Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Chapter Eight: Green eyed angel

RUBIN

I wandered around the city of love, finding no inspiration.

It’s like the weather is as gloomy as my feelings. I don’t understand. I didn’t expect that we, cupid, has a counterpart. I know that all things have the opposite: good is to evil, great as to worst but for love to have another side–I do not know what to expect anymore.

I mean, how could something as innocent and pure could turn so dark and dangerous?

The cold air bit my skin, blowing harsher than ever. It felt like it’s proving to me that love, something which appears warm and kind could turn sinister and cold, too. My thoughts were occupied by a serious face, stormy eyes and curly dark hair. I wanted to not think about him but I couldn’t.

I kicked the stones and walked towards the park. Children were screaming as they fought, the parents too. Surprised, I hastily proceed and tried to stop the ruckus only to notice that I don’t have my bow and quiver.

I suppose, I left it at his place.

Stomping my feet in frustration, I looked around the park only to see him, sitting by the tree. I watched him as he picks up his things, tucking his pipe on his pocket before he slides the quiver on his back. I stood next to him with a frown, he stopped picking up his things and straightened up, looking at me with his wide stormy eyes.

“So, this is how you keep yourself busy?”

He glared at me, eyes squinted before he relaxed, smirking as he said, “Well, unlike you, I have businesses to attend to. I don’t have time, prancing about doing nothing,” he turned his bow on his hand and smiled, proving my assumptions about my bow. My face reddened. I puffed my cheeks and stubbornly said, “My bow and quiver, return it to me now.”

“Say ‘please’,” His smirk widened as he continue to stare down at me. I gritted my hands, hating the fact that he is so tall. I curled my hands to fists as I settled them angrily on my sides just so I can stop myself from hitting him, “Please return my bow and quiver.”

His smirk turned into a wide smile as he leaned down, “Alright then, follow me.” He turns at the tree and wave his hand. I watch him as he disappeared and I followed him, still seething of his obnoxious behaviour.

His living room appeared around us, almost instantly. I blew a stray hair and tucked it behind my ear, irritated. I followed him inside of his room and was surprised when he stop walking. “There’s your bow–go and take it.”

I rolled my eyes at his orders and took my bow, thinking about how a part of it turned black when I remembered clearly how the whole of it is gold. I turned around to see him looking at me, eyes curious. I was about to ask him what his problem is when he pointed, “The quiver and arrows are on my table,” He indicated his hand at the table where my quiver is currently lying down. I noticed that there are steel arrows under the table instead gold. Last time I remembered–my arrows are just inside…

I crouched down out of curiousity, taking the arrow in my hands, suddenly turning them into gold, “How is it–I?”

“Now you leave,” Caelum stated, stalking towards me with a frown etched in his face as he pulled me by the sleeves, “But–how did it happen? It’s steel and–? “

“You have no more purpose here as you should from the very start. I don’t have any use for you, so go.”

“Fine.” I pouted my lips, crossing my arms over my chest. It’s clear that he doesn’t like me so why should I stay here. I spread out my arms and prepared them fo my wings when he held out his hand , “What? I thought you don’t want me here so why are you stalling my leave? Do you have any insult you still need to say?” I gritted my teeth as he only tightened his hold on my sleeves. “Why don’t you just let me go?” Caelum rolled his eyes before saying, “Take the stairs. I don’t want people staring and pointing outside my window as they see you flying down. You already caused too much ruckus– I have to clean up two days worth of exposure and it’s not an easy work, mind you!”

I stared at him, not really understanding a word he said–what exposure does he mean? Sighing, I followed him to the foyer and watch him as he removed the enchantments of his door, pushing me out and locking it behind me. “What a very rude person!”

The fog from early noon dissolves as the sun shines brightly, bathing the earth with an ethereal glow of the afternoon sun.

Now, what?

