Copyright Š 2012 Melissa A. Smith All rights reserved. Smashwords Edition This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your personal use, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Dedication For those of you who’ve been waiting patiently to know how Gento and Ari fell in love.
Chapter 1
“Ari,” Carmen says as she gives me a subtle push. “he’s watching you again.” I look up from our conversations to see that she’s right. He’s always watching from one location or another. The shadows of a dimly lit corner or peering around other Guardians is a most recent favorite. Every time I’m here on a break and he is too, he’s practically a shadow himself. Occasionally he’s not alone. Sometimes he has company while he watches me. Like today. While I’ve only seen this friend once or twice over the years, more often than not, he has someone to turn to and talk. I think its maybe to make himself look busy and not so honed in on me alone. I turn back to my friends who are all sitting around a table in our favorite commons hall, enjoying a few drinks. Here, we like to relax. Like having fun and catching up. It’s not very often when all of
us are in between Charges all at the same time. While here, most of us take on our natural forms. A beautiful shimmering mass of energy. Some take on the human form, while even some mix the two together, like we have. We have the basic shape and outline of the humans, a head with facial features, hands and legs. But where they wear clothing, our ‘bodies’ are more a kin to our natural form. Taking a quick glance over, I see he too has taken on the half-form, while his friend has not. Upon our eyes meeting, he turns away and pretends to be preoccupied with an ongoing conversation with his bored friend. Gliding over closer to Carmen, he is no longer in my line of sight. “Well, I plan on doing what I’ve done for years now. Ignore him.” “I don’t think it’s really working as of late.” Anani said from behind her drink. “Nor do I.” Skye chimed in. I look to Carmen, who is sitting next to me, and note she’s watching him almost as much as he’s watching me.
“You know, I heard he’s started to take on the human child because he’d heard that’s where your passion lies.” She says without turning back to me. “And I’ve heard he’s been asking around about you.” Skye adds with a tinkling laugh. I wave away both comments, “He’s been at this same dance for over fifty years now.” I take a drink before saying more. “He’s tried to ask me all his silly questions time and time again. Ask me when I planned on taking some time off so we could talk. Asked me if I was seeing anyone. Asked if I wouldn’t mind seeing him. He’d even visited one of my charges while I was here and asked them questions about me.” I simply couldn’t believe that one. “I’d returned from a short leave to find my young Charge looking for the other little puppy he’d been talking to.” I shook my head at the memory, “The nerve of some Guardians.” “Why don’t you visit with him one of these days?” Anani asked as she too looked over her shoulder so she could see the Guardian in question.
“I’ll go see what he wants.” Skye said dreamily. “I’d also like to know who his friend is. His energy is breathtaking. So dark and allusive.” She said almost purring. “Oh, I’ve spoken with him and let me tell you, I want to know more about that one.” Carmen said, “His name is Sterling. He didn’t look like he wanted to talk to me at the time, but grudgingly answered my questions about his friend.” She then looked to me with a smile on her face. “So, want to know his name?” I couldn’t believe she did that. “Why do you want to know about him?” I didn’t mean for it to come out so sharp, but for some reason the thought of Carmen talking to him or asking about him and asking for his name bothered me. Then, deciding I really didn’t care, lift my chin and looked at her squarely. “I already know his name. He gave it to me the first time he actually worked up the nerve to talk to me.” I heard a chorus of gasps from around the table at that.
“What do you mean you already know his name?” “Why didn’t you ever tell us?” “So, spill. What’s his name?” They shot their questions at me as fast as they’d formed in their minds. I smiled and took another slow sip of my drink and looked around the room ignoring their demands for information. “Ariana! You can’t tell us something like that and then make us sit here and not tell us!” Skye practically shouted at me. “And how long have you known his name? And more importantly, who is his friend seeing?” I laughed at her vehemence. “Like I said, one of the first times he worked up enough nerve to come away from his shadowy corner and talk to me was the first time he asked for my name.” The three of them looked to one another and back to me. “That answers nothing.” Anani said. She then turned to Carmen, “What’s his name?” I laughed and gave in. “Fine. Since you’re all asking so nicely, I’ll tell you.” I
took another drink, “He told me his name about forty five years or so ago.” I smiled a satisfied smile because I knew I hadn’t answered the one question burning in all of their consciousness’s. I faked a yawn and made to stand when arms shot out and shoved me back into my seat. “No. You will answer our question. You can’t just leave without telling us.” Anani said while getting a round of agreements from the other two. “If you won’t tell them, I will. After all, it’s just his name, Ari.” Carmen said with a casual tone. I sat back down and pretended to be bored with this line of talk. “Fine. If you must know, his name is Argento. Happy now?” At once both Anani and Skye turned to him and looked. Putting a name to a Guardian. Carmen just sat and watched me. I pretended not to see her from the corner of my eye. “So you have no interest in him?” Anani asked.
“Why would I? I’m perfectly happy the way I am.” I was trying for an unaffected, casual air and I think I did rather well. She then looked at me. “So, you wouldn’t mind if I went over there right now and spoke to him? Maybe asked to see him?” The mere thought of her doing that made my insides clench with… with… I don’t have the words to describe the feeling. I looked over to him sitting there with his friend and tried to imagine him talking with Anani. Just the thought and I could feel anger building up. It was stupid. I don’t even know him. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say our Ari here, is a bit upset by that thought, Ana.” The sugar in Carmen’s tone was almost sickening. Pretending to feel unaffected, I shrugged. “I could care less.” Only after the words left me, I felt like the children look when they have fevers and lose all their dinners. If I had better color, I’m sure I would look green.
“Well, if I were to go by your aura, I’d have to say that you’re lying.” Skye said. I watched in horror as Anani rose from her seat and drifted towards Argento’s table. If I had a human heart, I imagine it would be stammering for release. My whole body felt like a live wire and at the same time, I felt angry with her for getting up. “I did hear her right, didn’t I?” Carmen asked Skye. “I mean, she did say she didn’t care, right?” I faintly heard them talk about me as I concentrated on the fact that Ana was now seated and talking to Argento. He even smiled as she approached his table. Only moments after getting there he was already leaning in to her, closing some of the distance between them. And to make this worse, she too was leaning in closer! Feeling as if I could burst apart at any moment, I couldn’t watch them anymore. “I have to return to Minnie. I’ve already been gone far too long.” I didn’t wait for questions or comments. I just left. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Shortly after her friend here sat down, Ariana left. She’s seen me with other females before and never reacted so quickly. Maybe it’s because this is one of her friends, or maybe she’s finally coming to see that I really am the one she wants. That she too feels what I’ve known for years. That I’d found my mate. Maybe she’s finally starting to look at me in the same way. Maybe— “Are you even paying attention to me?” Her friend asked a little impatiently. “What? Oh, yes. I heard you. And the answer is no.” “Gento, can we leave now?” Sterling asked me again. “She is gone now.” I know he doesn’t like coming here and only agreed because I asked it of him. He’d much rather be somewhere quiet than here in one of the commons halls. “We’ll leave shortly.” “Leave? You’re leaving?” Her friend, Anani I believe, first looked to me before turning to Sterling. “Are you talking to him?
