Against The Odds

by Senna Fisher

  “Why did you do it?”

  “Oh Jono, what choice was there? There was no way we could have even thought of not doing it. Anyway, Rowena’s parents were also there. It was double trouble and the creature did not have a chance.”

  “Clayton, you did it for my baby, even though you knew you might die or be beaten to death?”

  “Yes, Jono, it had to be done. We could not tell you because you were anxious enough.”

  “Was it that Wednesday, when Jackie saw the butterfly?”

  “Yes. It was really telling her it is okay. You see, Jackie has known all along. That is why she went so crazy.”

  “Jono, there will be no more funny things, I promise.”

  Rebecca went to him and hugged him.

  “Oh Rebecca, you took the chance that you might die for our baby?”

  “Oh Jono, Clayton and I have a special power. It was not a big deal, if truth be told.”

  Jonathan was crying now. He could not believe it that while he sat at home, ‘entertaining’ his wife; this pair had gone out into the bushes to protect his daughter.

  “And your parents?”

  “They said that if we die to protect the children, then we have lived a good life. They were very philosophical about it. Jono, they knew it was the only way. Remember, my mother is a white witch. She lives to heal. They did not even hesitate. It was the right thing for all of us. I’m sorry we never told you, but you would have gone crazy worrying. Also, there was nothing you could do but try to reason with us.”

  “But Clayton, why didn’t you just wait until her Protector came?”

  “That is exactly what we mean. You are logical and want to work through all the issue. We did it so she would not have to even know about Protectors.”

  “I doubt that will happen. Clayton was already behaving like that on her first day.”

  “Yes, I feel a special bond to her. Don’t worry. I will behave, except when those teenage boys come around. Boy, will I growl.”

  He laughed when he saw the horror on Jonathan’s face. Rebecca laughed too.

  “Whilst we are on the topic, although the spell is broken, Clayton still has his powers.”

  “Oh no, Clayton, no.”

  “Yes, we kept all the good things. Although, I have not been able to shock Rebecca for a while, because we used up all the energy, but in time, well...”

  “Are you insane? Why can’t you just behave like everybody else, Clayton? Why the tigers, butterflies and God knows what else?”

  “Because we are special. And I like it. I like that Rebecca can go into my mind and I like all the little things that have become a part of us. I was devastated when I thought we had lost all that power.”

  “I will never understand that. But, I must say, I am very pleased that you had those powers. Our baby is lucky to have you, Clayton. I personally prefer to live without all that stuff. Now, I had better go to the hospital and check on my ladies.”

  When Jonathan left, Clayton was staring at her, is eyes a dark blue.

  “Rebecca, do you realize something?”

  “What now?”

  “That was the first time you accepted that you are normal. You said we have special powers. Not that we are abnormal.”

  “Oh.... so what?”

  “So, you have finally accepted that I am not some strange creature who entered your life. You accept me, Rebecca, as a man.”

  “Well, do I have a choice?”

  He held her. “Yes and you chose to accept me, at last.”

  “Clayton, you are making a big deal out of nothing...” He was kissing her now.

  “Stop pretending you don’t know what that means. You have accepted me as your man, not some paranormal creature, like you did in the beginning. So what does it mean, Rebecca? Tell me.”

  “I don’t know what you are talking about. Leave me alone. Do you want some coffee? I will go and make some coffee.”

  “Rebecca, you know how your stalling tactics piss me off. Do you want to piss me off today when I have been behaving like a tiger?”

  He looked at her and his mind ripped her blouse off.

  “Clayton, stop that. Okay, I will sit down, no coffee. Tell me what you are thinking.”

  He was staring at her, a dark blue definitely on the way.

  Will you also accept me as your husband? A normal husband?

  What?

  You heard me.

  Say it.

  Why?

  I want to hear the actual words, like all normal girls.

  If you insist. Nagging already?

  Arrogant swine.

  He was holding her hand, standing there in the middle of their lounge, when he asked his best dark blue question.

  “Rebecca Raymond, will you marry me, normal, arrogant swine that I am, Protector of you, as I am?”

  “Well, yes, I don’t have much of a choice do I? Who else will protect me, shock and make love to me in my head? Yes Clayton. Yes.”

  *****

  Chapter 31

  Rebecca and Clayton had a beautiful wedding. Despite the inconvenience to some of their guests, like his parents, they insisted that they would have it in the Dragon Mountains at the San Sanctuary. Clayton’s parents had stayed with them for a few days before the wedding and they agreed that Rebecca was good for Clayton. He had lost that boyish, wayward look and had an air of manly protection about him. He also adored her so much that his mother relaxed and accepted the girl. She was a little strange, but that was not surprising given her strange parents. They said they were witches, which was not funny at all. They did strange things in the morning, like talk to the plants and Anne Giles could have sworn she saw the mother talking to a butterfly. But no matter, the girl was good for Clayton and she was pleasant and charming. Also, she was a professional woman, who would not put the strain on him as his first wife had. She had her own life and they saw how she sometimes came home late because she was busy. They also liked the fact that their son seemed to come home early from work, something that he had never done in his first marriage. They never said any of these things to their son and were surprised to see how he had such a strong bond with George Raymond. They talked and laughed and shared secrets. Daniel Giles felt a little put out when he saw this. His son would never whisper and talk to him. He only spoke about law, but even then, he said very little. But their son was happy and that was all that mattered.

