The sunlight had barely erupted from twilight and a loud and annoying sound was heard in the room, echoing on the bare walls. In the bed Haldora tried to look for the source of the noise to shut it off, before her lover awoke. She reached to the floor to find a small cell phone in Michael’s trouser pocket. She removed it and attempted to switch it off, as she did, Michael stirred in bed.
- I know that sound. -, he mumbled.
He reached for the phone, still with his eyes closed, took it out of Haldora’s hand and switched it off immediately. She laid it back on the floor and came back to greet her lover. His eyes were still shut, but his breath was different. He was awake, though in denial. She stroked his bare back, which made him smile. He slowly opened his eyes in the near darkness of the bed and smiled at her. She smiled back, although he could not see her.
- Is it still dark? -, he asked confused.
- Only in here! -, she answered as she reached for the drapery opening it a bit to allow the frail light in.
He held his head with his hand as she stared at his lover. She couldn’t understand why he did that, she just stood as she was waiting for some action.
- It should be illegal to look like that in the morning! -, at last he stated.
Haldora giggled. He reached for her face and led her to a gentle kiss.
- Good morning! -, she greeted.
- Good morning! -, he answered back, before kissing her again, - Tell me it’s Saturday! -, he asked as he kept kissing her.
- It isn’t! -, she answered amidst his kisses.
Michael threw himself back on the bed and sighed deeply. Haldora laid her chin on his chest.
- That means I’m going to have to leave here. -, he stated.
Haldora gave no answer, though she looked sad. For a moment both remained motionless thinking of the future event of leaving.
- I should go home and get a change of clothes, but I really don’t want to leave this bed.
- You don’t have to! I’ll wash your clothes if you want so you can linger here. -, she offered.
- That would imply you leaving here and I want you here, close to me. -, he explained, as he pushed her up, - So we can do dirty! -, he whispered in her hear.
- That sounds nice, but aren’t you going to be dirty to work?
- You’re well worth dirty underwear.
The both laughed. She caressed his hair, finally understanding why a moment ago he had stopped to just look at her. She pecked him. Haldora looked to the side as he kissed her neck and noticed a small scar on his right shoulder. She touched it, which grabbed his attention.
- I was in a bike accident and scrap form the bike hit my shoulder. -, he explained, - Some of it is still in there. Thank God I’m a lefty, my arm was pretty shot after that.
Haldora let go of a small smirk, which confused Michael.
- What? You think me having an accident is funny?
She nodded and kissed his scar.
- It reminded me of something from a long time ago. -, she explained.
- Are you going to tell me about your scar? -, he cautiously asked.
Her expression changed. She rolled to the side of the bed and pulled the sheets up to cover herself completely. He held her from behind kissing her shoulder.
- I’m sorry. You don’t want to talk about it, I get it. But what I came to say, yesterday, was that I wasn’t grossed about it. It just looked… oddly familiar. Like a fading memory you have, like from your childhood or something. I have no problems with it. You’re just as beautiful with it. -, Haldora sighed as she swallowed her cry.
The moment was perfect. It was a dream. It was her wish, the thing she had awaited for a thousand years. Full acceptance. They remained hugging for a minute till, Haldora cleaned a tear that had escaped and turned to Michael.
- You should take a bath before you leave. -, she changed the subject.
- Will you join me? -, he asked smiling mischievously.
- No, I’ll make you breakfast.
- I don’t eat breakfast! There’s no escaping me now.
Haldora reached for her night gown and got dressed. She left the bed and opened the drapes allowing all of the sun light to invade the bed. Michael covered his head with a pillow, to protect his eyes. Haldora went to the bathroom and ran the bath. She lit one of the candles and as she concentrated all of the candles were lit. No other light shone on the bathroom. Michael entered being astonished by the ambience. Haldora pointed towards the tub, inviting him in. Michael took the invitation. He sat down allowing the warm water to soak his body. Haldora sat on the edge of the tub, with her feet in the water, right behind him. She took water in her hands and proceeded to wet his back. He allowed her to wash him.
- Don’t you have electricity? -, he asked, looking at all the candles.
- I like twilight. I like shadows. -, she explained
Haldora took a sponge and proceeded to soap his back and shoulders. Michael lay back, landing his head between her knees and exposing his chest. She soaped his chest as well as he wrapped his wet arms around her waist. She took his arms from their position and held them straight. She soaped them and sunk them in the water. Michael turned to her and held himself out of water to kiss her. He knelt down on the tub to embrace her. She fought him off so she wouldn’t get wet, but it was useless. Michael pulled her down and she fell into the tub, soaking her night gown. He pulled it off her. She soaped his nose with the sponge, sliding away from him to the other side of the tub. He took the sponge away from her and repaid the favor. He held her and soaped her back, then took her arms one by one and soaped them too. She pushed him away from her and he braced himself on he edge of the tub, she lied on his body, slowly descending and kissing his skin. Soon her face was bellow the water and stayed like that for an uncomfortably long time. Michael got scared and pulled her up violently. She looked surprised.
- Don’t ever do that again.
Haldora sat on the edge of the tub and pulled herself a towel. She wrapped herself on it and got her feet out of the water. Michael remained in for a moment more. Haldora got up as he closed his eyes, soaking in the warm water, and left the bathroom. She got dressed and picked up his clothes from the floor and laid them carefully on the freshly-made bed.
As Haldora was preparing to boil water for tea, she heard footsteps on the stairs, she ran to keep whoever it was to come in, but it was too late. Anna opened the door and walked in.
- Hey! I hope you don’t mind m coming up, but I really wanted to tell you something. -, Haldora tried to interrupt her but she was talking to fast, she hardly drew a breath, - I wanted to tell you that, though you had a bad night, he was partially responsible for it, because he took you to see a crappy film and he should know what kind of movie to show a girl on a first date and as for the kissing, what the hell was he thinking? That you are cheap or easy? I mean, a movie and he can take a person to an apartment and try to get into their pants?
- Anna, stop! -, as Haldora said this Michael opened the bathroom door wearing nothing but a towel around his waist.
Anna was caught by surprise, so was Michael. None of them said anything, remaining embarrassed.
- Hello, Anna, right? -, Michael finally greeted.
- Hi! Michael. -, she answered. – I think I should wait outside. Carry on!
Anna left the room. Haldora looked at Michael trying to come up with an explanation.
- Did I interrupt anything? -, he asked.
- No! She just wanted to get some things out of her chest. I should go down and talk to her.
- Sure! I’ll meet you downstairs in a second.
Haldora ran down the steps and found Anna sitting in the shop’s sofas with still an embarrassed look upon her face. Haldora sat down next to her.
- Why didn’t you tell me he was in the bathroom?
- You really didn’t give me a chance.
- He spent the night? -, Haldora nodded with a smile, - You didn’t talk all night long and then realized he was too tired or drunk to go home, did you? -, mischievously Haldora shook her head, - Oh my! You did it? -, Haldora nodded grinning.
Anna smiled in joy. The friends hugged. Anna laughed just thinking of her friend’s wish coming true. Haldora held her joy under control, afraid of any outbreak. Michael came down as they unlocked from their embrace. Anna noticed his presence and stepped away from the couple, leaving them in privacy.
- I should go! My bus will be here soon. -, he announced.
- Let me fix you a cup of tea before you go.
- I can’t eat anything in the morning I’ll grab something in the office.
Michael looked to Anna, to see if she was looking at them, she was pretending to stock the coffee stand, but she could see them in the corner of her eye. Michael gave Haldora a long kiss goodbye. Anna turned to see them, happy for her friend. Michael headed for the door.
- Michael, wait! -, Haldora requested. She took a book from one of the shelves and handed it to him, - For the trip! -, he was astonished to see that he was reading, his eyes asked how she knew, - I saw it on your nightstand.
He came back for one last kiss and left afterwards, with the book under his arm. Haldora watched him as he ran across the street to the bus stop. His bus parked soon after that.
Haldora came away from the window as Anna drank a cup of coffee. Haldora sat at one of the tables and laid her head on her arm. Anna sat down next to her.
- Is it as good as you thought it would be?
- It’s better, Anna!
- It is rather soon, though?
Haldora lifted her head and seriousness took hold of her face.
- I’m sorry, Hal, but it is. You go out on one lousy date and the next day you sleep together. Are you sure he feels the same way you do?
- He could never feel the same way I do, but if you’re asking does he … love me? I don’t know! But it’s obvious to me he feels strongly about us.
- Is that enough? -, Anna asked, - I mean, you’ve been waiting for him for so long. I just don’t want you to sell yourself short. Don’t give it all away.
- I know you’re only instilling doubt because you’re my friend, but let me live this, even if it doesn’t lead anywhere.
Anna agreed. Haldora got up and looked around the shop.
- Now if you excuse me I need to go finish decorating the exhibition space. It’s next week and I am way behind. So would you do me a favor and mind the shop for me?
- Sure, boss!
- But before you start, go up to the garden, there’s a small gift for you on the altar.
Haldora got up and headed for the exhibition space, as Anna went up the stairs to find the small statue of Toth, where Haldora had said it would be. She took it from the altar and admired it. She understood the significance of this gift and was grateful.
Haldora spent the day busy with her affairs, though she carried herself differently. She was happier, her distant and cold look, seemed warmer and closer. She could not stop smiling and laughing of very unimportant things. Anna watched her through the day and found her friend joyful. She had never seen her like that and was not opposed of her remaining like that for a long time or even forever.
At the end of the day, Anna came close to Haldora as she still worked. She had to touch her should to get her attention.
- Hey. I’m heading off. I want to ask you something.
- What is it?
- I was invited to a Halloween party and I was thinking it would be nice of you and Michael could come as well.
- You know I celebrate Samhain on Halloween. I don’t think I can go. -, Haldora excused herself.
- You can do both. Do the ritual and then come to the party. -, Anna suggested.
- I don’t know.
- Look, you’re the one who want to live this. I’m giving you a chance to live it some more.
- I’ll talk to Michael about it and let you know.
Anna agreed and left her friend to finish her work.
Michael arrived soon after Anna had left. He tapped on the glass and Haldora let him in. He gave her the book, she had given him in the morning, back and kissed her as a thank you note. Haldora lead him up to her room. Michael sunk himself on the sofa and Haldora sat down between his legs. He held her as he looked into the fire that crept next to them. Haldora slumbered as she was rocked by his breath, but the doubts instilled by Anna in the morning were planted in her head and soon bore fruit.
- Michael can we talk? -, she asked.
- Experience tells me when a girl says that to a guy, things aren’t right.
Haldora sat down on the other side of the sofa staring at him.
- It’s just that… everything we know about each other was read on a computer screen and both of us could have been lying. Yet here we are.
Michael sat up straight.
- I can’t explain this, but I am attracted to you. Everything you do is new to me. But it’s familiar. I feel like I’ve known you forever and yet I know nothing about you. You seem to be a figment of my dreams, something I’ve seen before. I felt that from the moment we began writing to each other. I knew I could trust you. And the truth is you could have been lying and you could be an axe murdered, but I find that hard to believe, not now that I’ve met you and I’ve look into your eyes. … I think I’ve fallen in love with you.
Haldora was unable to speak after this explanation. She stared at him, he stared back, waiting for an answer or reaction to his words.
- I feel the same way. -, she finally answered.
He smiled at her and she resumed her former position. He kissed her hair.
- Anna invited us to a Halloween party, do you want to go?
- I thought witches didn’t go to Halloween parties. I though they would stay home and cook up spells.
Haldora laughed.
- We do have a celebration. It’s kind like our New Year’s Eve. The 31st is a day without a month. The beginning. It’s the time when the portals of the spirit world are open and all spirits come to Earth. So we celebrate them. But we can also find time for a party. -, she explained.
- If you can find the time, I would like to go. But we have to go disguised as a pair.
- What do you mean?
- Like if I go as Dracula, you have to go as Vampira. You know paired up.
- What if you’re a Vicking warrior and I’m you lady? -, she asked as she turned to see his expression.
- Where I am going to find a Vicking warrior outfit?
