True Fate

by Varadeaux, Shayna

  "Although I warn you, the truth will be a lot to deal with for the both of you. Having each other will make that easier." She added before he could answer.

  Sitting back a second Aaron closed his eyes, when he opened them she was standing still as a statue staring at him intently as if she was trying to decide something. He could feel a buzzing coming from her.

  "Why do I feel like I’m being electrocuted? It’s like something is zapping me." Aaron said wincing at the dull discomfort and looking at her accusingly.

  She flinched and the buzzing stopped, "What is your lineage Mr. Pierce?” she asked crossing the room to stand directly in front of him looking at him with eager curiosity.

  "Umm my mother was Miranda Rhiannon Pruett Pierce she died some years ago. My father is Thomas Alexander Pierce. Why?"

  The girl cocked her head to the side and studied him curiously as her pouted lips pursed, "And your mothers mother?” she asked walking towards him to stand directly in front of him.

  Aaron sighed, "Well I never met her but her name was Rhiannon.” He answered curious about her question.

  “And the rest? Surely she has more than just a first name.” she countered expectantly with her arms crossed tightly in front of her.

  “Oh, Rhiannon Nuala Finch Pruett." At that the girl's eyes went wide and she gasped.

  "It cannot be." She hissed as her hand flew to her parted lips.

  "What. What can't be?" Aaron stood up to pace brush by the now imposing girl, the situation and cryptic actions were wearing his patience thin. What did his family have to do with any of this?

  'Ugh! This is so aggravating!' He stopped pacing and crossed his arms waiting for her response.

  "I... I'm sorry I cannot say much other than you are also unaware of your true identity." she began tapping her chin in deep thought. "I don't think anyone is aware for that matter." She was wringing her hands and she looked almost frightened as the faraway look glazed her eyes momentarily.

  "They will be aware now that you have spoken those names in my presence. I am sorry, Aaron. You have nothing to fear though as of now, you still do not know who you are. But after it all becomes clear, well that is another matter isn’t.” she said shaking her head.

  "What does that even mean?” he paced and she paced until he all but growled, "Just tell me what you can, please." He said pleading. He was getting so frustrated with the cryptic conversation and the unbelievable course it had taken.

  He sat, defeated and put his head in his hands. 'Holy crap! I must be losing my mind!' Aaron thought to himself shaking his head.

  Beginning slowly as if testing out the words she spoke again finally. "Many years ago the woman who was your grandmother left our world. Rumors were that she fell in love with a mortal and fled. Such intermingling isn’t permitted for our kind.” she looked at Aaron pointedly to make sure he was following this and able to handle what she needed to say.

  "Some had thought her to be dead. Some said she got away and was living happily ever after. But most believe she was killed by a ruthless hunter who is from my world. He claimed to have done it anyway, he even produced Rhiannon's pinky where her promise mark had been curled. That along with her mother's dagger was enough for the court to accept his word." The way she spoke matter of factly set Aaron’s nerves on end, he ran his hand through his hair and tapped the top of his head nervously trying to figure it out.

  She came close and grabbed his hand from his head and looked in his eyes. The warmth that flowed through her was calming and serene.

  "Aaron I swear to you this is truth. You must accept this fate and embrace your destiny. I am running out of time, I must go fairly soon. I’m sorry. You have to decide so that I may mark you. Please." she said trying to portray the urgency she felt since her compulsion was rendered useless on him.

  Aaron stood up, back ridged as if he were about to salute a general. He blew out the breath he had been holding and said, "I accept." Her eyes danced, she was clearly excited. He was grateful she wasn't clapping again.

  Unlatching her wristlet, she looked at it momentarily and whispered inaudibly, it was a thin black strip that looked like gun metal. She grabbed his left wrist and rubbed her hand over his existing tattoos. He shivered getting goose bumps where her fingers had touched it was sort of a creeped out feeling. She ran the metal strip through her hands again and again till it was long enough to wrap around his wrist three times.

  He felt pressure as she wrapped the metallic cord around his wrist. His skin hummed where the metal met his heated flesh. "Aaron Pierce, do you accept the responsibility of being the Guardian of Epifania Marguerite Du Monte De La Garza?"

  The girl ran the end of the metal strip back and forth on his wrist as it glowed a dim white light. "I do." he simply replied. Just then the metal cord sparked and he tried not to jump. The reflection of the glow in her eyes was sinister looking and he began to wonder if he was doing the right thing.

  "Do you vow to put her safety above all else and to keep the secrets of my people?" It almost came out automatic this time, "I do."

  His body relaxed as warmth flooded every inch of his being. The light was so bright it was almost blinding. He felt a heat on his skin as she moved to the other wrist. He closed his eyes and breathed deep. "You have begun a bond that cannot be broken.” He nodded and she did too.

  “In a weeks’ time I will come to you again and explain more. I hope that you heed the instincts or gut feelings you get as your senses have already begun to be heightened."

