Chapter 72 RUBINThe morning transitions into afternoon and I felt like all the years we have lost is being recovered. However slow the process might be, I am just thankful that my mother is now here and safe with me. It wasn’t long until Molly have decided to call it a day for she has something that came up – something to do with the orders for their potted sunflowers that the both of them shall slave the day tomorrow and hopefully finish the seedlings just in time for delivery on Monday morning. Emily whines and begs Molly to let her stay the night with us – Molly did not blink an eye as she literally dragged my mother off her feet and in a few minutes, they were gone. I felt quite sad as I stared at them, taking their leave, my heart suffering from witnessing my mother go; hoping that someday, given the chance, I’d get to follow them so I would know where my mother lives. “Ready to go?” Caelum carefully said as he picks up the picnic basket and offered me his hand. I gave him h
CHAPTER 73RUBINI can’t believe how fast the days pass us by. After I found about my parents and who they really are, I tried to spend time with them both – much to Emily’s delight as she teaches me her unique way of planting succulents. As for Newman, he chooses to be discreet with showing his affection and reluctantly helped me and Emily transfer the various selections of succulents. “Dad,” Newman freeze, my address to him made him blanch, and I almost laughed at his reaction if it weren’t for the harsh glare of the sun, “should you put that much soil in that pot? I don’t think the plant would like that.”“Here, here.” Emily smiled taking off her gloves and touching Newman’s face, “I’ve never realized how handsome you’ve become after all these years, dear.” Newman’s eyes widened, clearing his throat, he said a discreet, ‘Thank you’ before bowing his head. I couldn’t help but notice how red his face had become, his ears pink. I smirked. So, I got that trait from him – why haven’t
Chapter 74RUBINThe stairs descended with a deafening squeak, making the both of us cringe. I secured the stairs on the latch and offered my hand to Caelum. He stared at me with a confused expression, his hand on mine. I couldn’t hide my excitement as I motioned for him to follow me up the stairs. I fumbled with the lock and heard Caelum gasp as the sun shone brightly, the wind blowing on my face.We emerge at the small opening and I smiled back at Caelum whose mouth is open, his eyes wide.The old rooftop now resembled the Field of Forgotten. I may have failed to capture the way it glows but the varieties of flowers I have managed to cultivate, amazes me as they dance with the wind. “So, what can you say about it?” I asked, curious as to what is running inside his head as he looks around, eyes wide like his mouth. His brows were furrowed and I bit my lips, nervous of what he will say.“I know it doesn’t meet your standards but I work harder than you think. I’m glad Aeon had offere
Chapter 75 RUBINFireflies surrounded me as soon as I took a step. I trudged up the hill leading to the dome, the undeniable feeling of being free making my heart leap in my chest a hundred beats for minute. I laughed out loud as Caelum followed me and lifted me on his shoulders, my feet dangling off the ground as we trekked the remaining distance. Without exerting much effort, he balanced me on his arms and settled me down on the grass, his head automatically settling on the hollow of my neck. He smirked, tickling me. “What would you like to do for the rest of the night, love?” his voice made me shiver as I turned, drawing closer, his forehead now leaning on mine. I am quite amazed at how handsome his shadowed face is. I wanted to say so many things to him but I contented myself by saying what I most desired at this moment. “Kiss me, Caelum.” I waited with bated breath.The glowing flowers appears to be the most entertaining thing at the moment as I darted my eyes away from hi
Chapter 76CAELUM“Wake up, my love. Let’s finish this breakfast I have ordered before we proceed with our own getaway.” I took the bread from the basket and and continued, “Aeon has informed me about Rause having the time of her life, I might as well treat you the same, don’t you think?” I arranged the plates on top of the table which I usually use for transporting the flowers, before leaning down to her peaceful form that is lying on top of the blanket. “Mamour,” I brushed my hands on her cheeks and pushed her hair to the side. I reveled at the beauty which never failed to take my breath away, tracing my fingers from her forehead and down to her nose, twirling it around for I know that will make irritated. She merely swatted my hand away as she turned on her other side, letting out a sigh that is so contented, I couldn’t help but smile. Huffing, I resulted in a much brutal way of waking her up. I slipped my hand under her waist, heaving her up on my arms only to turn her upside
Chapter 77CAELUMShe stands and brush the dust off her skirt. I was about to follow her example when she took my hand and started dragging me, making me stumble on my feet, “Hey!”“Come on, I wanted to see the lake!”“There’s a lake?”“Yep. I saw the reflecting light while I was wondering awhile ago.” She looks down, tracing her toes on the ground.“You’re not wearing shoes again.” She blushed a deep red, running to the opposite direction to avoid my inquisition as to why she refuse to wear anything on her feet. Rubin happily threw the blossoms around just like she did and I trailed behind her, deep in thought. Ever since she came back, it was like she is savouring every moment, rejoicing with everything like she won’t last the month or week. I do not want to assume about things that concerns her; her vulnerability as a human, of having a limited short life, of never seeing me again and dying yet it appears like that. I chose to ignore it but the signs were there – signs that shows
