Heph: Modern Descendants 3, page 15
In some ways, I understood Adara, and her desire to leave. This couldn’t be all that we were destined to be. While Hestia was happy, she was clear that she lived her life before she settled here. She’d had two marriage proposals: Pollo being one of them, we learned. Idon, Zeke’s brother, being the other one. She hinted at sexual contentment, and Temple crossed my mind. Catching the eye of Ember as Hestia revealed these things one night at dinner, her glance suggested my thoughts were not alone. Hestia had ways to fulfill herself, and it didn’t always involve being in isolation. In fact, the suggestions reminded us all that love existed, if we wished, or we waited, whatever the case may be. I sensed Adara had waited long enough. Now, she was ready to look for it, as her youngest sister Eshne had.
An invitation to visit her sister arrived: a break from the bitter, damp winds of the Pacific Northwest replaced with the sunny disposition of beaches in California. For years, Adara declined the offers, so I was told. But this year, the invitation included the announcement of her engagement. Ashin desperately wanted to attend and Hestia decided a small vacation might be in order to give us all a break. Never one to not think of work, Hestia included it as part of the deal.
“There are three glass beaches along the coast. Old city dumps turned trash to treasure. Beach glass abounds on those shores.” Hestia winked. “You can’t take the supply but the hunt is half the fun. It might inspire some designs.”
She turned to me and eyed my hair.
“Ruby red is the rarest of gems to find.” Her eyebrows wiggled. “I challenge you to search for the perfect match.” She patted my hand as she eyed my hair. “Sometimes we need to seek out what we’ve lost.” I didn’t understand her meaning.
She didn’t speak of Heph’s departure, not surprised or disappointed by his absence three months ago. Hades had left the night Heph disappeared, and Persephone followed with Veva and Solis the next day. At least they said good-bye. Zeke spoke with Hestia in private before taking his leave. He did not address us girls, which was fine by me. His presence disturbed me, especially when his eyes drifted to mine in sorrow before sharply looking away. I didn’t understand the expression on his face, nor did I care to interpret it. He hugged Hestia and left by way of Temple’s stables.
Three months later, my experience with Heph seemed like a lifetime ago. The flames that burned inside me subsided each day without him. Long suppressed, they burst to life in a new way with the experience of a gentle lover, not the casual and callous ones of my past. Separated from my love, the flame receded, recklessly dormant under my skin.
Huddled in heavy coats, thick mittens and caps, we set out on our journey, shedding our layers as we drew closer to the border of each state. I hadn’t ever been to California, and I was curious how the landscape would change. I pictured palm trees lining highways and perfect blue skies, but we hit Highway 1 under gray skies and thick, ancient trees. Traveling south, the scenery mesmerized me, and I stared out the window in wonder at the stark contrast between rock and sea. The bright blue ocean roared below as rocks reached great heights on the opposite side as we rode the winding highway road. My thoughts drifted like the waves with all that happened to me and how far I had come. Heph or no Heph at present, he’d opened a door for me. My heart unlocked, leaving me ready to welcome what might come next. Knowing I had the potential to control my gift, I just needed the right person to take the adventure with me.
“It’s so beautiful,” Ember chattered. It was her turn to drive our industrial van with three full rows for the five of us. Hestia chose to stay behind with Flame, who didn’t trust herself to leave. I caught the lie in her eyes. She had two men to attend, and the thought of leaving them to their own devices frightened her.
Ashlin wiggled nervously, anxious to see her younger sister. Adara remained pensive in the front passenger seat. We talked after Heph’s departure, and she explained to me that she loved him, but not the right way. That’s why he left her. He figured it out, and her love wasn’t enough. She wanted him to take her away from Hestia’s. She wanted him to take care of her, as she was tired of being the responsible one. A hint remained of something more to her tale, but enough was said to realize, she recognized her error in her feelings for Heph and his willingness to help her no matter what.
