CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
My husband had left our bed in a rage that was not targeted at me, but he was furious at himself for allowing himself to lose control. He did not give me a chance to console him and all I felt was an energy of bad vibes. I did not want to leave him in this state, and I knew that I could not postpone my leaving. When this date was decided and the Wizard himself had agreed, breaking it would be a representation of me being a witch that had no integrity. I awoke and walked to the mirror that revealed my naked body. The indentation of my husband`s sharp teeth was visible as my body was darted with red marks. Even in his excitement, he was careful not to break my skin and drink my blood. It was what I had wanted but he failed to fulfil that promise. My body did ache, burn and was extremely sore but to me that was the most beautiful experience that I had felt. It was a sweet reminder of who I had married and what he represented. I heard footsteps coming and it was not heavy as my husbands. I quickly reached for a handy robe that was swung over a wooden chair and draped it over my body covering up my marks. Two young ladies came in and I knew that I had never seen them before. I asked them if they worked at the castle, and they just smiled until one explained that they had just started. They asked me if I needed any help to dress but I refused them. Once the bathtub was brought in, I winced a pleasure-pain as my body sank into the hot water. It was a welcome after the bitter morning cold invaded my space. The ladies in waiting had laid out a beautiful gown and as I dressed, I wondered what all the fuss was about. I will be soon leaving, and all this would be a burning memory that will hurt beyond anything that I would do. I felt the teardrops burst my duct and fall. I took to the window and searched the fields for my husband. He was nowhere in sight. That pained me more and I wanted to make things right with him before I left. Tears stung me in full force and then I have no courage to stop them. While heavily into my mourning of this life I felt an arm snake around my waist. Then my sobs became heavy bawling, and my husband turned me around to face him.
He was the first to break the ice. "My love, I ask for your forgiveness and to pardon my poor manners." That made me cry harder because I was the one that should be blamed. I shook my head in refusal.
"It is I that should apologize." I looked up into his face and touched his cheek with gentle kindness. "I just want to be with you forever."
A stray tendril of my hair dangled at my eye, and he chose to brush it away. He was lovingly looking at me. "There will be a time for us." Even though I would have thought that he was stalling, deep down in my heart I knew that he spoke the truth.
"So today begins my reign of my emptiness." He was not as sad as he was, and he gave gratefulness to the fact that we had these good few weeks together. Time had flown faster than a bird and I was knocked by my own pain. It would be easy for me because I could still search for him, but he still would have to live out all these extra years.
"Extra is being kind." He grinned at me because he had torpedoed my thoughts once more. "It is going to be a long long wait." I swallowed my pain and tried to be a support for him.
"I will search for you." My promise was bound by sincerity and trust.
"As I will look out for you but what if you forget about all this once you go back."
That thought had also raped my fears, but I did not disclose. I brightened my face and replied. "Then you will remind me."
"You should come and have some food before you leave."
I was not hungry, but I followed him and had a few bites.
"How will you explain my disappearance to people?" My curiosity compelled me to ask.
He smiled wickedly. "You had drowned my love." Technically it would not be a lie because I will be swallowed by the lake, and I was no longer afraid because I had seen so much on this amazing journey.
"There is chatter about the priest, mayor and the sheriff." My husband was filling me in on their demise and did want to ask him, but I had clean forgotten.
I searched his face, impatiently waiting. He continued. "Many are afraid to speak in case the same terror befalls them." To be honest, I was not at all proud of what we had done but a promise to the wizard could not be broken, and we did set an example for future witches to be saved.
"They deserved it." I was simple in my choice of words and if the truth be told it was only I Gabrelle that had known the pain of something so merciless as the way that they had killed me. Time was going too fast now that the time of my departure so close. I wished that I could stay but it was impossible. The ripple effect would cause a cosmic collapse. I needed to own the responsibility of my craft and do what is right. I took a walk with my husband around the meadow, and we tip toed away from the lake. It was true that we were behaving like children, but we made concession for the fact that we were both haunted by the devil called sadness. We sat down on a patch of grass, and I lay down on my husband`s chest. This was a feeling that love songs and romance movies spoke about. I was so lucky to have experienced this; not once but twice. The winter sun was still strong in presence but there was no burn. My face was warm, and I drank in the scent of my husband. We did not speak because no words would be enough. Just lying next to each other made it all the more bearable.
