by Tiya Rayne
“I know how they’re made.” I answer agitated.
“Well either you’re the Virgin Mary or you got some explaining to do.” I drop my fore head to my knees.
“You remember about six weeks ago we had that talk about New York?” I ask my words coming out muffled.
“Yeeeaahh!” She says dragging out the word.
“Well that night I met a guy on the road and I took him home and ….”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Alice shouts. “You picked up a stranger in the middle of the road and had sex with him?”
“You were the one that said try new things.” I say looking up at her.
“I meant skinny dipping or bungee jumping or getting drunk with me, not picking up some stranger for sex. That guy could have been a murderer.”
“I know, Alice.” I couldn’t stop the tears from falling from my eyes. Alice reaches out and pulls me to her side. I lay my head on her shoulder and cry, until Florence comes back and beats on the door for someone to come back to work.
“We’re coming, Florence. Jesus! Get the Depends out your ass.”
“Mama’s gonna kill me.” I say wiping my eyes.
“You are a grown ass woman, Lilly. Your mama got no say in what you do.” Alice obviously doesn’t know my mama.
“You know what’s worse?” I ask.
Alice sighs. “Can it get any worse?”
I ignore that. “I have no way of getting in contact with him.” He reminded me at least three more times that all we would have was that day. He said that once he went back home I wouldn’t see him again. He also asked if I was sure I wanted to give my virginity to someone I wouldn’t see again. I told him I was tired of hanging on to it anyway, wasn’t like I was holding it for a reason. He was so kind and made sure that my first time was very memorable. It hurt like hell but he was as gentle and slow as possible. I was thankful that after the first time the other few times weren’t painful at all. We spent the entire day talking and making love. He spent as much time with me as possible before he had no choice but to leave. He was so interested in me and my dreams. I told him about traveling and doing my photography. I showed him some pictures and he even took one with him. He said where he was from they didn’t have cameras. I thought that was peculiar but I also thought he might be pulling my leg. Now I’ll have a child and it will never even know its father.
“Come on girl.” Alice says standing to her feet and pulling me up beside her. “Before we get all worked up let’s head back to your place, get some pregnancy test and see if you’re even pregnant, ok? Who knows, it could be some bad Chinese food.” I smile brightly at her optimism. You know you’re in a bad fix when food poisoning is what you’re hoping for.
“What about work?”
“I’ll tell Paulie we both got some kind of bug.” She says waving my question away as if it was no big thing.
************
“What does this one say?” Alice asks on the other side of my bathroom door.
“Positive.” I answer. Five test, five positives, three cokes and one melt down later, I am sitting on the edge of my bathtub with my head in my hands. I guess it’s safe to say I’m pregnant. So this is happening? I’m going to have a kid. It could be worse, I don’t know how, but it could be.
“Hey don’t get all bent out of shape, you have options. I can take you over to Raleigh and you can get rid of…” I sling my bathroom door open and stand in front of Alice.
“No! I am not getting rid of my baby because I was too stupid to use a condom.” I say pushing pass her. She follows behind me.
“Think about this Lilly.” I turn on my heels so fast I almost give myself whiplash.
“Do you know what everyone told my Mama when she was pregnant with me?” I ask, but Alice knew it was a rhetorical question. “They told her to get rid of that mutt inside her, and that the only thing I or my Daddy would bring her was shame. Before I came into this world I was hated by my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and over half of the community. The only person that stood by my Mama side was her big brother Buddy. He told her that if she loved my father she had no reason to be ashamed of me. My Mother had her entire family against her but she kept me. I will not get rid of mine because it came at an inconvenient time. The only person who should be concerned about this baby is me, and if you have a problem with it there’s the door.” I state flopping down on the couch. I pull my knees up under me and place a pillow over my chest. Alice sits down beside me and pulls my head to her shoulder.
“I’m not going anywhere, and I’m sorry for even suggesting that.”
“I know it won’t be easy, Al, but I love my baby, even if it’s only the size of a peanut right now.” I say glancing down at my pillow covered belly.
“And I love your peanut baby too.” She says bumping my shoulder. We sat in silence for a moment longer both thinking about the long road ahead of me. I was so cautious in high school to make sure that this was never my outcome. I didn’t want to be another unwed teen mom. Even though I’m old enough now to take care of a baby, barely, I still feel as if I’m another statistic. I’m just another country girl that grew up from nothing and will end with nothing. God forbid I have to be like my mom and settle down with some alcoholic asshole that despises my child. That thought makes me shudder. “So tell me,” Alice says bringing me out of my depressing thoughts. "How was mystery man sex? I want all the dirty details. You owe me that much.” I laugh, thankful for the mood change and fill her in on the most amazing night of my life.
Chapter Five
“Silence, Artumis.” Avalia says holding up her hand. The room that was once in an up roar went silent immediately.
“I know what trouble the Immortals are facing.”
“Easy for you to say, the Elvin women aren’t being kidnapped.” Artumis shouts. In the blink of an eye I trace to his back and hold my sword at his throat.
