by Nancy Glynn
Tears formed in Eric’s eyes as in Daisy’s.
“I’m not afraid anymore. I can do this,” Daisy stated and Eric nodded, grabbing her hand.
“You must, for if you don’t Eric will die,” Marissa said.
“What?” Daisy shook her head. “What’d you mean die?”
“He’s made a deal with Jack and Jack wants you. If he knows what you’re up to and sees the cross coming out, he’ll strike Eric dead in a poof of flames,” she said, snapping her fingers. “And you’ll lose Christian forever,” she added.
“Okay, Granny, I was feeling good until you threw that at me!”
Marissa laughed. “Oh, but you do have my wicked sense of humor, child! You must promise to come visit me more. And bring your handsome friend here,” she winked at Eric, rolling her bony shoulder in a suggestive manner.
They both busted out laughing again.
“Oh, and make sure to have my son bless the cross before you go. It’s been so long, and he can say a prayer over it and over you. Promise me you’ll do that?”
“I promise, Granny. Thank you for all you’ve done for me today. I hope I can live up to your expectations,” she said, standing and bending to kiss the older woman on the cheek.
She grabbed Daisy’s hands. “You must or I’ll never see my only grandchild again." Tears pooled into her violet eyes.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Father Mark Paul came out to the altar, and greeted them with joy. “I’m so glad you came back to me, Daisy. Nice to meet you, Eric,” he said, holding his hand out.
“You, too, sir." Eric shook Father Paul’s hand.
“Please…call me Mark. We’re family,” Mark said, smiling.
Daisy hugged him and kissed his cheek.
“So, you’ve met Marissa,” he asked, pulling her arm through his arm. “I know she loved you. Tell me, what’d you think of my eccentric mother...your grandmother,” he grinned.
“Well, at first she was a little rough, but then she grew on us,” Daisy admitted, smiling.
A deep laughter bellowed from her father. “Oh, that sounds like her. Come...sit,” he motioned for them to follow. “Tell me what’s on your minds.”
They followed him to the first row of pews and took a seat.
She touched his robe-covered arm. “You look happy.”
“I am. You did that for me,” he patted her hand.
At least she did something good for someone. She was beginning to lose hope. She returned his warm smile.
“You do good for all, Daisy. Don’t ever think you don’t,” he stated.
“Reading my mind?” she teased. “I know...it’s the curse.”
He chuckled. “Yes, the curse as my mother refers to it. I now consider it a blessing, but it’s all in your perspective, I guess,” he said, shrugging. “My mother told me you needed a little help.”
She nodded after seeing Eric’s encouraging smile. “She said maybe a prayer over the cross and to bless it again in holy water.”
“Of course. That’s the easy part. The hard part will be for you to let go of any fears you may have regarding this event, because when you have fear, nothing can work. Understand?”
“I’m trying. Sometimes I just feel like an average girl with normal problems, but then it hits me – it’s way more than that. I think why was I chosen? Why does God want me? Why does Jack want me? I’m tired of trying to be so strong and just want to go back to bed,” she smiled sadly.
He laughed softly. “I know, child. There’s a lot at stake here. I’m sorry for your troubled soul. Try to see it as a wonderful gift you’re being given. There’s a reason you were chosen, and it certainly isn’t because you’re an average girl. Be honored in this rite of passage,” he said and then turned to Eric. “You’ve been such a great friend to my daughter. Thank you, Eric.”
Eric beamed with pride and nodded. “My pleasure, Father...or I mean Mark. Daisy will always have a special place in my heart, no matter what happens,” he stated, glancing at Daisy.
Mark clapped his hands. “Ok then, on with the show. Oh, my mother did want me to tell you one more thing, something about a girl named Bessie, I believe? She’s the one asking you to help her. My mother said she needs you to help her find Leon so they can go in the light together. Do you understand that?”
Tears glistened her eyes and she nodded. “I do. So much sad history in that small town.”