I looked around and decided to go back to The Tres Bien Pastry shop and have some croissant. I took my quiver and slung it on my shoulder, folding my bow so I can put it inside my satchel. I was about to round the corner when someone pulled my arm, “Caelum! Stop doing that–” I gasp, “Who are you?”

I gawked at the man: his eyes are glowing a curious shade of yellow, his body emitting a smell, fouler than anything I have smelt before making me have the sudden urge to puke.

“CU-PID!” his rattling breath chilled me to the bones I pulled my bow from my satchel and tried to unfold it when the man yanked my arm back and say, “ CU-PID, You?” His loud voice made me cringe. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the image of him about to kiss my arm when I was pulled back, “Aagh!”

My eyes widen as I came face to face with Caelum. He pushed the man off and throw some powder at him, muttering an incantation–I watch as a black smoke leave the man, transforming him back to the normal state of human, “What am I doing ‘ere? Who are you?” The man asked after he got up from the pavement, “I waz juz there and–?”

“Be gone, human.” Caelum flicked his hand and the man walks away. Slowly, Caelum puts his hand on my shoulder and said, “It’s okay. You are alright, I’m here.” I jumped up and hugged him, my heart thudding fast “ You saved me, you came–”

“I–” He pushes my hand off and I blushed a deep red, suddenly embarrassed. I wrinkled my hands and muse, “But how did you know that I am in danger? I didn’t ask you to come, I did not even call your name…” He met my gaze, his eyes full of confusion. He sighs, “ I know, I mean… I just felt it.” He turn his back to me and surveyed the alley.

“What has happened to that human? Why did he attack me?

“He’s been possessed–he’s not totally in control of himself.”

“Possessed? By whom? Why should he attack me? I did not do anything to harm or wrong him.” Caelum didn’t answer me, instead he bowed his head–looking deep in thought. He was so pale and cold as though he was doused with cold water. He shakes his head, “Did he say something to you?”

“Well, he said something that doesn’t make any sense,” he glared at me and I sighed, cradling my hands, “He only mention CUPID and I being CUPID–that’s all.”

He turns his back to the alley and surveyed it, as though he is trying to find some clue–anything that was left by what just happened. He scrutinized his eyes. “ I should’ve known,” he huffed and yanked me out of the alley to the bright afternoon sun, “You should be careful from now on. Be alert. Don’t let anyone touch you and please–find a job,” I look up at his eyes to see guilt and remorse. I frown, watching him as he faded through the walls of the dark alley.

*

The bell rings as I pushed open the door, the smell of flowers overwhelming me instantly. Vivian looks up to me and smiled “There you are–I thought I would never see you again.” I shrugged my shoulder and leaned across the counter, staring at her, “Seems like life on earth is never easy, Vi. This past two days happened so fast and in the most unfortunate way–I have suffered, greatly.” she holds a rose on her hand and pointed it at me, “I beg to disagree with what you say,” she smiled before she puts the rose on the basket, “I have the most magical weekend–I mean, I met Viktor and he is so hot and handsome, too. I’ve been so lucky ever since I met you.” I gave her a tiny smile and ran my hand on the papers on the counter.

“Really? Well, I’m happy for you,” she looks up from the flower and directed her eyes at me, “ Why? Did you not enjoy Paris for the last two days?”

“It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it, it’s just,” I sighed and gave her a lopsided smile, “I want to ask you for a favour,” Vivian stopped arranging the flowers. She directed her dark eyes to me as she takes the vase at the counter, fully facing me. “Tell me what’s the favour and I will think about whether I should grant it or not–it depends on my capabilities of course,” Her eyes glistened with amusement as she carefully placed more flowers on the basket.

I bit my lip, “Will you give me a job? I really needed one,” I looked at her to see that she is frowning lightly at the flowers, “ I can learn to do anything, you know? If you would only give me a chance…”She directed her eyes back to me and stared, the both of us standing next to the counter. After a while though, she let out a loud booming laugh that startled me.

“Wait, you are serious?”

