Between

by Mary Ting

His punishment was mild, not what I had expected. But then again, what would I want Michael to do? Michael lay across my bed, propping his head up with his hand, and I sat next to him. He looked so dreamy it was extremely hard to focus on what I wanted to say when all I could think of were impure thoughts of us.

  I managed to fill him in on the details of what had happened in the gym. Then with several pauses from just staring at him and losing my train of thought, I finally managed to tell him about the experience I had in the bath tub, my dream of Gamma, and Mom’s dying friend. He looked at me the whole time with loving eyes, caressing my arms in a way that sent tingling sensations all over me.

  “Let me make up for the days I missed,” he flirted. He took my left hand, matching it flat against his. Then he lightly kissed each of my finger tips. “One for each day I was gone.” Then he kissed the back of my hand, up my arm, to my shoulder, up my neck, and finally stopped.

  My eyes were closed, trying to control my urge to kiss him. I opened them to see him only a breath away as he teased me by brushing his lips on mine. My heart hammered faster, wanting more as he brushed his lips down my neck. I was enjoying his attention when we were interrupted.

  I looked up, startled by their appearance. It was Davin and Vivian. They looked surprised too, seeing Michael and me in a tender loving position. Davin quickly covered Vivian’s eyes and then his. “Sorry! I guess we should have knocked on the…window? Or not come at all?” He peered through the opening of his fingers, looking to see if we would get upset. But Michael and I had already sat up, adjusting our appearances.

  “It’s okay, Davin,” I reassured.

  Vivian pushed his hand out of the way. “It’s nothing we haven’t seen before.”

  “But it’s not like the movies. It’s Michael and Claudia,” he said, grimacing. “I don’t want to have nightmares.”

  “You can’t even have dreams.”

  “Okay then, day dreams. I can have those.”

  Vivian shook her head, letting out a short laugh. “You have too many of those. And I have no idea of what.”

  “You don’t want to know.” He arched his brows.

  “Where’s Caleb?” Michael asked, breaking their conversation.

  “He’s still recovering,” Vivian replied.

  “Still? Wasn’t it just a puncture wound?” Michael asked.

  “It was. Thank goodness that it was just that. Apparently, their claws are made out of the same material that can actually kill us. It’s covered in steal or metal as a disguise.”

  “What would that be?” I asked.

  “The same crystal that your necklace is made from…the same crystal the Twelve swords are made from,” Michael replied.

  I placed my hand on the necklace, marveling at its beauty. How could something so beautiful be that dangerous to angels? I guessed everything had a weakness. Gamma would say, “what has a beginning must have an end.”

  “Only these crystals can kill any angels,” Vivian answered. “Except for the original angels.”

  “Unless they take my soul,” I muttered.

  Michael placed his hand on mine to give me comfort, to let me know he was there for me.

  “The crystal can’t hurt us unless it is pierced through our body. It’s like poison. Remember, Aliah was one of the first angels. He knows what can harm us,” Vivian stated.

  “This isn’t good; something isn’t right. How could he get ahold of it? He was locked away until the gate opened,” Michael said. “I guess we’ll have to ask him. Anyway, I’m glad Caleb is in recovery. I’m assuming Agnes is healing him?”

  “Yes,” Vivian replied. “He’s not happy that he can’t be here. But I do have to say those things looked hideous. Fighting a fallen is one thing, but fighting something without a face with only a black hole staring back at you and a body that is covered with what looks like a white sheet, is just scary. Hopefully, we eliminated all the white demons. So, since you and Davin are here, I can go?” She changed the subject.

  “Where’re you going?” I asked.

  “Don’t get mad ’cause it seems like I’m cheating on your store. But, you see, I’m getting tired of Fashion Wear, so…Holly said she’ll take me shopping. And I think Trinity is coming with us. Is that okay?” Vivian looked worried, like she just hurt my feelings.

  “Don’t be silly, Vivian. Have fun shopping. I’m glad you two are getting along.” I purposely said two instead of three, referring to Holly and not Trinity.

