Farewell, Dorothy Parker by Dorothy Parker Ellen Meister - Farewell

back of his hand. “Are you sure you’re okay? You sound kind of funny.”
    “I’m better than okay. I’m four stars.” She stood and got as close to him as possible. “How about you? Are you four stars, Michael?”
    “That’s a…‘general’ question,” he said.
    She threw her head back and laughed heartily.
    “I don’t mean to be rude,” he said, “but are you on some kind of medication?”
    “There’s only one kind of medicine
I
need,” she said, putting her hand on his magnificent chest.
    He took a step back. “Violet, I don’t know what’s going on here, but I think I’d better be leaving. Is there someone I can call for you before I go? I just…I don’t think I should leave you here alone.”
    She pouted. “I don’t think you should leave me alone, either.”
    “I’m really sorry,” he said, “but it’s late, and—”
    “Suit yourself,” she said, glancing coquettishly over her shoulder as she headed toward the doorway. “But I’m going to fix myself a nightcap. You can join me or not.”
    As soon as she put one foot over the threshold she felt a strange force press against her middle. At the same time, another force tried to pull her forward. She stood there, holding on to the door frame, as the two forces pushed and pulled.
    But the battle inside her wasn’t just physical. With one foot over the threshold, the real Violet was almost fully conscious, and she fought to rid herself of Mrs. Parker’s spirit. She knew that if she could take one more step outside the room she would be free, but the force that held her back was just too strong.
    Her other option was closing the Algonquin guest book. The last time Mrs. Parker took up residence within her, Violet had been able to do it quite easily. But this time felt different. Her consciousness was weaker, and the inhabiting spirit was stronger. Violet feared that if she took a step toward the sideboard where it lay she would disappear again and lose her resolve.
    She tried to speak, hoping Michael could help her.
    “Tha—” she said, pointing.
    He turned to follow the line of her finger. “What is it?” he asked. “You need something from the sideboard?”
    She nodded.
    “This?” he asked, picking up the open book. She tried to tell him to close it, but nothing came out. He put the book down again and moved toward her. “Let me help you,” he said. “You need to sit down.”
    No, she thought. No! He was going to pull her back into the room, and then Mrs. Parker’s possession would be impossible to fight. The results would be disastrous, as she would continue to throw herself atthis man with shameless abandon. Oh, the humiliation! She couldn’t let that happen. She wouldn’t.
    With Michael just inches from grabbing her, Violet summoned all the strength she could, and with one massive effort that felt like she was hurling herself against a brick wall, she crossed the threshold and hit the floor, blacking out.

Chapter 11
    Violet awoke in bed to the sound of Michael’s voice.
    “Are you okay?”
    “What happened?” she asked, still dazed.
    “You passed out.”
    Oh, no, she thought. Not this. She was in her bed, under the covers, with Michael hovering over her. She lifted the blanket for a peek. Still dressed, thank God.
    Michael pulled the side chair close to the bed and sat. “You look better,” he said, “like your old self. Do you remember what happened?”
    “Unfortunately,” she said, sitting up. “This is so embarrassing.”
    “Don’t be silly,” he said. “Medication affects everyone differently. What are you taking, if you don’t mind my asking?”
    “Um, all kinds,” she lied. “Cold medicine. And antibiotics. And, uh, something for an inner-ear thing. Guess I shouldn’t have mixed all that. But it’s passed. I’m good as new.”
    “Still, you should probably call your doctor in the morning.”
    “I will. I definitely will. Thank you for taking care of me.”
    “I’m just glad you’re okay.