  The ceremony was outdoors and they looked staggeringly beautiful. Rebecca wore a white dress, which set off her dark eyes and hair and Clayton wore a black suit, which contrasted sharply with his azurite eyes. Jackie watched them, remembering the last time they were at this place. Today, again, they stand here, the life force, in balance, the yin and the yang, opposite but equal forces. Well, also the green dragon and the white tiger. Never mind, that image does not work now. She was thinking about how amazing they had been, how they had risked their own love and future for little Mia. She looked at Mia, so named by decree of Jonathan. He had gone mad when she wanted to call her Portia, or even Rebecca, because he was not willing to take any risk of association for his precious daughter with the Curse of Darkness.

  “She needs to start her own life, no strings attached, make her own destiny. I will have no association with anyone, living or dead.”

  He had decided that his daughter shall be named Mia and that was that. Mia, now four months old, was gurgling loudly, as their ceremony went on. Okay, she agrees with them. Fine, fair enough. Clayton, true to form, the Protector, looked up and smiled at Mia.

  Jonathan groaned. That bastard must not even try to play tiger now. I will rip his throat out. But Clayton just smiled, as if he was having a conversation with her. This brought no comfort to Jonathan. He wished Clayton would not be so protective over his daughter. He did not like it, because, with Clayton, there might be butterflies, tigers and shocks. As much as he believed that it was over, he was taking no chances. Already Clayton would pick her up and she would smile like they were ol
d friends. Once, she had been crying when Clayton paid one of his regular visits. He just picked her up and she stopped. Jonathan didn’t like it one bit. But, then again, it was with Clayton’s ‘special powers’ as he put it, that he had been so willingly to protect his daughter. He looked at Rebecca and he battled to believe that such a serene, exquisite woman had been followed around by a creature. It was beyond comprehension. And, standing there next to Clayton, it was even less imaginable that she was the ‘source of his power’. She smiled sweetly and looked so vulnerable. She was nervous and Clayton was squeezing her hand. At least they had the decency to behave like a normal couple, just this once. But he spoke too soon. He saw her eyes flashing at him and the silent conversation began. Oh, why could they not have saved that for their honeymoon? Really, Clayton must have started it because Clayton would not be able to resist an opportunity to tease her. He looked around and nobody seemed to have noticed. Well, they seem to be making up now, thank God.

  Rowena and George watched the ceremony with tears in their eyes. Their precious Sweetpea had finally found her Protector and had finally beaten the curse. Rowena was so happy and George, so proud. They looked so beautiful together.

  The butterflies have never let us down.

  I know. These two would have taken forever to get married.

  George, what else did you wish for?

  A son for them. A strong healthy boy who looks like Clayton.

  George, I don’t think he wants kids.

  Well, then he is very confused. He loves Mia as if she was his own. If he doesn’t have his own child, Double J will have to leave the country, the way he behaves.

  I thought you told me not to interfere?

  I didn’t. I just helped them along.

  You are a wicked man.

  And you an old crone. Shut up, I want to hear the rest of the ceremony.

  Rebecca looked at her parents and smiled. They are at it again.

  Clayton looked at her.

  Normal enough for you, Princess?

  Yes, thank you, Protector.

  For what?

  For trying to give me what I thought I wanted.

  Thought you wanted?

  Yes, I always thought there was something normal out there, but look around, who might that be?

  Us, of course.

  Yes, Clayton, yes, I love you.

  And I love you too, Princess. Now, please pay attention. It is your turn to take your vows. No mistakes or I will deal with you now.

  Piss off arrogant swine and stop looking at Mia. You are making Jono nervous.

  Yes, perhaps I shall make you nervous?

  But it was her turn to vow to love him and cherish him and she ignored his threats.

  Clayton?

  Shhhhhhhhhhh.

  I love you, I really do.

  I love you too, but can you save your energy for later? You are going to need it.

  And he laughed out loud and she laughed with him. Everyone could not see what the joke was, but accepted that the couple had a private joke.

  Later, Jonathan made an impassioned speech about his best friends. He started off by saying,

  “Clayton, my friend here, has a belief that he is normal, but I want to tell you, today, that you are not. And Rebecca, my dear, you have all my sympathy.” Everybody laughed. Clayton just smiled and Rebecca gave a look of mock fear of him.

  Don’t tease me woman, remember later.

  Go away, I want to hear this.

  “Despite their strange ways, this couple have been wonderful to my family. They have given us so much love and have done for us that few people would ever do. They have given to us, unconditionally and we will always thank them for that. They have shown us the full power of love.”

  Mia was making noises again

  “And even Mia agrees. Clayton and Rebecca, thank you so much for being the best friends we could have asked for. We know that you will be happy, even on your strange terms.”

  Jackie looked at Rebecca and mouthed ‘thank you’. Rebecca had tears in her eyes.