"Before I forget," Samsidion reached into his pocket and produced something that was wrapped in cloth. I had decided that I was not going to take any gifts. My wedding rings were more than enough as momentous of my journey here. To my surprise an old friend had resurfaced. I grinned broadly.
"My mobile!" My exclamation was heightened. "Awe where was it a few days ago when I needed to prove that I came from the future?"
"What is it?" Samsidion was curious and when I described and explained to him, his eyes rounded in surprise.
"Oh my, this is unbelievable."
"Modern technology is outstanding in my time. Everything from sanitation has been made easy." I thrust the phone in his hand. "You keep this for the time we meet again."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
The sun started to drop in temperature and my mood caressed to melancholy. I looked at my husband who had withdrawn to silence. I did want to bawl like a baby, but I decided against it. I needed to support him strength. It was the order of life and thus far I had broken rules to travel through time, delve into my memories and copulate with a vampire. I had gone beyond the laws of nature and while I did not destruct, I did alter some of the modules. It was exhilarating and it was scary at the same time. I had altered history and if I should remain here then I would destruct the century. I went into my husband`s arms for a cuddle.
"I am going to miss you so much." I whispered and he had heard me correctly. "These days with you has given me so much Sam and I count the days when we are back together." For me it would be easy because I know the time frame would not stretch but for my beloved, he would have to endure loneliness in bulk. I wanted to tell him that it was okay if he wanted to find a new love, but I was possessive and greedy.
"I am patient enough to wait." He was teasing me and this time I did not mind him groping my thoughts. He had that right to know my true feelings. I swallowed and gave myself a five second talk on being selfish. I squeezed deeper into his arms.
"You will need someone to sustain your happiness."
He kept quiet and then broke his calm. "Before I knew you there was no love for me, but you have changed everything. Should I need an itch to be scratched I will have little choice."
He was right but his words hit so close to home. It was a reality and the only thing that I hoped that he would not forget me and allow her to take my place.
"You are my wife until death do us part and even then, you will return to me. Be safe in my love for you."
It was time as I looked up into the sun and the evening had doused the sun. Reluctantly I rose from the ground and my husband joined me. I still wore the clothes of his time, and I wondered if I should change. It was too late now to go back to the castle.
"It is time." Sadness evacuated my happiness with the notch of reality.
"It is time." He concurred, grim set to his whitened lips. He held my hand as we walked to the lake. At the rim of the water, I tiptoed and reached for his lips giving him a farewell smooch. He wanted to speak but I shook my head in refusal. It was okay because we had said everything that needed to be said. It was exactly what I wanted. To be married and loved by him. The future will take care of itself. I walked into the lake; my hand leaving his in a trail of sadness. I knew that it took courage for Samsidion to keep silent and stifle a cry but with my back to his view, I allowed my tears to eject and free itself from the prison it had created hours ago. I did not turn around, but I was heavily tempted. It was better this way just to vanish. As my legs grew shorter and my head moments away from being immersed in the water I did turn. I threw him a last kiss and waved. He had his fist in his mouth and he trampled on his cries. With that being my farewell, I allowed for the water to gulp me up. The fish were swimming at ease and freely. I smiled at them and that I could tell energized there day. I kept sinking with ease and there was no issue with my breathing. I knew Samsidion was carefree in thoughts that I will arrive easily at my destination. As I closed my eyes, I felt a flurry of water smack me into reopening my eyes. A huge beam of wadding light flooded my sight as I was pushed into a tiny tsunami under the lake. The portal had opened and sucked me in and just like that I was being transported back home in 2021.
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
I climbed out of the caldron amidst the gallons of water and the tedium of smoke. My face down on the floor and my legs on the air I was spluttering for air.
"My God," my mom`s voice bellowed. "Athena, what in the name…" I got my legs to the ground, pressed my back against the black pot and panted for breath. As if I did not have enough water, I spluttered "Water." My mom nudged my dad and he left to get me a glass of water. I still could not speak. When dad arrived, I gulped the water as though I was lost in a desert for days.
"How long have I been gone for?" I searched my parent`s face looking for any kind of reaction. There was nothing much per say and I wondered if they were not in the least bit worried about me.
My mom`s expression fell too sullen. "What is wrong with you Tina?" Oh, by the way that was the name they lovingly called me. "And what in the dickens are you wearing." Her mouth was opened and quivering, and she gave me a look of confusion. "I called you for breakfast hours ago. It`s almost lunch time." I blinked, scratched my head.
