Chapter 3: He Loves Me Not

Cleao was at the lake with Leki. She was always at the lake when she needed to think about something. But at the moment, she was thinking about someone. All day yesterday, she had been on the lookout for Jeremy, but saw no sign of him. Although she did see the most gorgeous dress! It was short so it would show off her killer legs, and it was white with a pink butterfly pattern embroidered onto it. She also bought matching white heels to complement the dress. So yesterday wasn't such a waste.

Cleao didn't understand why she wanted to see Jeremy again so much. He was a complete stranger! "It's his eyes," Cleao decided aloud. She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard someone behind her.

" Whose eyes?" a voice asked. She stood up quickly and turned. Jeremy! She thought excitedly. Leki barked in greeting. Jeremy bent down and stroked Leki on the head. He straightened himself and smiled at warmly at Cleao. She smiled back happily. Yeah, it is his eyes, she confirmed mentally.

"I arrived this morning and I'm staying at the local inn. I decided to rest for a while. I went for a walk and I found myself here."

"Really? Hmmm… Well I'd be glad to show you around town if you want," Cleao offered.

" That'd be great," Jeremy grinned.

Cleao thought for a moment, " Well, this lake is called the Ruins of Kohan. See that tower over there?" Cleao asked as she pointed to the half-submerged tower, " that's where I first saw Orphen around two and a half years ago." Jeremy just nodded. Without realizing what she was doing, Cleao had gently slipped her slander hand into his firm one and gave it a small tug. "C'mon then. I'll show you around Totokonta."

Cleao spent the rest of the day showing Jeremy around town. Even though she had only met him a few days ago, she felt like she had known him her whole life. They had a connection.

"The only place I haven't shown you is my house. It isn't that far from here… would you like to come over?" she asked him.

Jeremy looked unsure and hesitated to answer, " I wouldn't want to intrude,"

"No, not at all!"' Cleao said with a wave of her hand, " C'mon then. You can meet my mother, sister and… uh... Orphen." Cleao thought of what Orphen would think when she brought Jeremy home. Well, he doesn't care about me anyway, she thought and pushed Orphen out of her mind.

Before Jeremy could say anything, he was already being led away. Perfect, she's falling for me, Jeremy thought. He glanced down at her and smiled as she spoke of her family. A few minutes later, they stood outside Cleao's house.

" Here it is. Come inside," Cleao opened the door and pulled him along.

" Your house is huge!" Jeremy exclaimed in awe, " It's a mansion!"

Cleao shrugged indifferently, "It's just a house. No biggie." She walked through the door, "I'm home !" she yelled out. Her mother came rushing toward her.

" Cleao! Where have you-" Tistiny stopped mid-sentence when she saw Cleao had brought a visitor.

" Mom, this is my friend, Jeremy. Jeremy, this is my mother, Tistiny."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Jeremy gave a small bow with his head.

"Likewise," Tistiny replied and smiled, " Where have you been?" she asked her daughter.

" I caught up with Jeremy and I showed him around town, is all."

" Well, we have company."

" We do?"

"Yes. Hartia is here with Azalie." Cleao smiled brightly at the mention of Hartia's name, but faded completely when she heard Azalie's name. They never got along.

" Why couldn't it be Lai instead of… her?" she asked softly to no one in particular.

" Cleao!" her mother scolded.

Cleao, Tistiny and Jeremy joined the others in the living room. Everyone turned when they came in. They all seemed to be wondering who Cleao's friend was. Orphen eyed Jeremy suspiciously.

" Hey, Jeremy." Majic greeted. A look of recognition crossed Orphen's face and he glared at Jeremy.

Cleao made further introductions. " Everyone, this is Jeremy," she said, " Jeremy, this is my sister- Mariabella, you already know Majic, this is my…" Cleao stopped the rest of the words coming out, "This is Orphen, Hartia and… Azalie." Cleao said Azalie's name flatly.

" Nice to meet you all," Jeremy said to everyone.

" Nice to meet you too," was the general reply from the group except Orphen who continued to glare.

" Is he your boyfriend?" Azalie asked. Cleao blushed furiously and Jeremy gave a nervous laugh.

" No, we're just friends." Cleao replied hastily.

"Ok then," Azalie said in a disbelieving tone.