He nodded. “You’ll know what to do when the time comes. Also, and this might be a little sensitive, but absolutely no physical contact. Do you understand? Not even a kiss. You need to be pure of mind and body to gain strength,” he said speaking to both of them. “Or darkness will weave its way back into your soul.”
Eric cleared his throat. “That shouldn’t be a problem. We’ve come to terms with our relationship.”
Daisy gave a half smile and sighed. “I can do that. What about hand holding?”
“Only if it’s truly meant in friendship. Anything sexual can ignite certain chemical reactions,” Mark said sternly.
She felt heat bubble up in her face. “Oh, I understand. So if one feels it but the other doesn’t, it still can have an impact?" Her eyes flickered briefly to Eric.
“Yes. Don’t chance it if that’s the case.”
Eric spoke hoarsely. “I can’t even hold my best friend’s hand, even in support? That’s nuts!”
“No, son, it’s not. Daisy needs to be clean. Would you rather she die at the hands of a beast so you could hold her hand?”
“With all due respect, that’s pretty dramatic,” Eric scoffed.
“I’m stone serious. It weakens her. Your feelings for her are palpable. Pheromones are literally oozing from your aura.”
Daisy’s eyes widened, and pitied her friend.
It was Eric’s turn to turn red. He nodded. “Fine. I get it. No touching at all,” he said, pain flaring in his eyes.
“Not until it’s over, anyway,” Mark added. “I pray it ends in our favor." He turned to Daisy and held her hands. “Your mother would be so proud of you.”
“I know she already is. I’ve heard her voice in my head, giving me guidance and hope. I know she’ll be there with me." Daisy smiled, wiping an escaped tear.
Mark nodded and smiled. “I hear her sometimes as well if I really listen,” he drifted off before returning to the present. “Okay then! Let’s go bless this cross and pray.”
***
Silence filled the car on the way back to the hotel. She allowed Eric to drive so she could focus more on all that transpired the past day and what lay ahead. Every so often, she glanced at him and caught his jaw clenching at some hidden thought. She knew it was better not to speak about what her father had brought up.
She wanted to reach out and touch him, hold his hand, but she restrained herself, knowing the dire consequences. She knew it killed him as well.
Eric finally spoke while at a red light. “I’m staying at Jessica’s tonight, if you don’t mind. I just need to be away from you for a bit. Would that be okay with you?” he asked, deep concern furrowing his brow.
Clearing her throat, she nodded. “That would be fine, Eric. I understand." She gave a small smile.
“Well, I’m sure you don’t understand, but that’s okay. I’ll be back in the morning." He continued driving.
“No, I do. You take all the time you need.”
“We don’t have that much time, Daisy. His birthday’s in a couple of weeks. We need to get you clean. Green diet and juices, right?”
She nodded.
“Okay. We’ll go straight to the store now and then I’ll drop you off. Use the blender in the cabinet.”
“Right.”
“You’ll be fine, Daisy. I know you don’t believe you are, but I know the strength in you." He parked in front of the grocery store.
“I know. I just hate that it’s pushing you away. I know this hurts you, and I’m so sorry,” she whispered through tears.
“Hey, no more crying.
I’m a big boy. You showed me love is out there, even for me, and that I deserve to be happy. I may not end up with you, but I know it’s possible to have true love. You gave me that, so don’t ever be sorry.”
“I wish I could hug you right now. I really do love you, you know." She blew him kisses and he caught them.
They jumped out of the car, put money in the parking meter machine, and walked in the store.
***
“You sure you’ll be okay tonight? I’ll just be down the hall if you need me. Text if you do,” Eric instructed after grabbing some clothes.
“I’ll be fine…just go. If you’re a big boy, then I’m a big girl. I’ll make my yummy blended dinner and get some sleep,” she grinned.
He swung his red duffel bag over his shoulder. “Okay. See you in the morning, Daze." He stared at her for a few moments, smiled, and walked out.
