Good Bye 2010!

And so we bid farewell to the Earth year...

Segment Eleven: Reunion of Yin and Yang

He’d promised to get her when all was in alignment. He’d promised to make the magic so strong that only she could break the spell. That’s why he hadn’t touched her. He’d pledged to keep his energy separate until she was ready. She had to initiate the contact.

The combusted heat from her core burst through her hands, feet, and scalp. She leaned in and brushed her lips across his. He moaned. She pressed closer, wanting nothing more than to consume him. He opened to her hunger. She traced his lips with her tongue and slipped deep inside him.

Thunder crashed and the building trembled. She drew back by mere inches. Their chests heaved. She nuzzled his smoothly- shaven cheek. The subtle scent of crushed pine needles reminded her of his past. Streaks of blue and orange light enveloped them. Without knowledge of movement, she was standing with him. In the wake of the electrically-charged air, she clung to him, her arms entwined around his neck, his around her waist. He placed his forehead against hers.

“You found me,” she murmured. Incredulity filled her mind. Her soul rang with ecstasy at finding her other half.

“We’re complete,” he said. “Are you ready to merge?”

“I’ve been ready an eternity.”

Foreheads touching, she blended her energy with his. The couch, the floor, the building disappeared. Angelic harmonies sang out. Blue light swirled, prickling her skin, releasing her human cell structure from the strict confines of physical form.

Clinging to him, she curled her naked toes in the rain-slogged grass while water from above poured over them. Air whirled and heat engulfed them. The long awaited transition combined their souls. Nature danced in elation as her ethereal light blended with his and shot skyward like a roman candle exploding to become one with the heavens. After the assault, the clouds scudded away.

The clear star-sprinkled sky sighed at the earth below. In the village, a pine-scented breeze wove through the narrow corridor between houses and spun the wind chimes outside an abandoned gray stone building. A villager on his way to his fishing boat glanced upward. He smiled at the sound of the chimes striking the ancient grey stone wall, thankful the hurricane winds and torrential rain had blasted the rusted metal so that it once again rang out sweet sounds of joy.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.

Segment Ten: Reunion of Yin and Yang

She removed her heavy rubber boots, then crossed the room in stocking feet to the love seat positioned before a simple gray stone fireplace. As she sat adjacent him, a log snapped and released a brilliant blue spark.

She turned to study him and sucked in a breath. “You need to understand that your contract doesn’t contain my real name.”

“I know.”

The gentle timbre of his voice quelled her shock. She gulped back the constriction in her throat. “Are you also a psychic?”

“In a way.”

Katherine held her back rigid, her muscles contracting like a corset squeezing any remaining oxygen from her lungs. She took in his composure. Solid, confident. Gray Stone had positioned himself in the opposite corner of the loveseat, an arm draped along the gentle curving back, the other resting on the padded armrest. Her curiosity battled fear. How good was he? She had to know.

“Say it.”

“What?”

“My real name.”

“Celestine.”

The air in the room swirled about her face, fanning her skin. Intense heat raced into her extremities. A magnetic current drew her toward him. The satin fabric on the couch aided her approach. He didn’t break eye contact with her but neither did he move a muscle.

From her peripheral vision she caught the flare of the flames. Blue streaks infused the bright orange, then seemed to thread outward reaching toward her like long probing fingers. She blinked to clear the illusion.

She stopped inches from his face. Nostrils flaring, he took a breath and held his confident position. Was he afraid of her? Had she turned the tables?

“Say it again.”

“Celestine,” he whispered.

Her heart swelled. Time collided-past, present, future.

“It is you!” the breathy whisper escaped her parted lips.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.

Segment Nine: Reunion of Yin and Yang

Katherine’s ears hummed. A vitality she’d never known existed coursed through her blood. Whatever had happened here in the last hour had taken her away from the brainless desperation she’d felt for the past year. Wasn’t this what she’d hoped to find when she’d answered the ad? A distraction from her internal absurdities? She shifted her focus to the room and the window displaying a darkened street beyond.

