Chapter 11

Friday

"Tell me, for loves sake, what is that flame which burns in my heart and devours my strength and dissolves my will?"

Kahlil Gibran

I walked into the history classroom. Seeing Ariston again brought the memories of the times we almost kissed, the words we have spoken, and the time we spent together to the surface. I could not help the blush that came over my cheeks, and the longing in my soul. When Ariston smiled to me and our eyes met, his were not guarded anymore, and that same hopeless affection lingered in his gaze. I smiled back and took my usual seat next to Margret. She smiled to me a knowing smile.

Ariston glanced to my left wrist and smiled, seeing the bracelet he bought for me yesterday still there. I smiled and ran a finger over it, our eyes meeting again, Ariston shook his head with a smile, taking a deep breath as he looked down to his papers on his desk. His face seemed to glow a bit more, a golden glow that made him all the more handsome, all the more beautiful. I bit my lip.

After class, I once again stayed behind to talk to Ariston after everyone else left. I noticed I was starting to get looks from some of the other students. Some of the girls even had the nerve to glare at me. I can almost hear the rumors starting. When they were gone, I got up and walked over to Ariston.

"Ariston," I said, as I stood before him.

I looked into his eyes, no other words came out, no words seemed to fit. He caressed my cheek, then wrapped his arms around me. I smiled and wound my arms around his torso, resting my head on his warm chest right above his heart as I held him close. I realized in that moment, that I could not hear his heartbeat. This would have bothered me more, but I was too lost in him to truly care.

It was just a hug, but at the same time it was so much more; it was an embrace, and no part of me wanted to leave the warmth of it. I do not know how long we stood like that. Just for a moment longer, I told myself.

The school bell rang and, to my great disappointment, we let go of each other. Ariston placed a sweet, lingering kiss on my forehead before looking into my eyes.

"Enjoy your shopping with Margret." He said, I smiled.

"I will." I said to him.

No part of me wanted to go to New York, to be apart from him. Finally I turned and walked away, I glanced back to look at him once more before walking out the door, he smiled to me, longing in his eyes which made me want to stay all the more, to spend the weekend with him. I smiled as I rushed to my next class; it was the first time I have ever been late to a class in my life, but in that moment, I could not have cared less. I got to be in Ariston's arms one last time before I left for the weekend, and that meant the world to me.


On the plane to New York, I looked out on the clouds from my window seat, like a vast ocean of still waves far below. It was like a whole other world up here. Strangely, I have always felt that I belong up here, among the clouds. A foolish notion perhaps, but true none the less.

I already missed Ariston more than I could say, but one thought continued to run through my mind. Why did I not hear his heartbeat? There was silence, only silence.

I thought over the differences I have noticed in Ariston: His skin is warmer than it should be, and somehow glows ever so slightly; the slight golden hue his face takes on when we are lost in a moment together, or just gazing into each others eyes; I have never known anyone who can move as silently as Ariston can, as if he appears out of thin air; he healed me from when I fought the mugger; and then there is his unearthly, ethereal beauty and his voice; but most startling of all, I heard no heart beating in his chest when he held me.

This much I know, Ariston is something different, something more. He comes from Greece, Thessaly he said. Mt. Olympus is in Thessaly… I stopped that thought right then and there. Ariston may seem like a God, but there is no way he could be… could he?

I almost laughed out loud when I imagined him in a toga, although I think he could pull it off. Will he tell me the truth of him? Of who, and perhaps 'what', he is?

As I sat there, I came to understand that there is something more that I am missing, something that should be obvious. I can feel it, but I cannot seem to put this truth into words. I just keep seeing Ariston's crooked smile, ancient sky blue eyes, and perfect face. I can feel him, as if he is near me at this very moment. These thoughts have plagued me since the car ride to the airport.

When the plane landed, Margret and I made our way through the airport. We did not bring any baggage, Margret said we would not need any, since we would be buying new clothing and everything else when we arrived. A white limo was waiting for us out front, the driver holding the door open for us, which we thanked.

"We have just enough time to shop a couple of boutiques before dinner." Margret told me with a smile after we took our seats in the limo.

"Sounds great." I said, trying to sound interested.

I tried to enjoy shopping, but my mind was with Ariston, so I could not seem to focus on anything else. I felt Ariston with me, to the point where at times I would turn to see if he were standing next to me. In my mind, I could see Ariston standing there with that heartbreakingly beautiful crooked smile of his, but each time I would look, he was not there.

I looked around the stores as Margret shopped, I smiled seeing her so happy. To be honest, I could not say the shops we went to, I forgot the names right after Margret told me them. I do know that they were high fashion and insanely expensive. When we were done, we rode in the limo to Margret's parents penthouse in Trump Tower.

"Welcome, Miss Petrova." The doorman greeted.

"Thank you, Jackson." Margret replied with a smile.

The lobby was incredible, the color scheme was mainly gold with mirrored surfaces everywhere. We went to the elevator, and up to her parents stunning penthouse. The interior was sleek and modern, everything was in black and white. It was a very clean look. Bellboys were behind us, carrying the boxes and bags from Margret's shopping. Once everything was brought up, Margret and I prepared for dinner.