- I have one downstairs.
- Isn’t that like an antique?
- It’s imitation! -, she lied, - You wear the armor and I’ll wear the dress.
Michael nodded smiling.
They remained lying on the sofa for hours just talking of what they would do at the party in regards to scaring the others, like playing with the sword. Haldora felt as she had not felt in a long, long time, she felt as she did when she still had a pulse. Before she had met her warrior. She was a human being again even if just as long as the conversation lasted.
At last Michael had to go and after a long goodbye with hugs and kisses that denounced their unwillingness to part, he was gone.
Longing… Waiting for tomorrow…
Thursday, April 19, 2007
CHAPTER XXIV
Anna opened the shop as she had promised and waited impatiently for her friend to come down. As time passed she would imagine many scenarios that might have taken place. Such as Haldora might not be home yet, she could still be with Michael, or maybe they were both up there alone, still sleeping. Haldora was taking too long to come down and so Anna’s mind diverged to uglier scenarios. They had a fight, or one of them might not have liked to other. The night had not ended well. Close to lunch hour, Anna was tired of waiting and so went upstairs to satisfy her curiosity. As she took the last steps before Haldora’s door, she smelled paint and cigarette smoke. Anna turned the knob and opened the door slowly to find Haldora smoking and adding frescos to her wall. They were images of fairies and elves, also goblins and cherubims, and the strangest beings Anna had ever seen. She entered on tip toe not to disturb her friend, before a sound was made Haldora looked at her in desperation.
- Bad night? -, Anna asked cautiously.
- I screwed it up. -, she answered as she put down her paint and took a drag from her cigarette.
Anna came close and sat on the bed, noticing that the drapery around it had also been recently stitched. She waited for her friend to continued.
- He kissed me. -, she told. Anna smiled. – I lost control and… blew a hurricane into his living room.
Anna tried to remain serious but it was impossible. She began to laugh, imagining the situation. Haldora, herself snickered at the situation. She sat down next to her friend.
- It was terrible. He hates the kind of music I like. I hate the film he liked. And then… there was the whole tornado thing and… he touched my scar and it didn’t hurt anymore and I freak and I left. -, she told.
- What were you doing naked in his house? -, Anna asked.
- I slipped wine on my dress. –, she explained. She took a new drag from her cigarette, - In the car and then in his apartment I was back there, the place where I first saw him. I was back there, unable to say an intelligent word besides pleasantries, but overflowing inside from the waterfall of things I want to tall him.
- Hal, look at it this way, you were at his apartment, you had drinks, he kissed you. He likes you. -, Anna explained.
- Why would he kiss me? He has a girlfriend. Why would he kiss me?
- Do you think he’s cheating? Just want to get into your pants?
- I can’t think of him like that. -, she answered in a half whisper.
- But you sure tried not to think. -, Haldora got up to throw her cigarette on the fireplace, - I mean I don’t think painting frescos and stitching is something you do every night.
- I was wondering if I such call him and tell him something. -, Haldora explained as she leant against the fireplace, ignoring the heat. – And tell him what?
- Can’t help you there, sorry. -, Anna got up and walked towards the door. – I’ll leave you to think about it. But if you take an advice, you should think of him as he is today and not as he was before.
- That’s the thing, Anna. He hasn’t changed.
Anna walked out, leaving Haldora to her confused thoughts.
The day passed slowly and every hour seemed to linger for as long as possible. But no hour brought clarity to Haldora’s head. She was unable to rationalize what had happen the night before. She was almost certain it had been punishment for getting too close to Michael. She had decided to stay at a distance and as soon as she had reneged on her promise to herself she had lost the ground beneath her feet. No amount of work that she undertook, gave her anymore rest, in fact it only seemed to bring more questions. Haldora decided to attend to the preparation for the Full Moon Festival, though her head was by no means in that direction. At last she decided to give it up. She lit a single candle and watch as the Moon came up in the sky. She asked solely for clarity. Next candle she placed the figurine of the Egyptian God of Writing, Toth, she had gotten for Anna, it would be blessed by the light of the Full Moon and inspire Anna for sure. Haldora lied in bed to continue her thinking after this.
The sound of tapping on glass reached Haldora. She got up and slowly came down to the shop, to find Michael at her door. He raised his hand when he saw her. She rushed to let him in. They stood for a second in the dark shop in awkward silence, Haldora then led him the stairs to her home. She helped him with his coat and waited for him to say what had brought him there. Michael just stood by the door in silence, holding a potted plant that Haldora had not even seen.
- Let me give you the grand tour. -, she said, - This is the only room, there’s the bathroom and there’s the garden. -, she explained as she pointed to the doors.
- Spacious! -, he commented.
Michael walked through the room, getting his attention caught by the frescos.
- I wanted to apologize for a horrible night. -, he finally said, after inspecting the pictures, - So I brought you this. -, he handed her the potted plant, - It’s a violet. I read online that it’s important for witches.
Haldora took the plant and admired it.
- Thank you. -, she opened her garden’s door and placed the pot next to so many other pots, Michael stood by the frescos, - But I’m the one who should apologize. -, she said as she came back to the room, - I left…
- Yes, but… I made you leave. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. -, he explained.
- I thought so too. -, she stated as she walked towards the fireplace. – I mean you’re with somebody and we shouldn’t have… -, Haldora silenced when she noticed Michael expression had changed to confused.
- I was talking about your scar. I shouldn’t have looked at you… like that. What were you talking about?
Haldora couldn’t speak. Her jaws were frozen.
- I’m not with anyone. –, he announced, - I broke up with my girlfriend a couple of months ago. That was what you were talking about, right?
Haldora nodded shyly.
- We… Routine was killing us and we took a break. I’ve been alone for a while. It’s been good. I haven’t really been looking for anyone, but… You… You are nothing like routine. You’re even better live then online. You’re straight forward and … strange. And I like that. -, he explained.
- Michael, where is this going? -, she asked.
He came closer.
- I don’t know! But I like that. Live the moment and forget the future. -, he explained as he got closer to her. – That’s how you always said you lived.
Haldora nodded. She was surprised she was not falling out of control. She was nervous, but not as much as before, although he was as close as he could be.
- I did say that. I do say that. -, she whispered.
Michael slid his arm around her waist and pushed her gently towards him. Behind them the fire roared lightly. He took her face in his hand and joined his lips with hers. This time Haldora let herself be kissed without so much as a movement. She surrendered to the moment. Michael unlocked their kiss and embraced her feeling her shallow breath and the coldness of her skin. Haldora wrapped his arms around him feeling his warmth as a consuming fire. He kissed her neck lightly, as her breath became deeper. Soon they were involved in another kiss, but this time it was deeper and more passionate. Their tongues pierced into each other’s mouths and played with each other as snakes mating. Michael pulled Haldora towards the bed. She stopped him as they were close. She leaped on it and proceeded to close the heavy drapery. At last when all of the bed was enclosed, she extended her arm out, allowing her night gown to slide down to the ground. Michael took his clothes off and entered the closed bed. Inside it was dark, though the fire was strong, he could only see shadows and as he tried to grab them, he would notice they were just shadows.
- Hal? -, he called out.
- Come find me. -, she whispered.
Michael followed her voice, as if he hadn’t forgotten his warrior training from before and soon had his hands on her naked body. He touched her abdomen and followed her body upwards, touching her breasts, her shoulders, her neck, until he arrived at the face, where he took his time, feeling her cheeks and her lips. He pecked her lips and her cheeks, then her neck and her shoulders. While he did this, Haldora slid her hand down his spine, making him shiver. Michael pulled her knees to make her lay down, making her let go a little scream. He covered her body with his and continued to caress her body as did she to him. Amidst the kissing and the caresses, Michael slid himself inside Haldora, who arched her body in acceptance. His movements were slow and gentile. Haldora could feel what she had not felt in too long, since she had been in cave a long time ago. The blood ran through her body and there was warmth emanating from her skin. Her scar gave her no pain and her heart pounded on her breast. She felt alive as Michael moved inside her and as his tongue pushed farther. As she looked up to his face she could see him in all his former lives and all seemed to fit with that once moment. Haldora felt as if her heart was about to burst from her breast. She took Michael’s hands in her own. He pushed them hard over her head as he and she amongst moaning erupted into each other.
Michael rolled to his side, still clutching one of Haldora’s hands, he kissed it.
- Did I hurt you? -, he asked.
- No. -, she whispered, kissing his hand.
He took her hand close to his chest as if to say he didn’t want her to slip out of his touch. Haldora stroked his hair in silence. She could see he was struggling to keep awake, so she stroked him as you do a child to help him to sleep faster. Tired and sweaty both bodies laid next to each other as dead.
Michael woke in the dark. He felt the bed around him and could not feel Haldora’s body anywhere. He pushed the heavy drapery back to find her sitting on the sofa, looking at the fire, that wasn’t so high as before. She noticed he was awake and walked towards the bed, kneeling next to Michael and placing her hands so her face could be over his. He looked up at her at the light of the fire, still sleepy.
- Déjà vu. I’ve dreamed this. -, he muttered.
Unaware of what he spoke Haldora planted a kiss on his lips. His arms embraced her and did not seem to let go.
- Sleep! -, she request as she passed her hand in front of his face.
- I don’t want to sleep.
She slid the hand down his torso and to his legs. He pulled her to him. She sat on his thighs. He caressed her legs as she kissed his neck. This time he could see the paleness of her body, through the opening of the drapery. He touched her scar and Haldora squirmed away. He sat down and took her torso into his arms, kissing her scar lightly. She still believed it would hurt, so she prepared herself, but she felt no pain, nothing but pleasure. Taking her face in between his hands he again took place inside her. This time Haldora had to set her own rhythm. Michael laid back and held her hands. Haldora covered his body and waved her body as she kissed him. Haldora moved faster then before and soon she felt her heart beating too fast. She stared at his face as the feeling got stronger.
- My warrior! -, she let out with a moan.
- My lady! -, he answered back as again both collided into each other.
Haldora laid her body on his and allowed herself to rest. She could hear his heart beating and his breathing. He stroked her hair. She kissed his torso.
- I don’t want to leave here. -, she said.
- You don’t have to.
She lied down next to him and slid her arm beneath his neck, pulling his head to the breast.
- Sleep in my arms. -, she request.
Michael snuggled with his back against her body and held her hand. He kissed her arm and closed his eyes.
Hypnotic breathing… Softness… Morning light…
- Bad night? -, Anna asked cautiously.
- I screwed it up. -, she answered as she put down her paint and took a drag from her cigarette.
Anna came close and sat on the bed, noticing that the drapery around it had also been recently stitched. She waited for her friend to continued.
- He kissed me. -, she told. Anna smiled. – I lost control and… blew a hurricane into his living room.
Anna tried to remain serious but it was impossible. She began to laugh, imagining the situation. Haldora, herself snickered at the situation. She sat down next to her friend.
- It was terrible. He hates the kind of music I like. I hate the film he liked. And then… there was the whole tornado thing and… he touched my scar and it didn’t hurt anymore and I freak and I left. -, she told.
- What were you doing naked in his house? -, Anna asked.
- I slipped wine on my dress. –, she explained. She took a new drag from her cigarette, - In the car and then in his apartment I was back there, the place where I first saw him. I was back there, unable to say an intelligent word besides pleasantries, but overflowing inside from the waterfall of things I want to tall him.
- Hal, look at it this way, you were at his apartment, you had drinks, he kissed you. He likes you. -, Anna explained.
- Why would he kiss me? He has a girlfriend. Why would he kiss me?
- Do you think he’s cheating? Just want to get into your pants?
- I can’t think of him like that. -, she answered in a half whisper.
- But you sure tried not to think. -, Haldora got up to throw her cigarette on the fireplace, - I mean I don’t think painting frescos and stitching is something you do every night.
- I was wondering if I such call him and tell him something. -, Haldora explained as she leant against the fireplace, ignoring the heat. – And tell him what?
- Can’t help you there, sorry. -, Anna got up and walked towards the door. – I’ll leave you to think about it. But if you take an advice, you should think of him as he is today and not as he was before.