Seraphine sat reserved next to me, a flood of memories racing by like the landscape, as she told us about being a musician on the road, when her gift struck. A girl in a band on their way to the top, when the place they played mysteriously burned to the ground. Electrical wiring, they faulted. I got angry at the manager of the club, she clarified as we rode south.
I had been the anomaly. I’d had the gift since I was young. I just didn’t know what to do with it, other than harm someone. After the accident with my parents, each mark, each scar, and each burn came at the expense of those who tried to touch me or love me, Heph being the most painful example. When Randy raped me, his death was the pinnacle of my hatred. When Heph tried to love me, the eruption of my fire was nothing in comparison. Each harmed in their own right, though; I repelled men, and for good reason, I decided.
We pulled up in front of a quaint bed and breakfast, located hundreds of feet from the sea but its presence still apparent as a back drop. We each exhaled in relief, ready to stretch our legs and inhale the salty, ocean air of California. Not as warm as I expected for January, but not as cold as our home up north. The gray sky had shifted to bright blue upon our arrival, and the promise of an adventure lay ahead. Commands were shouted out.
“I’ll check us in.”
“I’ll get our bags.”
“I’ll search the map for the first beach.”
As I followed Ashin to collect our numerous bags, she stopped and called her sister’s name. Adara stopped several paces from the van, her arms crossed and her back to us. Her attention was focused on the restless waves of the Pacific, thundering and rolling on rocks below, a sharp cacophony of sounds. She took another step forward when Ashin called her name again. Adara halted, but her motion came reluctantly, as if she was pulled by an invisible force to the sea. Her head twisted in recognition of her sister’s voice, but her body remained facing the ocean ahead. Her arms uncrossed and fists lowered to her side. One final concerned cry of Adara’s name and whatever held her spellbound to the waves broke. She turned back for the van and assisted with the luggage.
Checked in and assigned rooms, I ended up roommates with Ember and Seraphine. It didn’t matter, as the bedroom attached to another, where Adara and Ashin would sleep. Their sister Eshne planned to meet us here. As we awaited her arrival, we sat on our balcony.
“It’s so peaceful here,” Ashin sighed, staring out at the waves. Adara’s eyes glazed over as she looked in the same direction as her sister.
“I can’t believe I haven’t tried to get here earlier,” I said, thinking of my great journey across the United States to reach Hestia’s Home. The ocean hadn’t even been a thought. I just wanted to get as far away from one coast and reach the other.
“California is heaven, that’s for certain. But the sun is sinful.” Ember snorted after the comment, and I didn’t understand some pun she’d made. A soft knock at the door told us Eshne had arrived. Cheers and hugs followed all around as my sisters-by-fire greeted a girl I’d never met. She embraced me as if I were part of her family. Family with my sisters was familiar to me, but this was something more. I’d never had a stranger, who knew of my gift, hug me so hard. It gave me hope that she greeted me like I was part of something bigger, greater than just Hestia’s Home.
“It’s a pleasure to meet the newest sister,” she said, releasing me. Her warm smile shone brighter than Adara’s firm curve or Ashin’s shy curl. This girl was brightness, but definitely related to them, with her raven black hair and ever-present tan skin. A strip of lavender streaked down one side, and Adara’s fingers hesitantly curled over her sister’s purple tresses.
“What’s this?” Her voice shook in question, with a touch of fear. Eshne smiled sheepishly.
“Let’s sit.”
A lunch had been brought to our room, and we filled the balcony with our chatty seven. Through the course of the meal, Eshne spoke of her impending wedding. Adamant that her sisters attend, Eshne explained the marriage vows would be exchanged soon.
“I’m pregnant.” The squeal following her announcement sent up another roar of congratulations and more hugs. However, Adara remained frozen in her chair. Her eyes pierced her sister with fear.
“What of the gift?”
Eshne sat slowly, following the hard eyes of her sister.
“It’s under control.”
“You received the fire?” Ashin stared at her sister, caught between excitement and astonishment. “When? How? Where?”
