* * *
They silently ate breakfast as she let the mystery series, The Killing play in the background. She had watched it through several times, and decided that it was best that they have something on. The buzzer went off to the dryer and she got up, thankful to be able and leave the room. When she turned around, he was standing behind her again. She smiled, and handed him his clothes. The towel fell from around his waist and he stood in front of her, unabashed. He cracked a half smile and started putting on his pants. She had to hand it to him, he definitely was persistent. And he certainly had nothing to be ashamed over… Was it getting harder to breathe in here? She sucked in a few breaths, staring at his washboard abs. Damn him. After he was done, he shoved everything back into his pockets and leaned in for a hug. She quickly obliged, letting the hug linger longer than it should.
He was out the front door before she realized something. Racing down the hall and then downstairs, she jetted outside to his car. Daniel rolled down his window, smiling. “Wow that was fast. Was it my boyish charm?” She chuckled, unable to hide her grin.
“Nope, it’s your butt.” She wiggled her eyebrows and winked. They shared a laugh before finally she leaned down and cleared her throat. “I know of only one other place Lain might be. Can you meet me back here tonight?” Her breath caught in her throat at his emerald gaze. “Sure, sounds good,” Daniel murmured. Part of her knew it was an excuse to see him again, the other part desperately wanted to find Lain. She waved from the sidewalk as he pulled away, her eyes following the black Escalade all the way to the end of the street.
* * *
The ever-present blank screen greeted Celeste as she stared down at her phone. John hadn’t called back all day. It was nearly noon, where was he? She had picked up lunch after Daniel left, and swung by John’s loft to try and smooth things over. She wanted desperately to just talk with him, and to hold him. Truthfully, she wanted to prove to herself that all of her emotions were a product of loneliness. Normally, he left a message that he was going to have a busy day. Especially considering Sunday was usually their day. He worked hard on Saturday nights at the art gallery trying to push sales.
Maybe John was still upset. She wasn’t sure what she had done wrong. All that came to mind was that she hadn’t told John about the search for Lain. He had been under pressure lately, even more so once her father had found out about their engagement. Daddy was not pleased to put it mildly. John had never stayed angry for long─ this behavior was bizarre, even for him. She knocked on the door and frowned. No one answered─ she was at a complete loss. She walked over and scanned the parking lot. His car was still in its spot, it hadn’t moved since last week. She again called his phone, only to have it go straight to voicemail. If she didn’t hear from him in the next few hours, she was going to start calling local hospitals. How many people in her life would disappear? This had to be the curse returning. She knew that it was only a matter of time. Maybe now he would understand.
She paced back and forth in front of his loft, and then stopped at the mat in front. Hello, you weren’t here last week, she thought. Celeste glanced around to see if anyone was passing by, then dropped down and lifted the mat. She sighed in frustration, nothing was there. Well, there went that theory. She tossed the mat to the side and leaned against the door. Where was he? Damn it, John. Her fist found the door and she jumped at the loud noise as it echoed down the hall. She gaped at her fist and then at the large dent that framed her hand. A gleam of silver caught her eye at the top of the doorframe, and she looked up. It couldn’t be, she thought, quickly standing. It was. She stood on her toes and jumped a few times until her fingers brushed across the metal. It fell to the ground with a loud clink and she snatched it.
Celeste backed away from the door and stared openly at the giant dent. Her awe turned to fascination and she looked, almost comically, from her hand to the door. Either this place had the cheapest doors ever, or she became giant and green when she got angry. At this point, John’s safety worried her more. She would deal with this later, if it was in fact real. And what about the ground near the creek─ was that an illusion too? She was starting to feel uncomfortable in her own skin. Maybe she was right, maybe it wasn’t just the supernatural that caused all of this. Maybe it was her. Celeste’s hands shook as she shoved the key in the door. She barreled through, and her feet connected with something. Unable to react fast enough, she tripped and the floor rose up to meet with her chest.
