Just the Beginning

S   e   v   e   n

Just the Beginning

 

Avery

           

As I was standing up there on stage, a wave of regret washed over me as I remembered my trip back home and, my dear friend, Logos’ words. My mind flashed back to the past journey into the upper realm.

                          ›š

           

            I walked past the little rainbow colored cottages that were placed on the hillsides. The world was much brighter here. Almost like something you would see in a fairytale land. The sun bounced off the gold streets making everything glitter. There were no clouds in the sky leaving a perfect day ahead. Exotic creatures grazed in the distant fields. A sparkling stream flowed along side with fruit trees bringing forth every fruit imaginable. I got to my favorite fruit tree and plucked a bright blue bulb shaped fruit from its branch. This tree was one of a kind; it produced a new fruit every month. None were ever the same, but they were all equally delicious. I bit into its fuzzy flesh and let the sweet juice fill my mouth. The fruit and water here were the only things that would satisfy my hunger and thirst.

            The larger marble white building stood in glory just ahead. As I walked along the streets, a few residents looked up from their daily hobbies and waved. My mind was still focused on Claire and the answers that would help solve my problems. A hand rested on my shoulder stopping me abruptly.

            “What is your hurry, Avery?” The gentle and familiar voice asked. I turned to face him.

            “Hello, Logos. I was on my way to see the Creator.”

            “Oh, I see. Well, why did you not come to seek me out to at least say hello?”

            “I was in somewhat of a hurry and needed to get some answers as soon as possible.”  

            “There should be no hurry. Just because time is much faster on Earth than here, does not mean that you can not manage it to your discretion. After all, Protectors’ are gifted with time management and travel.” Logos said kindly.

            “Yes, but it is not time that I am hurrying for, it is distance.”

            “Oh, I think I understand. You miss Claire.”

            “Yes, that’s exactly it, but I don’t think that I am supposed to.”

            “Why don’t you talk to me about it?” He sat down on a nearby crystalline boulder.

            “I would, but I was really on my way to see the Creator though.”

            “Please, sit.” He gestured to the other side of the boulder. I sat. “You may feel free to go to your Creator at any time that you wish and I will not stop you, but as you very well know I am also here to give guidance. If you are currently battling with distance or time it would be wiser for you to get your information from someone that is directly in front of you. Your Creator and I will both have the same answers, you know that. It is always your choice, but there will be no difference in the information you receive from either one of us.”

            “You’re right. I suppose I was just looking for answers coming from Him.”

            “All answers that you find from my Father, you will also find from His Son. King and Prince are both royalty whether one lives in a palace and the other lives in a field.” Logos said smiling. I smiled in return even though I felt somewhat stupid for thinking that he wouldn’t know everything that his Father, the Creator and King did. They were both equal, yet two totally different individuals.

            “Well, according to Irena I don’t do my best as a Protector and I used to agree with her. Before Claire, I would have cared less. I wanted nothing to do with the job. Then it happened, and she’s my world, all I care about. Now I take it very seriously.”

            “Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? Her protection is supposed to mean something to you so that you make sure to protect her at all costs and to indeed take it very seriously.”

            “Yes, of course, but it’s more than that. It’s not that I have to protect her anymore it’s that I want to protect her.”

            “You mean to say that you’re having feelings for her outside of protecting?”

            “Well, yes. At least that’s how it feels. I get jealous of other human males when they’re around her and I desire to be with her in others ways than just a Protector.”

            “You’ve been a part of the human realm for so long that you’re starting to develop their emotions. It will conflict with your duty, but it will be difficult to ignore. Just try to find a balance and you have to make sure that Claire doesn’t begin to have the same desires as you or else there will be catastrophic consequences that occur in both of your lives.”

            “What kind of consequences?”

            “The kind of consequences that will cause painful decisions and punishments.”

            “So what do you suppose I do? I was planning on auditioning for Romeo as well as Claire for Juliet.”

            “If you have already made a commitment than you must follow through, but I advise you to keep it professional so that no emotions flow into a personal relationship. I know and understand how difficult it will be, but it is necessary.”

            “I appreciate your advice and perspective. I will do my very best to keep my distance, other than protecting her of course.”

            “I hope you will find a way to balance your duty and emotions without too much trouble.”

            “Thank you, Logos.” I held out my hand for him to shake. He stood up and looked at me with a quizzical expression.

            “Now, Avery, you know that’s not my preferred way to end a conversation. You really are learning human ways in place of our ways.” He wrapped his arms around me and gave me a tight hug and I hugged him right back, wrapping my arms around him in return. “Never forget me and who I am.” He said whispering in my ear. We let go and as I stared at the ground I repeated that one word back to him in response.

            “Never.”

            We both smiled at one another as if remembering an inside joke just between the two of us. Then I turned and began working towards the stream to consume a mouthful of water. I hadn’t had my last drink in a week, which was too long to be going without. Bending down and cupping my hands to fill them with water, I then splashed some on my face and brought my hands to my lips. The refreshing liquid dribbled onto my tongue, cooling my throat on the way down. It revived my dry body and gave me hydration.

            I turned back to wave to Logos, but he was already gone. I suppose it was my time to go home too. I would see Claire in a matter of seconds. 

 

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Claire

            “Bravo! Well done! Magnifico!” Ms. Argus shouted along with the rest of the crowd’s applause. I could just barely see movements going back and forth from the hands that repeatedly hit each other. My face shifted to red from the combination of all the attention and the hand that brushed against mine

            “Bow.” He whispered and so we both did. Then he grabbed my hand and led me off the stage while the clapping was still loud. We stood in the back while Ms. Argus stood up to quiet everyone down and give a final announcement.

