The Dreamer, Her Angel and the Stars

by Linda S. North

  Ariel rose, and Kiernan leaped up as well. "No, Ariel, I'll let you decide--"

  "You'll let me decide? Let me?" Ariel challenged. There was a strained silence as each woman studied the other. Ariel waited to see what Kiernan's response would be.

  "I grant I have a tendency to be--overbearing. It's in my nature to dominate, to control--"

  "Who--you?" Ariel said sarcastically. "Dominate and control? I don't believe it." Staring at Kiernan, Ariel waited for an answer.

  "I'm willing to work on my control issues. Will you be willing to give me a chance? Give us a chance to make this work, so we can get through the next five years--on friendlier terms?"

  "I'll think about it and let you know. There are some issues we need to discuss, and I need to think about them."

  "When?"

  "When I'm ready," Ariel said in a surly tone.

  Ariel saw Kiernan's lips tighten briefly as if angry, but Kiernan took a breath and said calmly, "Take your time."

  "I think I'll go for a drive. I'm not sure when I'll get back."

  "Be careful. It rained overnight, and there might be slick patches on the road. Might I suggest you bundle up warmly? It's chilly out today, and I don't think your jacket will keep out the cold."

  "Yes, Mother."

  Kiernan rolled her eyes, but said softly and with sincerity, "I don't want you to get sick again."

  "I'm not taking the Harley. Today's forecast is for more rain, so I thought I would take my Ferrari and get used to the feel of it."

  "Have fun and drive safe."

  THE WATER CLOSEST to the riverbank gurgled and babbled like the belly of a hungry beast. Ariel tossed in another pebble, hearing the solid plunk as the current along the river's edge swallowed it up. She'd decided to drive her Ferrari along the road that skirted the Ocoee River before going to visit her family. The concentration on the road and the handling of her car took her mind off the earlier conversation with Kiernan until bits and pieces tumbled out, and she pulled over to a viewing area to review the proposal.

  As much as Ariel hated to admit it, Kiernan was right. She couldn't spend the next five years avoiding her. Soon there'd be the baby to consider. She instinctively knew Kiernan would be a vital part of the child's life and would take an interest in raising her. Ariel intended to participate in her child's life and development as well. Her influence on the child would be as important as Kiernan's. Even more so, since she would be responsible for childcare while Kiernan ran Stellardyne. No way would she stand by and let Kiernan run roughshod over her concerning her child's upbringing. She needed to make her wishes known. She needed to stand up to Kiernan and make some demands of her own, and now was time to do that.

  Kiernan needed her if she was to make her dreams come true, and with a sudden flash of insight, Ariel realized that if she stood up to her, there wasn't much Kiernan could do. She was trapped in this agreement and marriage for the next five years as was Ariel, and there was no way she could break the agreement, not if Ariel was willing to carry out her end of the bargain. She would see how serious Kiernan was about developing an amiable relationship. It would have to be one that was equal--where her input and thoughts were as important as Kiernan's.

  Problems remained. Could she let go of her hatred for Kiernan? Maybe it wasn't the hate she first felt when her anger was raw and very consuming. Since then, her anger had changed to resentment, though she did hate what Kiernan had done to her mother. To be fair, Ariel didn't think she was a total bitch. When she was ill, Kiernan had shown a tender and caring side. She apologized for her behavior for the night that led to the consummation. She knew Kiernan was sincere in her apology and regretted her threats and words.

  She decided she was willing to give Kiernan a fair chance. She might not hate her, but she didn't like a lot of things about her either, and she doubted she could ever trust her. Time would tell whether Kiernan was sincere and what her true nature actually was. Was Kiernan a selfish, manipulative, and conniving person? Or were the positive qualities she sometimes displayed actually her true personality?

  And what about this attraction she had to Kiernan? Could she control it? Did she want to? She was sure Kiernan wouldn't object to including sex in this dating thing.

  She remembered the feel of that firm body beneath her, evoking both a current of arousal and trepidation. That path might lead to falling into an emotional involvement she was unprepared for. She was still recovering from her relationship with Mysha. For the time being, she wouldn't go there. Ariel picked up one last pebble and tossed it in the river before turning to go.

