Gods and Mortals: Fourteen Free Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Novels Featuring Thor, Loki, Greek Gods, Native American Spirits, Vampires, Werewolves, & More (170 page)

He started caressing my hair gently, producing a different kind of pleasure. I wanted to hold on to him as long as I could, so I turned to my side and hugged his leg. Being able to physically hold him made this all so real. But it tortured me that I would only see him when danger arose. Gradually, my heart found its rhythm again, and at the same time, I was falling asleep. I didn’t have the stamina to fight sleep even though I knew he would disappear into the clouds. Drained from all that I had endured that day, I eventually succumbed to sleep.

I
stared
straight up at my ceiling, reliving the moment when we almost kissed. It had been exactly a week since I last saw Michael, but I could still feel the heat rush through my body and feel the excitement of what could have been every time I had these thoughts. He was my guardian angel. That was why he stopped. What was I thinking? Angels and humans did not have relationships. That was how this craziness all started in the first place. But I couldn’t keep myself from thinking what it would be like to kiss him.

Then suddenly, Michael’s words haunted me. Even animals are allowed to receive and give love. I tried to hide you and protect you from being found when you would mysteriously appear at Crossroads. Why was it that I couldn’t remember how many times I had dreamt about being at the Crossroads, other than the recent visits? Still, with all that I had endured, it was hard to conceive that what appeared to be a dream was, in fact, real. What was real to me was the emptiness I felt after he had gone. Why did Michael have to go back? As my guardian angel, why wasn’t he allowed to stay with me at all times? Wasn’t it reasonable, or was I being selfish? I stopped thinking when there was a soft knock at my bedroom door.

“Claudia, are you awake?”

I cleared my throat. “Come in, Mom,” I said cheerfully and sat up.

The door opened. “Happy birthday, honey!” she said excitedly and planted a kiss on my cheek. “I didn’t know if you were awake or asleep.” She sat on the bed.

It hit me when I heard my mother’s voice. It was my birthday. What should be one of the happiest moments of my life, turning eighteen, was not all that exciting. It was the last thing on my mind.

“Do you have any plans?”

“I do have to go to work today, and I promised Gamma that I would stop by her house afterward. That’s okay, right?”

“Sure it is. She’ll be so happy to see you.”

“I see her every Sunday, but she called me to make sure I would visit her on my birthday. I’m planning on having dinner with you as always. Were you thinking I had forgotten to include you?” I asked, smiling.

“Well, I thought perhaps you wanted to spend the evening with your friends.”

“No, Mom, it didn’t cross my mind. That’s our time together. After all, you did give birth to me. You deserve some credit,” I said, teasing and leaning toward her. “Anyways, my friends and I are going out this Friday. I was gonna tell you about it. I mean, I was going to ask you if I could go out with them.”

“Of course,” she said.

She looked so happy. I was glad that I didn’t make any plans. “Yes, I did raise you, no biggy,” she laughed. “Where would you like to go?”

Just as I was about to answer her question, my cell phone buzzed three times, letting me know that I had three text messages. She nodded her head, giving me permission to check. “It’s from Patty, Kristina, and Maggie wishing me happy birthday.” I quickly texted them back and then faced Mom, feeling guilty for not giving her my full attention since we hardly got to spend time together.

Refocusing and thinking about her question, I asked, “How about the same restaurant we always go to on my birthday?” I really didn’t feel like celebrating, but given the fact that she had made special arrangements at work just so she could take me out, I couldn’t refuse.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

I nodded.

“Okay then, how about six?

“Sounds great.”

“Maybe you can convince Gamma to go out to dinner with us. She already turned me down,” she said as she placed a box in my hand.

“What’s this?” I asked, blinking in surprise.

“Something that I’ve been saving up for, something you deserve. And it’s about time you get rid of your bike.” She winked.

I was completely stunned. Getting rid of my bike meant only one thing. Was it what I was thinking? Could it really be a car? I continued to stare at the box.

“Aren’t you going to open it?” she asked excitedly.

I held the box with both hands. The beautiful design of the wrapping paper made it difficult for me to undo it. It was designed with my favorite flower—stargazer lily. I slowly untied the pink ribbon and carefully peeled off the layers of tape one by one. I paused for a few seconds, then opened the box. My eyes glued themselves to the object, and I was in shock, wondering if what I was seeing was real.