  “Well, it will be more like window shopping. They’ll find their mannequins clothes-less, that’s all.

  “You bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘window shopping,’” Davin teased.

  “You could do with some window shopping yourself.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with what I’m wearing,” Davin fought back.

  “It’s just the same thing every day.”

  “No, it’s not. Hey, at least I don’t smell.”

  “That’s what you think.”

  Michael and I sat there, listening, amused by their conversation as our heads turned from side to side, like watching a tennis match. Then they both looked at us. “Don’t say another word about us being brother and sister on our life on Earth,” Vivian huffed, but in a nice tone. “See you when I see you,” she said, and then she was gone.

  “Hey, that’s my line,” Davin snorted. “She did that on purpose. Oh, well. I guess I can find another on the Internet. Don’t mind me. Do what you want to do. I got an iTouch.” He pulled it out of his jeans’ pocket, held it up, and gave a big grin. “This thing is so cool. Gonna put these ear plugs on, listen to music, and surf the net. Maybe I can search for nightclubs. And oh, by the way, Michael, you would be amused. Did you know the humans have written songs about angels?” He gave a quick grin and turned.

  With that, he started to bob his head to the music. Michael chuckled, resting his hand on mine. “Maybe you and I should go somewhere else,” Michael suggested, grinning.

  “Where?”

  “You’ll see.”

  He lay me down gently. As we stared into each other’s eyes, he

  covered me with his massive wings, and it became dark.

  Chapter Seventeen

  He brought us to our waterfall. I gave him the biggest smile, immediately wrapped up in the romantic memories that Michael had created for me and that we had shared in the majesty of the place. I loved it there, and I was so happy that he brought us back. How I had missed this place. Just the beauty of it made me feel tranquil. The uniqueness of the grand, tall trees that enclosed the area gave it a secluded feel.

  Birds gracefully glided freely from the tips of the trees while the butterflies fluttered from petal to petal without a care in the world. There were flowers such as calla lilies of bright white mixed with purple and lavender. Surrounding the area, giant leaves of bold green made it more like something out of a fairytale then any real place in the world. The water was crystal clear with small ripples from the impact of the water flowing down from high above. It was purely a magical place.

  Back at home, fall was in full force. But the weather here was perfect, and I knew Michael had something to do with it. I looked up to where the water fell from above, remembering Davin standing there the last time. I was so busy marveling at this place, the trees, and the flowers that I didn’t notice Michael had jumped in until I heard a splash.

  “Michael,” I called, laughing. He was shirtless, that I knew for sure. But I couldn’t help but stare at his broad shoulders and wonder about the rest of him. I didn’t see any of his clothes on the ground.

  “Claudia, jump in.” He was trying to lure me in with his smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll catch you. You know I won’t let you fall.”

  I knew with all my heart that I was safe. “I didn’t bring anything.”

  “You don’t need anything.”

  “What?” Heat surfaced throughout my face from the thought. “I’m not skinny dipping. I need a bathing suit.”

 
; “What’s skinny dipping? I’m only asking you to jump in.”

  I kept forgetting that he was not familiar with things that were so typical for me. “I can’t swim in my jeans.”

  “Take them off. I won’t look,” he said playfully. He turned away from me.

  Last time, I thought he may have had eyes behind his head. I chuckled to myself thinking how silly my thoughts were. I took my tennis shoes off, wiggled out of my jeans, and pulled my sweater over my head. I was down to wearing just my bra and underwear. Even knowing there was no one around to watch, I covered myself the best I could with my hands and walked toward the edge.

  “I’m gonna jump in. I’ll count to three. When I say three, you catch me,” I said nervously.

  “Okay. I’m ready for you.”

  My stomach felt heavy, turning inside out. I didn’t know if I could do it, but I had to try. Step by step, I inched closer. “Okay…one…two…” I inhaled deeply. “Three.” I jumped in and Michael turned to catch me. I knew he got a glimpse of my almost naked body so I blushed on my way down.

