Chapter 25 Chapter 24

Chapter 25 Chapter 24
CHAPTER 24

AILA

“Where are we exactly?” I asked while I try to drink in the view – how can the water be so…blue?

Caelon shakes with silent laughter, throwing his head back, “Caelon, where did you take me?”

“Hawaii, ma moitié, Maui island. Come on, we would have to explore the whole island and not have you gawk at the water alone.” He takes my hand and lead me towards the end of the shore at the foot of the cave where I guessed, no mortals has ever been before.

He waves his hand and opens the entrance to the cave. “Let’s go.”

“Why? What’s in there?”

“Stop asking and follow me,” The complaints I have been formulating died in my throat as I was dragged inside by Caelon, who seems so eager with the exploration. “Come on. I specially saved this view for you, no humans have ever seen it for it is not supposed to appear before them.”

“Wow!” I stand next to him, gob smacked; any form of words elluding my mind as I was momentarily struck dumb. The entrance opens up to a beautiful cove that contains shining rocks with a cerulean pond nestled in the middle where the sunlight is filtering in by the sizeable hole at the ceiling – letting in enough brightness to give beauty to the majestic view below.

“It’s like heaven.”

“Indeed,” Caelon nodded, not really listening to me as he started stripping off his clothes. I blushed, unable to stop myself from staring at his body.

It is so – godly.

“Don’t just stand there with your jumper and trousers on, strip it all down and join me!” Caelon dives in the water and later emerged, his hair like a dark halo around his face making him appear like a young boy. “Rubin, come on!”

“Alright, alright.” I rolled my eyes and hastily stripped off my clothes, shivering slightly as I stand by the edge of the water, looking at him wearily.

“What are you waiting for? Jump!”

I furiously shake my head and take a step back. Caelon sighs as he swam closer, just a meter away from where I was standing, “I’ll catch you, Rubin. Go on, just jump!”

I braced myself, closing my eyes as I pounced, not really sure of what I am doing.

Cold water bites my skin yet his warmth later envelopes me. He helps me up and steadied me above the water. I shivered, trying to tap my foot on the ground but it’s like a few feet deeper.

“Breathe, okay? I am here. I won’t leave you.” Still afraid of answering him, I reached out for his neck and latched on, making him laugh. Caelon waves his hand and I observed him as he summons a driftwood from the depth of the cove.

“Here, lean unto it. It will help you float.”

“But I don’t want to let you go.”

“No. You won’t let me go, you are just going to hold unto this wood and I will guide you.” I stared at Caelon’s eyes, whispering, “Caelon, I don’t want to let go.”

His face fell as he realize the weight and true meaning of my words. He let me float next to him, his arm securely holding me in place so that I won’t sink, “Shh, shh.”

“Can we stay there and not here? I don’t like water that much.” Caelon nodded in understanding and he guided me to the shallow part of the lake. “Here,” he indicated at the stone at the base, “Put your foot on it and hoist yourself up with this,” He softly said as he wraps the vines on my hand, pushing me up. I shivered as the cold wind hits my skin while Caelon followed, rising up from the water. He warmed me up by wrapping his arms around me, chanting words in the old tongue that momentarily soothe my raging nerves, calming me down.

Caelon brushed my cheeks with his fingers, caressing it gently, “Are you alright?”

I looked at his eyes and nodded, “I am now.” I gave him a little smile, sighing, “Can we do something that is more fun?”

“Right then, if I have bored you that much, I shall make this next thing…exciting. But first, put your clothes on.” I looked down to point out that we are still dripping when I notice the lack of water droplets from my skin. Shaking my head, I hastily put my clothes on, grabbing his arm as Caelon flicked his hand.

The cove faded back and suddenly we are standing in a street where Gaeans pass us by – Italians  in particular.

The fountain of love stands in the middle of where we have currently materialized.

Unaware mortals sat next to it, throwing coins and wishes, oblivious about the cherubs that are currently eavesdropping about their desires. The cherubs lingered next to couples, spying just like how they used to when I am watching them back at Eros.

“It’s a pity, I cannot see them anymore.” I whispered more to myself as I try to spot Ole Boi amongst the crowd. Caelon rolled his eyes, pulling slightly at a stunted man who is sporting a pipe, glaring at us with those droopy yet piercing blue eyes, “Ole Boi?”

The stunted man’s eyes widen at my mention of his true name. I have not expected for him to run up to me, hugging my legs, “Oh, mistress.”

“How’ve you been?”

“You know the usual – requesting love partners, granting wishes there and here, just dull and sometimes exciting job as how it all should be.” Ole Boi drawled, rolling his eyes before glaring at Caelon, who matched his hateful gaze. “I must go now, mistress. Dwelling  with such dark negative power contained by a Dieoublie was never good occurrence with us.  Jinx in my job I say, every time I see him!”