* * *
The collision took her breath away and Celeste laid for several seconds fighting to catch her breath. The door slammed behind her and the lights came on. She rolled to her back and jumped to her feet. She tensed, bringing her arms up in a defensive position. She stared intently around the room and then her hands dropped to the side and she relaxed. That’s right, John had automatic lights. Nothing appeared to be out of place. His recent works were stacked in the living room and wrapped in cellophane. More than likely, he was getting them ready to be shipped overseas. He was extremely popular in Europe.
Her eyes wandered to the front door and saw what she tripped on. It was a foxlike stone creature crouched in a playful position. Its paw was extended in front cushioned by a pillow of clouds. The clouds wrapped around its body. From the clouds nine long, and full tails fanned out. The swirling clouds covered most of it, revealing only its ears and a sly smile. On the side of its face was a human shaped mask, smooth and lifeless. Where had she seen this before?
Celeste thought for a moment and then it clicked. That’s right, she had remembered seeing one of these creatures, many years ago─ a Kitsune. A Kitsune could have up to nine tails, so this one was very old and very wise. Irony at its finest, of course she would stumble on a trickster spirit. It grinned at her from the floor. She leaned down and got a closer look. This was not just a fox spirit─ it was a Nogitsune, a malevolent shape-shifter spirit that liked to cause havoc and refused to serve Inari O-kami, the deity of prosperity and good fortune. Both fox spirits were shape-shifters, but the difference was the intent of each deity. John had never created anything like this before. Most of his sculptures were of people or scenes from heaven described in scrolls or bibles. He was obsessed with heavenly beings, as were most of his clients. That was why they celebrated anytime John sold one, his last piece sold for two hundred and fifty thousand. They should have sold for more in all honesty.
It was never about money for him. His passion was sharing with others. That’s what she loved most about him. She smiled, thinking about his movements and how caught up he became when working on his art. It was trance-like and magnificent. And all of it meant nothing if he was lost to her. She burned with shame thinking about how weak she had been lately. She would never forgive herself if John disappeared before she could express her feelings to him. She decided to tell him the truth about what had happened. It was the right thing to do. She walked past the main living room area and then over to the narrow spiral staircase. Celeste had to make sure he wasn’t here.
John sometimes took medication that knocked him out for an entire day. He had been on seizure medication for as long as she knew him, but his migraines were another issue. He would take hydrocodone and be out for hours. She took off her shoes and made the ascent to the second floor. She smiled when she heard someone move around upstairs. Thank goodness, she had been really worried. Celeste couldn’t wait to wrap him up in a tight hug and tell him everything that had happened. She needed to hear him telling her to calm down and take her MEDs. Even Dr. Heisman sounded welcoming at this point. She practically skipped up the last steps as his bed came into view. He was bundled underneath them and cocooned. She giggled as she crossed the floor and hopped into bed. He turned under the sheets and the blankets fell partly down. She stared at the blonde waves as they cascaded around the slender body. Celeste eased herself off the side and walked around to look at the woman. She had soft, and innocent features. The blonde was dazzling against creamy skin, and perfect pink lips. She was so
incredibly beautiful─ and completely devoid of clothing. She took a step back and looked around, there were clothes everywhere.
The woman murmured in her sleep and then turned toward the wall. John’s wall. John’s room. Celeste felt sick. The room tilted as she stumbled down the stairs. She stepped over the fox demon and threw the key on the floor. She slid into her car and thrust her key in the ignition. Her hand felt hot, it burned─ burned with the promise of love and happiness─ the promise of years spent together and holding each other’s hand decade after decade until they became old and wrinkly. The ring boiled and blistered from all the love. She tore it from her hand and then threw it out the window.
