"A heart of rock is a heart nonetheless... this rock, a foundation, a refuge... beats; therefore, it cares... it loves — the rock."
Every Saturday, she would come to read in the library. Her favorite spot was the couch near the window, where she could bathe in the morning sun and take in the fresh air while reading her books. She finished her novel within a week. It was beautiful.
Odette closed the pages and looked around, taking in the story she had just finished reading. She was supposed to make some strawberry-filled pastries for Gideon and Nathaniel — he said he would be coming in the evening for a meeting. He also said he had brought news from the outside.
She walked over to the first shelf from the entrance, near the book reception and the world maps. As she was holding it, looking for another story to dive into, the room suddenly felt the presence of another person.
"I thought you were coming in the evening, Nath—"
Behind her stood Caius, at the door, not entering. His eyes were hooked deep into her soul, searching for answers. She had not seen him since the anger tantrum that day. It seemed he had just left the shower; his hair was messy, and his clothes looked casual once again. This time, he was not wearing a shirt.
Odette felt the weight of his presence and looked away, walking from the shelf to a distance. His voice was low and careful.
"Who... were you expecting to come, Odette?" he smiled eerily.
Her eyes feared him — and he loved it. Resting his head against the entrance wall, he smiled wider, his eyes traveling all over her. "Finish the sentence for me, would you?"
"Nothing important." She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry to disturb you. I'll be leaving now."
Leaving the novel just above some books, she hurriedly walked towards him. Just as she was passing him, a strong arm tugged at hers and pulled her back into the library. She was practically thrown into the room again by him. His face was as stoic as ever as he pushed her inside by walking towards her.
"I've heard," he raised his eyebrows, cornering her toward the window, "my cousin has been visiting you occasionally."
Every time he took a step forward, she took one back, until he successfully cornered her on the couch where she had been sitting earlier.
"Can't he..." Her words faltered. "Can't he come and talk to me? I'm not a prisoner, Caius."
He walked closer, earning a sharp breath from her as she sat down forcefully on the couch. Standing right in front of her, he looked down — then suddenly knelt. Odette was speechless and afraid.
"You wanted to go away so much... you forgot your slippers." He looked down to see her bare feet.
"I'll leave anyway, I have some work."
"What, to bake for him? And your beloved son?" Caius felt anger surge within him, but he had no intention of scaring her. What he felt was similar to losing something he never wanted to lose, and it was tense. He grabbed her ankle, but she pulled it away.
"I can put it on myself."
He paid no mind and grabbed it again, tightly holding it as he slid a slipper onto her left foot.
"Caius..." Odette wriggled her foot free, locking eyes with him. "Can you stop?"
His eyes furrowed, jaw tightening.
"What do you two talk about?" he asked, placing his hands on both sides of her. She actually stopped to think. Was he that important to even make her pause and remember their talks?
"Usually we talk about novels..." she tilted her head. "Food... because I—" her eyes filled with guilt. "Because I cook for him when I cook for Gideon. We talk about the world outside."
Time seemed to slow. As she spoke, word by word, his eyes grew more lifeless. With a sinister smile on his lips, he leaned over — watching her eyes, then her lips as she spoke, then her pupils as they darted left and right. The whole room became silent. She had nothing more to say.
Then he stood up and left.
Both her slippers were on her feet.
"That was it?" Nathaniel munched on a strawberry and widened his eyes. "He didn't do anything?"
Odette shook her head and cleaned up. "I just don't want to see him."
He knew. He did not want Caius near Odette either. For Nathaniel, she was one of the few people who did not bow or panic at his presence. He loved listening to her talk, and he loved playing with Gideon. If only he could do that forever.
"I'm glad he didn't hurt you, Ette." She felt better — at least someone cared and took her side.
"I won't let him." She smiled.
It was time to change the subject. Nathaniel took a deep breath and walked over to her. "I'll be coming again tonight." He gave her a gummy smile. "Some of our clients are throwing a gathering."
"Ooh..." Odette widened her eyes and puffed out a chuckle. "So it's not just guns and drugs for y'all, huh?"
Nathaniel laughed. "That's a crazy stereotype."
She laughed too. For a moment, the world felt lighter. His presence did not unsettle her as Caius's did.
"I'll come see you at your favorite spot today," Nathaniel said, looking over at her. Without even glancing back, she smiled and nodded.
"I'll bring you some pastries."
The night was long. She had put Gideon to sleep — not easy with all the music and noise outside. According to Toby, it was a party gathering all of the Constantine shareholders and business partners. The music livened the night.
After kissing her son goodnight, she left for the kitchen. Waiting for Nathaniel to bring news from the outside was something she cherished more with every passing second. As she was making the pastries, she hoped he would bring news from her café — about Arvin, her aunt, and her family. Everything seemed so far away, out of her reach now.
Outside the library, near the indoor garden, she waited while gazing into the distance. She could already sense the energy of the rich from afar — people flaunting their gowns, men laughing and drinking. She wished she could go day-drinking with her two co-workers again. That sounded like a cozy gathering for her.
The night grew darker, and she waited. Suddenly,y the lights went off, and the room went dark — so did the garden. She looked around and found no one, but then she heard footsteps.
"Are you here?" she called out, looking around. There was nothing but darkness. "Nathaniel, I'm here." She took a few steps forward and stumbled upon a chest — firm and clothed. It was someone else there, and it was Nathaniel.
"I'm sorry I'm late." She wondered why he whispered, and why he felt so close.
"That's fine." She smiled and reached out to feel for him. As she did, two hands met hers. She giggled and held onto them tightly. "You know, Arvin is your age, and whenever the lights go off in my café, he does the same." She felt him hold her arms now.
"I'm here now," he whispered again.
"Nathaniel?" Odette held his arms. "Thank you for being there for me." The memory of her co-workers hit her, and a sudden wave of loneliness washed over her. "I'm glad I met you."
At the speed of a wave crashing at the shore,
He drew her close. Before she even realized, her body clashed against his chest, and his lips met hers. Her eyes fluttered open in shock as her breath caught in her throat. He kissed her passionately, every piece of emotion bottled inside him spilling out. His hands cupped her face gently. She froze, staring into the shadow before her, unsure what she felt.
He drew back slightly, brushing his nose against hers, breathing unevenly. As he parted from her, one hand slid to her waist. He rested his forehead on hers.
"Nathaniel?"
"Hmm?" For the first time, she heard a soft hum.
"You... you just..." she whispered.
He kissed her again, briefly. Her heart raced faster, her pulse loud in her ears.
"You're not allowed to go, Odette," he said, placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "You stay right here with me. Alright?"
She finally gathered her senses. "Nathaniel, stop." She pushed him gently. There was only a shadow — she could not see his face. "I—what... why did you?"
"Isn't it obvious, Odette?" he whispered. "I wanted to kiss you senseless."