“Why you little –“ I stand in front of Caelon, worriedly watching Ole Boi as he barely escape the wrath of him. “I am going to strangle you, someday, you little imp with wings. Just wait until I get my hands around your neck and you’ll be dead meat the next time you open your foul mouth.”

“Caelon,” he instantly relaxed as I put my hand on his arm. His gaze focused on mine, he huffed.

“This is not so exciting. Let’s go somewhere else.” I need not to put my hand on his arm as he takes it and flicked his own, the fountain of love fading to reveal the Lakhowt Island.

I watch  as Caelon walks away from me and settled down on the cold, damp earth. I quietly followed him, a bit confused as to why he took me here when I made it clear that I never liked such relentless rain.

“Hold out your arm.” I do as he asked and gasped when I saw the numbers.

“You’ve only got twenty four hours left.” He sighed, “Come on, I’ll make some chowder for you.” Caelon take me in his arms and he lifted me, carrying me up the hill with such ease.

“Can you let me watch you prepare?” Caelon just nodded, his eyes focused onwards as he opens the door to the cottage, heading straight for the kitchen.

He took longer than usual to prepare a meal and I love how it relaxed me as I curiously watched him. He sliced a hole out of the bread and asked me to clean it for him so we can use it as a bowl. I was so occupied with the bread bowl that I have not noticed Caelon who has already finished with the soup.

“Can I do it?”

Caelon hesitated before he nodded at me. I gave him a tiny smile, whispering as I ladled a serving for him, “I am so glad, my soon-to-be husband can cook. We will never starve.”

Caelon shakes his head at me and the both of us shared the bowl, occasionally discussing Emyr and how he will react to a new menu. I also acknowledged the creative idea of using a bread bowl and how it was such a convenient thing to use, saving me from having to wash the dishes.

Because I have no chores to do, we proceeded at the living room and sat by the sofa, “Would you like to watch some movies?”

“Movies?”

“Yes, ma moitié, it is like a television program but it runs for two hours at max. It comes with different genre such as comedy, romance, horror, action, the list goes on.”

I debated at the options, cocking my head to the side, “ Can we watch some horror movies? I am quite curious as to what it is about,” I snuggled close to Caelon as he smirked at me.



The suspense I can handle; the sound that accompanies the moving pictures is bearable but when the lady pushed the little boy – I do one thing I am very good at, I screamed!

“Will you stop it? Ugh – I shouldn’t have suggested movies in the first place if I have known.” Caelon avoided the slap I am directing on his face as he held my hands on his lap. “Caelon Bloody Rouen – Aaaah!”

“Please! Stop screaming and bloody watch it quietly. La llorona isn’t going to bolt out and-“

“Aaah!”

“Oh, Zeus! Mighty powerful god, help me. My eardrums isn’t going to survive if you kept  tothis –“

“Turn it off, now. Turn it off, Caelon – I can’t – turn it off, NOW!”

I reached out my hand and snatched the remote control from his, gritting my teeth as I directed the remote at the television. My eyes when the volume goes up and Caelon doubled over in laughter. I can’t help but scream as the movie goes on and I cannot even turn it off.

Caelon finally stopped and I chucked the control at him, covering my ears as I watch him turn it off. I let out a huff, throwing another slap on Caelon’s arm.

“Ow, that really hurt!”

“Well, it’s supposed to feel that way,” I snapped, turning away from him only to hear him snort as he tried to stop his laughter, failing miserably. “It is not funny, Caelon. What I just experience is not funny.” I glared at him, fighting the urge to hit him again.

“Alright,” he raised his hands up and bowed his head, “I know it is very scary but some scenes gave me a laugh specially when you are trying to use my arm to shield your eyes. I’m sure you quite enjoy it yourself.” I rolled my eyes at his lame reasons, leaning away from him. “Now that you are hype up, let me take you somewhere.” He did not wait for my answer as he takes my hand and flicked his.

I watch as the living room dissolves and we found ourselves sitting down on a bench, facing the largest carnival I have ever seen.

“Wow.”

Screams pierced my eardrums and I eyed the long caterpillar-like vehicle which barrelled down the rickety rail. There is a giant wheel that spins in all directions and I am pretty sure that there is more to what I am seeing right now. I stared up at Caelon to see him beaming from ear to ear, “Come on!”

He yanked me inside the carnival; both of our faces splitting because of the grin we are sporting, our excitement full to the brim.

“Caelon, what’s that big caterpillar-like thing?”

“It’s called a roller coaster. You wanna try that first?”

I nodded at him and Caelon assisted me as we lined up behind ten more people who are equally excited as we are. Caelon pressed his wrist and I nudged him, noticing the beats he is gathering. “What? I have to survive too, you know.”

I shake my head at him, happily sneaking under the warmth of his body as I leaned closer. The guy that is manning the vehicle wave us all inside while he lets the others off. Caelon wriggled pass the others as he aimed for the front seat.