- That’s the thing, Anna. He hasn’t changed.
Anna walked out, leaving Haldora to her confused thoughts.
The day passed slowly and every hour seemed to linger for as long as possible. But no hour brought clarity to Haldora’s head. She was unable to rationalize what had happen the night before. She was almost certain it had been punishment for getting too close to Michael. She had decided to stay at a distance and as soon as she had reneged on her promise to herself she had lost the ground beneath her feet. No amount of work that she undertook, gave her anymore rest, in fact it only seemed to bring more questions. Haldora decided to attend to the preparation for the Full Moon Festival, though her head was by no means in that direction. At last she decided to give it up. She lit a single candle and watch as the Moon came up in the sky. She asked solely for clarity. Next candle she placed the figurine of the Egyptian God of Writing, Toth, she had gotten for Anna, it would be blessed by the light of the Full Moon and inspire Anna for sure. Haldora lied in bed to continue her thinking after this.
The sound of tapping on glass reached Haldora. She got up and slowly came down to the shop, to find Michael at her door. He raised his hand when he saw her. She rushed to let him in. They stood for a second in the dark shop in awkward silence, Haldora then led him the stairs to her home. She helped him with his coat and waited for him to say what had brought him there. Michael just stood by the door in silence, holding a potted plant that Haldora had not even seen.
- Let me give you the grand tour. -, she said, - This is the only room, there’s the bathroom and there’s the garden. -, she explained as she pointed to the doors.
- Spacious! -, he commented.
Michael walked through the room, getting his attention caught by the frescos.
- I wanted to apologize for a horrible night. -, he finally said, after inspecting the pictures, - So I brought you this. -, he handed her the potted plant, - It’s a violet. I read online that it’s important for witches.
Haldora took the plant and admired it.
- Thank you. -, she opened her garden’s door and placed the pot next to so many other pots, Michael stood by the frescos, - But I’m the one who should apologize. -, she said as she came back to the room, - I left…
- Yes, but… I made you leave. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. -, he explained.
- I thought so too. -, she stated as she walked towards the fireplace. – I mean you’re with somebody and we shouldn’t have… -, Haldora silenced when she noticed Michael expression had changed to confused.
- I was talking about your scar. I shouldn’t have looked at you… like that. What were you talking about?
Haldora couldn’t speak. Her jaws were frozen.
- I’m not with anyone. –, he announced, - I broke up with my girlfriend a couple of months ago. That was what you were talking about, right?
Haldora nodded shyly.
- We… Routine was killing us and we took a break. I’ve been alone for a while. It’s been good. I haven’t really been looking for anyone, but… You… You are nothing like routine. You’re even better live then online. You’re straight forward and … strange. And I like that. -, he explained.
- Michael, where is this going? -, she asked.
He came closer.
- I don’t know! But I like that. Live the moment and forget the future. -, he explained as he got closer to her. – That’s how you always said you lived.
Haldora nodded. She was surprised she was not falling out of control. She was nervous, but not as much as before, although he was as close as he could be.
- I did say that. I do say that. -, she whispered.
Michael slid his arm around her waist and pushed her gently towards him. Behind them the fire roared lightly. He took her face in his hand and joined his lips with hers. This time Haldora let herself be kissed without so much as a movement. She surrendered to the moment. Michael unlocked their kiss and embraced her feeling her shallow breath and the coldness of her skin. Haldora wrapped his arms around him feeling his warmth as a consuming fire. He kissed her neck lightly, as her breath became deeper. Soon they were involved in another kiss, but this time it was deeper and more passionate. Their tongues pierced into each other’s mouths and played with each other as snakes mating. Michael pulled Haldora towards the bed. She stopped him as they were close. She leaped on it and proceeded to close the heavy drapery. At last when all of the bed was enclosed, she extended her arm out, allowing her night gown to slide down to the ground. Michael took his clothes off and entered the closed bed. Inside it was dark, though the fire was strong, he could only see shadows and as he tried to grab them, he would notice they were just shadows.
- Hal? -, he called out.
- Come find me. -, she whispered.
Michael followed her voice, as if he hadn’t forgotten his warrior training from before and soon had his hands on her naked body. He touched her abdomen and followed her body upwards, touching her breasts, her shoulders, her neck, until he arrived at the face, where he took his time, feeling her cheeks and her lips. He pecked her lips and her cheeks, then her neck and her shoulders. While he did this, Haldora slid her hand down his spine, making him shiver. Michael pulled her knees to make her lay down, making her let go a little scream. He covered her body with his and continued to caress her body as did she to him. Amidst the kissing and the caresses, Michael slid himself inside Haldora, who arched her body in acceptance. His movements were slow and gentile. Haldora could feel what she had not felt in too long, since she had been in cave a long time ago. The blood ran through her body and there was warmth emanating from her skin. Her scar gave her no pain and her heart pounded on her breast. She felt alive as Michael moved inside her and as his tongue pushed farther. As she looked up to his face she could see him in all his former lives and all seemed to fit with that once moment. Haldora felt as if her heart was about to burst from her breast. She took Michael’s hands in her own. He pushed them hard over her head as he and she amongst moaning erupted into each other.
Michael rolled to his side, still clutching one of Haldora’s hands, he kissed it.
- Did I hurt you? -, he asked.
- No. -, she whispered, kissing his hand.
He took her hand close to his chest as if to say he didn’t want her to slip out of his touch. Haldora stroked his hair in silence. She could see he was struggling to keep awake, so she stroked him as you do a child to help him to sleep faster. Tired and sweaty both bodies laid next to each other as dead.
Michael woke in the dark. He felt the bed around him and could not feel Haldora’s body anywhere. He pushed the heavy drapery back to find her sitting on the sofa, looking at the fire, that wasn’t so high as before. She noticed he was awake and walked towards the bed, kneeling next to Michael and placing her hands so her face could be over his. He looked up at her at the light of the fire, still sleepy.
- Déjà vu. I’ve dreamed this. -, he muttered.
Unaware of what he spoke Haldora planted a kiss on his lips. His arms embraced her and did not seem to let go.
- Sleep! -, she request as she passed her hand in front of his face.
- I don’t want to sleep.
She slid the hand down his torso and to his legs. He pulled her to him. She sat on his thighs. He caressed her legs as she kissed his neck. This time he could see the paleness of her body, through the opening of the drapery. He touched her scar and Haldora squirmed away. He sat down and took her torso into his arms, kissing her scar lightly. She still believed it would hurt, so she prepared herself, but she felt no pain, nothing but pleasure. Taking her face in between his hands he again took place inside her. This time Haldora had to set her own rhythm. Michael laid back and held her hands. Haldora covered his body and waved her body as she kissed him. Haldora moved faster then before and soon she felt her heart beating too fast. She stared at his face as the feeling got stronger.
- My warrior! -, she let out with a moan.
- My lady! -, he answered back as again both collided into each other.
Haldora laid her body on his and allowed herself to rest. She could hear his heart beating and his breathing. He stroked her hair. She kissed his torso.
- I don’t want to leave here. -, she said.
- You don’t have to.
She lied down next to him and slid her arm beneath his neck, pulling his head to the breast.
- Sleep in my arms. -, she request.
Michael snuggled with his back against her body and held her hand. He kissed her arm and closed his eyes.
Hypnotic breathing… Softness… Morning light…
CHAPTER XXIII
The night too long to arrive and Sun seemed very opposed to set. But at the designated hour Haldora stood in her room, dressed and ready to go. Anna gave her one last look. Haldora wore a long wool black turtle neck dress and a full length leather jacket. She shook in her clothes, with her hears pealed to every small sound that might announce the arrival of her date. Anna seemed as nervous as her friend, as she almost franticly arranged her hair. Al last Haldora had to stop her and both women took a deep and long breath. They stared into each other’s eyes as to calm one another down, both knowing it wasn’t working completely.
The sound of tapping on window came up through the stairs and the breathing exercises were left without result. Anna composed herself and went down the steps to open the door. Haldora stayed behind to fetch her purse. Before she could head towards the stairs, Anna had brought Michael up. She was even more nervous to have him inside her private room. Her view point to him. He was, as always, smartly dressed and wore a smile on his face. Haldora smiled back and indicated she was ready to go, by pointing to her purse.
- You look lovely. - , he complemented.
- Thank you. So do you. -, Haldora complemented back.
For a minute the three figures remained standing and silent, Michael looked around the room, in amazement, Haldora looked to the floor in embarrassment and Anna looked at the couple waiting for either of them to make a sound.
- You’re going to be late. -, Anna finally said.
Michael nodded is head and offered Haldora his hand. She slyly took it and they were off. Anna remained up in the room, where she could see them through the window. She accompanied Michael as he opened the car door for Haldora and then drove off.
The car drive was quiet, almost too quiet. Haldora could not think of anything to say and Michael seemed too concentrated on his driving. At some time he turned the car radio on, breaking the uncomfortable silence. The radio was playing the newest pop song, which made Haldora relax for a few seconds.
- I really hate these songs! -, Michael announced as he turned the station to something more rock, which made Haldora tense up again to the undesirable music.
- So what are we going to see? -, She finally had the courage to ask.
- That is a surprise.
- Won’t you give me a hint? Maybe the genre?
- No! That would ruin the surprise.
She was destined to wait to find out, so she silenced again, looking outside the window.
- Alright. I’ll tell you this. It has something in it that you can identify with.
Haldora was curious, she turned her head to him, to catch a glimpse of his face as he said it, to see if any more could be drawn from his expression, but he seemed decided not to reveal and she would respect it.
The car was parked and the theater was in sight. Haldora was even more nervous at the sight of an hour of more of close quarters sitting within a dark room. Michael rushed to open her door. She stepped out of the car and again Michael took her hand and led her to the theater. Inside he helped her with her coat, catching off guard because she had forgotten how etiquette ran. She finally sat down and steadied herself. Michael sat beside her with an excited look upon his face, she tried to copy it but the situation was nothing but exciting and everything nerve wracking. The lights went down and Haldora focused on the screen. Suddenly Japanese character’s appeared on the picture. Haldora was confused at the kind of film. She finally understood it was a Japanese animated movie. Her eyes turned to Michael and he was very serious attentive to the screen. She took a breath wondering how much more would they not have in common. She made her best effort to enjoy.
Half way through the story a strange character appeared. Michael leant towards her and whispered in her hear.
- Surprise!
At first she did not listen what was said, she was only engulfed in the moment. She had felt his breath on her skin and it was as she had imagined it to be. Sweet and fresh and warm. She was paralyzed for a second. Though her eyes still looked at the screen, her attention span was little. She soon woke up from her trance when she realized that the strange figure Michael was referring to was entitled as a witch. Her eyes were widened and her expression was changed as she found the comparison a tad ridiculous. Without her knowing Michael was also attentive to her reactions and become concerned to see her reaction to his surprise.
The film ran long and when it was finally over Haldora was relieved, smiling at her date trying to conceal it. They let the theater as it began to rain. Haldora took her coat and placed over their heads and they ran to get in the car. Once inside and excited by the run, they both had to catch their breaths through giggles. Michael took a look at his watch.
- It’s early. Would you like to go and have a drink? -, he invited.
- All right! -, she hesitated.
The car was put into motion and the silence was back.
- So, did you like the film? -, he asked.
- It was… definitely surprising.
- Come on, that is a safe answer. Did you like it?
- I thought it was… different. I had never seen that kind of movie before. -, she elaborated.
- That’s it? -, he asked taking his eyes off the road for a while. Haldora was at a loss for words. – I mean… I ask you what did you think about a shortstory and you sent me your message in six parts, because it was too long and that’s all you can say after two hours in a theater room? -, he joked.
- I’m still processing it. -, she finally announced.
- I’m starting to think you didn’t like it.
- No. I enjoyed it. I just haven’t formulated an intelligent opinion yet. -, she quickly explained.
- Then give the unintelligent one. -, he requested grinning.
Haldora searched for the words in her head and as she was certain she had a coherent speech formulated the car stopped in from of an apartment building.
