The Realms of Ethair

by Cecilia Beatriz

  Kristina didn’t know what to answer to that.

  “Besides,” Mindy continued with a warning tone. “I’ll get to the bottom of this sooner or later.”

  “Like what? Have your uncle make a background check on him?” she teased.

  “That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll have to think about it. Having a detective in the family sure has its benefits.” Mindy giggled.

  “You’re not going to let it go, are you?”

  “Not a chance.”

  “There’s nothing really interesting to say.”

  “Try me.”

  Kristina gave her friend a shortened version of how they met, omitting the mysterious occurrences surrounding him.

  “You met after leaving your ex in the bus and he hugged you saying you’re not alone. And then, he left?” Mindy said slowly.

  “That’s pretty much it.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t dream all this? Or, are you still keeping things from me, trying to throw me off on purpose?”

  “Nope.”

  “Huh. There are two possible reasons. One, you were so rattled with Peter that when Art saw you, he took pity on you,” Mindy said lightly.

  “Now you’re joking.”

  “Two, you looked so serious you almost looked sad and he felt that you needed a hug. He’s a foreigner so that might explain the behavior – different culture.”

  “I don’t look sad.”

  “I said almost. And he doesn’t look like the stalker-type, if I’m right that you’re thinking that. He doesn’t have the creepy vibes.”

  “But we don’t know each other. Also, that was the first time we met. Foreigner or not, why embrace me in the middle of a street during a storm?”

  “The question is why did you let him?”

  Chapter 3

  Kristina

  The graduation ceremony finally ended. Excitement buzzed as the class had arranged to stay at a resort after the commencement exercises. They had decided to rendezvous at Fred’s apartment. Kristina and her friends were the last to arrive. Luggage lay in one corner, the chairs and sofa were occupied with glum faces in the cramped living room. Ina, who coordinated with the resort, had been told that the venue was suddenly reserved and paid for by a TV network for the shooting of a drama series. The personnel had assured them that their deposit would be returned in a week. They waited for Fred, who was talking on the phone with a friend who might just help them find another venue.

  A whoop rang from the adjoining room. Fred burst in with a wide grin plastered on his face. His eyes scanned the crowd and rested on Kristina briefly before telling them the good news.

  The subdivision’s security staff had been expecting them at the gate. The guard waved to them to enter and gave directions to the house they’ll be staying at. “A white house with a hard-to-miss garden,” the security personnel said.

  The description turned out to be accurate. Unlike the well-manicured lawns in the other houses, plants and flowers were left to grow wild around the residence. A bench positioned at the front was the only thing that demonstrated order. The two-story house they entered was airy, well maintained and decorated with art pieces. Some of the paintings depicting nature were signed with initials “A.M.”. Art’s house looked something that may have been featured in a magazine. It appeared new and untouched as if he never really lived in it. It was a stark contrast to the condition of his grounds but seemed to support the idea that the owner seldom stayed home.

  They found a note and a diagram of the house stuck on the refrigerator with instructions of which rooms they could use and to enjoy the swimming pool at the back. This lightened the general mood of the class. After they had settled in, some swam in the pool, drinks and food circulated, one of the guys played the guitar while the others sang or listened. It was more of a relaxing night rather than a party; after all, they didn’t want to cause Art any trouble by disturbing his neighbors.

  Liza and Mindy sat away from the others with their heads close together. Nica played chess with Jake while Kristina and another classmate watched the match. Kristina knew the discussion going on between her two friends. Peter had managed to throw a wrench in a decade-long friendship.

  Kristina stood up from sitting cross-legged on the floor. Thumping her thigh with a fist to get the blood in her leg circulating again, she headed for the kitchen. Their bags of groceries were placed on the counter; while food, drinks, paper plates, and disposable cups and utensils were left on the center table. She got herself a glass of water and was about to return when a glint of an object caught her eye.

  It was coming from outside. She opened the front door and saw a single firefly hovering near the kitchen window. She sat on the bench and looked at the sky. Street lamps lit up the neighborhood against the darkness. The cloudless night sky offered a clear view of the stars. She studied them. Carefully, she scrutinized one of the stars. After a few moments, she realized these weren’t stars! They were UFOs. Three of them had made a bee line across the sky and stopped just as suddenly. At closer inspection with the physical eye, they moved in minute distances; thus, the twinkling effect. It was impossible for them to stay in one place. Kristina had read about it on the internet. UFOs were being sighted everywhere in the world. She never imagined that she would witness it firsthand.

  She gazed at the sky wonderingly when Art appeared at her side. He was looking at them as well. Silence reigned for several minutes.

  “Thank you,” Kristina said quietly.

  She wasn’t entirely sure what she was thanking him for but he nodded seeming to understand the depth of her meaning.

  “Aren’t you going to show yourself to the guys?”

  “Perhaps I will tomorrow. I don’t see any reason for me to break up the party with my presence.” He sat on the ground, arranging himself into a lotus position as if preparing to go into meditation. “They’ve been dotting the night sky since the new year.”

