Just to clarify. Erik's birthday is in September. And yeah... that's about it. And you're probably going to hate after this. And I don't own the lyrics. I just love Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.
Erik's POV
My assistant was really getting on my nerves. All she did was flirt with me and flounce her… her body. And today wasn't a good day for me. Christine had gotten up early to take the kids to school. I got up earlier to prepare for a presentation but fell asleep on the couch. I was lucky to have a wife as thoughtful as Christine. But today… today was bad. Julie kept on pestering me about I should be with her. She wouldn't go away. And then a client came in and started complaining about how the stocks were going down. I took care of that easily but around one thirty Julie came back in. She asked me why again and again.
"Because Ms. Bryne, I am a married man and am faithful to my wife," I said through gritted teeth.
"Please Mr. Dentler. It doesn't have to be a relationship! It can just be casual," she implored.
Without looking up from my work, I told her to leave.
"Oh but please Mr. Dentler! I can be very persuasive… And you'll love how skilled I am with my mouth," she begged, sitting on the edge of my desk giving me a glimpse of her cleavage.
I saw my phone light up. It was Christine. She sent a picture of Aileana in her little costume for her school play. I laughed at how silly she looked but she was the main character; the ugly duckling. I laughed a little bit and sent her back a smiley face. Julie rolled her eyes.
"Is that her?" she asked, hinting quite clearly she disliked my wife.
"Yes. It is my wife, the girl of my dreams and the love of my life."
Julie got up from my desk and went to my office's windows. She pulled the blinds closed. Then she got on her knees.
"Mr. Dentler, I am begging you on my knees! Please. Just once and I'll leave you alone."
I slapped my hands on my desk, making her jump.
"Stand up Ms. Bryne," I commanded.
She did so.
"Though the company does not like it when we fire interns like you, though you're hardly an intern after working here for three years, I am telling you now. I have had enough of your harassment. I am sorry to say this. But… you're fired."
"WHAT?"
"You're fired. Please go quietly and calmly so I don't have to get security. You have until five to do so."
She walked out of my office, grumbling. At around three, Christine came in and without me noticing. But then I heard screaming coming from the other side of my door. Aileana was holding Gustave away by the wall. Julie had Christine pinned on the floor. She had both of Christine's wrists locked in her fist above her head and was punching, or trying to punch, Christine. Christine kept moving her head, dodging every move. I pressed a button to call security and pried Julie off of Christine.
"You slut! You whore! You don't deserve him! You and your perfectness. Like a pretty little princess aren't you?" Julie screamed.
Christine paid no mind as she checked our children over. As I held Julie away, Christine walked straight up to her and looked her dead in the eyes.
"Don't insult me, girl. You have no freaking clue what I've been through. I've watched two of my family members die and two more died because of me. And don't insult my station."
"What are you talking about bitch?" Julie snapped.
Christine slapped Julie, hard across the face. I was relieved I was holding the girl back.
"Don't speak to me that way in front of my children. And what I mean, you spoiled little brat, is that I am a princess. Born of Poseidon, god of the seas, and daughter to Pharaoh Babafemi; may he rot in Apep's lair."
Pulling back her hair to reveal her birthmark, Christine spit in Julie's eye. I chuckled. Finally a security guard came. Before he could see her mark, Christine let her hair fall down. Cuffing Julie, the guard led her downstairs. Julie was screaming like a madman, about we were crazy. Christine huffed and mumbled something about her being sex-crazed. Aileana ran to Christine and hugged her tight. Gustave joined in the hug.
"Are you alright Mother?" Aileana asked.
"I'm fine sweetie. Don't worry about me."
Christine stood and faced me. I laughed and kissing her deeply. I decided to tease her a bit by dipping her back. She let out a surprised 'oh' but melted into me happily.
"Ewww," the kids said.
I let Christine back up. She blushed like a teenage girl. She smiled and kissed me cheek. I laughed again.
"Your fire hasn't died," I joked.
"Why would it?"
