Genovi:
Watching her paint was a roller coaster, half the time she sobbed on the floor. Shaking off the apprehension every time, each stroke told the next part of her story. Eating a quick bite every now and then, sleep chose to escape her for a couple of days. Crashing into the chair, a couple of streaks of paint caught my eyes. Taking a deep breath, she crossed her legs.
"All done. That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be." She huffed, accepting the wipe from my quaking hand. "What do you think?" My jaw dropped to the ground, every stroke was better than her father's work. The early morning rays bathed the view of a forest from a branch, the shadows showcasing the way dawn affected a sea of oranges and reds. Something seemed so warm but familiar to me. An image of a younger Celly flashed in my mind, a quiet fury burning in my eyes for a quick second. Stella came in with a tray on her palm, the plate of eggs and bacon crashing to the sleek marble floor.
"This is beautiful." She gasped in wonder, Celly signing the bottom. "So much emotion rests in every stroke. I am sorry I forced you to do this." Shaking her head, Celly popped to her feet. Walking over to Stella, she pulled her in for a warm embrace. Rubbing her back, tears flowed from each other's eyes. Holding her by her shoulders, it was Celly's turn to ruffle Stella's hair.
"That was the last autumn I got to experience with my father." She explained through a wall of tears, her fingernails scratching at the top of her hands. "I would go there to read to feel him all over again. It was like he was there every time I chose to hang out there. Whenever he felt his painter's block, he would steal me away to show me the beauty in everything. I want you to thank you for pushing me past that wall. I forgot how relaxing painting was. Feel free to sell this one, I don't ever want to see it again." Getting down on her knees, she began to clean up the pile of glass and food. Dragging the trashcan over, Celly looked seconds from a panic attack. Pulling her into my arms, I began to rock her back and forth. Well, this couldn't be good.
"I think I am going to keep it. There is no way I can sell it." Stella choked out, her rare show of emotions breaking me. "Just give any art you want to sell to Novi and we can get you the money you deserve." Snores echoed in my ears, slumber having finally stolen Celly away. Unsure of what to say, the damage that had been dealt would be sure to rear its ugly head. Lord, help me through this next wave.
"I don't know why you did that but thank you." I whispered softly, hoping to not wake her up. "Her father was right to see her talent. I suppose that I will have to build her a studio." Stella leaned on the desk, snapping pictures of the painting. Standing straight up, this was the first time that I had noticed that they were about the same height. Flashing me her million dollar smile, she patted my shoulders.
"I am glad you found your lost little painter." She chirped cheerfully, sending the pictures to a few of her contacts. "I am assuming you are her agent in a sense. I have a few people who are willing to pay two million dollars for portraits. I think she would be a good fit for my clients. Another thing, I will be entering this in a contest under the guise of anonymity. I desire to see where she would place. It is in my firmest belief that she can be a billionaire. Look forward to some calls." Smiling warmly to myself, this would relieve her boredom at home. Hugging her one last time, she walked me to my car. Sitting her down in the passenger's seat, my trembling fingers clipped her seat belt into place. Closing the door behind me, she hovered as the protection didn't fade.
"Tell her thank you for the protection. No words could describe the peace it brings me." She chimed with her million dollar smile. "Make sure she gets home. Expect a bunch of phone calls. Oh crap! I have to get that painting to the competition." Sprinting in, I slid into the back of her car. Sitting next to her, the driver dropped us off at the car. Still sleeping, she barely responded while I placed her in the passenger's seat. Sliding into my seat, I dialed my father's number. The phone rang in the speaker, my heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice.
"It's not like you to call." He joked tiredly, my eyes falling on the blue skies. "What's up, kiddo?" Clearing my throat, the steering wheel groaned underneath my grip. Struggling to find the words, seeing how much she missed her father made me realize that I was taking my father for granted. This was something that I couldn't do anymore, my heart breaking at the painful emotions of my mother dying.