- This is not a pub. -, she instead uttered.
- No, it isn’t. It’s where I live. I wanted some place quiet. -, he explained.
- You lied. -, she realized.
- No. I’ve got drinks. Let’s go up. -, he left the car and came to open hers.
They made their way up the steps to his door. As the door opened Haldora was bathed by a sent she had sent before. She could smell his presence on every corner of this apartment which made her dizzy. She as invaded by the many memories of the many ages she had met him. They entered; he took her coat and offered her a seat. She walked over to the sofa as he walked towards the kitchen, she touched the brown leather as she sat and felt a rush of feelings running from head down to her toes. It took every inch of strength to control these feelings and appear to act normal.
- What would you like to drink? -, he asked from the kitchen.
- Whatever you’re having. -, she answered as she looked around and studied the room.
Michael came in with two glasses of white wine and a bottle. He set the bottle down and handed Haldora her glass. They raised their glasses and took a sip.
- Not as fancy as what I had at your place, but a good wine, none the less.
- A very good wine. -, she attested.
- I forgot to give you the big tour. -, he announced. – This is the TV room, living room and library. -, he said as he pointed to the various objects that identified the room, the television, the sofa and the grand book case. – Over there is the bedroom, and bathroom and through there the kitchen.
- It’s cozy.
- Yes. It is small.
Haldora laughed. She took another sip of her wine.
- So… what didn’t you like about the film? -, he sharply asked, making Haldora realize she had forgotten her carefully plan speech from before.
- It’s not so much that I didn’t like it. There were things I …
- Didn’t like? -, he interrupted.
- Why did you take me to see this film? What made you think I would like it? -, she asked.
- You were reading Japanese comic books, so it’s something we share and … There was a witch in this one. -, he confidently answered.
- I’ve been reading Japanese comics to understand what people see in it. So far all I’ve got was an enormous inferiority complex. I’m not particularly fond of them. -, she answered, leaving Michael extremely embarrassed.
- I’m so sorry. You hated it. You spent two hours in a theater looking at a film you hate.
- No. It’s not as dramatic as that. The story was cute. The braveness of children and the helping of unlikely friends. It was well constructed. -, she explained.
- Don’t try to cheer me up, you really didn’t like it. -, he said as he held her hand, yet again. – Tell you, at least, found the witch amusing.
- Which witch? -, she asked.
- The witch. -, she confirmed.
- We’re playing the Wizard of Oz! -, she realized. Michael laughed. – The good one or the bad one.
- Well, what did you of them both?
- I’m confused as to what you meant when you said I could identify with her. Did you mean I look physically ridiculous or old?
Michael choked on his wine upon hearing the question. He shook his head as he coughed.
- I just meant there were witches. You don’t look a think like them. -, he clarified.
- Oh, so I’m not as good as the good witch? I would not help that child? -, Haldora insisted, leaving Michael uncomfortable.
- No… You’d… You’d do more! -, he finally answered.
- Good save. -, she stated.
- I’m really sorry. I really did think you would like it.
- It’s a different experience. Just for that I like it. -, she took a long sip from her drink. – So, you don’t have any other friends who like witches and animated films?
Michael hesitated. His expressing changed and Haldora was sorry she had asked.
- Yes, I do, but I’m… taking a break from some people.
Haldora wanted to ask further questions, but she saw show his eyes had turned sad, so she abstained, instead she got up and looked at his book collection. Michael understood her tactic. He got up behind her and stood very close. She kept her composure since he could see her reflection on the glass.
- Not as great as your library. -, he stated.
- Same theme though. They’re mostly about the Middle Ages.
- After a year and a half of online conversation you haven’t realized that is my favorite topic?
- A year and a half? Seems longer.
- It’s seems forever. Especially now that I’ve met you.
Haldora turned around to find herself pinned between Michael and the bookcase. She looked up to him, with and inquisitive expression.
- I wondered a lot how you’d look like and how you’d be for real and now that we’ve met… you’re just like I imagined. -, he explained in a half whisper.
- I find that hard to believe. -, she joked.
- You are. You’re committed to what you do. It showed in the way you explained things, never allowing yourself to be wrong. You’re kind. I saw the atmosphere at the bookshop, your employees love you. You’re a good boss. You’re uncomfortable with people but you like to talk and maybe you’re a bit eccentric. –, he explained looking straight into her eyes.
- Eccentric?
- You live above your work place. You have no furniture and you can read ancient languages. What you call that? -, he asked grinning.
- A nut? -, she joked.
Michael touched her face with his finger and came very close. Haldora knew what was to follow. His lips were very close to hers. He closed his eyes and time seemed to stretch. The few millimeters between them seemed yards. Finally she closed her eyes and their lips touched lightly. Michael redrew and came back again for a second approach. This time their lips glued to each other accompanied by a rush of blood. Haldora felt her control slip away. Suddenly a gush of strong wind opened the window and like a hurricane blew everything that was not too heavy out of its place. Michael ran to close the window, confused as too what had happened, since it was not appropriate weather. Haldora realized she had spilled her wine over her dress and so had Michael. She was soaking.
- Come into the bedroom and change. Just look in the closet for something. -, Michael suggested.
Haldora rushed into the room and took her dress immediately off, not that she was bothered by the wetness, but because her scar was throbbing like never before. She was having trouble breathing. She gasping was so laud that Michael, who kept himself busy, tidying the living room, could hear her. He was frightened at the sound and opened the door. Haldora stood next to his bed, breathing heavily, wearing nothing but her underwear. As soon as he saw he, turned his head, but right then he looked again, noticing her scar. He walked up to her, staring at it. Haldora looked away.
- What happened? -, he asked.
She shook her head so he’d understand she didn’t want to speak about it. He felt compelled to touch it. As she did Haldora’s pain subsided. She took a long heavy breath and then began to breathe normally once more.
- An operation gone bad? -, he asked still with his fingers on it.
- Something like that. -, she explained. She looked at him as he seemed hypnotized by this scar. – I need to go. -, she said as she took her dress and pushed it down her body. She walked passed Michael towards the door and her coat. She turned around for a moment. – Thank you. It was a lovely evening.
Closed door… Parallelizes…
The sound of tapping on window came up through the stairs and the breathing exercises were left without result. Anna composed herself and went down the steps to open the door. Haldora stayed behind to fetch her purse. Before she could head towards the stairs, Anna had brought Michael up. She was even more nervous to have him inside her private room. Her view point to him. He was, as always, smartly dressed and wore a smile on his face. Haldora smiled back and indicated she was ready to go, by pointing to her purse.
- You look lovely. - , he complemented.
- Thank you. So do you. -, Haldora complemented back.
For a minute the three figures remained standing and silent, Michael looked around the room, in amazement, Haldora looked to the floor in embarrassment and Anna looked at the couple waiting for either of them to make a sound.
- You’re going to be late. -, Anna finally said.
Michael nodded is head and offered Haldora his hand. She slyly took it and they were off. Anna remained up in the room, where she could see them through the window. She accompanied Michael as he opened the car door for Haldora and then drove off.
The car drive was quiet, almost too quiet. Haldora could not think of anything to say and Michael seemed too concentrated on his driving. At some time he turned the car radio on, breaking the uncomfortable silence. The radio was playing the newest pop song, which made Haldora relax for a few seconds.
- I really hate these songs! -, Michael announced as he turned the station to something more rock, which made Haldora tense up again to the undesirable music.
- So what are we going to see? -, She finally had the courage to ask.
- That is a surprise.
- Won’t you give me a hint? Maybe the genre?
- No! That would ruin the surprise.
She was destined to wait to find out, so she silenced again, looking outside the window.
- Alright. I’ll tell you this. It has something in it that you can identify with.
Haldora was curious, she turned her head to him, to catch a glimpse of his face as he said it, to see if any more could be drawn from his expression, but he seemed decided not to reveal and she would respect it.
The car was parked and the theater was in sight. Haldora was even more nervous at the sight of an hour of more of close quarters sitting within a dark room. Michael rushed to open her door. She stepped out of the car and again Michael took her hand and led her to the theater. Inside he helped her with her coat, catching off guard because she had forgotten how etiquette ran. She finally sat down and steadied herself. Michael sat beside her with an excited look upon his face, she tried to copy it but the situation was nothing but exciting and everything nerve wracking. The lights went down and Haldora focused on the screen. Suddenly Japanese character’s appeared on the picture. Haldora was confused at the kind of film. She finally understood it was a Japanese animated movie. Her eyes turned to Michael and he was very serious attentive to the screen. She took a breath wondering how much more would they not have in common. She made her best effort to enjoy.
Half way through the story a strange character appeared. Michael leant towards her and whispered in her hear.
- Surprise!
At first she did not listen what was said, she was only engulfed in the moment. She had felt his breath on her skin and it was as she had imagined it to be. Sweet and fresh and warm. She was paralyzed for a second. Though her eyes still looked at the screen, her attention span was little. She soon woke up from her trance when she realized that the strange figure Michael was referring to was entitled as a witch. Her eyes were widened and her expression was changed as she found the comparison a tad ridiculous. Without her knowing Michael was also attentive to her reactions and become concerned to see her reaction to his surprise.
The film ran long and when it was finally over Haldora was relieved, smiling at her date trying to conceal it. They let the theater as it began to rain. Haldora took her coat and placed over their heads and they ran to get in the car. Once inside and excited by the run, they both had to catch their breaths through giggles. Michael took a look at his watch.
- It’s early. Would you like to go and have a drink? -, he invited.
- All right! -, she hesitated.
The car was put into motion and the silence was back.
- So, did you like the film? -, he asked.
- It was… definitely surprising.
- Come on, that is a safe answer. Did you like it?
- I thought it was… different. I had never seen that kind of movie before. -, she elaborated.
- That’s it? -, he asked taking his eyes off the road for a while. Haldora was at a loss for words. – I mean… I ask you what did you think about a shortstory and you sent me your message in six parts, because it was too long and that’s all you can say after two hours in a theater room? -, he joked.
- I’m still processing it. -, she finally announced.
- I’m starting to think you didn’t like it.
- No. I enjoyed it. I just haven’t formulated an intelligent opinion yet. -, she quickly explained.
- Then give the unintelligent one. -, he requested grinning.
Haldora searched for the words in her head and as she was certain she had a coherent speech formulated the car stopped in from of an apartment building.
- This is not a pub. -, she instead uttered.
- No, it isn’t. It’s where I live. I wanted some place quiet. -, he explained.
- You lied. -, she realized.
- No. I’ve got drinks. Let’s go up. -, he left the car and came to open hers.
They made their way up the steps to his door. As the door opened Haldora was bathed by a sent she had sent before. She could smell his presence on every corner of this apartment which made her dizzy. She as invaded by the many memories of the many ages she had met him. They entered; he took her coat and offered her a seat. She walked over to the sofa as he walked towards the kitchen, she touched the brown leather as she sat and felt a rush of feelings running from head down to her toes. It took every inch of strength to control these feelings and appear to act normal.
- What would you like to drink? -, he asked from the kitchen.
- Whatever you’re having. -, she answered as she looked around and studied the room.
Michael came in with two glasses of white wine and a bottle. He set the bottle down and handed Haldora her glass. They raised their glasses and took a sip.
- Not as fancy as what I had at your place, but a good wine, none the less.
- A very good wine. -, she attested.
- I forgot to give you the big tour. -, he announced. – This is the TV room, living room and library. -, he said as he pointed to the various objects that identified the room, the television, the sofa and the grand book case. – Over there is the bedroom, and bathroom and through there the kitchen.
- It’s cozy.
- Yes. It is small.
Haldora laughed. She took another sip of her wine.
- So… what didn’t you like about the film? -, he sharply asked, making Haldora realize she had forgotten her carefully plan speech from before.
- It’s not so much that I didn’t like it. There were things I …
- Didn’t like? -, he interrupted.
- Why did you take me to see this film? What made you think I would like it? -, she asked.
- You were reading Japanese comic books, so it’s something we share and … There was a witch in this one. -, he confidently answered.
