Chapter Twenty-Three – Like it’s the Last time
Chapter Twenty-Three – Like it’s the Last time
~Shontae~
Tayvion wanted a montage, and dammit, if that’s not what it felt like.
I took my time getting home, still nervous about what would happen when I saw Likosa, but the moment I walked through the door to find her sitting with Sire, I imagined sweet music swelling in the background and felt like I was swept away.
“Welcome home.” She smiled at me as I moved to join her on the couch.
“You look comfortable.” I pointed at the bird who had been all up under me until Likosa arrived. “You know, she doesn’t usually take to people like she has you.”
“Really? She’s such a sweetheart.” She tapped Sire’s beak with her pink nails and smiled. “I think she would really love the Bane.”
“The Bane? What’s that?”
“It’s where I currently live,” she explained. “It’s a beautiful world full of creatures not dissimilar to Sire. I imagine she would take to the skies and reign supreme.”
“You currently live there?” I clung to that part of her comment. “You’re not from the Bane?”
“Not originally, no.” She paused and then looked me in the eyes. “It's been my home for a while, but I think I may be leaving it for good soon.”
Is she talking about living here for good? Cue the girls and their U-Haul jokes!
“You’re moving?” That was all I could think to say, because I didn’t want to imply her plan was to come to my home.
“I’m considering returning to my home world. It’s been something I’ve thought about for a long time.”
“I see.” I nodded.
You’re disappointed! Look at you, ready to pout. Don’t let her see it!
“That sounds nice. I’m sure there are people there who would love to see you again.”
“Sure.” She watched me carefully. “Why haven’t you made this your home?”
“I’m sorry?” Her question shocked me.
“You live here, your things are here, but it doesn’t feel like this is a home for you.”
“You think so? I mean, I’ve been here for a while, it’s my home.” I shrugged.
“I imagine your home would reflect you more. Everything here has a function. I can tell that much, but there are hardly any pictures around, very few personal touches. Only minimal decoration and, well, a very nice sitting area.” She patted the couch.
“I spend a lot of time here with the girls.” I looked around. “Now that you mention it, I guess I haven’t really made this much of a home, have I?”
“It’s just an observation.” She patted my knee. “Nothing to worry about.”
And Jenna thought it was sooo you!
“But you’re right. It’s because I didn’t plan on staying here this long. It was supposed to be a temporary spot until I could afford my house in the country. Getting the business off the ground took longer than I planned.”
“You want to move to the country?”
“Yes, for my peace of mind. It’s nearly impossible for me to find any true peace here. It’s why the pod is in the basement. That’s the only time I can truly shut out the noise of everyone’s emotions.” I pointed at the door down to my pod. “The water muffles everything.”
“Water helps you?” Her brow lifted, and I had the feeling the information had unlocked something for her, but she didn’t comment further. “A house in the country would be good for you and Sire. She could spend more time spreading her wings.”
“That’s definitely one of my motivations as well. I feel guilty having her stuck in the house. Sometimes, I drive her out to the fields and let her fly around.”
“That’s good.” She looked at Sire, who hopped down to the floor and danced down the hall, likely to eat again.
“I’d like to help you make that happen. You deserve a home that will be peaceful for you.
It is still my plan to help you reach your business goals, and now, we’ll add on building the perfect home for you two. ”
“You don’t have to do all that, Likosa. I still don’t even know what you want me to help you with.”
“I want to, Shontae. That’s reason enough.”
She smiled at me, and I chose not to debate her about it. She was right—it was reason enough.
Having Likosa in my home changed the chemistry of my brain so much, I actually looked forward to being there. Meka no longer had to kick me out of the gym at the end of the day. I happily assigned classes to Mel and anyone else who wanted the extra work.
“I don’t know what’s gotten you like this, but I welcome it!” Meka said to me as I rushed out of the office and handed her the closing records.
I realized the difference immediately. With Likosa, it took effort. She could hide her emotions from me, so I had to work to learn about her. Would I ever admit to my friends that they were right? No, but I would tell my therapist.
“You light up when you talk about your family. Did you know that?” Likosa smiled at me over dinner. We’d gotten Thai for the third night in a row, and I wasn’t complaining about it.