  My head was out of the water, and I exhaled. As expected, the water felt warm.

  “Nice bathing suit,” he said, holding me tightly.

  I produced a huge smile and wrapped my arms around his neck. He pulled me in closer, placing my legs around his hips, and then placed his hands on my bottom. I gave a short gasp. It caused me to tingle inside, more so when I confirmed he was definitely clothesless. Me being almost naked and our bodies tangled the way they were aroused me so intensely that I couldn’t help myself. I dived in for a long, lingering, soft kiss on his lower lip. My fingers now laced in his hair, pulling him closer as our kisses intensified. I pulled back to exhale and gave him a playful, naughty look.

  Anchoring myself steady on his hips, I placed my arms behind me to unhook my bra. I couldn’t believe what I was doing. After I took it off, he gave me a big grin and blushed. I tossed it behind me, and it landed near my clothes. He drew me in; his chest against mine made me quiver and every pleasurable sense in my body had awakened. He began to softly suck my lips, tasting me, moving lower and lower. His hands gently caressed every inch of my back and heat exploded inside me. I desired him, wanting more than just kisses but not knowing what he wanted, when he started to slow down.

  “Michael,” I whispered. “Don’t stop.”

  “Claudia, I want you.” He continued with his kisses, but then he pulled slightly away with a deep breath. “We shouldn’t. You know we can’t have this. After this is over, I won’t be here and I will leave you with…” He paused. He didn’t know what to say.

  “Memories. Don’t you remember telling me memories are what keeps someone alive?” I spoke for him.

  “Yes, I remember. I’m sorry I brought you here, and I’m sorry that I love you when I shouldn’t.” His head rested on mine. “I told you I was no good for you. I will only hurt you in the end. Even knowing this, I can’t seem to control myself around you. I have absolutely no will power when it comes to you. How you have consumed my mind, heart, and soul is something I can’t explain.”

  “It’s called love. You can’t explain love. You feel it, need it, and want it,” I stated. “I know my heart will stop beating when you leave me. But I don’t care. I’ve never felt like this with anyone else before. And you loving me back is the greatest gift I could ask for. I would rather only have wonderful memories of us then not to have loved you at all. I will look back on all the things we shared and it will be my source of energy to move forward. Gamma once told me, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. And you take my breath away. I want to share any moments that take my breath away with you.”

  “You are absolutely right. How did you become so wise, my young one? You know I’m a lot older than I look,” he teased.

  I was glad he’d lightened up a bit. “You don’t even know how old you are.”

  “That’s true,” he said paddling his arms, seemingly heading us toward the waterfall.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, feeling a bit nervous, contemplating his move. “You’re not going right through the waterfall are you? Michael?”

  He gave me a playful smile. “I’m going to take your breath away.”

  “Michael. Ahhh!” I held him tightly, and we went through. Our hair was drenched coming out. Michael swept my hair back that covered my face. As I wiped the water off my eyes to clear my vision, I saw the most loving, blissful smile. We laughed like crazy. It was so much fun.

  “Swim with me,” he said.

  He saw the anxious look on my face. “I’m right here. You go first. I’ll be right behind you watching every stroke you take. And you know how I love to watch you.”

  I knew why he wanted me to swim. He knew I wasn’t a good swimmer. I nodded and detached myself away from his hold. He gave me a little push to help me with the momentum, and then I was on my own. With long strokes above the water, my feet quickly pedaled beneath.

  Michael was right behind me; I could feel his gaze. And knowing I was safe, I began to relax and enjoy the fact that I was swimming with Michael at this breathtaking place. We didn’t swim far. I was getting tired so I swam to the right. As I placed my hand on land to prop myself up a bit, I felt a pair of shoes.

  Surprised, I ducked lower to cover myself and looked up. The sun beamed right in my eyes, making it difficult to tell who it was. I blocked the light with my hand to find Davin standing there with his hands covering his eyes.

  “Davin, what are you doing here?”