"Have I not been gone for days?" Truly I was dazed.
My mom poked my dad on the rib with her finger. "You talk to this girl. She is talking just crazy."
My mother went out of the attic but paused at the door. "Go get cleaned up. You are far too skinny." As she said the words, she paused. "Actually, today you are not looking as skinny as you did yesterday." She closed her eyes for a second and then opened them rolling it at my father. "I am going mad in this house."
He looked at me and grinned. "Women, right?" He followed her leaving me all wet and uncomfortable. I went slowly down the stairs of the attack because the dam awful period dress was in my way. In my room the first thing I did was to stand in front of the huge mirror. I was different and what in the heck was I wearing. I had no recollection of what had happened and all that I remembered was that I had fallen into grams caldron. It seemed like weeks had gone pass. I tried to virtually knock my head to remember but I kept drawing a blank. Mum was right I was getting fat. Overnight, that was just too cruel and strange. I took a shower; apparently for the second time that day and dressed in my jeans. A jean that had fit me two days ago with ease and comfort was struggling to zip up. What the hell had happened to me in that pot? Now I was annoyed with grams because she was the one that had instigated my fall into the pot. I went down to the kitchen just in time as mum was pulling out a roast chicken from the oven. It smelled heavenly but my thoughts were running amok and a riot at the same time.
I sat on the highchair at the breakfast bar. "Mom," and without looking up my mom replied.
"Hmm."
"When do you think that you can make us some rabbit stew." This caught her attention and she looked at me. She was not in the least bit amused.
"Are you dissing me Tina?" She spread her kindness and her irritation with equal distribution. "If you need to talk about it, I am all ears." I was blessed that my parents were so supportive.
I shrugged, "I don't know mom I feel so much happiness but there is a sadness that is coming like a storm that is stealing my joy."
My mom took a baby carrot and bit into it. "You certainly look better than yesterday. What about rabbit stew? We don't eat that."
I too was harassed by my thoughts. "I don't know mom, but I feel as though I have tasted it before."
My mom left what she was doing and came to stand across of me. "You need to get a grip of yourself Tina. Your dad and I are here now but if we have to die how will you cope on your own?" I heard her and I understood her well. I was ashamed and I dropped my eye to the counter. I had to pacify her because the strains of worry were indented on her forehead.
"I will do better mom." I looked up, eager for some form of forgiveness. "I promise I do feel good, and I am prepared to try again."
My mom gave me her most comforting smiles and took my hand and squeezed. I felt a Deja Vue sensation. A man had recently touched my hands. I closed my eyes. It was a fuzzy almost cartoon image and it was not my dad. I needed to snap out of this nonsense. I had just fell into a cauldron of water and that was that. Then the little demon with the hammer started hacking my brain. What about the damn dress? Clearly, I had no explanation. Mom called us for lunch, and I are ravenously but deep down my need for rabbit stew was becoming too demanding. That night my dreams were absolved from demons and darkness, instead I saw a lake and a meadow. Peace was no longer by suffering and I was at ease. I took a sip of the water from the lake, and I laughed when someone came from behind me and held me tight around my waste. He was possessive but he was so cold. I wanted to turn and see him but his hold on me was iron clad. I was loving the feeling of his hands all over me and the kisses that were so sweet. He was important to me and then I looked down at my hands. My third finger was encircled by a gold ring around the rim was a fire of diamonds. I gasped and woke up in a shock. I reached for my bedside light and pulled out my left hand. There it sat on my third finger; a golden ring encircled by fiery rage of diamonds.