11 the legend of orihime
Daniel and Celeste drove further west until they went north on Waterview Parkway. She glanced from house to house, trying to jog her memory over which one it was. On their second pass, she remembered and Daniel pulled over. They were trying one last place that she knew Lain might be. Carrie was Lain’s best friend and Celeste knew if anyone could tell her where Lain had gone, it would be her. Celeste got out and glanced up at Carrie’s house. It was a beautiful white plantation style home complete with four large pillars. The shutters were all painted a deep charcoal, almost black, and the yard was kept in pristine condition. She gaped at the perfection and knew that they rivaled her own gardens. Not a single tulip or gardenia looked out of place, and the boxwood was perfectly trimmed and rounded. The landscaping was impeccable. Colors of every spectrum surrounded them.
She smiled at the familiar oak trees that lined either side of the path. The path was one of those winding sorts that twisted from the curb and had a few steps every so many feet. As they walked up a few flights, the front door became visible. It was painted a bright cherry red─ complete with a large, golden knocker in the shape of a lion. Two additional lions stood guard in front of the door. They looked so real that she half expected them to get up and walk. It was stunning.
They climbed the last set of stairs and finally reached the front door. Daniel stepped in front of her and pushed the doorbell. His hand had barely left the button when the door cracked open. A darting pain shot through her skull. Celeste winced and grabbed her head. A low hum sounded as thousands of insects clicked and chattered around her. The frail woman stepped into the light. Her sharp eyes jumped from Daniel to Celeste, and she tapped her cane. All at once the noise stopped. Celeste sighed in relief as the terrible clicks subsided. What was that all about? She thought. Daniel uncovered his ears, looking just as confused as she was. “Sorry about that, can’t be too careful these days,” the old lady bellowed. She extended her hand and gripped Daniel’s in a firm handshake. “Name’s Matilda, what can I do you for?” Daniel smiled, “Afternoon, ma’am, I’m detective Wallis and this is─”
“Celeste, my god, it’s been damn near six months─ ever hear of a cell phone? It’s a strange and magical contraption used to communicate.” Matilda spoke the last sentence as if she were talking to a group of three year olds─ fanning her arms out as she said ‘communicate.’ Celeste burst out laughing. Same old Matilda, she never held anything back. Daniel quickly composed himself. “I see you two have met.” Celeste nodded at Daniel. Matilda turned and walked inside, “Well, you all going to come in, or are we going to collect dust on the porch?” Celeste shrugged at Daniel’s confused look and followed Matilda inside.
The hallway was surprisingly long. Most plantation homes Celeste had been in were known for their wide open foyer with either sweeping dual staircases, or one large staircase from the entrance. This was odd. Every inch of the hallway was lined in paintings. They must have been a newer addition, because they weren’t here the last time she stopped by.
Each painting was a night-time garden scene depicting a large, and intricate hedge maze. In the center was a path that divided around a three-tiered fountain and then met on the other side. On the fountain sat two girls, opposite of each other. They gazed at their own reflection in the still water. The light from the Moon kissed the two girls’ skin─ one was fair haired, and the other was raven haired. In the next scene, it depicted them walking along a road of crimson. Lining the walkway were tall bushes and various animal topiaries.
Celeste peered closer and realized they were distinct in shape and size, all twelve of them. The animals were clearly highlighted by the moon as the girls strolled hand in hand. There was a: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally the boar. She started, realizing what they represented─ the Chinese Zodiac. Each animal held a gift and bowed to the walkway. However, there was one topiary creature that sat alone on the opposite side of the rat.
It lay on its side, curled around its gift, asleep. She remembered a story as a child that her mother had told her: The rat, jealous of the cat’s beauty, decided to trick the cat and lie about which day the banquet was held for the animals in heaven with The Jade Emperor. The cat, not realizing the trick, slept through the feast and was never allowed a seat at the table. For this reason, the cat was never part of the Zodiac and hates the rat to this day. Celeste had always felt a deep sadness for the cat─ she pictured his lone form outside of the gates in heaven, staring in at the grand party in which he would never be a part of. To be separated from what you truly cared for, that was unforgivable. A profound sense of loss moved her, and she had to walk past to the next scene.