After he left, she proceeded to the kitchen to make a smoothie dinner. She threw in some kale, spinach, Romaine, coconut milk, water, as well as fruit such as pineapple and banana to sweeten it up. She poured it in a tall glass and sat at the kitchen table, sipping it. Her face puckered, making her shiver, and then got used to the tangy taste.
As she was finishing the last of it, someone knocked on the door. She placed her glass in the sink and walked to it, peeking through the peep hole. She backed up and nearly swallowed her tongue.
“Daisy, it’s me. I know you’re there. Please open the door,” Christian said.
Her heart pounded at the sight of him. “Hang on." She checked her appearance in the mirror on the wall before she opened the door. “How’d you find me?”
“It’s nice to see you, too. May I come in before I answer any questions?”
He stood there even more handsome than she last remembered. His dark hair tussled from the wind, his skin touched by the sun, his black eyes piercing hers, those full lips.
“Well?” he persisted with a hint of amusement and irritation mixed together.
She swept her arm to beckon him inside.
“What, no hug?" He held his arms out.
Her father’s words rang in her ear. Absolutely no touching if there’s more than friendship. “Uh, I’m sick! Have a bad cold and don’t want you to get it. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Funny, you don’t look sick, but sure. I’ll have water." He sat on the couch and looked around. “Nice hotel room. So tell me, where does Eric sleep?" He gazed directly into her eyes.
She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and handed it to him. Moisture coated her body as she took the chair next to him. She looked down at her hands in defeat. “He has his own room,” she mumbled.
He opened his water and drank, never taking his eyes off her, obviously wanting more answers about her situation.
“So you’re with Charlotte now?”
Christian nodded and shrugged simultaneously. “You could say. It’s only an arrangement, Daisy. I don’t love her.”
“Oh." Heat pricked her skin.
“Do you love Eric?" He set his bottle on a coaster.
She sighed and said another lie, not wanting him to touch her. “Yes, very much." Her eyes evaded his.
“I don’t believe you.”
“I do. I plan on being his date at his birthday ball.”
His dark eyes seared her soul. He shook his head. “No way. I can see you’re lying, Daisy! I can feel your love for me right this moment. Come here,” he pleaded.
She shook her head, frantic for something to stop this. “I’m sick!”
“No, you’re not! I miss you so much, Daze. When I heard about you and Eric, I tried to pretend I could live with it. But I can’t. Just seeing you now and remembering that night...our night,” his breath clipped. He motioned for her.
“No,” she said calmly. “There’s more to this than you’ll ever understand. I can’t be with you, Christian." Her fingers itched to touch him. It took everything in her power to keep her hands to her sides.
“You sleeping with him?”
It took everything in her to keep the lie going. “Yes. We make love all the time.”
His eyes blazed and then narrowed. “Wait, I thought you said he sleeps in a different room?”
“What? Oh, he does, but we sneak into each other’s rooms. It’s more fun,” she added. “I had to get over you, Christian. It’s what’s best for me...for us. Charlotte is more suited for you." Her chest constricted at his hurt expression.
“Where is he?” he asked through tight lips.
Her mind raced at what to tell him. “He’s visiting with some friends today and staying the night.”
He gave an exasperated sigh. “Would it be all right if I slept on the couch for tonight? Or I can get a room if you prefer. I’m just too tired to drive home, especially after your news,” he said, still in shock.
Her heart went out to him. She wanted so badly to hold him, kiss him, to give him all her love. “That’s fine. I’ll get some sheets and blankets. It pulls out." She went to the linen closet and grabbed sheets, blankets, and a pillow. Christian already had the bed pulled out when she returned. The thought of him sleeping out there terrified her. “Need anything else?” she asked.
“You.”
“Christian...”
“I know you love me, Daisy. Whatever you’re trying to do here, I’ll let it go. I’ll be gone in the morning.”
“Help yourself if you get hungry. I’ll be down the hall." She realized what she just said when she caught his molting stare and corrected herself. “For food or drink. Good-night." She closed her bedroom door and leaned against it, closing her eyes. She touched her cross and wanted to yank it off.