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
My dreams no longer haunted me instead it played dirty games of taunting me. It would be three months when I got wildly sick, and my mom took me to the doctor. After many tests Dr Kaylin Gray pronounced to my mom that I was twelve weeks pregnant. I was dying with the lack of oxygen. It was not possible. I had not been sexually active with anyone. My mom was beside herself with worry and when she asked me who the father was, I had no answer. Twelve weeks ago, I had fallen into the black pot. I wear a ring on my finger that has the markings of an old era. The inscription was clear enough "For earthly eternity. Sam." The name had plagued me ever since I had seen the inscription. It was a promise and it stood as a wedding ring. I knew that I had not married but ever since I had fell in grams pot, I have been feeling more disorientated than before. However, my priorities have changed from being lifeless and withdrawn to determination. I look into the future as though a light burns brightly for me. I have certainly been eating well and my parents have been supportive. I knew that me being pregnant has disappointed them to no end, yet they remain supportive. I have enrolled to take classes in account management so that I will be able to support myself and my kid. The kid was still an issue up for debate. I know event though I was so messed up, I would surely remember losing my virginity. The more I pressed on though about this the more inside of me felt lost. My dreams were no longer being burdened by the chambers of hell. I only saw light and love. After the weekend I felt much at peace. It was no longer an issue that I was pregnant, but it was a creation of joy that I was looking forward to. Even though I did not know who my baby daddy was, I loved my child because he or she was bringing a vibe of positiveness. In my magical world I knew that my baby daddy was someone special and the wedding ring was a testimony that I was married. If only I could force a chain to yank my memory. Deep down my soul had spoken to me of letting go and embracing the journey. I was almost seven months into my pregnancy when one Sunday morning the attic called out to me. My parents had asked me and then warned me not to go back there and I had given them a hearing and decided not to fight their wishes. After all it was beneficial to me only. As I dressed, finding it difficult to wear my clothes as my kid was hopelessly kicking around, I could hear a drumming in my ear. The more I tried to ignore it, the more it pleaded and begged. As I finally dressed and was making my way downstairs for breakfast, the attic called out to me. I had no intention of listening nor was I going to be a slave to its demands. I was most certainly not a witch, and I was not going to give in to the demands of a pot that my grams had bewitched. I no longer considered myself a healer. All that nonsense had to disperse because I had a child that would be depending upon my mental stability. As these judgements were dancing around my head, my feet found a direction of its own and soon with my seven months of baby weight, I was climbing the stairs up to the attic with ease. Warnings were tumbling into my ear out of my head but at this moment, I trembled. My mini quake was not of fear, but it was exploring into an excitement that was in built. I dared not delve into the cons of this relapse because my heart was beating with brazen anticipation. As I stepped into the attic, a light layer of dust could be seen, and I sneezed almost immediately.
"Bless you." Resounded in my ear.
"Grams." I whispered but the stillness saturated and gave me a hint that I had imagined the sound. I did not want to become to vested in surreal scenario, but the caldron spoke to me in the magic of smoke. It called to me; it cajoled and beckoned me. I was a slave to the damn pot as I took willing steps towards it. The smoke was rising and for so some amazing reason I felt a calming effect upon me. I was smiling; placing my hands upon my baby and he was happy too. Oh, yes, the last scan that I did have revealed the gender of a male. I was slightly disappointed because I was emotionally ready for a girl. Now I was just grateful that my child was cooperating with good fetal health. I peered into Grams pot that now belonged to me. There was something magical brewing but this time it did not ask me to jump in. I slumped to the side as the steam bloomed my face until I was sweating profusely. My eyes closed; my hands rested upon my inflated belly. The smoke curdled around me in a dance of recognition and that is when I saw it. The caldron had swallowed me to release me in a lake. A Count had rescued me and brought me to life. Horror flew across my face as disgust was overturned. Not only was this Count the King of the undead, but he was also kind and lovingly. Then my vision came tumbling as Gabrelle was left to run loose into my memories. Everything became a mountain of clarity. My eyes became white, blind to my current lodgings and then I rose to the present, the white dissolving and my sight restored. I spluttered as though I was drowning but composition of my system was restored almost immediately. Finally, my vision was clear and not only physically, but my eyes opened to a plethoric memory of the most unreal tale ever. I rose with difficulty and the holding onto the support of the caldron. I looked into the smoke of stories. It was a sight for sore eyes and almost lost dreams. "Count Samsidion. Wait for me. I am coming!"
EPILOGUE
My parents thought that my story was crazy and scary at the same time. I expected my mother to have me condemned to a sanitarium but when I pointed out all the facts that were blatantly smashing on our faces, it was she that came around first. We took my ring to a local jeweler for appraisal, and he had determined it was an 18th century piece that was worth millions. That did not bother me in the least. All I knew that I had made a promise to a certain Count, and I needed to fulfil. My dad was taking me on the journey and as we left the town of Nottingham, on the outskirts I had googled there was a castle that was pulled into ruination over seventy years ago. I was daunted with disappointment as we passed the grounds to see that even the rubble had depleted and disintegrated into the earth. I should have broken down in tears, but I controlled myself. I did not have a clue as to where I would find my Count, my baby daddy and my husband. We came to a little town called Under Heaves when dad decided that we should stop for a spot of lunch. A little café boasted so much of brightness that everything was delicious. A quick scan of the menu and it was the rabbit stew that caught my attention. I asked the waitress and she said that it was farm close by that raised rabbits as well as a host of dairy products. We were informed that they did milk, cheese and cattle farming that was distributed all over the country. Everything was tasty and so reasonably priced. Mom was curious when she heard about the products and once, we were on our way, she cried out to my father.
