by S. L. Morgan
She kept her eyes closed throughout the entire ride, savoring the final moments of being near him. When Levi called back to prepare her for crossing over the Pemdas barriers, she opened her eyes and was confused by her surroundings. She had never traveled this way back to Earth before. This isn’t the way we traveled through the vortex out of Philadelphia. She inwardly thought.
The red-leaved trees were nowhere to be found; instead, there were tall cliffs surrounding them. If she had not witnessed Areion leap over the barrier, she wouldn’t have believed they were on their way out of the dimension of Pemdas.
They approached a short stone wall, and on the other side of it, a black Pemdai vehicle awaited them. Once they dismounted, Levi commanded Areion to return to the palace stables, and she questioned where on Earth he was taking her. She looked up at him, hoping to see that his expression had changed. It hadn’t, and she was left to question what was going on. As they approached the Pemdai vehicle, she watched in disbelief as Harrison stepped out of the driver’s side.
She was comforted when he smiled widely at her. “And now…it is finally us three again!” he shouted.
“I guess it is.” Reece answered softly.
Levi guided Reece to the passenger seat of the car, and sat in the back behind her. Feeling uncomfortable, she remained silent the entire time. It didn’t help her discomfort that, as they sped down the road, and everyone else sat in silence as well.
Reece found solace in staring out the front windshield, wishing they would hurry and get to where both men were planning to bring take her. None of this was normal, and she couldn’t help but think it was about to end badly for her.
Her wishes were quickly granted when they made it through the vortex. Now they were on Earth; but, she had no idea where. They sped through winding roads in the countryside somewhere. As they approached a private airport, Reece looked at Harrison curiously.
He smirked, “You will be thanking me later for this, I assure you.”
She gazed out of the front windshield again and noticed that Harrison was pulling up to a large black helicopter. Thanking him? For what, a helicopter ride? Reece didn’t know what to think. She didn’t know where they were, but the land that they traveled through was absolutely beautiful.
Once they were parked, Harrison quickly got out of the car and opened her door.
“Welcome to Greece, my friend,” he proclaimed, as he helped her out of the car.
Reece looked at Harrison in surprise. She finally gained the courage to question him. “Greece? Why are we back on Earth? Is it safe?”
Harrison took her arm gracefully and placed it into his while guiding her toward the helicopter.
“Reece, if it was unsafe, we would have not returned. Now, do not be mistaken; since you are the most sought-out individual in every domain, you will be heavily guarded by Pemdai warriors. Nevertheless, have no fear, as you will not even notice the Guardians amongst you on this visit.”
“You’re not bringing me back to live here?” she inquired, still confused about everything that was occurring.
“Of course we are not returning you to Earth to live here.” He looked down at her, shocked at her remark. “Reece, we are bringing you back for a little vacation. We figured you missing your life on Earth may be the cause for your irritability lately, so we sought out a wonderful area for you to return to.”
She had definitely done more than cause a scene between only her and Levi. It was sickening, but at least Harrison was in decent spirits about having to do this. Levi, on the other hand, was acting quite the opposite. He went directly from the car to the pilot’s door of the helicopter without saying a single word. She realized then that this would probably be an uncomfortable vacation with him acting this way. The last thing she wanted was to see that he had no desire to do this or to be around her.
Harrison led Reece to the passenger side of the luxurious helicopter, and she looked at him in amazement. “You guys have a helicopter, too?”
Harrison smiled sympathetically down at her. “Reece, as I told you that day in Scotland on our aircraft; you would be surprised at how we get around protecting Earth.”
Once she was in the helicopter seat, Harrison fastened her safety harness. He reached for a headset, and handed it to her. “Levi will communicate with you through these during the flight.”
“You’re not coming with us?”
“Someone has to get the car to the location where we’ll be staying.” He glanced over at Levi, and then back at Reece. “And Levi’s favorite vehicle to operate is a helicopter, so being the kind man that I am, I let him have his way.”
Reece glanced over at Levi, only to find him glaring at Harrison before abruptly bringing his attention back to the gauges in front of him. Yeah, Levi seems absolutely thrilled to be flying the psycho ex-girlfriend around.
“Now, enjoy yourselves. I will see you both later this evening,” Harrison said with a friendly wink, as he closed the door.
She put her headset on, and quietly stared out of the front window while Levi finished going through his pre-flight check of the helicopter. He slipped the log book between the seat and the instrument panel, and started flipping numerous switches that were all around them in the cabin.
Her adrenaline picked up as the helicopter engines suddenly roared with a high-pitched sound. The sound grew louder, and then the main rotor above them started slowly moving. She looked up, out through the front window, intrigued as the loud engines started propelling the two blades so fast that it seemed like they were spinning in slow motion.
Reece remained quiet, but was filled with excitement as Levi communicated with the tower. Then, slowly, the helicopter lifted from the ground. They hovered over the ground for a few minutes before the nose dipped down some, and they glided forward.
It was an incredible and peaceful feeling, floating through the air like this. The helicopter stalked the Pemdai car traveling rapidly down the road beneath them, and then suddenly they banked left toward an ocean that seemed to appear from out of nowhere.