After thinking about it, she walked in her bathroom and stared at the lipstick message on her mirror. Closing her eyes, she pressed her palm to the chalky texture and concentrated. A vision of Charlotte appeared before her. Daisy saw her chanting and writing the message. “Charlotte.”
It all made sense. She must have known Christian didn’t love her and that he loved Daisy.
She threw her nightgown on and slid into bed. A couple of hours ticked by before she sat up, bathed in sweat.
She didn’t care anymore. She just wanted Christian. All she ever wanted. She slid out of her bed and made her way to the living room.
Chapter Twenty-Four
She stumbled in the dark toward the pull-out and could hear his breathing.
The light next to the bed clicked on, Christian’s bare arm reaching out to it. “Daisy?”
“Sorry, did I wake you?" She drank his dark beauty in, the top of the sheet resting at his waist. His bare chest glistened with a sheen.
“No. How could I sleep with you down the hall from me?" His eyes lowered down her body and returned to her gaze. “You do love me.”
She nodded.
“Come here. I need to touch you, Daisy,” he breathed, his chest rising and falling more rapidly.
Her body responded to his words.
Kneeling on the bed, she crawled up his long body and crushed her lips to his. He cradled her head and probed her mouth, stroking her tongue in a heated dance.
He pulled her nightgown up and over her head, taking in every inch of her through hooded eyes before him.
Rolling her to her side, level to him, he ran his hand down her leg, pulling her underwear down with his hooked thumb. “God, you’re beautiful. I’ve wanted you for so long.”
She pulled his hand over her breasts and offered her neck to kiss. “I feel the same, Christian,” she said. Her insides melted into liquid. Her body betrayed her. Her hand slid down his chest and under the sheet.
“Daisy,” he growled, his head falling back and then crushing her mouth once again.
“I love you so much, Christian,” she whispered.
“I love you more.”
She heard the lock click in the door.
It flew open and Eric walked in. “Daisy, no!”
She tugged the blanket up to shield them from E
ric’s view. “Eric, turn around!”
“Or better yet, get the hell out!” Christian demanded.
Eric stood there in shock, glaring at Christian.
“Please, Eric. Give us a moment, okay?” she pleaded.
He turned away. “Tell him, Daisy. Or I will,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Tell me what?” Christian stared at her, waiting.
Eric spoke when Daisy didn’t. “She’s not supposed to even touch, much less have sex, with someone she’s in love with. It could mean her life, Christian,” he said in a determined low tone.
Christian looked to her for answers. “Please tell me what he’s talking about, honey.”
“Eric, why are you even here? What happened with Jessica?”
“Jessica?” Christian asked.
“Nothing. Or I mean something did happen, but I just didn’t want to sleep there. I felt bad about leaving you alone and now I’m glad I did. Can I turn around now?”
She slipped her nightgown back on, pulling on her underwear underneath. “Yes.”
“Tell him, Daze. Tell him why you can’t touch him." Eric sat in the chair and crossed his ankle over his left leg, shaking it in anger.
She knew it also had to be hard for Eric to see this scene, knowing he would never be the one. There had to be some jealousy involved. She could see it in his eyes. Finally, Daisy repeated everything she had just learned, to Christian’s horror. When she finished, she exhaled.
“You tried keeping me away when I first got here, and now I’ve put you in danger." He put his head in his hands.
“No, I did that, Christian. Not you. You’re my weakness,” she said, glancing at Eric before returning to him.
“She loves you, man,” Eric agreed. “Lord knows I’ve tried and almost captured her heart once or twice, but–”
“What’d you do to her?” Christian blazed in fury.
“There were times I questioned myself,” Daisy admitted. “Did I love you or Eric or both? He was and is so good to me. Part of me did fall in love with him, but not like I feel for you. Now I’ll be weaker,” she croaked, her chin trembling.