An Immortal Dance

by Alastair Fontaine

  “Err... Ambrose? You know Jeremy?” He desperately tried to signal his friend as to the burly waiter standing behind him.

  “Oh, the guy who works at this place? He’s huge. Those forearms man... tree trunks. Come on, his beard is the coolest thing ever. I cannot believe he’s gay,” Ambrose continued to dig himself a hole.

  Now, Courtney had picked up on what had occurred and she too was cringing. She gave Ambrose a pained smile, “Ambrose, it might be best to look behind you really quick.”

  Ambrose turned, fervently hoping that the terrible suspicion aroused by her words was unfounded. To his horror, Jeremy was standing there, hairy arms crossed, staring at him testily. Finn thought that Ambrose would legitimately explode, seeing his face go through what seemed like every conceivable shade of red.

  “Hey... um... Jeremy,” he greeted the waiter, giving him a clumsy half-smile. He was suddenly incredibly grateful that he had not said anything that he thought was too offensive. Still, seeing the waiter’s sour expression, he wished that he had just kept his mouth shut.

  After an unpleasant silence, Jeremy coldly replied, “Mr. d’Artois.”

  “How’s life been treating you?” Ambrose politely inquired in what he could already tell was a futile attempt to reduce the discomfort of the situation.

  “I’m alright, thank you,” the gruff voice said. “Life’s been throwing me a few... curve balls? Though, I do like to look at life from a nice... angle? It isn’t all... crooked?” The big man started to cackle, “Alright enough crappy puns. Come on kid, I’ve heard way worse than ‘bent’ in my life. My pa already went through the entire dictionary of homophobia before he stopped speaking to me. I do appreciate the comments about my beautiful arms. Who said gay men can’t have cool beards though? Not cool.”

  “I’m sorry, Jeremy,” Ambrose murmured, shamed by the older man’s grace and good humour.

  “Man, it’s totally fine,” Jeremy laughed. “I’ve heard it all before, honest. I may be a waiter now but I went to high school too, I know how kids like to talk. I know you didn’t mean nothing by it.” His gaze fell on Courtney and Finn, who had been studiously maintaining pleasant smiles, as if nothing had happened. “Finnegan James Hawthorne, don’t sit there smiling like a dummy when we both know you’ve said far worse things and you’ll say them again. Just because you’re chubby don’t make you an angel.” In shock, Finn barely noticed his face turn scarlet for the second time that day. “As for you, madam, I’ve never seen you before, what’s your name?”

  “Courtney Rossborough. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said, immediately taking a liking to the jolly mortal.

  “The pleasure is all mine. Jeremy Walker, at your service. Speaking of which, are you guys ready to order?”

  “Yeah. Courtney, what would you like?” Ambrose asked, turning to look at her.

  “I was thinking we could share the Spanish mountain paella?”

  “Sounds like a plan! I love the paella here, it’s the best in town.”

  “It’s the only one in town, genius,” Jeremy chuckled. “What about you, Finnegan?”

  “Actually, I was just leaving. I realised I have a… thing to go to. Can’t miss it. Sorry. Ambrose, hug a buddy goodbye?” Finn gathered his belongings and walked over to Ambrose, who stood to embrace him. Finnegan whispered, “You owe me. Coulda totally pulled a cheeky third wheel on you there. Enjoy your date, she’s great.”

  “Bye Finn!” Courtney beamed. Maybe she had been a bit harsh in judging him. He seemed like a pretty good friend to her Ambrose, and she knew all too well how difficult those were to come across.

  “See ya Courtney, take care of my boy. Bye Jeremy!” With those words, Finn was off, quickly disappearing through the arched entranceway.

  “So you two are a thing! That is just the cutest. I thought pretty boy here was never gonna get a girl,” Jeremy teased. “You know what, just because I like the two of you, lunch is on me today.” He winked. “One massive mountain paella coming right up! Oh, before I forget, drinks?”

  “A nice, cool lemonade would be great, thanks,” she answered.

  “I’d love some coke. Thank you so much for the paella, but you really don’t have to,” Ambrose said.