  Aaron looked down at his wrists. He never understood why he always felt the need to keep them bare always tattooing elsewhere but he knew now. This had to be fate, or something like it, maybe his destiny. Whatever it was, he was certainly glad to be in this was with Nia.

  If she was in danger he would protect her no matter what, of that he was certain.

  The girl smiled and took a deep breath, "You may call me Lilith and remember, you are to speak of this to no one. Be safe Aaron."

  Granting her with a tight smile as Lilith started to fade to a dim glow then dissipate.

  Aaron stood staring at the design that was on each wrist, it was intricate and beautiful.

  This had to be the craziest dream he has ever had. He really needed to wake up.

  Slowly he made his way back to his bed taking off his shirt as he climbed in. Aaron’s eyes fluttered as a pull overtook him, taking one last glance at his fresh markings with thoughts of Nia bringing a smile to his lips.

  ‘What happens when I wake up? Man this was a crazy dream.’ Closing his eyes he slipped into a deep dreamless sleep.

  Chapter 3

  Rhea was relentless. "Jeez, you nearly dislocated something!" Nia told her, while rubbing her wrist.

  "Oh don't be a baby! Sit!" she said and pointed at the bed.

  "Okay, now SPILL!” Rhea said completely serious yet grinning.

  "Okay, okay! Sheesh!" Smacking Rhea’s arm she complied and sat.

  "His name is Aaron Pierce and he’s funny and sweet oh yes and he is absolutely beautiful! Wait. Can I call a guy beautiful?" she said biting her finger nail.

  "Yes! You can call him whatever you want! Don't stop, keep going!" she nudged Nia's knee with hers.

  "Okay! Fine." Nia chuckled out.

  Nia proceeded to recount the afternoon's events leaving out only the extremely personal things they shared with each other. But not the fact that they did. Rhea just sat there all doe eyed, nodding and laughing then said, "Wow, that's so awesome and weird, and fantastic!"

  Nia smiled although she'd been doing so much of that today it kind of hurt her cheeks. "He texted me too.” she took out her phone to show Rhea the text.

  "Well!?" was Rhea's response.

  "Well, what?” she answered a little confused.

  "Text him back you nut!"

  'Oh crap!' She'd forgotten to do it right away. "Duh." Nia said smacking her forehead.

  Rhea pressed the phone into Nia’s hand and she started h
er reply. Leaving the room with Nia barely noticing she went out to check on her dad and answer the door for the pizza guy. Muttering to herself, "Fifteen minutes my butt....."

  Nia: Hey I am totally free 2moro. :) Is breakfast too soon to get started?

  Aaron: No. I think that'd be great. What time N where do I meet U?

  Nia: How about I pick you up? ;)

  Aaron: Um I suppose so, though I've never been picked up by a girl before. ;)

  Nia: LOL Well I figured it would be best for me to drive so you can see the sights. Also so I don't have to give you directions everywhere.

  Aaron: Well that definitely makes sense. What about the time? I am cool with whatever.

  Nia: Is eight thirty too early? And have you ever had a real Mexican breakfast?

  Aaron: I guess I'll know after I have it. =) Tex-Mex is really good BTW

  Nia: Great I know just the spot! Can't wait. See you in the morning.

  Aaron: I’ll be looking forward to it. Can I ask u something though?

  Nia: Sure, anything.

  Aaron: Is the day going to be casual? I'm trying to figure out what I should wear.

  Nia: LOL Yes casual is good. Just be ready for ANYTHING! I'm holding you hostage at least until sundown

  .

  Aaron: lol Thanks for the info, being your hostage sounds great. Have a good night Nia.

  Nia: You too. ;)

  She couldn’t help the sigh, holding the phone to her chest and quickly snapped herself out of it. All but floating out of the room. She couldn't believe this was happening. Could this possibly turn into something more than just a chance meeting? She knew exactly where she'd take him for breakfast, it was one of the best little hidden secrets Houston had to offer. Over on 75th off Harrisburg.

  Her stomach grumbled when the smell of Pizza hit her senses she made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a paper plate and two slices. Nia plopped down next to Rhea smiling.

  "So...?" Rhea sat there looking at her with anticipation, letting the word hang there.

  "Here," Nia replied simply handing over her phone for her friend’s inspection.

  Nia took a bite of the pizza savoring the pepperoni goodness the extra cheese hanging on her chin. She was wiping off the excess sauce when Al came out of his room.

  "Okay girls, I’ve got to get going."

  "Hi Mr. Mitchell. Dad asked if you can bring your Texas Hold'Em.", Nia had barely remembered.

  Al just smiled and said "It's already in here.", while shaking his duffle bag in his hand. He kissed the girls each on the head and looked pointedly at Rhea, "Don't forget to lock all of the locks and if y'all leave at least text me."

  "Yes sir!” Rhea replied with a salute.

  "Love you girls." he said before walking out and in unison they replied. "Bye!"

  After a minute a loud bang sounded on the door causing both girls to jump, Rhea spun around finding Al's head peeking in through the barely open door.