I gathered my things and left the building with my family. Christine rested her head on my shoulder as we walked.
"Thank you for coming to my rescue," she whispered.
"Didn't think you needed it but I felt I should help," I whispered back.
She laughed. Each time I saw her face, my love for her only grew. When she had our children it grew. How was it possible for a feeling to grow so strong? We spent our days together happily. Some more… pleasurable than others; but happy all the same. When I got a call saying I had to go to Florida for work I was grateful, for if I won the client there 1) I'd get a raise, and 2) we'd get more money. But I was also upset. I wasn't allowed to bring family with me. So when I had to say goodbye for a few weeks, I felt my heart break in two. But we made it work. Christine would Skype me every night. But this one night she seemed… distracted. I asked what was wrong. She blushed and looked down.
"I was going to tell you when you got back…"
I looked at her in the screen. Could she really be…
"Pregnant?"
She nodded, smiling like crazy. Now I wished I was there so I could kiss her. All I could do was smile and blow her a kiss through the screen. Close to the end of the night, I gave her a typical but wanting request.
"Sing for me? My angel of music," I teased.
She smiled and obliged.
"They asked me how I knew, my true love was true.
I, of course replied, something here inside cannot be denied.
They said someday you'll find, all who love are blind.
But when your heart's on fire, you must realize, Smoke gets in your eyes.
So I chaffed and then I gayly laughed to think they could doubt my love.
Yet today my love has flown away. I am without my love.
So laughing friends deride, tears I cannot hide.
So I smile and say, when a lovely flame dies.
Smoke gets in your eyes."
I smiled, tears in my eyes. I loved it when she sang. She truly was an angel of music.
"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you too."
We said goodnight and goodbye and went to sleep. But I couldn't sleep. All I could think about was Christine. Aileana and Gustave. My family. I had nearly lost them. I kept thinking over and over about what I did. And Christine was right. I had nearly lost what was true treasure. I was a fool to leave. I was an idiot for thinking she didn't love me. Of course she loved me and I loved her. I turned my light on and took her picture out of my wallet. I stared in wonder at her beauty. How could someone be so beautiful? When I had seen her for the first time at camp I thought she had to be a daughter of Aphrodite but no. She was a daughter of Poseidon. And that suited her better than Aphrodite. Her powers were strong as was her courage. Her bravery. After all she had been through and yet she still had the courage to get up each morning and do it all over again. My stepfather verbally abused me when my mother wasn't home but it wasn't that bad. Christine had been abused right and left, physically and emotionally. I turned my light off and set her picture against my alarm clock. The moonlight shining on her face. Beautiful. When I woke I immediately went to my calendar and checked off today. Only three more days until I could see my beloved.
"So as you can see gentlemen, this field and stock is very promising."
This was my last chance to win these guys over. Gods help me. They looked at each other and nodded. I prayed in my head that it was a good sign.
"Look. Dentler. We see that it is a good investment and that we'll make loads of money. So… You got yourself a deal."
Yes!
"I'm happy to hear that," I said.
We shook on it and I departed from their office. I rushed back to the hotel so I could pack. Two more days until I went home! I decided to go do some sight seeing while I was there but all I did was walk around, lost as a pup without a mother. When I finally did ask for directions the only one who would give them to me was a very young looking woman. She raised her eyebrow at me when I asked.
"Not from around here?"
"No. I'm from New York."
"The Big Apple huh? Do you like it there?"
Confused and weary I responded yes. I felt uneasy. Either this was a monster or another Julie. Yes I was only twenty-nine but still. I had a family. The woman started to move closer. I backed away as far as I could until I hit the wall of a building.
"Why did you come here then?"
"Business. Sent here by my company."
"Anyone special?"
"I have a wife and two kids with one on the way."
She smirked. "A family man. There needs to be more of those out there."
She moved her hand to my crotch. I thanked the gods Christine wasn't here. I prayed to Aphrodite, to Hathor, to anyone who would hear my plea to make this person leave.
"Your wife back home?"
"Yes. She's waiting patiently and loyally for me."