- I’ve been reading Japanese comics to understand what people see in it. So far all I’ve got was an enormous inferiority complex. I’m not particularly fond of them. -, she answered, leaving Michael extremely embarrassed.
- I’m so sorry. You hated it. You spent two hours in a theater looking at a film you hate.
- No. It’s not as dramatic as that. The story was cute. The braveness of children and the helping of unlikely friends. It was well constructed. -, she explained.
- Don’t try to cheer me up, you really didn’t like it. -, he said as he held her hand, yet again. – Tell you, at least, found the witch amusing.
- Which witch? -, she asked.
- The witch. -, she confirmed.
- We’re playing the Wizard of Oz! -, she realized. Michael laughed. – The good one or the bad one.
- Well, what did you of them both?
- I’m confused as to what you meant when you said I could identify with her. Did you mean I look physically ridiculous or old?
Michael choked on his wine upon hearing the question. He shook his head as he coughed.
- I just meant there were witches. You don’t look a think like them. -, he clarified.
- Oh, so I’m not as good as the good witch? I would not help that child? -, Haldora insisted, leaving Michael uncomfortable.
- No… You’d… You’d do more! -, he finally answered.
- Good save. -, she stated.
- I’m really sorry. I really did think you would like it.
- It’s a different experience. Just for that I like it. -, she took a long sip from her drink. – So, you don’t have any other friends who like witches and animated films?
Michael hesitated. His expressing changed and Haldora was sorry she had asked.
- Yes, I do, but I’m… taking a break from some people.
Haldora wanted to ask further questions, but she saw show his eyes had turned sad, so she abstained, instead she got up and looked at his book collection. Michael understood her tactic. He got up behind her and stood very close. She kept her composure since he could see her reflection on the glass.
- Not as great as your library. -, he stated.
- Same theme though. They’re mostly about the Middle Ages.
- After a year and a half of online conversation you haven’t realized that is my favorite topic?
- A year and a half? Seems longer.
- It’s seems forever. Especially now that I’ve met you.
Haldora turned around to find herself pinned between Michael and the bookcase. She looked up to him, with and inquisitive expression.
- I wondered a lot how you’d look like and how you’d be for real and now that we’ve met… you’re just like I imagined. -, he explained in a half whisper.
- I find that hard to believe. -, she joked.
- You are. You’re committed to what you do. It showed in the way you explained things, never allowing yourself to be wrong. You’re kind. I saw the atmosphere at the bookshop, your employees love you. You’re a good boss. You’re uncomfortable with people but you like to talk and maybe you’re a bit eccentric. –, he explained looking straight into her eyes.
- Eccentric?
- You live above your work place. You have no furniture and you can read ancient languages. What you call that? -, he asked grinning.
- A nut? -, she joked.
Michael touched her face with his finger and came very close. Haldora knew what was to follow. His lips were very close to hers. He closed his eyes and time seemed to stretch. The few millimeters between them seemed yards. Finally she closed her eyes and their lips touched lightly. Michael redrew and came back again for a second approach. This time their lips glued to each other accompanied by a rush of blood. Haldora felt her control slip away. Suddenly a gush of strong wind opened the window and like a hurricane blew everything that was not too heavy out of its place. Michael ran to close the window, confused as too what had happened, since it was not appropriate weather. Haldora realized she had spilled her wine over her dress and so had Michael. She was soaking.
- Come into the bedroom and change. Just look in the closet for something. -, Michael suggested.
Haldora rushed into the room and took her dress immediately off, not that she was bothered by the wetness, but because her scar was throbbing like never before. She was having trouble breathing. She gasping was so laud that Michael, who kept himself busy, tidying the living room, could hear her. He was frightened at the sound and opened the door. Haldora stood next to his bed, breathing heavily, wearing nothing but her underwear. As soon as he saw he, turned his head, but right then he looked again, noticing her scar. He walked up to her, staring at it. Haldora looked away.
- What happened? -, he asked.
She shook her head so he’d understand she didn’t want to speak about it. He felt compelled to touch it. As she did Haldora’s pain subsided. She took a long heavy breath and then began to breathe normally once more.
- An operation gone bad? -, he asked still with his fingers on it.
- Something like that. -, she explained. She looked at him as he seemed hypnotized by this scar. – I need to go. -, she said as she took her dress and pushed it down her body. She walked passed Michael towards the door and her coat. She turned around for a moment. – Thank you. It was a lovely evening.
Closed door… Parallelizes…
CHAPTER XXII
The day came with a lovely surprise. Before the shop was even open there was a light tap on the window. Haldora rushed down to find Anna peeking in. Haldora opened the door and Anna came in with a sorry look on her face. There was no need for words between them, their eyes did most of the talking, though it was obvious to Anna Haldora’s eyes had much more to say. Anna looked outside for a second and saw Michael’s car pull up to the parking lot. She looked at Haldora expecting to find her hypnotized as before, instead she found her smiling shyly as if hiding something. Anna took another look at Michael and as soon as she got close enough to see them, Haldora pulled them away from his view. Anna was amazed at her friend’s action.
- Severing the ties, are we?
- Anna. Yesterday he came into the shop all by himself and we spoke and… he then came back to help me set up the exhibit. -, Haldora explain, as she sat on the sofas at the back on the shop.
- He came here and engaged in conversation with you and you…?
- I was stunned. Since you broke the spell I haven’t even seen him get his bus. I haven’t spoken to him on line. I even stopped smoking for fear the smoke would take my wishes to where they shouldn’t, you like the Native Americans. -, Haldora related.
- And after all that he came in and spoke to you and offered to help set this thing up? -, Anna sat next to her.
- Yes.
- Could this still be the spell working?
- Once a spell is broken, it’s broken. And I made no attempts to bring its energy back. I haven’t even been thinking of him.
- How do you accomplish that?
- I work like crazy. I read. I make myself busy.
- You haven’t even been looking out the window? -, Anna was amazed at Haldora’s resolution.
- No. I lock myself in the bathroom until it’s time for his bus to go.
- Do you think that… maybe… it is fate? -, Anna asked, doubting her own question. – Like you manipulated his way but now he has to take the path for himself.
- I don’t know. Before we always seemed to run in to each other without any aid. There was a time when I sought him out in other realms, but when I came back and started my mission I forgot him for the longest of times and then I did the spell and… And he did show up. And now I’ve got what I wanted and I’m scared. -, Haldora confessed.
- He came here and spoke to you. What did you guys talk about?
- Well. He brought dinner and we spoke about me being a witch and…
- Wait a second. You spoke about you being a what? -, Anna interrupted.
- Witch. I’d told me before when we had coffee, because I thought it would freak him out and he would leave, but this time he brought it up. He seemed very interested. Then we just spoke about the books. I read parts and told him what they were. Things like that.
- Then what? -, Anna turned her head to her friend as her friend walked towards the wall.
- He was sleepy and I did that meditation trick where it seems you have been sleeping for a while and sent him on his way. -, Haldora explained.
- Wow! I don’t even know what to say anymore.
The two friends sat there for a while thinking of what was happening. There were no thoughts of forgiveness or anger has had been the last time they had been together.
The day evolved into the daily routine of work for both Anna and Haldora, no works were exchanged about what had been spoken in the morning. Instead both women kept themselves busy with shop affairs until it was time to close. From time to time Anna would find Haldora reading her Japonese comic books, and by the look on her face she was not doing it for the entertainment it provided, it was clear that it was merely a strategy to abstract herself from the world around her.
The last costumer of the day came just as soon as Anna was closing the doors. She did not notice him, but he ran from a cross the street and got in forcing the door a bit. Anna was about ready to give this person a piece of her mind, when she saw who it was. Michael was in front of her flushed from the race.
- Hi, I’m sorry to invade like this, but I was wondering if I could speak to Hal. -, he politely asked.
- Sure. I’ll go get her.
Anna walked towards the office as soon as she closed the front door and turned the closed sign. Inside the office Haldora insisted on reading her Japonese comics.
- Hal, there’s someone here to see you. -, Anna said when she got close to the door.
Haldora rouse taking the comic with her. She kept on reading as she came out of the office.
- Who is it? -, she asked from behind the comic.
- Hi, Hal. -, Michael greeted.
Haldora lowered the comic and her first glance was to Anna. She then looked at Michael and smiled.
- Hey. I hope you got home ok. -, she said.
- I did. -, he replied coming close to the two women. -, Thanks for whatever it was that you did.
- Like I told you yesterday, there was no need for you to come back. We got it from here. You did a lot, thank you. -, Haldora explained.
- That’s not why I came. -, he explained.
Haldora looked very embarrassed.
- I wanted to ask you something. It’s short notice, I know, but… I was wondering if you’d like to come with me to this movie festival. I have an extra ticket and no one to go with.
- Why don’t you take your girlfriend? -, Anna blurted.
Both Michael and Haldora looked at her in surprise.
- Michael, this is Anna, she’s… a friend. -, Haldora introduced them - And fellow on-line chatter.
- Well, Anna… my girlfriend isn’t into these kinds of movies. -, he patiently explained, while lowering his eyes. – If you don’t want to go it’s ok, it’s just I think you’d enjoy it and… I would really like to have the pleasure of your company.
- When is this going to happen? -, Haldora asked.
- Tomorrow! It’s a late show.
- Oh! I don’t know, I have to awake pretty early to open then shop… - Haldora explained.
- I’ll do it! -, Anna interrupted.
- What?
- I’ll do it! You go have fun. I’ll open the shop.
- I guess that’s official. Will you come pick me up?
- Yeah. I’ll be here at eight. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Haldora could do nothing else but smile at his offer as Anna walked him out of the shop and closed the door behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, Haldora ran up the stairs to her home, with Anna on her heels. Haldora was panting and pressing her scar. It looked like she was out of breath. All Anna could do was sit with her friend and wait till she was calmer.
- What the hell were you thinking? Why did you not stop me? You are angry at me for wanting him and when I’m trying to drive him away from my life you help him back in. -, Haldora suddenly exploded, making the fire explode with her.
- Calm down. -, Anna cried, -And turn down the flames. Let me explain. -, the flames dimmed. - Suddenly with him standing right there and being nice and all… I thought he hasn’t run away in fear or felt threatened and you told him some pretty heavy things, and hasn’t even tried to burn you at the stake for it. You shouldn’t have done the spell, but maybe this time it’s the one.
Haldora looked around the room still trying to control her feelings.
- I did that spell… because since I came back from the Goddess, I … couldn’t connect with him. I used to be able to touch his dreams and then I couldn’t, not anymore. The war passed and I felt the pressure on him scar. He was close, but I couldn’t… -, Haldora turned to Anna, - I was afraid chance wasn’t working anymore. -, Anna understood her friend’s reasons; she nodded as she heard the explanation.
- Maybe this is a gift, from the Goddess, for a good job. It’s been a thousand years you should get some bottie out of it, or if nothing else a friend.
The two grinned.
- I’m going out with him.
- Yeah!
- What am I going to say?
- You have bigger things to worry about?
- I do? -, Haldora asked frightened.
- Of course. What are you going to wear?
Both women laughed. Haldora laid on the floor as Anna ran to raid her friend’s closet for the right outfit.
Clothes flying… Emotions rising…
- Severing the ties, are we?
- Anna. Yesterday he came into the shop all by himself and we spoke and… he then came back to help me set up the exhibit. -, Haldora explain, as she sat on the sofas at the back on the shop.
- He came here and engaged in conversation with you and you…?
- I was stunned. Since you broke the spell I haven’t even seen him get his bus. I haven’t spoken to him on line. I even stopped smoking for fear the smoke would take my wishes to where they shouldn’t, you like the Native Americans. -, Haldora related.
- And after all that he came in and spoke to you and offered to help set this thing up? -, Anna sat next to her.
- Yes.
- Could this still be the spell working?
- Once a spell is broken, it’s broken. And I made no attempts to bring its energy back. I haven’t even been thinking of him.
- How do you accomplish that?
- I work like crazy. I read. I make myself busy.