  "Okay, Okay." Rhea said while making her way to the door, she kissed Al’s cheek and he was gone again. Rhea locked the two deadbolts, the doorknob and the flip latch.

  “I guess you can't be too careful in the city.” She said with a shrug.

  After cleaning up and putting away leftovers the girls grabbed their pints of ice cream and spoons and headed to the room.

  There's a king size bed in Rhea's super girly room. It looked like a diva exploded in there and a zebra was somehow involved.

  Her royal purple walls and her purple and gold bedspread matched. The furniture was Queen Anne with shiny gold trim. Zebra rugs were thrown about in various locations and the room itself is just huge.

  Chiffon curtains and silk window treatments from the floor to practically the ceiling decorated the tall windows. Having her own terrace at Rhea's was Nia's favorite spot at her home away from home.

  But her best friend’s favorite spot was at her desk. She was always doing something whether it's blogging or keeping up with her social media.

  They sat face to face and Rhea wanted to know exactly what Aaron looked like. Nia swooned while giving out the details of all that is Aaron Pierce. She started with his full looking hair that tapered off. Then moved to his full lips and his amazing blue eyes. It worried Nia to be so out of control just thinking about him. How was she supposed to be around him the next day without going stupid? She sure would find out soon enough.

  Rhea giggled and oohed and aahed in all the right places reminding Nia why she could tell her anything. They pondered what the tattoos he was hiding looked like.

  Nia has tattoos too, she did the first one when she turned eighteen. She'd drawn it when she was thirteen and perfected the design as the years went on. It was a beautiful symbol that she'd never seen before, but was always drawing on all of her things. It felt right when she tattooed it on top of her left wrist and nothing on the planet could make her regret it. She had gotten her tattoo machine three days before her birthday and had practiced on a practice skin. It didn’t hurt as much as she had been told it would. She rubbed it absentmindedly and often. It helped to calm her, though she couldn’t explain why.

  As Nia spooned heaping mouthfuls of Rocky Road into her mouth enjoying the chocolaty goodness Rhea went through ideas for tomorrow. There was so much possibility there. Nia would treat tomorrow as her one chance to get to know this intriguing guy. And she promised herself to be genuine and nothing that she's not. She truly hoped he would do the same.

  After brushing her teeth Nia got changed and into bed. Music played low in the background, they made their "Sleepy Time" playlist together and added to it every year. They both listened to it every night together or individually.

  Rhea talked about her day and she never even finished because by song three she was out and it never ever failed. Nia smiled looking up at the ceiling used to Rhea's light snore, it was comforting.

  When the next song came through the speakers she got chills. As the words to When I Saw You played all she could picture behind her eyelids was Aaron's face.

  "Soft, heavenly eyes gazed into me transcending space and time. And I was rendered still, there were no words for me to find at all.

  As I stood there beside myself, I could see you and no one else.

  When I saw you, when I saw you, I could not breathe.

  I fell so deep.

  When I saw you, when I saw you I'd never be, I'd never be the same."

  Whoa, and that was just the first part. She was happy and annoyed by the ridiculousness of what she was feeling. She felt like she needed to shake the irrational feelings. She had a non-stop internal war with herself until exhaustion finally won out. She drifted into a peaceful sleep. Or so she thought…

  Nia woke up staring at a pale blue sky. She closed her eyes and reopened them, rubbing her eyelids and blinked a few more times. She sat up slowly to take in her surroundings. Six feet away there was a babbling brook, sitting up slowly she saw it was directly in front of her. She stood carefully and turned around to find a giant oak with low hanging branches. The kind she always hoped to find to read in. She focused her eyes and noticed a young girl sitting on one of the lowest branches.

  Nia tried to speak but nothing came out, though she heard her thought in her mind, "What the heck?"

  Then a small voice said, "Please, come sit with me. I have much to share and little time to do it in."

  Nia was uncertain but she started walking towards the tree anyway. This had to be a dream so what harm could it do?

  As she got closer she could see the girl more clearly. She had golden hair in large curls and rosy cheeks to match. Her pale skin looked bright next to the black dress and Mary Jane's she was wearing.

  Her full lips were crimson and she had the most stunning blue eyes so bright they nearly glistened. Angelic was the thought that crossed Nia's mind.

  That and perhaps a bit Alice in Wonderland. With that thought the girl gave a small giggle. "I'm sorry but I can still hear you." She told Nia with a giggle.

/>   The girl waited patiently and looked at Nia almost as if she were sizing her up. "Who are you? And most importantly, where are we?" Nia asked.

  "I will answer these questions and then you will listen. As I said our time here is limited so please just do as I ask.” the girl responded almost frowning. The furrow in her brow giving Nia enough pause, she nodded her agreement.

  "You are not safe if they find you and I am afraid you cannot come back here again. It is just too dangerous, not like this anyway. We are in your dream inside of your mind, though I cannot tell you how. I am not saying you cannot dream just that I cannot come to you this way again. My name is Lilly, I am here to warn you of danger that lies in wait for you Nia."