You know, it’s rude to have a private chat when there are others present.” I looked to Sterling to see his aura change from semi-bored to marginally angry. “If I wanted to talk to you, then I would. But my words were for him alone.” She looked shocked by his statement. “Well, it’s still rude.” She said angrily. I tapped on the table in front of us to get her attention. “Why did she leave so suddenly?” She looked over her shoulder back to her table, “Hmm. I don’t know. Maybe she had to get back to her Charge. She has been gone for over a day now.” “See. She has returned to her Charge. Can we please go now?” I look back to Sterling, “Fine. You’re right. Let’s go.” I turned back to her friend, “I’m sorry, but we have to be leaving. It was so nice talking to you.” She shrugged an almost formless shoulder. “That’s alright. I have someone to meet anyway.” She was gone just as fast as Ariana. I shivered from the way her name sounds as it
hums along my mind. Ariana. Beautiful. I wonder who her Charge is this time. Wonder if it’s still the same little boy from last year. “Can we please go? You know how much I love the common halls.” “Brother, we need to find you a mate. Someone you can dwell on and to occupy all of your thoughts.” He let out a sound of disgust. “You say these things like I have not been looking. As if I do not want that very thing. So far, I have not been as lucky as you in the finding.” I’d struck a nerve with him, and for that, I was sorry. But me, lucky? “Lucky? By the Maker, how am I lucky? She won’t talk to me!” “At least you have found her! I, on the other hand, have not.” He then sighs heavily, “Can we not find somewhere else to go? The Charge I have been following, will soon be coherent enough for me to finally take on.” “Fine. Then let’s go see what Nyles is up to. And what do you mean they’ll be coherent? Did you scare them again? I tell
you, you should take a turn at children. Much easier.” I could hear the scowl in his tone. “No I did not. He was journeying from his gold claim when he had been robbed. During his attack, they then struck his head causing him to fall into a deep sleep. I can hear him struggling to break free of it, but he has yet to full wake up.” “How long has he been unconscious?” “He was struck down nine days ago.” Needing some time to just think, I decided to use more pedestrian means and took a wider circuit via some of the gardens. As Ariana favors the pink and purple garden, I’d thought to maybe catch a glimpse of her. After passing by the gold garden and still not seeing her, I finally gave up and headed toward our final stop. Arriving at Nyles’s apartments, I let him know we were here. Nyles was one of the few Guardians who chooses to look, dress and act human. His room is even furnished as such. Although I don’t quite see the appeal, he isn’t alone in his preferences. However, since neither one of us has ever
seen Sterling leave our true form, Nyles likes to make him comfortable and usually reverts. Receiving a welcome inside, we enter his rooms where we are instantly stopped short. Nyles isn’t alone. Anani, Ariana’s friend was also here. “You.” I said dumbfounded. “What are you doing here?” As before, she lifts a fuzzy shaped shoulder at me. “I told you I was meeting someone.” I could see the happiness pouring off each of them as she drifted closer to Nyles. Before long, there wasn’t much separation between the two of them. “You two know each other?” Nyles asked with a little more bite in his tone than was typical for him. “Would you like us to leave and come back another time?” I asked Nyles. It was several seconds before he answered me. “No, no. I’m sure she doesn’t mind sharing our time with friends. Do you Ana?” I swear I could hear her spin a purr into her no, but I didn’t ask her to repeat it.
“We were just in the mood for additional conversationalists and immediately thought of you. So here we are.” I said to Nyles. “He is seeking more help in the swaying of your friend.” Sterling said to Anani. I could see her aura light up with excitement. “Really? Oh, can I help? I know she tells us all she’s perfectly happy being alone, but when I mentioned going over to talk to you today, she almost fell off her chair! Then when she went dark I truly thought she’d speak up and tell me to mind my own business,” I watched as her aura changed from a bright green to a dull gray. “but instead she said she didn’t care if I spoke to you.” Another shrug. “Sorry.” The clues must have been put together, because suddenly Nyles lit up just a bit more. “Are you friends with the ever elusive Ariana?” While her face wasn’t exactly fully defined, I could see a smile spreading across her mouth. “I am. Wow. What a small place we live in.” “Does not seem so small to me.” Sterling snorted under his breath at me.
Apparently Nyles heard it too, because he laughed. “Oh Sterling, have hope.” He then turned to Ana and pulled her closer than she was before. They were almost fully joined as he spoke to him again. “You will one day find your own happiness.” I could tell he didn’t want to hear any more from an obviously happy and glowing Nyles because his whole being shifted sharply toward upset. “Alright, fine. Gent, I am off to check on my would be Charge. Please stay out of any major trouble.” “Oh Brother, you sting me.” I gasp with mock shock. “And you contact me if you need me.” I told him in return. Being friends as long as we’ve been, we are brothers in every sense of the human word, and we look out for each other in the same fashion. “I will, as should you.” With that, he was gone and I was left alone with Nyles and Anani. I looked to them and they were just this side of ignoring my presence. “I should be going. I too have a Charge to take on.”
I didn’t really, but they really didn’t seem to be paying me any attentions anyway. Maybe I would try and find some more information from someone a little more forthcoming about her.
Chapter 2
Returning to fur and four legs, I first found Minnie before showing myself. She sat on the grass outside playing with one of the many shared rag dolls the girls pass between themselves. Her dusty blonde hair was pulled back away from her face in a fraying braid that ran down her back. She looked happy enough, but there were several times a day when she could be seen standing at the end of the walkway, just waiting. Waiting for a mother who will never return for her. Not wanting to start dwelling on her sad history again, I let my thoughts wander back
to Argento. To think I was actually thinking of talking to him. What is wrong with me? Just when I think today might be the day to finally give him a chance, he gives Ana the smile he should have given to me. In the back of my mind I could hear myself trying to correct that last statement. ‘But you said you didn’t care if she went’ Bah! My conscience can go take a hike to somewhere else right now. Leave me alone. “You’re back!” Her squeal startled me from my thoughts. She ran and picked me up as she then crushed the air from my lungs. I let out a soft yip, letting her know I had to breathe. She held me out as she giggled at me. Still a little out of sorts from my almost encounter with Argento at the commons, I didn’t greet her as I usually do when I take a few days to myself. “Katie, I think Peanut’s sick.” Minnie said as she carried me to her friend. She sat down with me in her lap under the nearest shade tree and propped me up for inspection. Katie, a year older than Minnie’s five, looked me over with a critical blue eye.
