by L. S. Darsic
“Yes, I had our helicopter fly up so I can take you somewhere” Finn says as we walk into the hanger towards two men sitting by a desk.
“Hello Maren, Hello Talo, this is Alex” Finn says as we approach the older men.
“Good ta meetchya” Maren nods his head at me as Talo smiles in greeting to me.
“Hello, nice to meet you both”
“Shes right set, gassed up and waitin” Maren says to Finn as he walks with us to the other side of the hanger and out the door to the waiting helicopter on the landing pad.
“Thanks. I will radio in later” Finn says as he pats Maren on the back and heads to the helicopter. Egypt and I slowly follow, I've ridden in planes but they have mostly been the bigger kind. I have never ridden in a helicopter and frankly I'm looking forward to it. Especially watching Finn fly it.
“Finn, you sure Egypt will be alright going in this?” I ask as he opens the door for me to get into the front.
“Yes, I am sure she will be fine. Cir Siths are adventerous animals” Finn says with a wink as he lightly brushes his lips against mine “buckle up beautiful”
“Egypt, we are going for a little trip, you ready?” Finn asks Egypt in an excited voice that gets her bouncing around excited. Finn pats the floor at the back door and Egypt hops in happily and ready to go. Well that was easy.
Once Finn ensures I am buckled up he starts flipping switches and talking to the radio tower for take off, next thing I know we are in the air. As we get higher and higher I see the city in the distance, its so big and beautiful. It reminds me of a castle. I wonder if we are going to take a tour over the city. I begin to pull out my camera but Finn stops me and tells me that there will be time for that later so I sit back and enjoy the view. The rolling green hills and little patches of white sheep herds are all over, it makes me feel so lucky to see all this. I look to my right and see what looks to be a huge castle and a large rock behind it with the sea all around them. As Finn lowers the helicopter in the field a distance away from the castle, where I see there is a road and a black SUV packed off to the side.
“Where are we?”
“This is Tantallon Castle and behind it is called Bass Rock. This is the most interesting castle around, in my opinion. Plus, I know the owners so I asked they close it so we are able to look around without any tourists getting in the way” Finn says as we get out of the helicopter and settle into the SUV for the short drive up to the castle.
My brain is stuck in dumb stare mode as we get closer to the castle. Its amazing! The castle looks to be set on the edge of cliffs that fall into the sea.
“This type of castle is called "curtain castle". When we get inside you will see what I mean” Finn says as he stops the car and gets out.
“This is amazing” I whisper to Finn as he helps me out of the car. Finn starts pulling me forward but I stop him with a tug of my hand.
“If I forget to thank you later because my brain is on overload” I say as I step closer to Finn and press my lips to his “thank you so much for this day, for everything” I whisper against his lips as his arms pull me closer
“You are welcome, I love seeing a smile on your face and your eyes bright” Finn smiles happily at me “come on, let's go see if the ghosts are out” Finn says as he takes my hand and pulls me to the castle.
Walking through what would be called the main door, I suppose, Finn pulls me into what I can only describe as a narrow hallway and through another door which leads into the middle of the what one would think would be the castle. Here I was thinking we would see a huge throne room, I was not prepared to see wide open space.
“Finn! What happened to the back of the castle? It looks like someone blew the back of the thing off!” I ask in awe. The grass is green and looks like nothing was ever there besides open space.
“This is what I meant by a curtain castle. There never has been a back to it. The castle is within what you see behind you. Interesting isn't it?” Finn explains while I pull out my camera and start clicking away. I've never heard of such a thing. Why on earth would they build something like this? Maybe there was a village in the open area? The castle is essentially just a wall in front of the open area that is by the sea. It is so odd.
“I wasn't kidding when I said there might be ghosts here, there are rumors that a ghost has been captured many times in pictures. Want to walk through the halls and see if we can find any?”
“Pfft! You even have to ask me that!?! Lead the way!” I skip to Finn's side as he leads me back through the stairs with Egypt on our heals. Finn leads us through crazy stairs and over to one of the three towers of the castle, from there the view is spectacular of the ocean and Bass Rock.
“Finn, what exactly is Bass Rock?” I'm a bit confused by looking at it.
“Well, it basically is an island made of volcanic rock that is home to about one billion annoying birds called Gannets. They are pigs and do nothing but eat all the fish around. As you can see there is a lighthouse there also, I feel sorry for the poor bastard who had to live on that island with all them birds. It also used to be a prison” Finn says as we stare at the island with white birds flying all around it. Looks cool from here but I bet its covered in bird poop.
We continue our walk through the castle and I manage to take several pictures of Finn that he doesn't notice. I will be able to look back on these when I get home and remember this day forever.
“How about we get a picture together?” I ask Finn as we stop by the perfect spot that would put some of the castle and sea in the background. Finn walks over and pulls me to him, with our faces together we take several pictures, some with funny faces and some serious. My favorite will be the one where Finn suddenly turned his head and kissed me. After we wander around for another hour, he leads me back to the main area that is open by the sea and I notice a blanket has been laid out with a basket of food.