Chapter 78CAELUM“Yes, more. Much better than the last.” I can almost imagine her jump up and down on her seat but she controlled herself better as she clapped her hands instead. I raised an eyebrow and nodded in appreciation, making her blush a deep red, hiding her face. “Now, don’t hide from me, mamour, we would have to work together if you want an early dinner.” I instructed her to put the shoes on before passing her a fishing rod, instructing her of what she has to do. After a while, she caught her first fish but she was so happy that she raised the rod up to her head making the lines tangle with mine.“Hey!”“I caught it.”“Hey,” I tried to take the rod from her hand but she ran the opposite way, pulling me towards her. I hastily snatched the fish that is thrashing about while Rubin started to panic. “Stop it, Rubin, just – just let go of the rod!”“Caelum!” She shrieks, eyes wide as she held on tight, “Caelum, it’s jumping towards me.” “Let go of the rod, now!” I need not
Chapter 79RUBIN The falling rain halted me on the spot as I feel the stinging pain on my chest. I furiously rubbed it, feeling my heartbeat quicken. I can feel the dizziness clouding my vision and I swayed on my feet, hissing. I fell on my knees, gritting my teeth because of the pain brought by the weeds that crept out of the dark. I rubbed at my eyes and wipe my tears angrily. Why did I run off?I am such a coward. I can’t even tell Caelum that I have already taken a couple of letters from his box and had read them without asking for his permission. He will clearly give me an earful for doing this but I couldn’t help myself. I am way too curious to not steal a glance. I hugged myself and shivered.I wish I have taken my coat before running out of the tent for it is so cold. Squaring up my shoulders, I debated about my options; if I went back to the tent and apologize, will he forgive me? He will surely be worried if I did not return, and the forest – it is so scary at night, ve
Chapter 99CAELUMRubin’s eyes were open but they are not seeing – it remains open, unblinking. Her face is contorted with sadness but her lips are slightly pulled in the sides as though she have tried to smile, knowing that it is futile. My vision became blurry all of a sudden before the sound of a wounded animal filled my ears, making it almost impossible for me to believe that the sound came from me. My heart felt so heavy as I cried over her, my hands caressing her face, “No, no, no!”Her body started shimmering until she started to fade away.“Rubin? Rubin, please, stay!” I hold unto her wrist, trying to stop her from fading away but I couldn’t. “No, please. Please!”Half of her body has already faded with the wind and as I blink, she was gone. “No! Rubin, no…no, please. Rubin!” I got to my feet and impatiently searched the field, calling out her name. Maybe she’s just hiding.“Rubin!” My throat is sore as I sobbed, crying my heart out. The sudden change of dawn to morning pr
Chapter 98CAELUMThe hike down the hill leading to the river is quite short and I easily reached the edge where I lay the basket on a rock. I decided to wander to the other side, spying on Rubin as she gathered the ivies. I sneaked at her, interrupting her as I said, “I think that’s more than enough for a bouquet.” Rubin frowns, turning so that she can glare at me, her wild ginger hair flying about as the wind blew. “Well, we have to make use of the flowers one way or another, don’t we? I am only going to be married once so, don’t spoil my fun, Caelum!”I let out a chuckle, walking back to the other side of the river. I waited for her by the riverbank with my feet growing colder as I skimmed the soft pebbles that lined the edges of the river. I took the rose basket, dipping my toes as soon as I see Rubin walking down the hill that leads to the river, golden veil now covering her face from me. She slowly waded through the water, giggling for she has stumbled a couple of times and by
Chapter 97CAELUMThe dome is only a dark shadow with a dim blue background, looming large and menacing from afar. Rubin tightened her hands on mine as I plunge a hand in the thick tangle of vines, smiling as the two of us was swallowed inside. I’m glad that Rubin can still access the dome with me even if she is a human now. I guess, she isn’t entirely human.She shivered next to me and I sigh, sitting down on one of the carousels and watching her as she puts her hand on top of it. “I’ll never light it up again,” she whispered while looking down at her hands as though she was talking to them and not me. “I can try,” I suggested, giving her a sad smile as I touched the carousel she previously held. It lit up and so did the rest of the dome. Some of the fireflies from outside has managed to enter the dome and I smiled, facing her before putting one of her hand on my waist as I held the other with my own. I gave her a little sway and her eyes widen while I twirled her around to a