“I…I…don’t know what to say,” I said, feeling overwhelmed with excitement. I couldn’t believe I was holding a set of car keys. “Is this real, Mom?” I couldn’t believe I said that. What a stupid question!

“Of course it is, silly! Do you think I would give you a set of plastic keys as your birthday present?”

I laughed. “No…no…of course you wouldn’t, but I can’t believe it’s real. Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! You bought me a car!” I shouted with excitement. “Thank you! Thank you!” I squeezed my mom so tightly she could hardly breathe.

“Let’s go take a look,” she said as she stood up from my bed.

“You mean, it’s in the driveway?” I was beyond excited.

“Come on! What are you waiting for?”

I was in my PJs, but I didn’t care. We both ran out as she pulled my hand, leading me out the front door faster than I could keep up. There it was…a shiny black Honda Accord EX. I must have given her a look that questioned if we were able to afford it, because she answered before I could even ask. “Don’t worry. I got a good deal and sorry…it’s not brand-new,” she said apologetically.

I circled the car. I couldn’t believe this thing in front of me was mine. I didn’t care that it wasn’t brand-new. I never even imagined I would even get a car. I didn’t know what to say.

“Mom, don’t be sorry. This car is perfect.” I unlocked the door and got in. Looking around and touching everything made it so real. When I got out, I started rambling with excitement. “Mom, I don’t know what to say. This is so cool. I…I…I’ll pay for gas. I have a job. Patty, Kristina, and Maggie are going to totally flip. I can’t believe it. I…”

She interrupted my chatter and hugged me. “Just say thank you, honey. That’s all. You’ve been so responsible, and I’m so proud of you. You deserve it.” I calmed down and tenderly hugged her back. “I have to go to work now, so I’ll see you at six.” She kissed me on my cheek and left.

I couldn’t wait to go to work to show Patty my new car. I slowly got ready for work since I had plenty of time, repeatedly looking out the front window, awestruck by my car. I couldn’t believe I had my very own wheels.

As I walked from my bathroom to the front window, I noticed a box on my desk. It was a plain beige box with a purple ribbon tied into a bow. I wondered who had placed it there. I had already gotten a gift from my mom. Then Michael crossed my mind. He knew my birth date, but he couldn’t have, or could he? Then I thought how silly I was being. Why would he even bother to give me a gift? He was my guardian angel, not my boyfriend.

I held the box in my hands and took a deep breath. I slowly untied the bow while anxiety crept through me. Inside the box was the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen. A silver chain was looped through beaded crystals in the shape of a butterfly. I picked up a note that read:

Dearest Claudia,

To the world you are one person, but to me, you are my world. This crystal will warn you if any fallen are nearby. I will be there to protect you.

In my heart, in my soul—M

I couldn’t believe it. Did I read this right? I read it again. I was his world. I kept saying it over and over again. I was floating in air. At least I knew that he was thinking of me. Carefully I held the necklace to my chest and took a deep breath. His words were so beautiful; it swept me off my feet. There was a strangeness about receiving such a beautiful gift from an angel. How would I explain this to those close to me? Keeping any guy in my life a secret would be virtually impossible. Yet one like Michael, who nobody was to know about, left me with uncertainty about how to handle the situation. Nonetheless, I happily accepted his gift.

Hearing rumbling sounds from my stomach reminded me I hadn’t eaten breakfast. I went into the kitchen and got myself a bowl of cereal. Eating while admiring the necklace, I was unaware how much time had passed. I quickly got ready, jumped into my new car, started the engine, and just sat there, wondering if I could actually drive it. I had driven my mom’s car with her, but this was different.

Realizing that the necklace was still in my hand, I placed it around my neck. I lowered the front shade and opened the mirror. Tiny little facets of light glistened inside the car. It reminded me of Halo City.

I raised the shade and mentally prepared myself so I wouldn’t be late for work. I can drive this car, I thought to myself. There is nothing to it. As I talked my way through my apprehension, I set the shift to D and slowly stepped on the gas pedal. This was definitely faster than the bike, and I loved every moment.

What would have taken me thirty minutes on my bike only took me five in my car. I should have factored the time difference, but I’d rather be early than late. Patiently I sat in the car waiting for Patty. Feeling the extra weight on my neck, I looked into the mirror again. Just then I was startled by loud knocks on the window. Patty was jumping up and down with excitement. I almost knocked her over as I got out to join her.