  Don’t cry Princess.

  I have to. I am so happy.

  Defying me already wife?

  Yes, husband, get used to it.

  She went to Jackie and they hugged and she hugged Jonathan and cried. She went to her parents and they cried too. Clayton just stood near Jonathan

  “So, did I behave?”

  “Well this is the best you have been in a while. I got a bit nervous when you were having a silent fight. Visions of tigers and dragons.”

  Clayton laughed. “She never listens to me. She always must have the last say.”

  “Welcome to married life. You will soon learn that it is easier to agree than to fight.”

  “Not a chance. I will just shock her.”

  “I would not be surprised. Clayton, I am so glad that all this is over. I am so happy, really, because the two of you deserve it.”

  “Thanks. But I will no doubt need you to keep me logical and sane.”

  “Glad to be of service.”

  Zane and John were approaching and definitely heard that. Zane was so pleased. He had wanted John to hear it himself.

  “Congratulations, Clayton. This is a lovely wedding.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Jono that was a beautiful speech. That stuff about the power of love. I tell you, we all had tears in our eyes.”

  “Well, I really meant it. Clayton here, ferocious as he might look, is a great friend, even though he likes to do strange things and has weird ideas about the world. All in all, he always comes through.”

  “Oh, that is amazing. I must say, I never imagine you to be the marrying type, Clayton.”

  “Yes, well I was lucky enough to meet the woman who could put up with my ‘strange and weird’ ways.”

  He was laughing, because he could see that Zane had some seriously debauched thoughts in his mind. Well, let me entertain him.

  “She is the only woman in the whole world who lets me shock her to high heaven.”

  And Jono laughed. “Oh no, don’t start that, not in public, please.”

  “Well, that sounds quite bizarre, Clayton.”

  “Yes it is. That is why she is so special. I told you, she likes my weird ways.”

  “Clayton what are you on about? What have you said to make Zane look so horrified?”

  She was standing near Clayton now. “I just told him how you love my weird ways, don’t you Princess?”

  He looked at her for a long while.

  Come on, he is looking for entertainment. Let’s give it to him.

  “Yes, I do. My favorite is when you become a tiger. That ferocious beast in you, oooohhh I get goose bumps thinking about it. Yummy.”

  Jonathan, now realising that it all sounded so bizarre that nobody would believe Zane, joined in the fun. Zane and John were staring at them, their eyes wide.

  “Come on, Clayton, what about your favorites? Well, like when she traps you in a web of lust and you can’t get out?”

  “What do you mean, Jono?”

  “Well, as you know, Rebecca here is a witch. She can trap a man in a web of lust and debauchery and there is nothing he can do, until she says otherwise.”

  “Wow, you are a wicked couple, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, would you like to try it, Zane?” Rebecca smiled sweetly.

  John moved suddenly. Zane looked positively afraid.

  “No thanks. Anyway, we won’t keep you from your guests. We had better run along.”

  They had such a good laugh that Clayton battled to stand up straight.

  “Now, do you believe me, John?”

  “Okay, I admit that they are not quite the normal couple. Also, that speech of Jono’s, about being taught the full power of love and doing anything for them. Well, it was quite obvious.”

  Zane was so happy that someone had at last accepted his fundamental belief that those four were depraved that he grabbed John and kissed him.

  “I l
ove you John. Now can we leave the weirdoes for something more regular? Our chalet must be getting so lonely without us.”

  And they left, relieved to be outside the range of Clayton and Rebecca’s lust. Zane checked that the door was locked twice, ‘just to be sure’.

  Hello, crone, why so sad?

  Not sad, just thinking how happy they look, laughing together.

  I know, I am also happy, but Rowena, I want to go up there tomorrow.

  Up where?

  To the place my daughter died for love.

  Oh George, do we have to? Can’t we leave well alone?

  I just want to see it, to feel it, to know that she is okay.

  Alright, I suppose with your own experience, it is important.

  What experience?

  I love you George.

  I love you too, Rowena.

  They held hands, looking at their daughter and her Protector laughing so much.

  Clayton was laughing, not just at Zane, but at his wife. She had no idea that he had worked hard to rebuild the energy in his left hand. George had taught him he could invoke its power with visualization and how he could ‘see’ how much power he had. He looked at his wife, laughing and teasing Jonathan and Brad. No doubt she was still trying to convince Brad that she was happy and safe. If only he knew how right his instinct had been about her. Her head was thrown back, and she touched Brad on his arm, teasing him about his red girl, who had managed to dump him again. Clay loved her so much and tonight, he could not wait to see her face, her eyes flashing, when he shocked her to high heaven. He was patiently dealing with their guests, because he knew that the wait for his wife was worth it.

  Rebecca looked at Clayton. At least he is in a good mood. She wanted to have a baby, as she had always known, but she was not sure how he would take it. He had always said that she must trust him with her thoughts and desires and this one was so strong, she knew she had to tell him. Tonight was the night, she decided. When he was relaxed and had a little too much to drink. When he was in the depths of his sleep, she would wake him and confess sweetly.

  *****

  Chapter 32: 1Epilogue