  JOANNA STOPPED BAGGING leaves when she spotted a sporty red car with a familiar blonde head on the driver's side. The car pulled in the driveway behind her Saturn, and the twins dropped their rakes and ran over, touching and admiring the car before Ariel could open the door and slide out of the driver's seat.

  "Wow, Ariel, is this your car?" Seth said excitedly, his eyes wide with admiration.

  "Yes, it is."

  Leigh begged, "Take us for a ride in your car, please, please, please!"

  "Yeah," Seth said, "with the top down."

  "I don't even get a hug?" Ariel pouted while giving them puppy-dog eyes. They both hugged her with such enthusiasm they almost knocked her down.

  "Now will you take us for a ride?" Seth asked.

  "I will in a little while, but I don't know about having the top down. It's going to rain."

  "I get the front seat!" shouted Leigh.

  "I get the front," Seth said. "You're smaller and can squeeze into that place in the back."

  "No, you--"

  "All right you two, that's enough," Joanna ordered. "Finish raking and bagging these leaves, and let me talk to your sister."

  They went to do as told, and Ariel asked, "Where's the yard bot?"

  "The battery died, so I'm using my two standbys. You only need to charge them up with a pan of brownies."

  "I know brownies sure would work for me."

  "Stick around and I'll whip up a batch." Joanna gave the car an appreciative once over. "Nice wheels. Is this the car Kiernan gave you as a wedding gift?"

  "This is the one. Drives like a dream. I'll let you drive it."

  "No thanks, that's too much car for me to handle. I'll stick to the Saturn. Come on in and let me fix you a cup of hot tea."

  Ariel followed her into the house, and Joanna put the antique kettle on the stove. Both she and Ariel preferred tea brewed the old-fashioned way. Joanna bent down and kissed the top of Ariel's head before taking a seat across from her. "How are you?"

  "I'm okay. How are things here?" There was an edge to Ariel's voice, and Joanna knew things were not okay.

  "No complaints." She saw pain and uncertainty in Ariel's expression and softly asked, "What is it, sweetheart? What's wrong?"

  Ariel broke and wept. Joanna slid off her chair, knelt by Ariel, and took her daughter in her arms. Ariel hugged her close and sobbed on her shoulder while Joanna rubbed in comforting circles on her back, not saying anything, giving her the time she needed.

  After a time, Ariel brought her head up from the comforting shoulder and rubbed her eyes with the heels of her palms.

  Joanna stood and brought a towelette from the dispenser to Ariel, who wiped her eyes and face. Joanna lowered herself into the seat next to Ariel and took her hand, watching and waiting for her to speak when she was ready.

  With a tremulous breath, Ariel said, "I'm all confused right now--about things--about Kiernan."

  Joanna remained silent. She studied her daughter's pained face, brushed back a loose strand of hair, and stroked her cheek tenderly. The kettle shrieked. Joanna prepared their tea, handed Ariel a cup, took her own and once again sat across from Ariel.

  Ariel spooned up some creamer. "Kiernan would like for us to work toward a better relationship."

  "Oh?" Joanna knew there was a strain in the relationship, since Ariel hardly ever talked about Kiernan when she called and quickly changed the su
bject when Joanna brought up her name.

  "She says she wants us to date so we can learn more about each other."

  This surprised Joanna. "What does she mean--date?"

  Ariel stirred her tea and explained what Kiernan had proposed. At the end, Joanna said, "It sounds as if she's willing to try for more than the current arrangement. How do you feel about this?"

  "Part of me resents her for what she did. Another part--we will have a child together, and I think it's important we at least be on friendlier terms."

  Joanna took a sip of tea before saying, "I agree. Both you and Kiernan will be the biggest part of this child's life. She'll pick up on any strain in your relationship--that can be hard on a child."

  "I'm going to set some guidelines. Kiernan--she has a tendency to want to run things, and I'm not going to let her do that. If she's serious, she won't object to some things I want." There was a sureness of purpose in Ariel's voice, and her expression was one of certainty, leaving no doubt that she meant what she said.

