Eli: What was wrong with stopping there? I thought it was a good place to
end it. Apparently, I was wrong. Enjoy chap three. I swear the next chapter
to My Life For Yours will be out soon, if my dad stops being such a *Beep*
-Ian-
"How is he?"
"His status has not changed since you were here yesterday, Mr. Nottingham. That woman was here earlier for a brief time as well."
"Oh."
"The doctors are planning on taking him off life support."
"No. Keep him stable. I'll pay for extra treatment if needed."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. He must live."
"I will inform the doctors." The nurse walked off. Ian entered the room and stared down at Conchobar's comatose form.
"You, I know you hear me in there. Listen: You must wake up. The lady needs you. I know you two are to be star crossed, but I can't stand to see her in pain. She has betrayed you, but it was not her fault. I am angry with her. I can't help it. I know she will never love me, so please wake up and take care of her, since I can not."
Ian turned and left.
-Later-
The group had stopped for dinner at a restaurant. The five of them sat down and all three adults were quizzing Leo. Gabriel's mouth was going a mile a minute with questions. Elaine watched with amusement.
"Why did you move here?"
"My mother's new husband lives here."
"How long have you lived here?"
"Three weeks."
"What do you think of Elaine?"
"She's beautiful, smart, and funny." Gabriel nodded approvingly and winked at Elaine. She kicked him from under the table.
"Okay, I approve. But beware: Hurt her in anyway and you are a dead man." Gabriel was actually able to say it with a serious face. Leo smirked.
"That won't be happening." Sara saw how Leo doubted Gabriel could hurt him.
"It had better not, or I'll drag your ass to the precinct and throw you in jail."
"Yes, mam." Elaine saw the tension and changed the subject.
"Jesse, how was your audition?"
"Great. They asked me to come back for the follow ups."
"That's good." Elaine turned to the rest of the group. "Jesse's a ballet dancer. She just tried out for one of the lead roles in a ballet being preformed here. What's the name of it again?"
"A Midsummer Night Dream. I tried out for the part of Helena."
"Was Helena the one who fell in love with the guy who was in love with her best friend?"
"Yes, Sara. I thought she was more interesting than Hermia."
"She was definitely more withstanding." Gabriel added in. "I mean, she put up with Demetrius barbs till it killed her inside. Then when he did fall in love with her, she thought it all a cruel joke. Can you imagine that? Loving someone so entirely that you put up with them bitching at you and you don't do a thing back? He could have probably called her everyone cuss word known to man and she would still love him."
"Poor, crazy girl. He didn't deserve her." Sara replied. Gabriel stared at her mockingly.
"That's just what love does to you. Funny hearing you say that, with your relationship." Sara looked at him and realized he meant Ian. She kicked him from under the table and changed the subject.
"So Jesse, you think you'll get it?"
"I hope so, or else I'll have to return to England sooner than I wanted." The food arrived at that point and they all started to eat. Gabriel noticed that Jesse barely took a bite.
"Something wrong Jesse?"
"No, just not hungry."
"Not hungry? You had an audition today and you're not hungry? You really should eat something. You're starting to look like just a pile of skin and bones!"
"I didn't realize. Excuse me for a moment." Jesse got up and went to the bathroom. Elaine kicked Gabriel again.
"Ow! Why is everyone kicking me?"
"Gabriel, you know how she is about her appearance! You just made her even more uncomfortable! Why are you so spiteful today?"
"I didn't realize it was an insult. I thought she would be encouraged to eat."
"A lady won't eat if you say something like that to her. Look at my mom. Me dad once told her a dress didn't look good on her, so she destroyed all those types of dresses she had."
"I'll talk to her. When she gets back, be ready to grovel." Sara got up and entered the bathroom. Jesse was in one of the stalls crying.
"Jesse? What's wrong?"
"He thinks I'm horribly ugly, doesn't he?"
"No, you are very beautiful. He was just trying to encourage you to eat."
"He must think I'm some stupid broad."
"No. C'mon now, it's Gabriel? Do you actually take what he says seriously?"
"Yes, I do." Sara knew that type of tone.
"You like him, don't you?"
"Yes, for quite sometime now."
"He likes you, too. He told me."
"He can't. I'm so imperfect and ugly. No one could like me."
"Gabriel does."