Adara brought the interrogation down a level. “What about the baby?”
“I’m not concerned.” Eshne sat taller, facing her oldest sister by blood with stiff shoulders. “Malek is thrilled, and I’m under the best care.”
“Malek is human.”
“He is.” Eshne’s lowering eyes hinted at her own doubts. Suddenly feeling like an intruder in very private matters, I looked at Ember for support. Seraphine interjected with her own thoughts.
“I think we’ll let you three talk, and head out to the first of the glass beaches. Adara and Ashin, there’s nothing you’ll miss that we won’t see tomorrow when we go to the second one.”
Adara dipped her head in gratitude, but Ashin’s eyes followed us, as if willing us to take her away. I couldn’t spare her feelings, as I assumed her younger sister Eshne would need the support. Adara seemed ready to pounce into motherhood mode with the grand inquisition for the youngest sister.
After saying our congratulations, although a bit more somber at the moment, we left the three sisters and hit the highway again for the beach. The land belonged to an old glass company, the space near the water turned into a trash heap during a time when garbage could be dumped into the sea. We took in the glittering array of rocks and glass once we climbed the short heap to the beach. Suddenly filled with laughter, we ran for the edge of the water like three carefree children. The sound of our giddiness filled the air while squawking seagulls dipped and dived for treats along the shore.
Releasing one another, we separated and walked with a new mission. Eyes glued to the ground, we hunted for unusual shapes and brilliant colors. I had my instructions: ruby red, cherry glass, something to match my hair. The concept was like finding a needle in a haystack—daunting, but exciting, like the prospect of buried treasure. After a short time, I decided to sit, staring off at the rumbling ocean, watching the soothing waves crest and fall, crashing harshly against the rocks and crawl like a clawing hand at the rocky shore. My thoughts drifted at the peaceful scene, so I hadn’t heard the tell-tale crunching of feet approaching me. A shadow filled the space next to me and a hand lowered.
“Is this what you’re looking for?”
A large, thick palm held an edgy shard of glass, glinting with cherry-rosebud color. It was perfect in color, though unstructured in form. Raising a hand to shield my eyes, my gaze climbed and climbed and climbed. The hint of his voice familiar, I found my hope confirmed.
“Heph?”
Large knees cracked as he squatted beside me, still holding out the highly-sought gem.
“Phyre,” he exhaled, his broad forehead wrinkled in concern. His white teeth nibbling at his lip above heavy scruff.
“What are you doing here?” My voice rose with too much excitement and I coughed to cover the croak following my eager tone.
“I’m searching for treasure.” Melting chocolate eyes hesitated as he stared at me. I bit my lip, holding back a smile. My head turned to face the rolling ocean.
“Why here?” My voice lowered, and my eyes watched my hand randomly scoop up a handful of rocks and glass.
“Because you’re here. The treasure I finally found, but lost.” My heart crashed to the shore, like the waves before me. Heph sat next to me, and his hand came to rest on my lower back.
“I’m sorry,” he started, but I dismissed the words with a raised hand.
“Don’t.” The words came out harsher than I intended, but I didn’t want to hear his explanation. Three months he’d been gone, and my heart finally decided to let him go, like the leaves falling from trees in autumn. Yet sitting next to me, buds of hope forced through dormant wood, threatening to open too soon.
His hand slipped from my back.
“The words aren’t enough,” he stated softly. He stared out at the ocean and my eyes shifted sideways to see him deep in concentration.
“Zeke,” he offered. “He does this thing with me, and it always works.” My head rose slowly to take in the stern expression on his face. “He makes me feel guilty. I shouldn’t give in. I’m a grown man, older than dirt, but he gets me every time.”
I blinked at him, surprised at the admission.
“You aren’t old,” I burst out, sounding ridiculously incensed, as that wasn’t the issue at hand.
“I’m older than you might think. Old enough to see fire’s first flame, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is I’ve been alone too long and listened to him too often. And I miss you.”
