“Fair enough. Adam?”
“Cori, please carry out the orders Misti gives you, so long as they are not contrary to our agreement. Any questions, ask me.”
“Now then, Niona. Your actions were foolish and intemperate. You almost killed Adam, and only the prompt appearance of your sister saved his life. Here and now you will apologize to all of us for your loss of temper and overreaction to a situation that did not even concern you.”
“It did. I was there; you were not.”
“No, it concerned my idiot husband, not you. I will get to him in a minute. Now, apologize so we can move on. And if it isn’t heartfelt, don’t bother.”
“And if I refuse?”
“You must leave this residence and take up quarters in Nabataea and continue your work with your sister. But everyone must accept responsibility for their conduct. You were and are a source of disruption, and if we don’t find our way back to our happier beginning, we will allow our past to rule our present. If you are guiltless, then say so and leave.”
“I am not guiltless. I overreacted and should have restrained my emotions. I used powers I could not then adequately control out of anger and frustration. I don’t know why I did what I did. I never meant to. I lost control, then panicked. If Fionna had not come quickly, the only mortal, the only male I have ever loved would be dead, and the project ended because I was out of control. I regret my actions then, and everything I have done and said since. I have failed in my duty to my Master, have doubted him and caused dissention in our family. For that, I truly regret the pain I have caused.”
“Good. Now Alana, what have you to say?”
“Why should I say anything? I did not try to kill my husband; I merely asked him to banish his would-be assassin.”
“She is no would-be assassin, and you know that. Repeating a falsehood is beneath you and you know it. You have continued this prevarication even after Adam explained what happened and forgave Niona her momentary loss of control. Who among us has not lost our temper with Adam; who has not wanted to give him and swift kick in the ass? And, who are you to judge? To make non-negotiable demands of Adam in this time of war? You were not injured, and Niona is not a spy. She is bound to Adam; you know she cannot leave. Yet you asked the impossible? Why?”
Alana said nothing.
“Because you are jealous of the sisters and their sudden appearance on this stage, especially Niona; you resent that Adam married Niona. You fear your loss of influence and the love of your man who you desire to the point of exclusivity. You, my love, are an idiot, just like Adam. You not only deserve one another, you are both children, losing sight of the things that matter. There are many children here tonight, and they are what matters. They are the future of Paraiso and the world. The fight with Paulo looms large and will be much sooner than we all wish; the aftermath will be with us for the next one hundred years if not thousand years. Not to mention the fate awaiting Adam and the duty that Hecate would rather die than carry out. And you see Niona and wish she was never here. Well, too bad. She is here and please wake up to all she has done to make life better for the citizens of the City and for Paraiso. Niona and Fionna are possibly the keys to any chance Adam has to survive and to set Hecate free from a horrible task she has sworn not to fulfill. If the worst happens, we will lose the world. And you will be the angry dead weight around all of this.”
Alana was silent.
“What do you want, Alana?”
“I want for none of this to have ever happened, and for Adam to love me again. I want him home like before and to forget anything bad that ever entered our lives. I want Niona to forgive me. I want us to be a family again.”
“Then that is what we will do. Niona and her sister will continue the work they have begun, and the rest of us will go back to our jobs. Mine is to keep order.”
“Niona, do you forgive Alana for her misguided actions? In her defense, it did appear you were trying to kill Adam; her response was over the top, and pride prevented her relenting, but the mistake would have seemed the same to me too. You are powerful; forgiveness does not seem something too difficult to do.”
“Of course, I do. I never felt any anger toward Alana. I knew she was right to be angry. May I ask a favor in return?”
“Yes?”
“A hug from you both. A solemn promise that we bury the past.”
The ladies rushed to each other and held one another for a very long time, kissed and expressed remorse for their behavior.
Misti broke away. “That leaves you Adam. What have you got to say for yourself?”
“Ice cream anyone? Pistachio chocolate chip. Made it myself just this evening.”
“And, about your temper tantrums and insecurities? Your snap judgments and willingness to push away those who love you so quickly and easily. Alana and Hannah? You’re an idiot and a fool. They love you; they don’t always love the way you act. And they have reason to be angry. Listen to the way you talk, not what you say. You are right that there are bigger things we must contemplate, not this peeing out of territory. Just because you see the big picture does not make right your arrogant treatment of the women who love and protect you. You are husband, not Lord. Niona and others may call you Master; it does not mean tyrant. If you have troubles, we are here to help you carry those burdens. If you need counsel, we are all wise. And we are women who love you despite your vast shortcomings, of which there are many. You are a computer genius, not a wise man in every endeavor and subject matter in which you insist on claiming expertise. Know your limits in all matters that affect us all equally, and the world. Your wild actions have consequences. Interdependence must seep into your psyche and overcome the conceit and pride of ‘I’m always right because I think I am’. You aren’t. You don’t know everything.”
Misti paused.