“How did that get here?” I ask as we walk to the blanket
“I dunno, maybe the ghost left it?” Finn says with a laugh as we sit down. He digs through the basket and pulls out a cupcake and a candle.
“Another candle to blow out and wish to make, beautiful” Finn says as I am stunned to tears, god, I am such a baby. He is so thoughtful, he has already made this day the best I've ever had but he keeps on adding to it. After Finn lights the candle, I blow it out and wish for a way to relive this day over and over.
“Thank you so much Finn. I feel like saying thank you isn't enough” I say shyly as I look down so he doesn't see my tears
“Thank you is enough Alex. You deserve this and more. You shouldn't be crying on your birthday, my beautiful girl” Finn says as he pulls my chin up so I am looking at him. I wish I could find the words to express how much this means to me.
Once we have enjoyed a light lunch of fresh baked bread, cheese, fruit and salad we walk back to the SUV hand in hand with Egypt trailing us.
“This day has been fantastic Finn! I can't believe you brought me....in a helicopter.....to a castle! Could you be anymore amazing?”
“Today is not over yet, my pet” Finn laughs, cheeky bastard. During the flight back to the city, Finn points out more interesting landmarks. I absolutely love Scotland. I am going to be destroyed when I have to leave but I'm not going to think about that today, today I am going to, for once, have fun and not mope around. This will be the birthday I remember for the rest of my long existence.
We arrive back at Finn's apartment where he opens the front door for me to walk in, as soon as I step in I am greeted by loud yell of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!” from a group of people standing in the kitchen. Oh my gosh. I can barely breathe. I am so shocked I stay rooted to the floor until Finn takes my hand and pulls me forward. I am surrounded by Anja, Alec, Jace, Xander, Brennus, Natalia and Tank who are all chattering loudly.
“Happy birthday babe. I'm so sorry, I had no idea it was your birthday until Finn called Alec and asked for us to come to the city to celebrate last night. I'm also sorry about not be
lieving you about Zack. I was being a terrible friend, will you ever forgive me?” Anja rushes out as she envelopes me in a tight hug.
“It's alright Anja, I understand. And I didn't expect you to know when my birthday was, its not like my family celebrates birthdays” I reply to Anja with a grimace. Anja gives me an odd look but before she can say anything, I am sandwiched between Jace and Xander.
“Happy birthday cuzo! Why didn't you tell us it was your birthday?” Jace says “Yeah, we would have bought you somethin” Xander chimes in
"Don't sweat it guys, its not like we ever celebrated birthdays before anyway”
“What are you talking about Alex? Our parents never missed a birthday, your parents stop having parties for you or what?” Xander asks confusedly
“Now that you say that, I don't recall Alex every having a birthday party or ever coming to ours?” Jace says to Xander
“So you guys had birthday parties growing up?” I ask quietly, when I see them both nod their heads with pained looks on their faces, my heart drops to my stomach and tears pool in my eyes.
“I can't believe your parents never had birthday parties for you Alex! What the hell?” Xander says
“Guys, let's talk about this some other time. Alex needs to say hello to the rest of the guests and then get ready to go out” Finn tells the twins and pulls me to the hallway. Wrapping his arms tight around me I try to not cry as the feeling of being alone and unwanted overwhelms me.
“It will be alright Alex, I promise” Finn whispers as he kisses the top of my head.
“Alex, you will not always feel this way” Natalia says as she walks up to us, of course she can feel my emotions, great. Now I can make her feel like shit right along with me. Finn steps to my side as Natalia pulls me into a tight motherly hug.
“You have a family with us, Alex. I know you just met us but we already feel a deep connection with you, it is fated for you to be our family” Natalia says emphatically.
“Mom, Alex needs to take some time to herself to relax and get ready before we have to go out” Finn says pointedly which gets Natalia to unwrap me from her motherly hug
“Happy Birthday, Princess” Natalia whispers
“MOM!” Finn growls at his mom which makes me shoot him a glare. Jesh, he doesn't have to be so mean to his Mom. Natalia just smirks at him and glides into the kitchen as Brennus walks up and gives me a hug as well. This family is so touchy. Completely opposite from my family, well except Jace and Xander anyway.
“Everything Natalia said was true, Happy Birthday Alex” Brennus says happily and then waltzes away towards his mate. Ummm alright? I'm confused but I can't find the space in my brain to think much about it. With Finn doing all these sweet things for me, my friends and Finn's parents showing up and then the proverbial slap in the face from my family, I feel like I am teetering on the ledge of a mental breakdown.
“Why don't you go take a hot shower and relax. We will all be going to dinner so you can see everyone then” Finn says as he walks me to the master bedroom
“Thank you Finn” I say quietly as I walk into the bathroom and try to make sense of my life.
