The Elusive Prince

Surprise Visit

6 days later

Winter was coming to Maine and the beaches had become frothy. Mornings were dreary and made one yearn for snuggly comfort. Ria was back in her home. Her son and husband were fussing over her. Neighbors had dropped food and flowers. The phone had rung non stop for the first 2 days. They had converted the downstairs office into her room. The quaint house stood in a wooded area near the beach. The front door opened to the sea and the back door, which was more frequently used was where cars and such were stored. It was testament to Ria’s green thumb and taste. Her artful selection of flowers and shrubs were placed in such a way that the porch was always lined with riot of colors and it gradually faded into the woods. The house was a 20 min walk from the infamous lighthouse. It was a home where neighbors frequently dropped in and laughter always ringing. 

Adrian brought tea, just the way Ria liked it. Placed it on the bedside table. Adjusted her covers, the window sneaked in a little bit of wind every time it blew. He shook her awake,” Mom, I brought you tea, wake up Mom.” She opened her eyes with great difficulty. Fluttered it a few times before she could focus on Adrian. A beatific smile spread on her face, her inherent beauty apparent despite the ravages of illness. Adrian could himself break out in a smile. “Hi Beautiful,”  he brushed away gray fly-away hair from her temple. Placed an open palm on her cheek. “Get better already.” she scrunched her nose. “If I get better, you'll go away.” it gutted him, but he kept his smile in place. “No. I am back for good. Soon you will get tired of seeing me and avoid me”

“No way. That's not gonna happen.” a single tear rolled down her cheek.

“It will or dad will kick me out. You crazy kids will need your privacy soon,” he teased.

She struggled to sit up. “Baby, i will kick your dad out before that happens”

“Are you leaving me? I always knew this day would come.” Oliver entered the room, carrying in flowers. The room was already full of teddy bears and flowers. It looked like a gift shop. He leaned in to kiss her forehead. She smiled again, “Adrian thinks you will kick him out if he stays”

“Ah! If you wanted a Kraken in here, I would have allowed it, this boy is a bit better looking than that.”  Oliver grinned. His heart soared at the banter, he had prayed, begged for this. 

A car stopped near the house, as the townspeople had been persuaded to visit later, this unannounced arrival caught them off guard. Adrians senses started tingling. He was stunned to find Bri getting out of the car and slamming it with anger. Her searching eyes landed on him, a story above and she shouted, “ADRIAN has come down now!!” how had she found him? But seeing her after almost a week was more joyous. He ran down, controlling his speed. He bounded down while Sylvio was taking out bags out of the car Bri stood impatiently for him to come to her. He ran up to her, picked her and twirled her. Her angry huff transformed into a giggle. “Put me down, you ass! I am angry at you,” he put her down and enthusiastically kissed her. “Bri, what are you doing here?” 

She punched his arm,” you couldn't pick my call or shoot me text? I have called you a hundred times, waiting for the phone to ring. You jackass. I want to kill you so bad.” 

Adrian hugged her, “I couldn't tell you. That brings me to How the hell are you here? No one knows where I come from. I never told you anything about Portland” he saw Sylvio's open grin shutter. Bri became rigid in his arms. He pulled her apart, “what?”

Bri cautiously looked around, “Adrian can we go inside, there's too much we need to talk.”

Adrian's heart thundered, his vision narrowed, a whooshing sound whistled in his ears. Sylvio came up to him and whispered. “Adrian, we haven't changed from what we were, just had some secrets. It's time.” 

Bri’s eye huge and sincere. “Honey.. We need to talk.”

Adrian numb from this took them inside. His dreams had become increasingly suggestive and violent. He had already started to piece together and his disjointed dreams. Today when he saw Bri, he was so happy and now... Now he knew what was coming his way. It seemed like everything was pushing him on the edge. He  had not yet  decided if he wanted to jump or turn, but this was time he knew what was on the other side. 

While he was talking to his friends, he missed the woman at the edge of the wood. She had come to see Ria and the strangers had stopped her in his tracks. A woman and a man had gotten out of the car. She heard the woman yell Adrian's name, seen him running down and hugging her and laughing at her. Seen the kiss. The kiss had killed her. There was a time Adrian's arm used to be around her and the kiss, Oh! the kiss... Samantha still remembered the feel of his kiss. She had gathered all her courage today and came to see him, under the guise of visiting Ria. She had agonized over it for two sleepless nights. She needed to hear why he left her without a single word. It had taken her 2 years to get over him. 2 years of being a zombie who ate little, slept little and slept sporadically. What had helped her get over him was the knowledge that he wasn't ever coming back. Here he was! Now she had no clue what to do. She retreated into the woods. her heart was fragile and it ached for Adrian.