I nodded, my lip drawn into a pout. Vivian scratched her head and say, “Alright then, you start tomorrow, since I’m going to close early–Victor asked me out on a date. I will introduced you to him some time this week,” She winks at me, taking the basket to the backroom. “Right. I’ll just go back tomorrow then,” I said and nod at her. She opens her mouth looking as though she was about to say something when she shrugged, watching me as I go. I lingered just outside of her shop– not to near for her to see me but not too far that I cannot observe her. I’m desperate for shelter and I am praying that Vivian won’t find out about my plan. I yawned, rubbing my eyes as I sit next to the rubbish bin, glaring at the French guy who is looking at me. I rolled my eyes.

I watched Vivian as she vacated the shop, a very tall dark man next to her–he must be Viktor. They were laughing and chatting wildly. I silently went out of where I was sitting and waved my hand at the door, smiling when it opens. I gingerly took a step inside, checking the cupboards by the backroom, happy to find a couple of linens I can use. I formed one of them to a ball and made it into a pillow, taking some of the linen and laid it over me like a blanket after spreading some on the floor. I shivered a bit as I gaze at the artificial light filtering inside the room.

I settled comfortably, my eyes heavy of exhaustion and I fell asleep, escaping the earth’s temporary hold on me that felt like I am suffocating.

*

“Viktor, can you hold this for me please? I will just open the–oh, thank you!”

My eyes flickered; I can hear voices and after a while, the bell from the door rings. Quickly, I sit up and tried to hide at the backroom only to have Vivian round about and saw me there as I stand on the pile of blankets, my wild hair resembling a nest, treading my fingers on my hair. “Rubin! How come you are here? What are you–?” Her eyes drifted down to the pile and she sighs. I bowed my head, “I’m sorry, I have no choice. Outside, it’s so cold so I tried for the door and entered. I don’t have anywhere to go. I know it is wrong–I should’ve asked you for permission yesterday.”

“Have you got no place to stay?” I looked up after hearing the man speak–he appears to be more handsome up close and muscular. I am glad that he is the one I have chosen for Vivian. I silently nodded at him and he sighs, putting the pail of flowers down on the floor. “Well, we’ve got the backroom–I can make some changes with it. I am sure Vivian will agree.” Viktor looks at Vivian who has started arranging the flowers.

“I agree with you, darling. As long as she stays responsible and watch over my stop during the night–then it is a fine arrangement,” she mused, her eyes now fix on the new basket she is arranging.

“It is settled then,” Viktor gave me a smile before he swoops down at Vivian, kissing her on the lips. He winks at her, saluting me as he walks out of the shop, whistling–Vivian blushing at his wake.

“Viktor’s a sweetheart. You wouldn’t believe how we became lovers–it is an interesting story that I would tell sometime though,” she winked at me, taking the baskets and putting it on the counter as she prepared the flowers she would arrange.

“Right,” I smiled at her, twirling my fingers–if she only knows that I am the one who made it happen. I quietly folded the blanket on my arm, bringing them back to the cupboard.

We spent the rest of the day, arranging flowers and sorting out the roses and the other flowers for a wedding. Vivian offered me meal after meal and I couldn’t refuse her offer for I am famish–having to suffer no lunch and dinner yesterday. Twice I volunteered to deliver flowers at The Chateau, hoping to catch a glimpse of Caelum but he is nowhere. I wondered the streets , walked down the park and even asked Vivian to let me buy food at Tres Bien Pastry shop but he isn’t there either.

The week was done and before I knew it, only a couple of arrows remains inside my quiver. Thoughts of him occasionally slips in my mind and it’s the reason why I’m having trouble focusing on my job. I just like to drift off and imagine how the days would go if I spent everyday with him. Will he take me to the plaza and eat some pasta again?

Maybe we will go places too…

My thoughts drifted back to the incident and unwillingly, I touched my lips – his lips are so soft and gentle when he has stumbled over me. He must have tried to catch himself so he won’t collapse on me–though, he did not expect that his lips will still touch mine. I wondered why I felt so elated after that, as though some electricity surged through my veins.