So what if he could create the illusion of darkness? Magic always had a simple explanation. The rain that continued to pound the roof and spatter the windows provided adequate comfort and grounding in reality. She drew satisfaction that his magical abilities didn’t include changing the weather.

One thing that hadn’t been stripped from her identity was her curiosity. From what she’d witnessed thus far, Mr. Stone had a phenomenal gift for magic to rival any Los Vegas act. Maybe he would reveal his proprietary secrets. Maybe his secrets would afford her the luxury to leave her turbulent, mind-numbing past behind once and for all. Illusion after all was the life she lived as well. Lord knew her brain needed something other than watching fishing boats come and go each day and as for the practical matter of money...the meager funds left in her possession weren’t going to support her much longer. To run away or stay? Was fear to be her constant companion? Her pressing question in the moment was either control it or be controlled.

She tapped her index finger against her lips. Besides his invigorating mental repartee, the idea of becoming an intimate partner with him lured her internal ache to feel whole. The town was small. So far nobody else had shown the least interest in getting to know her. One thing for sure, it wasn’t like she needed to move at lightening speed to get to know him. She’d probably be staying for eternity.

Mr. Stone coughed, then smiled. She’d been staring in silence at some fixed point on the wall. A stance familiar to her after months of standing at her window watching the horizon change from day to night. His brown-eyed gaze warmed her skin like the heat from the sun.

In that moment, he seemed to swallow her. The faint twinkle in his irises, dispelled the passion of his intent and brought her a soothing balm. Even before her identity change, no man had looked upon her with such desire. Who was she to turn down an opportunity to change her misfortune? Perhaps this man was, at the very least, worthy of a conversation.

The problem was her background. If he could see into her with such intensity, he’d know where she veered from absolute truth into fabrication. But then, he held his own magical secrets to be used as collateral in the partnership. He trusted her, though lord knew why. Could she trust him enough to reveal her past? Enough to perhaps kiss him, enough to be...a lover?

Only one way to find out.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.

Segment Eight: Reunion of Yin and Yang

“Men and women don’t get intimate after a few minutes of introduction.” She blew upward at a strand of dry hair which had fallen over her eyes. The sudden puff lifted the feather light fringe.

“Perhaps my observations of your culture are skewed.” The room had become warm. He removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie while maintaining eye contact.

“Well, naturally there are exceptions. But I’m not one of those exceptions.” She crossed her arms and looked away.

“No, I can see you’re put together wrong.”

She whipped her gaze back to meet his. “What do you mean by that? You don’t think I have the right equipment to put out?”

Now he’d insulted her. He furrowed his brow. “What is this expression, ‘put out’?”

Through closed lips, she released a breath which resembled a huff. “It’s a term having to do with sexual interaction.”

“Well then, I believe,” he said, shaking his finger side to side, “No, I know you’re equipped to put out just fine.”

“This is the most ridiculous conversation I’ve ever had. You’ve completely side-tracked me. And, don’t think I don’t know what I’m talking about. This room changed-again-and I want to know how you’re managing such a feat.”

“Magic,” he said.

“Well I know that. I just want to know how.”

“You can’t know that until we know each other more intimately.”

“Arrrrh.” She shook her fists at the ceiling and scrambled to the coat stand. “Now we’re back to the beginning of this whole mess. I’m out of here.”

He slapped his palm over the raincoat and hook. “Listen, Katherine, I seem to have gone about this in the wrong way. I’m not about to force you to do anything you don’t want to do. For my part, I’d like to pretend this conversation hasn’t happened and begin again. If you’d like to do the same, please join me by the fire. If not....”

He shrugged and walked away.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.

Segment Seven: Reunion of Yin and Yang

“You’ve made all the effort here—taken a chance,” he said. “For this I’m truly appreciative. You are a heaven sent answer.”

