The Apple Tree

by Kara Jimenez

  “When you’re my wife, I will have given you everything and then… I won’t stop.”

  She drew circles on his chest with her fingertips. “Marry me today then.”

  He chuckled. “It’s nice to know you’re just as eager as I am, but don’t you want to at least have time to get a pretty dress?”

  She sighed. “Yeah, I do.”

  “This weekend then. Saturday.”

  Smiling, she lifted her head to face him. “Everyone’s going to think we’re crazy.”

  “We are, but I don’t care what everyone thinks, do you?”

  She rested her head on his bare chest and wrapped her arms around his body. “No, I don’t. Saturday then.”

  Wrapped in each other’s arms, they lay on the couch as Levi silently counted the six, long, never-going-to-end days until Saturday. He sighed, trying not to concentrate too hard on Bianca’s finger, twirling little circles on his bare chest.

  “There’s something that’s been bothering me,” she said.

  He shifted so he could see her face. “What is it?”

  “Something Peter said.”

  He groaned. Anything from Peter probably wasn’t good. “What did he say?”

  “Well, he said in the forties you made your friend immortal.” Her shoulder stiffened, but her finger kept moving, around and around, driving him crazy.

  “And that bothers you because I said it was too risky for you?”

  She nodded.

  He placed his palm over her twirling fingers, gathering her slender hand in his. “I didn’t do it for my own selfish reasons. Frank and his wife rented a house I owned. I don’t usually get close to people, but they were such a kind couple. They always invited me over for dinner and then Frank and I would have drinks afterward. He’s a decent guy.”

  She squeezed his hand. “They sound nice.”

  “Frank left to fight in the war while his wife was pregnant and then two years later, just weeks after returning home, they were in an automobile accident. They were both in critical condition and their son was about to become an orphan. So, I visited them in the hospital and I brought an apple.”

  “Because they were going to die anyway?”

  He nodded. “If his wife ate it, I was afraid their son would die. But Frank hardly knew his son. He loved his wife the most and she only had hours to live anyway. I gave him the apple and I explained everything, leaving the choice up to him. He ate it, so that someone would be there to care for their boy.”

  “It sounds so noble when it’s explained that way.”

  A scoff escaped him. “I don’t know about noble. I just didn’t want the boy to be parentless. I had them leave town so that no one would suspect anything, but last year Peter’s sister ran into Frank in Chicago. She remembered him from the time they’d met in 1945 and put the pieces together.”

  “So, Peter only just started bugging you about the curse?”

  “Yes. Before that, he and his father had no idea that I knew how it all started.”

  She sighed. “I guess there’s no hope for me then.” Should he feel scared or glad that Bianca was so desperate to spend eternity with him?

  “Trust me, if I knew of a safe way to keep you around forever, I would. In a second.” It was true. Dread filled him for the coming years without her. He was beginning to understand Peter a bit more. “You talked to Peter recently then?”

  “He came over this morning.” She bit her lip.

  His body tensed. “To your apartment?”

  “Well, yes, but it was fine. He mostly behaved himself. I think he’s learning that I don’t respond well to pushiness.”

  “Mostly behaved?” He’d told Peter they were getting married. If Peter touched her, he would murder him… for a while at least.

  “He did… behave, I mean. Physically, at least. He tried to get me to tell him the cause of the curse. He said… he said he’d make me immortal too.”

  Levi clenched his jaw and cursed Peter for giving her false hope. “That’s not possible without killing someone.”

  “Oh, I know, but… he said his father could remove the illness.” She sounded so hopeful and it tore him apart.

  “Even if that was possible, think of all the tests they’d have to run. People would die regardless.”

  She settled back against him. “You’re right. Besides, I told him I only wanted you.”

  “Because he wanted you to live forever… with him?” Yep, he was going to kill Peter.

  “Yes, but I told him I wanted you.” Bianca looked at him with huge doe eyes. She was so cute and it eased his anger.

  “I’m sorry you have to deal with him.” He gave her a squeeze and changed the subject. “Where do you want to have the wedding?”

  “Somewhere outside… Can we have it here? It’s beautiful on your property.”

  Inviting people to his home wasn’t usually something he felt comfortable doing. “It’s the rainy season,” he said.

  “We’ll get a tent.”

  He should tell her no, but she seemed to inspire him to take all kinds of risks. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, in that field by the side of the house.”

  “Okay, if that’s what you want, it will be here.” He rubbed her arm. “It’s late in the season, but there are a few apples left on the tree. If we’re going to have people wandering around, I’ll have to pick them all and make sure they’re destroyed.”

  “Good thinking.”

  “Actually… I’ve decided I’m going to chop down the whole tree. Not this week, but after the wedding.”

  She sat up and locked eyes with him. “I thought you said that it could be dangerous. That you could die.”

  “But having it out there puts you in danger. I have to protect you.”

  “Not if you die!” Her hand trembled against his bare chest.

  Risks of telling people where he lived was one thing, continuing to dangle her in front of his uncle Charles was entirely too dangerous. “I’m going to trust that God won’t let that happen, not so soon after I’ve found you.” He tried to pull her close again, but she resisted.

  “No, I won’t let you.”