She poked at my nose, which almost made me sneeze, then pulled on each of my ears in turn before giving me yet another poke in my tummy. Apparently satisfied with her inspection, she sat back. “I dunno. He looks fine ta me.” Minnie picked me up, crushing me to her chest in an almost too tight hug. “How many times do I have to tell you? She’s a girl.” Aren’t you? I gave her chin a lick, I am a girl, and no, I’m not sick. But— She started with a frown, “But you look sick. Like ya might puke or somethin’ ” “It’s not fair.” Whined Katie. “How come I can’t hear the puppy talk to me?” That question earned me another squeezing hug. “’Cause she’s mine.” She said as strongly as a five year old could. I wiggled in her grip until she put me down. Then I curled up on top of her already tattered skirt, nesting in the crook of her bent knee. None of the children living here were dressed in the latest fashions. No, these were donations probably given by a local church. Minnie and Katie didn’t even have
the crinolines to make these dresses fit correctly. Minnie’s hem in particular, had been cut to fit so she wasn’t constantly tripping over the dragging fabric. “So where was you hidin’ this time?” She asked as she absently scratched my ears. I was visiting my friends. I told you I would be back, and as you can see, here I am. “What kind of things to puppies do when you go for a visit? Do you chase each other?” I laughed a little at her innocent questions. Being deposited here over a year ago by a starving mother, Minnie seemed to be happy enough. Although, with the current time and place, this was a normal life for most children. Katie wasn’t much better off. But at least she had parents who were still alive, if not with her right now. Her mother had moved to the next town to see if she could get better work and her dad had left a few years ago in pursuit of gold in the Black Hills. Minnie’s parents were both gone. She didn’t know it, but her mother passed away
just a few short weeks after dropping her off at the front door. Minnie never knew her father, but peeking into her mother’s memories told me that he’d died in a gunfight he’d managed to get into the middle by accident. So that brought in me. I’d been lingering around the orphanage for a few weeks by the time she arrived. It was the end of winter and she’d been wrapped up in several blankets and walking without shoes. At the time, her mother told her she would be right back just as soon as she could. Even though Minnie believed her, even the governess could tell she was telling her daughter what she herself wanted to believe. At four years of age, Minnie cried heavily when her mother turned and walked out that front door. I followed her mother for days, making sure nothing happened to her and without taking her on I helped her where I could. I set out food when she’d fallen asleep in the back of someone’s cold barn. Led her to a warmer blanket that had been dropped from a passing carriage. And toward the end,
when I knew she wouldn’t make it through the night, I left her a bottle of home brew. She downed the entire contents in just a few gulps before easing down onto her pallet of blankets. In the back of an old barn, finally feeling warm after being so cold for so long, she fell into a more comfortable sleep. I watched as her life slipped away from her and her soul was swept up by the evening’s breeze. I sat there and howled until the farmer had come to see what was making all the noise and discovered her body. He went and fetched the local coroner who had brought men to have her taken away. Since she didn’t have any identification on her she was buried in an unmarked grave at the edge of the cemetery. Once she’d been taken care of, I decided to return and take on Minnie. To make sure she was adopted into a loving family. To make sure she didn’t see this same lonely ending. “Well? Whacha do when you’re gone? Do you play?” Only sometimes. But most of the time we just talk and laugh with each other. I gave
her chin another lick which made her giggle again. Tell me you stayed out of trouble while I was gone. “Oh, I did. I was a good girl.” I could see the pictures flashing behind her eyes as she thought over the few days I was gone. She looked to her friend as she propped me up to face her. “Tell her Katie, I was good, wasn’t I?” Katie’s face scrunched up. “Huh?” “Peanut asked if I was a good girl while she was gone. Tell her I was.” Her frown deepened. “But you got in trouble last night.” “That wasn’t my fault!” She screeched at her friend. “I didn’t do it!” I could see what she was trying to forget, and from a child’s eyes, it was difficult to put together into a fluid thought. What happened, Minnie? This time when I asked her, the pictures slowed down as she tried to put together her words. As she remembered, I could see her thoughts more clearly. She fidgeted with my tail as she tried to put it all together in the right order.
“Well, ya see, Bobby said he was gonna take some bread from the big table. I told him he was bein’ naughty an’ gonna get inta trouble, but he jus’ stuck his tongue out at me. When he got caught, he told Mama Sue it was my idea an’ that I told ‘im to do it. She believed him!” And what happened then, Minnie? “Mama Sue said I had to be taught a lesson.” Tears started to fill her beautiful honey colored eyes as she also started to choke them. “She says I can’t have any bread for a week.” She paused as she first looked to Katie. She then resumed scratching my ears. “Peanut?” Yes? “How long’s a week?” “I heard Molly and Fannie say a week is all the way ‘til the preacher comes again. That’s a really long time, Minnie.” “But I really didn’t do it, Peanut! I didn’t!” As her tears fell she picked me up, flopped me over her shoulder and put a strangle hold on me. With her face buried into my tan fur, she cried her of her innocence.
I believe you, my sweet. And if you can keep a secret, I’ll bring you enough bread to make your tummy full. Sliding a grimy arm across her eyes and nose, she put me back into her lap. “You will? But how?” “What? What’s Peanut gonna do?” “Can I tell her?” She asked me as she again wiped at her nose with a dirty hand. With a wag of my tail and a small yip, I nodded at her. Yes, you may. After Minnie had told her I would give her bread she scrunched up her face as she looked at me. “But how? She’s jus’ a puppy.” I looked around to see the other children were preoccupied with their play to pay us any attention, and the four adults that were in charge, were nowhere in sight at the moment. But not wanting to draw any unwanted chance glances, I surrounded us with a small illusion. I then placed myself onto the ground and gave them each their own personal sized, fresh and still warm bread loaf. Both sets of eyes widened with
shock as they grabbed at them before they had a chance to disappear. “Are these ours?” Katie said with a gush of breath. Minnie brought hers to her nose and took a deep breath. “It smells so good.” Almost in unison, both of their tummies responded to the bread they held in their hands. Just as I was about to tell them to eat, they both bit into them savagely. With only their mouths, they ripped off large pieces again and again. You two need to slow down before you get sick. I spoke to both of them, but neither girl heard me. They were far too busy filling empty bellies. They only paused to giggle at each other once in a while before digging back into their almost finished bread. Taking on two Charges at once? Impressive. I turned to find Argento floating behind me still wearing the form he was using earlier. My tiny puppy heart skipped several beats at the sound of his voice. And looking at his aura, it’s so beautiful my breath
catches in my throat. In all my years, I’ve never seen one like his, ever. It’s a multicolored play of light almost every time I see him. And right now, the pinks and purples are the most vibrant. As a faint wicked smile creeps across his rather formless face, I’m suddenly brought back to the present. What are you doing here? He shrugged as he glided closer to me. I would have thought that obvious. I came to see you. Yes, but why? Can’t you see I’m busy? I turn back around giving him my tail in hopes that he’ll leave me alone. No such luck. Why did you leave? What? At the commons. Why did you suddenly leave? I jerked my head in Minnie’s direction. I would think your answer is obvious. I said as I turned back around. The girls were both almost finished with their bread and looking a bit thirsty. At first I thought to treat them to a bottle of soda,
but then realized it might be hard for them to keep it to themselves. Given their ages, they would want to brag about having it. So I just gave them each a cup of cool water. At seeing the cups appear beside them on the grass, both of them froze mid chew. “Peanut? Did you do that?” Minnie asked without taking her eyes off her cup. You’re really not going to answer me? I threw him what I hoped would be an angry look over my shoulder. Will you please go? Can’t you see I’m busy? I’ll leave if you promise to talk to me later. Fine. Whatever. Go. I didn’t think he’d give up so easily, but was rather glad he did. Dividing my attention between him and Minnie was taking too much energy on my part. I know I’m supposed to be giving her my undivided attention and help, but with him behind me, all I could think of was how his energy felt so close to me. It was sharp and inviting all at the same time. By the time I’d focused back on the girls, they had already upended their cups
and were looking rather sated. I watched as Minnie scooted down to lay in the grass and seconds later, Katie followed. Smiles spread across each of their faces as they looked up into the tree above them and giggled. I sat back and enjoyed the happy sight in front of me.
