Without You

“It’s only for a month…” She reassured him, wrapped in his warm embrace.

“A month too long…” Francis looked to the floor as she pulled away. “I wish you didn’t have to stay.”

“Well, me either! But remember,” She held his cheeks, lifting his gaze to hers. “You have a gift, Francis. You’ve honed it… far beyond anything I’ve ever seen. You’ll put them in awe this time.”

He tried to hold back a smile.

“Besides,” she said rubbing his cheek as he reached up to hold her hand. “If you don’t go, who will stick it to them? Tichaona?” She laughed. “You’ll be back before I know it.”

He allowed a smile and kissed her forehead right where her hair parted so perfectly. Her supple skin felt so pleasant against his lips. Her touch was addictive; such a soft, gentle feel he couldn’t bear to live without. The sound of her alluring voice could calm the fiercest of storms within him. She was his drug, and he wished to forever be high.

He admired her rich, auburn hair as he rubbed the love of her perfect Inarian ear, “Right.”

She smiled back at him and hugged him tightly for the last time for what would seem like forever. They had been together for most of their lives, having been friends since they were young. He had finally worked up the courage to propose to her just only a month ago and every moment together had felt like a blessing since. Their lives had so easily intertwined that he knew their union was nothing short of destiny.

He gazed upon her smile, allowing it to comfort him. It had inspired him at every turn in his life, always showing him she would trust in any decision he made for them. She believed in him, even when he failed to believe in himself.

They closed their eyes and rested their foreheads against each other.

“Don’t be so critical of yourself, dear. This is why we came here… for you to have the chance to perfect your art without the constant critique of others. You’ll do fine, Francis… I know it.” She told him, not a hint of doubt behind her words.

Her voice felt so powerful against his ears. As long as she believed in him, he couldn’t fail.

“Thank you, ma chérie.” He said as she planted a soft kiss upon his cheek.

“Ahem!” A voice called from behind Francis. They looked to find a fellow Inarian holding a covered cage.

It was Fernand, a close friend of Francis since longer than he had even known Odette. Their fathers had been inseparable, bringing them together often. They were brothers at heart, and nothing could ever come between that. Francis recognized their bond as the only one that could match that of his with Odette.

“Sorry,” Fernand said, appearing almost worried to even interrupt them, “but it’s time for us to make our leave.”

“I know, Fernand.” She sighed. “I know…”

A bird called from within the cage and Fernand raise the cloth to reveal the small, white avian creature. It cocked its head and looked to Fernand with its eyes, rimmed with blotches of red over the white feathers on its face. He shushed it and let the cloth down. “Ugh, Serfor refuses to be quiet, regardless of the sheet.”

Francis took the cage from Fernand and pulled the cloth over and Serfor began to hop up and down on his stand, squawking at him. He unlocked the hatch and opened the cage to pet Serfor’s feathers. “I’m sure he’s just upset to be separated from Didiane…”

Francis lifted Serfor’s face to his and listened to him let a soft sound roll out. “Yes, I know. I’m sorry.” He then closed the cage shut and put the cloth back, sighing with a slight smirk.

“Here.” Francis said as he set the cage down next to Odette. “Bring him back to her. I’ll go without him.”

“Francis, the ship is departing in-“

“Just a moment.”

Francis smiled as he grabbed Odette by the waist and pressed his lips to hers. He captured the moment in his mind, acknowledging how breathtakingly smooth and wonderful her lips felt. Every inch of his body electrified upon her touch and nothing in this world or any other would ever compare.

He grazed his nose against hers and pulled away.

“I love you,”

“I love you too,” she replied softly as if all the air in her lungs had left. Her throat swelled. “Come back to me soon.”

“Soon isn't quick enough. I’ll count the days, my love.”

He stepped back from her, holding her hand until nothing but their fingers met, and let go. He then began to walk towards the terminal alongside Fernand. “Look after her for me while I’m gone,” Francis asked.

“Of course, brother.” Fernand chuckled. “You do realize you'll be back in a few weeks, right?”

“Yeah,” Francis laughed at the thought, “it’ll just be the longest we’ve ever been apart since we’ve met.”

Francis looked back to catch one last glimpse of his beloved as he continued down the terminal. He searched for what had been her comforting, earthy brown aura, but he realized when he saw her flowing hair through the crowd that her aura had now changed to that of a bright yellow, indicating fear.

His heart fell at the discomfort, but he took a deep breath and continued onward with Fernand.

You needn’t worry. I’ll return soon, my Odette.

by Chet DeLano