Cleao glared," Why are you here anyway?" she asked, quickly changing the topic. Cleao pushed Jeremy into a seat and she sat on the armrest next to him.

" No reason," Azalie replied simply.

" Yeah right!" Cleao snorted in disbelief. Orphen shot her a shut-your-mouth-we'll-talk-about-it-later look. In turn, Cleao gave him a 'whatever' look and turned away. Jeremy turned to Cleao and put a hand on her exposed lap, as she was wearing a miniskirt, to get her attention. Cleao blushed at his touch. Orphen looked angry. How dare he touch her! No one touches Cleao! He paused as his thoughts registered in his mind properly, What the hell am I on about! Since when did I get so protective of her? he thought to himself.

Cleao looked at Jeremy. " I better get going, Cleao," he said.

"Oh… ok then," she answered, trying not to sound so disappointed, "I'll walk you out." Cleao stood up from her seat.

"It was nice to meet you all, " Jeremy repeated. Everyone said goodbye… well mostly everyone. Cleao followed Jeremy out of the room and out the door. He closed the door behind them.

" I enjoyed today. Thanks for showing me around," Jeremy said.

" No problem," Cleao smiled, " I had fun too… Mariabella's having a celebration for her birthday in two days and…" she struggled to get the rest of her sentence out. She was never this nervous around a guy and she was only going to ask him if he wanted to come over, it's not like it was a date!

Jeremy smiled warmly, "I'd love to, Cleao." She blushed a bright pink. "I'd like to see you tomorrow, if you want." Jeremy continued.

" I'd like that."

" I'll see you tomorrow then," Jeremy gave Cleao a quick, but soft kiss on the cheek.

" Come by at around lunch time?" Cleao suggested.

" Sure," he waved goodbye and walked away. Cleao walked back inside.

The others were still in the living room. Tistiny faced Cleao as she walked in, " We're about to have dinner, will you be joining us?" Cleao nodded. During dinner they all avoided the topic of why Hartia and Azalie had arrived, so there wasn't much talk.

But then Azalie decided to bring up Jeremy. " Jeremy seems nice," she said out of the blue. Cleao ignored her. " Are you planning on getting together?" Still there was no answer. Cleao was starting to get uncomfortable, and the more uncomfortable she got, the more hotheaded she would be.

" Azalie…" Orphen said in a warning tone, knowing all too well where Azalie's interrogation would lead. He also knew that Azalie was trying to get on Cleao's nerves on purpose.

Azalie ignored her brother's warning, " Cleao, don't you know that it's rude to ignore people when they're talking to you?" By this time, everyone was getting uncomfortable. They all braced themselves for Cleao's comeback.

Cleao stared at Azalie icily, " Well it's a good thing you're not human, because then I would be being rude." Everyone knew what Cleao had meant by her comment. It showed that Cleao gave as good as she got. Azalie scowled at the young blonde. She opened her mouth to retort, but was kicked under the table by Orphen. She flinched at the sudden pain in her leg.

" Excuse me," Cleao said to everyone and left the table. Leki followed her back to her room.

No one spoke. " So… how's the weather today?" Hartia asked lamely, trying to ease the tension. Though it seemed to work because Mariabella let out a giggle. But even so, it seemed that everyone had lost their appetite.

" Selfish, annoying, psychotic… Monster…" Cleao babbled on. " How dare she come into my house and speak to me that way. I don't understand what Orphen sees in her." Cleao lay herself down on her bed. She closed her eyes and began to drift to sleep, when there was a soft knock on the door. " Come in!" she called out, but her voice was slightly muffled since she was face down in her pillow. The door opened and she looked up to see Majic come in.

" I just wanted to see if you were ok," he asked in genuine concern.

" Yeah, I'm fine."

" Well anyway, your mother said that we should all get some rest and that whatever Master Hartia and Miss Azalie came here for can be discussed tomorrow."

"That'd be mother," Cleao said, smiling. Majic stood quietly. " Thanks for coming to check up on me. I'm kind of tired now… so I think I'll get some rest. You should do the same."

" Sure. See you in the morning, Cleao."

Cleao stood up and hugged Majic tightly, " Goodnight, Majic."

" Goodnight," Majic replied. He turned and closed the door behind him. Cleao slipped into her nightgown and lied down next to the sleeping Wolven cub. She closed her eyes, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get back to sleep. She got out of bed, deciding to go to her sister's room. She quietly tiptoed across the hall, but stopped when she heard Orphen and Azalie talking.