Chapter 96CAELUMI licked my lips and stood next to her, wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her close so that I can rest my head on her shoulders. “Hey, stop being a grumpy pants and relax. Nothing bad is going to happen. You are tired is all which is why I want you to sleep. Note that we can still do a lot more with those twelve hours left.”She abruptly turns at me, eyes wide and filled with fear, glistening because of her recently shredded tears. She pushed my hands away, crossing her hands over her chest which made them appear bigger than they should. “But if I did sleep, I’ll reduce my time with you – is that what you want? Less time to spend with me? Do you really hate me that much to make me sleep for the rest of my limited time?”“No, you are misunderstanding it all, Rubin. I don’t hate you – in fact, I love you so much that it hurts me when I see you suffering like this. I never wanted to hurt you in any way possible and would never wish for you to go.” I forceful
Chapter 95CAELUM My heart has never beat like this way before – so erratic and alive. I cannot fathom how such a small organ can beat so strong inside my chest without damaging my ribcage; thundering as though it were a hundred hooves barreling against my chest. It is a mystery; a wonderful one, to be able to commit into memory every sound she makes, every touch she delivers. It’s a wonder how I can feel every dip of her tongue, every caress of her fingers that are like feathers on my skin; I am absorbed by the very sigh that she lets out and her whimper, Oh! They sound so soft against my ear that it melts me. How can she sound so pretty like this? When every moan appears that she was begging for her life and every thrust felt like it was her last move. I have wondered for years how humans can be satisfied of this kind of loving when I always find myself disappointed. I thought they end up miserable for they only know one kind, yet I am wrong. Every time I drew closer, I felt lik
Chapter 94RUBINThe suspense I can handle; the sound that accompanies the moving pictures is bearable but when the lady pushed the little boy – I do one thing I am very good at, I screamed!“Will you stop it? Ugh – I shouldn’t have suggested movies in the first place if I have known.” Caelum avoided the slap I am directing on his face as he held my hands on his lap. “Caelum Bloody Rouen – Aaaah!”“Please! Stop screaming and bloody watch it quietly. La llorona isn’t going to bolt out and-““Aaah!”“Oh, Zeus! Mighty powerful god, help me. My eardrums isn’t going to survive if you kept tothis –““Turn it off, now. Turn it off, Caelum – I can’t – turn it off, NOW!” I reached out my hand and snatched the remote control from his, gritting my teeth as I directed the remote at the television. My eyes when the volume goes up and Caelum doubled over in laughter. I can’t help but scream as the movie goes on and I cannot even turn it off.Caelum finally stopped and I chucked the control at him
Chapter 93RUBINCold water bites my skin yet his warmth later envelopes me. He helps me up and steadied me above the water. I shivered, trying to tap my foot on the ground but it’s like a few feet deeper. “Breathe, okay? I am here. I won’t leave you.” Still afraid of answering him, I reached out for his neck and latched on, making him laugh. Caelum waves his hand and I observed him as he summons a driftwood from the depth of the cove. “Here, lean unto it. It will help you float.” “But I don’t want to let you go.” “No. You won’t let me go, you are just going to hold unto this wood and I will guide you.” I stared at Caelum’s eyes, whispering, “Caelum, I don’t want to let go.” His face fell as he realize the weight and true meaning of my words. He let me float next to him, his arm securely holding me in place so that I won’t sink, “Shh, shh.”“Can we stay there and not here? I don’t like water that much.” Caelum nodded in understanding and he guided me to the shallow part of the la
Chapter 92RUBINAutahvuwns Manor welcomed us with its red tiled roofs and ever glistening fountain. Caelum marched up to the front door with me following close behind, expecting that as the door opens, Aeon and Newman will be waiting for us by the threshold. My heart felt like it was being squeezed as we entered the empty manor, our footsteps echoing to what used to be a familiar haven for me, now a place of memories.“I know you felt disappointed not seeing them here but I do not know how I will deal with your divided attention. I want this remaining hours to be spent between the two of us. Call me selfish, alright, but I won’t have it in any other way.” Caelum shrugs, walking out of the parlour, heading inside the kitchen which is next to it. I shake my head at him, trailing behind with a small smile on my lips.“What would you like to have, ma moitié ?”“Anything that you can prepare for me.” Caelum gave me a serene smile as he started working by the knob, occasionally glancing
Chapter 91 RUBINI carefully caressed his cheek, running my hands on his beautiful curls that is currently framing his face, brushing his forehead tenderly. He is sleeping soundly, his mouth slightly opened. I smiled wistfully - I don’t want for him to wake up, yet. I tucked my hair beneath my ear and leaned down to kiss his forehead, pecking his lips and pulling away abruptly, for I do not want to be tempted of the idea of snogging him quite blatantly without his consent. Caelum looks so serene when he is like this – asleep on my lap, with no worries about what is going to happen; no worries about my limited time here with him. I huffed. How am I going to explain all of these to him?The question that popped inside my head appears to have alerted him as he shifted on my lap, his eyelids twitching before he finally opens his eyes. I braced myself for his hate and anger, for his wrath to dawn, instead, I am met with the warmest embrace I have yet to receive from him. “Rubin!” H