“Finally, Adam, your imperious nature lately is pissing me off. That includes all of the rest of you ladies too. Especially you four whatever-you-are. If we mortals are so stupid and not your equals, then go; leave. Find those who are worthy and do something with them. You sisters are the worst, yet you marry and couple with a human? Have you told your kind? Doubtful, no matter what you claim. You are ashamed of Adam, a puny man. You have likely hidden the truth from your species and hope no one finds out. And if they do? Will you deny your union? I think you will, you cowards. I challenge the belief that you love Adam, or even know the meaning of the word. You think this is a game, an experience or experiment, and when you tire of our useless existence, and his, you will move on.”
Silence.
“I may tire of Adam on occasion, the know-it-all, but at least he does not judge like a hypocrite and look down on us. He is many things, but superiority has never entered that dim-witted skull. You, on the other hand, are thinking it now, aren’t you? I say stay and help if you choose; we can use you for that. But I counsel Adam to divorce you and set you free, not that you feel any bonds of loyalty and fidelity. None of you do. Is that not correct?”
“We are Immortals,” said Fionna. “I admit to it. We cannot be bound in this petty and irrelevant union with Adam and its restrictions, no matter what silly oaths we take. I wish congress with Adam, but his rules do not define my behavior. Not now, not ever.”
“Fidelity? Loyalty to family? To any of us at all?”
“Only if I choose, when I choose.”
“Niona?”
“I am Immortal. I serve my Master, Adam. That is my duty to my Master and my God.”
Misti continued, “I am sorry Adam, but this is reality. You cannot cling to these inconstant beings who do not share your values, hopes or dreams for a new world. Reflect on this deceit, this betrayal of everything you hoped they would be, then reflect on your wives and see them in a new light. Forget the slights and anger and past misdeeds and misgivings. Look to the present and the future. We are your love and your path. Jettison these arrogant creatures. Waste no more time on this path of destruction with these Immortals who want nothing m
ore than to make you into a lab rat of physical emotion. They have learned our culture and know how to manipulate us all. Thank God they are not working with Paulo. But they are still false friends and follow some other agenda, either theirs or someone else’s.”
“Is this true?” Adam looked at the sisters, then Cori.
Fionna said, “It is. It is how it must be. Niona is here to help you, but I am not. I am here to help her. Cori will never be one of you; her future lies with us. I never promised otherwise; never represented otherwise and never lied about my agenda or intentions. I enjoy Adam, and asked to marry him, but you are correct it was only to experience this human sensation of love and commitment, nothing more. That Adam is naïve and wants to believe more is at play is his ego, his arrogance, and his wish to be happy with all who love him. I do not love him; he is not Immortal, and he is beneath me. He deludes himself and the rest of you.”
“But not me,” said Hecate. “I am Immortal; not of your species. I am a creature of the Creator, not your God, Fionna. I have chosen to love and obey my Master, not like you three who have been forced to tolerate a mortal you detest. Niona must remain and help; it is her duty mandated by her God. But you, Fionna and Cori, may leave any time. If Niona bids you stay to assist her tasks, you are welcome with open arms. But the pretense is over. You should leave this home, find your own quarters, and avoid any contact with these inferiors you so detest. You sisters should stay away from Adam, and Cori is now prohibited from visiting any mortal, including Adam and Marie. You are not welcome in this family. Keep to yourselves or leave.”
Adam felt deflated and ignorant as never before.
He looked at the sisters, but they refused to meet his gaze. They simply took Cori by the hand and left.
Adam turned to his family. “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I never saw or suspected any of this.”
Misti said, “No time for that. We all have our share of the blame for ignorant behavior. Let’s move on to our future. We have much to discuss.”
“Tomorrow. Tonight, I shall return to my home with my wives and children and begin to learn again how to be husband, if they will have me.”
Alana was crying. “I only ever wanted to love you. Forgive me and let us begin again and relearn what we have forgotten.”
***
Within days, one by one, including Hannah and Vera, the ladies came to Adam asking him to replace their memories of these events, and lock them away in a room in their minds that could not ever be opened. Adam asked Noki to do the same for him, as did Kendra and the Ladies Cia and Eene. Only Misti retained the knowledge, and only to assure her family that this episode would never be repeated.
Chapter 20
Vera and Hannah returned home together that night, though the pain Vera felt did not originate in the events that began with Adam, Niona and Alana. Though she attended the meeting at Adam’s, where she stayed most of the time, a huge veil of sadness had descended upon her being and, alone at night, she cried. Adam had done his best to console her, but the fear that Hannah would never be hers, not as she had once been, made some days almost impossible to bear.
She discussed leaving Paraiso with Adam several times, thinking she had no role left of consequence; the only reason she was in the City was because Hannah mattered. Her pride, her self-esteem, were deeply wounded and she wanted to go home; home where her parents, such as they had been, were now buried. She was alone and afraid.
She took to visiting Bitsie Tolan, her old friend, but even Bitsie had found an odd form of love with Rafi; they were each excited and more than welcoming to have her visit and stay with them. After a while, she did. It was therapeutic having a friend from the old days, and her mind began to turn to playing chess or Monopoly to pass the time in the evenings; simple things, distractions from the immense sadness that haunted her waking hours. She cooked and cleaned and became close to Bitsie and Rafi; closer than ever before.
