Creatura (22 page)

In walked my brothers Galen and Eryx. Galen wore a smug grin on his lip while Eryx’s expression was uneasy.

“And just what do you think you are scheming here, brother?” Galen grinned helping himself to the wine Eros had left displayed on the bar.

“I’m not.” I replied.

“Come, come,” Galen began, “we know of your affection for the mortal girl that travels to Somnium.”

Galen glanced at Eros as he awaited an explanation from me.

“That’s not possible.” Eros objected Galen’s statement.

“It’s not supposed to be possible, but it is, in fact, true,” I said, reacting to Eros’s skepticism.

“Did you think you’d get away with it, hmm?” Galen swayed the wine glass.

Eryx took a seat on one of the elegant contemporary chairs.

“Mother has sent us to retrieve you, David. She was afraid you would unwisely conspire a plan to encourage the human girl’s sentiments for you,” Eryx informed me.

“Be quick to judge when you are in my shoes. I need no lecturing. I’m quite aware of what I can and cannot do and I have done nothing.” I walked to the balcony door.

“He has not mentioned any of this to me,” Eros lied on my behalf, and also to save his own hide.

“Besides, David is fully aware that the girl must love him on her own. My power is limited to only lust when it involves human and deity relationships. The feeling would wear off in a matter of hours. In most cases, the girl would detest him afterwards. I’m sure he would not surrender his love for her to such a thing,” Eros continued to vindicate me.

Eros tried to lead Galen and Eryx into thinking that he was not aware of the situation, but if my mother had told them of the Star Crest then certainly they must have assumed I would end up here.

“Then why are you running at the first sign of defeat?” Galen asked with a mischievous stare reminding me of the happenings of the previous day.

I turned to face all three of them now standing side by side. I could think of nothing to say that would sway them from including Eros in the affair.

“I don’t need to be pestered with unnecessary questions. This was a mere social visit to a close friend.” My face was red with fury. “If you must know, I was on my way out.” I stomped past my brothers. “And don’t bother following me. I’ll be taking the long way home—by plane, as I came.”

I shook Eros’ hand. “A pleasure to see you again, dear friend. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Walking me toward the door, Eros’ face still expressed distress for himself. The council did not just frown upon cases like these. There were consequences that could lead to decades of penalty.

“Many blessings to you and yours.” Eros sounded nervous as he bid me farewell.

Eryx and Galen followed close behind me, as if they were my keepers. I swayed my hand to signal a cab and left without saying another word to them. I was furious that my mother had sent them to seek me out, yet I understood her concern. I knew the repercussions of my actions, and this was not to be taken lightly. My mother knew I was headstrong and had reason to fear for me.

On the flight back to the States, I had time for self-reflection. I realized what I had almost accomplished, had it not been for the wisdom of Eros’ decision. If my brothers had not made their presence at Eros’ suite, he would have surely condoned my decision, as he was easy prey for ailing lovers.

And what of my irrationality? Was I so preoccupied with my egotism that I was willing to
obligate
her to love me? Only a tyrant would obligate anyone to such a degenerate form of affection. I would rather die soulless, than take her love by force. I could not, would not, do that to my lovely Isis.

I had let the face of desperation lead me. I well knew that it would not last if it were not meant to be so. Yet, I had grown irrational enough to attempt it. What was I thinking?

I would have to wait to see if Isis ever requited what I felt for her. For now, my best friend and enemy would be time. I would have to woo her just as any other man would.

I departed the plane and walked out of the airport. There were yet some hours left before the break of sunrise. I found a secluded area behind two parcel trucks and expelled my wings. I ascended swiftly, penetrating the cloudless sky.

My wings unconsciously took me to her home. I observed her from the window as she slept peacefully on her side. I fought the urge to enter her dreams—I was not ready to speak to her. I recoiled myself, fearful she might discover me and initiated flight to my own domicile.

As I walked in, my mother and brothers seemed to be impatiently awaiting my arrival in the den.

“How noble of you to grace us with your presence, brother,” Galen greeted me with his pretentiousness.

Eryx motioned me to take seat with them.

“Are you not done ridiculing me?” My harshness took them by shock. My brothers viewed my mother in question of my unruly conduct.