- You haven’t even been looking out the window? -, Anna was amazed at Haldora’s resolution.
- No. I lock myself in the bathroom until it’s time for his bus to go.
- Do you think that… maybe… it is fate? -, Anna asked, doubting her own question. – Like you manipulated his way but now he has to take the path for himself.
- I don’t know. Before we always seemed to run in to each other without any aid. There was a time when I sought him out in other realms, but when I came back and started my mission I forgot him for the longest of times and then I did the spell and… And he did show up. And now I’ve got what I wanted and I’m scared. -, Haldora confessed.
- He came here and spoke to you. What did you guys talk about?
- Well. He brought dinner and we spoke about me being a witch and…
- Wait a second. You spoke about you being a what? -, Anna interrupted.
- Witch. I’d told me before when we had coffee, because I thought it would freak him out and he would leave, but this time he brought it up. He seemed very interested. Then we just spoke about the books. I read parts and told him what they were. Things like that.
- Then what? -, Anna turned her head to her friend as her friend walked towards the wall.
- He was sleepy and I did that meditation trick where it seems you have been sleeping for a while and sent him on his way. -, Haldora explained.
- Wow! I don’t even know what to say anymore.
The two friends sat there for a while thinking of what was happening. There were no thoughts of forgiveness or anger has had been the last time they had been together.
The day evolved into the daily routine of work for both Anna and Haldora, no works were exchanged about what had been spoken in the morning. Instead both women kept themselves busy with shop affairs until it was time to close. From time to time Anna would find Haldora reading her Japonese comic books, and by the look on her face she was not doing it for the entertainment it provided, it was clear that it was merely a strategy to abstract herself from the world around her.
The last costumer of the day came just as soon as Anna was closing the doors. She did not notice him, but he ran from a cross the street and got in forcing the door a bit. Anna was about ready to give this person a piece of her mind, when she saw who it was. Michael was in front of her flushed from the race.
- Hi, I’m sorry to invade like this, but I was wondering if I could speak to Hal. -, he politely asked.
- Sure. I’ll go get her.
Anna walked towards the office as soon as she closed the front door and turned the closed sign. Inside the office Haldora insisted on reading her Japonese comics.
- Hal, there’s someone here to see you. -, Anna said when she got close to the door.
Haldora rouse taking the comic with her. She kept on reading as she came out of the office.
- Who is it? -, she asked from behind the comic.
- Hi, Hal. -, Michael greeted.
Haldora lowered the comic and her first glance was to Anna. She then looked at Michael and smiled.
- Hey. I hope you got home ok. -, she said.
- I did. -, he replied coming close to the two women. -, Thanks for whatever it was that you did.
- Like I told you yesterday, there was no need for you to come back. We got it from here. You did a lot, thank you. -, Haldora explained.
- That’s not why I came. -, he explained.
Haldora looked very embarrassed.
- I wanted to ask you something. It’s short notice, I know, but… I was wondering if you’d like to come with me to this movie festival. I have an extra ticket and no one to go with.
- Why don’t you take your girlfriend? -, Anna blurted.
Both Michael and Haldora looked at her in surprise.
- Michael, this is Anna, she’s… a friend. -, Haldora introduced them - And fellow on-line chatter.
- Well, Anna… my girlfriend isn’t into these kinds of movies. -, he patiently explained, while lowering his eyes. – If you don’t want to go it’s ok, it’s just I think you’d enjoy it and… I would really like to have the pleasure of your company.
- When is this going to happen? -, Haldora asked.
- Tomorrow! It’s a late show.
- Oh! I don’t know, I have to awake pretty early to open then shop… - Haldora explained.
- I’ll do it! -, Anna interrupted.
- What?
- I’ll do it! You go have fun. I’ll open the shop.
- I guess that’s official. Will you come pick me up?
- Yeah. I’ll be here at eight. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Haldora could do nothing else but smile at his offer as Anna walked him out of the shop and closed the door behind him. As soon as he was out of sight, Haldora ran up the stairs to her home, with Anna on her heels. Haldora was panting and pressing her scar. It looked like she was out of breath. All Anna could do was sit with her friend and wait till she was calmer.
- What the hell were you thinking? Why did you not stop me? You are angry at me for wanting him and when I’m trying to drive him away from my life you help him back in. -, Haldora suddenly exploded, making the fire explode with her.
- Calm down. -, Anna cried, -And turn down the flames. Let me explain. -, the flames dimmed. - Suddenly with him standing right there and being nice and all… I thought he hasn’t run away in fear or felt threatened and you told him some pretty heavy things, and hasn’t even tried to burn you at the stake for it. You shouldn’t have done the spell, but maybe this time it’s the one.
Haldora looked around the room still trying to control her feelings.
- I did that spell… because since I came back from the Goddess, I … couldn’t connect with him. I used to be able to touch his dreams and then I couldn’t, not anymore. The war passed and I felt the pressure on him scar. He was close, but I couldn’t… -, Haldora turned to Anna, - I was afraid chance wasn’t working anymore. -, Anna understood her friend’s reasons; she nodded as she heard the explanation.
- Maybe this is a gift, from the Goddess, for a good job. It’s been a thousand years you should get some bottie out of it, or if nothing else a friend.
The two grinned.
- I’m going out with him.
- Yeah!
- What am I going to say?
- You have bigger things to worry about?
- I do? -, Haldora asked frightened.
- Of course. What are you going to wear?
Both women laughed. Haldora laid on the floor as Anna ran to raid her friend’s closet for the right outfit.
Clothes flying… Emotions rising…
CHAPTER XXI
Anna found Haldora, upstairs, tending to her garden in the dark. Anna searched the wall for a light switch, but before she found one a small flame appeared on an old gas lamp, revealing the garden with, perhaps hundreds of pots with all kinds of plants. Anna walked towards Haldora who picked leaves of specific plants.
- It’s a wonder you can control fire like that? -, Anna spoke awaiting a response for a long conversation. Haldora simply smiled from the side of her mouth and continued her work. Anna understood she needed to introduce the subject herself. – Are you still mad at me for telling Michael to come over? -, Haldora once more did not answer. Anna walked around the garden looking at the plants and recognizing a few. At the far end of the garden stood a table that resembled the table she herself had in her hut. Anna came near it and looked at the potions on display and the supplies neatly placed. It came to her attention a smaller table on the side of the grander table. This smaller one had the light of the moon shone on it; the light came down from the large skylight. The waning Moon. Anna recognized immediately what lay on this table. She took a long breath. – You did a ‘near me’ spell.
Haldora stopped what she was doing and turned to her friend, who now stood backwards to her. Her head hanging down. Her countenance was heavy.
- I did that spell a long time ago. Before he got his internship. That’s where he goes, every morning. He didn’t take the bus and I hadn’t met me on the net. Weeks later I saw him waiting for that bus and coming here. I never touched it again. I didn’t want to contaminate it with any more energy. -, Haldora explained.
- You weren’t angry at me. – Anna realized as she turned around.
- I should have destroyed that spell, but I didn’t and it picked up on your energy as I knew it would. But what is the truth, and that is the worst, I didn’t want to destroy it.
- You took people’s free will. That was our first rule. You don’t manipulate. -, Anna reminded.
- I know. -, Haldora took her carton and lit a cigarette on the gas lamp.
- When did you become a smoker?
- I picked it up when I was hiding in Morocco. Relaxation. And it’s addictive even for the dead. -, Haldora explained.
Anna came close to her and removed the cigarette from her lips.
- It’s a nasty habit. -, she stated as she used it to set the dried leaves of the spell on fire. Soon a small blaze consumed the table. Anna grabbed the water can and put out the fire. – It’s broken.
Haldora was motionless with her eyes stuck to the ground. Anna passed her by on her way out. As Anna closed the street door she the fire lights in the house extinguish and the place was grim and sad. Anna walked down the street towards her own apartment feeling disappointed. She carried with herself Haldora’s guilty and her tears, which began to pour a few yards away from the shop. Inside Haldora, apathetic, lay thrown on the rug in front of the cold fire place.
Days passed and Anna’s presence was not felt anywhere around the shop. Haldora continued her daily routine, but now more quiet then ever. She continued to prepare the shop for the exhibition, carrying books from a place to another to open up space. She was tireless, but only because she wanted to keep busy and not sit by her computer, nor by her window, though her mind would toy with these rituals for her. All faces were of him and her. All voices sounded like them. Haldora was sure she was again alone and by her own fault.
Slow day afternoon and Haldora sat awaiting costumers alone in the empty shop. She continued to attempt to understand the Japonese Comic arts. The door made a sound and Haldora lifted her head as her chest pressed on her. Michael was heading towards her stand with a sad smile upon his face. She was thrown by his presence.
- Hey! -, he greeted, - You’ve been missing in action. I thought it might be good to check up on you.
- I’ve been busy. I had to set up the space. -, she explained pointing to the empty space for the exhibition.
- Oh! So what’s going to be there again?
- A collection of rare editions of the Middle ages, along with … artifacts. – She summarized.
- That’s right you had told me. – There was an uncomfortable pause. – You look really tired.
- I am a bit. You look sad.
- I was worried. I’m still worried. We stopped talking on the net when I met you on the bus and for some reason I can’t shake the feeling that the two events are related. I mean we were anonymous to each other and then we weren’t and I thought that might have messed with your head.
- No. I was just busy. I’ve been busy.
- It has messed with my head, because now you’re real. You’re not just letters. And… the chit-chat we had the other day was great. It was better then reading. -, He explained.
Haldora smilled shyly.
- I’ve miss talking to you. -, she said in a half whisper.
A costumer entered the shop which diverted Haldora’s attention. She moved towards the person to help. Michael stood close to the stand. She took Haldora’s comic from the table and took a look. Haldora settled the costumer’s bill and walked her to the door with all courtesy. She came back to her stand. Michael still looked at her book. He gave her the book back with noticeable embarrassment.
- So… how do we do this? You’re busy working and I don’t want to keep you.
- The time I used to sit by the computer is now the time I spend down in the basement with the artifacts. I have to start bringing them up today.
- Can I help? -, This question pierced Haldora like an arrow. – If it’s boxes I can carry boxes. What am I saying? They need special treatment.
- No. -, Haldora erupted, - I mean, handle with care, but no special treatment. If you’d like to help that would be… nice.
- What time do you want me here?
- Closing time?
- I’ll bring dinner. -, Haldora nodded her head in a dream like stasis while Michael left the shop with a bright smile upon his lips.
Until closing time Haldora was still not sure she had had an actual conversation with her long lost warrior or had just dreamt it. But then she saw him carrying paper bags. If she had been dreaming she had not yet waken up. Haldora opened the door and let him in. He set the bags on the first available table and began taking food from it.
- I realized I didn’t ask you what you liked you to eat, but since you are a true English girl, you like chips and anything fired. -, He explained.
- I like chips.
They both sat down and began to eat. At first the moment was awkward, silence surrounded them.
- This was easier when we were just typing. I don’t think we can be more uncomfortable -, Haldora stated and she filled her mouth with chips.
- So you’re a witch? -, he asked.
Haldora chocked. She coughed as she laughed.
- Scratch that. It can. -, she stated still clearing her throat.
Michael contained his laughter. Haldora got up and went behind the bar, fetching a rather dusty bottle of wine.
- If we’re going to talk about that we might as well make it less uncomfortable. -, she explained as she uncorked it. She brought two beautiful red glasses and poured wine for both of them.
- You do realize you are ruining a XIX century wine on chips? -, Michael asked as he looked at the bottle in complete shock.
- I’m drinking to the company. -, she explained before she took a long sip. – So, witch. Yes I am.
- What does that entail?
- Well. You try to communicate with every living being and try to be patient and not proud and you commune with all of Nature and all things really. -, Michael did not seem very convinced, - Yes, witches can sometimes connect with the spirits of dead people, but it’s not a pre-requisite, and we do spells. Spells are like prayers, but instead of just saying repetitive words that some one else wrote, we make our request our own. We know the power of herbs and animals and geometric forms and star alignments and we know when to ask something. I’m not making any sense.