  “Don’t worry about it. I insist. A freshly squeezed lemonade for the lady and a freshly opened coke for you. I’ll be back soon. Don’t have too much fun while I’m gone!” Jeremy laughed, walking away and disappearing into the bustle of tables and waiters.

  “Woah. He is a really nice guy. You weren’t kidding about the beard either,” Courtney commented.

  “Yeah.” Ambrose made sure to look behind him. “He’s had it pretty rough from what I hear. His father is a miner and he grew up really poor. Jeremy wanted to go to college and do something with his life, but his dad wouldn’t hear of it.”

  “Why not?” Courtney asked. She had heard many stories like that in her life, but they never ceased to perplex her. How could a parent deny his own child the opportunity to pursue a better life?

  “He wanted Jeremy to work in the mine. He didn’t think it was worth the cost to send him to college.”

  “Wow. That’s terrible,” she said.

  “Yeah. When Jeremy came out, it was the last straw. His dad threw him out, leaving him only the clothes on his back. Finally, Jeremy managed to make it up here, where Barry gave him a job.”

  “How can he be so... you know... happy? A lot of other people would end up real bitter after living through all that,” Courtney asked, feeling a rush of admiration for the big man.

  “He’s working for a better life here, I guess. One where he can be whoever he wants to be. I reckon anywhere is better than home for him. It’s sad, you know? No one should hate their home. I guess it is what it is though.”

  “Yeah. I hope he gets the life he deserves,” she said, noticing a strange sadness in Ambrose’s eyes when he spoke. Interesting. The man that she remembered would never have felt for an average mortal. He could be kind, generous, even grow attached to a few special ones, but he had never felt for them. Not really. He loved their empires, their science, their luxuries, things that meant little to her. He had never seen the real beauty in their existence. Humans had been born in a hostile world, and they had conquered it. It was that rebel soul that had produced all of the things that he so admired. Now though, the same man who thought little of cruelty or kindness in a world so full of both felt something new. He felt compassion, even affection for the unfortunate son of an American miner.

  “Oh, here come our drinks,” Ambrose observed as Jeremy arrived, quickly setting down their glasses.

  “Food will be here soon!” he called to them, even as he moved on to the next table.

  “So, what does your dad actually do for a living?” Ambrose asked, taking a sip of his beverage, enjoying the sharp feeling of the cold bubbles in his throat. It was sweet, probably from a glass bottle. Coke was always better from a glass bottle. Apparently the reason was that plastic reacted a little with the liquid, changing the flavour, while glass was mostly inert.

  It was amazing how even the smallest thing could make such a difference. Like the material used to bottle a soda. Or a smile. He had only known her for a short while, but when she smiled, he saw forever written on her face. As far as he could remember, granted that wasn’t very long, nothing had made him feel as splendid as the moments when joy lit up those sapphire eyes.

  “Oh, something to do with oil. I never really ask... it doesn’t seem too interesting,” she answered, hoping that he wouldn’t press the issue. In truth, her wealth came from the treasures that she had collected over the years. Living outside of civilisation for so long, she had never had much use for them and they had just built up over the centuries. Of course, mortals were more inclined to believe that she was an heiress.

  “Oh, I see. Wow, your life really is amazing.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m gonna end up spending hours in an office for most of my life
just to keep enjoying the life my parents have given me so far. Hell, Jeremy works hard just to survive. At the end of the day, he doesn’t have much left to enjoy. Even your dad probably spends most of his time in meetings and dealing with paperwork. I doubt he really has the time to do much else. You, on the other hand, get to be whatever you want in the world.” Tenderly, he put his hand on hers. “You will never have to worry about where your next meal comes from, or the roof over your head. You have the chance to really enjoy the beauty in this world, and even make beauty if that’s what you want to do. That’s really what money is. Instead of working to feed yourself, you can focus on learning to draw, sing, act, whatever strikes your fancy. You really are fortunate.”

