Parallels I

Chapter 6 “Rain Fades Away”

/Elyon

Situation became entwined. No longer things seemed the same. Definitive statement of change over 13.1%. Brain can notice the difference, if the difference is around 13.1% or more.

This case was just a rich mass of things that could not add up.

I kept on looking at my screen. Reading my own words that I typed, but couldn’t believe in. Most normal beings would not believe such strange ‘natural’ occurrence. Something like, another creature showing up in front of your eyes? And even conversing with you?

My report looks like a bag of crazy. How am I supposed to explain the situation? How do I explain something I encountered for the first time?

Writing up a report - task of extraordinary difficulty. No matter how much I looked over the situation - solutions of the right words didn’t come.

I went over the details of creature projections, of particle magnetism, light reflections, clusters and flows. These could be nothing of the same feel and view I’ve seen. Astral projections? Is that even possible?

All the tech available on the planet, with AIO on it - nothing could be of likes, of what I saw.

The Niko I’ve encountered seemed like an underprocessed and not-yet fully developed creature of some game industry. Programmed maybe? Created by the new type of software I know nothing of?

But how can you create That, with such odd looks and clothes?

Even after endless hours of research - it still just won’t seem to add up.

I stared at the screen in search of something. Words did not appear. At some point all clusters of information in my head decided to go “Puff” and it went silent. Presumably the whole system just went bust from overheat, overwork and overprocessing.

I saved what I had. Turned everything off. Took a glimpse around.

Many of the office bugs have left. Just a few hard workers left - me and the two newbies. I decided that I should call it a day and go. Packed my bag, got it hanging over the shoulder, then waved “Bye” to co-workers and left.

As I step out onto a busy street - I feel the buzz continue on. The lights and brightness of the shops, stalls, barely let you notice that it’s minutes to sunset.

Everybody is going somewhere or to someone. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes for a moment to collect self, yet my mind kept on going in work mode.

I was looking directly into her eyes… What was her eye color again? Her lips…

I opened my eyes, as I caught myself thinking about her. Perhaps I am exhausted. Brain still playing tricks as it takes time to get out of working mode. I shook my head, wiped my forehead trying to get my focus back.

Have to get myself ‘home’ now.

Erick should be back by this time of day.

Trip back in packed vehicles that ease our transportation, yet give a mild case of disgust, due to lack of private space. Then it’s all about getting out and having a little moment of walking a few roads in silence, covered in pale lights, to Eric's house.

Turning the key in the lock, opening the door and coming in.

Somehow this house is like no other ordinary house I’ve been in. Erick said that everything here was created or selected by both him and Niko. All he said back then did not make much sense to me. Now I am understanding a little, from what might actually make the story complete. Maybe make more sense?

When I got into my room, I dropped all belongings near the table. Took out change of clothes from drawers and went to have a shower.

Need that relaxation at the end of the day.

Standing under running water relaxes a lot. A hum that takes away unnecessary thoughts, mess and pieces.

To my surprise it was suddenly disrupted.

“Hey, I wanted to talk to you.”

I jolted as I saw Erick standing next to me. Guess, due to me being absorbed in my thoughts - I didn’t notice that the door opened and he walked in, leaning his back against the doorframe.

“Do you mind?!” – I half-shouted as I started to blush, realising that shower curtain wasn’t drawn and I was fully exposed to Erick. Stark naked in front of a handsome man. Marvellous. He genuinely was unfazed.

“Not at all,” – said Erick as he shifted legs, his eyes piercing mine with that typical look he has. – “I will be going away for a week, starting tomorrow. I’ll need you to take care of the house for me. Hope you can manage that.”

Erick peeled from the door frame. Then turned around, closing the door behind him, as he left.

“Where are you…” – I couldn’t even finish the sentence. Erick was already out. The surprise, the embarrassment and him being this cold. Am I really not that attractive for him to at least fake it?

After having shower with intruders to my privacy, I went downstairs for dinner.

