Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance

by Brianna Merrill

  When they arrived at Emily’s building she wasn’t ready to say goodbye even though she knew she would be seeing Alexander again.

  “Since tomorrow is supposed to be warm again maybe we could spend some time just strolling around Central Park,” Alexander suggested.

  “I would love that,” Emily replied enthusiastically. Tomorrow was forecasted to be the last day of this odd heat wave and she was more than willing to soak up the warm weather before it went frigidly cold again. But more importantly it meant more time with Alexander.

  “Perfect! When is a good time for you?” Alexander was now leaning in toward her.

  She was starting to feel flustered. Her stomach felt like it was about to leap up into her throat and prevent her from responding. “How about right after lunch? My dad and I always spend Sunday mornings at church together, so around one o’clock would probably be best.”

  “I will be looking forward to it then. I’ll meet you out here just as we did today.” Alexander now had both of Emily’s hands in his and was leaning even closer.

  The butterflies in her stomach felt more like oversized ostriches.

  “Until tomorrow then …” Alexander whispered.

  He was close enough that Emily could feel his warm breath as she waited for a little kiss on the cheek that didn’t come. Instead she felt his hold on her loosen and then slowly he turned and walked away.

  She let out a deep sigh. “Oh my,” was the only thing that looped through her mind as she watched Alexander until he was lost from her sight.

  She stood motionless for a few more minutes, completely engrossed in her thoughts. Emily was surprised at how strong her feelings were today. She hadn’t felt this alive since before her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. And though Alexander could not replace her mother, Emily felt like he just might be the patch that could mend her broken heart.

  Chapter 5

  * * *

  Truth

  Math class ticked by slowly for Emily. She continually checked the clock which seemed to make time pass like molasses. Concentrating on the problems on the board was impossible. Instead she gave in to daydreaming about the past Sunday.

  She and Alexander had gone to Central Park as planned and had spent the whole afternoon just talking. Alexander asked most of the questions. From music to politics to events in her life, he had wanted to know everything.

  Emily had never given someone so much information about herself in such a condensed amount of time but she was now past her shyness. She felt she could completely trust him.

  Some people could have argued the sanity of her conclusion since she had only known him for two weeks. Even still, she could not formulate a logical explanation of why she trusted him so completely. Every part of her just knew she was safe with Alexander.

  They had stayed in the park until dusk. Reluctantly, Emily called it a day; she had to get home. Her father thought she had gone to see Candice and enough time had passed to qualify for a lengthy visit. It was difficult to say goodbye but, they had agreed to meet on Tuesday and pick up the violin.

  Monday had seemed like the longest day of Emily’s life, all because she knew she wouldn’t see Alexander that day. And now, she was that much closer to seeing him, but time was torturing her.

  She glanced at the clock once more. There were still fifteen minutes left of class and they were all supposed to be working on homework. Emily acted as though she was studying, but so far hadn’t even assessed any of the math problems on the chalkboard.

  “I wonder why he hasn’t kissed me. Maybe he’s not attracted to me in the same way as I’m attracted to him. Well of course. He’s beyond gorgeous and I’m… well… I am not even sure what I am compared to him. That must be it. He just isn’t drawn to me like I am to him.”

  Emily’s thoughts wandered for the remainder of class. As soon as the bell rang she was up and gone as quickly as if the fire alarm had sounded. When she got home she had twenty minutes to change and meet Alexander in the lobby. She grabbed a purple cashmere sweater that had a mock neck and buttoned down the side. She put on a properly fitted pair of faded jeans and then pulled her boots up over top of them. Glancing in the mirror she was even more grateful for the shopping she had done. Everything fit perfectly, complementing the shape and curves of her body.

  When Emily exited the elevator into the lobby, Alexander was already there.

  “How is he always early?”

  She had yet to arrive before Alexander, even when she herself was five minutes early.

  “He looks stunning, as usual.”

  Emily was beginning to feel a bit self-conscious. She had determined that the lack of kissing was due to the fact that Alexander had the face and body of a god, and she could be classified as no more than a mere peasant.

  As they embraced, Alexander’s lips lingered near her forehead and she felt her heart skip a beat. He held her there for an extended moment and then quickly released her, moving her out to a safe distance. She shrugged it off as just more evidence for her hypothesis that Alexander’s desire did not stretch as far as hers. She knew he enjoyed her company but she just wasn’t so sure how physically attracted he was to her.

  They kept the conversation light as they rode in the cab. Alexander asked about school and trivial things. Emily was getting anxious because she wanted to be the one asking questions. He knew everything about her at this point, and she still hadn’t gotten much information out of him. He never gave her a chance.

  When they arrived at the music store, Mr. Hunt had the violin on the counter beside the cash register. Emily felt her excitement growing; she couldn’t wait to see it. Mr. Hunt seemed equally as eager in revealing his handiwork.

  When he pulled the violin from its case Emily was struck with wonder. It didn’t really look that different at all. The crack in the neck was gone, the strings all looked new and the wood seemed to be a bit shinier but that was the extent of the changes.