Chapter 3 It was at times like this, which really makes everything I do, worthwhile. I love seeing the smiles that are the results of happy children. I removed the illusion covering them and placed myself onto Minnie’s chest, where I curled into a ball. They continued to laugh for no other reason than being happy with a full stomach. But their laughing didn’t go unnoticed. “What’s so funny?” Asked Fannie as she and Molly came running up with glowing smiles on their dirty faces.
Both of them being, I believe, seven years of age, they try their best to emulate the older girls. Fannie with freckles, light brown hair and blue eyes, is clearly the one in charge between the two of them. Molly, with her strawberry blonde hair and green eyes, did whatever Fannie told her to do. Whether or not it was something she should be doing. Minnie and Katie paused in their giggles long enough to exchange a look. But then resumed their laughs behind grimy hands. “What’s so funny?” Fannie asked again, only this time she sounded annoyed instead of just curious. But Fannie being Fannie, was far too keen for her young age. “What was you eatin’?” That stopped the giggling cold. Minnie and Katie exchanged a look before setting their eyes back on Fannie. Molly squatted down next to Katie and saw the few crumbs she hadn’t managed to lick up. “Bread?” She whispered around a growling tummy. “Ohhhhh! Mama Sue’s gonna get you! I’m tellin’!” Fannie ran off in the direction
of the main house without waiting for anyone to say anything. “Whereja get bread? It isn’t dinner yet?” Molly’s eyes were wide with a hunger based envy. She wasn’t so much in the mood to tell, as she was to fill her empty belly. You cannot speak a word, Minnie. She turned her soft eyes on me and gave me a gentle nod. “We was jus’ pretendin’, that’s all.” Understanding and the result of a much too empty tummy, shone on Molly’s face as a soft ‘oh’ escaped her lips. I’d witnessed several of the children pretend at one time or another to have large banquets during their play. Sometimes they would pull bark patches from the birch trees and pile them high with rocks, flowers and grass blades, fantasizing a grand meal as they laughed. As the three of them sat and talked on the greatness of bread, Fannie came walking out, head held high, behind Mama Sue. A woman of her mid-forties, she looks as if she’s leaning more toward her seventies. With mostly grey hair and steal blue eyes, she’s not very sympathetic to the
children’s needs. While she doesn’t outright neglect them, she doesn’t shower them with love either. Not wanting to leave the girls to her ire, I remove what traces of bread were left behind. She marched up and snapping to a stop mere feet from the seated girls, she looked them over with a critical eye. No sooner had she snapped her heels together; Minnie, Katie and Molly stood up and faced her. “So. You’ve been caught thieving again.” Minnie shook her head violently as her eyes welled up with fear. “No, Mama Sue. They was jus’ pretendin’ ta have a feast. That’s all.” Interjected Molly on their behalf. “Nuh-uh! I saw crumbs and so did you!” Fannie accused with a pointed finger. “They was so.” She said to her friend, then glanced up and away from Mama Sue. “We do it all the time.” Clearly upset at being brought outside at the height of the afternoon heat, she crossed
her arms over her scrawny chest. “You do what all the time? Pretend to steal bread?” “No, Mama Sue.” Katie said stepping forward. “We pretend to have huge feasts.” She then toed at the grass as she looked down. “We was jus’ so hungry, we was pretendin’ again.” Mama Sue snapped her eyes to Fannie, “Well? What did you see, Fannie Lynn?” Suddenly nervous, she gulped as she looked at the three girls in front of her. “We was playin’,” She pointed to Molly, “and we saw them layin’ on the grass and they was laughin’. So we came over to see what was so funny, an’ that’s when I saw the crumbs on their skirts.” “Crumbs? All of you have crumbs on your skirts. Did you actually see them with bread or not?” She demanded as she changed her stance by placing her fists on her hips. Fannie shook her head. “So you lied, making me come out here for nothin’?” “It was just a mistake, Mama Sue. She didn’t nothin’ by it.” Minnie spoke up for the first time. “It’s ok. Jus’ a mistake.”
“Yes. A mistake. A mistake for little miss Fannie. She’ll be joining you in your punishment. No bread for the both of you for a week.” She pinned them both with a finger and a heavy look. “Understood?” “Yes ma’am.” They replied in unison with their heads down. She stormed back toward the building clearly not happy with being taken away from her afternoon radio show. Once she was safely back inside, Fannie turned on the three girls to her back. She eyed them each in turn before looking once more to Molly. “You saw it too, I know you did.” Molly shrugged. “I’m so hungry, I was hopin’ they had some ta share.” And my Minnie, beautiful soul that she is, reached out and grabbed her hand. “If I had more to share, I’d give everyone some.” Molly gave her a bright smile in return. “I know ya would.” She then turned that smile on the other girls. “Let’s go play!” I watched as they ran off, squealing in delight, in the direction of the grove of shade trees at the edge of the property.
Watching them laugh and run as they were, made my heart soar with pride. But soon it died as I looked around the grounds. So many children in need here and only so many of us to go around. If I could handle it, I would take each one on, all at once. Once, in the past, I tried to take on a pair of abused siblings. I was stretched so thin, I wasn’t sure when the days ended and a new one started. They loved the attentions I showered on them, demanding more and more of my time as the days went on. When I could no longer survive their demands, I had to put down rules. Something I’ve never in all my years of service done. I hated giving them limits, but I had to do it. They too didn’t like the new rules, but didn’t complain too much because they loved my full attention too much. After a while, I started to get used to the routine and wondered if this was something I could continue to do in the future. Our time together was short. I was only with them for about nine months until they were placed into a loving foster home. But during those nine months, I was glad to
have known them. And relieved to move onto only one child at a time. I was brought back to the present when I saw a delivery truck pull into the drive. It wasn’t Thursday. There shouldn’t be any deliveries today. Upon seeing the truck, the children ran out to meet it as it drove up. They’re just as curious about this odd occasion as I am. Deciding to get a closer look, I filter back to natural form and glide over to the side kitchen door getting there just as the cook comes out. A little old lady, with a dingy gray apron that matches her hair, small blue eyes and several missing teeth, she’s not what one would call polite. And as soon as the driver exited his cab, she set into him. “What’s this? I didn’t order anythin’? An’ I’m not payin’ for it neither!” He said nothing as he walked around to the back of the dirty, dusty, dark blue truck and opened the doors. She trailed after him still yelling and waiving her hands in the air, and he continued to ignore her protests. He simply started to unload several boxes, laying them on the dirt drive one on top of
the other. When he’d stacked two piles six high, he looked into crowd of children. Pointed to four of the tallest boys and told each to grab a box. They wasted no time in racing forward grabbing at the boxes containing what could only be assumed was food. As they walked them into the kitchen, the driver turned back to the children and choose two of the older girls. They walked forward with wide eyes as he reached into his truck and pulled out a bushel of peaches. The gathered mass of children squealed with excitement. He then reached back into his truck and pulled out another bushel, this time of broccoli. The children quieted in their murmurs as they eyed the bunches of miniature looking trees. Apparently they’d never seen the vegetable before. I could hear them chattering amongst themselves as to what they might be. “Maybe they’re somethin’ for us to plant.” “I wonder what they taste like.” “They’re not really gonna make us eat little bushes, are they?”