“David, they hold only concern for you. They simply wish to ask your motive behind your actions.” My mother safeguarded my brothers.

“What actions do you speak of?” My voice was less abrasive with my mother out of respect.

“You’ve presented her with the Star Crest—you know well what she speaks of. Why would you do such a thing? You’ve slit your own wrists.” Galen’s face was intense.

“Until you experience this burden for yourself, you have no reason to judge my actions. I have nothing more to add.” I sighed deeply and took my leave toward the flight of stairs.

“David, I do not wish to meddle in your affairs,” My mother bellowed behind me.

I returned to the room aghast. “Then why send them searching for me, Mother?”

“As a precaution, David. This emotion seems to have incapacitated your intellect. Did you think I would not perceive what you premeditated? I had to find my way to the Oracles to acquire your location before you caused your own demise. And if that wasn’t enough, I had to return to Caelum to calm your father. He is not pleased, my son.”

My mother took my hand in hers. “You must be patient, David. The first consequence of love is pain—whether it is the fascinating jovial pain of love or the excruciating pain of a torn and tormented heart; it is pain, nonetheless.”

I observed my brothers’ serene faces. Their composure offered me no reason to doubt their concern for my wellbeing.

“This is for you.” My mother handed me a folded napkin.

“What is this?” I asked puzzled.

“A note from her,” she replied with a delicate grin on her lip.

I knew my mother’s grin was indicative of her support for my decision in pursuing Isis. She was a mother and woman without equal.

“Thank you, mother.” I smiled brilliantly and kissed her temple.

“Do make it a point to check your mobile. You have a multitude of missed calls,” she grinned.

“From whom?” I was curious.

“See for yourself. I am no nosey Nelly,” she tittered, turning her back to me and walking into the kitchen.

I followed.

“You must be famished from the flight. Shall I prepare something for you?”

“Thank you, but no. If the calls are from a certain young lady, then I have other plans for breakfast.”

 Chapter 10

I heard the doorbell ring and raced for the stairs.

“Mom, I’m leaving now!” I hollered from the bottom of the steps.

“Have fun,” she smiled leaning over the second floor railing still in pajamas.

I swung the door open hastily and analyzed David’s remarkable face, as if it were the first time I had ever seen him. He looked too perfect to be standing at my front door.

“Good morning, again.” He leaned to kiss both my cheeks.

“Morning.” I tried not to sound too eager.

David extended his arm revealing a pink rose with a small envelope attached to it. I sheepishly grinned and bit my bottom lip. I loved his romantic gestures—even if they might have seemed corny to anyone else.

“Thank you. It’s beautiful; I love flowers,” I said as I inhaled the rose’s perfume.

“Yes, I know. Would you please read the note?” he politely request.

I opened the envelope and unfolded the note. I read aloud.

“Beseech me;

I require no contest

Embrace me;

I shall not wince away

Proclaim me;

I will forever stay”

His eyes were poised on me as I inclined my head to view him.

“It’s amazing, David—they all are. Thank you.” I reached to him and hugged him. His body was stiff. His arms did not return my embrace.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, stepping away from him.

“No, not at all,” he assured me. “Shall we go?”

I nodded my head. “Y-yeah,” I answered.

I silently questioned his unresponsiveness as he opened the car door for me. Things were different. Why was he being this way with me now, when just a few days ago he had been treating me like… like I belonged to him? He had not called me “my lovely” once during our conversation. He had not signed his poem “Ceaselessly Yours”. Was this his attempt to let me go?

I spied David as he drove. His sight never left the road. He never once turned to gaze upon me as he had constantly done since the first time we met. Was he still upset? It would make no sense to present a girl with a rose and a poem if you were upset with them. He did not speak to me as he drove.

In a neighboring city, we arrived at a pancake house. We were seated without delay at a booth. I took it upon myself to break the silence.

“Where were you these past few days?” I studied his face as I spoke.

“Resolving some issues.” The response was short and withdrawn.

During breakfast, we exchanged half-hearted smiles twice. I involuntarily began to stab my pancakes in a semi-violent fashion, as our silence perturbed me. I purposely elongated the time it took to finish my breakfast, hoping that he would speak.