He safely tucked me in, tightening some belt on my waist that made my breath hitch, his hand lingering down to the part where I felt quite alarmed and embarrassed. “Caelon, uhm, what’s taking you so long down there?”

I blush profusely when Caelon smirked at me, the two other girls from the back letting out giggle as they look at us.

I wasn’t given any chance to glare at them when the ride lurches and picks up speed and we steadily climb up the steep railing. Caelon glanced at me, biting his lip, “What is it?”

The ride slows down as we reached the top, Caelon still smiling, “Wait for it.”

I glared at his words, not getting what he meant by that. I was about to open my mouth to ask him a question only to hold tight on my seat, “Caaaaaeluuuuuuum!”

The wind felt like it is almost a solid wall as we plunged down the ten meter rise. Everybody is screaming except for Caelon who raised his hands, laughing. After I got over my shock, I mimicked his moves – raising my hands , “Woohoo!”

Caelon lets out a howl as we both laughed, enjoying ourselves.

I guess this is the best five minutes of my life.

The exhilaration soon died as our ride slows down. The man ushered us out of the roller coaster, bidding us goodbye and wishing for us to ride once again. I turned at Caelon, shaking with excitement, “Caelon, can we ride again?”

Caelon did not answer me, instead he led me at the spinning ride and we quickly entered as they were about to close the gates. Caelon directed us to a floating chair and he secured me with chains, sitting next to me. “Hold on tight.”

Those were the last words I hear before the loud blaring siren drove me deaf for a minute, muting my scream down to a muffled one as it began to spin. Caelon is tightly holding my hands and I laughed out loud, enjoying the feel of the wind with Caelon closed by – holding me like he won’t allow me to leave this ride.

We explored the carnival until the sun finally sets, showering us with vibrant red and orange while the dark looming clouds from afar promised a rain tonight. Caelon pushed a pink cloud thing that sits on top of a stick, on my hand and gave me a smile. He snatched a fluff on the sides and popped it in his mouth.

Did he just ate -?

“Try it before you judge.”

“I never expected that they sell and consume clouds here on earth. The last time I check, the clouds are purely made of vapor, mostly water.” Caelon rolled his eyes before stuffing a fluff inside my mouth. I am about to spit the thing out when I realize that it has already melted.

“Oh!”

“Oh.” Caelon smirked, “Good?”

“Um, let me have another go at it before I tell you about my opinion.” Caelon smirked holding out a large clump of the cloud thing next to my mouth. “Hmm, it is sweet – I wonder how they do this.”

“Don’t be too amazed. They simply heat the sugar and spin it unto this stick. They call this, candy floss .” Caelon stuffed the cloud delight on my hand and finished his popcorn, “There’s one ride we haven’t tried yet, come on!”

He dragged me over the big wheel that is turning slowly, guiding me as we load inside the metal baskets. The big wheel ascends and I am mesmerized, “This ride is called a Ferris wheel.”

“Fairies wheel?”

“Look there!” Caelon pointed far across the land where a burst of red spark light up the night sky. After a while, another one flew up and erupted, showering the sky with green lights.

“What is that?” I asked, still enraptured by the beauty of the sparks that I haven’t noticed him as he draw close, “It’s called fireworks.”

He whispered, his lips only a centimeter away. I smiled grabbing the back of his neck so I can kiss him fully on the lips.

I can feel the carriage moving down and soon enough  a flash broke us off. Thinking of fireworks, I worriedly look around to check for any signs of them when I saw a person, handing out a piece of shining paper while he held a box on his other hand. “Two dollars for this, dear, not part of the package!”

Caelon rolled his eyes, ignoring the guys mutterings as he crashed his lips on mine for the second time. The sudden flash blinding me made me close my eyes as I felt my cheeks heat up of embarrassment.

He pulled away slightly, his arms still around me as he reach out for the guy to hand him some papers. Caelon takes the shining paper, holding it up on the lights so I can see my blushing face being kissed by no other than Caelon, “Look, Rubin. We got some decent pictures before our wedding.”

Caelon pulled me out of the carriage as they started to let others in.  We headed by the dimly lit alley and Caelon flicked his hand, bringing us back to the field that is overwhelmed by darkness - the sky inky black in colour, dusted with bright shining stars that twinkles.

I smiled bitterly, looking down on my wrist -less than fourteen hours left.

“Come here and lay your head on my chest,” Caelon whispered as he spread the blanket down on the grass. I followed him as he lower himself down on the earth, stretching his arms and I lay my head over his chest so that I can hear his heart, beating.

“I love you, Aila.” He kissed my forehead and it warmed my whole being.

I will never get over this emotions I feel. Even if Hades will take my soul from me, I will make sure that I won’t forget how Caelon’s kisses made me feel.

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