by Senna Fisher
When they eventually left the mountain, it was two in the afternoon. Clayton and Rebecca were tired and starving, but so happy to be alive and together. Rebecca drove Clayton’s car, because the pain was starting to sting his back and drove slowly to avoid the bumpy road which might hurt him. Jonathan drove behind them, while Jackie phoned around, re-scheduling all their appointments. It was Tuesday afternoon and they all should have been back at work. They had decided to stay for one more night to recover from the ordeal.
When they got to the gate some 3 hours later, the guard was shocked and horrified when he saw what Double J had ‘forgotten’ on the mountain the day before. These tourists are crazy. They forgot their friends? Why didn’t they just come down on their own? It is so strange how these people thought. He looked at the couple and saw how tired they were. Small wonder, spending a night up there. It was freezing cold, dark and a little spooky. Just last night he thought he heard some wild animal screaming up in the mountains. It must have scared them half to death. Served them right for thinking they could spend a night up there. These tourists. No sense at all. He shook his head and let them go. He had seen those two yesterday. All loving to each other. Now, they looked like they could sleep for a week.
Next time I will pay more attention to people who go up there in the afternoon. But then, what would he have done? He hated the road up to that mountain. It was long and windy and sometimes if you were not careful, your car slipped off the path. No, there is nothing to be done. Let the tourists suffer for their foolishness.
*****
Chapter 22
It was two weeks before the welts started fading from Clayton’s back. He was starting to feel normal again and the memory of the pain was easing. He had also stopped waking up in the night, waiting to hear The Darkness. He had refused to let Rebecca sleep alone in her house, for fear it might come back with a vengeance. They spent some nights at his apartment and others at Rebecca’s house. He loved having her curl up in his arms at night, purring quietly. She sounds more like a content Cheshire cat than a dragon to me. He also liked the way she had changed towards him. She was less tense and seemed happier to allow him into her head. She had hated that, but now, she seemed to accept it. She made him laugh when she was angry at him, sprouting rude words in her mind, trying to hide them from him and realising that he knew that she was thinking he was an arrogant swine, or something, she would change her mind, and try to think of something else. Her eyes would flash, and he loved her for it. But he knew that she was saddened by something. He felt it in her heart, but she had been careful to exclude him from those thoughts. He knew she did not fully trust him and it angered him a little. Her father had told him not to push her, but to charm her and that is what he would do.
Rebecca felt very happy. She loved him, in a dreamy kind of way, the way he paced when he was agitated and laughed at her. She loved him, in his arrogant, self-assured way. He was so busy thinking he had tapped into her mind, he never considered the fact that she had long tapped into his mind. It was her secret, for now. She smiled as she watched her favorite patient, Carl, patting the horse. She could not believe what a breakthrough she had made with him, dealing with his feelings of guilt. He was all right now and she felt saddened by the fact that he would not be seeing her again. She felt the pain, the longing for a child of her own, but knew that is was not to be. Clayton did not want to have children, so she shut the thought from her mind. She had to learn not to think about this when they were together, because he would surely know. She cleared her head and got up to leave, as she was meeting Clayton for lunch.
~ ~ ~ ~
It was a pleasant day and Clayton wanted one of his picnics on the lawn. She was glad she had agreed, because they sat there, laughing and joking, the warm sun caressing their skins.
“What is it, Rebecca?”
“My mother phoned. It seems like she has found a way to unbind the spell. I don’t know, I just don’t know. What do you think?”
He was staring at her, thinking, oh God, not again, not the pain again. But he said, “Let’s hear what they have to say. At least let’s hear them out.”
“Okay, but I don’t think there is any pain. They want us to go down there this weekend, to discuss it. I think it is just an excuse for my father to spent time with you. He really likes having another Protector around. It’s clearly a man thing. Also, he said he promised to share some secret with you. He refused to tell me, saying there are some things a man must do alone. Now, what is that secret?”
Clayton smiled, thinking, I quite miss all that shocking, actually, maybe the old man is right, get back the power, but he said, “oh Rebecca, it is just something men talk about. Nothing to worry about.”
Zane was driving along the road in the park when he saw them, talking so intently on the grass. How loving, how normal. If only people knew about them and their perversion. He had tried to tell John about it, but John had told him that he had a wild imagination. He remembered how they had fought when he had insisted. John had accused him of projecting his own desire for a foursome with Blake and Chad, as an older couple, to substitute for his longing for a father figure. It had been a bitter fight, because he had accused John of wanting to be with Chad and they had forgotten the real reason they had fought. Anyway, he knew what he knew.
He stopped his car and went over to them. At least he can entertain himself a little more with them. They saw him approaching and changed the subject.
“Zane, hello. We haven’t seen you since The Sanctuary. How have you been?”
Clayton was charming and kind.
“You two lovebirds. Whatever happened to you? I heard you stayed up a little longer?”
“Yes, it was so wonderful that the four of us thought an extra night would be great.”
Zane thought, so four of them stayed. I bet it was great. He was definitely right about these people, no matter what John said.
