle things.” Carl said. “I’m a good listener if you want to talk.”

“Carl, I don’t think there’s enough time or booze to help me deal with the crap that’s happened the past few weeks.” I said.

“Then give me the cliff notes version.” He said.

“Okay, I met my soulmates, six of them, over three months ago but didn’t find out until two weeks ago. My best friend knew the entire time and kept it from me so that’s why I haven’t talked to Will in over two weeks that and the fact that knowing all of this he pushed me to date Nate even though he knew I would just be leading him on. I left to figure things out and saw people that reminded me of all the crap I moved to New York to get away from. I was mad them I was confused. Then I was passive aggressive exploded and told everyone how I really felt and I thought that was it and I was over it but the minute I was alone and started thinking about it again I was mad which is why I came here.” I said.

“Okay I might be out of my depth here.” Carl admitted. “You probably need this more than me, It’s top shelf.”

I took a sip of the scotch and sighed. “What am I supposed to do Carl?”

“Kid I have no idea. I think it might be time you talk to an expert, you know one of those shrinks that deals with soulmate issues?” he said.

“That’s what I was trying to avoid.” I said. “Shrinks do that over analysis thing and use big words to make basic observations seem insightful.”

“Well if you change your mind my brother in law owes me a crap load of cash and I could get you a couple of free sessions? He’s a chump but he’s a good shrink.” Carl said.

“Can he squeeze me in tomorrow?” I said.

“I don’t know, Hey Kev you free tomorrow morning?” He asked a guy at the other side of the bar.

“Got an opening at nine?” Kevin offered.

“Nine work for you?” Carl said.

“Yeah.” I said.

“You don’t got that opening no more.” Carl said.

“Thanks Carl.” I said.

“Least I could do after you tutored Junior. Kid’s at the top of his class now.” Carl said.

The Next Morning-

I woke up at the crack of dawn. I wasn’t getting much sleep these days. I got up and went for my seven mile run before heading back to the apartment and showering, I wasn’t ready to speak to Will yet, mostly because whatever was causing my random bouts of forgiveness and bouts of anger might make me say things I didn’t mean.

I stopped by for coffee and did a bit of studying before heading to the shrink’s office. I got there as he was opening, As it turns out he had a PhD in Soulmate Connectivity and MD in Clinical Psychiatry. He was in debt to Carl because he saved his house and supported his Wife and kids while he was finishing up school. Carl was a good guy but money’s money. On the plus side he accepted a bunch of different forms of repayment.

I walked in and sat down on the couch, the cliché therapy couch. Now I knew things were bad, I’m talking to a complete stranger about my life.

“Good morning Hayley.” Kevin greeted.

“Morning.” I said.

“So how about you tell me a bit about yourself?” Kevin said.

“There’s not much to tell. I’m twenty one,” That’s a lie. “I moved to New York almost three years ago and I’ve met six out of seven soulmates.” I said.

“Six soulmates? Tell me about them.” He said taking notes.

“Well there’s Toby,” Tony, there’s no way in hell I’m telling this guy their real names. “Mechanical engineer, very sarcastic. Barney (Bruce), shy but smart and kind. Clay (Clint), he’s like a kid, great taste in movies, Nancy (Natasha) Best shopping great taste in clothes, Sean (Steve) he’s a war vet, still adjusting to being back and Teddy (Thor) body builder and totally adorable.” I said.

“You seem close.” Kevin said.

“We all work together I started three months ago. They knew I was their match from the beginning. I found out two weeks ago.” I said.

“I feel there’s more to the story.” Kevin said.

“My best friend also knew from the beginning and didn’t say anything. It’s been a weird couple of weeks.” I said.

“Did you have any relationship experience before hand?” Kevin asked.

“I did I actually ended things with this guy the day before they told me they were my soulmates. We dated for about two months. My friend who actually knew about this entire thing introduced us and encouraged me to date him.” I said. “So you can probably imagine how pissed I was after I found out.”

“And Now?”

“Still pissed.” I said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Like yesterday, I felt great, then I got to work and I went from indifferent, to angry, to betrayed, to just plain bitchy followed by bratty and finally I exploded and just let it all out. I mean I curse a lot but that was on a whole new level.”

“What cause you to explode?” Kevin asked.

“Well after taking it out on al of them the entire day they finally sat me down and forced me to talk about it. I of course didn’t until they just pressed on and on, confessed to doing something that was a complete invasion of privacy which I’m still mad about and kind of freaking out at the same time.

“Tell me everything that happened after you exploded.” Kevin said.