"I'm just a friend."
"He wants you to be his girlfriend. You should really talk to him about it."
"We couldn't bring that up with each other. We've been friends for far too long."
"When did you two meet?"
"When his mum and Elaine moved in next door. He was fourteen and I was thirteen. I use to baby sit for Elaine as well. He came to visit every summer." Elaine laughed a little. "I remember I use to sleep over at their place all the time. Bloody hell, I still sleep over there. I remember us telling Elaine stories to get her to bed. After she fell asleep, we would talk for hours. I kind of miss those nights."
"Jesse, Gabriel really likes you. Believe me, I know. I'm surprised you two aren't already an item."
"There has always been things in the way. Boyfriends, girlfriends, work, not to mention the distance between England and America."
"Would you stay here because of him?"
"Yes. I was thinking of moving here. A lot more work for ballet dancers, truth be told."
"Would you miss home?"
"A little, but it's not really home."
"What do you mean?"
"The original reason I use to be at Gabriel and Elaine's so often was to get out of the house. My mum is a drunk and my dad is controlling. They don't actually care about me. I'm just another thing to worry about. It has never really been home."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. You don't have to stay here with me; I'll be fine. Just a few minutes alone."
"Alright." Sara left Jesse to herself.
-Gabriel, Elaine, and Leo-
"You are such a wimp!"
"Am not!"
"Are too! She's probably in there crying her heart out over you because you're too much of a coward to tell her how you feel."
"She doesn't feel like that."
"Gabriel, how many more times to I have to tell you that she likes you?!"
"What she says is true. I can also see that you like her as well. Tell the girl."
"Fine. I will. But when she turns me down and says 'I just want to be friends' I am blaming you."
"Then I can never be guilty. Now go!" Elaine watched as he disappeared down a hall way.
"Your brother's a stubborn man."
"I'm use to it. He was the one who really raised me when I was a child."
"What do you mean?"
"My mum and dad were always arguing. They were also both workaholics. My mum often forgot altogether that she had children. Gabriel watched me through the day. He purposely stayed home from school to watch me."
"How long did he do that?"
"Five years."
"Five years? He didn't go to school for six years?"
"He's always been smart. He went to the library a lot and he learned from there. That's why he's so smart, long days studying."
"What happened when you were five?"
"Our parents got divorced. Mum was able to look after me a little better afterwards. He always called and made sure she remembered things. Even when she didn't, I still had Jesse. Gabriel had asked her to look over me while he wasn't there, and she has. Did you know she's the one that goes to all my school events? She even goes to parent teacher conferences."
"So pretty much Gabriel and Jesse raised you."
"Yes. You're parents are divorced, too. What happened?"
"Me father fell in love with an old girlfriend. When me mum found out, she immediately wanted a divorce. She didn't date for a while, then she started to fancy this chap at work. They got married two years ago. His company moved out here, so we went with it."
"My mum has a boyfriend, Mitchell. He's a nice man, but he and my mum are both stubborn. Cant' ever bend the other's will. Always arguing. But I know deep down they love each other, somewhere."
"Confusing family."
"I'll second that." Leo took her hand.
"You've captured me."
"Someone's a romantic."
"I'll never confess to that." Sara walked back over to the table.
"And what are you two doing?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing, mam."
"Better be nothing."
-Jesse and Gabriel-
Gabriel waited outside for Jesse. She eventually came out and was surprised to see Gabriel standing there.
"Gabriel."
"Jesse." He was surprised as well. It was hidden well, but he could tell she had been crying. "I need to tell you something."
"What?" Her heart leapt to her throat.
"Jesse, I.... I like you. A lot."
"I like you, too."
"I mean, I want for us to....go to the next level."
"Oh." Jesse was shocked. She couldn't look him in the eyes and half turned away from him. He took it the wrong way.
"I'm sorry. I told Elaine this was stupid. I should've known you wouldn't want to actually date me."
"No! I do, Gabriel. I was just surprised. I agree. We should try to date. I want to so much."
Gabriel wanted to jump up and down for joy. He felt he could do anything. Jump tall buildings with a single bound. Go faster than a locomotive. Even get some revenge on Ian for choking him. Well, maybe not that far, but he still felt very happy.
"Alright then. Should would call this our official first date, or should we start later?"