"Oh well… Guess what she doesn't know won't hurt her," she said, moving to close the distance.
I turned my face, so she got my cheek. She started sucking and kissing my neck. I squirmed and pushed her away but she was strong. I thought I was a goner until I heard someone. Or two people.
"Adne?"
"What the hell?"
The woman quickly moved off of me and faced her companions.
"Sorry boys. Got a little carried away with this one."
One guy rolled his eyes.
"Adne you can clearly see he has a ring on his finger. You said you'd stop going after tourists and married men."
The girl, Adne, pouted. "Fine. Spoil my fun."
Blowing me a kiss goodbye she walked away with her friends. I stood there. When reality hit me I realized Christine would be calling soon. I ran through alleyways and streets. When I finally found my hotel I rushed to my room. Just as I opened the door I heard the ringing of my computer. I opened it and saw Christine's beautiful face, smiling at me. But that smile quickly faded and was replaced with a look of hurt and betrayal.
"Erik, are those hickey's on your neck? And why is your shirt disheveled?"
I looked in the mirror and saw lip marks and a bite on my neck and my shirt was mussed from my running. I looked back at my wife and shook my head.
"Christine, I beg you. Let me explain."
"I'm listening."
I told her how after the deal went through I went on a walk to find a souvenir for her and the kids but gave up.
"I got lost and when I asked for directions a woman said she'd give me directions and started asking me questions. Like where I was from and if I was married. I backed away with a bad feeling in my stomach."
I told her of how I was harassed and insulted. She looked hurt still but had more understanding.
"Erik you are lucky you have a true heart. Or else your heart would weigh deeper than the lair of Apep."
"I know. And I love you! I love you more than life itself and if anything happened to you… I would never ever forgive myself for putting you in danger."
Christine smiled. We continued talking and she showed me of picture of her ultrasound. I couldn't wait to get home. I would show my love the gratefulness and love I had. I wondered if she remembered the necklace I got her years ago. The blue sapphire one. I still hadn't given it to her after nearly seven years she should get it. Yes, I would give her that. And I'd make dinner for her. I'd do everything she asked of me. Then I realized. Her birthday was in four weeks. I plan everything until then.
I got off the plane late at night. Christine was waiting for me, smiling. She was wearing a gorgeous red dress. She smiled when she saw me. I picked up my speed and ran to her. I dropped my suitcase at our feet and kissed her passionately. She froze out of surprise but relaxed after a moment. I realized people were staring but I didn't care. I released my wife. She giggled like a teenager.
"What was that for?"
"I missed you and love you."
"Erik it was two-"
"They asked me how I knew, my true love was true. I, of course replied something here inside cannot be denied."
I sang the first verse of that song. I waited for her to continue but she felt embarrassed. People were staring at us. I took her hand gently and kissed her knuckles.
"Sing for me angel of music," I whispered.
She rolled her eyes. She couldn't resist that request.
"They said someday you'll find all who love are blind. But when your hearts on fire, you must realize. Smoke gets in your eyes."
"So I chaffed and then I gayly laughed to think they could doubt my love. Yet today my love has flown away. I am without my love."
"Now laughing friends deride. Tears I cannot hide."
"So I smile and say, when a lovely flame dies, smoke gets in your eyes…"
She shook her head and smiled. "Damn you Erik Dentler."
I laughed and kissed her again, a little gentler this time. I heard a noise and pulled away. People had started to clap. Christine buried her head in my shoulder out of embarrassment. She wasn't used to this much attention. I nudged her gently, asking her to show her lovely face. She turned out a little bit. Her green eyes showing annoyance at me and gratefulness at our audience. I led her out eventually and headed to her car. But before we could head out the door an older man stopped us.
"You're married," he stated.
"Yes," I said.
He grunted in distain, looking at Christine as he did so. And I immediately knew why. My grandmother was like this. She hated people in general but she was a bad person to specific people. Christine was Egyptian, I was American. So what?
"And you're not worried she's gonna blow up your house or murder your children?"