“Happy birthday! You got a car! This is so cool! I can’t believe it! Now you can pick me up! We can go anywhere!” she said as she hugged me.

She kept rambling about what we would do as we headed inside. As I walked behind her, a familiar scent sweetly danced around me. In front of the cash register was a vase filled with stargazer lilies and various colors of beautiful butterflies mixed in. The only people who knew that these were my favorite were my mom and Gamma. Patty was busy taking care of a customer, so I walked straight to the vase. I was curious who they were for. It was presumptuous to think that it was for me and not for Patty, but it was my birthday after all. There was a note,

Dearest Claudia,

Happy Birthday!

In my heart, in my soul—M

“In my heart, in my soul?!?! Who’s M???”

My heart skipped a beat, startled by Patty’s voice. She was reading over my shoulder. I hadn’t noticed her behind me. My instinct was to hide the letter, but it was too late. She immediately crossed her arms, tapping her foot on the floor, while grinning from ear to ear.

“I…I…he—” She didn’t even give me a chance to finish.

“I can’t believe my best friend didn’t tell me she has a boyfriend.” She sounded disappointed.

“Boyfriend? No. Not at all. It’s not like that. I…” I didn’t know what to say. “I just met him.”

“Okay, then at least tell me his name?”

I knew she wouldn’t budge until I told her. “M stands for Michael,” I said, giving her a look asking if she was satisfied.

“Nice name,” she said, nodding and smiling. She didn’t stop there. “Where does he go to school? Where did you meet him? How old is he?” She asked me a ton of questions.

How could I ever explain to her that I was in love with my guardian angel? She would think that I was crazy and needed some psychiatric help. “Do you believe in angels?” I asked, out of the blue, hoping her answer would guide me to what and how much I should disclose of my secrets. However, these were not my secrets to tell, so I decided not to say anything.

“I guess. I mean they did exist a long time ago. Why are you changing the subject?”

“No, I’m not changing the subject. I…um…” Should I tell her? I wanted to badly, but I knew that it would mean that I might be putting her life in danger, and I couldn’t do that to her. I had to protect her, even if it meant keeping the truth from her.

“Why do you ask, Claudia?” Patty looked confused.

“I…well…nothing.” I was searching for the right words.

Suddenly, her eyes narrowed on my neckline. “Who gave you that beautiful necklace?”

“What?” I was caught off guard. I had forgotten about it. I couldn’t think fast enough, so I ended up telling her the truth. “Michael gave it to me,” I said quickly as if it was no big deal. I felt guilty that I couldn’t tell her the whole truth, but it was a small step towards the day I hoped to tell her everything.

“A guy doesn’t give a girl a necklace like that one unless you mean something to him,” she said with a smile. “Do you know in some cultures, a butterfly is a symbol for a young man in love?”

“Really?” I said in surprise, trying not to appear excited at the thought that Michael could be in love with me. Knowing Patty, she was trying to read my face. I had to give her my ultimate serious look.

“Nope,” I said, plain and simple, while straightening out the shirts hanging on the racks, hoping she wouldn’t notice my flushed face.

“Other cultures believe that the butterfly represents the soul. Maybe he’s telling you that his soul belongs to you, huh?” she asked playfully, obviously teasing me. “How romantic,” she said and let out a heavy sigh. Her elbow was lightly pressed on the rack, and she looked straight up to the ceiling, as if her dream man had appeared right in front of her eyes.

I looked at her and let out a small giggle. “In my culture, a butterfly represents a gift to say happy birthday, and that’s it,” I said and turned on my heel to move on to the next rack of clothes.

Patty shadowed right behind me. “So, do I get to meet him or what?”

“Meet whom?” I replied, pretending not to understand.

“I can’t believe you! I get it. You’re embarrassed of me!”

“No, it’s not like that. You’re my best friend. Stop being so ridiculous!”

“What’s wrong? You know you can tell me anything, don’t you?” Patty said tenderly.

“Yes, it’s just that he is really nice, and I don’t think this relationship will go far,” I said, telling her the truth.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, especially on your birthday. I’m sure you’ll tell me more when you are ready,” she said, looking preoccupied. She walked toward the cash register and reached down.

I was relieved that she dropped the subject. What could I say to make her understand? I didn’t even understand it myself. How could I explain our relationship—one that was forbidden? As I was pondering these thoughts, Patty stood up and surprised me with a wrapped box that had “Happy Birthday” all over it.