  “They? You know what they are?”

  “Everyone knows about them. They just don’t see it or fail to understand these beings. You see them perfectly though.” He paused. “You perceive them as what they really are.”

  “It’s still tricky even if I have 20/20 vision.”

  “That’s not what I mean.”

  Kristina looked at Art then. Half of what he says always puzzled her. This time, though, she knew what he was going on about.

  “I’m not a freak,” she said with more emphasis than she had intended. “I’m a normal person.”

  “No one said otherwise.” He smiled.

  “You’re not going to ask me about ghosts, are you?”

  “No. I wouldn’t dream of asking anyone to see lost souls when they don’t want to,” he replied with gravity. “From where I come from, we’re warned of the implications of entertaining them. They can be quite overwhelming when they learn that you’ve helped one of them.”

  “Have you done that before?”

  “Someone I know.” He picked a dry leaf from the ground and twirled it between his fingers. “You still haven’t answered my question.”

  Kristina thought it over. It was rare to find someone who understood this side of her, even if only for a fraction. She looked him in the eye. “We’ll only be friends?”

  “As long as you wish it.”

  “Deal.” Kristina stretched out her hand, a corner of her mouth lifted.

  Art’s hand was warm against hers as he shook it and produced a smile of his own.

  “Are you always this composed?”

  “I try to be.” He untangled his legs and stood stretching his arms upward. “You should go back. Your friends are looking for you.”

  “How would you know that?”

  “You’re not the only one with a secret.” He grinned. “Good night, Tina.”

  “Good night, Arty.”

  He cocked his head to the side.

  “Arty,” he echoed, tasting the sound of his new nickname in his mouth. “No one has called me t
hat since..." He smiled in remembrance but didn't continue. “See you in the morning.”

  Without looking back, he waved his hand and disappeared around a corner of the house.

  Chapter 4

  Kristina

  What’s the use of knowing how to heal when you can’t even save the person you love? Kristina thought, watching the blue energy ball hover over her palm. It rotated at an angle like a miniature Earth. It was Friday; the fortieth day of her mother’s death. Her sister Aly had flown in from Australia to help with legal documents during the funeral. Their relatives, friends, and classmates, had attended and offered condolences and assistance. Their father had died when Aly was eighteen. Now that their mother had passed on, the sisters were the only family left of each other. But it was different. There was nobody like their mother to talk about theosophy and New Age concepts and to explain to Kristina what she could see in the ether.

  Aly couldn’t stay in the country. She held a position in her company and loved her work. Kristina, however, was a struggling writer. She occasionally submitted articles and short stories to a magazine or a newspaper to earn income. She couldn’t apply for a full-time job this year because of an unknown illness.

  The doctors who diagnosed her couldn’t identify her illness and were baffled by her symptoms: fatigue, relapses of fever, headaches, vertigo. They would finally conclude that the best solution would be to rest, have a healthy diet, and take vitamin supplements. Aly learned about this and urged her younger sister to come with her to Australia and have her receive medical advice. Kristina was already tired of having herself treated either like a lab rat or a patient. She refused to seek help and remained obstinate in staying in her home country.

  Kristina’s friends were also aware of her recurring illness. They fitfully offered help when they could and updated her on the goings-on in their lives.

  Liza had spurned Peter's attentions. They had identical mobile phones which she unwittingly swapped. She had answered a phone call with an unregistered number and discovered that Peter had been lying to her all along. Mindy was both sorry and relieved with the situation. It may have broken their friend’s heart but, at least, Liza was thriving in her career more than ever.

  Meanwhile, Mindy worked at a branch of her family’s growing number of computer stores and had plans of her own in expanding the business. And Nica had gone abroad to pursue her Master’s degree almost at the same time Arty returned to his native land.

  It all happened a year ago but felt to Kristina like decades with days coping with her illness and tending to her mother.

  Arty turned out to be a good friend. He visited them from time to time and brought with him trinkets and souvenirs from his travels. Sometimes, they sent each other email. It was easier for Kristina to open up through their correspondence. He probably knew more of her worsening condition than any of the others. His replies to these were polite and concerned and gave her advice on how to alleviate a specific problem.

  A week ago, Arty wrote stating that he was back in the country. Still, he hadn’t made his arrival known to anyone, not even to Fred.

  Kristina sat up from bed and tentatively stood. The world around her shifted for a moment then steadied. She was feeling better than most days and had the energy to polish the article due on Monday. She found her sister in the study using the desktop computer; her glasses reflected the light from the monitor.

  “I’ll be done in a minute,” Aly said without taking her eyes off the screen.

  Kristina sat on a nearby chair and waited.

  Her sister relaxed on the computer chair as the printer fed paper.

  “Arty called earlier,” she began. “He said to remind you that he’d be visiting you today, in case you’ve forgotten. He’s the foreigner, right? Arthur Men-something.”

  “I haven’t and yes.”

  “I saw him with Fred’s mom on your graduation. He was attracting a lot of attention from the ladies.” She grinned wryly. “He’s not a playboy like Peter, is he?”