Christine gasped. I pulled her closer, showing my protectiveness over her. I glared at the older man.
"Listen here sir. My wife is a gentle person. She wouldn't hurt a fly. She's as tough as nails but softer as a butterfly. I trust her with my life. How dare you accuse her of terrorism!"
He glared at her and me. "Mark my words boy. She'll betray your trust. They all do."
Christine spoke up then.
"Listen good monsieur," she said. Since when did she use French? "I wouldn't hurt anybody. I love my children to bits. If anything happened to them or to my husband I would mostly likely kill myself to join them in the nether. I love my family to the ends of the Earth and would do anything for them."
He got out of our way. Christine leaned into me and said she didn't feel right about him. Something was off. And when she sensed something was off it probably was. I turned around to see a man with a chicken bottom.
"Ba!" Christine hissed.
We ducked out of the way. Christine's sword came into view. She must've kept it in Duat so the kids wouldn't get at it. She dodged around the ba and hid in its blind spots. I distracted it while Christine tried muttering spells but none were working. Her magic was strong as was her powers over water. Her language was good. What was wrong? Defeated, Christine struck the ba with her sword, making its essence turn black and shoot into the sky. I faced Christine, walked straight up to her and kissed her fiercely. She didn't even flinch. She kissed right back. Pulling back for air, I hugged her tightly.
"Are you okay?"
"Fine."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
We walked to the car and drove home. Gustave was at Sally and Paul's place while Aileana was at a friends house. So… to take advantage of their absence, Christine and I had some fun. The next morning Gustave came home, begging us to let him sleep over at a friends house. Not being able to deny our son, I said he could. Aileana was sleeping over at a friend's place also so we had the night alone again. Christine was tired from the day, so we cuddled and watched movies. Ultimately we went to bed early. But early in the morning I woke up out of a nightmare. I turned over, hoping to see Christine beside me but she wasn't there. There was blood all over her side of the sheets. I jumped up and looked around. The bathroom light was on. I knocked on the door.
"Darling? Christine are you in there?"
She didn't answer, making me assume the worst. I slowly opened the door. I saw her leaning against the bathtub, head on her knees. Blood was everywhere. I noticed she was crying. I went to her side and held her.
"I lost it. I lost the baby… It's gone. Gone forever…" she kept muttering.
This was the second time she'd miscarriaged. Not that it didn't make me love her any less. Each time though I felt as if we had lost a member of our family. Which we technically did. But all I did was hold her and whisper that I loved her. That we'd get through this together.
"I love you."
"I love you more. Way more than a human could."
She laughed. "Looks like Percy has competition. No love could compare to the love he has for Annabeth."
"Except the love I have for you."
I cleaned everything up and changed the sheets. We crawled back into bed, our moods lower than before and fell back asleep.
"Erik! Please come on. We're going to be late!" Christine called.
I rolled my eyes. And people think girls take forever. Christine had dropped both kids of at Sally's, got groceries, done the laundry, clean the house, had a shower, gotten dressed and put make up on. She was standing by the door as I stood in our room tying my tie. It was a company party and I really didn't want to go alone. I hated the parties. What was the point of them? After probably screwing up my tie I left it as was, grabbed my jacket, smoothed my hair and ran to the door. Christine laughed at me and how I did my tie.
"Let me," she said.
I grimaced and let her fix it. She removed it, untangled it and retied it. When she finished, her hand lingered on my chest for a moment. I was thirty. Chrisitne was turning thirty in a week. When I thought about how life was back when we were teenagers, I felt old. We hadn't needed to use our swords in months. I missed the adrenaline of fighting but the quietness of reality was nice too. Christine set her head on my chest.
"Can you believe it? Eight years, almost nine, and we've barely had any dangers. The prophecies, the fighting, the adrenaline. Is it wrong to say I kind of miss it?"
"No. I miss it too. But life is good now isn't it? We have a family. We keep in good contact with everyone, including Horus, and we have a house to call our own."