  “That’s true. It just seems kind of unfair, you know?” she responded. It really was. The only difference between civilisation and savagery was that whilst all savages worked equally hard to survive, the civilised world allowed a few to prosper and truly enjoy its delights. The rest made do with only the occasional taste of the fruits of their labour. Somehow, the savages always seemed happier. They had their wild rituals and strange games, and they were satisfied with that. They never had anything to envy or any need that lay beyond their natural means. When civilisation came to them, as it always did, it seduced them with promises of plenty and raised a few above the others. In the end, only those few would enjoy civilization. The others would be too busy working to maintain and improve it.

  “That’s life, I suppose. Tell me about your dreams. What does Miss Courtney Rossborough want to do with her life?” he asked.

  She found the answer quickly. She had already done everything, been everywhere. Now, she just wanted him. She wanted to settle down with him and make a home for them in their own, wonderful world. She wanted to be in his arms like that first time when they had watched the primal darkness flee before man’s creation. Never again would she let him go.

  “Well. There’s actually something I wanted to tell you,” she began.

  “Uh-huh?”

  “This is gonna be a bit hard to believe but I just want you to bear with me, alright?”

  “Sure, go on.”

  “Ah, sorry, this is kinda hard to put into words. I didn’t really think about how I was gonna tell you.”

  “Just say it, it can’t be that bad,” he laughed, “Right?” He wondered what could possibly be wrong behind those sapphire eyes.

  “Well. A long time ag-” She stopped upon seeing Jeremy arrive with the paella.

  “Monsieur and Mademoiselle! As promised, one absolutely scrumptious mountain paella has arrived. Bon appétit!” he declared, placing the plate between them. He had not exaggerated. It had been served in a large, black clay dish resembling an oversized frying pan. Within, there lay a sea of sticky, yellow rice littered with slices of sausage, bits of grilled chicken, chopped red bell peppers and a milieu of herbs. Palates used to feasting with emperors were impressed, suddenly dying to dig into the meal. No sooner had Jeremy walked away than they began to devour it. A thousand flavours were present in each morsel, indulging their senses and filling them with warmth. Between grunts of approval, they snuck glances at one another, taking an odd pleasure in seeing each other enjoy each succulent bite. No words were necessary. The rapidly shrinking paella spoke for itself. Within minutes, it was gone.

  “Well, seems like ya didn’t like it,” Jeremy appeared behind Ambrose.

  “This was one of the best meals I have had in my entire life. My God man, that was actually incredible. Thank you so much,” Ambrose raved. He was still savouring the lingering aftertaste.

  “Really, your chef is a genius,” Courtney added.

  “I’m glad to hear it. I’ll be sure to tell him. Anything else you two would like?”

  “Actually, could you point me towards the washroom? I always forget where it is,” Ambrose asked.

  “Sure, just take a left there and you’ll see it.” Jeremy gestured towards the back of the room.

  “Ah, thanks. I’ll be right back, Courtney.”

  “Take your time. I’ll talk to Jeremy. He’s way cooler than you anyways,” she teased. As Ambrose walked away, she turned her attention to Jeremy.

  “So, how long have you known Ambrose?” she asked.

  “About four months. Poor kid had some sort of accident and lost his memory, but I guess you know all that.”

  “Yeah. It must’ve been terrible for him.” She looked down briefly. “You seem pretty fond of him. Why?”

  “He didn’t tell you? Of course he didn’t. He’s a great kid.” Jeremy smiled affectionately. “I came up here just after he did. Yep, I’m a newcomer too. I barely had a penny to my name and Barry over there wasn’t too keen on hiring me. I mean, look at the size of me!” he chuckled, pointing towards the old man, busy receiving guests at the front of the restaurant. “He saw me tearing up just outside the restaurant. I was desperate, I didn’t know what I was gonna do without this job. Despite myself, I told him everything, blubbering like a little girl, and he just sat there and listened. Next thing you know, Barry offered me a job. I dunno what Ambrose did to convince him, but I’ve worked here ever since. It’s kinda become home for me and I owe it to that kid.”

  “Woah, that’s incredible,” Courtney gasped, shocked. The “kid” he had described wasn’t the man that she had known.

  “Damn right it is. That kid’s got a big heart. I hope you treat him right. Quiet now, he’s coming.”