I knew Heph was like Hestia, part of an ancient people; their lives were longer than most. The things he must have seen over time, the hate and the heart of humans. I couldn’t imagine it all. I stared at him, and he finally turned to face me.
“Tell me I’m not too late.”
Was he too late? My heart leapt to say no. My body ached to agree, but my head overruled.
“I…I don’t know,” I offered weakly. Where did we go next? That’s what concerned me. As if reading my thoughts, he responded.
“I wondered if we could spend time together. If you’d let me see you, while you are here?” The sweetness of his tone did things to me. I nodded consent without even thinking.
“Thank you,” he exhaled, reaching for my hand and opening my palm. Cupping it with his, he placed the red glass in mine and curled my fingers over it. “Keep this for me.”
“We aren’t allowed to take glass from here,” I said, sounding like a rule-abiding teenager.
“It already belongs to me.” He stood with ease despite his large body and offered me a hand to help me stand. I slipped the glass into my pocket and took his hand. Stumbling as I stood, I fell against his chest. Hands resting on his T-shirt-covered chest, I shivered at the connection.
“Aren’t you cold?” The whipping wind re-enforced it was not beach weather.
“I’m always warm when I’m around you.”
My breath hitched, recalling our last night together, but there was no malice in his comment. In fact, the curling of his lips and the dip of his head confirmed it as a compliment. I couldn’t help but smile in return.
+ + +
I shouldn’t have been surprised to learn Heph not only knew where we stayed, but he had a room there as well. He asked me to meet him for dinner on the patio at seven. I had to tell my sisters, and none of them seemed surprised except Adara. For her, the heartache could not be disguised. He returned to me, and I had no idea what that even meant, but the fact that he came here was more than he’d done for her. My heart wanted to feel for her, but it was too full of anxiety and anticipation. Ember helped dress me in a white dress that accentuated my hair. The material was sheer over the arms and chest, hinting at my breasts. It hung to my knees with heavy embroidered designs.
“Where did this come from?”
“Heph sent it.” Her voice was soft, dreamy almost. “It’s so romantic.”
“It is, actually,” I sighed. I smiled, biting my lip. My hand drifted over the material, feeling sensual. I admired the details again, realizing the design included flames and leaves intertwined.
“You look beautiful.” Ember spoke to me through the reflection in the mirror.
“I feel pretty,” I whispered. “But I’m nervous.”
Her eyes met mine in the mirror. “Why?”
“I’ve never been on a date before.” My head lowered in embarrassment. I couldn’t recall a moment of ever being treated to dinner or a movie. Holding hands on a walk. Kissing under stars. Any experience I had involved setting myself free from a bad situation or giving into desire only to run away the next day.
“It’s going to be a special night.” She winked in the mirror, and I smiled wider. The thought of Heph, handsome and sexy in jeans, waiting for me to meet him, warmed my insides. I’d never felt this way. The flames didn’t lick inside me for escape, but filled me with comfort and warmth. It felt like I was going home.
I replied to Ember, “A first.”
heph
I paced the patio, recounting in my head the details. Candles. Lots of candles. Dinner. Wine. Talk. We had to talk, but when she crossed the stone pavers, all thoughts left my brain. I stared, tongue-tied, as a vision of sugar plums, glistening and ripe for pleasure, approached me. I swallowed hard. I’d never done this before. Trying to make an apology was hard work.
“You look beautiful,” I breathed. Her curving lips responded.
“So do you.” I blinked in shock. “You’re very good-looking.” My eyes widened in surprise. No one said that to me. She stepped too close to me, and my thoughts fogged. “In fact, I think you look sexy.” My mouth dried, and a giggle crossed her lips as she watched my throat roll.
“Are you teasing me?”
“I’m not teasing.” Her hand, planted on my chest, swiped downward and pulled away. Her tone lowered with her eyes. “I’m sorry, that was probably a bit much. I’m nervous.” She giggled again.