Clayton thought, well it is sort of true, despite all the pain, that night with Rebecca had been wonderful.
Rebecca looked away from them, thinking, is that all this man thinks about?
Zane chatted a bit, but got back to his favorite topic.
“So, Double J stayed behind as well?”
“Yes”, Clayton said. “I don’t think they trust me too much, so they stayed to take care of us. Wasn’t that sweet of them?”
Sweet indeed! Zane was thinking. He left soon afterwards, wondering what other evidence John would need to be convinced. He is so stubborn sometimes.
“Princess, do you get the impression that Zane is a little too interested in our movements?”
“Yes, I think they all have naughty thoughts for you. They call you azurite eyes and stud-muffin.”
He laughed at the description, as he imagined the context in which that would have come up.
“Rebecca, I would like to go to your parents this weekend. It would be good to see them. I feel a bit strange thinking about the things that have happened, because I believe it is just my imagination. Your father makes me feel normal, you know. That all this is not strange. So, we go?”
“Yes, I would love to see them. But, Clayton, if there is any pain, or creatures, I am out. I will not take that risk again, okay?”
“Well, let’s hear what they have to say. Anyway, we will talk later. I have to meet Jono later for a drink. He still worries about us.”
~ ~ ~ ~
But Jonathan was also worried about himself. He remembered how strange Jackie had been, since the weekend in the mountain. She kept asking him ‘Jono, what does it mean that I knew when I had to phone Clayton? How are we connected to this?’
He had considered this question, but had come to no logical answer. He did not know what it meant and did not really want to think about the fact that they might be linked. He explained it to himself that it was because she had always had a deep, protective affection over Clayton. He had been happy with this explanation, until last night, when she woke him and told him that
she had been talking to the butterfly. He had been completely horrified. Dear God, was there no end to this? Now his wife was talking to the butterfly? Why? Look what happened to Clayton. He had started out by talking to the butterfly. Was it their turn? Has that bloody creature simply moved to them? No, there would be no talking to butterflies. No way. He was not having his back torn to pieces by some bat. Worse still, what if he was not Jackie’s Protector? Would she fall in love with some tiger man? Not a chance. He was not losing his wife to some man who growled and changed the color of his eyes.
He could never compete with that. No way. So, he shouted at her, refusing for her to explain what the butterfly had said.
“No, No, No, Jackie. There are no talking butterflies in this house. Do you hear me? We are not insane. No talking butterflies, no tigers, not creatures, never. Is that clear? Is that clear? Next time it comes, you tell it to bugger off, is that clear?”
“But Jono, darling, it told me that...”
“No. What is the matter with you? No. I said no. I don’t care what it said because, my dear, there are no talking butterflies in this house. Not today, not ever!”
She had been so angry that she had stormed out of the bedroom and slept in the spare room.
In the morning, she had screamed at him, telling him that he was a closed-minded old fool who did not know what was good for him. She had left him there, knowing he did not have a car that day. He had to take a taxi to work and he was seriously pissed off and worried.
“Can you believe it Clayton, that she thinks I don’t know what is good for me?”
Clayton threw back his head and laughed. He was laughing so hard, he almost spilled his beer.
“Oh Jono, you are a closed-minded fool who does not know what is good for you. There are no tigers or creatures for you. She wanted to tell you that she was pregnant. The butterfly told her last night and she went to the doctor this morning. She phoned Rebecca this afternoon to tell her.”
“What, Clayton. What did you say?”
“Your wife is pregnant.”
“But that is not possible. We have tried forever and no doctor has been able to help us.”
“I can’t explain it, but she is pregnant. Rebecca says it is a gift from Nana, the dead woman, Jono, who wanted to thank you for all your help.”
Clayton was smiling now, the way he always did when he was teasing Jonathan.
“No, it is not possible. Clayton, don’t tease me. Please, not now. Telling me that a dead woman made my wife pregnant is not helping. Stop it, tell me properly.”
“Okay, your wife is pregnant, by some miracle, it is true. She is seriously pissed off with you right now. I don’t think you should be sitting in a pub drinking with me. I think you need to go home, with some flowers, and beg for her forgiveness.”
“Okay, you are right. I don’t know what to think. I feel like a big oaf. God, she is going to make me pay for this for a long time. I went crazy and shouted at her. She is going to make me pay for the rest of my life. Yes, I had better go and get those flowers and that fancy chocolate she loves so much. Boy, have I got trouble on my hands.”
He dashed off home, feeling a bit apprehensive. Was it possible that she was pregnant? Could it finally be true? It was too good to be true. She had wanted a baby so long and it had pained him so long, he could not bear the possibility that it could be true. But when he got home, she was lying on their bed, crying and he knew. He held her and they cried. Jonathan was a very happy man. Later, when they talked, he asked her what she thought about the coincidence of this pregnancy at the time of all the ‘activities’ in Clayton’s life.
“Darling, it has nothing to do with him. I think it happened because I stopped wanting it so badly. When I saw what Clayton and Rebecca were going through all those weeks, I realized that we were lucky to have each other and needed nothing else. I stopped craving the baby and then it happened.”
