Fan Fiction |
by Jenny Tran
After the late rendezvous with Natalie, Ahron had learned how morally incorrect their relationship was. He decided to distance himself from her at work, making excuses not to go into her office. Whatever the strange force he felt that night, he was sure it was not human. Maybe Barak had something to do with it. It was a thought but how could it be proven?
It was a starry night as he stood by the window staring up at the sky “You seem a bit more quiet these days.” the voice of his human wife broke into his thoughts.
Ahron turned with a grim smile “I’ve been thinking more lately.” He looked tired and she could tell in his eyes, something was bothering him.
Although the two had made their peace and began to live like husband and wife, the deep love feeling was not there “Why did you marry me?” she often asked. He grew weary of the question and had learned to give her the answer she wanted to hear. But that night, he was wishing Azariah was by his side.
“Some things are meant to be. You either learn to accept it or you learn to move on with your life.” He walked over to where she sat “I want to accept it.” He said with much sincerity in his voice.
She looked into his eyes, searching for lies but she could not find any reason to doubt his answer “Don’t you feel like…this relationship…” she shook her head as if lost for words.
“I do.” He knew exactly what she meant “But we met for a reason. I married you for a reason.”
“What is the reason?” she questioned. It often kept her up at night wondering what would be of their future. She did love him, but was it a one sided path?
Ahron sighed tiredly as he lowered his head and took a seat next to her “Please, we’ve been really good for the past two months. Don’t do this now.”
“Do you still think of her?” It seemed Zoey had an endless questioning game that night. He had grown use to her insecurity but it was not a good time for him. He wanted to past the test but didn’t know how long it would take.
“No, if you want, I will quit my job.” He offered.
Zoey smiled slowly “Thank you.” She reached out and hugged him unexpectedly “I don’t want to make you do something you’ll regret. But to hear it from your lips that you would give up your dream to make me happy…I’m touched, Aaron.” When she pulled away, he noticed the glossy eyes that stared at him so dearly “I don’t want you to quit.”
“Thank you.” He smiled. It was not an appropriate thing to say but he found that there was never going to be the right words with Zoey. Still, he was happy to see her smiling again, it seemed like years since he’s seen her smile.
**********
Azariah’s face grimaced with frustration “Jeroham, why must the test be this long?”
He turned to the curious girl “Because the test has not started. It will begin when he is ready. You must not fret.”
“Three months.” She reminded him.
He nodded with understanding “My dear, I already informed you that this would be the most difficult and not to mention he will have to endure with the patience of waiting. Nothing is as simple as it appears.”
She turned to Jeroham “What does that mean?”
“This is the test of lust, but not any simple human lust. He must first past the temptation of giving up his marriage for another human that he lusts for. But the true test lies in the person he does not love but have a binding marriage.” His words were foreign to her and maybe too deep for Azariah to ever comprehend.
“My dear Ahron is growing tired. I can see it in his eyes.” She stared at the crystal ball, a gentle finger grazing his face as if she could feel it.
“Do you not have faith in him?” Jeroham smiled with envy at her opened affection for his long time friend.
She smiled softly “I do. I always will…but I cannot help this worry heart that aches each time he looks into the sky. I know he is thinking of me but we cannot meet.”
“Yet.” Jeroham corrected “It is a matter of time when he will be smiling. Dear, don’t forget about your job. I believe there are certain parts of the world that need your sunlight.”
She quickly popped from her seat “Bless you for the reminder!” flying off, she returned to her quarters to continue her work.
Jeroham smiled with a shaking head, the girl was quite a handful. He wondered if love was worth it all? His smile faded when he turned to look at Ahron “Hurry back, my friend.”
************
The day of Natalie’s wedding, Ahron overslept purposely. He did not want to go but to his dismay, Zoey remembered. He had tried to keep the secret from her but she had manage to find out from one of the secretaries that worked in his office. Dressed in a navy blue pant suit, she entered his room to wake him “Aaron.” She knelt down by his bed “You might not want to see this day but an invitation has requested that you be there. She is your boss after all. Come on.”
He grumbled in disagreement “Zoey, we both know you don’t want to go. Why are you doing this?”
“Because you need to move on.” Hidden daggers were behind those words, he could tell. But how could he blame her?
He reluctantly nodded as she smiled and picked out a suit for him. The two drove at lightning speed to get the chapel. It was a grand hall with white and pink roses scent that filled the room the minute anyone walked into it. They were in time to see the bride and groom walk the aisle. Ahron did not want to look at her, afraid that the renowned feelings would come crashing back to him.
Zoey smiled with envy as the blushing bride walked down the aisle with a strapless white wedding gown. Embroidered with real pearls along the hems. The train was short but it was enough to make any woman growl with jealousy. Her veil sat underneath the pulled up hair, which was curled to perfection. She seemed to be searching for someone, her eyes darting back and forth. Slow smiles and nods escaped when she realized where she was.
