Cyprian the Fair

by C. L. Cattano

  “Cain?” Eden repeated.

  “Yes, he is the first and the worse of all the Traitors.”

  “I thought Judas was the worse traitor,” she said confused. “He betrayed Jesus.”

  Gabri gave a short laugh. “Judas?” He shook his head sadly. “Yes, I suppose you would think so.” He saw Eden’s face flush with either anger or embarrassment. Gabri did not know which because she did not know Judas was a very different kind of traitor than Cain. He continued without explaining the difference to her. “When we were young, we read Dante. Mostly because we liked the art in the book we found in her father’s library. We were reading it and acting it out sometimes. We did very well when we had to study it in school,” he said and took a sip of his drink.

  He knew by the look on Eden’s face he had to tell her more. “You understand Rafaella feels guilty for her mother’s death.” It was not a question. “When Rafe’s mother died, Rafaella showed me the part about The Traditorè. She thought she was the betrayer because she believed her actions led to the death of her mother. I thought she was just grieving and tried to tell her it wasn’t true, and it was forgotten.”

  He took a breath and shook his head sadly. “Then Brettito died. We were all blood brothers you know, well, and sister. It was Rafe’s idea for that too. For weeks, I had to hear about her being the betrayer to her mother and Brettito. She would dream about it and talk about it in her trance. She did and said so many manic things that she has no memory of,” he said and frowned as he recalled how frightened he was for Rafe. “I had to read all Dante’s poems to find things to prove her wrong. I was desperate to find something she would grasp and help her. The doctors worried about stopping her dreams and helping her stay out of her trances. I worried about staying part of her world even if she was in a trance or dreaming. It was foolish, I know now, but I think it did help her to know someone was with her. She would tell me things she wouldn’t tell the doctors. I would tell them what she said and the things she was doing. She trusted me to do this.” Gabri looked in the file on his desk and pulled out some sheaves of paper. “These are drawings she did when she was sick back then.” He handed them to Eden and let her look at them.

  At first, Eden was amazed at how detailed the drawings were then remembered Rafe had art lessons at a young age from her mother. As she looked closer, she could see there was a girl in the midst of an enormous cavern of ice. Hands were reaching out to the girl grabbing her feet and clothes to pull her under a lake of water in the center of the cavern. The others were of the same girl in different stages of being captured and pulled into ice or of the girl encased in ice. Eden looked up at Gabri questioningly.

  “Are these self-portraits Rafe did?” she asked shakily.

  “Yes,” said Gabri and pulled more pages from the file, “but there are better drawings like these.” He handed her drawings Rafe had done of herself walking on rays of sunlight toward a golden goddess. Another was of her glowing with light and surrounded by people in the shadows outside the light. “I talked to Rafaella one day about Paradiso, Paradise, and the rays sent down by Cyprian the Fair. She liked the thought of the goddess and her rays of frenzied love and began talking about it and making drawings. We decided we were her children and we would love many. I will always think, no matter how strange it sounds, finding the part in the poem about Cyprian and sharing it with Rafe helped her. I could be wrong. It could have been time or medicine, but still, I want to feel like I helped her.”

  Eden handed the drawings back to Gabri, uncertain of what to say. “I think you did,” she said hesitantly. “She’s very lucky to have you.”

  “I never wanted to hear her talk about being the Betrayer again,” Gabri said unable to hide his anger. “And she never did until the day I came to see her and found her sick again. I was furious with you all and knew I had to take her away. When I got her here and settled, she told me more of what was happening to her, and about her dreams. I knew I made the right decision,” he said sternly. “Now you have come, and she is saying it again. So, if you really want her to get better, you need to understand she needs to be here, and you should go home until she is ready.”