  Davin slowly put his hand down. He didn’t answer my question; I think he was too embarrassed to find me undressed. “Ummm…Claudia, what happened to your clothes?” Davin asked in a scolding tone, but then he chuckled.

  “They’re right there.” I pointed by the boulders. “You can’t see anything, can you?” I knew I was safe to ask because only Michael had special vision. Michael was underneath the water tickling me, making me squirm as I spoke.

  “Where’s Michael?”

  Michael popped out, splashing water at us. He brushed his hair back. “Hi. Being peeping Tom again?”

  “No, not this time. Found a way to get Claudia to take her clothes off. That’s my man…or angel…or whatever.”

  Michael splashed more water on him. “You talk too much.”

  “Not as much as Austin,” Davin muttered.

  “What brings you here?” Michael asked.

  “Claudia, you want to come out?” Davin teased, lifting his brows. “I’ll help you.” He looked at Michael.

  “Very funny, Davin,” Michael said.

  “It was all good intentions, nothing else.” Davin winked. “The reason why I am here? To find you two. But I didn’t know you were swimming, especially without any clothes. I mean, it’s something I would do, but not Claudia, so I’m a little shocked.”

  Michael and I laughed. Davin continued. “It appears that Michael brings out the wild side in you.”

  “You’re not on topic,” Michael said.

  “Okay. The reason why I’m here again…you and I need to go back to Crossroads to rest up. I’m feeling a bit weak, and I know you are too. We need to be in top shape just in case we get surprise visits—meaning the demons and nothing good. The girls got a lead while they were shopping. They overheard information about strange incidents happening at a nightclub called Black Velvet. We’re planning to check it out this weekend.”

  “Who’s we?” Michael asked.

  “Us for sure and then I don’t know about the others.”

  “Don’t go looking for trouble. Let trouble come to us.”

  “We’ll never find Aliah. We’ll end up just killing demon spirits for who knows how long as they keep looking for Claudia. She’ll never be safe.”

  “Okay, but I don’t like the idea of using Claudia as bait.”

  “We won’t.”

  “I’ll take Claudia back home and meet you at the Crossroads. Who’s on watc
h?”

  “Your best friend,” Davin said in monotone. Then I knew it was Austin.

  “Then we can take our time,” Michael said. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “Okay, but don’t take too long. Remember what happened the last time we were here. And plus, Alexa Rose is waiting for you.”

  “Yes, Mother,” Michael jeered. “I’ve been searching for demons in the Betweens and as long as I was there, oddly, I was rejuvenated. It’s kind of like being at the Crossroads. That’s the reason why I was able to stay away for a longer period of time.”

  “The Betweens are a spiritual place. You would know better since you’ve been there.” Davin placed his hand under his chin, looking away in deep thoughts. “Your call. I’d rather be in top shape when I encounter those monsters. So, I’ll see you soon?”

  “I’m right behind you,” Michael said.

  “Claudia,” Davin called.

  “Yes, Davin?”

  “Peace out!” He looked at me for approval.

  “Peace out to you too,” I said, giving him a heartfelt, warm smile before bursting out laughing. He was adorable, making me smile and laugh as usual.

  With a blink of an eye, he was gone. Michael and I continued to swim. After we’d had enough, we came out. Michael had a towel, a pair of jeans, and a sweater that were mine in my tote bag ready for me. I dried off and put my clothes back on. Michael magically was back to wearing his jeans and this time wore a nice blue polo shirt. “I had it prepared. I was planning on bringing you back here.”

  “And getting me undressed…I like that part,” I teased.

  “That part was not planned.”

  “I didn’t mind,” I said.

  “I didn’t mind looking.” Then he held my hand and took me higher up where there was grass under a tree, a perfect place to have a picnic. Underneath the tree was the blue picnic blanket with the same wicker brown basket on top. “It’s getting late and you haven’t eaten. I thought you would be hungry, especially after the swim.”

  “Thanks,” I said, thinking he was always so thoughtful and concerned about my needs.