Christine nodded. Standing straight she told me we needed to go or we'd be late. So we headed out the door to a dreaded company party.
A week went by and it was Christine's birthday. I had spoken to Sally and Paul about holding the kids for the night but they said they were busy. So I went to plan B. I called up Percy and Annabeth and asked them to take the kids.
"Yeah sure. Drop them by anytime," Annabeth said.
I thanked them and IM'd Chiron, telling him my plan. He nodded and obliged. Christine was exactly like her brother, in that she'd appreciate anything to do with fighting for fun. Swimming, anything with water she'd love. So, I IM'd Poseidon and asked him to send the most beautiful pearl in the ocean. When he said Percy had claimed it for Annabeth, I asked for the second most beautiful pearl. He said it arrive within the hour. I thanked him and we disconnected. I literally thanked the gods and every deity involved with time that Christine was at work. A therapy company that used music and athletics to soothe had taken her up. She wouldn't be home until five. So after everything with Chiron had been sorted I called up the most posh restaurant in the city. I booked a table just before rush hour so I could get us in. I wrapped the pearl in a special box that I'd give her after we got home. The sapphire from years ago was still in its box and bag, hidden in my sock drawer. I took it out and stuffed it into my coat pocket. I heard the door open and softly close. Christine was home. It was only four-thirty. She wasn't supposed to be home.
"Erik? Are you here?"
"Yeah!" I called. "Could you do me a favor and get some Cold-FX?"
"Okay. We don't have any but I'll be right back!"
I heard the door shut and close. I rushed into the bathroom and had a quick shower. Stuffing my jeans and a camp T-shirt in a bag, I heard the door open and close. Christine was home again. She didn't come in though, giving me time to get dressed. I hurriedly put on a suit and some of her favorite cologne.
"Erik?"
I laid her most gorgeous dress on the bed. It was an ultramarine blue and had small sparkles here and there.
"Sit on the couch and close your eyes," I called from the bedroom.
"Okay. Done."
I walked out and saw her doing exactly that. I went up to her and knelt down to be eye to eye.
"Don't open them yet," I whispered, taking her hands away from her face.
She didn't and after a moment I kissed her gently. She quickly reciprocated, sighing contently. She started to pull against her but I stopped her.
"Not yet, my beautiful lotus flower. You'll rumple my suit," I teased.
She opened her eyes and saw me. She smiled with a confusion in her eyes.
"What are you doing in a suit?"
"There's a dress in the bedroom. Put it on."
Standing to do so, she looked at me one last time.
"Am I going to do something from one of your fantasies?"
Raising an eyebrow, I looked at her.
"I don't' have any fantasies because we've lived them all."
"All men have different fantasies Erik," Christine called from the bedroom.
"I know. But all my fantasies involve you and all we've done."
"Whatever."
When she came out we headed to dinner. We had a quick meal for I wanted us to get to camp before curfew. When we walked into the arena, Christine gasped. Her hands flew to her mouth as she stifled a sob of joy.
"Oh Erik…"
"See why I wanted us to eat quickly and change?"
She nodded and kissed me. We spent hours there just sparring. And I had never felt more alive. At that moment I gave her the sapphire.
"Gods damn it Erik! I told you not to get it!"
"Can't I spoil my wife on her birthday?"
We spent the rest of the night walking hand in hand on the beach. We got home around eleven, tired and worn out. But the night wasn't over. As Christine showered, I made us a fort out of sheets and cushions. Christine came out in shorts and a tank. A white tank. I smiled. I knew exactly what she was doing. But before she could initiate the move, I gave her the box, which contained the pearl Poseidon sent me for Christine. She started to cry. Telling me how wonderful I was and how she didn't deserve me and how I was the most handsome and caring person she'd ever met.
"No Christine. You're wrong. What you're saying about me, I keep telling you, you are. You're beautiful, kind, loving, humble, gentle, caring, loyal, wonderful, and so much more."
We kissed and cuddled, and yes even made love. And for a moment, everything was perfect.
But that moment would end too soon.