  “Well I guess that’s the point of restoration, it is supposed to look like the original.”

  Mr. Hunt handed it to Emily and she examined it.

  “It looks beautiful; you did such a wonderful job. Thank you so much.”

  “It was my pleasure. It isn’t often that I get to work on such a rare piece. The sound is magnificent, would you like to hear?” He held out his hands beckoning the violin back into his arms.

  “Yes that would be wonderful.” Emily handed him the instrument.

  The old man gave a few long, slow, strokes to the violin with its bow and a deep rich sound came from the three notes he played.

  Alexander was a silent shadow the entire time. It caught Mr. Hunt and Emily off guard when he spoke up.

  “Do you mind if I ….” Alexander now held out his massive hands.

  The older gentleman carefully handed over the violin, no doubt assessing Alexander’s size, imagining that his sheer touch would crush the newly restored treasure.

  Emily was completely confused. Alexander hadn’t mentioned anything about his ability to play the violin.

  Alexander expertly caressed the violin to his chin and gently held the bow as though he had many times before. His eyes closed as he began to play. The melody that flowed from the instrument could hardly be described. It was smooth, soft and slow. Emily determined if velvet were music that is how it would sound.

  Alexander only played for a minute, and then as if snapping himself out of some other world, he opened his eyes and slowly lowered the violin back into the case.

  If Emily hadn’t been teary-eyed herself she would have been certain that Mr. Hunt’s eyes were wet.

  “I told you it would play beautiful music,” the older man said with complete pride.

  Emily mumbled a “MMMHHMM.” Her eyes never left Alexander. She was still in shock.

  “So now he’s a symphony violinist? Will I ever cease to be amazed?”

  Alexander smiled as he moved back to his former position behind Emily as if what he had just do
ne was no big deal. After the violin was locked safely in its case, Emily paid for it and thanked Mr. Hunt again before leaving.

  As she and Alexander got in the cab, Emily couldn’t contain her thoughts a moment longer.

  “You never said you could play the violin.”

  “Yes, well, it has been a while since I have had one to play.” Alexander gave a sheepish smile.

  “That was so amazing what you played in there. What song was it?”

  “Nothing anyone would know. I learned it from a man I once knew. A man I once guarded.” Alexander seemed hesitant when he spoke; the first time he had acted this reserved since they had met.

  “Was he some sort of composer?” Emily was as curious as a cat. She was determined that now was her time to ask the questions.

  “No, he was a farmer. He played the violin as a hobby. He wrote that song after his wife died giving birth to their child… the baby died shortly after the mother.” Alexander went completely silent as he lowered his eyes. It was obvious that it was a memory that brought back pain.

  “A farmer! Since when does a farmer require a bodyguard? And women and infants dying in labor, that is pretty rare nowadays. The story sounds like something from a hundred years ago.”

  “Were you close with this man?” was all Emily could come up with at the moment; her head was swimming with confusion and questions.

  “Yes, actually I was. For the first time ever, I felt a real connection with someone I guarded. I learned a lot from him.” Alexander was still gazing downward, he was holding back.

  Emily wanted to ask a million more questions but she could tell that it was beginning to cause Alexander some discomfort. Perhaps the conversation would be better in a private setting, not the back of a cab.

  “He wrote a beautiful song. I’m sorry for his loss though, that is terrible.” Emily made an end to the questions for now, but made the decision that she would invite Alexander up to her apartment. If he accepted, she would ask more questions there.

  The remainder of the ride was spent in silence. When they got out of the cab Emily didn’t allow any chance for another immediate goodbye.

  “Would you like to come up to my place?” Emily asked nervously.

  “I would love to. I think we need to talk. I’m sure you have some questions for me.”

  “So he had sensed it after all.”

  Emily began to recite in her mind all the questions she wanted to ask him.

  When they got to her apartment she placed the violin on the kitchen counter and showed Alexander to the living room. It was spacious even for a luxury apartment, it had enough room to not only have an open sitting area but also house Emily’s grand piano. She sat down on the suede couch facing the windows that led out to the terrace. She expected Alexander to take a seat next to her or at least across from her. Instead he remained standing. Alexander seemed still as stone as he looked down at the floor. He was more serious than she had ever seen him. His behavior was beginning to make Emily very nervous. She felt panic rising in her, like this might be the moment when Alexander shattered the perfect image she had of him. It was apparent he had some disturbing news. Emily braced herself.

  “So… what do you want to talk about?” she broke the silence.

  Alexander remained quiet for another moment and then took a deep breath. “I have gone long enough without telling you details about me and my life. Naturally, you’re getting curious.” He gave a slight smile and then continued. “I know there are some things about me that are confusing… For instance the story I told you in the cab. I could see the questions on your face afterward.”

  “Am I that easy to read?” Emily joked, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Yes, but that is a different subject entirely.” Alexander was like a train, full steam ahead. No joking or light-heartedness could deter him right now. “Explaining the story of the farmer would be a good place to start, and might answer some of your questions.” He looked to Emily for approval and then folding his arms, he went back to watching the floor and began.

