This is my first story ever posted publicly... I am extremely happy to receive constructive criticisms.
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The evening storm was as wicked as it was deadly. The stinging rain was enough cause for concern as streets were quickly flooded and storm drains reached their maximal capacities. The wind howled viciously and dared anyone caught in its wrath to beg for mercy. Trees were torn from their foundations and ripped to shreds like straw. Lightning lit up the sky like day and ignited what appeared to be swarms of fireworks in the distance. And the sound... a whole symphony of cruel drums, cymbals, and calls swept the air.
A small delicate hand reached out and caught a large hailstone. It was turned to and fro for a moment before it ventured through the window and into the room where the owner of the hand resided. Her eyes examined it and tossed it gently in the air before catching it once more.
"I hope no one is out in this horrific weather... Or may God have mercy on their soul."
Quickly, she closed the window and walked over to the other side of the room. Calmly, she opened the drawer to her desk and retrieved a thin metal letter opener, to which she used to hack at the large hailstone to get inside. She was perfectly aware that such actions may not have been particularly wise, and she easily could slip and cause damage to the wood of this beautiful piece of furniture that she did not own. Or it was equally possible that the moisture from the hailstone could warp the wood.
She paused a moment in true realization of this fact, and slapped the hailstone down to the floor. She was a guest in this house after all. It would be impolite to be so careless.
She had little mercy for the carpet and continued her her mission on hands and knees. After several minutes, her desired result had been obtained, and she stared at the two halves of the icy beast, taking in the layers with fascination, almost as if she were surprised all the pictures and statements by the scientists were true.
The sound of the doorbell downstairs awakened her from her trance. Her head turned slightly. Who could that be, at this time of night, out in such conditions?
It was none of her business. This wasn't her home. Nevertheless, the reminder of the presence of other people was enough to make her scoop up the pieces of hailstone, scramble to the window, open it, and return it to its rightful place out in the abyss of fury. She slammed the window shut after it and immediately made sure no traces of ice or water were left behind.
It was perhaps a very silly thing she had done, to catch a hailstone like that. But she could not recall a time where she had seen such large hail, or even witnessed a storm with such intensity. She was glad that whoever their late visitor was, he was safe from the hell of the outside.
She was startled by the voice of a woman. Had she just been called? Quickly, she opened her door and ventured out into the hallway. She leaned over the balcony of the tall staircase and peered down, her eyes meeting those of Rebecca, her gracious hostess and lady of the residence.
"There you are," she was greeted by the usually collected but now frantic woman. "Please come down, I need a favor." Without waiting for a response, she continued. "I have just received an urgent call that I must take. But we have a guest in the parlor. He is a friend of mine. Would you mind entertaining him?"
Immediately, her heart pounded and a lump formed in her throat. How could she go in and 'entertain' some man she had never met before? She was a rather shy woman and did not feel at ease meeting new people, especially when they were men. What would she say?
"I've already announced you're coming. Normally I wouldn't ask you, but he's been out in this terrible weather, and he needs tending to. You don't mind do you?"
Frankly, she did mind, but it was not in anger. She understood her friend's motives, and also knew that Rebecca most likely had asked her because she trusted her ability to care for others. Regardless, her pulsed raged, and her brain in response demanded that she inform this dear woman, as gently as possible, that she did in fact mind being asked to perform such a task.
Her heart spoke for her instead. "No, I don't mind at all."
Coward...
Rebecca smiled and began to trot off already. "I knew I could count on you. You're such a sweetheart. And for that, I know he is in good hands. Thanks a million!"
She sighed the moment the door had shut behind Rebecca. Panic filled her again. Why had she agreed to do this? She had no idea what to do or what to say to this complete stranger, and yet, it was rude to keep him waiting like this. She would simply have to face her fears and go in there. She was perfectly capable of being charming.