She glanced at Levi more than once, only to see that he was focused intently on the instrument gauges in front of him. As thrilling as this was, her heart sank when she saw his somber expression. It brought her back to the reality of their situation; this was such a remarkable experience, and she couldn’t share it with him even though he sitting right next to her. She felt strangely alone, but tried to focus on the sights they flew over, letting the incredible views surrounding them give her some comfort.
She listened as Levi communicated with someone who was giving him flight information and updating him on the wind patterns over the headset. It was quite intriguing, being a part of the whole flight process. As they flew over the ocean, Levi announced that they were flying over the Aegean Sea.
They toured the coastline for a little over an hour before they came to their final destination. Levi landed the helicopter faultlessly, and as he began to shut the engines down, two men exited from a Pemdai car and approached them. The two gentlemen helped Reece from her seat, and once she was out, Levi was at her side. After speaking briefly with the two men, he led Reece to the car.
“We have reserved five villas in this area for your safety while you are here. You will have no need to fear being on Earth; as Harrison mentioned to you earlier, you will be heavily guarded. Currently, there is no threat to you in this location, and you should be able to freely enjoy your time here.”
Reece glanced at him. “Okay, thank you. You guys didn’t have to do all of this for me,” she responded softly.
“It was nothing. Harrison believed it would help if we brought you back to your world, to prevent the possibility of your feeling as though you were confined to living in Pemdas.”
He had said it himself; this was Harrison’s idea. She sighed in defeat, knowing that she and Levi would never be the same again. She stared down at the ring on her finger, and was embarrassed that she still wore it. This really couldn’t be any mo
re awkward, she thought.
Levi escorted her into the villa, and if Reece hadn’t lived at Pasidian Palace or visited Stavesworth Hall, along with her living in the beautiful lands of Pemdas, she would be awed by the villa they were staying in.
In the center of the room, cream sofas were positioned to face the glass doors that displayed a pool that gave the illusion of it ending in the aquamarine ocean behind it. It was something she had only seen in movies and magazines. She couldn’t fathom how much a room like this would cost for a night. She followed Levi as he gave her a tour throughout the large villa. He showed her the rooms that he and Harrison would each occupy, and then hers, which was essentially a honeymoon suite.
She tried to gain enough courage to look up at Levi and thank him, but she couldn’t. Every time she looked at him, she felt more insecure. She had to find a way to get past this, and to find her confidence again.
“With the help of an assistant at the hotel, we have taken the liberty to have clothes purchased for you, which will suit Earth’s fashions while you are here. They are prepared for you in your closet. If the attire does not meet with your approval, other arrangements can easily be made to replace them. We will depart for dinner as soon as you are ready,” Levi informed her formally.
She gazed up at him in amazement of what they had done for her. She didn’t know what to say. It made her feel all the more horrible for what she had done. She had obviously displayed to them that she was miserable with her life in Pemdas, and now they were going completely out of their way to placate her.
“Thank you. Will Harrison be joining us soon?” she asked, knowing his personality would alleviate the tension between her and Levi.
“If that is your wish, I will see to it that he joins us. Now, if you will excuse me, I will return within the hour when you are ready for dinner.”
Before she could reply, Levi left room.
Upon being informed by two of the Guardians that were positioned at the front entrance of the villa that Harrison was in the main hotel lobby, Levi walked quickly there in search of him.
He was trying to remain optimistic about all of this, but he really didn’t know how to approach Reece anymore. Her confrontation with Simone proved that she must be reaching her limit with not only him, but her entire life in Pemdas. It also validated that Harrison’s plan may work to give her happiness again.
Talking to her about why she was so upset lately was not an option anymore, in his mind. After so many failed attempts, and now her current demeanor, there was no way Levi would force conversation with her. It was obvious that she didn’t want to be alone with him; why else would she request Harrison join them? He was fairly certain that things wouldn’t be the same between them again; now it was up to him to find a way to let the only woman he could ever love, go.
He walked into the hotel lounge, and rolled his eyes when he found Harrison engaged in a lively conversation with a waitress standing next to him at the bar counter. Can’t he wait it at least five minutes before he seeks out the first eligible woman?
Levi acknowledged the young woman respectfully before requesting a private conversation with his cousin. Harrison followed him reluctantly to a secluded area in the lounge.
Harrison sat down and narrowed his eyes at Levi sitting across the table from him. “Where’s Reece? I figured you both would be madly in love again, on your way out to dine under the stars.”
Levi exhaled. “Harrison, I already informed you that this may not work. She will hardly even glance in my direction. She has changed somewhat, but she seems extremely uncomfortable in my presence.”
“Is this a joke? She was unimpressed with your piloting her on a helicopter ride? I thought that would’ve definitely done the trick!”
Levi ignored the comment and replied, “She is requesting that you join us this evening.”
“Are you out of your mind? Absolutely not! You should know, I intend to enjoy myself fully on this little getaway as well. I am not here to babysit you two!”