  Joanna brought the cup up to her mouth to take a sip of tea, but in actuality, she was attempting to hide her smile. The old Ariel, the stubborn, persistent one, was starting to re-emerge, and Joanna couldn't feel more delighted. She'd been so worried about her for so long, but Ariel was finally showing her true strength again. It appeared Kiernan O'Shay would need to learn how to bend. A lot.

  KIERNAN HAD FINISHED dinner earlier and was now in her study checking her correspondence when the telecom beeped. She answered and perked up when she saw the silver-hair and gamine features of her cousin on the view-screen. "Beverly, how are you?"

  Beverly's hazel eyes sparkled. "I'm doing great. So, cuz, I see you've been busy these past couple of months."

  "My, my, news sure gets around, doesn't it?"

  "I was shocked, until I remembered this is Kiernan Deirdre O'Shay, and nothing should shock me where you're concerned."

  "Well, I do have a reputation to maintain. I can't let that slide."

  Beverly Markos was Kiernan's second cousin on her grandfather Philip Markos' side of the family. He had been Shanna O'Shay's significant other. Beverly was a year older than Kiernan and had always been prematurely gray, making her a striking woman with her youthful appearance, olive complexion, and hazel eyes. She was a lawyer in Atlanta and headed the World Equity Foundation, the best known pro bono group in the solar system which did work for the poor guaranteeing their basic rights of fair and decent wages, housing, medical care, and property.

  "Kiernan, your wedding has got to be the story of the year. Every time I go online to check the news, I see photos of you or your beautiful wife featured on every supposedly inside scoop."

  Kiernan grimaced. "I hope the photos do me justice. I know there couldn't be a bad photo of Ariel in existence. Don't tell me the hogwash in that--fiction."

  "I only look at the pictures. I don't read or listen to the gossip."

  "Ha! Sure you don't. So, what can I do for you, cuz?"

  "It's that time again, the dinner for the fundraiser. I have been sending you reminders for the past month and still haven't gotten your confirmation."

  The fundraiser had become one of the biggest social events, not only in the South, but also in the world. Only the wealthiest could afford to attend the one-hundred-thousand-dollar-a-plate dinner. Kiernan also privately gave an additional generous donation every year.

  "Uh--I've been busy."

  "Yes. I imagine you have been--busy." Her laugh was throaty and Kiernan rolled her eyes. "It's being held at the Norwood Country Club in Marietta, and I've already reserved a place for you and the missus."

  "Sure of yourself, aren't you?"

  "Of course I am. You know I would never forgive you if you missed."

  "We'll be there. When is it again?"

  Beverly gave her an incredulous look and said with a slight admonishing tone, "God, Kiernan, come down from your honeymoon high. Since when have you ever not known well in advance when the fundraiser is? It's two weeks away. November 16th."

  "I'll mark it on my calendar."

  "Hey, that's great. I can't wait to meet Ariel. She must be special if she can make you forget an important date."

  "Oh, that she is." Kiernan winked.

  "I'll let you go. I don't want to keep you away from your wife. Give my best to the missus. The poor thing--being married to you."

  Kiernan returned a Cheshire cat grin. "Give my best to Helen. Tell her I know a good divorce lawyer."

  Dr. Helen Ortiz was Beverly's wife. She was a contagious disease specialist at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

  Beverly stuck out her tongue and disconnected the call.

  Kiernan tapped her fingers on the desktop. This would be their first social event together and Ariel's first introduction to a part of Kiernan's society. She had no doubt Ariel had the ability to carry it off. But there would be those present who might view her as an upstart and believe she married Kiernan for her money and status. She would need to be vigilant and be there for Ariel.

  When Ariel came home, Kiernan would inform her about the event. She hoped Ariel remembered the part of the agreement where she would treat her with respect. She didn't expect Ariel to fawn all over her, but it would be nice if she were to show a modicum of liking.