  He set his mouth in a firm line. “It’s not up to you. I’m cutting it down and shredding it, but I’ll wait till after the wedding. That way if I’m gone, you’ll have everything you need.”

  “I don’t want your money, I want you.”

  “I know. And you’ll probably still have me. Have faith.”

  Levi tossed Bianca’s bike into the back of the truck and then slid into the driver’s seat. He clicked his seatbelt before glancing beside him.

  The setting sun streamed over Bianca’s hair, making it glow a lovely warm orange. She caught his gaze and smiled. “I really have no idea how my mom’s going to react to the wedding plans. She might not care much, but then sometimes she swings into these weird protective moods and acts like a real mom.”

  He started the ignition. “I guess we’ll find out.”

  The truck rolled over the crunching gravel, making it hard to hear each other until they pulled on to the main road.

  “The hard part will be telling Stephanie and Kate. Well, not Kate so much. She’ll probably roll her eyes and judge me behind my back, but she’ll act excited. Stephanie’s a momma bear though. She’s always been very protective of her girlfriends.”

  He nodded and placed a hand on her knee. “It’s great that everyone cares for you so much to be concerned. You’re lucky.”

  “I know.” She smiled and her honey eyes lit. “I just hope everyone can see how happy you make me.”

  “I think it’s written all over our faces.”

  They pulled up to her apartment, parked along the curb and hopped out.

  She pulled her sweater closed and he wished he had an extra coat in the car to lend her. The nights were getting colder as October came to an end. They walked up the pathway hand in hand.

  “Ready?” he asked when they reached the door.

&
nbsp; “I suppose.” She shrugged and pushed the door open. They walked inside and found her mother in the kitchen washing dishes.

  Levi’s eyes widened. From what Bianca told him, Lisa didn’t usually do much cleaning. She must actually be trying to be more responsible.

  Owen sat on the floor beside her, playing with toy trucks. When he saw Bianca, he ran toward her, hugging her knees before returning to his toys.

  “Um, Mom? We have something to tell you.” Bianca cleared her throat, glancing toward Levi.

  He nodded and gave her hand a squeeze.

  “Yes, hun?” Lisa turned to face them, a smile on her face.

  “Levi and I are… um, we’re getting married.”

  The sponge dropped to the floor and Lisa stared blank for a moment. “Are you pregnant?”

  Levi’s face fell. If only that were possible.

  “No, mom.” Bianca’s mouth fell open. “Why would you even think that?”

  “You guys just met. What I am supposed to think?”

  “That we’re crazy about each other.” Bianca grinned at Levi. She stood on her tiptoes and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.

  Her soft lips sent images streaming through his mind that were entirely inappropriate to be having in front of her mother and he blushed.

  Owen stood and handed Levi a truck.

  “Thanks, bud,” he said.

  “Are you sure that’s what you want, Bee? You’re moving really fast.”

  “I’m sure.”

  Levi dropped Bianca’s hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I hope you’re okay with this, Lisa. I know it’s fast, but I love your daughter very much.”

  Lisa’s eyes darted between them and she took a deep breath. A smile spread across her face. She squealed, hopped up and down and hugged them both. “I barely know you, Levi, but I’ve always liked you.”

  The next morning they agreed to meet Stephanie at a little café downtown. Levi laughed as they walked past the giant iron chicken sitting on the sidewalk and continued to the front door, his arm around Bianca’s waist.

  Inside, red paint covered the walls along with brightly colored artwork. A brunette with golden skin, dark eyes and hoop earrings waved at them from a corner table. A smile was plastered across her face, but she gave off a tough girl vibe, which he found intimidating.

  Bianca nodded toward her. “That’s Steph.”

  “It’s nice to finally meet you,” Levi said as they sat down across from her. “I’ve heard a lot about you,”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you too.” Stephanie’s tone made him think it wasn’t all good.

  The waitress appeared. A vine tattoo twisted around her neck and her mouth turned down at the corners. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  They ordered coffee and the waitress left with a smirk.

  Stephanie rolled her eyes at the waitress’ back and then turned toward Levi. “Well, I see why you’re always so quick to forgive him.” Her brows rose and her gaze drifted up and down his body in a way that made him blush.

  He picked up the menu and pretended he hadn’t heard the comment.

  Bianca laughed and grabbed his arm. “Ignore her, she flirts with everyone.” She stuck her tongue out at Stephanie.

  “Sorry, Levi, it’s true.” Stephanie chuckled and stuck her tongue out as well.

  Bianca glanced at him and then turned back to her friend. “Okay, Steph. I’ve got big news.”

  Stephanie put down the menu and gave her an expectant look.

  “We’re getting married!” Bianca thrust her hand across the table, the ring inches from the brunette’s nose.

  Stephanie covered her mouth and gasped. She glanced back and forth between them. “For real this time?”

  So, she’d heard about their disagreement earlier.

  Bianca sighed. “Yes, for real. We worked things out. The wedding is this Saturday.” She grinned and grabbed his arm.

  He smiled at how excited Bianca was. She was impossibly cute, bouncing up and down on the seat next to him.