  “I do want her to get better,” said Eden fighting her anxiety. “I don’t understand why you won’t let me help her—”

  Gabri slapped his hand on the desk interrupting her with a thundering boom making her jump in her seat. “First, she felt she betrayed you with an affair,” he growled barely able to control his temper. “Then she felt she betrayed me because you took Bronte from her. Then she felt her betrayal of you, the affair you accused her of, led to you almost being killed and Bronte being taken by those people. At the time, in her mind, loving you, telling you she loved you, would lead to your death—like her mother and Brettito. She considered you family! Family she betrayed!” He fought to control himself. “Can’t you see the pattern? You have brought all this back into her mind, and she wasn’t ready!”

  He watched as Eden just sat there silently wringing her hands and looking at the floor. He thought about what Nora would say and knew she would not like him interfering with their relationship. But when it hurt Rafaella medically, it was his responsibility to act.

  He thought about how happy Rafe was about Bronte being here and knew she would want to spend more time with the baby. So he didn’t want to risk Rafe becoming upset if Eden decided to keep Bronte away. He took a breath knowing what he had to do, though it was hard for him.

  “I won’t keep Rafe away from you and the baby while you are here,” he said softly. Eden’s head shot up, her eyes widened with surprise. “But if you cause her any more setbacks, I will ask you to leave. I know Rafe wants to spend time with the baby. And maybe she wants to spend time with you, I don’t know. You say you love her and maybe it’s true. Nora thinks love will help her. But I also know love can cause problems, too. Look at what Brettito was doing for love. He was running with the wrong people making the wrong decisions, and it got him killed!” He rubbed his eyes so no tears could escape. “I don’t want to see Rafe hurting and living in torment again.”

  “I don’t want to hurt her,” said Eden finding her voice again.

  “Then think about what you’re doing, the words you say, and the consequences they may have,” he said evenly. “Rafe is so much better than she was when she got here. She is laughing and happy and living again. Don’t take her happiness away from her.”

  “I won’t,” she whispered. “I want her to be happy and have her family back. I do love her.”

  “Then this discussion of Rafaella’s childhood is now over,” said Gabri and put his hand on the file. “Remember, none of this is to be discussed, for Rafaella’s sake, with anyone.”

  “Of course,” said Eden, holding herself together.

  Gabri stood up, taking the file, placing it back in the cabinet, and locking it. He walked toward the office door. “Let’s go see what Nora and the baby are doing,” he said and held the door open for her.

  They made their way back downstairs and found Nora and Bronte in the music room. Nora was letting Bronte bang on the piano keys while she played some simple songs. She looked up at them and could see neither one was very happy. “I think she likes the piano,” Nora said as she smiled at them. “Gabri, come and play for her.”

  “Gabri, Mommy, watch me!” Bronte called and banged on the piano keys some more. Gabri took Nora’s place at the piano and began playing for Bronte.

  Nora motioned for Eden. “Let’s sit over here and listen,” she said and sat down with her. “Tell me how you met Rafe,” she said and put her hand on Eden comfortingly. “Was she irresistible or did you make her work for you?”

  Eden couldn’t help but smile when she remembered how they met. “She was irresistible.”

  29

  MONDAY, THE VILLA was filled with activity since the early hours of the morning. Nora De Angelis was happy because, so far, everything had gone well. Gabri, Stefano, and Rafe had actually put the furniture back
before people started showing up, as promised, and the place looked normal again. Lyka came back to work and had the kitchen running smoothly between what she was in charge of and what caterers were doing. Stefano had the schedule for everyone who reserved a studio time slot and was already helping a guest with a recording session.

  Outside, the gardener had the lawn and the landscaping looking great. The driver and the extra help he found had picked up musicians at the airport and train station on time. The tents were put up in the garden with lights for all the night time activity.

  Nora stepped out onto the back patio, and as she looked around, she couldn’t contain her excitement. Later tonight, they would go into town and listen to as many performers as they could and enjoy the festival. Later in the week, she and Gabri would have their own performances at the festival too.

  She looked down the path and saw Gabri driving the golf cart toward the tent with the sound system he needed to set up, and he waved when he saw her. There would be music at the villa tonight until early morning. Performers would be pumped up after playing at the festival. They would want to continue playing and singing while others would want to practice. Still others would just like to relax and play together for pure enjoyment.