She reminded herself that this poor man had just been the victim of the storm's wrath. Rebecca had mentioned that he needed "tending to". Had he gotten hurt by the storm, perhaps even struck by a hailstone similar to the one she had examined so thoroughly?
She hurried into the parlor to find him. He sat waiting on the couch by the fire, and glanced up when he heard her enter.
"I do hope you're alright; do you need anything?" she quickly asked him. Her face fell when she noted the expression on his. He looked at her as if he were viewing her ghost... his body motionless, his eyes widened, mouth slightly ajar. She could've sworn he had gasped ever so slightly upon seeing her. She must have startled him.
She felt like an idiot. Had she heard Rebecca wrong? She was terribly embarrassed at making such a poor first impression.
She laughed nervously. "I'm sorry, I had thought Rebecca told you about me coming. I didn't mean to startle you."
"No, it's alright," he began, a pleasant smile now upon his face. "Forgive me. She did tell me you were coming. I am simply... a little out of sorts in this weather."
"Which is why I am here," she continued for him, walking closer to him and examining his condition. He wasn't as drenched as she would have imagined, so he must've worn a decent coat. He was well to do, she determined, by seeing his black dress pants, red vest of silk, and white dress shirt. His hair was as black as the night, and he had it slicked back. He was quite an attractive man.
She shook the thought. It wasn't the time to think of that.
"Rebecca wanted me to tend to you. Are you cold? I can fetch you a blanket. Or perhaps you are hungry..."
His smile grew. "You are most kind. But please, just sit and keep me company. I am... most content now." He patted the area next to him.
Such a deep voice... It flowed perfectly with charm and elegance. Another lump formed in her throat but she smiled and obliged.
"Ah, you do not need to be so apprehensive with me," he told her as soon as she sat down. She glanced at him a moment nervously, wondering how he had known. Had she been that obvious?
"...I am not one for you to fear."
She let out another embarrassed laugh. "I am sorry... You see, I am not very used to meeting new people."
"Then do not think of me as 'new people', " he told her with a grin. "Think of me as... a very old and dear friend."
She looked at him curiously. What a strange thing to say, and yet at the same time, it was the perfect response. She took a deep, but quiet breath. Don't choke.
He chucked ever so slightly as if he could read her mind.
"Very well," she finally told him. "But dear friend... I have forgotten your name..."
"Adrian Valeriu," he told her gently. "Please call me Adrian." He took her hand into his, and softly stroked it with his finger.
She gasped. He was ice cold. His hands were also quite pale. Obviously, he was in worst condition than he was letting on. Natural, really, for a man to deny any need for assistance. But she knew better. And he wouldn't be getting away with it, not on her watch.
She sprung up in a near panic. "Goodness, you're as cold as ice! Here, let me help you..." She made her way to the other couch, retrieved the blanket draped on the back of it, and brought it back to him. He watched her carefully as she placed it over him with such care, such delicacy. He studied her small hands, and the concerned look in her eye. She used up a great deal of energy in worrying to care for him. Such kindness... such warmth.
"Your heart warms me more than anything," he admitted. "And your beauty."
She froze. Her beauty? Surely he must be simply trying to be polite. Either that, or he was hoping she would warm not only him but his bed. She prayed that he wasn't a creep. Looks could be deceiving, and this man could be as good at acting charming as he was a playboy. Why he would choose her, however, was beyond her comprehension. She wasn't anything special, and her features were not distinguishing.
The storm, she reasoned. She was convenient. She was there. Perhaps he had come with intent to seduce Rebecca, but then decided upon her instead.
If that were the case, the weather was definitely getting to him. Rebecca was much more attractive than she was. By all means, Rebecca could have fit the profile of a model. She was tall with beautiful gleaming olive skin, and dark brown flowy hair. Flaw nor mark dared to imperfect her seemingly crafted sculpture. Her mahogany eyes were said by many a man to pull one into their depths like gravity. She was everything that any man would ever desire.
"You don't believe me, do you?" he asked her then, noticing the change in her. "You never have."