"I wanted to say that I love you, dad. I appreciate all you did for me. Why didn't you tell me that you recognized Celly right away? You must have seen her? You told me that they were inseparable." I demanded through a wall of tears, my engine rumbling to life. "You could have arranged our marriage. We could have had so many years together." A pregnant pause hung between us, the television volume turning down. Judging by his reaction, this conversation was about to get serious.
"You met her when I came to pick up the paintings. You two were mated then and her father wanted to send her to our village." He admitted with a shaky voice, shifting through a box. "I took a picture of you two together. We had plans to rescue her from her mother. He was going to ditch his post to move into our village but he was murdered. I tried to rescue her but her mother wouldn't let me under any circumstances. I kidnapped her once but her stepfather threatened to kill you if I didn't give her back. She returned voluntarily, and her memory was erased of any trace of you. I am so sorry." Sobbing violently on the side, the guilt laced his voice. My heart sank for him, the idea that my father had done everything he could to save her.
"Where are her memories kept?" I interrogated darkly, my steering wheel seconds from cracking. "I don't blame you but I need to find them." A heavy silence poisoned the air, his car keys jingling in her hand. The long silence frightened me, a humming noise on the other side irritated me.
"I have them. She stole them from you as well." He caved exhaustively, the engine roaring to life. "Meet me at home and I will fix everything. See you there." The headlights blurred in my tears, a mixture of rage mixed with a deep sense of loss. The drive home lasted forever, anxiety twisting my stomach at the sight of my father's truck. Taking her out, my dress shoes pounded in. My depressed father sat at the kitchen table, his head bowed over a bowl of milky water. Teardrops shattered the surface, his adoration of her making sense.
"I am going to drop this in and you will both be dragged into the memories. I am warning you. There are so many dark memories in this pearl. You will find her in the darkest parts. Show her the happy endings for me." He warned with a concerned look, taking her from my arms. "I told her that I promised to show you guys eventually." Dropping the pearl into the water, my body collapsed into a heap.
The bright sunshine bathed the six year old version of Celly, fresh bruises covering her skin. A golden summer dress danced in the summer weather, my old man marching up in his normal clothes. I fidgeted on the other side of him, the six year old me wearing a suit. Long navy hair bounced around my shoulder, a sweet Celly bouncing up to me. A string attached to each of us, the mate bond had been formed.
"I am Celeste but you call me Celly." She announced with her real smile, my eyes noting the paint and clay covering her hand. "You will have to forgive my hands, I just came back from my father's studio. He lets me paint. Isn't he awesome? What's your name?" Stepping up to her, he was a good two heads taller than her. Has she always been the way she is today? Hiding everything behind a bright smile proved to be her last wall for everyone.
"I am Genovi but you can call me Novi!" He returned with a crooked grin, examining her arm. "What happened to you?" Ignoring his question, her hand grabbed mine. Dragging me into her home, she pulled down the ladder to the attic. Climbing up, she poked her head out. Paralyzed by my fear of ladders, I refused to move. Groaning to herself, she crawled back down. Why was I always afraid of ladders? How pathetic could a person be in front of their mate? Sensing the apprehension in his face, she played a familiar trick.
"Oh no! I can't seem to find my way up!" She acted poorly, her silky waves tickling my face. "If only I had a hero." Taking the hint, he took her hand. His lips brushed against the top of them, a tender blush rising to her cheeks. Seeing her without tragedy, pure joy radiated off of her face. Helping her up, she pulled the ladder up. Placing her finger to her lips, a pair of heels clicked underneath us. The drunken tone of her mother alarmed me, the two of them hiding in the shadows.
"Get down here this minute, you fucking brat!" She slurred drunkenly, Celly locking the door. "You are going to get the belt later for your sins. I hate your guts." The door rattled violently, fear rounding out her golden eyes. Clutching her close to my chest, her dirty hand left a stain on my suit. Tears welled up in her eyes, the heels clicking away. Laughing away the pain with a bright smile, she pulled me over to a blank canvas.
"Do you know why I love art?" She sang brightly, the younger version of me still stuck in shock. "Don't worry about that. I take the beatings for my father so he doesn't have to get hurt. I just tell it happens in the woods. Can you keep my secret so I can keep seeing my father smile? You have to promise me." Tucking a piece of hair behind her head, his fingers traced the bruises. An idea flashed in his head, his eyes focusing on her busted lips.