“Maybe we’re supposed ta peel them open, or somethin’.” As the children spoke, the cook was still trying to get answers from the driver. And still he said nothing. When the last of the boxes had been taken inside, he gave her a low bow, and then presented her with a folded envelope. He then stood and got back into his truck, driving away. “Alma! What’s the meaning of this? I didn’t authorize any extra deliveries!” Mama Sue was clearly unhappy for more than just the delivery. This makes two times in the past few minutes that she was taken from her favorite show. She hated being interrupted during her show. “And neither did I!” She yelled back. “He jus’ handed me this,” She handed over the envelope, “and then drove away. I don’ even know who he was. He wasn’t our usual delivery driver, that much I can tell ya.” Mama Sue opened up the letter, read it quickly before looking back to the cook. She handed over the letter and waited for her to read it. When she was finished, a frown creased her already heavily wrinkled face.
“I don’ understan’. Who would do this?” Mama Sue looked out past the children. Her eyes sweeping the road that runs out front. “I don’t know. But if the letter’s ta be believed, they’re watchin’ an’ listenin’. So do as it says.” She gave the children one more glance before returning to the main house. Drifting closer to Alma, I tried to read the letter, but she crumpled it inside her fist before I could. She too turned on her heel and marched back inside the kitchen. I followed. She started to bark at the children she had in there as helpers. Ordering them about without even looking to see what they were already doing. Without a second glance, she tossed the letter into the stove. A few of the children had gathered near one of the far counters and were chatting amongst themselves as to the reason behind the unusual delivery. “No. You go.” Said a rather flour dusted little boy of about ten.
“I’m not askin’.” This from a little girl with yellow blonde pigtails and two missing front teeth. “Well, neither am I.” Said another little girl of about ten years or so. While this small group of children talked quietly, they weren’t paying attention to their surroundings. Mainly in the shape of the two older girls headed their way. The taller of the two grabbed the little girl with pigtails and pushed her in the direction of the cook. “Miss Alma, Pearl has something she wants to ask you.” She turned just in time to see the little girl stagger to a stop a few feet from her. “What? I don’ have all day to sit an’ answer all your questions.” Pearl, shocked into silence, stood there with her mouth trying to work for words, but nothing came out. With a put upon sigh, the girl who did the pushing, walked forward. “We was wonderin’ about the delivery.” She looked around the dimly lit kitchen , to the other children in attendance, “We heard you say
you weren’t payin’ and he left without askin’ for any money. So…” Alma shrugged, “The letter he handed me said the delivery was paid for and that I was supposed ta serve it ta all you filthy urchins and that the person who paid for it, was gonna be watchin’.” The collective eyes of the children glazed over at the thought of getting to eat everything that came in just a few minutes ago. One box contained freshly killed chickens, another contained salted beef. There was a flat of eggs and still more unopened boxes sitting in the corner by the door. Just as Alma was getting ready to put on some water to boil, another little boy came running into the kitchen. “MissAlma! Miss Alma! Come quick! There’s another truck!” Getting outside, this one was a dairy truck. Which was special indeed, since the children only got milk on Sunday nights with dinner. The delivery man unloaded five of the milk cans before he closed his doors.
“I’ms ta deliver five more the day after tamarah.” He said with a tilt of his hat. Alma just stood there gaping at him for a few seconds. “Is this delivery paid for?” “Yes’em. Some’ne paid fer a whole mont’s worf of deliveries.” He gave anther tip of his hat before returning to his truck and driving away. Absently, Alma waived toward the milk cans and the children jumped into action. Two children each taking a handle and hefting them inside. Whoever made this generous donation certainly loves children. I was really considering following this driver to see if he returned to whomever paid for this delivery, but then I saw Bobby headed in Minnie’s direction. Moving so I could watch unimpeded, I waited to see how this encounter was going to play out. He was the reason behind many children’s problems. Not because he is a naughty child, but because he just doesn’t know how to interact with others in an appropriate manner. He just doesn’t understand how his actions affect others.
From next to a tree, I watched as he slowly walked up to the girls. I could tell he wanted to be included in their game of tag, but didn’t quite know how to ask to join. His solution? To run in and start pushing them all to the ground as he laughed with enjoyment. “Ha! I win!” He shouted triumphantly. “Let’s play again!” As the girls gathered themselves, with frowns on each of their faces, they looked to one another. Silently communicating amongst themselves. Then Fannie walked forward. “Wait. You run over here, push us all aroun’, then ask if you can play with us? You’re not serious, are ya?” I could tell he was getting angry. His face changed in an instant from delighted playfulness, to hurt with the snap of a finger. Minnie, dear. He only wants to be included. He just doesn’t understand how to properly act. She looked around for me, but since I wasn’t showing myself at the moment, she stopped looking and just nodded.
“Bobby,” She spoke up, pulling his attention to her. “if ya wanted ta play, alls ya gotta do is ask.” Confusion flitted across his face. “But I did.” Molly snorted a laugh, “No you didn’t. You jus’ started pushin’ us aroun’. You didn’t ask us anythin’.” Still confused, his face contorted into different shapes as he tried to wrap his head around what she’d said. He just doesn’t get it. Minnie, show him what you mean. Run at him and give him a good push. What? Alarm colored her tone. Normally, I don’t condone this type of action, but he must be that type of person who learns by seeing rather by hearing. I won’t let him hurt you. Just do it, Minnie. Pretend you’ve started a new game, and just give him a good push. She again looked around for me, and this time I formed just under the tree nearby. She gave me an unsure shrug as she then looked to the other girls. Without warning, she ran at him, gave him a solid push, which knocked an
unsuspecting Bobby to the ground. She then ran laughing onto the other girls and tagged them the way the game is meant to be played. Gently. “Hey! What was that for?” He shouted from his seat in the grass. Without missing a beat, Minnie laughed. “You said you wanted ta play! So get up an’ play already!” A smile raced across his face as he hopped up from the grass and ran after the other girls. This time, tagging them with a bit less force. You really have a way with children, you know that?
Chapter 4
Startled, her aura spiked with a dozen bright colors as she spun around to face me. “What are you doing here?”
“You promised to talk to me, so here I am.” “What?” “Earlier when I came to see you, you said you would talk to me later if I went away.” This time shock could be seen spiking all over her. Bright white streaks flashed everywhere. “When I said later, I didn’t mean an hour later.” “Has it been that long already?” “Long? Already?” I watched as she started and sputtered for several seconds. I love how excited she can get. “Argento, it’s been barely an hour since you left me. I don’t consider that later. I consider that an hour.” “You did not set a specific time frame. I thought it was open for interpretation and I interpreted your ‘later’, to be now.” The electricity she is giving off is intoxicating, it resonates and rings all the way to my core and I love it! I drifted closer to her so I could soak up more of her. “So, would you like to talk here, or go somewhere more private?”