Unsure exactly what he meant, she finished her placement of the blanket on him and stepped back. She had no response to what he said. The lump had returned to her throat, and had literally stolen her voice without mercy.
She watched him as he seemed to study her for a moment. He stared into her eyes as if he were attempting to view the inner depths of her soul. She breathed slowly, unable to remove her eyes from his as he gazed at her so intensely. She should have been terrified, desperately wanting to get away from him. This wasn't natural, and certainly wasn't gentlemanly or respectable conduct. And yet she could barely hear her own thoughts in her head. It was as if he had taken over her mind and was now whispering to her through it.
"Are you afraid of me?" he suddenly asked her. He arose from his sitting position slowly, but his eyes did not remove themselves from hers.
"I... do not know..." she answered softly, barely audible.
You have no need to fear me... A sensuous voice entered her mind, caressing her soul, and rubbing the lump back down from her throat.
He reached over and took her hand, and let his other rest on top. "I am sorry to have made you uneasy, my dear," he told her gently. "I beg your forgiveness, and to remember that I am not from here. Perhaps I have been too forward."
"No, it's alright," she found herself speaking mindlessly, a polite smile upon her lips again. It was a terrible habit, to give others the benefit of the doubt, but it was her nature to try to understand where others were coming from. Perhaps she had been too judgmental about Adrian in the first place. After all, he was a friend of Rebecca's, and she wasn't the kind to keep the company of any unsavory characters. She trusted her friend's judgment.
"But please, sit down..." she continued, motioning to the couch. What a stubborn fellow he was though. Wasn't one to be concerned about himself, that was for sure. But then... those made the best people. She herself tried live by acting in such a manner.
"If it will ease your mind..." he replied, but gently led her over to sit down first. Only after she was settled did he resume his place on the couch and replace the blanket back over himself the way she had laid it.
The lights flickered as a sudden crash of lightning exploded, shaking the house with it. She cringed slightly, startled.
"Good Lord, the weather is especially wicked this evening," she commented in bewilderment. "I hope you weren't victim to it long."
"It is quite fascinating, isn't it?" he answered her, the slightest bit of amusement sparkling in his eye. "Is this weather not the perfect kind for one of those scary stories?"
She laughed, slightly taken aback, and partially in agreement. "Why yes, I don't think there could be a better evening for such a thing. Do you like scary stories, Adrian?"
"I do not get much time for reading," he admitted. "But I have taken quite a liking to them. Especially stories that involve magic and the undead."
She cocked her head to the side in curiosity. "The undead? Like zombies and vampires?"
He simply smiled at her. "Do you believe in reincarnation, my dear?"
"No," she answered immediately, but then paused a moment to rethink it. "Well, it is not for me to say actually. I... don't think it would be something that would happen to everyone. But perhaps if someone died a terrible or sudden death, they might be blessed with such a second chance."
His smile grew and leaned his head back onto his hand which rested on the back of the couch. "Yes, indeed they might."
"Do you believe in reincarnation?" she in turned asked him.
"Oh, yes, I do," he stated confidently. "I have no reason not to believe it."
"Is that your only reason?" she chuckled. "Are you yourself reincarnated? Do you have visions of your past lives? Is this your twelfth life?"
He shook his head with a grin. "One does not normally remember their past lives."
"Then what is the point?" she inquired as a matter of factly. "And how can you be so sure you've had a past life, or anyone for that matter, if no one remembers them."
He reached over and gently patted her hand, and then held it within his. "You should open your mind, my dear," he suggested to her gently. "See the things that may not be there."
She smiled, both in apology and embarrassment. "I am sorry, and you are right. I just think that... I wouldn't want to live this life twice. I mean... gym class again..."
He suppressed a small laugh. "Then why not live forever instead."
She laughed, amused. "Very well then. Forever. In my castle. Where it rains quite frequently."