" She had no right to say that to me, Orphen."

" Well you didn't have to provoke her."

"So you're taking her side."

"I'm not taking anyone's side. I don't get why you and Cleao always annoy each other."

"Well, I don't understand what you see in her, Krylancelo. She's a selfish little brat." Cleao's blood began to boil, but she remained silent.

" I know, Azalie. She's an annoying know-it-all who always gets me so riled up."

" Then how... no, why do you put up with her?" Azalie asked in a confused tone. There was a momentary silence. Then Azalie realized something and her eyes widened in recognition, " You love her don't you!" she said accusingly. Cleao's heart skipped a beat as the words left Azalie's mouth. She was anxious to hear Orphen's reply.

" No! I don't lover her!" Orphen exclaimed defensively, taken aback by Azalie's comment. And just like that, Cleao's heart was shattered. She finally knew how Orphen truly felt about her. Tears stung her eyes. Not wanting to hear anymore, she rushed down the stairs and out the door. Leki ran to keep up.

Orphen paused as he thought, " I care for her, but I don't love her." he continued as he sat in the chair by the window. If he had looked out at that exact moment, he would have seen Cleao running into the darkness.

Azalie looked skeptical, " So you're telling me that it wouldn't bother you to see Cleao with another man…say Jeremy perhaps…" Orphen considered this notion and immediately thought of Jeremy's hand on Cleao's lap. He felt a sudden urge to snatch Cleao away from him. Azalie watched Orphen think as a look of anger crossed his face. Azalie gave a small smile.

" I…" Orphen didn't know what to say. It was just crazy to think that he loved Cleao in that way. Azalie walked to the door and stopped before she turned the handle, " I'll leave you to think about that then. You know, all I want is for you to be happy, Krylancelo. Just make sure that Cleao's the one." Azalie left Krylancelo with his thoughts.

"She's crazy… absolutely crazy." Orphen muttered as Azalie left the room, "And why would I love Cleao? She drives me insane…" he trailed off and thought about it some more.

The cool breeze stung Cleao's tear stained face. Wanting to get away from the confusion and the pain, she ran to the lake- the only place that took her away from everything else. She ran into the water until it was waist deep. It's coldness made her shiver, but she didn't care. She submerged herself into the water and emerged to take a breath. It was like the water was washing away her pain. When she came out of the water, the moonlight touched her figure and she resembled a nymph. Her short, pale pink nightgown clung to her body as she stood in the water and she stared at the moon. Leki waded through the water as he waited for Cleao.

"You'll catch a cold," a voice called out from the shadows. Cleao turned to see Jeremy walking towards the edge of the water. "What are you doing out here this late at night?" he inquired.

"I'd asked you the same question." Cleao quipped. She made her way back to shore and sat down beside Leki. Jeremy made his way over to her and sat down. He took his jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders.

" Thank you," she whispered and smiled up at him.

" So, tell me what's bothering you, " Jeremy urged her gently.

" What made you think that something was bothering me?" she asked, doing her best to look puzzled.

" I can see it in your eyes…" he replied softly.

Cleao shook her head, "It's nothing really." She responded in a sad voice.

" You know, looking sad doesn't suit a beautiful face like yours. You'll feel much better once you get it off your chest… Trust me." Jeremy gazed into Cleao's eyes and saw raw pain lurking there.

Every time I'm with you I am one step closer to achieving my goal, but the opportune moment has not arrived yet, he thought deviously and awaited he response- his act working like a charm.

" He… I…," Cleao started off uncertainly, I overheard him tell Azalie that I was an annoying know-it-all and that he didn't love me," she said in one big breath. By letting it all out, she began to cry openly. " I know I can be annoying, selfish and a whole bunch of other things, but I can't help it… it's who I am! I knew I loved Orphen the first time I saw him at the ruins of Kohan. It was like fate brought him to me… and to be rejected like that… I was devastated," Cleao sobbed, "I am devastated," she corrected. Jeremy remained quiet so Cleao could get it all out. " My heart just shattered into a million pieces… I… I never knew that love… would hurt so much…" she trailed off and wiped her tears away. Leki whimpered sadly, knowing that he couldn't do anything to help ease her pain. Jeremy took Cleao in his arms and held her as she buried her face into his shoulder. Jeremy stroked Cleao's head comfortingly. They stayed in this position for a long time. Cleao was first to break away. She sniffed, " Thank you… for listening… for everything."