"Later. We have time." She took both of his hands. They just stood and looked at each other for a while. Then, Jesse unknowingly traced the circles on Gabriel's right hand. She didn't notice she was doing it, but Gabriel did. He immediately pulled his hands back.
"Something wrong?"
"No, Jesse. Um, let's get back." Jesse forced the doubt that he was feeling regretful out of her mind and smiled.
"You're right. Let's go."
-Later-
"How long are you staying on?"
"I don't know. Till I get tired I guess. Might be up all night."
"Elaine Sabrina Bowman, I swear to God I will kill you if you pull an all nighter! Mom will kill me for letting you do that."
"No she wouldn't. She lets me at home."
"But Jesse wouldn't. Do I have to call her up?"
"No, Gabriel."
"Go to bed soon."
"I will, I will. Go get your beauty sleep. You'll need it for your date tomorrow." Elaine briefly stopped typing to turn and smirk at Gabriel. He rolled his eyes. "I told you so."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He walked back to his room and closed the door.
Elaine was on the computer for another two hours before she felt herself yawn. She looked down at the clock. 3:23 a.m.
"Isn't it past your bed time?" She jumped at the sound of the voice. She spun the chair around to look at who was speaking. She glared at the man.
"What do you want?" She leaned back in the chair, awaiting an answer.
"Don't be cross, Ms. Bowman."
"Why shouldn't I be... Ian?" She purposely used his first name to show disrespect.
"I am here to apologize, Ms. Bowman."
"What?!" That was it, she was definitely dreaming. A full trained assassin was asking for forgiveness.
"I am here to apologize. I am sorry for my rude behavior toward you yesterday afternoon. I didn't mean to snap at you. I am.... Flattered that you take interest in me."
"Oh." That was all she could say. She was truly surprised. "I accept."
"Well, then I will be on my way."
"Wait, could I ask you a few questions?"
"I guess. What do you want to know?"
"Well, are you really Irons' son?"
"Yes."
"Biological?" He looked down.
"Yes."
"Where's your mum?"
"She died."
"Who was she?"
"I don't know. She was a sexual partner of Mr. Irons. I have also found out that she was a drug addict, and he supplied the money."
"Do you have any other siblings?"
"No. My mother was the only one to ever get pregnant."
"Why did he keep you? Not to be rude, it's just something like this is usually hidden or discarded. It could've ruined his reputation."
"Let's just say he needed someone who he knew would protect him unto death."
"As only a son would."
"Yes."
"Irons isn't a good man. How did your mum get messed up with him in the first place?"
"I believe she was a prostitute at the time."
"Oh God. Sorry." She couldn't believe she was hearing this. No one she knew of was this blunt and honest. Especially to someone of her age.
"It's alright. It was her life." Elaine quickly changed the subject.
"Why do you stalk Sara? Is it because of the witchblade?"
"No, I do not stalk. I do protect her, and yes, it is because of the witchblade. How do you know about it?"
"Doesn't everybody? Gabriel told me stories about the wielders when I was a child. Don't worry. They already told me to keep silent. Are you her protector?"
"Yes."
"They have legends about that, too."
"I know."
"Do you like Sara?"
"Liking her helps to protect her."
"Better question: Do you love her?" He kept silent. Elaine took it as a definite yes.
"How does she feel?"
"She has another."
"John? She told me about him. She said she never knew him in this lifetime, but would like to."
"I know."
"So you're just going to lie down and accept that?"
"What else am I suppose to do? She loves him."
"Wrong. She has the capacity to love him. She doesn't love him, yet. There's still time." He shook his head.
"You are too young to understand."
"Don't you fucking go off on my lack of age! I understand perfectly. You're in love with her, but you're too scared to say anything about it. Too afraid of heartbreak. Well, you know what? If you don't say anything, you'll lose her anyway. She will never magically fall in love with you. She won't wake up one morning and realize she has feelings for you. Love doesn't work that way."
"You don't think I know that? I never meant you didn't understand that part. I meant that you don't understand what it feels like to see someone you love, the same person you have loved for a millennia, discard you and love someone else."
"A millennia?"
"From one life to the next."
"Oh my God. That is, quite frankly, the most romantic thing I ever heard. Does Sara know this?"
"No."
"Could she know this?"