  “Quite a while back I was assigned to guard and watch over a man named Edmund Harris. He was a simple farmer who had a fairly large plot of land in South Carolina. When I was first sent to him he was alone and just beginning to build his cotton farm. And though he came from a very prominent and wealthy family he was determined to make a life of his own. He was an exceptionally hard worker and he wanted a sizable production going before he asked for Catherine Campbell’s hand in marriage. It took him almost two years before his farm was up to acceptable standards. As soon as that happened, he married Catherine.”

  “They were a happy couple, very much in love and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and develop.” Alexander paused to look up at Emily. He expected her to look more confused but her face held more curiosity than confusion, so he continued. “After about three years Catherine became pregnant and the couple prepared for their little baby’s arrival with so much excitement. Their home seemed to be overflowing with joy.”

  “Edmund would spend his time after dinner playing lullabies on his violin. He would kneel closely to Catherine’s round stomach so their baby could hear. Those were happy times for the Harris household.” Alexander paused again but not to check Emily’s reaction. He was fighting to gain control of his emotions. His voice began to crack and tears threatened to roll from his eyes. When he had composed himself he continued.

  “When Catherine went into labor it was too soon but there was no stopping it. It was a difficult labor for her and after she delivered the baby she hemorrhaged. Because the newborn arrived too early his lungs weren’t fully developed. He died only hours after Catherine.” Alexander took another deep breath and looked at Emily, giving her a chance to say something.

  “I’m not sure how this clarifies anything about you. Honestly I think I’m more confused.” Emily bit her lip and shrugged her shoulders.

  Alexander’s eyes were soft yet pleading as they burned into hers. “Catherine and her baby died in September of eighteen ninety-three.”

  Emily began to shake her head. “I…I’m not sure… uuhh…”

  Alexander interrupted her stammering. “Edmund died in nineteen twenty-eight, at which point I was assigned to another family and moved on.”

  Emily gave a half smile and raised her eyebrows in a quizzical expression. “What are you talking about?”

  There was a long silence. After seeing that Alexander was not going to elaborate, Emily narrowed her eyes and her face hardened.

  “So you are trying to tell me that… that… what, you have been around since the eighteen hundreds? I don’t get it. What is that supposed to mean? I…” Her words trailed off and were lost amidst her disbelief. She was speechless.

  “Actually, I have been around for a lot longer than that. I’ve been guarding people since the beginning of the Roman Empire.” Alexander was talking very tenderly now as if that would soften the blow of his news.

  An involuntary chuff escaped Emily’s lips at the lunacy of his words. She stared at him, anger and doubt marring her features. “So…” She couldn’t believe what she was about to ask. “What, you’re some sort of guardian angel?” It was complete nonsense, and the tone of her voice showed her frustration.

  “I am just a Guardian. I’m not an angel. Angels have different responsibilities and duties entirely. We are two separate beings. Guardians are here for the sole purpose to protect and guard their Travelers. We are only to intervene when directed. For the most part we just watch and wait.”

  Emily looked down and tried to process all the information she felt had just assaulted her. “It does explain some things, like his astounding knowledge of history, the way he answered the questions I had asked him…And, why I feel so safe around him. But still this is nuts. He must be nuts. That’s great I have attracted some sort of psycho, some guy who believes he is a guardian that’s here to protect… what was that word…”

  “Travelers?” Emily spoke t
he word out loud not realizing she had done so until it had left her mouth.

  “It’s the name we use for the humans we protect.”

  She looked away searching for a moment to sort through her thoughts.

  “This is absolute insanity. There is no way this is possible. This is the kind of stuff that’s in movies and books, not in real life. Why would he lie to me? Is there a reason for him to lie to me, with such a bold and exaggerated story?”

  “Alexander, I can’t believe this. It’s so… It’s not possible.” Emily could not push aside all the logic and doubt that was filling her mind. How she wished she could believe his little fairytale were true. But that wasn’t an option. Instead she was now confronted with the problem of deciding how to reason with such a delusional person. Her image of Alexander was dashed to pieces. She was devastated. Up until this moment he had been so perfect.

  “It’s a lot of information, I know. Before I spoke, the world stood as you knew it. Now you are discovering that there is more to everything than you previously knew. I have introduced an unseen and unheard part of this world.”

  “If you’re a Guardian, then what are you doing here with me? Why aren’t you with your, your Traveler?” Emily was expressing her doubts vocally now. She knew she was bound to find a hole in his tale, a way to point out that he was insane, that he needed help.

  “Emily…” Alexander chuckled. “You are my Traveler.”

  Emily had not expected that. Flashes of all the moments she was with Alexander raced through her brain like snapshots from a camera. Her very first memory of Alexander was of him saving her. But this was still all too unreal.

  Alexander could see she was still struggling. “Emily how do you think my timing was so perfect when you were attacked two weeks ago?”

  “Not perfect.” Emily barely whispered as she put her hand to her forehead. She felt a small spark of fear begin to grow. Alexander was not giving in, he really believed what he was saying and there was nothing Emily could say to convince him otherwise.