"Look it is "The Silver Linings" Ranch like the badge we saw at the café. Did the lady does not say that is where the products came from." I was so disheartened and disinterested but dad replied what was the harm of just going there for a few minutes if it meant we could go to the on-farm shop and do some shopping. The ranch was massive and just as the waitress described it was exactly. My day parked as close to the store that he could, but I declined going in. Instead, I decided to stretch my feet a bit because it had started to swell from being crammed in the back. As I jumped off the vehicle, a freshness gulped me in a frame of remembrance of the meadows at castle. It was the same crispness and the same cooling ambience, and the atmosphere was void of smog and impurities. My legs for some reason kept walking until I came close to the animals. This place held onto me as I belonged.
"Miss," a voice broke into my thoughts disturbing me from the peace that I was so enjoying. "Miss, you are not supposed to be here." More words meant more recognition and my heart literally stopped beating for a moment. I stayed still then I felt the ricochet of adrenalin pumping me up. I turned slowly around, and I saw him. The same eyes, shorter and modern crop of hair, dark sunglasses preventing the sun rays from hurting his sight. Dressed in jeans and a golf shirt. He was sexy as hell and then my eye fell onto his fingers. Matching wedding band as mine but more male orientated and on his right hand he wore the ring that was made with crushed titanium and rolled in pure gold with a stone that could be found only in the Himalayas. I dared not to speak, and I could see his lips quivering. He pretended to breathe but I knew better. His face was not so pasty as before, but I would never forget that face.
I whispered. "Samsidion." I then spluttered and I was about to crash on the floor he reached and caught me in his arms. The streams of tears could not be compounded as this is what I was craving for the last seven months.
"Athena?" He whispered too and I grabbed onto him. "Dear mercy," a cry got caught in his throat. "My Gabrelle, I have finally found you." The dam in me could not contain my emotions and I sobbed at the mercy of the universe for helping me reunite with my Count. He propped me up.
"Let me look at you after two hundred years." I grinned and he smiled at me. He looked me up and down and when his eyes settled on my belly, the light died caving into pitied sadness.
"You are with child." He said the obvious. "It means that you belong to someone." In the confusion, all I could do was to shake my head.
"No, No, No." I was denying him his assumption. "He is yours." He looked and confused, and I reminded myself of the adjustment that I had to make. "Think back Sam. I told you that I had come from the future." I picked up my hand and showed him my ring. My ring had not aged like his one. Mine was still gleaming like it was made only a year ago which it was. He was bright enough and then it sunk in. He grabbed hold of me and kissed me hard. "Oh, mother of skies," he groaned. "I have missed you so much." I cried until the racking on my chest hurt.
"I missed you something bad, Count Sam."
He laughed. "I no longer go by that name now. The aristocratic line has passed on." I knew the norms of our society now and I understood. He was holding on tight to him when my parents arrived.
"This is him." I told them as tears shone a haze of diamonds through my eye. "My Count. My Samsidion and my baby daddy." My parents shook his hands, and I could tell that the icy touch on his skin had an effect on them. It would be later that night; I asked my husband how he had managed to prepare the rings and our clothing on short notice for our wedding. His reply left me dumbstruck. He had commissioned a gold smith and a seamstress on the day that I had first stepped into the castle.
Two months later on our ranch "THE SILVER LININGS" our perfect son was born. It would be later that he will demonstrate to us the power of his skill in the world.
As Sam cuddled his son, baby Ethan Montgomery Debracus was not at all perturbed by the icy hands of his father and when his uncle came and snatched him away, giving me a huge smile and wink, baby Ethan laughed out as though it was the most humorous occurrence ever.
Sam sat down next to me on the bed.
"I love you my wife forever."
"Forever is a long time for you my love but for me it remains finite."
He grinned and full of assurance he replied. "Eternity on earth is just around the corner for you, my love."
I knew the meaning of that, and I remained hopeful that I will be soon in his realm. I just smiled back.
The End