"I do have the ability to force this on her, to make her see us together, but I won't."
"Why not?"
"How would you feel if someone loved you like an obligation?"
"Oh. A 'Hey Leonardo' type of thing."
"What?"
"You know the song?" She started to sing. "She likes me for me. Not because I hang with Leonardo or that guy who played in 'Fargo'. I think his name is Steve. She's the one for me. And I just can't live without her. My arms belong around her, and I'm so glad I've found her once again."
"I have never heard that song, but I think I like it."
"It's old. It came out when I was still in middle school."
"When was that?"
"About four years ago. I was twelve."
"You don't look sixteen."
"How old do I look?"
"Younger."
"I know so does Gabriel. He's twenty-five, but he looks like he should be going to high school with me."
"He is rather young."
"You don't like Gabriel, do you?"
"I respect him because of his knowledge, but I show him no particular favor."
"Why? I think you two would go along quite well."
"He and Sara betrayed her beloved. He started it." Elaine was confused foe a moment, but then nodded her head when it dawned on her what he was talking about.
"I know what you're talking about. You're talking about the kiss, right?" He nodded. She laughed. "Trust me; you never need to worry about that. They are both grossed out about that. They nearly threw up re-telling the story."
"But they still betrayed her beloved."
"Ian, it's alright to say you got jealous. I don't mind."
"I will admit that it hurt to see that, but I am more angered than envious."
"Why do you care if she betrays her lover or not?"
"Because I want her to be happy. I don't want her to have to give up the person she loves just because of one mistake."
"Even if that person isn't you?"
"Yes."
"It's late. Gabriel says I have to sleep to night, so you have to leave. Thank you for explaining yourself."
"Your welcome. Good night."
"Night." And he left. Elaine leaned back in the computer chair. Trying to take in all she had discovered. She had never seen such blind devotion from anyone to anyone. He had definitely earned her respect again. Right then, she decided something.
"If Sara has blinded herself from that man, and he refuses to push himself on her, I must be the one to show them the light. No soul mate lovers are going to be apart under my watch. I hope they prepare themselves, because I'm throwing in all of got." She smirked to herself. "The British is coming and they mean business."
She then turned off the computer and went to bed.
Eli: What does she plan to do? See, another chapter. Told you Darkness! How was this chap?
-Ian-
"How is he?"
"His status has not changed since you were here yesterday, Mr. Nottingham. That woman was here earlier for a brief time as well."
"Oh."
"The doctors are planning on taking him off life support."
"No. Keep him stable. I'll pay for extra treatment if needed."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. He must live."
"I will inform the doctors." The nurse walked off. Ian entered the room and stared down at Conchobar's comatose form.
"You, I know you hear me in there. Listen: You must wake up. The lady needs you. I know you two are to be star crossed, but I can't stand to see her in pain. She has betrayed you, but it was not her fault. I am angry with her. I can't help it. I know she will never love me, so please wake up and take care of her, since I can not."
Ian turned and left.
-Later-
The group had stopped for dinner at a restaurant. The five of them sat down and all three adults were quizzing Leo. Gabriel's mouth was going a mile a minute with questions. Elaine watched with amusement.
"Why did you move here?"
"My mother's new husband lives here."
"How long have you lived here?"
"Three weeks."
"What do you think of Elaine?"
"She's beautiful, smart, and funny." Gabriel nodded approvingly and winked at Elaine. She kicked him from under the table.
"Okay, I approve. But beware: Hurt her in anyway and you are a dead man." Gabriel was actually able to say it with a serious face. Leo smirked.
"That won't be happening." Sara saw how Leo doubted Gabriel could hurt him.
"It had better not, or I'll drag your ass to the precinct and throw you in jail."
"Yes, mam." Elaine saw the tension and changed the subject.
"Jesse, how was your audition?"
"Great. They asked me to come back for the follow ups."
"That's good." Elaine turned to the rest of the group. "Jesse's a ballet dancer. She just tried out for one of the lead roles in a ballet being preformed here. What's the name of it again?"
"A Midsummer Night Dream. I tried out for the part of Helena."
"Was Helena the one who fell in love with the guy who was in love with her best friend?"
"Yes, Sara. I thought she was more interesting than Hermia."