It seemed planned when Natalie and Ahron accidentally met with their eyes. She seemed to calm down, her eyes and smile sincere. His heart fluttered as he felt a strange force within himself. He couldn’t tear his eyes off her. Zoey glanced from her husband to Natalie, their eyes still locked “Maybe it was better that we didn’t come.” She soon regretted her choice to be the bigger person.
Her voice was the magic words that snapped him out of the trance. Ahron turned to her with an apologetic smile “Do you want to leave?” she lowered her head embarrassed “Come on.” He pushed her to leave but she stood firm.
“No, it’s rude to leave. I’m okay.” She said unconvincingly.
Ross was breathless when he saw his new bride. She was gorgeous from every aspect in his eyes. The smiles were real and he couldn’t be happier. They exchanged their vows and the Priest announced the two husband and wife. The crowd broke into a thunderous applaud. Rushing everyone to the reception located at Ross’s parent’s mansion. There were caterers, waiters and plenty of seats to fit five hundred people.
Since it was self seating, Ahron chose the one furthest from the bride and groom. Zoey was quiet and he didn’t expect her to say much. She even ignored the fact that he was stealing glances at Natalie. She seemed to be searching for him once again when the first dance began. The live band knew what to play as the bride and groom were thrust onto the dance floor “Excuse me.” Zoey interrupted his thoughts.
“Where are you going?” he asked worriedly. Afraid that if she left him, he would not be able to control his feelings. Fear had long ago taken over him when he realized even as a God, he could not fight the love feeling. But when Zoey was around, he felt more controlled.
“Restroom.” She said shortly. Maybe she sensed he was worried because she added “I’ll be back. Just get something to eat.” She coaxed gently.
He nodded, he had no choice. The buffet cart was rolling around and it finally reached him as he got a plate full of food. He felt more at ease knowing that the band was still playing, which meant Natalie and Ross were still dancing. Ahron did not expect an unannounced tap on his shoulder, expecting to see a co-worker, instead he was staring eye to eye with Natalie. His heart nearly stopped “Can I have a dance?” she asked with a soft smile. The same one he couldn’t resist.
Like a zombie, he nodded slowly “Sure.” He placed the plate down and took her head easily.
The two swayed to the music, in perfect steps with each other. Synchronizing every sway and every dip. They looked like a magical couple, careless to the whispers that began to erupt within the crowd. Ross stared with jealousy but he didn’t dare to lose his cool in front of so many guests. He quickly laughed it away and explained that the two were good friends for years and he taught her how to dance.
Natalie smiled when Ahron did “What?” she asked.
“How strange it was that I had always hoped I would dance with you in your wedding dress. Except the groom is me.” He found the question pondering him again “You don’t love him, why are you doing this to yourself?”
She lowered her eyes away “My mother always told me to marry a man that loves me more than I love him. That way, my heart would never be broken.”
“If that were true, you could have married me.” He said without thinking.
“Unfortunately…” she said slowly and caught her new husband’s glare “I should go.” She broke away from his warm hands and walked away in long strides.
Ahron stared until she was in the arms of her husband. When he turned, he saw Zoey staring at him from their seat. Hundreds of people were between them, but he could see the hurt look on her face. He was ready for a lecture and even more tears as he approached her. But surprisingly, she did not say anything about what she saw “Let’s go home.” She had had enough.
He nodded in agreement “Okay.”
The drive was silent as usual, they never had much to talk about and even less affection. Ahron felt the need to do something as he reached out a free hand that cover her small balled up fists “Don’t…” she began with a warning tone.
He didn’t pull away “That didn’t mean anything, I swear.” He tried to convince her.
Zoey closed her eyes painfully “I was trying to forget what I saw.”
“I’m sorry.” He said sincerely.
She turned away, she didn’t want to let him see her tears “I know.” Her voice was raspy “I shouldn’t have come.” She fully regretted the decision.
“She’s married now. There’s nothing that could happen between us.” He reminded her “Even if there was, I promise you that I will never let it happen. I don’t want to hurt you Zoey, you’re my wife.”
Eventhough she didn’t believe those words, her heart wanted to. She nodded and turned to him with a smile “I know this was hard for you too. Another chance?”
He chuckled “Even if there are infinites amounts of chances, I will always take it with you.” He gripped her hand “Don’t leave me, please.” He was begging. Afraid that if she did leave him one day, he would lose control of his heart and do something he will regret for all eternity. Or worse, never see Azariah again.
She was constantly on a roller coaster of emotions. There were times when he was so loving and needed her. But there were also times when he didn’t know she was even there. Of course, only when Natalie is around, he forgets all about her. Maybe she would always be second best? Zoey realized she had dazed off when Ahron shook her hand again, waiting for an answer “I don’t promise things I can’t keep.” That was all she could say. She was a person of her words, never to falter from a promise.