  Stephanie’s eyes grew wide and she held up her hands. “This Saturday? Why are you moving so fast?”

  Bianca reached across the table, taking Stephanie’s hands. “I know you’re worried, but this is what I want. Be happy for me.”

  Stephanie closed her eyes and fiddled with her earrings. After a moment, she smiled. “Okay, let me see the ring.”

  The women gushed over the ring until the waitress returned with their coffee and took their food orders.

  Bianca pinched his cheek. “Want me to choose something for you, honey bunny?”

  Stephanie’s brows furrowed.

  “I’m just giving him a hard time. I always make him try new food,” Bianca said.

  He rolled his eyes and ordered bacon and eggs.

  When the waitress left, Bianca excused herself to use the restroom.

  As soon as she left, Stephanie pointed a finger at his nose. “I’m going to be happy for Bianca, but I don’t trust you. If you break her heart, I will track you down, cut off your balls and feed them to your stupid chickens. Got it?”

  He cleared his throat. His balls would probably grow right back, but even still, the little brunette was terrifying. Although, he understood the desire to protect Bianca. “Got it,” he said.

  “Good.” She took a sip of her mocha with whipped cream, glancing at his cup. “How can you drink it black? That’s disgusting.”

  He chuckled and took a sip. “If it’s good coffee you don’t need all the extras.” The super sweet, chocolaty aroma of her drink drifted all the across the table and it did smell good, but if he tried to drink something with so much sugar it would make him sick.

  Bianca returned and he placed his hand on her thigh. Now that they were past the awkward first touches, he couldn’t keep his hands off her.

  She laced her fingers through his and then babbled on with Stephanie about wedding plans. Leaving him to mostly eat in silence and stare at the beautiful woman who would soon be his bride. The woman who had changed his life from a monotonous passing of years to something worth enjoying. Something worth cherishing.

  Peter sat in his borrowed Honda, across the street from the florist. Bianca and Stephanie climbed out of their car and walked inside. His jaw clenched.

  The wedding was still on.

  His fist slammed against the steering wheel. For days, he’d been waiting for her to call. How could she refuse his offer? He ripped the sunglasses off his face, throwing them across the car.

  Through the store window, the women chatted with the older gentleman inside.

  A low moan escaped his chest and he pounded his arm against the seat beside him.

  The only woman who made him feel like a fucking person again would rather be with Levi. The only woman who’d cured his apathy, made him want to feel anything besides controlled numbness. The only woman who’d made him see the future as something to look forward to rather than loath. And it was all a big joke to her. He buried his head in his hands, taking several deep breaths to calm himself.

  There was only one thing left to do. Without allowing himself to consider the consequences, he gritted his teeth and pulled his phone from his jacket pocket.

  “Peter?” his father answered.

  “Yeah, it’s me. I think I have something that will make Levi talk.”

  When Bianca came home from work Thursday night, she found her mother sitting on the futon, watching TV with a glass of wine.

  “Hey, Mom, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” Bianca sat down next to her and looked around the room. “Where’s Owen?”

  “He’s at the neighbors. I needed a break.” She took a sip of her glass.

  Bianca raised her eyebrows. “I thought you were going to act more responsible?”

  “This is responsible. What am I doing wrong? He’s safe and I’m sitting here relaxing.”

  Bianca sighed. Her mother was probably right, everyone needed to relax sometimes. “Just watch how much
you’re drinking, please.”

  Her mother rolled her eyes. “I’m a grown woman, but I’m only having one glass tonight.”

  Bianca smoothed the green futon cushion with her hand. “Anyway, we haven’t really discussed what’s going to happen after the wedding. I’m moving in with Levi…”

  “And you’re worried about me and Owen?” Her mother set the wineglass on the coffee table and leaned forward to wrap her arm around Bianca’s shoulders. “Bee, I really appreciate you moving back in here to help me out before, but you need to start living your life. I’ve leaned on you for too long. You’re like a crutch I just need to let go and try to walk.” She picked her glass back up, taking a sip. “Really, I’m going to start acting like a mother. I did it before, remember?”

  Bianca nodded. “I’ll still watch Owen for you sometimes. I’m sure I’ll miss him.”

  Her mother waved her hand. “Oh, honey, we’ll still see each other all the time.”

  “Okay. I’m glad.” Bianca’s gaze fell on the stack of mail on the coffee table and she lifted it, shifting through the bills and junk.

  The Linn Benton Community College catalog caught her attention. On the cover, a smiling student held a large black camera. Photography classes. Why hadn’t she thought of that before? She had enough money in savings to afford one class. A grin spread across her face and she tossed the rest of the mail back on the table before bounding upstairs to get her laptop to register online.

  Later that night, Bianca lay on her stomach across the bed, her laptop open in front of her. Levi lounged beside her, his hand caressing her back as she worked on her blog. She’d been so busy with wedding preparations that she hadn’t had time to come up with any new recipes, but she still had maintenance to do like answering emails and comments.

  “You know, lying here on the bed next to you… It’s a little distracting,” she said.

  He laughed, running his fingers through the hair falling down her back. “I hope that doesn’t mean you want me to leave?”

  She flipped over, facing him. “No, don’t leave. I like the distraction.”