The golden haired maiden was dressed in a long, ruffled white dress, complete with separated bell sleeves, and a blue obi. The obi was traditionally worn around a kimono─ however, both of the girls were adorned in flowing, tiered dresses. The tails of the obi extending all the way to the ground behind them. The front of each dress came to just above the girls’ knee, and then tapered at an angle to the floor. In contrast, the dark-haired beauty was shrouded in black, with a red obi and matching black bell sleeves. Contrary to the smooth ruffles of the white dress, hers was trimmed with a jagged lace that sprouted from the bust of her gown and along the tops of her sleeves. Their hair was parted to the opposite side of the other girl’s, drawn up in an elegant side bun with locks that draped over their shoulders and reached to their waist. The shape of their hair reminded her of butterfly wings, especially since they had chains of silver and gold interlaced throughout the length of it.
Each girl’s sleeve and the bottom of their skirts were trimmed in the color of their obi. Celeste looked at their hands entwined, and noticed a thin string of red joining the two at the wrist. They smiled tenderly at one another, wrapped up in a world of their own. As they progressed down the path holding hands, a new section of the garden was revealed. She watched as they walked further away from the viewer to a fork in the path. Celeste was in awe of the size of the painting─ it was as tall as she stood, with the symbol for infinity far in the distance, above the branching road.
The oddity of the symbol was that it was overlapped by a secondary symbol for infinity, slightly ajar from the first. The girl’s backs were turned to Celeste and they each walked a separate path. The string had torn into two pieces from their wrists and trailed all the way back to the point of their disconnection, the tail of the string hanging intact and flapping in the wind. She traced her finger along the symbol, childlike in her fascination. These were not here the last time she had visited Matilda and Carrie. Something about them made her want to cry.
Celeste turned to find both Matilda and Daniel crossing the living room, and then into the dining area. She glanced back and then quickly caught up with them. Matilda’s voice was soft as she pulled out the chairs for them to sit, “You know, child, that painting is very old. Older than me,” she chuckled and pat Celeste on the shoulder. Matilda walked into the kitchen and returned with three cups and a pot of tea. She set them on the table and pointed toward the hall. “I dare say it’s been part of the family for centuries.” She walked to the back and sat down at the end of the table. “It was said to have been drawn by Orihime, woven just after the loss of her child,” Matilda finis
hed. Celeste gaped at her, “You mean, as in, the daughter of Tentei?” Matilda smiled, “None other,” she said.
Celeste beamed at Matilda as she poured herself some tea, “Do you have any idea how much that would go for in Japan? A piece like that would be a sensation. You should consider having it appraised.” Matilda just shook her head, “What would I do with all that money? I’d just have more of the grandkids holding out their hands. Carrie’s the only one with any sense around here.” Sadly, Celeste knew she was right. Most of the cousins had tried to steal away the family money. It all started with Carrie’s parents. Her mother was a journalist and her father was the camera man. They had followed a lead to cover in Iraq and Syria.
News traveled fast and Carrie was told, via TV, that her parents were not coming home. They had barely been there a few years and no one knew what happened to them. There were theories of a religious movement that tried to convert followers to their belief, and then released back to the U.S. Other theories suggested that Carrie’s father had been killed, and her mother sold in the human trafficking market. Either way it didn’t look promising.
That poor girl, like Lain, they had so much in common. It was no wonder they got along. It was sad that Lain didn’t have a supporting family to help her. That was one thing Celeste never understood about many families here. The sense of togetherness was almost non-existent. Even though her father was busy, he took the time to listen when she really needed him to. She had to be careful about what she said, because of his tendency to go overboard─ but she was truly blessed to have a father like him. Thankfully, Matilda wasn’t too old to take Carrie in and they granted her custody of the child.
Hell's Gate: Awakening - Book One Page 11
