After attending a half-hour class in the morning, Ava spent the rest of the day with Julien. As they sat together in the serene atmosphere, Ava's curiosity got the better of her.
"You didn't tell me what you do or how you support yourself," Ava asked, her eyes sparkling with interest. "If you can't go out, how do you get the things you need? Do you have some secret way of traveling?" Julien's enigmatic smile hinted at a deeper story.
Julien chuckled, his deep voice rumbling. "Why so many questions, Ava?" His eyes crinkled at the corners, warm and inviting.
Ava shrugged, her shoulders barely rising. "Just like that. I'm curious about how you live like this, hidden away from the world." Her gaze drifted to the beautifully crafted idols surrounding them.
Julien's expression turned serious, and he gestured to the idols. "I create these. Sometimes I sell some and receive a substantial amount of money." His hands moved deftly, as if sculpting the air.
Ava's eyes widened as she took in the intricate details of the idols. "You're incredibly talented. But how do you go out to buy things? What happens to your wings? Can you fold them?" Her voice was filled with genuine concern.
As they conversed, Ava found herself growing more comfortable with Julien, feeling a sense of ease she usually reserved for her best friend, Hazel. Julien's face contorted, reflecting his discomfort.
"No, it's very difficult. I experience a lot of pain. If I need medicine or food, I venture out only once a month or when there's urgent work in the city. Otherwise, I keep my wings folded, which looks like I'm wearing a shawl. People assume I'm sick, and when they see me approaching the hill, they become even more frightened."
His voice dropped to a whisper. Ava's empathy poured out, and she placed a reassuring hand on Julien's arm.
"Don't worry. If you need anything, tell me. You won't have to fold your wings. I'll help you." Her touch sent a spark of electricity through both of them. Julien remained silent for a moment, his eyes searching Ava's face. Then, he asked,
"Do you have friends?"
His voice was low and introspective. Ava nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, I have some friends, and Hazel is my best friend. She's very sweet and always helps me without hesitation."
A soft smile spread across her face. Julien's curiosity was piqued.
"Have you told her about me?"
His eyes locked onto Ava's. Ava hesitated, her brow furrowing.
"Not yet. She might get scared."
Her voice barely above a whisper. Julien's eyes narrowed, his expression introspective.
"Why? Am I scary?"
His tone was laced with vulnerability. Ava rushed to clarify,
"It's not that, but this place has a reputation. If I tell her you live here, she might..."
Julien understood Ava's unspoken concerns and nodded quietly, his eyes never leaving hers.
"And tell me who else is there in your house?" Julien asked. Ava paused, then said,
"At home, there are many people. My uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters. I have a sister, Kathy, who is my age. She always fights with me and humiliates me. I don't understand why she treats me like this."
Ava looked at Julien with a side glance, noticing his attentive expression. she continued,
"Nobody likes me at home except my brother and father. My parents are often out."
Julien seemed surprised, asking,
"Why so? You seem like a cheerful girl."
Ava shrugged, and Julien asked,
"Where are your parents?"
Ava hesitated, but Julien's sad expression encouraged her to share.
"If you don't want to tell, it's okay."
Julien opened up, sharing his story without hesitation.
"My mother left me soon after my birth. I don't have any complaints against her. I was difficult to live with. Shortly after that, my father died. He brought me here and told me I had to learn to live life on my own. Since then, I've been making these idols."
Julien trusted Ava, sensing a deep connection. She felt sorry for Julien, but he reassured her,
"No, it's alright." Ava asked,
"Then you stayed here for so many years?" Julien explained,
"No, my father gave this place to me. I didn't know it was my ancestral land."
Julien shared his confidential past with Ava, feeling a strong bond.
"I was very young, five or six years old. I didn't understand anything, so I roamed around. Some people from the orphanage found me and took me away. I grew up and studied in the orphanage."
Ava felt a deep sadness, realizing their circumstances were similar. Julien sensed her emotions and shared his secret.
"I can feel anyone's vibrations; that's why I avoid people. When I'm around them, I feel every vibration in their mind."
Ava had been feeling suffocated, but Julien's words made her feel understood and a bit consious too.
Hearing Julien's words, Ava's curiosity sparked. "Can you hear my vibrations?" she asked, her voice tinged with wonder.
Julien's eyes sparkled. "Oh, I can't hear vibrations like that. But I can sense your emotions through your heart rate and brain activity. Whether you're scared or happy, it's written all over your body."
Ava's excitement was palpable. "This is amazing!" She took a step closer, her gaze locked on Julien's.
Then, pausing for a moment, she asked, "By the way, can I know what you are? I mean, are you an angel?" Her voice was laced with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Julien chuckled, his expression playful. "What do you think?" His eyes crinkled at the corners, and Ava noticed strange, unreadable expressions flitting across his face.
"Can this be an angel with black wings?" Ava mused aloud, her brow furrowed.
Julien's grin widened. "You tell me. What am I?" His voice was low, inviting Ava to unravel the mystery.
There was a restless edge to Ava's voice, a sense of urgency to uncover the truth. "Who are you?" she pressed.
Julien's response was nonchalant, his eyes downcast. "I'm a butterfly."
Ava's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" She shook her head, incredulous. "What are you saying? Butterfly?" Her laughter was tinged with confusion.
Julien's smile was enigmatic. "Yes, this is true." He spread his black, majestic wings, the moonlight casting eerie shadows. "My wings are proof of this."
Ava's gaze was transfixed by the wings, their beauty and menace mesmerizing.
"By the way, I'm a hybrid," Julien added, his voice matter-of-fact.
Ava's confusion deepened. "What do you mean? What is this?" Her voice was laced with curiosity.
Julien paused, collecting his thoughts. For a moment, Ava wondered if she had overstepped.
Then, taking a deep breath, Julien began. "My father was a pure-blooded butterfly shifter; that is, he could transform into both human and butterfly forms. My mother was human."
Ava's eyes widened, her mind reeling with the implications.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, feeling a pang of regret for prying.
Julien's gentle pat on her shoulder reassured her. "It doesn't matter; don't think too much."