Her taut shoulders drooped. She lowered the hand clutching her coat. He reached out and gave a gentle tug to remove it from her grasp. In reflex, she clung to the garment more tightly, creating a veritable shield between them.

“I...think I should just go. Pretend I never came here. Just tear up the contract.” Her voice lacked volume and conviction.

“The document cannot be destroyed. It is legally binding.”

He eyed the rapid palpitations of her heart, visible against the fabric of her lavender sweater.

She jutted her chin. “Don’t be ridiculous. People quit jobs all the time. And, you haven’t shared any proprietary information with me yet.”

With her distracted state, she’d relaxed her grasp on her raincoat. He whisked it onto the rack, then faced her.

“Oh, but I have. That’s why this contract is different. You’ve already been privy to confidential information.”

Her eyes sparked with alertness. “How? We’ve shared tea and very little else.”

She clenched her fists on her hips.

Enough of the slow and easy-going method. He’d waited too many lifetimes to waste another second on resistant drivel. He waved his hand and the room was awash in candlelight. Strains of soothing music played from the recesses of the dark corners. Beyond the windows, night had fallen. A fire danced in the nearby grate.

Katherine gasped and wavered to her knees. “Tell me I’m not going crazy.” She cast a wild glance at the door. One fisted hand covered her mouth. Her eyes welled with unshed tears.

“Who are you? Why me?” The uttered words were little more than a whisper beneath her hand.

“I told you. I’m Gray Stone. You answered the ad. You promised me complete confidence. Have you so little character left that you’d renege on a contract? If you are patient, I promise enlightenment is but a breath away.”

She shook her head, but he wasn’t clear if it meant denial, disbelief, or rejection.

Her breath came in harsh gasps now. She pressed her fingertips to her temples and sat back on her heels. “What kind of drug did you put in the food?”

He crouched until he could make eye contact with her. “Poison you? Never. I did nothing to coerce you. You came of your free will. I distinctly remember you wanted to be a partner in adventure and magic. I’m simply holding you to your pledge. You promised full confidence in me.”

“Yes, but I thought you meant a job.” Her voice strengthened. While maintaining eye contact, she scooted back. With the wall behind her for support, she carefully slid upward. He stood. The candle-light had softened her features, given her skin a golden hue. The rich scent of burning cedar encouraged a serene mood.

“Define job.”

“Like....” She tucked her hair behind her ear and glared at him. “Like answering email correspondence, filing, filling in ledgers, listening to clients, booking excursions, that sort of thing.”

“Where’d you get that idea? If I’d wanted a clerk I would have advertised for one. I specifically requested a partner.”

She flattened her palms against the wall, visibly swallowed. “Partner as in lover, wife, not business?” Her eyes sparked. “Your ad should have been under personals, not employment.”

He paused. Her irritation was helping her overcome her fear. The tremble in her body had subsided. Perhaps it was best to play into her ire.

“Can I help it if the gentleman at the local paper mixed up the placement? You answered the ad. Fate brought you here.”

“But you don’t know me.” She thumped her chest with her index finger, then pointed at him. “I don’t know you.”

“Which is why I suggested we get to know each other.” Gray quelled the urge to tap his toe.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.

Segment Six: Reunion of Yin and Yang

He drew his hand back from the contract. After rummaging through her purse, she retrieved a pen and added her signature, slowly crafting each letter. From her concentration, he could bet she wasn’t accustomed to writing her new name. Well that would change after the connection.

Upon completion, she flattened her palm on the page and leaned forward to scrutinize the document. “What language is this?”

“I believe it’s a derivation of ancient Greek.”

“How do I know what I just agreed to?”

“What happened to the complete confidence?”

He tugged the paper from under her hand, folded the document into an envelope, and placed it in the briefcase. She finished her tea and popped the last strawberry into her mouth. He flipped the center clasp of the case, the subtle snick indicating closure. Onward. He scooted his chair back. “Are you ready to begin?”