“Do you wish to die today, Immortal King?” His three guards pull their swords. I laugh at their feeble attempt. Before they could even get close enough to me I would have this fat bastard’s head in my hands. “If you wish to survive this day you will watch your tongue towards my Queen.”
“It’s okay, Assassin.” Avalia spoke softly. “He is just upset that he cannot do more to help his people.” She says speaking to me in my head.
“He does not deserve the right to speak to you that way.”
“Please, Assassin.” I hold my blade against Artumis’s throat for a second longer then finally let him go, but not without making sure my blade nicked him first. I trace back by the Queen’s side and watch as my blade disappears before my eyes. Artumis touches his hand to his bleeding neck then pulls it away looking down at his bloody fingers. That’s right fat ass, I made you bleed.
“Artumis, I will forgive your outburst only because I know the western women are being hit the hardest. However, need I remind you that I have fought with the immortals in countless wars? My people have died on the same battlefield as yours. When you were still suckling from your mother’s breasts, I fought with your father against the centaurs in order to keep the kingdom you now claim. Therefore, do not ever question my loyalties again, or next time I will not stop the assassin’s blade.”
“Promise?” I ask telepathically.
A smile plays at the corner of her lips as she answers. “If he disrespects me again, I’ll kill him myself.” I chuckle under my breath. As I said before, the Queen can handle her own.
“Your Majesty.” Bartus states. “I apologize for Artumis’s stupidity.” Bartus shoots his eyes briefly to Artumis. “I think we would all feel better once we know who this chosen is. Have you had any luck tracking her down?”
Not long after the queen spoke of her prophecy, the Dark King discovered it. At first he would take pregnant women and have his witch test their womb for the twin kings. Once he realized the women wasn’t the mother of the prophecy he would release them, leaving them frightened and a little abused but alive. No
w, he takes the women pregnant or not and they never come back. He’s getting desperate. There are more and more shifter attacks on the villages each day. We have fought more in the last few years than we have in a lifetime. Everyone is in a dash to get their hands on the chosen mother of the twin kings.
“I have searched the entire Locke for this young woman. I feel her presence but I cannot locate her.”
“You have checked all my concubines?” Fisgal asks.
“Yes, Fisgal. Neither of them are the woman I seek. What about you, Geronis, have you bedded any new women since the last I checked?” Geronis looks a lot like his father, Fisgal. He too was tall and lean with long dreads.
“I will bring them to you.” Geronis says bowing his head. I swear those Eastern men have an intensive appetite for women. Fisgal alone has many children between his concubines, all in which he takes great care of.
The Queen sighs. “I only hope your selection is not as vast as your father’s.” The men in the room laugh.
“What of you, Rykan?”
“Rykan is to be married soon.” Bartus smacks his son on the back proudly. “He would never defile his future bride with that of another woman.” Rykan folds his arms across his chest and nods his head.
“Well, we are back where we started.” Avalia states putting her hands on her waist.
“What of you, Assassin?” Fisgal asks.
“What of me?” I counter leaning back in my seat. I prop my elbow up on the back of the chair with my feet stretched out in front of me.
“We have all paraded our women before the Queen.” Fisgal says pointing around the room. “Yet you have not. Have you not blessed any beds lately?” My body hums with anger. Not only does he have the audacity to challenge my sex life, but he reminds me that I have none. I have been without the touch of a woman for many years now. It seems I cannot find a woman that holds my attention. Although many have tried, none of them do I desire. Though my jaw flinches I don’t give away my emotions.
“The assassin has not been exempt from my search, Fisgal. I can assure you.”
“My apologies, Assassin, I did not mean to offend.” Fisgal holds his hand up to me with his palms out. I nod my acceptance.
“I think we are all a bit touchy. It will be better once the chosen is found. We can put forth all of our energy into keeping our future safe, and assuring her allegiance.” Bartus, the usual peace keeper, adds. The men in the room nod their heads solemnly. We were beaten down and tired. The only hope we have is finding the chosen one; the one that carries our future kings. After so many years it doesn’t seem likely.
“Lift up your head men.” Avalia shouts standing to her feet. All the men in the room shoot up in attention. “I look out at you and all I see is down trodden and beaten men. Have you lost your fight?” She asks holding her head up. “Our time is coming. The Locke has seen its last tyrant king. Do not grow weary on me now. You are THE Immortal kings. Your ancestors fought the giants and the trolls for this land. You do not have the right to grow tired.” Avalia says slamming her fist down on her throne. “The battles will not matter, your wounds will heal, and the dead will be celebrated. But I will fight to the death for our people and to bring the Locke back to its former glory. As long as I have the hope of better times I will throw myself on the Dark King’s blade to reclaim my land. But I will not go to battle with weak men. I fight with only the strong, so who will fight with me?” The cheers erupt around the room. Even I feel the motivation of the queen’s speech.
“Well done, your highness.” I speak telepathically nodding to Avalia.
She glances at me out the corner of her eye, “They needed uplifting. Plus, I cannot have sodden men leading my army.” I nod my head in agreement with her.
The Queen sits back down on her throne. “Go now, great kings, motivate your men. And Artumis, I will speak with the fairies and see if I can get more eyes out around your western borders.”
“Thank you, my Queen.”