“They all looked like they were on the verge of tears and so was I. They explained their side of the story and I just felt relieved and could tell they were all being honest and I was just so freaking tired. We hugged and said we were going to take things slow like a crawl slow cuz I don’t think I can cuddle knowing Clay’s still technically married or that he and Nancy recorded me while I was drugged during post op saying some personal secrets no one was supposed to find out. Then they took me home and after they left I started thinking about everything and I got mad went to a bar and ended up here.” I said.

“Have you felt anything else besides anger and confusion?”

“Uh, I got really hungry like finished an entire box of poptarts, I got really cold and sad thought I had a fever. Then got really anxious and scared followed by a giant surge of energy and insomnia.” I said.

“I think I know what’s going on.” Kevin said “When you all decided what you were going to do next did you all just negotiate or did one of you call in all the shots?”

“They gave me the choice, said they’d go with whatever I wanted.” I said tearing up again.

“What exactly did you say?”

“That I accepted the fact that the bond was there and that I couldn’t ignore it and that while things couldn’t go on like before I was willing to give them another chance which now that I think about it is totally insane and kind of rom comy.” I said.

“Yup, Now I for sure know what it is. Have you ever heard of the five stages of bonding?” Kevin said.

“I’ve heard of the five stages of grief?” I said.

“It’s kind of like that except no one dies.” He said. “You start off with the spark of when you meet. Attraction they’re all you think about and the bond just kind of calls to you. Acknowledgement, you accept the bond exists. Empathy, before you already felt some of your soulmates strong emotions and it was like compartmentalizing it, they were completely separate from yours but still there. Now that you acknowledged the bond it’s not longer separate you’re no longer just getting the stronger feelings you’re getting everything. You’re emotionally overloaded which is why you’re mood’s changing so randomly. And lastly bonding where you, you know bond.”

“So what I’m feeling right now it’s what they’re feeling.” I said.

“Yes.”

“And they feel what I feel?” I asked.

“Yes that would be exactly it, the only difference is that you feel more because you have all of their marks while they each only have yours.” Kevin said.

“So they felt all my panic and doubts from the past twelve or so hours? Excuse me for a second.” I said taking my phone out and seeing missed calls and a bunch of text messages asking if I was okay. “Please tell me there’s a way to control this.”

“Normally it would pass in a few days but this isn’t a normal case and I have a feeling there are some more underlying issues we haven’t even begun to address yet. I’m going to prescribe you some anti anxiety meds and something to help you sleep. It’s only temporary and it’s only for a week while the worst of it passes.” He said.

“Is there any way I could deal with this without taking the meds?” I asked.

“Well exercise helps increase endorphin levels, that’ll boost your mood. As for the sleep yoga has been known to help also yoga. But nothing is as effective as close proximity to your soulmates. If you’re really tired cuddling for a nap can help.” He said.

“So which pharmacy can I go pick these up at?” I asked.

“I’ll call ahead, your insurance will cover it.” he said.

“Thanks.” I said.

“I’ll book you for the same time next week.” Kevin said.

“Oh joy.” I said.

“Bye Hayley.” He said shaking his head with a smile.

I quickly got down the street and took my prescription and then picked up everyone’s coffee order. I took the first anti anxiety pill and hid the pill bottles in my purse.

I got up to work and was greeted by six very freaked out soulmates.

“Hayley!” they all rushed to my side.

“Hi.” I said. “Sorry I’m late, traffic.”

“Are you okay, we felt…” Steve started.

“Yeah I had a check up this morning and the nurses were practically chasing me to give me a flu shot. I really hate needles.” I said.

“Are you okay?” Bruce asked.

“Yeah just a check up all clear.” I said. “Coffee?”

“So we’re good?” Clint asked.

“I believe so.” I lied because in all honesty I had no idea what the hell was going on right now. “And by the looks of it you’re all clear for today. Wow first slow day in a while.”

“Lab time.” Tony cheered.

“Good I need to catch up on reading.” I said.

“Later.” I said heading downstairs. Tony and Bruce joined shortly.

“Life is full of twists and turns you know that. I mean it’s funny how something so small and seemingly insignificant can come back to bite you in the ass. Let me tell you…” Tony started and Bruce and I just exchanged a look. He was about to start talking about himself.