  Nora caught sight of Rafe showing a guest to the pool and sending one of the many volunteer helpers for towels. Nora wondered if there was anything Rafe couldn’t do. She looked like a general or maybe, more appropriately, a foreman directing a work crew who worshiped her. She somehow had recruited all kinds of volunteers who showed up this morning and jumped at her every command with a smile. They had never had this much help during festival week. Nora made a mental note to ask her how she did it or to make sure Rafe was here for the festival every year from now on.

  Last night, Nora and Gabri talked with Eden and played with Bronte until after dark. They were hoping Rafe would come and join them, but she never came up. They invited Eden and her friend Julia out to listen to music at the festival and gave Eden tickets to a few special shows. They couldn’t invite them to stay at the villa since they already booked all the available rooms. Nora told Eden they didn’t know when they would be available the rest of the week because of the festival and all the guests they were expecting, and she seemed to understand. After Eden left Gabri walked back down to check on Rafe. Not long after she heard him come into their room and leave again. Nora knew he had taken Rafe a pill so she could sleep.

  “Hey,” said Rafe as she ran up to her with a smile and gave her a quick hug. “Gabri said I’m supposed to make sure you get some rest. So come on,” she said and began pulling Nora inside, “let’s go relax.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Nora laughed, glad taking the sleeping pill had helped Rafe. “There’s still a ton of work to be done.”

  “It’s under control,” Rafe insisted as she put her hand on Nora’s back and directed her inside with ease. “I’ve put Becky in charge of the volunteers, and she knows what to do.”

  “Who the hell is Becky?” Nora asked with a chuckle.

  “She’s a grad student who’s here working on her thesis,” Rafe informed her. “She’s very organized and motivated. It’ll be fine.”

  “Where did you find all those people,” she asked as Rafe helped her up the stairs.

  “Around,” said Rafe and grinned.

  They made it to Nora and Gabri’s suite, and Rafe happily helped Nora get out of her shoes and into bed for a rest before the evening activities.

  “Lay down with me, Rafe,” Nora requested.

  Rafe lay down on the bed facing her. “You’ve been up since before dawn, and Gabri said you’re supposed to rest and try to sleep. You’re not supposed to stay awake telling me all your plans and worries right now,” said Rafe as she got comfortable.

  “No,” said Nora softly, “that’s not why I want you here. I want to know how you’re doing. I feel responsible for bringing Eden here and making things worse for you. Gabri wasn’t very happy with me. I’m sorry.”

  The smile left Rafe’s face and her body tensed. “I’m fine,” she said evenly. “It’s not your fault. You were just trying to help.” She forced herself to relax her body. “Maybe you did help.”

  Nora smiled and rubbed Rafe’s arm. “I talked to Eden for a long time. We waited to see if you would come and say goodnight to her and Bronte. She told me a lot about herself and how you two met. She talked about your relationship before you left too. She told me all the things you both went through.” She watched as Rafe turned her face away. “She was angry at herself for upsetting you yesterday.” Nora poked Rafe in the ribs, and Rafe flinched and groaned. “She told me you kissed her,” she grinned. “Apparently, you make her lose her mind when you kiss her.” She chuckled.

  Rafe rolled her eyes and shook her head. “She didn’t tell you that.”

  “So, you did kiss her.” Nora laughed. “I knew it!”

  Rafe groaned and rolled over onto her back. “I didn’t kiss her.”

  “Oh, so you play hard to get,” Nora teased. “Is that how you get women to fall in love with you and follow you halfway across the world?”

  Rafe just gave her a quick smirk, not amused.

  “Okay, she didn’t tell me you kissed her,” she relented and sighed. “Well, it’s all very romantic, don’t you think?” Nora asked thoughtfully. “A woman is so desperately in love, she follows the object of her desire across the ocean to declare her love in hopes of living happily ever after. It’s a lot like one of Gabri’s songs.”