Levi leaned over the table and gazed sternly into his cousin’s irritated eyes. He spoke in a low, authoritative voice. “This was your idea, my friend. I will not have Reece uncomfortable in my presence. I have already told you as much when I agreed to go through with this. If things do not work out between us, I will have to accept it.” He leaned back and relaxed some. “So you will join us until she requests otherwise.”
Harrison’s lips tightened as he glared out of the windows behind Levi. After a moment, he sighed in utter annoyance, and glanced back at Levi, who was patiently waiting for him to respond.
“This is preposterous!” Harrison said in a raised voice. “You better start making more of an effort!” He mirrored Levi’s stern gaze. “And you may want to try smiling every once in a while; that constant look on your face is even making me feel weird.” He stood and exhaled in utter annoyance. “Well, shall we then?” He held out his arm dramatically toward the exit. “I believe a table with a prearranged romantic serenade awaits all three of us. This is absurd.”
Levi laughed with disbelief. “You arranged to have us serenaded at our dinner tonight?”
As they strolled out of the lounge, Harrison answered him, “You will be surprised at what I have arranged. Unfortunately, I didn’t believe I would be subjected to any of it at the time I made the arrangements!” He spoke in a loud voice out of frustration.
Levi glanced over at him. “Harrison, quit yelling. As I said—”
“I’m not yelling!” he shouted. His features softened as he grinned at Levi. “I’m unnecessarily raising my voice.” He stated smugly.
Levi laughed in response. He understood his cousin’s frustration; however, Reece’s well-being was his only priority on this trip.
They walked in silence the rest of the way back to the villa. Before they entered, Harrison grasped Levi by his arm.
He eyed him sternly. “I expect you will make your best effort to make Reece comfortable around you again. I will not spend our entire week here, going on the prearranged romantic adventures that I have planned for you. I am serious; you need to find your confidence with her again. I will grant you this favor tonight only. The rest is up to you to figure out.”
If Harrison knew that he would be spending the next three days helping to make Reece and Levi comfortable in each other’s presence, he would have reconsidered making these plans.
It was the third day in Greece, and Harrison, yet again, was required to join Reece and Levi on a prearranged helicopter journey to Venice, Italy. Harrison appeared to be reaching his limit, but Levi didn’t care. Reece seemed to be happier and more relaxed in Harrison’s presence; therefore, Levi would not budge on his demand that Harrison accompany them.
The apparent lack of interest that Reece had been displaying towards Levi over the past few days seemed to validate to him that she no longer loved him. It was difficult for him to accept this reality, but at least he could finally admit it to himself. Returning her to Earth was definitely what she needed. She was smiling and laughing like she used to. She was happy again, and that’s all he cared about. There was no way he would confront her about her feelings toward him; it would only force an awkward situation, and he would not interrupt her newly found happiness.
Even though Harrison was relentlessly vocalizing every ounce of his frustration about having to go on these excursions, it was his usual sarcasm that seemed to keep Reece energetic when she teased him playfully in return. Levi wanted to be more interactive with them, but she displayed no sign that she wished for him to do so. When they did return to Pemdas, Levi had resolved to pull her aside and relieve her of their relationship. Hopefully, that would help her to be more comfortable while living in Pemdas.
While in Venice, they spent the day touring many unique parts of the city before they arrived at the location where Harrison had arranged a romantic gondola ride for Levi and Reece. He had spared no detail with his planning; the boat was decorated with flowers and chiffon, alo
ng with two hired musicians who were waiting to board the gondola with them.
As they boarded, Levi observed Harrison’s highly annoyed expression. Up until now, his cousin had managed to conceal his exasperation with everything he had been subjected to; but now, Levi understood that he was beyond his limit.
Levi did his best to ignore Harrison’s demeanor, but this time he failed. Levi was forced to restrain his laughter from the torment he was putting his cousin through, and he was struggling to maintain his composure. As soon as everyone was seated, and the musicians joined them, one glance at Harrison had Levi fighting back laughter. He brought his fist to his mouth to conceal his smile from everyone, and looked away from everyone in the boat as he fought to get a grip on himself. The last thing he needed was Reece seeing him acting like a childish fool.
They were soon moving through the grand canals, and when Levi regained his equanimity, he brought his attention back to everyone in the boat. Harrison sat at the front, facing Reece and Levi, while the musicians serenaded them from the middle of the boat, singing every romantic song Italy had to offer. Harrison was leaning back, legs crossed, resting on one elbow, and clearly annoyed. When he was not looking up into the cloudless sky trying to refrain from making a comment about how ridiculous this was, he would look at Levi, threatening him with his glare.
You don’t know how close I am to throwing the musicians off of this boat so I can reach across and slap that grin off your both of your faces, Harrison told Levi telepathically.
Levi’s lips tightened in humor. I must say, I am impressed with your romantic side, Harrison. In all my life, I would have never guessed you had it in you.
Harrison’s eyes narrowed. I am at my limit with all of this.
That’s your problem. You planned it, so you get to deal with it until Reece says she doesn’t want you around, Levi ordered.