“I’ve been told that before, yes.” I smiled. “My family is my heart. I miss them all so much, but I see them as often as I can. The last time I talked to my mother, she was asking me to let my dad come live with me. She said he’s driving her crazy since he’s retired now.”
“Do you have photos of your mother?” she asked. “I would love to see them.”
I pulled up the album on my phone and handed it to her. Likosa’s face softened as she examined the photos.
“You look just like her. So beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I could feel my face warming. “What about your family? Were you close with them before you left home?”
“Not all of them. I’m the youngest of twelve sisters.
The oldest were too far removed to remain close to, and my parents were too overwhelmed with responsibility to really give each of us that much attention.
Overall, though, I love my family, and I miss them.
Especially Wakola, my sister born just two sun cycles before me.
We were treated as twins and were so close. ”
“It’s good you’re considering returning. You can rekindle that bond.”
“Yes, of course.” She dropped her eyes, and I could see her withdraw from the topic.
Those were the moments that captured me, when she would retreat into her thoughts and I knew I would have to wait for her to be comfortable enough to tell me how she really felt. I had to pay attention to her in ways that were not necessary with other women.
It was only three days after Likosa arrived when she had to reset my powers again. And then, just two days after that, she had to do it again. Before long, I needed her touch each morning to keep me balanced.
I tried to distract myself from the issues with my abilities by planning outings for us. Likosa promised she was close to finishing the solution, but I needed to keep moving. So, we went out each night—to my favorite spot to eat, out on walks, and even going to see a movie together.
Tay: Look at y’all, going on dates!
Caddy: It’s real cute! I’m so proud of you!
I shook my head as I slipped the phone back into my pocket when we made it home on the seventh night. They were teasing me, but it was because they were happy for me.
“Tell me more about the Bane,” I asked Likosa as we sat down with tea. It had become a nightly routine after she insisted I drink tea to help my nerves about my powers. “You’re thinking of leaving it now, but I can tell you love it there.”
“I do.” She nodded. “I wouldn’t have remained there all this time if I didn’t love it.
It’s a beautiful world, with so many facets.
There’s a part of the Bane that looks like a true hellscape, the kind you would imagine if I said I was from hell.
Actually, there are entire worlds that look like that, but in the Bane, there is only one territory.
Everything burns, and the beings who live there are nightmare fuel.
But that part of the Bane is only a small section.
Where I live is beautiful, with lush land and fresh water.
I see it as a balance to the other side. ”
“Is it dangerous there?”
“No, Earth is far more dangerous than the Bane. You not only have to worry about other humans doing terrible things, but there’s also pollution and so many other issues with your ecosystem.
In the Bane, even the worst of them prioritize the health of the world.
Sure, there are monsters, threats to safety, but for the most part, if you stay on the right side of the line, you’re okay. ”
“I wish you had pictures. I would love to see it.”
“Hmm, maybe I’ll take some the next time I go.” She pulled out her phone. “I never thought to do so before.”
“You should, since you’re planning to leave. It would be nice for you to have them to remember.”
“Right.” Again, Likosa withdrew.
Usually, I would let her, but this time, I asked what had been on my mind for days.
“That's what you need my help with, isn't it? To help you get back home.”
“We don't have to talk about that now.” She sipped her tea. “I don’t want to upset you. I’ll be able to make this a permanent fix soon. Once it is, we can talk about all that.”
“Likosa, it’s okay. Look, I have enjoyed spending time with you, I really have, but I understand if this isn't the end-all. I'm not creating images of a perfect future of you and me together.” I poured out the truth. “It didn’t take me long to piece it together. You found me because you were looking for something specific, but you didn’t expect to care about me the way you do.
That doesn’t mean you stopped needing what you were originally after, but if you want my help, you need to start telling me what it is you need from me. ”
She said nothing.
After a short pause, Likosa put her cup down, stood, and grabbed my hand.
I stood and looked into those pink eyes that held secrets I would never know.
When she leaned in, I accepted her lips, kissing her while trying to hold back the urgency I felt moving through me. How many more kisses would I get?