  “Hmph,” Rafe grunted. “Gabri never writes about the reasons they’re so far apart. Probably because it wouldn’t sell any CD’s, unless he starts writing country and western songs,” she quipped.

  “Or epic ballads,” Nora teased. “People love those if they’re done right.” Nora could see by her facial expression Rafe was thinking about yesterday. “Would you like to tell me about it?” she asked softly. “I’m a very good listener.”

  “I’m sure you are,” said Rafe and gave her a tolerant smile. “She didn’t declare her love,” she said softly and looked away. “I thought you said you and Gabri weren’t going to get involved in my relationship with Eden.”

  “No,” said Nora, her heart breaking for Rafe as she saw the sadness in the way she held her entire body now. “I said we weren’t making decisions about your relationship for you. There’s a difference between inserting ourselves and making decisions for you and being a friend you can talk with.” She put her hand on her arm to show her comfort.

  “I don’t even know where I would start if I wanted to talk to you about it,” said Rafe and put her arm over her head breaking away from Nora’s touch. “You need to get some rest.”

  “You don’t have to tell me everything that happened,” said Nora ignoring Rafe’s words about sleep. “Eden already told us the stuff you both were going through.”

  Rafe looked over at her with a confused frown. “She told you everything?”

  “Well, everything from her point of view,” said Nora softly lifting herself onto her elbow. “Why do you think she really traveled all this way to see you?”

  “What do you mean?” Rafe asked with a sigh.

  “I mean there’s got to be a reason she came and that she feels is important enough to need to see you in person,” said Nora thoughtfully. “Do you think it’s money?”

  “What?” Rafe asked with a scowl.

  “No, you’re right. It couldn’t be money,” said Nora waving the reason away. “You gave instructions for Gabri to make sure she had anything she asked for, and you’ve probably already left all your money to Bronte, so if anything happened to you,” she said coyly and shrugged. “You probably even made Eden executor or did something so she’d have access somehow.” Rafe rolled her eyes, and Nora laughed. “You did, didn’t you?”

  Rafe took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

  “I knew it!” Nora chuckled. “She told Gabri she loves you,” she paused, “so maybe you were wrong about the who
le closure thing, even if she didn’t declare it to you,” she pointed out, and Rafe didn’t respond. “Why would she come and say she loves you? What could saying she loves you help her get?” Nora thought for a moment. “Maybe she’s here to see how sick you are so she can sue you for full custody of the baby.”

  “She wouldn’t take custody away,” Rafe growled not liking what Nora was doing but trying not to show it. “She’s probably just saying it for Bronte’s sake.”

  “I’m sure you’re right,” said Nora seeing she had upset Rafe. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “She has your trust when it comes to the baby. I didn’t mean to make you doubt her. I’m just trying to figure out why you let her leave yesterday.”

  “I let her leave because I’m sick,” said Rafe and sat up. “I let her leave because I don’t have anything to offer her, and she deserves to have some happiness. I let her leave because of everything that happened, and I don’t know if I can trust her.” She closed her eyes and leaned her head into her hands.

  Nora sat up in bed and leaned against the headboard with a pillow behind her. “But you love her,” she said softly. “I can see how this is so hard for you.” She rubbed her hand over her belly as the baby moved inside her. “I think this kid is going to be an acrobat.” She moaned. “It feels like he’s constantly spinning in there just for fun.”

  Rafe sat up and turned to Nora with concern. “Are you okay? Do you need me to do anything for you?”

  “No,” said Nora as she held the side of her stomach. “I’m fine.” She looked back at Rafe and patted the bed. “Come here,” she said and waited for Rafe to decide if she would do it. Finally, Rafe climbed over, sat close to her, and ran her hand over Nora’s stomach feeling the baby move. “You know that Gabri and I love you, right?”

  “I know,” Rafe said softly and leaned against the headboard.

  “We want you to be happy and have love in your life,” said Nora. “Soon, we’ll be gone, traveling all over for Gabri’s music, and you’ll be here on your own. We worry about you a lot.”