Jonathan agreed with her, but, an analytical man by nature, he was not entirely convinced. God help us if there are creatures and tigers to come, he thought as he fell asleep.
*****
1Chapter 23
Rebecca was fast asleep when they got to her parents’ home. Clayton kissed her cheek to wake her up and she protested. “No, Clayton it is too early. Let me sleep.”
She tried to turn over and then realized she was not in bed. She opened her eyes and was surprised how dark it was.
“Princess, we are at your parents’ house. Come sleepy-head.”
“Oh, oops, sorry. I must be really tired.”
“Yes, you have been working too hard this week. Come, let’s go. You need some fresh air.”
He jumped out of the car and opened the door for her and she stumbled out, clutching her handbag.
“Go, greet your parents. I will bring the bags. Come on, wake up!” and gave a pat on her bottom.
“Okay, okay! I’m awake now, no need for violence.”
“Such a grouch when you wake up.”
She walked off into the house.
George was waiting at the door, happy to see his daughter after her ordeal some two weeks ago. He made her turn around while he inspected her and then gave her a huge hug. He held her so tightly, she complained.
“Dad! I am fine, truly. Hello, where is Mum?”
“Right here darling! Oh my baby, I am sooo pleased to see you!”
She grabbed her daughter from her husband.
Back off, old man, my baby is here.
Your baby, what, you made her yourself? She looks so wonderful.
I know. That Clayton has made quite a difference. I can hardly believe they actually did it.
Yes, especially because they took so long to get anything right.
“Clayton, my boy, it is good to see you in one piece.”
George hugged Clayton as he came in.
“Yes, it is good to see you too.”
Clayton was touched by the gesture. His own father had never hugged him. He felt like he had come home. It was a good feeling.
He hugged Rowena and they went inside.
They sat on the patio and ate a delightful meal prepared for them. Clayton was very content. Afterwards, he pulled Rebecca to him and made her lean on him. She was looking so tired.
“Do you want to go to bed, Princess?”
“Yes, no. I want to chat first. I haven’t seen them for a while.”
“Okay, do you want to be alone with them?”
“No, it is okay. Thank you for asking. Come let’s make some coffee. Those two are having one of their arguments.”
Clayton put the kettle on and chatted to her about work. He looked so comfortable here, so at home, she thought. I can’t bear not to sleep in the same bed with him tonight. It is going to be awful.
“I know,” he said. “I am probably going to spend the whole night pacing, thinking about you, sleeping all alone. I don’t think I can do it, Rebecca.”
“Stop reading my mind. Of course you can do it. I just can’t bear the thought of facing my parents tomorrow morning, if you and I sleep in the same bed. It seems wrong, especially since my father still thinks I am five.”
“I know, but it does not make it easier.”
“Make what easier?” George asked from the door.
“Nothing, Dad. That was private. Go back and have a silent fight with your wife.”
“Not a chance. I think I am already in too much trouble. I have to try and charm my way into our bed tonight.”
His eyes twinkled.
“Dad, please. I do not want to know about that, okay?”
“Alright Sweetpea. Stop being such a grouch. You are in a mood today. Just woke up?”
“Yes. I was having a wonderful sleep before this tiger woke me up.”
“She is such a complete pain in the morning, isn’t she? I don’t know how you put up with her, Clayton. She used to complain and moan until she got to school, everyday. ‘Daddy, I don’t want to wake up yet, I want to go back to bed and I
want to be left alone’. She never grew out of it.”
“Dad, leave me alone. Stop telling Clayton all my secrets.”
“Oh, that was not a secret. Wait until we go to the hotel for drinks tomorrow afternoon. I will have him all to myself and boy, do I have stories to tell.”
Clayton was laughing at her horrified expression.
“This is going to be very interesting. I am so looking forward to it.”
She glared at both of them, which made them laugh even more.
“Go away, both of you. I will make the coffee. Go and charm Mum, if you dare.”
They left her in the kitchen, laughing at her. Men! Clayton is just like my father. Over-protective, but feeling entitled to taunt me themselves.
When she brought the coffee, her mother was sitting close to Clayton, whispering something and laughing. Her father was standing on the balcony, pretending not to listen.
“Thank you dear,” her mother said.
Rebecca took two cups of coffee and went to the balcony to her father.
“Dad, I want to thank you for everything. You have been so patient when I have been so stubborn lately. Thank you.”
“Sweetpea, you have been a little stubborn, but mostly you have been brave. You know, your mother and I were saying how you never complained during this difficult time. You simply got on with the job. We are proud of you, Sweetpea.”
“Dad, is there anything wrong between you and Mum?”
“No, just the usual stuff. I want to assist in an interesting trial, running in a few weeks’ time. She does not want me to. She thinks I need to relax and stop worrying about others. It is the same argument we have had for a few years now. Eventually, she will agree, but I have to climb this mountain first. You know how she fusses. We are alright, really.”