"Come with us. Your father can come too. Let's all live hap-" I pleaded desperately, her hands clasping mine together. Shaking her head, a single tear slid down her cheek. Tears welled up in my eyes at her next words.
"He would die from heartbreak if he found out." She panicked brokenly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But I will ask my dad if we can move. I don't want to be apart from you. Can you watch me paint? What color is your wolf?" Struggling to find his words, he sat back on his haunches. The battle couldn't be won, his face falling upon that realization.
"Navy." He choked out, watching her pick up her brush. A couple of hours passed, a completed painting sitting on her lap. Tears flooded from my eyes at the sight of a white wolf pup and navy pup sitting next to each other with their tails wrapped around the other one. Passing it to him, a confused look twisted his face.
"Keep it so you can be reminded of me until I convince my dad to leave without this dark secret leaking out." She chirped cheerfully, her false smile scaring him. "Let me leave a message on the back. I wolf you." Scribbling it onto the back, my mind fell back to the painting that made me fall in love. Where was that painting? The scene shifted to when she was eight, her waves had been pulled into a ponytail. Sitting on the branch where we met, my eight year old version of me sat next to her in another navy suit. My hair was as it was now, her finger playing with the cross on my ear. Layers of bruises covered her skin, her elbow was hooked into his. Holding hands, she rested her head on his shoulder. My breath hitched at this scene, this was why it all seemed so familiar.
"Isn't this beautiful?" She asked tiredly, rubbing the blood off of her lips. "I asked my dad if we can move today but he said that we couldn't." A snarl twitched on his lips, his frustration showing in his eyes. Choosing to say nothing, he relished the autumn view of perfectly lit colors. Cupping his face, her lips kissed him passionately. Time stopped for me, his face growing bright red. Tracing my lips, I could almost feel the tingling sensation on my lips. Has she always been this brave for everyone else?
"Just wanted you to know that I am howling for you." She joked tenderly, basking in the moment. Chuckling softly to myself, no wonder she felt so familiar. The scene shifted to when she was ten, my younger self was nowhere to be seen. Wearing a giant paint stained t-shirt, she wandered into the hall to the limp body of her father. Covering her mouth, she felt his neck for a pulse. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks, her body cracking into a wolf. Scooping his barely living body onto her neck, she leapt out the window. Crashing through the trees, her paws bounded to where he was buried. Skidding to a stop, his trembling hand forced her to change back. Taking the bloody shirt off of his back, she pulled it over her head.
"I don't have long." He wheezed, coughing up silver tainted blood. "I want you to know that I love you, my little pup. I have too much poison in my system to heal. Promise me one thing. Keep being an artist. Never let the light l-" His hands dropped to his sides, a broken wail bursting from her lips. Holding him to her body, she rocked back and forth. Taking off his t-shirt, she shifted back to a wolf, the dirt flying behind her. Dirt stained her fur, her bones cracking into her human form. Throwing his t-shirt back on, she rolled his body into the grave. Tears poured from her eyes, her shaking hands dropping the dirt by the handful. Hours passed like this, my heart shattering for her. Extending her claw, she carved his name into the rock. Pressing her forehead to the loose dirt, scream after scream burst into the sky.
"I wolf you. " She sobbed brokenly, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I will never forget you even though they will. I can't keep the promise of art though. That dies with you. I love you but I have to return to my personal Hell now." Rising to her feet, she walked numbly back to her town. Her mother dragged a bonfire, every piece of art landing in the pile. Charging at her mother, she knocked her to the ground.
"I hate you!" She shouted over the chaos, cold eyes falling on her. "Fuck you all!" Scenes of abuse and beating flashed in front of me, a starved thirteen year old version of her trembled in between my old man and her stepfather. A heated argument ensued between them, her hands crossing. Horror widened her eyes, the corner of her lips quivered. The image of her long snarled mat of hair shook me to my core, her ribs showed underneath her too small orange summer dress.