Chapter 19
I spend probably close to an hour in the shower just sitting on the bench and thinking. Trying to figure out why my family has treated me the way they have when I finally came to the conclusion that they have their reasons but there is nothing I can do about it now. They chose how they want to treat me and no amount of moping, crying and stomping my foot will change that. I can only control myself and my actions. I finally see the light and make the decision to stop trying, stop hoping and just live my life the way I want. Maybe Finn and his family will let me stay a bit longer so I can learn to defend myself and learn more about our world. Then when I go back I will continue working for the family but I will no longer bother trying to see them or keep in contact with them. They don't deserve me. From now on I will only surround myself with those who care for me rather than those who treat me as an employee.
I drag myself out of the bathroom with pink and pruned skin to find something to wear tonight but I find two wrapped boxes on the bed. One is wrapped similar to the box Finn gave me earlier, the other is wrapped in metallic silver paper with a deep purple bow on it. Immediately my heart beat quickens, I think I decided that I love getting gifts.
First, I tear open the box that was wrapped like the one from this morning and find a gorgeous teal dress with matching shoes. My word, Finn has great taste, either that or someone who works for him does. I quickly put on the dress and shoes to find they fit perfect. The dress comes just above my knee and is the kind of dress that you can make to be casual and fun or formal and elegant, the shoes are a silver beaded flat sandal. So casual and fun look it will be tonight. I open the second box to find matching clutch and two wrapped jewelry boxes. I open the first smaller box and find a chunky long silver necklace with matching bangle bracelets. I feel like Finn called Presley and had her pick out everything. It fits my style and personality so well. I open the last box to find a stunning silver ring with a celtic looking symbol on it and small diamonds placed all around it. My hands shake as I try the ring on but its not fitting any finger correctly except my ring finger. Surely Finn didn't mean to get me THAT kind of ring. I put it on my right ring finger and it fits perfectly. As I hold my hand out to study the perfection of the ring, I notice a piece of paper on the bed that must have fallen from the gifts. I pick up the note and read it which has me suddenly sobbing
Dearest Alexandra,
This ring is the symbol of love and family, we had this made specially for you.
Always,
Brennus & Natalia
As I sob, strong arms surround me and turn me. Finn's smell and warmth feel so natural and comforting to me now that his presence immediately calms me as he rubs small circles on my back.
“You and your parents are a dream come true. Thank you again for the gifts” I say as I reach up to kiss Finn deeply. I keep asking myself if this day could get any better and every time I have to tell myself, yes, because Finn keeps finding ways to do things for me that I never would have expected.
“You look absolutely stunning Alex” Finn says as he slowly looks at me from head to toes
“Either you have great taste and know what I like or you have a great personal shopper!”
“I admit, I had some help but I decided on the color and final selection. There is another surprise for you waiting in the kitchen” Finn winks as he strolls to the bathroom so he can get ready.
While Finn is getting ready I walk to the kitchen to see what else he got for me, but pull up short when I see the back of a familiar blonde. No, it can't be.
“Presley?” I ask haltingly and the breath leaves me suddenly as I am wrapped up tightly into my friends arms.
“OMG!! ALEX! I can't believe it's your birthday and I didn't even know! I am so glad Finn had Anja call me and fly me here to celebrate!” Presley squeals as she pulls me into another tight embrace
“I-I can't believe you are here Pres” I say worriedly. How can she be around all of us and not pick up that something isn't all human with us?
“Holy shit Alex. Did you see Finn's friend Tank? My god, what a fine specimen of a man, I just want to lick those bulging biceps, damn girl. And don't even get me started on your man, they really know how to make them in Scotland, shit!” Presley gushes while she talks a mile a minute.
“What about Jake? Just last week you were all about him, now you are all about Tank? Don't tell me you dumped Jake already?” I ask in hopes she is more serious with Jake so she stays far from Tank.
“Relax chickie, Jake and I never were serious, just having some fun. Now Tank over there, he seems serious, very serious” Presley says as she leers at Tank who in turn winks at her. Oh shit. This could get very bad.
“Pres, Tank is not your type. He is dangerous. You really should stay far away from him”
“Pfft. Like a Lampir is dangerous? I'm far mor
e dangerous than he is” Presley brushes off my concern to continue to make bedroom eyes at Tank. What? Did she just say what I think she said?
“Presley, look at me” I say sternly “what do you mean Lampir?”
“Chill baby girl. Lampirs are not dangerous to my kind. In fact he might be just what I am looking for” She says as she wiggles her eyebrows at me. What. The. Hell.
“W-What do you mean? Your Kind?” I ask Presley as she stops eye flirting with Tank and turns to look at me in confusion.
“Alex, I think you better come sit down” Finn says from behind me as I gasp for breath, I think I am going to have a panic attack. How is this possible? How is my friend.....something? How did I not know?
“What on earth is going on with you Alex?” Presley asks as they lead me over to sit on the couch.
“Presley, I don't think Alex knows what you are” Finn explains as I attempt to get my breathing under control.
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? How could she not know what I am?!?!” Presley yells as she paces in front of me