He sent her a curious turn of the head, so she continued. "I love rain. It's so relaxing. The storms can be unnerving, but the rain... is just wonderful. Rejuvenating."
He was clearly pleased with her response, and his other hand came up to softly rub her shoulder. "I was wrong about you, my dear. Your mind is more open than I thought. You see the beauty in everything, don't you? You've... I bet you always have."
She nodded slightly. "I try. The world has so much to offer. People don't appreciate things as much as they should."
He was silent a moment, and gazed upon her with such a sweetness that she didn't know whether to be unnerved or melting. And yet something about his demeanor, his voice, put her at ease. And to think, just a few moments earlier, she had foolishly been afraid of him.
"It is a shame I haven't gotten the privilege to know you earlier. Rebecca and I have not known each other for too long, but I am glad the harsh weather has forced me to pay my friend an unexpected visit at this time, which seems to coincide with your stay here."
She felt so warm inside. He was incredibly charming. She wondered where he was from and realized she had neglected to ask him, but perhaps had the perfect opportunity with his latest graceful statement.
"I knew Rebecca in college," she explained. "She graciously invited me up here to stay with her for a little while. I haven't gone away in so long, and I figured the travel would do me good. Are you staying in the area?"
"I am," he nodded. "But travel is a way of life for me. I am always going to new places. I like encountering different people. The different styles, the different tastes... It's all so wonderful to me."
"Mmhmm, yes..." she murmured in agreement. "I absolutely agree. And where you are from, Adrian? You have the slightest accent, but I can't quite place it."
"I was born in Europe," he told her. "But I've been all around the globe ever since..."
He paused, and looked down and checked his watch. She was just about to ask him whereabouts in Europe he lived when he suddenly arose and took hold of her hands.
"Well, my dear, it is getting late, and the weather seems to be calming down. It has been the greatest pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for being such wonderful company to me and taking care of me."
Her face fell slightly, and she frowned. "Oh, Adrian, must you leave now? It is so late. I'm sure Rebecca wouldn't mind me fixing up a room for you..."
He gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "You are most kind, but I must be on my way. I have business to attend to. I do hope to see you again soon, my dear..."
"But Adrian," she protested. "What if the weather picks back up again? I can't let you go out there. I won't!" She squeezed his hand back, emphasizing her point. He was mad if he was going to go back out into the night at such an hour, when the weather could turn for the worse again. She'd never forgive herself if she let him leave, and then found out that something happened to him later. Plus she had grown quite fond of his company.
His smile to her spoke volumes, and seemed to comfort her. He cupped her cheek in his hand. "You are such a sweetheart. Thank you for your kindness. We will meet again soon, I promise you. Perhaps you would like to come visit me. I am staying at Drayton Manor. Goodnight, my sweet friend. You should retire to your room soon. It is quite late."
And with that, he slid his hand from hers, his other from her cheek, and turned away and left. She watched him go in silence, unable to move or even speak a word of further protest. Her skin still tingled from where he had so softly touched her.
She couldn't breathe.
A thousand thoughts entered her mind, flooded it and crashed into the sides of it, making her dizzy and a bit confused. Her heartbeat had quickened, and she placed a trembling hand on top of it.
"This is silly..." she whispered to herself. "I am simply a little excited because of the weather. I cannot be feeling this way because of some stranger I just met!"
She shook it off, and gave herself an amused chuckle, before trotting upstairs to her room, her feet seeming to glide on the air. She thought to tell Rebecca her guest had left, but if she had not returned to the parlor with them, then chances were that she was still engulfed in her phone call. It would be rude to disturb her, especially when Rebecca was engaged in something so important.
She sighed cheerfully. She would sleep well tonight.
After preparing herself, she climbed into bed and shut her eyes, awaiting the blissful slumber of dreams to take hold of her. She had not even realized that she had done exactly as Adrian had asked.
She dreamt of him that evening. They continued their conversation in a large gazebo, sitting together on a white wooden swing. It was pouring rain.