I could see her indecision. “Well, I just got back, so I guess we’ll have to talk here.” Does my hearing deceive? She sounds nervous! I drifted that much closer, becoming a satellite to her every move. When she finally stilled under the grove of some shade trees, well within sight of her Charge, I settled in as close as I dared. “So why did you leave so suddenly earlier?” “Did I? I wasn’t aware it was sudden.” Her tone said she could have been talking of the game the children were playing, but her aura couldn’t lie. Not to me anyway. “No sooner had your friend taken a seat and you were gone.” “You didn’t seem to mind her sitting there. So what does my leaving have to do with anything?” I shrugged my ill-formed shoulder, “She was on her way to see her mate and just stopped by to—” “Her mate? Wait, what?” “She was on her way to visit Nyles and only stopped by to ask me questions about you.”
“Nyles?” She said his name, padded with relief. “Why haven’t I ever heard of him before? And what kind of questions did she ask about me?” “Oh, this and that.” I could tell she wanted details, but I wasn’t in the mood for her to call our conversation finished. “So have you given any consideration to what I asked you the last time you actually spoke to me?” I could tell she hadn’t forgotten that I’d asked her to spend an evening with me. I could also tell she didn’t want to answer me. “You know I can’t. I just got back.” “She does sleep, does she not?” “And so do I.” “But you and I both know, you don’t need quite so many hours.” I paused, drifting so close I was almost touching her. “One meal. It’s all I’m asking.” “One meal?” The way she spoke those two words, it almost sounded like she was disappointed. “Bell, I want a lifetime of them, but I’m willing to start with one.” “Bell? That’s not my name.”
“To me, it is.” “How so?” “You ring with perfect clarity right into my soul.” This time when I drifted closer, I shut out all space separating us, and she didn’t move! The connection is amazing. She feels amazing! I can feel her essence dancing all along me making me dizzy with happiness. “Oh.” Her single worded reply was so soft and faint, I wasn’t sure if she’d actually spoken or just let out a heavy breath. Deciding on taking this a little further, I drifted even closer so that one whole quarter of me was now intermingled with her. The simple fact that she didn’t move away, putting distance between us, made my soul soar! The feeling of full completeness almost overwhelms me. Almost from our first meeting, I was sure she was my mate. Now? Now I’m one hundred percent positive she’s mine. “So, is that a yes for later tonight?” She took far longer to respond than I’m willing to admit was comfortable. It was such a long wait I started to think she was
thinking of a way to turn me down. Another of her rather inventive ways of saying no yet again. “She usually falls asleep around nine. I’ll meet you then.” “You will?” I was so shocked by her response, I didn’t know what else to say before she just up and disappeared from my side. “Where will you be? Here?” “You’ll have to find me.” The laughter in her voice was enough to bring a smile to my soul. “Brother!” “Gento? What is the matter?” Going to him, I see his Charge has yet to wake. Although, I too can hear him struggling to get free of the confines of his mind. It shouldn’t be too much longer. “What has happened?” The alarm in his tone was one of great concern and worry. It warmed my soul to know he cared as much as he does. “Nothing but the most amazing thing, Brother. She’s agreed to sit with me and talk! Finally! After all these years it’s finally happening!”
“And it only took you fifty years to get to this point. Congratulations, Gento.” “Ha ha. It was part of my strategy. And in the end, its paid off.” His Charge took this time to let out a deep moan. Listening to him, he was so close to breaking through the barrier his mind had placed on him. “By the sounds of it, by later this evening you’ll be back to work.” “It would seem so.” “Don’t worry. I’ll stop by later and give you all the wonderful details. Who knows, maybe she has a friend for you.” “We will see. Just do not get ahead of yourself. Not to mention, I am perfectly capable of finding my own mate.” “Oh really.” I said with a laugh. “You spend more time with your Charges than you do searching for a mate. You’re never going to find one unless you frequent the commons a bit more often than you currently do. Which is never, unless I drag you there.”
He let out a heavy sigh at my comment. “Gent, I need to tend to my Charge. Prepare him for when he fully wakes.” “I too have things to see to before my meeting with Ariana. Don’t you worry. I won’t leave out too many details when we speak again.” Heading back to the market square, I search out another vender. “Maybe this time, I should send some sweets.” I mean really, what kid doesn’t like sweets? Trolling through the three candy shops that are still open, I decide to purchase a little from each one. From the Sweet Spot, I pick out some hard drops and some of their liquorice ribbons. Moving onto the Sugar Fairy, I choose some soft caramels and some of their hard pops on a stick. Then finally to the Gum Drop, I select a variety of their petit fours. Finished, I find my way to the bank. Using the telegraph machine, I send a message to the teller detailing my list and giving him some of my account information so he can have my deliveries paid for. He
jots it down as it comes through and I repeat just in case he missed something. Once he’s done and ready to place his pencil down, I catch his attention again by sending another message explaining what I would like delivered and when. I figure a delivery a week will be a welcomed and awaited one at the orphanage. Reading over his shoulder, I make sure he’s written everything down as I sent it. Satisfied, I leave heading back to the boarder so I could prepare for my meeting with Ariana. Just thinking about actually being with her. Alone. And that she agreed to it, was almost more than I could believe. After first seeing her more than fifty years ago, I knew she was the one for me. At that point, my search was over. I just didn’t expect her to so thoroughly ignore me as she has. I know she’s had to feel the same electricity as I did. Didn’t she? “She had to.” “Gento. I may have to report your delusional state to the Overseers.” Nyles tisked at me as he formed next to me. “Seriously, if you’re feeling the need to
speak to yourself, maybe your work load is simply too much. Maybe you could be of some service in one of the commons halls.” Deciding to ignore his rib, I change the topic from me directly to me and Ariana. “You’re with her friend, right?” “I am.” “Can you call on her? I have some questions about Ariana, and I know as her friend, she should know better than anyone else.” “I suppose I can. I don’t think she’s taken on a Charge yet.” I waited as I could tell he was speaking with her. I could see the love that started to radiate from him as they spoke. Only moments later, she was here with us. She ignored me as they joined almost immediately after her arrival. Then after what certainly felt like an eternity had passed, and both clearly aglow, they separated. “You wanted to see me?” “I have a question. When did you know Nyles was yours?” “After our first encounter. Why?”
After their first meeting? “Is it possible for your mate not to be yours?” “I’m sorry?” “Ariana. Maybe I’m not her mate and I only think I am. Could I really be wrong?” “Oh, Argento. I believe she’s as much yours as Nyles is mine. Why she’s been denying herself of you all these years, is beyond me. I can remember when she first ran into you. I remember her reaction. I remember how she kept you within her line of sight, too. I also know she’s not been with anyone since you two first met. Again, why she’s been so long in denying you, that’s a question you’ll have to ask of her.” “Thank you. Both of you. I’ve got to go, but thank you for talking to me.” Returning to the room Sterling and I usually share when here at the boarders, I try to relax. But after speaking with Anani, and learning from her that Ariana has also watched me over the years, was… amazing! She reacted to me. I’d always hoped for this, but never, until now, had the courage to ask anyone about her. And tonight, I intend on asking a lot of questions.