“So soon?”

He detected uncertainty in her voice. Heaven help him. Did humans really move so slowly? He kept silent and studied her facial features.

She cleared her throat. “Sure. I guess now is as good a time as any.”

“Good.” Preparing to stand, he smacked the table top. She startled at the gesture. “First, I need to connect with you.”

She furrowed her brows and gave a slight tilt to her chin. “You lost me.”

His energy worked the periphery of her human mind. He snapped his fingers. “I believe you’d say get to know each other more intimately.”

She jumped to her feet, her chair crashing backward. “If you’re wanting what I think you’re wanting, you’re utterly despicable!”

She was halfway across the room before his befuddled brain wrapped around her intent.

“Wait. It seems we’ve got a misunderstanding.”

“Darn right! Divulge information my foot.” She took two more steps, her boots squeaking against the polished wood floor. “I didn’t agree to become bosom buddies or offer any special favors in thanks for the job.”

“Partnership.”

“Whatever.” She snatched her raincoat from the coat rack.

With a wave of his hand, he closed the distance between them. She gaped, then snapped her lips together. The coat remained suspended from her stiff fingers. Her skin tone paled. If he didn’t do something quickly, he’d lose her.

“Please, forgive me.” He held her captive with his gaze. If she didn’t feel his contrition, he’d be obliged to revise his well-laid plans. She must touch him first, without coercion on his part.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.

Segment Five: Reunion of Yin and Yang

“I…” Her voice cracked. She cleared her throat. “It’s just that I’d like us to know a bit more about each other before I agree.”

“But I know all I need. You, and you alone, answered the ad. You are interested in adventure and magic. As for who you are personally, I know that rain makes you unaccountably anxious, and yet you braved the torrential downpour to stand at my front stoop. You adore strawberries. You like milk in your tea.” He ran his hand over his lips in an attempt to mask his amusement. “You have a small purple star located on your left....”

“What!” Dropping her cup onto the saucer with a clatter, Katherine shoved back her chair and stood. Her skin flushed. He’d overstepped a boundary. The flirting words had somehow escaped his lips. She gripped the edge of the table. Her knuckles whitened. He’d file that away-give no revealing information. Time to salvage the situation.

“Forgive me.” He projected his most soothing tone of voice. “I didn’t realize the decorative mark was a sensitive subject. I noticed it when I took your coat. Your sweater had slipped off your shoulder.” He gestured to the exact location. “Please, sit.”

A gust of wind blasted the building and the windows rattled in response. She glanced down at her clothing, smoothed her skirt, and rechecked her oversized sweater. The chair scraped the wood floor as she sat and scooted closer to the table. Cropped layers of straight brunette hair swung forward, shielding her eyes and chin. She reached up and swept the strands behind one ear. The coquettish gesture teased his senses.

“Mr. Stone, I’m the one who must apologize. I’ve been nervous since I read the ad. I guess I shouldn’t hide the fact that I really need this job-ah, partnership. If you’re willing to put up with my lack of business experience, I guess I’m willing to pledge my confidence in you.”

“Good.” Beneath the table, he waved his hand discretely and produced a briefcase he set before him. “I’ve drawn up a contract which will allow me to divulge more information once it’s signed.” The brass locks on the leather case snapped open. He withdrew the papers. “There is a bit of urgency so I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of filling in the pertinent information. You’ll just need to sign here.” He pointed to a short black line and shrugged. “I knew you’d be the only one interested.”

“Yes, well it is a small town.” Her eyes shifted slowly between the paper and his face. “I expect you locals memorize every detail of any newcomer, however I remain at a disadvantage since there are more of you to get to know.”

He inserted his finger under his tie and tugged to loosen the noose. Best to let her believe what she wanted.

Copyright 2010: All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or unknown, in any information storage or retrieval system, or for any other use without express permission from author is forbidden.