"I will stay behind to save your son." She wept dejectedly, touching her forehead. "Take care of these memories for me. One day you will have to return them to me." Cupping the pearl in his hand, she cupped his fingers around the pearl. Embracing him warmly, she pecked his cheek as the memories faded away.
"Who are you?" She asked coyly while being dragged away. The memory ended, a busted Celly lay in the empty inkiness of her mind space. Curling into a tighter ball, her tears shattered the smooth surface of the milky water. Watching the rings expand, her eyes fell on my dress boots. Refusing to look up at me, she buried her face into the water.
"I am sorry for the stolen years of your life." She apologized sincerely, my body laying down behind hers. The chilliness of the water shocked my system, her hand reaching for my arm. Draping my arm over her bump, guilt ate at me for not being there for her. Kissing the top of her head, she shivered in my arms. None of this was her fault, none of it.
"Thank you for your sacrifice but now we are together." I whispered lovingly in her ear, her body turning towards me. The puffiness of her cheeks spoke of her shed tears, my heart breaking all over again. Intertwining our fingers, our foreheads pressed together. Nothing needed to be said, my fingers wiping away the tears as fast as they came. Flicking my forehead, she sent me back.
Jerking awake, the pale moonlight bathed the kitchen. Sobbing into my hands, my old man lay down a box in my lap. Her painting that she made for me rested on the top, my quivering hands picking it up. Photos of our younger selves littered the bottom, her bright smile hiding the pain in her life. Flipping the painting over, her arms wrapped around my neck.
"I wolf you." She whispered lovingly in my ears, her sniffles echoing in my ears. "I did what I had to do to save you. When I performed that spell, I had hopes of meeting you once more and returning your memories. I overheard my stepfather hiring a hit man that day and the sound of your voice on the other side. I tried to convince my father to leave while lying to him the entire time. I failed and I carry that everyday with me. I took out the memory of burying him and left the location in my head. You must hate me. Thank you for trying to save me for all of those years. You must ha-" Lifting her over my head and placing her in front of the box, my hands cupped her face. Did she just grow prettier in front of me? Having seen all of her suffering, the healthier version of her sat on my lap. A new glow spoke of her new vitality, even though it was shrouded in shadows.
"You were taking care of me before I remembered you. How can I be mad at you? I saw how they treated you." I assured her with a weak smile, her own broken smile twitching. "If anything it cements my love for you. I am happy to know that we always belonged together." Clutching her close to my chest, her tears soaked my shoulders. How could I ever get mad at her for what she did? Leaping off of my lap, she spun around with her bright smile.
"I fell in love with a little navy pup. My heart goes blue every time you leave me." She sang angelically, my ears perking up at the song she used to sing to cheer me up. "Look up at the moon and howl for me as I howl for you. Look into my golden eyes and see the sunshine in my eyes. I wolf you very much." As short as it was, her hand reached for mine. Yanking her onto my lap, my old man rolled his eyes. Sitting on my lap, she pulled out the first photo ever taken of us. Her real smile brightened the picture, my eyes gazing lovingly at her. Tracing her hand print on my suit, her genuine smile broke through her wall of tears.
"I never answered my own question." She laughed happily, passing the photo to me. "It helps you escape from your personal Hell for a moment whether you are the artist or the observer. That is why I like art. It's like problems don't matter for that second. You can be mad and I would get it but you sit here and try to comfort me instead. Why?" Spinning her to face me, I pulled her into a warm embrace. None of that mattered, only her being in my life mattered. I lost her once, I was never going to lose her again.
"I will never let you go again." I blubbered uncontrollably, her emotions soaking my shoulders. "I don't care about what you did. I will never let you go again." Gazing up at me with her wet eyes, the corner of her lips twitched. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she pecked my cheek.
"Do you promise that?" She pleaded, her head resting on my chest. "No one has ever said that to me." Kissing the top of her head, she knew the answer. The string connecting us thickened, her inner wolf laying with my inner wolf. Basking in the moment, her last wall had been knocked down. Mouthing thank you to my old man, he was wiping away his own tears. Our family felt complete once again.