"She was definitely more withstanding." Gabriel added in. "I mean, she put up with Demetrius barbs till it killed her inside. Then when he did fall in love with her, she thought it all a cruel joke. Can you imagine that? Loving someone so entirely that you put up with them bitching at you and you don't do a thing back? He could have probably called her everyone cuss word known to man and she would still love him."
"Poor, crazy girl. He didn't deserve her." Sara replied. Gabriel stared at her mockingly.
"That's just what love does to you. Funny hearing you say that, with your relationship." Sara looked at him and realized he meant Ian. She kicked him from under the table and changed the subject.
"So Jesse, you think you'll get it?"
"I hope so, or else I'll have to return to England sooner than I wanted." The food arrived at that point and they all started to eat. Gabriel noticed that Jesse barely took a bite.
"Something wrong Jesse?"
"No, just not hungry."
"Not hungry? You had an audition today and you're not hungry? You really should eat something. You're starting to look like just a pile of skin and bones!"
"I didn't realize. Excuse me for a moment." Jesse got up and went to the bathroom. Elaine kicked Gabriel again.
"Ow! Why is everyone kicking me?"
"Gabriel, you know how she is about her appearance! You just made her even more uncomfortable! Why are you so spiteful today?"
"I didn't realize it was an insult. I thought she would be encouraged to eat."
"A lady won't eat if you say something like that to her. Look at my mom. Me dad once told her a dress didn't look good on her, so she destroyed all those types of dresses she had."
"I'll talk to her. When she gets back, be ready to grovel." Sara got up and entered the bathroom. Jesse was in one of the stalls crying.
"Jesse? What's wrong?"
"He thinks I'm horribly ugly, doesn't he?"
"No, you are very beautiful. He was just trying to encourage you to eat."
"He must think I'm some stupid broad."
"No. C'mon now, it's Gabriel? Do you actually take what he says seriously?"
"Yes, I do." Sara knew that type of tone.
"You like him, don't you?"
"Yes, for quite sometime now."
"He likes you, too. He told me."
"He can't. I'm so imperfect and ugly. No one could like me."
"Gabriel does."
"I'm just a friend."
"He wants you to be his girlfriend. You should really talk to him about it."
"We couldn't bring that up with each other. We've been friends for far too long."
"When did you two meet?"
"When his mum and Elaine moved in next door. He was fourteen and I was thirteen. I use to baby sit for Elaine as well. He came to visit every summer." Elaine laughed a little. "I remember I use to sleep over at their place all the time. Bloody hell, I still sleep over there. I remember us telling Elaine stories to get her to bed. After she fell asleep, we would talk for hours. I kind of miss those nights."
"Jesse, Gabriel really likes you. Believe me, I know. I'm surprised you two aren't already an item."
"There has always been things in the way. Boyfriends, girlfriends, work, not to mention the distance between England and America."
"Would you stay here because of him?"
"Yes. I was thinking of moving here. A lot more work for ballet dancers, truth be told."
"Would you miss home?"
"A little, but it's not really home."
"What do you mean?"
"The original reason I use to be at Gabriel and Elaine's so often was to get out of the house. My mum is a drunk and my dad is controlling. They don't actually care about me. I'm just another thing to worry about. It has never really been home."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. You don't have to stay here with me; I'll be fine. Just a few minutes alone."
"Alright." Sara left Jesse to herself.
-Gabriel, Elaine, and Leo-
"You are such a wimp!"
"Am not!"
"Are too! She's probably in there crying her heart out over you because you're too much of a coward to tell her how you feel."
"She doesn't feel like that."
"Gabriel, how many more times to I have to tell you that she likes you?!"
"What she says is true. I can also see that you like her as well. Tell the girl."
"Fine. I will. But when she turns me down and says 'I just want to be friends' I am blaming you."
"Then I can never be guilty. Now go!" Elaine watched as he disappeared down a hall way.
"Your brother's a stubborn man."
"I'm use to it. He was the one who really raised me when I was a child."
"What do you mean?"
"My mum and dad were always arguing. They were also both workaholics. My mum often forgot altogether that she had children. Gabriel watched me through the day. He purposely stayed home from school to watch me."
"How long did he do that?"
"Five years."
"Five years? He didn't go to school for six years?"
"He's always been smart. He went to the library a lot and he learned from there. That's why he's so smart, long days studying."