"Here, this one is perfect for you." Margret said, handing me a white cocktail dress that she had just bought.

It was made of the finest silk and embellished with blue stones on the bodice. Margret also gave me some incredible sapphire and diamond jewelry to wear, and white Jimmy Choo heels. I thanked Margret and got dressed. I kept on the bracelet Ariston gave me, just to remind me that the time we spent together was real. One of the women who work for Margret's parents did our hair, twisting up my golden hair and Margret's brown hair beautifully. We slid on our trench coats, mine a light blue and hers white, and went to the limo.

I stared out the tinted window of the limo for the twenty-minute car ride. I smiled when a song came on that Ariston and I sang to together in one of our car rides, remembering how our voices mingled so perfectly together. I blushed more, thinking of how that had felt.

We were helped out of the limo by the valet, then we walked into the beautiful restaurant. The hostess took our coats for us and led us to a table. I realized when I smelled the food, just how hungry I was.

It was a beautiful restaurant. The ceiling was painted to look like the night sky, some of the constellations correctly depicted. The walls were painted with murals in beautiful colors, the floors were white wood, and the tables had blue silk tablecloths with white plates, while the silk napkins were a pale blue. It is the kind of restaurant that gives you ten or more utensils to eat with; luckily, Margret taught me which fork, knife and spoon to use for different courses.

I picked up the menu, at least it is in English. I made myself concentrate on what I wanted to eat. After we ordered, I sat there staring at the table, running my fingers over my bracelet with a slight smile, lost in thoughts of Ariston and the memories of the past week we spent together.

"You've been quiet." Margret observed. I looked up to her and smiled apologetically.

"Forgive me; I fear I have made an awful traveling companion." I said.

"It's alright. Is something bothering you?" She asked.

"Not 'bothering' per se." I told her. "I do not think I could put into words what I am feeling."

"It is about Ariston?" She guessed. I smiled and blushed.

"Yes." I answered, deciding to tell her what I could, and leave out the part about how I am quite certain, that he is something more than human. "He consumes my every thought. When I am with him…" I shook my head with a smile. "I do not know quite how to explain how he makes me feel, even when I am not with him. I do not know what word would fit."

"Love," Margret said with a knowing smile. "You're falling for him."

I sat there for a moment, in a mixture of shock and wonder. Just then, in that very moment, I realized how wrong she is. I understood the truth that has been teasing at my thoughts these past few weeks. I am not falling for Ariston Crete, I already have fallen for him. I know what I feel for him, but I have never thought to put it into words before now. I am truly, deeply, madly, and passionately in love with him.

I felt like such an idiot; Ariston and I sat next to each other, on his couch, reading love poetry to each other, and it did not dawn on me that I love him. Not to mention the words we spoke to each other yesterday. How could I have been so blind? I wondered, then suddenly, I understood why I never thought to use the word 'love' for my feelings for Ariston. Love is too weak a word to describe what Ariston and I have, but for the time being, it will have to do.

Margret smiled, I could see in her eyes that I did not need to explain what I just discovered, she already knew. My smile grew, and I felt utterly breathless.

The dinner was divine, my fish was cooked to perfection. After a beautiful and delicious dessert of raspberry cheesecake with vanilla ice cream, we went back to the penthouse. I gave Margret back her jewels and we said goodnight.

"Be sure and get some sleep, we have a long day of shopping ahead of us tomorrow." Margret said with a huge smile. I chuckled then yawned.

"I will try. Sweet dreams." I told her.

I made my way to the bedroom that is mine while I am here; it is a huge, spacious room, with a wall of windows that captures the city lights. The whole while, I kept wondering if it were possible that Ariston could be in love with me. My heart, my whole being said that the answer was yes, but until I heard those words from his lips, I could not be completely certain. I went into the closet, some of the clothing Margret bought for us today was already put away in there. I changed into a beautiful silk, lavender nightgown. I took my hair down and brushed it out, then went and laid down in the very comfortable bed. I stared up at the ceiling, all I could think of was Ariston.

I do not know when it happened, I cannot think of a time when I did not love him. I have been captivated by him since the moment we met. I have known him for only three weeks, but I am already his. I belong to him in a way I have never belonged to anyone; he has my heart, my very soul is his.

I may not know what Ariston is, but I know who he is. He is the most incredible man I have ever met, with a smile that lights up my days and a golden soul that shines through brighter than the sun. He is the man I love, the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I do not care what he is, as long as I can call him my own. I have never wanted anything in my life as much as I want to be with him.

"Ariston," His name left my lips in a whisper wrapped in a caress. "I love you." I said, wishing he could hear my admission. Even if he could not hear the words, I had to say them. Those precious words felt so sweet, so perfect on my lips. I fell into a deep, peaceful slumber shortly after, and only one man filled my dreams on this night.


Author's Note: A sweet/short chapter! The next one will be longer, and will be ready soon, with any amount of luck! I love you all and thank you for reading! Please feel free to leave me a review, or send me a private message if there are any answers you seek where it comes to my writing! :D As those of you who write know well, I cannot say how much each and every review means to me!

Love Jasmine