Jeremy smiled, " It's ok. Now, don't waste any more tears over him ok?" he said and touched Cleao's cheek gently, " It's his loss, not yours." Cleao nodded and they both stood.

"I'd better get home. It's really late," Cleao said softly as she took Jeremy's jacket off and returned it to him. She smiled at him weakly and hugged him before returning home with Leki in her arms.

" I didn't even need to do anything. Orphen drove her away for me." Jeremy smirked and stared at the moon.

Cleao quietly closed the door behind her, which she had left open when she ran off. She was surprised that no one had noticed. It must be really late, she thought and glanced around the house. It was really dark and she couldn't see a thing. She suddenly walked into the small table in the foyer. " Ow!" she exclaimed and quickly shut her mouth. She prayed that no one heard her. She quickly, but quietly felt her way around the house and made her way back to her room. She didn't bother to get dressed, but instead she fell onto the bed. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she promptly fell asleep.

The following day, Cleao slept in. It was nearly midday when Mariabella came in and woke her up. Mariabella slowly opened the door and made her way to the motionless form in bed. "Wake up, sleepyhead." She called to Cleao pleasantly and opened the curtains to let the sunshine in.

"…Five more minutes…" a muffled voice replied from under the covers. Mariabella pulled the covers away and Cleao instantly curled up into a ball to try to keep herself warm.

"Get up, Cleao! We have plenty of things to do today." Mariabella commanded and as if in slow motion, Cleao got out of bed. Cleao got up and ushered her sister out of the room, "let me get ready and I'll be down soon." Without letting Mariabella protest, Cleao shut the door in her face.

" Do you need our help, Mariabella?" Majic asked, but inside he hoped she didn't. He would rather be practicing spell casting than preparing for the party.

Mariabella shook her head, " No, it's ok. Cleao and I will be helping mother. You sorcerers can do your thing," she smiled at them. Azalie was busy catching up with Orphen and Hartia stood at the window with a troubled look clouding his face.

Hartia stepped out of his reverie, " Will Cleao be coming down anytime soon?" Before anyone could reply, Cleao walked into the room with Leki perched on her head. She stopped beside Mariabella. Although she didn't want to be rude, she didn't greet anyone good morning. She couldn't help feeling miserable at the moment, but she did her best to hide her pain.

It's all Orphen's fault! Cleao screamed in her head. Not noticing any problem, Mariabella continued, "What are your plans for today?" she asked the group.

"I'm not sure exactly," Hartia replied.

"I'll be teaching Majic something new," Orphen stated and excitement could be seen on Majic's face.

"Mariabella!"Tistiny called out. Mariabella excused herself and went to see what her mother wanted.

Hartia spoke up, "When are we going to discuss the reason why Azalie and I are here." He really wanted to let it all out, but knew it wasn't the right place or time.

Orphen quickly glanced at Cleao, " I think we should wait until after Mariabella's birthday. No one wants to ruin the celebration tomorrow."

Cleao snorted in disgust. Since when did Orphen care about anyone else? Orphen looked a bit offended and a bit angry while everyone else was shocked at Cleao's reaction.

" Do you have something to say?" Azalie asked nastily. Cleao turned and followed her sister.

"Arrrgh! She is the most irritable person I have ever met!" Azalie exclaimed in fury.

"There's something wrong with her," Majic observed quietly.

"How so?" Hartia queried, " Isn't she always like this with Krylancelo?"

"Well… yeah. But, there's something different. Something's bothering her. It's just my gut feeling." Orphen had to agree with Majic. Cleao and Orphen would get under each other's skin, but the vibe he had been receiving from her lately was too cold for comfort. She didn't seem to be joking around. Orphen started to worry, " We have to find out what's wrong with her." Azalie just rolled her eyes.

" I'll talk to Cleao and see what's wrong. At least you and Majic will be able to work on his studies," Hartia offered and no one objected.

Orphen stood up, " Let's get going then."