  "MISS ARIEL," MRS. Belfort said, "if you like, I can heat some leftovers from dinner for you to take up to your suite."

  "No thanks, I've already eaten." She'd treated her mother and two siblings to dinner at Salty Dog's, and after dining, took the long route home, so they could enjoy riding in her car. The twins could barely squeeze into the seats in the back, but they hadn't complained except to say they wanted the top down.

  Mrs. Belfort said, "Well then, I'm done for the night. Have a pleasant evening."

  "Thanks, you too. Ah--Is Kiernan in her study?"

  "No, she retired to her suite around an hour ago."

  "Have a good night." Ariel climbed the stairs and paused at Kiernan's door, wondering whether she was still up or asleep. She didn't want to knock loudly and wake her, so she rapped lightly on the door.

  "Enter."

  Inside, she saw Kiernan relaxing in her recliner, dressed in a peach-colored robe and holding an e-reader which she placed on the chair arm. She pushed the chair down and stood.

  "Sorry if I'm interrupting," Ariel said, "If it's okay, I would like to talk.".

  "You didn't interrupt. Will you have a seat? Can I get you something to drink, a juice, or soda?"

  "No, thank you." Ariel took a seat at the end of the sofa, and Kiernan settled in at the other end. "I thought about what you said--about dating--and I'm willing to do that under certain conditions."

  "Yes, I'm listening."

  Ariel set her features and voice to sternness. "There will be no more of you trying to control my life, or this marriage, and making all the decisions. We will make them together when it concerns our marriage--and that of the child we will raise together."

  "I agree, we need to make decisions together that concern our future and that of our baby."

  "I'm serious, Kiernan, there will be no more of you trying to order me around--or telling me who I can visit, where I can go, and what I can wear."

  "If I do that--you let me know."

  "Don't worry, I most certainly will." Ariel hesitated and her voice softened. "I'll concede you did have a point about the possibility of the paparazzi tailing me. I'll endeavor to be careful and try to behave in a way that doesn't result in scandal." Ariel couldn't help but be amused by the thought that what she did was now newsworthy.

  Kiernan must have seen Ariel's amusement. "I'm not worried about that so much. I'm more concerned about your safety. You can do something completely innocent and the media will concoct some wild and outlandish story far removed from what happened. I would appreciate one thing though. When you get that tattoo could you have it in a discreet place to avoid it being splattered on every media outlet between Earth and Jup
iter?"

  Ariel mentally cringed when remembering telling that to Kiernan, and the circumstances. At the same time, she thought it amusing Kiernan had taken her threat seriously. "No need to worry. I'm not into body art--so no tattoo." Relief passed over Kiernan's features and Ariel couldn't help but add, "Yet."

  Kiernan must have figured Ariel was pulling her leg and said, "Can I pick out the design?"

  "Hmm, as long as it's not pink bunnies or bloody daggers stabbing a heart."

  "Damn. There go my first two choices."

  Ariel chuckled before changing the subject to something she needed to say. "Kiernan, I know the one driving force in your life is to fulfill your dream. I know you believe you have no choice but to adhere to the stipulation in your grandmother's will if you want that dream to come true. Your grandmother was cruel to do that to you. That said, I do think you had, and now have, a choice in the methods you use in trying to achieve that goal. I feel resentment toward you--and you know why. But I'm willing to work on being friends."

  Kiernan stayed silent, but Ariel saw the emotions race across her face: a swift flash of anger, of regret, and sadness.

  Kiernan studied the floor as if debating what to reply. Finally, she lifted her eyes to Ariel's. "Thanks for your honesty. All I'm asking is for you to give us a chance to become friends."

  Ariel saw the sincerity in the unwavering gaze and heard it in Kiernan's voice. She nodded. "Let's get back to the topic of dating. I was thinking we could take turns making suggestions about what to do."

  "That sounds good, and I'll have no problems with that. Might I make a suggestion?"

  "Yes, of course."

  "When we're not actively engaged in dating, do you think you might have dinner during the week with me here at home? I would prefer your company at the dinner table, and we can talk about our day and what we did."