“The council is dismissed.” One by one the men trace away. “May I speak with you alone, Assassin?” I stand from my seat and pull my pocket watch from my pocket. I do not regularly bring things back from the human realm; however this was a necessity to keep track of the mortal world.
“Am I keeping you from something?” Avalia’s voice asks with a hint of play in it.
“No.” I say slipping the watch back in my pocket. Avalia walks over to the tray of fruit sitting atop her banquet table. Our council meeting tonight was held in the Glass Castle, The Elf Queen’s home. It is not truly made of glass, but of crystal. The clear surface of the crystal reflects its surroundings giving it the nick-name glass. The castle is truly magnificent. When the sun is shining the crystal reflects rainbows all throughout the castle, and when the night comes the walls are a faded blue like a quiet ocean. Everything in the Elvin kingdom is created with this crystal. The queen’s castle sits in the middle of our land with its sixteen spires pointing up towards the sky. The queen’s throne room sat directly in the middle of the castle and it opens up to a large balcony that stretches out towards her kingdom like a bony finger summoning her people to her. Most of the elves live in apartment style homes that are created out of the crystal mountain that encircles our Kingdom.
“Tell me, Assassin, why haven’t I seen any of your conquest?” Avalia asks as she pops a grape into her mouth. More talk about my sex life. “You have been my protector for many centuries and even though no woman has been lucky enough to tie you down, many have graced your bed, until recently.”
“What is your point, Avalia?” The queen smiles, her silver dress sweeping across the floor as she strolls over to her balcony. I follow behind her checking the time on my pocket watch once again. Avalia turns suddenly and catches me.
“Something has changed with you.” She states.
“I am as loyal to you as always, my Queen.” I say with a bow.
“I don’t mean your loyalty, Assassin.” She says waving her hand dismissively. “I mean something personal. Every fourth day at the same time for the last two years you disappear out of the realm without telling me. I find you staring off in space in times of quiet, as if you’re thinking of something passionately.” I start to say something but the queen cut me off. “Who is she?” I stagger back at her accusation.
“My Queen,” I say placing my hand to my heart. “whatever do you mean?”
“Do not lie to me, Assassin. You are one of the few people I consider a true friend.” she says with her hands on her hips.
“Are you jealous, my Queen?” I ask jokingly.
I have known Avalia since I was just a boy. She came into my village seeking an assassin. She walked amongst the greatest fighters in our ranks looking pass all of the men. She was so beautiful to me even then. Of course she was 500 years older than my 17 years; I was still a boy to the men in my village. With her head held high, she looked pass all the Assassins and said “None of these will do. Is there anymore?” I heard our general say to her, “Only the young trainees, but they are not ready to protect someone of such importance.” Avalia glared at the general and said “Bring them forth.” As soon as her eyes landed on me she said, “Him, he will do.” I have been like a little brother to her ever since and even though she is beautiful I have too much respect for her to lust for her.
Avalia laughs at my joke, “You are still the arrogant young man I picked out many centuries ago.” I smile back at her.
“Yes, I think it was my good looks that caught your attention back then.”
“Do not try to change the subject, Assassin.” She places her arms across her chest. I place mine behind my back and begin to pace.
“Why do you assume it is a woman?”
“There is only one thing that makes a man act the way you do, a woman.” She turns to follow my pacing. “Do I need to check her for our future kings; surely no one will argue your lineage or their right to rule?” I still.
“It is not as you think. She does not
carry my child. She does not know I exist.” I laugh at that thought. The Queen’s eyebrows quirk up in surprise. “It is a long story.” I say rolling my eyes. She smiles brightly.
“I hope that you will tell me some time.” I didn’t answer, I just nod my head. If I could help it I would never tell her where I spend my Wednesdays.
“You may go, Assassin.” She says with a smile. “But I would love to meet the woman that has caught the eye of the great Assassin.”
“That, my Queen, will never happen.” I say as I trace away from the glass castle, not before hearing the queen’s high pitched laugh.
***************
After that first night I met Lilly, I tried to stay away from her. I did for the first week, but I could not get the bright-eyed little human out of my thoughts. I wondered if she was happy. Was she lonely? Was her step-father keeping his distance? Was she hurt and no one knew? I drove myself crazy that first week thinking of her. I finally convinced myself that if I checked on her one more time and made sure she was ok I would have her out of my system. However, that didn’t work. Every time I went to see her it gave me another reason to see her again. She, however, never even knows I’m there. I have watched her grow. Before my eyes she transformed from a curious little girl, to an awkward teenager, to a responsible adult. I was there when she lost her first tooth, I was there when she gave herself her first haircut, and I was even there for her high school and college graduation. I’ve been a silent force in her life and she wouldn’t even know me if I stood in front of her. When Lilly was younger I came to see her a few times a day. But as she grew, I felt as if I was being intrusive upon her privacy so I slowly cut back. I am now down to once a week. So, every Wednesday for the last two years I trace to the human realm to see Lilly.
Today, like every Wednesday, I am at her job in the back booth invisible to everyone around me. I smile as she rubs the butterfly pendant between her thumb and pointer finger.