  “He’s not that sort. He’s a good person.”

  “Hey. Don't go all defensive on me.” Aly raised her hands. “I’ve no right to judge your friends, anyway. I’m just worried about you.” She retrieved her papers. “I’m going out for a while. Jackie wants my opinion on a dress. We’ll talk later.”

  Aly wouldn’t close the subject on taking her to Australia.

  “I’m still not going,” Kristina called.

  She waited on the doorstep with an umbrella as a makeshift walking stick. Kristina was getting nauseous again and her surroundings were beginning to tilt violently every time she moved. She would have called to cancel this meeting if only the man kept a mobile phone.

  At last, the doorbell rang. Thankfully, the front gate was only a few steps away. She welcomed him in with an effort not to be sick. Arty frowned at her pale face.

  “I’m fine,” she said automatically.

  “No, you aren’t. Can you walk?”

  “Yes.” She took a step forward and the world revolved around her again. She lost her balance and almost fell on the gravel if not for Arty’s quick reflexes.

  “You can’t even move without hurting yourself,” he snapped. Kristina didn’t know how to respond, she had counted on him to be calm about it. “Close your eyes,” he instructed more gently.

  “Why?”

  “It will help with the dizziness.”

  She complied. She felt Arty loop her arm around his neck and carry her inside the house. He settled her down on the sofa in the living room.

  “That was fun.” She smiled up at him, teasing, trying to ease his concern to no avail.

  He moved away from her and paced the room deep in thought, his surroundings forgotten. Kristina shut her eyes, Arty’s activity was making her dizzier and her head ache.

  “There’s something I need to tell you,” Arty finally said.

  “It’s not life-threatening, is it?” His mood infected her that her light-heartened tone sounded forced.

  He hesitated.

  “Are you in trouble?” Her eyes flew open.

  “No. I am not.”

  “What? Did you find something about my sickness? Am I…”

  “I’m not sure. I asked someone about you. She said the symptoms are familiar but it’s an advanced stage – as if it’s accelerated threefold. She wants to see you as soon as possible.”

  “Okay. So, where is she?”

  “That’s the other thing. Kristina, I need you to keep an open mind on what I’m about to tell you.” He met her gaze and drew a deep breath.

  Don’t think about it now, she recited to herself like a mantra. Most of Arty’s story seemed impossible to believe; yet, it explained a lot of things about him, his behavior and how they had met.

  “How long will it take?” Kristina asked. She kept her eyes closed to ease the lightheadedness caused more by the shock of learning the truth about him than her illness.

  “We’re not sure.” Arty shook his head. “Your situation is…unique.”

  “You’re going to have to try harder if you’re to tell my sister that I’m leaving.” She rearranged the throw pillow supporting her head. It slipped from the sofa’s armrest and her skull hit the wood with a dull thud. Gentle hands lifted her head and placed the pillow underneath.

  The cushion beneath Kristina shifted as he sat beside her and held her hand with both of his. The heaviness she felt on the crown of her head gradually dissipated. “Better?”

  “Yes.” She sighed. “Thank you.”

  “Open your eyes.” Kristina cracked an eye open. No sudden wave of nausea assaulted her. She released her breath and gazed up at him.

  “Much better,” he murmured after examining her face.

  “How did you do that?”

  He shrugged.

  “It’s something you learn in our land. I’m not allowed to tell you – I’m not even sure I can explain something so natural for us to do.”

  She pulled her hand
away from him. There were so many things he couldn’t or wouldn’t say and most of it seemed to concern her. It – he was beginning to irritate her.

  Fine. Don’t bother telling me anything anymore, she was tempted to say.

  “You’re angry with me.”

  “I’m not.” Arty still doubted her. “Look, I’m trying my best to understand your side of things. There’s just too much to cope with. Your home doesn’t even sound like it’s a part of this world. Now, I have to go there and leave everything behind.”

  “No one’s forcing you to leave.” He frowned. “It is a choice you have to make on your own.” Arty had something more to say; then, stopped. His mouth pursed into a thin line. He was quiet for a moment, his face devoid of emotion, and stared at the staircase.

  “We have to go,” he whispered and moved to grab her hand.

  She pulled away.

  “Why?”

  A creak resonated from the upper floor.

  “Trust me.” The urgency in his eyes betrayed his calm demeanor. He extended his hand towards her. “Please.”

  “Take his hand, Tina,” her mother’s fearful voice whispered. For a moment, she saw her mother’s spirit beside Arty. Her face was directed at the area where he was looking before she vanished completely.

  Part II

  KARINA

  Chapter 5

  Kristina

  The moment her hand touched Arty’s, blinding light engulfed them. At the last moment, she panicked but Kristina couldn’t turn away from his searing gaze and Arty’s viselike grip held her in place.

  She would later learn that he and his people use Merkaba to transport one’s self from one dimensional plane to another. The transfer had taken place in less than a second; but to Kristina, it felt like ages.

  The moment they arrived at their destination, Arty released his hold. Without his support, she fell into the shallow waters of a lake.