Lim Aear

Author's note: Hellooooooooo? Is anybody reading?

Disclaimer: See Prologue.

Chapter 6


“El, what’s wrong? Are you still thinking about that man at the beach?”

Elaine looked up at her best friend. Jessica had finally managed to talk her into going out for a drink with her friends, after she had locked herself again in the house for a couple of days. Jessica could not understand what was going on with her friend. She was no more the girl she used to be. She would laugh, but in her eyes there was always sadness. She went on with her life, but for her, nothing would be the same again.

Last year it was that heartbreaking experience and now that cursed man at the beach! What kind of bad luck was after that girl?? Once more she had found her spacing in her own little world, thinking about God knew what. She knew the incident at the beach had given her a great scare and she wasn’t over it yet, but even that could not explain her behavior.

“No, I was just… I dunno, just thinking.” Elaine answered, not really knowing what to say.

She was thinking about the Prince again. She still didn’t know his name. But he knew hers.

Lady Elaine.

She formed the words silently in her mind, reliving the moment she had heard them coming from his lips. She did not dare say them aloud. Not that and not anything that had happened at the cave. Who would believe her anyway? Elves? Underground cities? Immortality? People already thought her weird, there was no need for a confirmation.

Her two friends that were kissing at the corner of the couch did not help at all. Those lips… those beautiful lips she longed to kiss! And he had found her beautiful. Yes, that was what he had said. Êl means ‘star’ in our language. I swear your beauty shines as bright, lady Elaine. She repeated the words in her mind and a dreamy smile appeared on her lips.

Jessica raised an eyebrow. Ooooh, our little El has finally fallen in love again… she thought amused and sat down next to her.

“So who is he?”

“Huh?”

“The guy you are thinking about.”

Oops. She was caught.

“I have no idea what you are talking about”, she said trying to sound persuading.

“Oh.”

“Jess, there’s no guy, so leave it be.”

“El, I know you better than anyone, and…-”

“I said, THERE IS NO GUY!” she snapped angrily and Jessica looked at her, startled.

Elaine sighed. Great, so she was beginning to suffer the “lovesick-puppy’s-unreasonable-outbursts”, as she called them.

“Jess, I’m sorry. I’m just… I dunno, I feel weird about all that has happened the last days and I’m not being myself. I guess I’ll go for a walk at the beach and then home to sleep, ok?”

Jessica nodded sadly. She was withdrawing again.

“Honey, I’m not sure about you going at the beach… You’ve seen yourself it’s dangerous so late at night. I wouldn’t go back there if I was you.”

“I really need some fresh air, Jess. I’ll be fine, don’t worry. After what happened, the police send patrols now and then to check. Seriously, I’ll be ok.” She gave Jessica a weak smile and a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder.

“Ok. Be careful. You have your cell phone with you, don’t you?”

Elaine nodded and put on her jacket.

“Call me if you need anything. Goodnight.”

Elaine hugged her.

“Goodnight.” She turned around and looked at the rest of her friends. “Bye guys!”

A chorus of ‘goodnight’s and ‘bye’s was heard as Elaine walked out of the bar and started walking towards the beach. She needed some time alone. And away from couples, if possible.

I can’t believe I’m being such a fool! He’s an elf for God’s sake!! An immortal!

He’s… forever…

Always the same argument to prevent herself from thinking about him. And it never worked. He was always there, smiling, caressing her cheek as he had that night, holding her in his strong arms and kissing her and then, somewhere there, a rational voice would burst her bubble and say “Wake up, fool! It’s a dream! Only a dream! He’s immortal! Forever does not exist, remember? You must not fall in love again unless you have found your ‘Prince’! Or they will leave you alone, just like he did…” And then she would start crying. For no reason. Or that was what she told herself. She didn’t want to admit she was in love with a being that belonged to fairytales. She didn’t want to admit she was in love with forever. No, it couldn’t be real feelings she had. Maybe physical attraction… but lo…-?

She shook her head. No. That word does not exist for me anymore!

After all, she had only seen him for a few minutes. How was it possible to fall in love with someone so quickly? She was being ridiculous. Curse her vulnerable nature! She believed everything so easily. But she was determined not to do the same this time. It was just an infatuation. Or maybe not even that. Maybe it was…

Oh, damn it! Forget about it!

She reached the end of the beach and sat down on the soft sand. She risked a glance over to the bushes and was actually expecting to find someone there, but she was alone. Disappointment filled her. What did she expect? An immortal elf prince running after an immature, insignificant girl like her? A thought popped up in her mind and made her stomach clench painfully. Just how many lovers had he had? How many women had the chance to kiss that angel? Feel his touch? Taste his skin?

“What troubles your heart, lady Elaine?”


Oops. Cliffhanger. *evil grin* Who could that be...? Let's see who will make the right guess!