            “Wonderfully done today. You’ve seen many performances, but the last one should be your inspiration. Remember the chemistry and emotion that is to be put into it. I will post the cast at the beginning of the week. Don’t forget to check. You may all feel free to be dismissed, except for Claire and Avery. May I see you both up here for a minute, please?” As everyone was exiting we both walked up side by side to our drama teacher.

            “You’re audition was phenomenal! I don’t want it to get around before the list becomes public, but I thought you both should know that I’m casting you as Romeo and Juliet. This way you get a few extra days to practice your lines together.”

            “Well, thank you Ms. Argus. We will definitely take advantage of the extra time.” I shot out before Avery could say anything. He had seemed to be taking charge of everything up until this point and now I wanted to put my say in. I didn’t know what his response would have been to that, and now that I had him within in arms reach I couldn’t loose him. I wanted answers and I wasn’t backing down.

            “Wonderful! I know you two are absolutely perfect together. You will make a beautiful Romeo and Juliet. What passion! But I know you probably want to get out of here and go home for the weekend. Don’t forget our first rehearsal is Wednesday.”

            “We won’t.” Avery said with a wink and a huge smile. His smile was one that just creates a weakness in you knees. You could even see its effect on Ms. Argus, but she tried to hide it by giving him an even bigger smile of her own in return. “Have a good weekend. We’ll see you next week.” He added putting his arm around my waist and guiding me out.

            “What was all that?” I asked releasing myself from his arm after when we reached a quiet place with just the two of us. He easily went along with my actions without a problem.

            “What was what?” He grinned that same smile that made my knees turn to rubber.

             “And stop smiling like that!” I yelled, even though I never wanted him to stop smiling, especially like that.

            “It’s how I smile. Is there something wrong with it?”

            “Well, no, but-“

            “But what?”

            “Never mind. Will you just explain what all that was back in there?”

            “Sure. Ms. Argus, St. Casper High’s drama teacher, was having auditions for the school’s spring production this year which happens to be a modernized twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.” He answered in an explanatory tone.

            “Well, yes, I know, but I wasn’t planning on auditioning.”

            “I know that and look at you now; you achieved one of your life long dreams. You are Juliet. Sometimes you just need a push or a pull to get going.”

            “I didn’t ask for a push! Or a pull! And how did you know I’ve always had a dream of being Juliet in a drama production?”

            “No, but you were asking for one, and I didn’t know that you had always dreamed of being Juliet.”

            “Yes you did. You just said that I now achieved one of my life long dreams. How did you know?”

            “I heard you over talking to Bobby about it.”

            “Bobby and I have never discussed my lifelong dreams to be Juliet. I’ll ask again: How did you know?”

            “I told you. You were talking to Bobby about it and I overheard. It’s a hard thing for one person to remember every little word that they’ve said so it doesn’t surprise me that you forgot this discussion.” He briefly squinted as he said it. What was the reason behind that squint?

            “That’s not the truth, but I will let you get by with your lie just because I have more important questions, of which I want truthful answers, to ask you instead.”

            “What do you want to ask me?” Avery said casually even though I could see a sliver of worry in his green eyes that he accidentally let sneak out.

            “What happened to me when we saw each other on your first day here?” His gesture grew serious.

            “Claire, you have to understand that this is neither the time nor the place to be asking these questions.” Sincerity and hope for understanding shaped the lines of his features into an unforgettable expression that showed truth and honesty.

            “You name a reasonable place and time and I’ll be there, but I’m not backing down until I get my answers.”

            “Some of the questions that you look to find peace in, their answer will only bring more worry and fear. There will be no going back. Are you sure that this is what you want?”

            “No doubt about it. If there’s gonna be rain than make it pour.”  

            “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.” He muttered underneath his breath with his head hung low and face towards the ground. He shook his head in a disapproval manner. He then answered to me in a more audible tone, looking up into my eyes. “You can’t say I didn’t warn you. Meet me at the edge of the forest right behind the graveyard at 7:00 at night on Sunday.”

            “Fine, you can bet on seeing me there.”

            “Alright. I will see you then.” He began to walk away.

            “Wait!” I yelled after him. He swung back to me with the most graceful movement imaginable.

            “Hmm?”

            “Won’t you be going to Becky Thomas’ wake tomorrow?”

            “No, I don’t believe so. Death is truly a tragic thing indeed, but it only brings true meaning to a person when you’ve spent time with them while they were living. Although I do give my condolences I think that it would be more of a waste than a benefit. I never met Becky.”

            “Oh, I see what you mean, but if you change your mind you can attend with me.”

            “Thank you for the offer. I’ll consider it, but I don’t think my mind will be easily changed.” 

            “Ok.” I tried to hide the disappointment from my voice. Did it seem to him that I was pushing him away? I know I was being firm, but was it coming off as me sounding mean? I certainly hoped that wasn’t the case.

            “I’ll see you on Sunday, though.” He reassured me with a wink.

            “Sounds like a date – I mean a plan.” Wow, that was close. I don’t want him to get that idea just yet either. He smiled a goofy grin that reminded me he was still a living being even within all his glory.

            “You got it.” He turned away once again and walked out the school’s front doors. The sky brightened in that instant, blinding me from seeing him walk into the parking lot. When it dulled back to its typical, cloudy, October sky, he was gone. It were as if a hidden magician were using Avery as his magic trick. Here one second and then POOF, gone the next.

 

© By Amanda Gloth