"What happened when you were five?"
"Our parents got divorced. Mum was able to look after me a little better afterwards. He always called and made sure she remembered things. Even when she didn't, I still had Jesse. Gabriel had asked her to look over me while he wasn't there, and she has. Did you know she's the one that goes to all my school events? She even goes to parent teacher conferences."
"So pretty much Gabriel and Jesse raised you."
"Yes. You're parents are divorced, too. What happened?"
"Me father fell in love with an old girlfriend. When me mum found out, she immediately wanted a divorce. She didn't date for a while, then she started to fancy this chap at work. They got married two years ago. His company moved out here, so we went with it."
"My mum has a boyfriend, Mitchell. He's a nice man, but he and my mum are both stubborn. Cant' ever bend the other's will. Always arguing. But I know deep down they love each other, somewhere."
"Confusing family."
"I'll second that." Leo took her hand.
"You've captured me."
"Someone's a romantic."
"I'll never confess to that." Sara walked back over to the table.
"And what are you two doing?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing, mam."
"Better be nothing."
-Jesse and Gabriel-
Gabriel waited outside for Jesse. She eventually came out and was surprised to see Gabriel standing there.
"Gabriel."
"Jesse." He was surprised as well. It was hidden well, but he could tell she had been crying. "I need to tell you something."
"What?" Her heart leapt to her throat.
"Jesse, I.... I like you. A lot."
"I like you, too."
"I mean, I want for us to....go to the next level."
"Oh." Jesse was shocked. She couldn't look him in the eyes and half turned away from him. He took it the wrong way.
"I'm sorry. I told Elaine this was stupid. I should've known you wouldn't want to actually date me."
"No! I do, Gabriel. I was just surprised. I agree. We should try to date. I want to so much."
Gabriel wanted to jump up and down for joy. He felt he could do anything. Jump tall buildings with a single bound. Go faster than a locomotive. Even get some revenge on Ian for choking him. Well, maybe not that far, but he still felt very happy.
"Alright then. Should would call this our official first date, or should we start later?"
"Later. We have time." She took both of his hands. They just stood and looked at each other for a while. Then, Jesse unknowingly traced the circles on Gabriel's right hand. She didn't notice she was doing it, but Gabriel did. He immediately pulled his hands back.
"Something wrong?"
"No, Jesse. Um, let's get back." Jesse forced the doubt that he was feeling regretful out of her mind and smiled.
"You're right. Let's go."
-Later-
"How long are you staying on?"
"I don't know. Till I get tired I guess. Might be up all night."
"Elaine Sabrina Bowman, I swear to God I will kill you if you pull an all nighter! Mom will kill me for letting you do that."
"No she wouldn't. She lets me at home."
"But Jesse wouldn't. Do I have to call her up?"
"No, Gabriel."
"Go to bed soon."
"I will, I will. Go get your beauty sleep. You'll need it for your date tomorrow." Elaine briefly stopped typing to turn and smirk at Gabriel. He rolled his eyes. "I told you so."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He walked back to his room and closed the door.
Elaine was on the computer for another two hours before she felt herself yawn. She looked down at the clock. 3:23 a.m.
"Isn't it past your bed time?" She jumped at the sound of the voice. She spun the chair around to look at who was speaking. She glared at the man.
"What do you want?" She leaned back in the chair, awaiting an answer.
"Don't be cross, Ms. Bowman."
"Why shouldn't I be... Ian?" She purposely used his first name to show disrespect.
"I am here to apologize, Ms. Bowman."
"What?!" That was it, she was definitely dreaming. A full trained assassin was asking for forgiveness.
"I am here to apologize. I am sorry for my rude behavior toward you yesterday afternoon. I didn't mean to snap at you. I am.... Flattered that you take interest in me."
"Oh." That was all she could say. She was truly surprised. "I accept."
"Well, then I will be on my way."
"Wait, could I ask you a few questions?"
"I guess. What do you want to know?"
"Well, are you really Irons' son?"
"Yes."
"Biological?" He looked down.
"Yes."
"Where's your mum?"
"She died."
"Who was she?"
"I don't know. She was a sexual partner of Mr. Irons. I have also found out that she was a drug addict, and he supplied the money."
"Do you have any other siblings?"
"No. My mother was the only one to ever get pregnant."