Chapter 5
Finding her was easier in my mind than it was in reality. She wasn’t joking when she said I’d have to search. I’ve been searching for well over an hour. I know her Charge tends to fall asleep at around nine each night so I was there early, only to find the child already sleeping and her gone. I’d been calling out to her, but getting no response. I’d even gone to the commons halls I’ve seen her in in the past. When I didn’t find her there, I stopped by each of the gardens. Then to the quiet halls, places we sometimes go for absolute silence. A place you can’t call into or call out of. Maybe that’s why she hasn’t answered me. But entering and looking around, I still find nothing. Giving up, and deciding this was her way of telling me no, I reluctantly decided
to return to my room. But since I really didn’t feel like going back to an empty room that I’d made up for a romantic evening, I took the long way. I walked. Strolling through the colored gardens, I imagined waking with Ari by my side. I know how much she loves these gardens. I can’t count how many times I’d spied her spread out in the midst of the velvet grasses just enjoying the blooms all around her. I’d spent so many days imagining myself lying there with her that it almost started to feel real. “I won’t be stopping by later.” “I am sorry, Brother. What happened?” “She may have said yes to me, but it was really just another no. I am officially done trying. I guess the attraction really was one sided.” “Would you like to help me with my Charge? I do not doubt he could use the extra help, and I enjoy having your company.” “Thanks, Brother, but I’m not in the mood. If you need me, I’ll be holed up in a room here.”
“Are you sure? You are more than welcome to join me anytime, you know this.” “I do, and thanks but no thanks. I just need to be alone for a while.” Another hour later and I find myself standing in front of a door I don’t want to open. I don’t want to open it and I don’t want to go through it because on the other side was a mess I really didn’t feel like cleaning up. “Gotta get over some time Argento. No time like the present.” Somehow, hearing it still didn’t make the task ahead of me any easier to digest. Reluctantly walking through the door, the first thing I expected to see was not the sight in front of me. My room is clean. No sign of the flowers or her favorite drink and those chocolate things she’s so fond of. “Nyles?” “Yes?” “Did you clean up my room?” “Your room? Why would I do that?” “Never mind.”
Looking around my now empty, clean room, I guess I’m glad I don’t have to clean. I just wish I had somewhere else to go. Someplace that wasn’t here. Deciding that my evening was essentially over, I had nothing better to do than get a few hours of sleep. Maybe when I woke, I would be able to move on with a better outlook on the rest of my life. “Whatever, Argento. You’re being delusional.” “I swear, Gento, I just might have to report you to the Overseers. This isn’t healthy behavior; this talking to yourself all the time.” “What are you doing here?” “Well, when you called, you sounded upset and Ana thought I should stop over and see if I could be of assistance.” “Well, thank you but I’m fine.” “I do believe I just heard you call yourself delusional.” He said with a snort of laughter. “Because you don’t sound like ‘fine’ to me.” Figuring he wasn’t about to leave without an explanation, I let out a heavy
sigh. “I had a romantic evening all planned out. Complete with a few of the flowers she loves so much from the pink and purple garden. I even grabbed some of those chocolate things she likes to nibble on.” I watched as he took a turn of my room. “So? How did it go?” “Everything was gone when I got back from my wild goose chase. I looked for her for over three hours. Even though she said yes when I asked her to join me for a romantic evening; what she was really saying when she said I’d have to find her was, adios sucker.” Pity colored his aura, which made me angry. “Would you like me to talk to Ana? I could see if she ca—” “What? No! I’m done. This time I got it. I always thought she was playing hard to get when she said no then. But she wasn’t. No. She meant it. This afternoon when she actually agreed to join me for a single meal, I was so elated! My soul was singing a song, and it was all for her. I thought, finally! Finally, all my wishes had come true. Finally.”
“Are you sure it isn’t just some misunderstanding?” “Nyles, if a girl tells you she’ll meet you only if you can find her. So you show up early, only to find her already gone. And then spend the next three hours searching in all of her known favorite places, only to never find her.” I let my heavy soul drag on the ground as I took a brief moment to myself. “How is it a misunderstanding? Why didn’t I see it before? All those years of her kindly ignoring me. All those years of her politely telling me, no, while her aura glowed so amazingly. Then to finally gather up the courage to make a move, which by the way, she let me. To finally know how she feels! Oh, Nyles. I know she’s mine. I know it!” “Then she is! She—” “No. It is decidedly one way. I am not hers. I’ve accepted it.” “But—” “Nyles. I thank you for your concern, but there is no but. I’ve held hope for what’s felt like an eternity, and finally letting it go is… is… is freeing.”
“Freeing?” He doesn’t bother to hide the incredulity drowning out his tone. “You can’t be serious. Do you realize how ridiculous you sound? I don’t care what you say; Ana’s convinced she’s as much yours as you are hers. She’s her friend. She knows her better than you do. I still say it’s all just some misunderstanding. I know it is.” “Fine. It’s all just some stupid mistake, but I’m not interested in trying to fix it. I wasn’t lying when I said I was done. Besides, I’ve been without a Charge for over a month, so I’m going back to work. I’ll see ya in a few years, Nyles.” I left with his yells ringing across my hearing. With no particular place in mind, I headed for one of the orphanages in Britain. With a few to choose from, I know I can find a child who could use my special services and attentions. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Really. I thought he would have found me by now. I mean, seriously. It’s been almost four hours! What did he do? Look in
a few places and then just give up? “What was the point of even asking?” “Peanut.” Minnie groaned as she rolled over in her bed. “Oh, honey. Are you feeling any better?” “My tummy still hurts.” I should have known she wasn’t feeling well when she fell asleep almost as soon as she was told to go to bed. She didn’t participate in any of the evening play the girls in this room do before lights are turned off. She just said she was tired, and silly excited me, I believed her. As soon as she was out, I headed back to the commons hall we’d been in this morning. But after being there for almost an hour, I remembered I hadn’t told Minnie I would be out of reach. So I went back to find her throwing up her dinner. A couple of the girls in her room tended her as a few more ran off in search of Mama Sue. Not being able to interfere while she was around, I had to wait for her to resettle Minnie before I could step in. I felt horrible that I’d been gone, because I knew she’d
tried to call on me when Katie said she couldn’t find me. “I’m sorry, Min. Peanut seems ta have gotten out. I can’t find her anywhere.” She whispered into Minnies ear so Mama Sue wouldn’t be able to hear. Fresh tears started to stream from her weary eyes with the news. I couldn’t stand it. Oh, sweet. I’m here now. Please calm down. She tried to talk to me as she cried, but it was difficult to understand her. And having to wait for Minnie to calm down and stop throwing up before Mama Sue would even leave, was hard. But soon enough she was calm enough that the heavy sobs subsided and her stomach calmed down. Besides, I didn’t think there was anything more for her to throw up. And as soon as she was calm, she fell right back into fitful sleep. “Do you need anything to drink?” She groaned as she shook her head at me. “My tummy hurts, Peanut.” “I don’t understand, Minnie. Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well? I
wouldn’t have left. I would have stayed here with you.” “I sorry. I jus’ thought…” she groaned as she grabbed her tummy. “I thought I was jus’ sleepy.” “Oh, honey, there’s no reason for you to be sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you.” She tried to give me a smile, but instead it was a pained contortion of her facial muscles. “I know puppies like ta play like kids do. An’ I jus’ wanna…” Ari? Ana? Is there a problem? Can I come to you, or are you busy? I looked over to Minnie, who was still mumbling on as she carried on our conversation. Yes, you can come. “Minnie, hon, I’m going to step out for a moment. I’ll just be outside, so if you need anything, you call for me.” She answered me by grabbing her blanket and pulling it up tight to her chin as she curled into a little ball. Moments later Ana was there with me. “Is she ill?”