- Partially.
- It’s hard to explain. It’s like asking some one if they believe in God.
- Do you believe in God? -, He inquired.
- I’ve not met any entity with that name. Though the sky is vast and I’m sure it has room enough for all gods. If people believe in some entity they will be and flourish. Gods die when you forget them. -, she explained showing her experience on the subject.
- So you don’t believe you’re going to Heaven when you die?
Haldora grinned. She took a sip from her wine and ate a chip before she answered.
- Witches believe in reincarnation. I will come again and I will fix the mistakes I did in this life and if I don’t I’ll come back and live them again until there is a balance. Until I’ve learned from them.
Michael was stunned with her honesty about the subject. He could not stop listening to her explain how she felt inside when she took her prayers to he Moon, when she celebrated her festivals. He could almost sense her feelings of fullness and happiness. Though He had though she had been joking, with every single explanation he was convinced of the woman’s devotion. He sat hypnotized by her words.
The chips were over and so was the wine, Michael was feeling tired but has he had promised he helped Haldora carry the many old dusty books from the vault to the exhibition space. He was astonished at the collection Haldora kept. He spent most of the time going through the books instead of carrying them. He couldn’t read any of them, but Haldora knew every single one and even called them by their title, which confused him. She explained what kind of book it was and sometimes read passages from them, her favorite parts. They engaged on conversations over many topics depending on what book they picked up. They discussed the dogmas of the Inquisition and the be
The night was not young anymore and Michael was getting very sleepy from the wine and the tiredness. He struggled to keep awake. Haldora made him sit on the steps.
- You’re tired. I better call you a cab to take you home.
- No, I’m OK. I said I’d help you and we’re almost finished, right?
Haldora looked at the amount of work still to be done and sighed.
- You’re not almost finished. It’s late you should go home. -, she explained. Michael struggled to stay awake. – Michael! Breathe deeply. Concentrate on my voice and breathe.
Michael was soon with eyes closed and with a controlled breath. Haldora took his hands in hers and closed her eyes. She fused her mediation with his near sleep state and led him to a place in the mind where the brain believes it has rested all its needs, giving it a sense of renewal. Michael opened his eyes as Haldora did the same.
- What just happened?
- Witch’s trick. Now grab your keys and go home before it wears off. - She explained as she helped him up and up the stairs. - The employees will help me in the morning. Thanks, you were a great help and I enjoyed chit-chatting with you.
Michael headed out the door. He stood for a few seconds outside looking in at Haldora, smiling at her. She stood doing the same. Finally he went away.
Her heart raced….
- It’s a wonder you can control fire like that? -, Anna spoke awaiting a response for a long conversation. Haldora simply smiled from the side of her mouth and continued her work. Anna understood she needed to introduce the subject herself. – Are you still mad at me for telling Michael to come over? -, Haldora once more did not answer. Anna walked around the garden looking at the plants and recognizing a few. At the far end of the garden stood a table that resembled the table she herself had in her hut. Anna came near it and looked at the potions on display and the supplies neatly placed. It came to her attention a smaller table on the side of the grander table. This smaller one had the light of the moon shone on it; the light came down from the large skylight. The waning Moon. Anna recognized immediately what lay on this table. She took a long breath. – You did a ‘near me’ spell.
Haldora stopped what she was doing and turned to her friend, who now stood backwards to her. Her head hanging down. Her countenance was heavy.
- I did that spell a long time ago. Before he got his internship. That’s where he goes, every morning. He didn’t take the bus and I hadn’t met me on the net. Weeks later I saw him waiting for that bus and coming here. I never touched it again. I didn’t want to contaminate it with any more energy. -, Haldora explained.
- You weren’t angry at me. – Anna realized as she turned around.
- I should have destroyed that spell, but I didn’t and it picked up on your energy as I knew it would. But what is the truth, and that is the worst, I didn’t want to destroy it.
- You took people’s free will. That was our first rule. You don’t manipulate. -, Anna reminded.
- I know. -, Haldora took her carton and lit a cigarette on the gas lamp.
- When did you become a smoker?
- I picked it up when I was hiding in Morocco. Relaxation. And it’s addictive even for the dead. -, Haldora explained.
Anna came close to her and removed the cigarette from her lips.
- It’s a nasty habit. -, she stated as she used it to set the dried leaves of the spell on fire. Soon a small blaze consumed the table. Anna grabbed the water can and put out the fire. – It’s broken.
Haldora was motionless with her eyes stuck to the ground. Anna passed her by on her way out. As Anna closed the street door she the fire lights in the house extinguish and the place was grim and sad. Anna walked down the street towards her own apartment feeling disappointed. She carried with herself Haldora’s guilty and her tears, which began to pour a few yards away from the shop. Inside Haldora, apathetic, lay thrown on the rug in front of the cold fire place.
Days passed and Anna’s presence was not felt anywhere around the shop. Haldora continued her daily routine, but now more quiet then ever. She continued to prepare the shop for the exhibition, carrying books from a place to another to open up space. She was tireless, but only because she wanted to keep busy and not sit by her computer, nor by her window, though her mind would toy with these rituals for her. All faces were of him and her. All voices sounded like them. Haldora was sure she was again alone and by her own fault.
Slow day afternoon and Haldora sat awaiting costumers alone in the empty shop. She continued to attempt to understand the Japonese Comic arts. The door made a sound and Haldora lifted her head as her chest pressed on her. Michael was heading towards her stand with a sad smile upon his face. She was thrown by his presence.
- Hey! -, he greeted, - You’ve been missing in action. I thought it might be good to check up on you.
- I’ve been busy. I had to set up the space. -, she explained pointing to the empty space for the exhibition.
- Oh! So what’s going to be there again?
- A collection of rare editions of the Middle ages, along with … artifacts. – She summarized.
- That’s right you had told me. – There was an uncomfortable pause. – You look really tired.
- I am a bit. You look sad.
- I was worried. I’m still worried. We stopped talking on the net when I met you on the bus and for some reason I can’t shake the feeling that the two events are related. I mean we were anonymous to each other and then we weren’t and I thought that might have messed with your head.
- No. I was just busy. I’ve been busy.
- It has messed with my head, because now you’re real. You’re not just letters. And… the chit-chat we had the other day was great. It was better then reading. -, He explained.
Haldora smilled shyly.
- I’ve miss talking to you. -, she said in a half whisper.
A costumer entered the shop which diverted Haldora’s attention. She moved towards the person to help. Michael stood close to the stand. She took Haldora’s comic from the table and took a look. Haldora settled the costumer’s bill and walked her to the door with all courtesy. She came back to her stand. Michael still looked at her book. He gave her the book back with noticeable embarrassment.
- So… how do we do this? You’re busy working and I don’t want to keep you.
- The time I used to sit by the computer is now the time I spend down in the basement with the artifacts. I have to start bringing them up today.
- Can I help? -, This question pierced Haldora like an arrow. – If it’s boxes I can carry boxes. What am I saying? They need special treatment.
- No. -, Haldora erupted, - I mean, handle with care, but no special treatment. If you’d like to help that would be… nice.
- What time do you want me here?
- Closing time?
- I’ll bring dinner. -, Haldora nodded her head in a dream like stasis while Michael left the shop with a bright smile upon his lips.
Until closing time Haldora was still not sure she had had an actual conversation with her long lost warrior or had just dreamt it. But then she saw him carrying paper bags. If she had been dreaming she had not yet waken up. Haldora opened the door and let him in. He set the bags on the first available table and began taking food from it.
- I realized I didn’t ask you what you liked you to eat, but since you are a true English girl, you like chips and anything fired. -, He explained.
- I like chips.
They both sat down and began to eat. At first the moment was awkward, silence surrounded them.
- This was easier when we were just typing. I don’t think we can be more uncomfortable -, Haldora stated and she filled her mouth with chips.
- So you’re a witch? -, he asked.
Haldora chocked. She coughed as she laughed.
- Scratch that. It can. -, she stated still clearing her throat.
Michael contained his laughter. Haldora got up and went behind the bar, fetching a rather dusty bottle of wine.
- If we’re going to talk about that we might as well make it less uncomfortable. -, she explained as she uncorked it. She brought two beautiful red glasses and poured wine for both of them.
- You do realize you are ruining a XIX century wine on chips? -, Michael asked as he looked at the bottle in complete shock.
- I’m drinking to the company. -, she explained before she took a long sip. – So, witch. Yes I am.
- What does that entail?
- Well. You try to communicate with every living being and try to be patient and not proud and you commune with all of Nature and all things really. -, Michael did not seem very convinced, - Yes, witches can sometimes connect with the spirits of dead people, but it’s not a pre-requisite, and we do spells. Spells are like prayers, but instead of just saying repetitive words that some one else wrote, we make our request our own. We know the power of herbs and animals and geometric forms and star alignments and we know when to ask something. I’m not making any sense.
- Partially.
- It’s hard to explain. It’s like asking some one if they believe in God.
- Do you believe in God? -, He inquired.
- I’ve not met any entity with that name. Though the sky is vast and I’m sure it has room enough for all gods. If people believe in some entity they will be and flourish. Gods die when you forget them. -, she explained showing her experience on the subject.
- So you don’t believe you’re going to Heaven when you die?
Haldora grinned. She took a sip from her wine and ate a chip before she answered.
- Witches believe in reincarnation. I will come again and I will fix the mistakes I did in this life and if I don’t I’ll come back and live them again until there is a balance. Until I’ve learned from them.
Michael was stunned with her honesty about the subject. He could not stop listening to her explain how she felt inside when she took her prayers to he Moon, when she celebrated her festivals. He could almost sense her feelings of fullness and happiness. Though He had though she had been joking, with every single explanation he was convinced of the woman’s devotion. He sat hypnotized by her words.
The chips were over and so was the wine, Michael was feeling tired but has he had promised he helped Haldora carry the many old dusty books from the vault to the exhibition space. He was astonished at the collection Haldora kept. He spent most of the time going through the books instead of carrying them. He couldn’t read any of them, but Haldora knew every single one and even called them by their title, which confused him. She explained what kind of book it was and sometimes read passages from them, her favorite parts. They engaged on conversations over many topics depending on what book they picked up. They discussed the dogmas of the Inquisition and the be
The night was not young anymore and Michael was getting very sleepy from the wine and the tiredness. He struggled to keep awake. Haldora made him sit on the steps.
- You’re tired. I better call you a cab to take you home.
- No, I’m OK. I said I’d help you and we’re almost finished, right?
Haldora looked at the amount of work still to be done and sighed.
- You’re not almost finished. It’s late you should go home. -, she explained. Michael struggled to stay awake. – Michael! Breathe deeply. Concentrate on my voice and breathe.
Michael was soon with eyes closed and with a controlled breath. Haldora took his hands in hers and closed her eyes. She fused her mediation with his near sleep state and led him to a place in the mind where the brain believes it has rested all its needs, giving it a sense of renewal. Michael opened his eyes as Haldora did the same.
- What just happened?
- Witch’s trick. Now grab your keys and go home before it wears off. - She explained as she helped him up and up the stairs. - The employees will help me in the morning. Thanks, you were a great help and I enjoyed chit-chatting with you.
Michael headed out the door. He stood for a few seconds outside looking in at Haldora, smiling at her. She stood doing the same. Finally he went away.
Her heart raced….
CHAPTER XX
Anna came in for work after spending the night at her own house. She believed she would find Haldora still visibly disturbed over what had happened the day before. When she walked in the shop she found Haldora listening to her pop music and looking as she always did, unaffected. Anna pondered for a while before touching the subject. She decided not to bring it up.
- Don’t think I don’t know it was you who told him. -, Haldora worn as Anna passed her by.
- What?
- I can feel the presence of people around me and I felt what you did that day and that night. -, Haldora explained.
Anna looked embarrassed.
- I forgot about that ability. If I remember correctly I never mastered it.
- I told you to let go. I expected you to listen this time.
- Hal, I was only trying to help you. You know, help out a friend.
