Chapter 3
We reached the light sand that faded into the green, murky water. I felt the familiar poking of bones shifting in and out of place. It felt that I was sitting on a balloon filled with jelly. Green scales came into view as my legs were engulfed in the polluted water. A plastic soda ring came into view, and I smiled. If I didn't kill my sister, pollution would.
"Thank you so much for allowing me into your tower." I spread my arms as wide as I could on the back of Garfield.
"It's all good. As long as you get to stay." I heard the tone in his voice change from seductive to cheerful. "You know, you remind me of Raven. The same body type, around height. You both got the whole alien thing going on as well. Well, I mean so does Starfire, but she's more clueless rather than beautiful. Besides, she's Robin's girl anyways. It's just the silent vibe that I feel from Raven and you. But I am tired of calling you, 'That Beautiful Girl Over There', so can you tell me what your name is?"
"Altair. It is another word for a group of birds or something. Father is obsessed with the Earthly creatures, he says they are majestic in an unnatural way." I answered, trying to hide the smile and blush on my face from Garfield's previous compliments. He was sincere and kind, helping a stranger without even knowing their name. I could be somebody trying to infiltrate the tower, yet he put his trust in me. I am going to have to betray him.
My mind warped around the idea for having a feeling of intimacy with the green fish. It made my stomach jump. I looked at the clouds trying to get my mind back on the mission. One cloud caught my attention. It was shaped like a Barbie doll without the defined features. There was an extra puff of cloud in the center of what I assume is the head. It was shaped like a diamond where it appeared the forehead was.
My mother. Hovering above me in the sky. Probably wishing for me not to kill her daughter, I could see the water welling up in the cloud as it expanded and eventually separated. Water droplets, which reminded me the tears of disappointment that my lack of talent has given me in the past. The way Father would breathe down my neck, his acidic saliva held back by his retched underbite.
"Is there something wrong, Altair? Surely someone as stunning as you couldn't have a problem I can't fix." I watched where Garfield's neck would be moved to look at me. His fish form wouldn't allow such a bend, so he had to deal with talking to me without facing me.
"You would think. There is an odd shaped cloud." I smiled, but didn't try to hide it, considering Garfield couldn't see it.
"That's it? Some cloud?" the green fish chuckled, "It will go away, not as fast as you might hope, but the wind will tear it apart eventually. Or I could turn into a hawk or some other bird and try to tear right through."
"No. That's not it, and I like the cloud's shape. It's special. Just brings back my mother. You see, she abandoned me and my siblings, I was left with Father, who dwelled in his tavern for years at a time. And a few years ago, my sister also abandoned me. This time, I'm all alone. My older brother found another planet, a lot like this one. So, it's all her fault that Father feels pain, that he isn't content with himself." I held back tears, I did not want my face to get all splotchy especially when we are a few feet away from the Titan Tower's beach.
"Your sister doesn't cause all your dad's pain, Altair. It sounds like your mother did, like your father is still in shock that she left him all those years ago. When your sister left, right after your brother, he is confused. He is confused of why all those he loves, leave. Like eventually you are going to leave, too. Which is why I sense resentment. He pushes you away so you will stay." We were on the beach, and Garfield turned into a boy once again, "Welcome to the home of mwah, and soon you."