“We create our own demons. Who said that? What does that even mean? Doesn't matter, I said it cause he said it. So now he was famous and that's basically get said by two well known guys. I don't, uh...I'm gonna start again. Let's track this from the beginning. It was new years, It started in Berns, Switzerland, 1999, the old days. I never thought they'd come back to bite me. Why would they? It was a party after some conference I spoke at in the middle of a bender. I met this botanist we had a romp in the sheets before I went on my merry way. So why am I telling you this? Because I had just created demons, and I didn't even know it…” Tony said and that was the last I heard because I nodded along and closed my eyes for one second

“To be able to share all my thoughts and personal experiences it just cuts the weight of it in half it’s like a snake swallowing it’s own tail everything comes full circle…” I heard in the distance Then suddenly my pillow shook and I realized it wasn’t a pillow but Bruce’s arm. I sat up quickly.

“And and the fact that’s you’ve been able to help me process…” Tony said as Bruce quickly picked up his glasses and rubbed his eyes.

“W-wha.” He said sitting up.

“You with me?” Tony asked.

“Yeah.” I answered a bit too quick and he raised an eyebrow.

“We’re we were at uhm…” Bruce said trying to play it off but failing.

“Actively napping?” Tony said.

“I uh..” I said.

“I we uh I drifted.” Bruce admitted.

“Where did I lose you?” Tony asked.

“Romp with the botanist.” I said.

“Elevator in Switzerland.” Bruce admitted rubbing his chin.

“So you heard none of it?” he said looking a bit annoyed. About time he got a taste of his own medicine.

“I’m sorry, I’m not that kind of doctor. I’m not a therapist. It’s not my training. I don’t have the…” Bruce started but interrupted.

“What the time?” Tony said.

“For me it’s more like the attention span. I’m a multi tasker I need that to focus.” I said.

“Temperament.” Bruce said.

“You know now that I think about it, uh god my original wound, nineteen eighty three alright..” Tony started again.

“Yes” Bruce said nodding along and I knew that meant he was falling asleep. I handed him a pillow and he gave me a small smile.  

“I’m fourteen years old and I still have a nanny that was weird.” Tony started just to annoy us.

“Actually its five thirty, I should get going don’t want you to break those pesky child labor laws.” I said standing up.

“Now you’re admitting to being a minor?” Tony said.

“Better late than never, bye.” I said.

“You can stay for dinner.” Bruce said trying to get me to buffer so he wouldn’t be stuck listening to Tony’s story.

“Oh sorry but I kind of have some personal things to do. See you tomorrow.” I said getting in the elevator and making my getaway. As I was on my way down I checked my phone and saw that the drop had been set. Central Park in twenty minutes. I could make it.

I walked a few blocks before getting to the park. I quickly stopped by a coffee cart and grabbed myself a mug before heading to the snowy bridge. Then my phone buzzed.

Package coming to your right.

I stayed looking toward the sunset and took my phone out to make it look like I was taking a selfie but instead used it to look around.

“Woof.” A husky came over to me.

“Hi there aren’t you a cutie.” I said kneeling down. I checked the dog’s harness that looked like a hoodie and saw an envelope hidden in it. I moved my bag over so it was leaning against the dog and slipped the envelope in. Then a man in running clothes came over.

“I’m so sorry about him. My hand slipped.” He said giving me the same excuse as always.

“Don’t worry about it, this cutie’s very friendly.” I said scratching the dog’s ears.

“I’m Mark.” He said offering me his hand and I took that moment to slip him the payment.

“Liz.” I said. You never knew who was listening or watching for that matter.

“That coffee smells great, do you know by chance where I could grab a cup?” Mark asked. That meant he wanted to talk.

“Oh sure, I’ll walk with you. Do you like espresso?” I asked the usual question.

“Yes, I like my coffee strong and with a burn.” Mark answered and that meant we could drop the act.”

“You look well very neon.” I said looking at his neon green vest.

“No one would expect me to be dressed so flashy. You look very trendy, doing pretty well for yourself here, why do you suddenly want to move? It’s been years since you put in an order.” He said.

“Oh you know, gotta be ready for those rainy days. I never leave the apartment without an umbrella.” I said patting my purse.

“Anything I should be concerned about?” Mark asked.

“No we’re good. What’s with the husky?” I said.

“Pet sitting for my girlfriend, that and no one suspects anything when a girl talks to a guy with a dog.” Mark said.

“They will if you have a different pet every time.” I said. “I should go, thanks for getting back to me so quick.”

“Anything for one of my most loyal customers.” He said with a smirk.

With that I went on my way back to the apartment. I walked in and saw that will wasn’t home yet. I quickly got the envelope with my new ID’s and passport and put them in the secret hiding spot in the chimney. I cleaned up and went to go get changed. Maybe they had good intentions in trying to find him but their good intentions are going to get me killed. I survived on my own before and if I have to I’ll do it again.