One more thing that is lately tingling my senses is Ericks cooking. Somehow anything he cooks, makes or bakes, even for the first time trying - he makes it perfect. He did say that he has a liking towards cooking. Surprisingly for me - he always seems very serious when cooking. Very precise, very methodical, yet gentle.

Today Erick made green salad, Farfalle macaroni and shrimp sauce. I bit my tongue whilst eating his divine cookery. Can’t be mean to the food he makes. From day one in here - the food was and is absolutely fantastic. Also - he doesn’t let me cook. Not that I can. Eh...

I found it a bit lonely eating by myself in the kitchen. Although I was aware that Erick was just upstairs packing things for tomorrow, but I already felt lonely.

Today for me was a really long day. Studies, office, home, endless mess inside my head.

Did I start to crave some consolation from another being? How unprofessional.

When I finished eating and cleaning up - I went to my bed, dropped down, rolled up in a blanket and in a matter of seconds fell asleep.

/Erick

“This evening sure seems long” – I thought, as I sat in the conservatory holding a cup of hot coffee.

“You seem to think too much.” – Niko said softly.

I watched the darkness outside. Not surprised by Nikos sudden appearance.

“I’m continuously thinking. Over-thinking. Drawing conclusions. Changing perspectives in my head nonstop. Quite silly to make any judgements based on this.” – I replied, still glued to endless darkness.

“Dear oh dear,” – Niko breathed out, – “It’s just a week. I’ll keep my watch here for you, my sweetie.”

“I do forget how sarcastic and sassy you sometimes become towards me.” – I shook my head lightly. Feeling my eyebrows knitted for a moment.

“Sometimes I remind myself how hopeless you can actually be.” – Niko was looking at me with a smile. – “But I do know that on this trip you’ll see ‘him’ to enjoy yourself and please that sexual frustration. The sort I’m not wishing to be a part of. But I’d sure like to participate as a bystander. For ‘science’ reasons, of course.” - She giggled.

“ Peeping Tom, you’re horrible.” – I gave her an evil eye. – “But indeed I’ll make sure to enjoy myself as much as possible, so that my great story leaves you jealous.”

“Good to hear that!” – Niko said joyfully.

“I hope you…” – I looked at Niko with absolute seriousness. She gave me a pat on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry, dear. I’ll take care of her! My best treatment is promised. Somehow I’m sure she’ll enjoy it a lot.” – Her saying that didn't give me any reassurance. But I knew that with this person anything is possible.

“I did ask to have her under control and leashed to not be able to snoop around.” - I spoke.

“Yeah, yeah. She won’t touch a thing. Though I can’t promise the same for self.” - Niko smirked.

I had some coffee, it began to cool down.

“Say, did we have someone who was ‘Light’? Thing’s popping in my head lately.” - I looked at her.

She seemed to let out a surprised grimace for a second, little fear crossing her face, before she smiled at me.

“Ha…” - She exhaled. - “Let it go. If it pesters you - let it go.”

“Doesn’t belong to you anymore.” - She whispered.

“Huh?” - I grimaced at her. She smiled her fake smile that I despise.

“Just don’t do shit you’ll regret. And have Him, the fine sexy beast you go to - fuck you silly.” - She was pissed off. Her tone of voice always gave it off, for me to know.

Then she smacked my shoulder with some force and disappeared.

Night was taking over the land. Just about four or so hours until dawn.

From tomorrow someone will learn of new aspects of life, of joy, of sadness… Perhaps become a bit foul…

But rain is the creature to fill in the world right now. Clouds covered the starry sky - rumbling with thunder tonight.

Heavy downpour to hammer all living with replenishment, give that bit of frightening darkness, lurking in the holes of endless minds.

Hope it will cleanse the bitter aftertaste she left.

The dark, wet and cold air came into the room, as a breeze from the opened window.

“Why the heck did you say that? Haven’t seen you so annoyed in a while.” - I said to self. - “Did I open some old wounds?”