Bitsie said, “Please Vera come stay with us for as long as you wish. Rafi cares for me as though I am his queen. Or even girlfriend, which we both know is ridiculous. He’s been good to me, and for me, and even though we both know our time together will end one day, we are happy now. We live for the joy we feel for each other in the moment, without question, not for what might befall us later. I know we can make you smile and forget your sorrows, even if it is only for a while. And I need a woman around.”
“You just want to get into my pants; I know you Bitsie Tolan.”
“Into your pants and your happiness. I want my old friend back, not this sad creature who stands before us. Please come in and stay.”
Vera came in and stayed for weeks at a time, then returned to Adam. He waited for her return, always worried but always joyful when he saw her walking down the road and coming through his small white picket gate beneath the ivy trellis. He welcomed her, hugged her, and never failed to say how much he missed and loved her.
“You cannot leave. You mean too much to me and to our future. You have work to do. It will begin soon, then you will have no time to think of broken hearts or lost loves. I may have to lock you away somewhere. I propose my bedroom.”
“You and Bitsie Tolan. Always in my pants.”
“Stop your complaining. It could be worse. Luckily, there is no shortage of people who love you – and desire you. Me included”
“Maybe I’ve forgotten the feel of your touch. Perhaps …?”
“Tonight? I shall quit work early. I think sunset starts at noon today.”
“Why do we love you, Adam St. James? You’re no prize, truth be told.”
“I know; I’m definitely not. But I don’t question my good luck or your bad judgment.”
***
For Vera, the experiment with cohabitation with Hannah went slowly and poorly. When Vera was home, they slept is separate rooms. Hannah was silent, worked all day, cooked for herself and slept alone. One day Hannah came home to an empty residence. Vera was gone; she left divorce papers signed by the King on the table, and a note.
You will never change. You will never be happy with me, but I still have a chance to find love, real love. I am returning to Adam, who loves me and makes me the center of his world every moment we are together. I will also live with Bitsie and Rafi, who welcome me and know how to make me laugh and feel a part of their odd group of family and friends. They know when this is over they will one day part, he to marry and have children and she to find love among her gender. But they accept the happiness they have now, and every day, without question, and never look to a future that will be painful for one of them, or both of them, one day. You could not even do that for me; worse you have lost the man you love and will never possess him. Never. And in losing him, you have already lost me in the cruelest of ways. You deserve the emptiness you have earned. Stay away from me; I want no crocodile tears, no meaningless apologies nor any protestations of your foolish behavior or hollow promises to change. You will not; you promised me once before and lied. You have broken my heart for the final time; I trust you no longer. Please stay away, and do not speak a word to me. Please ask Raoul to visit me but keep your friend James away. If the sisters wish to visit, they are always welcome. Please don’t poison their minds with your selfish and cruel behavior or accuse me of causing any of this heartbreak. I wish I could say that I share the blame somehow, but I don’t. This was all your doing, not once but twice. Goodbye.
V
***
It was several days before all the women assembled with Adam, now back at his home with Alana, Kendra and his kids. Alana and Adam had made their peace, understanding the misplaced anger, false perceptions and the important matters that remained in which they each played central roles. Alana became more mindful of the shortness of time left to them as husband and wife, and she promised to make every moment count, even when he entertained his other wives. Lady Cia and Lady Eene visited and occasionally stayed for a few days; all worked hard yet made time for intimacy and for time filled with child
ren. Cia and Eene would soon give birth; others were now pregnant. Beata and her sisters had given birth and wanted to begin again before the dream was over. Even Misti was likewise infected with pregnancy fantasies and wanted to start right away; Adam could not understand why. Kendra’s child would soon join the world, though to her, one was more than enough. Noki’s twins were growing large inside her; soon Adam would have enough children to equip a sports team.
Vera asked Adam for the privilege of bearing him a child to which Adam readily assented.
“I didn’t know this was your desire. What changed?”
“I am wiser than before in what our world will demand of us all in the years to come. When you are gone, you must leave behind offspring to be taught by all who know and love what you meant to us, and to our world; of the commitments, pain and challenges you bore alone. Of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice you made for all who inhabit this planet. I cannot comprehend your agony in bearing such burdens alone, of the suffering you endured at the hands of those who claimed to love you. We were all selfish; wanting our share of you and more. Yet you seldom lashed out. You accepted it all. I’m certain Misti felt powerless to alter the events she could not control, though she tried. I know her pain grew overbearing; this is the reason she left. She could bear it no longer; but this is also the reason she returned. I bless the day she did.”
***
Several nights after the meeting with Misti in which she outed Fionna’s true agenda, a single hooded figure appeared at Adam’s front door. It was Niona, and she was alone.
“May I come in? I have something I wish to discuss with you and Alana, and I’m afraid it can’t wait.
“Come in.”
“I understand you are both unhappy with me about what Fionna said and I should have given voice to my own feelings, not let you believe that mine were hers. I didn’t speak as I should have, but that has led me to a fateful decision, and one for which I must know how you and Alana feel about me now. Try to remember how things were before that night, before Alana and I became so angry with each other, how we were when we all deeply loved our family and were happy. And yes, before I almost killed you and brought my sister to this place.”
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