"Why did he keep you? Not to be rude, it's just something like this is usually hidden or discarded. It could've ruined his reputation."
"Let's just say he needed someone who he knew would protect him unto death."
"As only a son would."
"Yes."
"Irons isn't a good man. How did your mum get messed up with him in the first place?"
"I believe she was a prostitute at the time."
"Oh God. Sorry." She couldn't believe she was hearing this. No one she knew of was this blunt and honest. Especially to someone of her age.
"It's alright. It was her life." Elaine quickly changed the subject.
"Why do you stalk Sara? Is it because of the witchblade?"
"No, I do not stalk. I do protect her, and yes, it is because of the witchblade. How do you know about it?"
"Doesn't everybody? Gabriel told me stories about the wielders when I was a child. Don't worry. They already told me to keep silent. Are you her protector?"
"Yes."
"They have legends about that, too."
"I know."
"Do you like Sara?"
"Liking her helps to protect her."
"Better question: Do you love her?" He kept silent. Elaine took it as a definite yes.
"How does she feel?"
"She has another."
"John? She told me about him. She said she never knew him in this lifetime, but would like to."
"I know."
"So you're just going to lie down and accept that?"
"What else am I suppose to do? She loves him."
"Wrong. She has the capacity to love him. She doesn't love him, yet. There's still time." He shook his head.
"You are too young to understand."
"Don't you fucking go off on my lack of age! I understand perfectly. You're in love with her, but you're too scared to say anything about it. Too afraid of heartbreak. Well, you know what? If you don't say anything, you'll lose her anyway. She will never magically fall in love with you. She won't wake up one morning and realize she has feelings for you. Love doesn't work that way."
"You don't think I know that? I never meant you didn't understand that part. I meant that you don't understand what it feels like to see someone you love, the same person you have loved for a millennia, discard you and love someone else."
"A millennia?"
"From one life to the next."
"Oh my God. That is, quite frankly, the most romantic thing I ever heard. Does Sara know this?"
"No."
"Could she know this?"
"I do have the ability to force this on her, to make her see us together, but I won't."
"Why not?"
"How would you feel if someone loved you like an obligation?"
"Oh. A 'Hey Leonardo' type of thing."
"What?"
"You know the song?" She started to sing. "She likes me for me. Not because I hang with Leonardo or that guy who played in 'Fargo'. I think his name is Steve. She's the one for me. And I just can't live without her. My arms belong around her, and I'm so glad I've found her once again."
"I have never heard that song, but I think I like it."
"It's old. It came out when I was still in middle school."
"When was that?"
"About four years ago. I was twelve."
"You don't look sixteen."
"How old do I look?"
"Younger."
"I know so does Gabriel. He's twenty-five, but he looks like he should be going to high school with me."
"He is rather young."
"You don't like Gabriel, do you?"
"I respect him because of his knowledge, but I show him no particular favor."
"Why? I think you two would go along quite well."
"He and Sara betrayed her beloved. He started it." Elaine was confused foe a moment, but then nodded her head when it dawned on her what he was talking about.
"I know what you're talking about. You're talking about the kiss, right?" He nodded. She laughed. "Trust me; you never need to worry about that. They are both grossed out about that. They nearly threw up re-telling the story."
"But they still betrayed her beloved."
"Ian, it's alright to say you got jealous. I don't mind."
"I will admit that it hurt to see that, but I am more angered than envious."
"Why do you care if she betrays her lover or not?"
"Because I want her to be happy. I don't want her to have to give up the person she loves just because of one mistake."
"Even if that person isn't you?"
"Yes."
"It's late. Gabriel says I have to sleep to night, so you have to leave. Thank you for explaining yourself."
"Your welcome. Good night."
"Night." And he left. Elaine leaned back in the computer chair. Trying to take in all she had discovered. She had never seen such blind devotion from anyone to anyone. He had definitely earned her respect again. Right then, she decided something.
"If Sara has blinded herself from that man, and he refuses to push himself on her, I must be the one to show them the light. No soul mate lovers are going to be apart under my watch. I hope they prepare themselves, because I'm throwing in all of got." She smirked to herself. "The British is coming and they mean business."
She then turned off the computer and went to bed.
Eli: What does she plan to do? See, another chapter. Told you Darkness! How was this chap?