“She is. So, it’s been a while since you visited me with a Charge. What’s going on? Has something happened?” Suddenly I was worried about her visit, and anxiety made me feel like Minnie looks. “The only thing that’s happened is that you’ve just missed your chance at happiness, Ari. How could you choose to be alone? I don’t understand. I know you’ve always tried to appear independent, but to turn your back on your mate? I didn’t think you had it in you to do that.” “Turn my back… Anani, what are you talking about?” “He’s giving up. And if what Nyles says is true, I can’t say as I blame him. Ariana, how could you?” “What is it I’ve supposedly done? Nyles? Who’s Nyles?” “Nyles is my mate because as soon as I recognized him, I grabbed hold and have not regretted that move, not once. You, on the other hand, have done nothing but push yours away. But to finally tell him yes only to never show? Ari, I’m disappointed in you.”
“Never show? Ana, what are you talking about? He was supposed to find me! He’s the one who’s given up! Not me!” “So you were just hiding in the shadows when he came here looking for you?” “He was here?” “Yes he was. Looking for you. Then he went looking for you in all of your usual places, only to never find you. Then Nyles said he returned to his room to find it cleaned of everything he had set for you, like you’d gone in and erased it. He said that you only said yes to him to make him go away. That it was just another of your polite ways of saying no.” “Ana, I left here early because Minnie fell asleep sooner than she usually does and I went back to the commons hall, where I waited for almost an hour before remembering I hadn’t told Minnie I was going to be gone, so I came back here just to check on her. But when I got here, I found she had been vomiting her dinner and crying for me. I’ve been here ever since. Yes, I did tell him yes to meet me tonight. So why didn’t he ever come back here? I haven’t
been hiding. I’ve been doing my job, sitting here, tending to my sick Charge.” “Well, all I know is that after he spent almost four hours looking for you, he’s given up on you and he’s left.” “Left?” The thought of him leaving me was enough to make my vision blur as black spots covered everything. “Where did he go?” “Nyles didn’t say, just that he said he’d given up on you and was going to be away from Court for a long while.”
Chapter 6
“Ana, can I ask a favor of you?” “Umm, sure. What do you need from me?” Nervousness colored her tone, making me laugh. “Oh, calm down. I just need you to stay here with Minnie while I go after my mate.”
After searching for the better part of almost three weeks, I was almost consigned to not finding him anytime soon, when by chance, I ran into his odd friend, Sterling. “You are not here to inflict more pain, are you? Because I think you have done quite enough already.” His words hurt more than I cared to admit. “No! Please! I’m just trying to find him.” “Why? So you can continue to hurt him?” “Please. It was all just a misunderstanding. I had—” “Oh, I know it was a misunderstanding. He understood your yes to be the start of something good, but instead, it was just a no in disguise.” “Damn it! Stop that! Just tell me where I can find him so I can tell him I’m sorry!” “Sorry?” “Yes,” I let out the heavy sigh I’d been carrying around since I found out he left. “I really did mean yes when I said I’d meet with him. But my young Charge became quite sick so I’d returned and was with her
when he was looking for me. I honestly thought he’d go to the orphanage to find me.” “He did, but you were not there.” “But he never went back! If he had, he would have found me and we wouldn’t be in this mess.” “Are you saying this is his fault?” I watched as his aura spiked with bright blues laced with black. He was angry on behalf of Argento. “No. Not at all.” Truth be told, it was my fault. But to admit as much to him right now was more than I could do. I could barely admit it to myself, but I had to be honest with myself. If I hadn’t tried so hard to make sure he really was mine, I wouldn’t be trotting all over the Maker’s handiwork searching for him. “Can you please just tell me where to find him so I can tell him how sorry I am?” He floated in front of me for so long, silent, I was almost positive he wasn’t going to tell me anything more than get lost. “He’s in Britain.” Britain? “What’s he doing there?”
“Taking his mind from you. He has decided to drown himself with children. He has also damn near taken on the whole orphanage all in an attempt at keeping his thoughts from wandering to you.” “Do you happen to know where or which one?” “Sorry. No. Now, I really must get back to my Charge.” Leaving him to go back to his Charge, I left for Britain. Having not been there for almost a century, I really had no idea as to where to even begin to look. And it didn’t help that he wouldn’t respond to any of my several attempts at calling on him. After searching through six children’s homes, and not finding him. I tried to call one more time. “Please Argento. I’m here, in Britain, looking for you. I—” “You are?” The amount of relief that flooded through me with his two words, was almost enough to drown me in happiness. And as soon as he answered me I knew exactly where to find him.
“Can I…” I started to ask but didn’t want to sound desperate. Then realizing I was, finished my question. “Can I see you?” The waiting for his permission was almost too much to bear. I honestly was beginning to believe he was going to turn me away. Tell me no. It was at that moment I realized that’s what he was going to do. He was going to turn the tables on me and tell me no. Tell me he wasn’t interested. And it was then I realized how much a fool I’d been for all these years. How much pain I’d caused because I was afraid. And the pain the both of us were feeling was the cause of my own actions. I understood now that this storm cloud was never going to get a silver lining. No. Just more lightning. “I’m sorry.” It was all I could say in light of my revelation. Understanding how big a mistake I’d made, I returned to Minnie. ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ After trying my best to keep her from my thoughts, she’s actually tracked me
down. She’d taken the time to search for me. For me! By the time the shock had worn off, she was saying sorry. And as I was about to reach out to her, she was gone. But knowing her, and I do. I know she’s headed back to her Charge. I told my Charges I would be back in a little while and not to miss me too much. Then I was off to see how this just might start. I was right. She did return to her Charge. But instead of finding her watching over her, I found her instead, being comforted by her friend. “Oh Ari. I’m so sorry.” “Don’t be. It’s all my fault. I should have listened to you years ago. I should have listened to my soul when he unlocked it. I shouldn’t have been so hard on him.” “You’re right. You were pretty hard on me, weren’t you?” The color spikes that flew off in a million directions from her shock, looked like a sparkling color explosion. It was as beautiful as she is. “You’re here.”
The sound of relief in her tone made my soul ring with pure delight. “Oh Bell, how could I ever stay away from you?” In an instant, she was in front of me, and the energy I could feel pouring from her was a trembling force that set my nerves to dancing. It was so exhilarating in its intensity that I reached out and grabbed hold of her wrapping my whole being around her. As soon as we joined, I swear I could hear the vibrations of my joy shake the air that surrounds us. I wanted this to last forever. To me, it sounded like a delicate stream dancing down a crystal mountain. Pure. Crisp. And beautiful. But it was nothing when compared with the one in front of me. She is perfection embodied. And all mine. And knowing she’d finally accepted me? Magnificently breathtaking.
Additional Books by Melissa A. Smith Guardians of Man
Cloud Nine Thunderhead Silver Lining Waiting Throne The Heir Apparent Pandora’s Elite Jealousy’s Rage