David picked at his food, hardly eating. His eyes were focused on his plate. He observed my dish and asked for the check once he noticed I was on my last bite.

We walked across the parking lot and boarded the car without saying a word. Silence prevailed on the return trip to town as well.

The car turned onto the wooded path that led to his house. I could not endure the silence and uncomfortable tension any longer.

“Pull over,” I demanded.

He set the gear on “Park” and turned off the engine.

“Did I do something I shouldn’t have?” I implored.

David shook his head from side to side and reached for the ignition. I grasped his hand before he could turn the key.

“Are you still angry with me?” I pressed.

“Of course not,” he replied as he viewed my hand holding his.

“Why are you different with me then?” I kept my hand on his, testing to see if he would slide it away from mine.

“I’m not different, Isis. I’m exactly the same.” He briefly glanced at me and turned his sight to the steering wheel.

“No, you’re not,” I pointed out. “You’re distant.”

His brow frowned in thought. He pressed his lips tightly and turned to view me.

“I’m only intending to do as you asked. I will no longer press for… .” he paused momentarily, “we can be friends. I do not wish to plague you.”

I removed my grasp from his hand and crossed my arms over my chest.

“I
don’t
want to be your friend.” My voice was unintentionally cruel.

His mouth faintly dropped open and his face grew angry. He had misinterpreted my comment.

“You’re the most unsound person I’ve ever met! I simply don’t understand you.” His jaw clenched tightly around his neck.

“Did you just call me crazy?” My voice was menacing as I knelt on the seat with my hands on my waist. My posture was defensively inclined toward him.

“Legitimately.” His upper lip curled up as he spoke through his teeth. His eyes focused on the dashboard. His hands clenched the steering wheel with such strength that it took the shape of his grip.

“David, look at me,” I ordered him in a harsh tone.

He turned his enraged glare to me. I took his face in my hands and fastened his lips with mine. I felt his arm wrap my waist, pulling me to him. He clasped me tightly. His hand ran up my spine and to the back of my head. His spicy scent was stronger now. I withdrew from him and gasped for air fearing I might collapse. I had forgotten how his kisses inebriated me.

David positioned his nose on my cheekbone.

“Why are you toying with me?” His breath was unstable. “You’re driving me mad.” A spark of anger penetrated his voice, yet he maintained his hold on me.

I cupped his cheek with my hand and stared deeply into his blue eyes.

“I would never do that to you.”

I gasped as he tightened his embrace around me.

“I’m afraid I’ll never have the opportunity to hold you like this again.” His voice was soft and vulnerable.

“You don’t have to let me go…
ever
.”

David shook his head in denial.

“My mind refuses your words, yet my vacant chest welcomes them,” he argued, his face buried in my neck.

I lifted his head and looked intently into his eyes.

“Let your heart be the victor,” I persuaded.

“No… I’ll be torn to infinite shreds if you draw back on your word.”

“How can I gain your trust?” I sought a means to sway him.

“You don’t understand how fiercely my heart craves yours.” His voice was tortured.

“Tell me.”

“It’s selfish.” He lowered his head in shame.

“Tell me,” I stressed.

“I won’t. It’s inane.”

“
Tell
me
.” My voice was stern and demanding as I held his face between my hands. His eyes became vicious with fervor. His jaw clenched.

“I want you wholly, incessantly and exclusively for me,” he confessed.

I tightened my embrace around him.

“Then we are both egocentric,” I requited.

David’s face eased. His fingers ran from my face, to my jaw, to my collar. He took my lips eagerly and relentlessly, caressing them with his.

David drove us to the lakeside. We strolled around the lake’s edge, admiring the swans and newly bloomed wildflowers. Concerned that we would be seen from the house, he pulled me into the tree shadows sporadically to hold me and kiss me. His arms felt like a refuge for my reborn soul.

“I have questions for you,” I forewarned him.

“I wondered at what point you would begin to ask more,” he smiled.

“That would be now,” I informed him as we settled under the shadows on the pasture. He rested his shoulders against a tree base, drawing my back against his chest. His arms held me firmly.

“Ask away,” he prompted me. His head was nestled on my shoulder.