- Be my friend and let it go. I’m fine like this. -, Haldora ordered.
- I’m sorry but I don’t think you are. Every letter, I remember, mentor sent me always carried the same message. She refuses to forget and learn. She always learns but only for means. Do you know what that means? -, Anna asked. - Haldora began to walk away. – Hella knew it. She used it against you. She knew you would do anything to get to him. She played you and you let her. Now the Goddess, Morrigan, she sent you down and he’s right there in front of you. You weren’t even looking for him. Please how can you not see the sign?
Haldora became angry and let go of a wild scream. The fire, that heated the kettle, rouse to a blaze for a moment, scaring Anna. Haldora was panting.
- I’m sorry. Just let it be. -, Haldora appeared to cry. Anna lowered her head in acceptance.
The employees of the shop began to come in. The discussion had ended. They both went their separate ways, carrying on with their work. None of the women spoke to each other for the course of the morning.
- Anna. -, Haldora called while Anna took her lunch, - I need to leave for a few hours. I need to go to the high street and get some supplies. The Full Moon is coming and Hallo’s Eve. Is it alright if I leave you in charge?
Anna was surprised by the suggestion. She stuttered. Haldora smiled showing all had been forgiven. Anna smiled back nodding her head.
- Ok, then. Be back in a few hours. Call me if you need me.
Haldora left, leaving Anna with a mixture of relief and fright.
Haldora took a bus to the centre of town and went to her normal supply shop. There she met with other practitioners of the old arts. They spoke of the up and coming festivities, while enjoying a cup of tea. She bought rock salt and candles, rocks and sticks of incense. As she was leaving the shop she saw the prefect gift for Anna, the statue of the Egyptian God of Writing Toth. She took it as well. She was planning to bless it in the next Full Moon then presenting it to her, to place on her desk as she wrote.
Haldora took the bus back to the book shop. She sat and took a Japanese comic book from her bag. She was completely hypnotized on her book she did not notice a person, who sat in front of her. She stopped her reading for a moment to consider what she had read, when she felt the pressure on her scar. She took a deep breath and as she looked front she saw him, a touch away.
- Good book?-, he asked.
Haldora wanted to look away but by this time it was impossible.
- It makes you wonder. -, she vaguely answered.
- I’m sorry to disturb you. I was in the book shop yesterday and I wanted to ask you a question. -, Michael explained.
- Of course. Go ahead.
- How did you know what book I wanted?
Haldora giggled.
- It comes with experience. Old and bout the Middle Ages? There’s only one, a good one. -, she explained.
Haldora noticed she was at her stop. She pressed the button to ask the driver to stop and got up. Michael followed her. She felt very uncomfortable being in such proximity of him. She stepped down from the bus and he followed her.
- I’m really sorry if I seem like I’m stoking you. -, Haldora could not help but smile, - I only spoke about this book with one person. I just wanted to know if… Are you ‘Bookworm1000’? -, he asked with perfect conscious of the kind of silly question he had just asked.
Haldora stopped at the door upon hearing his question. She turned back with an embarrassing look upon her face. He took it as an affirmative answer, smiling at her.
- Can I offer you some tea? -, she politely asked.
- You remembered I don’t like coffee. -, he acknowledged.
- You’re in England it’s customary to offer tea first. -, she explained, leaving him disappointed, - Though I remember coffee makes you nauseous.
Michael laughed as they walked in the shop. Anna was surprised to see him back and even more so to see him with Haldora. They went straight to the cafeteria. Haldora made tea and he sat at a table waiting for her. Anna came close to try and hear what they would talk about, but all she received was the bag of supplies from Haldora’s hands. Haldora sat with Michael giving him his tea.
- Yes. I am. -, she announced.
- I know the internet is supposed to be an anonymous place, but… you’re a legend in the chat room. The things you know are beyond all of us. Plus we all tough you were a guy. -, she smiled at his remarks.
- I’m sorry if I was rude yesterday. I was intimidated to have someone from the chat room here. -, she explained.
- How did you know?
- You have a picture on your profile.
Michael grinned at the reminder.
- You have the picture of a woman holding the Moon. Who’s that?
- The Triple Goddess. She’s a pagan Goddess. She means the world to us witches. -, Haldora explained very openly.
- Witches? -, he asked almost choking on his tea,
- Yes! I’m a witch. A practitioner of the old craft.
- You do spells and see spirits? -, Michael asked, extremely interested.
Haldora started looking very intensely to Michael’s arm. He became very uncomfortable. He looked back to see if there was some one behind him, but there was no one.
- Do you see one right now? -, he asked.
Haldora very slowly reached for him and took a small feather from his leather jacket, then smiled. He grinned realizing he had just been joked.
- Mediums see spirits, witches just do spells. -, she explained.
- Maybe I should introduce myself. I am…
- ‘M.A. Warrior’ -, she completed.
- Yes. I was actually thinking of telling you my name…
- Michael Alexander. -, she again completed, he looked intrigued, - It was on your credit card. M. A. = Michael Alexander. -, she explained.
- Ya. It also means…
- I am a warrior. A play on words. -, she rushed.
Haldora took a very long sip of her tea, while she realized she was embarrassing herself. Michael on the other hand thought her funny.
- So you work here?-, he tried to make conversation.
- Actually I own it. -, she explained.
- You’re Hal? -, she nodded, - Again, I thought you were a guy.
The afternoon went by with idle conversation between them. It was just as if they were online, loose and entertaining. They spoke of the news releases and of the new exhibition Haldora would be hosting. About how Haldora had opened the book shop and what a great idea it had been. She mentioned she lived above and told the story of the Kilpatrick family. They discussed the book she had been reading on the bus. He had impressive knowledge of the stories surrounding the characters. Haldora found it confusing and stupid, but from his lips no word was wasted or wrong.
At closing time he was the last to leave, save for Anna, who, stayed with a defiant and confident look upon her eyes. Haldora understood…
- Don’t think I don’t know it was you who told him. -, Haldora worn as Anna passed her by.
- What?
- I can feel the presence of people around me and I felt what you did that day and that night. -, Haldora explained.
Anna looked embarrassed.
- I forgot about that ability. If I remember correctly I never mastered it.
- I told you to let go. I expected you to listen this time.
- Hal, I was only trying to help you. You know, help out a friend.
- Be my friend and let it go. I’m fine like this. -, Haldora ordered.
- I’m sorry but I don’t think you are. Every letter, I remember, mentor sent me always carried the same message. She refuses to forget and learn. She always learns but only for means. Do you know what that means? -, Anna asked. - Haldora began to walk away. – Hella knew it. She used it against you. She knew you would do anything to get to him. She played you and you let her. Now the Goddess, Morrigan, she sent you down and he’s right there in front of you. You weren’t even looking for him. Please how can you not see the sign?
Haldora became angry and let go of a wild scream. The fire, that heated the kettle, rouse to a blaze for a moment, scaring Anna. Haldora was panting.
- I’m sorry. Just let it be. -, Haldora appeared to cry. Anna lowered her head in acceptance.
The employees of the shop began to come in. The discussion had ended. They both went their separate ways, carrying on with their work. None of the women spoke to each other for the course of the morning.
- Anna. -, Haldora called while Anna took her lunch, - I need to leave for a few hours. I need to go to the high street and get some supplies. The Full Moon is coming and Hallo’s Eve. Is it alright if I leave you in charge?
Anna was surprised by the suggestion. She stuttered. Haldora smiled showing all had been forgiven. Anna smiled back nodding her head.
- Ok, then. Be back in a few hours. Call me if you need me.
Haldora left, leaving Anna with a mixture of relief and fright.
Haldora took a bus to the centre of town and went to her normal supply shop. There she met with other practitioners of the old arts. They spoke of the up and coming festivities, while enjoying a cup of tea. She bought rock salt and candles, rocks and sticks of incense. As she was leaving the shop she saw the prefect gift for Anna, the statue of the Egyptian God of Writing Toth. She took it as well. She was planning to bless it in the next Full Moon then presenting it to her, to place on her desk as she wrote.
Haldora took the bus back to the book shop. She sat and took a Japanese comic book from her bag. She was completely hypnotized on her book she did not notice a person, who sat in front of her. She stopped her reading for a moment to consider what she had read, when she felt the pressure on her scar. She took a deep breath and as she looked front she saw him, a touch away.
- Good book?-, he asked.
Haldora wanted to look away but by this time it was impossible.
- It makes you wonder. -, she vaguely answered.
- I’m sorry to disturb you. I was in the book shop yesterday and I wanted to ask you a question. -, Michael explained.
- Of course. Go ahead.
- How did you know what book I wanted?
Haldora giggled.
- It comes with experience. Old and bout the Middle Ages? There’s only one, a good one. -, she explained.
Haldora noticed she was at her stop. She pressed the button to ask the driver to stop and got up. Michael followed her. She felt very uncomfortable being in such proximity of him. She stepped down from the bus and he followed her.
- I’m really sorry if I seem like I’m stoking you. -, Haldora could not help but smile, - I only spoke about this book with one person. I just wanted to know if… Are you ‘Bookworm1000’? -, he asked with perfect conscious of the kind of silly question he had just asked.
Haldora stopped at the door upon hearing his question. She turned back with an embarrassing look upon her face. He took it as an affirmative answer, smiling at her.
- Can I offer you some tea? -, she politely asked.
- You remembered I don’t like coffee. -, he acknowledged.
- You’re in England it’s customary to offer tea first. -, she explained, leaving him disappointed, - Though I remember coffee makes you nauseous.
Michael laughed as they walked in the shop. Anna was surprised to see him back and even more so to see him with Haldora. They went straight to the cafeteria. Haldora made tea and he sat at a table waiting for her. Anna came close to try and hear what they would talk about, but all she received was the bag of supplies from Haldora’s hands. Haldora sat with Michael giving him his tea.
- Yes. I am. -, she announced.
- I know the internet is supposed to be an anonymous place, but… you’re a legend in the chat room. The things you know are beyond all of us. Plus we all tough you were a guy. -, she smiled at his remarks.
- I’m sorry if I was rude yesterday. I was intimidated to have someone from the chat room here. -, she explained.
- How did you know?
- You have a picture on your profile.
Michael grinned at the reminder.
- You have the picture of a woman holding the Moon. Who’s that?
- The Triple Goddess. She’s a pagan Goddess. She means the world to us witches. -, Haldora explained very openly.
- Witches? -, he asked almost choking on his tea,
- Yes! I’m a witch. A practitioner of the old craft.
- You do spells and see spirits? -, Michael asked, extremely interested.
Haldora started looking very intensely to Michael’s arm. He became very uncomfortable. He looked back to see if there was some one behind him, but there was no one.
- Do you see one right now? -, he asked.
Haldora very slowly reached for him and took a small feather from his leather jacket, then smiled. He grinned realizing he had just been joked.
- Mediums see spirits, witches just do spells. -, she explained.
- Maybe I should introduce myself. I am…
- ‘M.A. Warrior’ -, she completed.
- Yes. I was actually thinking of telling you my name…
- Michael Alexander. -, she again completed, he looked intrigued, - It was on your credit card. M. A. = Michael Alexander. -, she explained.
- Ya. It also means…
- I am a warrior. A play on words. -, she rushed.
Haldora took a very long sip of her tea, while she realized she was embarrassing herself. Michael on the other hand thought her funny.
- So you work here?-, he tried to make conversation.
- Actually I own it. -, she explained.
- You’re Hal? -, she nodded, - Again, I thought you were a guy.
The afternoon went by with idle conversation between them. It was just as if they were online, loose and entertaining. They spoke of the news releases and of the new exhibition Haldora would be hosting. About how Haldora had opened the book shop and what a great idea it had been. She mentioned she lived above and told the story of the Kilpatrick family. They discussed the book she had been reading on the bus. He had impressive knowledge of the stories surrounding the characters. Haldora found it confusing and stupid, but from his lips no word was wasted or wrong.
At closing time he was the last to leave, save for Anna, who, stayed with a defiant and confident look upon her eyes. Haldora understood…
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