FORBIDDEN CH. 6 LIFE

Saturday February 01, 2009

He pulled back and we just stared into each other's eyes. His turned soft and I had no idea what kind of emotion my eyes were showing. "Maybe we should get back to work." I shot a glance at the screen of his laptop. He let go of me and set the laptop on his desk, which was located near the window. He turned it off and stood up. "How about we put it on hold for a while? I mean, it's not due for another month." I nodded, not thinking.

He took my hand in his and we walked out of the room together. We walked all the way downstairs to the living room where his whole family was. Nicholas stood up and glided toward us. "I am so sorry Eva, I didn't properly introduce myself. My name is Nicholas Aciari and I am Addam's father." He took the hand that was not in Addam's and shook it. I smiled. His grasp was very firm like Jacob's. "It is very nice to meet you Mr. Aciari." I said. He shook his head. "No, please, call me Nicholas. I hate to really feel like I'm three centuries old." I smiled again and so did he. His smile was very warm, much like Addam's. "I already know Isaac, Elizabeth, Nicolette, Nathaniel, and Genevieve. You have a very lovely home."

Elizabeth stood up and went into the kitchen. What did I do wrong? I should have waited to think that. She came back out with a glass of water in her hand. She handed it to me and I said, "Thank you." She nodded. "I am so glad that you could heal him. I thought he was going to die." I flinched. I couldn't imagine that, I wouldn't. The thought of that would just kill me. Addam and I sat down beside Genevieve. She put one arm around me and it felt motherly. "Eva, I am so grateful that Addam has found you. You have no idea how many times he was calling your name in his sleep. He really does love you, unlike that hag that tried to steal our powers." Addam's head snapped up. His eyes were wide with astonishment.

"Who?" I asked. Nicolette spoke this time. Addam was frozen still at my side. "She is Addam's ex-girlfriend. They went out for only two months, and in those two months she accomplished a whole lot. Addam never really liked her, but he didn't want to break her heart. So, he pretended for a while. Whenever she tried seducing him, he always ran away. He didn't want to have to do anything with her, let alone make love to her.

"He never acted like he liked her; he was always a horrible actor. He always came home depressed. He had never smiled in that two month period. He was always stressed and he didn't do well in school anymore. He was a mess. Over time, he began to like her, to become well-known of her. He didn't exactly fall in love, but he began to like her a little bit more.

"I, for one, always thought she was trouble. She used to come here at midnight and try to steal Addam away for a while. We were just so lucky that he didn't or her plan would have been finished faster and Addam would not have been in front of us now." I looked at Addam and he was staring down at his hands. I took one of his hands in mine. He looked up and smiled. Nicolette continued. "The fonder of her he grew, the closer she was getting to ruin us." She paused for a second and then picked up from where she left off. I thought that she was editing a few things. "We confronted her and she almost got us. If it wasn't for Addam, we wouldn't be here. He saved the day. This happened just recently. The day that we fought her was the day Addam got his full powers. On that day, you are more powerful than anything else. But keep in mind that you are not God. You are not higher than anyone else. Do not make this day a huge blasphemy.

"If you assume that you are indeed higher and better, then the power consumes you. You become addicted and you can't let go. All of that power can kill you. It is not healthy. Addam just about survived. And because of that he saved us all. We destroyed her and now she is burning in Hell." She smiled. I looked at Addam and he was looking down at our twined hands. I sighed and stood up. Addam was still holding my hand. "What time is it?" I asked. I looked around for a clock. There was none. I looked outside the window and it was dark outside. Isaac answered my question. "It is about nine o'clock. You should probably be heading home. It is really late and your family must be worrying." I smiled.