Is this why Uncle George warned me about coming down to earth because of its temptations? Is this how love starts–you feel attached and addicted to each other, obsessed–or is it just me?

“Rubin,” I snapped out of my thoughts and turn my gaze away from the flowers to look at Vivian, “Yes?”

She frowns at the basket and sighs, “Can you go and deliver this at The Chateau? It’s quite urgent but I have to finish the bouquet for Madame Fleur–”

“Don’t sweat it, Vi. Give it to me here,” I motioned for Vivian and smiled at her disheveled face–as she chucked the bouquet at me and I caught it with ease. Vivian shakes her head and I waved the bouquet before giving her a low curtsy. I abandoned the baskets for a while and headed out of the shop, following the direction that leads to The Chateau. A couple of Gaean kids were playing bubbles and I long to bathe by the sun and watch over them but I have some errand to do.

Oh well!

The doorman is as rude as before, nodding stiffly at me as I stalked off to the lobby to drop off the bouquet. “For Madame Tier, resident 253, please,” The lady nods at me as she takes the bouquet and labeled it. I casually lounged at the lobby, watching the door man as he greeted and escort the large group of old women who happen to arrived–this is a perfect distraction!

Heading up the stairs, I look behind me to see Newman still occupied with the old women, answering their questions. I hastily climbed the grand staircase, face flushed as I hesitated, waiting for any signs for the doorman finally figuring out my scheme. I counted the rooms after reaching his floor–the corridor seems to go on and on until I stop in front of the familiar cedar wood door. I lingered in front, debating–should I knock or should I open it just like I did before? I checked my satchel–yes!

I got my arrow.

I couldn’t help but whoop as I do some happy dance before I braced myself. I am not quite sure if this will work though I am still betting on it. I believed that there will always be a way, if one really is devoted into finding it.

Gathering all my courage I inserted the fletching on the space between the door and the wall and held out my hand, trying for the door with my breath caught in my throat. I twisted the knob, my fingers shaking. The door let out a long drawn out squeak as it opens, making me cringed as I step in the threshold.

I quietly looked around, expecting Caelum to appear out of the shadows, his eyebrows meeting in the middle while he seethe, preparing to strangle me. Once I have confirmed that he isn’t here, I pushed the door close, praying that Caelum won’t appear at this moment and blast me out of his flat. I shudder to think of what he will do if he ever finds out that I am here again–invading his space.

Should I go back instead and evade my fun excursion?

I furiously shake my head, and proceed, stuffing the arrow inside my satchel and noticing the room has grown darker than it had before as though there was a thin dark veil covering my eyes. The living room lacked most of the books and the glowing plant by his bedroom was gone - everything else looks stripped, as though Caelum has move out of here. A slight rotting scent filtered out of his room, making me cover my nose in annoyance.

Where is he?

I gingerly took my time as I entered his bedroom. The darkness is still clouding my eyes and I cursed myself for almost stumbling. I looked around and noticed that his back was turn against me sitting by the bed with his shoulders hunched over. “Caelum?”

He did not answer; his dark cloak slithering as he stood, his back still turned at me, “What are you doing, Caelum? Why is it all dark?”

“So, so…”

I can feel my chest tightening as I heard the voice for it didn’t belong to Caelum or his friend, Aeon. It sounds so cold as though it was coming from six feet under, or beyond – silky as though he was a speaking snake. The man turns at me and shifted his cloak so I can’t see his face, “ I found you, Cupid.”

“What are you?” the question tumbled out of my mouth that I haven’t had time to digest it. I bit my lip. The man throws his head back and laughed before he pulled a sword out of its sheath and brandished it at me, the steel burning blue, “Why are you here? Where is Caelum?”

My inquiries remain unanswered so I discreetly backed away from the room, my legs trembling. I started running out to the hall and stumbled by the threshold, my feet tangling with a long traveling cloak. “ooff!”