  She marvelled at the change in her beloved. She was truly curious to find out what manner of accident had befallen him. He had never been given to random acts of charity. Especially not towards a man that he had just met. The man that she had known wouldn’t have noticed a weeping giant. Perhaps the belief that he was but a mere mortal had endeared him to their kind.

  He had given Jeremy, a man who had fought his whole life to live and love on his own terms, a chance to do exactly that. Maybe he had at last come to love the mortals’ rebel souls as she did. In the midst of her speculations, she vaguely noticed that somehow, Ambrose had taken yet another step into her heart. Then, a terrible thought came to her. If he knew the truth, would he lose his newfound affection for the mortal spirit? She had loved the old Ambrose dearly, but the one that she saw now was even better.

  “I hope you two haven’t gossiped about me too much,” Ambrose called out as he strode back to them.

  “We would never!” Jeremy replied, feigning indignation.

  “Ambrose, not everything is about you,” Courtney added.

  “Mhm. I’m sure. Thanks again for the food, Jeremy. Come here.” Ambrose extended his arms towards the big man.

  “No problem, boss. Come again soon,” Jeremy said, leaning in to hug his young friend, careful not to crush him with his mass.

  “You know we will,” Ambrose laughed. “That paella was too damn good. Oh God. Courtney, we are so, so late. Let’s go.” They smiled as they walked past old Barry to the door. Outside, they were greeted by the warm caress of the afternoon sun and a gentle breeze that carried the delightful smells from the cottage. Hand in hand, they began to stroll down the long path that would take them back to school. Courtney decided that the truth would have to wait. She couldn’t bear to discard the beautiful, new aspect of Ambrose that she had uncovered. Thankfully, he had seemingly already forgotten her earlier attempt to remind him of his identity. Regardless, she knew that she would have to tell him soon. After all, he would find out sooner or later upon realising that he couldn’t age. For now, though, she was curious to see what other pleasant surprises Ambrose had for her.

  Θυμάσαι πόσες αληθινές αγκαλιές έχουμε δώσει ο ένας στον άλλο; Θυμάσαι μέσα σε τόσο λίγο χρονικό διάστημα πόσες δυνατές στιγμές έχουμε περάσει μαζί; Και τα άσχημα, αλλά και τα όμορφα, σε χαρακώνουν. Αφήνουν σημάδια, και είμαστε σημαδεμένοι ο ένας α
πό τον άλλο. Σε άφησα να κοιτάξεις μέσα μου και να με αγγίξεις.

  Δεν μιλάμε για αντικείμενα εδώ δυστυχώς, μιλάμε για ανθρώπους.

  Θα χάσεις και θα χάσω έναν άνθρωπο. και όχι οποιονδήποτε άνθρωπο.

  Θα χάσω εσένα και θα χάσεις εμένα. Δεν βλέπω τίποτα σωστό σε αυτό.

  -Anon, Greece

  11

  It had almost been a week since that first lunch, and life had never been better for Ambrose d’Artois. Math was no longer as miserable and not even Augustine Josephs could ruin his mood. He marvelled at how she had gone so quickly from an awfully cold hostess to a girl who seemed inexplicably drawn to him. It had been reasonable to suspect a juvenile prank. Ambrose did not believe in destiny. It was too convenient a way for people to rationalise what they thought improbable and exonerate themselves for the consequences of their deeds. Yet somehow, she had chosen him amongst all others. Somehow, sapphire eyes that he had long dreamt of had appeared, filled with light, at his side. When he looked at that angelic face, he could not help but to feel that it was meant to be. Ambrose could not explain it, but he did not let it bother him. After all, when life gives you a blessing, do you ask the reason why?

  Often, they strolled hand in hand down the corridors of Hastings High. The jealous stares and hushed voices had stopped. They were just another element in a mass of people that had already moved on to newer gossip. Of course, there were always those who were a bit slower to forget. Finn had kept them well up to date on Ronald’s continued attempts to change the story of their last encounter. Didn’t he realise that people would forget much sooner if they weren’t being constantly reminded? It didn’t matter. Even if Ronald succeeded in turning the entire world against them, they had each other and it was all they really needed. Little Ronnie’s desperate hunger for approval amused them whenever Finn reminded them of his existence.