I grabbed my coat and headed for the door. Addam grabbed my hand before I could leave. I looked at him. He pulled me in for a hug. I hugged him back. I whispered in his ear, low enough so that no one else could hear. "I love you. Always and forever, literally." I kissed his cheek at the same time he kissed mine. He cradled my face in between his hands. "Be careful," He whispered, "I can't afford to lose you." He kissed my forehead. I suddenly realized that this wasn't a private moment anymore. He let go of me and I slowly, hesitantly, headed for the door. Before I stepped outside I took one last glance at the wonderful, magical family. Nicholas, Genevieve, Nicolette, and Nathaniel were all on the long white couch in the middle of the room. Isaac and Elizabeth, glaring into each other's eyes.

I saved the most special person for last. Addam was staring at me, like he was going to fling himself at me if I was in danger. He was worried, I knew it. He smiled at me. It was sincere. I smiled back and walked out. I sighed and looked around for my car. I found it and got in. I didn't really feel like leaving yet. But I had to. Jacob and Jason and Kristin would be worrying. I rushed home.

The whole ride home I thought of Addam. I thought of how just his touch would make me hot. When he kissed me it felt like electric waves were going up and down my spine. I would give anything to have him here with me right now. I doubted that there was even such a thing as love before he came. The stories were right, it did hurt, but it was worth it in the end. I was barely watching where I was going, but I still made it home safely. Jacob was still up, waiting for me. Once I closed the door he was yelling.

"Where have you been all day?" He asked. I sat down on the couch in the living room. "I was at Addam's house for a project. I thought I left a note on the pad we take messages on. How could you miss that?" He sat down next to me. "I came home just now. I didn't realize you left a note. I thought you ran away again."

The runaway story. What a stupid mistake. I ran away from home when I was fourteen. I was mad at Jacob for not letting me do anything I wanted. He always said I was too young, not ready, need adult supervision. I wanted to get away from home to prove that I was ready to be on my own. I wasn't. He had the cops searching all over the state so he could find me. I came home after a day saying that I didn't want to be on my own just yet. I was grounded for a week. I only left one day so it was okay to him. I was next door the whole time. I was so stupid.

"You should go wash up. You look like hell. Did you sleep in a shrub or something?" He asked, jokingly. I nodded my head and went upstairs.

When I was in my room I was attacked by Kristin. She wanted to talk about the wedding plans. "Uh, hi Kristin. How are you?" She sat down on the edge of my bed and groaned. "Nauseous." She answered. I smiled. She was going to be like this for a while. She shook her head. "No time to feel nauseous. I need to talk to you about your position in the wedding. You are my maid of honor!" She squealed. Suddenly, I knew what was going on. Her wedding was a month from now. I stood up and said, "I guess I couldn't say no. I'd love to be your maid of honor. Does that mean I have to pull your hair back when you throw up and catch you when you faint or feel nauseous?" She gave me a look. I smiled and said, "Just kidding."

She smiled and then hugged me. I hugged back just for a moment. She left the room with the biggest smile that I have ever seen on her face. I lay down on my bed. I looked back at the moment when Addam and I were in his room.

That kiss was so amazing. It wasn't like anything they explained in love novels. It was more. Just thinking about him made my heart beat irregularly. It sent sparks up and down my spine. I felt something really fast and loud beating where my heart is supposed to be. My heart felt like it was about to tear it out right now. It was this spiraling feeling. I kept going round and round. I put my hand over my heart and soon fell asleep to the sound.

The next morning was okay. Kristin and Jason were going crazy on where to have the wedding since the place they booked was already taken before them. I was finally tired of the fighting and spoke up. "How about Shelby Farms? It is a nice park and the land is big enough for everyone. We can have it where they always have those picnics. And the piece of land after the small ditch can be where the reception is. They just have to walk over the bridge." I yelled.

They both looked at me for a second and then smiled. "That is not such a bad idea. You want to come with us to check it out?" Jason asked. I sighed. I didn't really feel like going anywhere today. I shook my head. Kristin's face fell and I automatically felt sorry. I still wasn't going. I wanted to roam around in the woods again. I knew it was dangerous, but it was like a second home to me. I usually went on the trail that was behind Schilling Farms Middle School, but I didn't want to follow the trail today. Addam would probably get really mad at me, and I didn't want to make him mad, I just wanted to be free for a bit while I thought.