“Why did you leave this charm for me?” I raised my wrist for him to inspect.

“Oh dear,” he sighed. “I was hoping you would leave the difficult ones for the end.”

“A difficult girl asks difficult questions,” I joked.

“Right,” He laughed softly.

“Well…” he began, “there’s a long story behind the Star Crest. Would you like to hear it?”

I arched my neck back to view him. “If it gets me answers, then, yes.”

He kissed my forehead and began his story:

“In the center of darkness there existed an immense and extraordinary light. Light grew tired of the darkness and created the sun, stars, and planets—the universe.

“Light realized that it had a soul, but it had no vessel to carry it in. So, it created a vessel to suit its needs. The vessel was comprised of elements that were necessary for its existence. It had limbs to travel and touch with; a mouth to savor the taste of life and to speak its thoughts; eyes to take in the glory of the universe; ears to listen with and cancel out the silence; and a heart to maintain the vessel alive. Light decided it needed a name, so it chose the name ‘Deus’—the Creator. The vessel that Deus created for himself required care. He required food, drink, and shelter. He set out to construct a place where He could dine and slumber; He created Terra—the Earth.

“One day, Deus walked upon Terra admiring the beauty of His creation, but there was no one to share in His experience. He took of His body two triangles of skin and placed them on a cloud to produce a companion. The triangles took the shape of a star. He remained in the clouds until His companion was complete.

“A female was born of the star. She was the most beautiful creature He had ever made. He thought of her as his own, being that she was made of His flesh. The woman was displeased with Deus’ assumption that she would want to be His because He was her creator. She argued with Deus telling Him she had the right to mold her own life, and left the clouds to roam Terra on her own.

“Deus became aware of an emotion that he had never before encountered—sadness. He began to grow ill. The light that radiated inside the vessel he called ‘body’ began to dim.

“The woman observed that the silver clouds where Deus lived were no longer bright. She traveled to the clouds to question Deus, but He was too weak to answer; He was dying.

“The woman, remembering that she was made of His flesh, searched her body for the star made of His skin. She found the star in her heart; it had turned to gold and radiated a fragment of the light that once belonged to Deus. She took the star from her heart and embedded it into Deus’ chest. The light flourished within Deus, returning life to Him.

“When Deus saw He was no longer ill, he removed the star from His chest. Upon turning his gaze to the woman, He realized that her skin had become wrinkled and her hair had grown white. He quickly pierced her chest with the star and placed it in her heart. Slowly, she began to revert to her original state. Deus realized that the star was her essence and that she could not live without it. After seeing her sacrifice for Him, He immediately fell in love with her.

“The woman realized that Deus had fallen ill because of the sadness He had felt in her absence. This moved her so much that she too fell in love with Deus.

“Feeling the overwhelming love in her heart, she began to cry tears of gold. The tears transformed into children marked with a gold star in the center of their chest—exactly like the one the woman contained in her heart.

“Deus and the woman realized these children were conceived of their sole love for each other and nothing more. The woman was overjoyed with her new children; She promised Deus she would stay with Him for all eternity.”

“Wow… that was a beautiful story,” I said, rotating my body to view him.

“It is, isn’t it? But I think it is more of a biography than a story,” he assessed.

“So, God has a wife?” I was astounded.

“Not the God you believe in, but Deus does,” he explained. “He is but one God with many faces, and, yet, only one.”

“I see,” I nodded.

“And this star…” I paused to view the charm, “it’s significant of both your origin and your creed?”

“Yes, that’s correct, but, at the moment, I believe it to be more symbolic of my love…” his finger tapped my nose “for you.”

“Like a promise ring?” I compared the two.

“No, much, much better, “he smirked, lifting one eyebrow.

“Oh right. I forgot I was dealing with perfection,” I taunted him.

David chuckled silently. “There’s no such thing as perfection, silly girl.”

“What was her name?” I reverted back to the subject.

“Her name
is
Starr,” he said, acknowledging her existence.

“Pretty name,” I remarked.

“That’s why this,” he took my wrist removing the charm, “is called the Star Crest.”

He placed the string with the star around my neck. I spun myself around, and I lifted my hair so that he could fasten it.