The Lost Pixie

Chapter 17

"We've stooped to illusions now?" I growl, glaring at Lírio.

"I'm real, Mari," the man who appears to be Tomás says.

I tighten my fists; even his voice sounds like his.

"I would expect as much from Oriol," I say, still focused on Lírio, "but you? I guess you do have it in you to be cruel."

The man sighs, and closes the distance. I yell for Lírio to break his illusion as he closes in, but my voice dies away as a warm hand makes contact with my cheek.

"Convinced now?" the man says, a small smile on his lips.

"I went to the human world to find him," Lírio says. "I thought he could help. I'll explain more later--after you two have talked."

I watch his figure leave over Tomás shoulder. When my eyes meet Tomás', I notice his unshed tears.

"God, I've missed you," he whispers, his voice hoarse.

"It's really you? You're real?"

He chuckles.

"I'm real."

Tears spring to my eyes along with a burning anger. I slap him hard across the face. I can already see the welt forming as he holds his cheek in shock.

"I guess I des--"

"How dare you show your face to me?" I snap. "After leaving me like you did?"

"I know sending a letter wasn't enough, but I--"

"Lies! I never heard a word from you! I had to learn from Ramon that you decided to leave me when I needed you the most."

He frowns.

"That can't be right," he says firmly. "I told Anna to make sure you got it before I left."

"Well, I didn't."

"But why--" Realization dawns on his face. He sighs, running his hands through his hair with a scowl. "She played me."

"Who?" I sneer. "You're new lover?"

"Listen to me, Mari. I didn't leave to avoid you."

"Of course you didn't."

"I'm serious." He grabs my shoulders, turning me to face him. "Please. At least let me explain."

Anger tells me to ignore him, to send him back to where he came, but my heart is urging me to listen. I shake his hands off me, and fold my arms.

"Fine," I mutter.

I listen quietly as Tomás recounts the day Lola came to see him.

A maid had shown her into his office while he was looking over some documents. He tells me about his surprise and suspicion at her arrival since she hardly ever seeks him out personally. After she told him I was pregnant with his child, she offered him a deal. If he agreed to go into military service a year early, then she would agree to allow him to marry me.

"I'm so sorry, Mari," he says. "I knew better than to take her at her word, but when I questioned her, she threatened to tell my father. I didn't care what punishment he would have given me for my actions, but what I did care about is what that would have meant for you." He holds my gaze. "It would have publicly shamed you, Mari. I couldn't do that to you, so I agreed to her terms. That same day, I made plans to leave and that's when I sent you the letter telling you what happened and why I was gone."

His fist tightens, jaw clenched. I can picture their encounter clearly. I can see Lola, her face strict and cold, as she lies through her teeth to get what she wants. It feels like so long ago that I believed she was the biggest threat to my life. How naïve I was. All the anger I held for Tomás turns to regret; he's just one more unfortunate soul dragged into my problems. I hug my knees.