Once Jason and Kristin left I left. I walked to Collierville Road. It wasn't really that far from where I lived. There were many cars passing by and I waited patiently to cross the road. Once there was no visible car I walked to the other side of the road. I had to go deep into the forest if I didn't want to be seen. I could hear the cars racing down the highway. I knew I was far enough now.

I walked aimlessly through the woods, not caring where I stepped, not caring what I stepped in or on. Being here reminded me about when I was in middle school. In sixth grade we always came on nature walks. After that I grew sort of attuned to the woods. In seventh grade, whenever I had gym and we were walking or running outside, I always felt like something was pulling me here. Closer and closer. Who knew that this place was my safe haven?

At that time that was the only force I was attracted to. Today, I feel some sort of pull toward Addam. It's stronger than the pull of gravity. He is the one holding me in place now. He is the one who keeps my feet planted firmly on the ground. I loved him and that was all that mattered to me.

I smiled. Being with him made me happy. Happier than I have been in years. Whenever I saw his smile I felt like I had come home. I had come home to my love. He is my life. Now and forever. He is now my woods. My safe haven.

I kept walking. I didn't know where I was going. I just kept going and going. I didn't remember where it was. I tried to go over the directions in my head. I kept walking north. I could now see some color here. I could smell some fragrance. This must mean I am close. I followed the scent.

I found it. I was here. The garden where he told me the whole story. Where he kept his flower, his life. I did find this kind of weird when he first told me. That this small rose can contain his whole life. And that when he found the object that would complete his life, the rose would die. Or maybe it flew away in the wind. He said that most people of his kind lost the flower when they were eighteen. He was confused that it was still here.

The garden was still as beautiful as ever. I could never imagine a place like this in Collierville. Collierville was dull at times and during the winter months it got really dark really fast. I hated this place. I felt the flowers' petals. Each and every one of them was soft and beautiful. The waterfall in the back was still flowing freely. Where did all of this come from? I had no idea that something so beautiful like this garden could exist. The flowers came up to my knees. I felt like I was in the shallow part of a pool. The flowers were the water. They danced around in the soft breeze. I was amazed.

I saw a flash of light come toward me. I ducked just in time before it hit me. When I rose back up I saw a couple of faces looking straight at me. It was Nathaniel and Addam. I stared, surprised that they were here.

"Eva, what the hell are you doing here?" Addam asked. I stood up and looked at him. His hair was blowing softly in the wind. He was radiating happiness. And there was also some tiny bit of worry in his eyes. "Well, I was just roaming around in the woods and I remembered that there was this garden that you showed me and I wanted to come here so I came. I hope that was okay. I mean, in case you don't like anyone coming here without your permission." I was rambling. I didn't want him to get mad at me, for any reason.

He shook his head, smiling. I was confused. Why was he smiling? I thought he was mad at me? "Eva, would you like to explain how you got through the wall?" I squinted at him. What wall, I didn't see any wall when I came here? "Addam, there was no wall."

"There is, it is just not visible to human eyes or evil. I am just wondering how you got through. No human can get through without an Aciari. I wonder how you got through. Nathaniel, will you go check if it is still there?" He nodded and walked to where I came from. He put his hands out in front of him and felt air. He looked like a mime trying to the "trapped in a box" bit.

Nathaniel nodded at Addam. Addam sighed. "Eva, you are probably the most powerful human being I have ever met. I mean you healed my wound that could not even be healed by my mother, the healer. You got through the force field without a scratch or a burn. How do you do it?" He seemed amazed by me. I giggled. "I really do not know." I smiled and he smiled back. I felt a spiraling feeling where my heart is.

I knew that it had skipped a beat. But it felt like the spiral was out of control. It was everywhere. I felt good and in love. He pulled me close to him. He kissed my forehead and then my cheek and my chin and made it from my jaw line to my lips. Someone cleared their throat in the distance. We pulled away from each other and I blushed. Nathaniel was watching us from the gate. I unwound myself from him and held just his hand.