Azalie followed Orphen, " I'm coming with you." And with that the three of them left, leaving Hartia alone. I'd best leave Cleao alone for a while. I doubt she's in the mood, he contemplated, Plus she'd be busy helping her mother and sister. I might as well help while I'm here, he decided and went in search for the three Everlasting ladies.

"Concentrate, Majic." Orphen ordered. "Clear your mind of any distraction and just focus."

Majic did the best that he could. With outstretched hands he incanted, " Wind." Orphen had just started teaching Majic how to call on the elements. But every time Majic tried to cast the spell, he failed miserably. Majic sighed in frustration. Orphen was disappointed- Majic had so much potential and he didn't want to see it go to waste.

" He obviously isn't concentrating, Krylancelo. His mind wanders," Azalie pointed out the obvious. Orphen knew she was right and knew it would be better not to put Majic under pressure.

"I'm sorry, Master," Majic apologized.

" It's ok. We can try again later," Orphen replied in the best comforting tone he could muster.

" I'm just worried about Cleao," Majic said.

" Yeah… I wonder if Hartia's spoken to her yet," Orphen wondered aloud and looked towards the house.

Jeremy had arrived at the Everlasting house and offered to lend a helping hand. He had passed Majic, Orphen and Azalie before entering the house and he just waved a "hello" as they seemed to be busy with studies. Though with both Hartia and Jeremy's help, preparations were completed in a shorter amount of time than expected. Jeremy left afterwards, saying he had somewhere to be and they thanked him for his help.

Hartia finally got the chance to talk to Cleao when Letitia and Mariabella went to the market. Hartia stepped in front of Cleao before she could make her way upstairs, " Can we talk?"

" Sure," Cleao replied, feeling much better than when the day started, as she didn't see Orphen at all so far.

"I'm concerned about you, Cleao," Hartia got straight to the point and a deep concern could be seen in his humble eyes. Cleao sighed sadly, her mood changing instantly. But this time, she wasn't angry… just a bit depressed. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of the night before. Hartia became more concerned, " Cleao, please tell me what's wrong." He practically begged her. Through the years that Hartia had gotten to know her, they had become very close and to him, she was like the baby sister he never had. He wanted so much to take away whatever pain she was feeling.

Cleao hesitated and a lone tear slid down her face, " Orphen…" she trailed off and wiped the tear away. How she hated crying! Hartia put a hand on hers and squeezed it reassuringly. " He said he didn't love me…" she said softly and looked at the ground. Just saying it was a stab at the remains of her broken heart. Hartia suddenly hugged her gently. He knew about Cleao's feeling for Orphen and he knew deep down that Orphen felt the same, he just wouldn't admit it. But he didn't understand why Orphen would say such a thing.

Hartia held Cleao at an arms length, " I know it may hurt now, but everything will turn out for the best. And I don't need sight like Lai to know that." Cleao nodded and sniffled. For some unknown reason, Hartia's words made sense to her and she knew that he was telling the truth. But just because Cleao was feeling better, didn't mean that Orphen was off the hook. She was not about to start talking to him again.

Cleao hugged Hartia," Thanks, Shrimpy." She smiled sweetly. Even though Hartia despised being called 'Shrimpy', he was happy to see Cleao smiling again. All he could do was smile back.

Cleao hugged him again to show her brotherly affection for him. When they had first met, Cleao and Hartia had gotten off on the wrong foot. It took awhile for them to become close friends. Cleao was just glad that Hartia was here with her. He always knew the right things to say to her whenever she was feeling down. Cleao thought of Jeremy and how he had comforted her the night before, but Jeremy was no comparison to Hartia. "You have to promise me that you won't tell Orphen anything," Cleao said as she began to walk out of the living room, Hartia following her. Hartia hesitated and Cleao turned to face him. She eyed him pointedly with her hand on her hips, "Promise?"

Hartia sighed in defeat, "I promise." Orphen's going to kill me, he thought in dismay. At that moment, Orphen, Majic and Azalie walked into the house and they all met up in the foyer.

"Speak of the devil," Cleao muttered. Azalie headed straight to her room without a word. Cleao and Majic greeted each other and Majic quickly excused himself, saying he was hungry. Orphen exchanged looks with Hartia and glanced at Cleao cautiously. Cleao just ignored Orphen's presence and turned to Hartia, " Remember…" she said and Hartia simply nodded. Cleao turned and left the two sorcerers.