I ducked again. Why are there fire balls flying at me? What did I have against anyone? Nicolette came walking toward us with her hand over her mouth. She looked apologetic. I came back up and just stared in her direction. "Nicolette! Don't you know that you should check both ways before shooting a fire ball? In this case all ways?"

She ran in my direction and smiled. "I am so sorry Eva. I had no idea that you were here. Are you okay? Did I burn you in any way?" I chuckled and then held out my hand. I examined my arm and nodded. "I think I can spare you this time. Is everyone here?" I spoke. Addam nodded and grinned one huge grin. He was probably glad that I was getting along very well with everyone. Nicolette hugged me tightly. "I am so happy to see you again. In some ways you look just like-" She stopped in the middle of her sentence. I was confused. Why did she stop? "In some ways I looked like whom?" I asked. She looked toward Addam and then at Nathaniel. I saw Nathaniel nod and so did Addam.

"In some ways you look like your mother, Emilina." She looked apologetic again. Once she said my mother's name I sighed. I hadn't heard anyone talk about her in a long time. It felt good to hear her name come out of someone else's mouth. I was just curious about how Nicolette knew her.

"How do you know her?" I asked. She took a step back and replied, "I met her before you were born. Before she met your father. We were best friends in school. I really don't feel like talking about this. It makes me feel old and sad about her death." I pursed my lips and then looked down. I felt Addam rub my arm gently. "Does that mean you can never meet Jacob? Will he remember you?" She grinned and Nathaniel answered, "No he won't. She never actually met him. Emilina and he got married in Las Vegas. They wouldn't let us come. We saw you when you were born. You were absolutely beautiful and you still are. Your mother knew about our family. She knew every single bit. You know about us too. You may not know this, but you are so much like her. You have the same eyes, same nose, and lips. When I first saw you I actually thought you were her."

He was so quiet I just noticed he was here. "Okay," I said, "Where are the rest of you guys?" I tried to ignore the whole topic. I didn't want to talk about someone I barely even knew whom I love so much whom I missed so much. I gritted my teeth to keep from crying. I could feel the tears threatening to fall over any second.

"Eva, I have some good news. Your healing me enhanced my powers. Actually it gave me new powers...." My head shot up and I stared at him. What was he talking about? I gave him new powers? That is not possible. I do not have the ability to give people powers. His face was emotionless. "What do you mean I gave you powers? How is that possible?" I asked. He took my hand and we walked toward the rest of his family. They were all wearing blue shirts. It was weird, they all looked so alike. Nicolette was behind me.

She had her hands on my shoulder. They were leading me somewhere. We went under a beautiful archway. The vines were twisted and there were flowers stuck to them. It smelled so amazing here. I could smell the freesia and the rose. The orange blossoms were very noticeable. I remembered seeing this place. Addam had taken me here to show me the rose. The long orange rose that contained his life or part of it anyway. After he turned eighteen he was supposed be fully immortal. He was so confused on why it hadn't died out yet. Why were they taking me here? I whispered to Addam, "Where are we going and why?" He sighed and his family spread apart. It was like they were an entrance to somewhere. I looked at the gap they made and there it was. The orange rose that Addam had shown me.

It looked different, it was bigger. The petals were open and it looked like something was in there. It was a bright light. It was coming out of the middle of the rose. I crept closer and closer until I got a good look at the middle of the flower. When I got closer something happened. The leaves got longer. It was like the flower was growing a vine. It was spelling out something. I called out the letters aloud. "E V A N G E L Y N." It had spelled out my name. I gasped.

What was wrong with this flower?

I scooted back and bumped into Addam. He had a crease in between his eyebrows. "I came here earlier and saw this. I thought it was supposed to happen, but Nicholas said that it had never happened before. None of my family had this happen."

I was shocked. I looked back at the rose and it was spelling something else out.

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