Phoenix Moon

Welcome to Paradise (Part 2)

"How in the world did I forget this place?" I asked. Andre shrugged and laughed. He seemed happy with himself. And I was ahppy to see him smile. In front of me a winding stream emptied into a small lake. The tree line hid the water from those who weren't looking. A small meadow sat next to the lake, just large enough for a picnic. A frayed rope still hung from one of the larger trees that Lukah had hung so long ago. Everything was slightly overgrown, but it was just as beautiful as I remembered. And as I stared at Paradise, I remembered what it felt like to be a kid.

Paradise was my second home. Andre, Lukah, and I used to come here for hours to avoid the world. When I was just about to start secondary school my parents disappeared. They left for the full moon and never came back. Paradise was our haven. It was the place that let us forget all of the sadness in our worlds.

"I thought that maybe we could both use an escape today. I don't know why you've been so upset, and you don't need to tell me, but maybe I can help make it better" said Andre. It was ironic really. He wanted to help solve my problem, but he was my problem.

"I'm sorry. That you haven't found her I mean."

"Thanks Blue. That means a lot to me." He laid down and stared into the sky with a wistful look on his face. "I just keep wishing that she'll show up. Like maybe I could walk down the street and 'Bam!' There she is, but it hasn't happened yet. And if I'm completely honest with myself I know that it won't" He took a deep breath and sighed.

"I can't say that I know how you feel, but I know what it's like to want your mate more than anything else in the world." I sat down next to him and pulled one of his hands into my lap. "And someday you, that idiot brother of mine, and I will all come here with our mates. No matter what happens in the future we will always be the three musketeers. Promise me that."

"I promise"

"Pinkie promise?" It felt good to act like children again. It was too bad the reason had to be so tainted. Andre stared at me like it was a joke, but I wasn't kidding. I waggled my pinkie in his face. Finally he shrugged, and wrapped his pinkie around mine in the solemnest of promises.

"Pinkie Promise" He chuckled.

"Good. Now if you don't complete the promise I get to break your fingers."

"I do not remember that being in the agreement."

"Don't tell me you've forgotten the rules of a pinkie promise?!" I gasped in mock astonishment.

"I'm afraid to say it has been a while since I last read the fine print" I broke first, and laughed. Andre's low chuckle immediately followed my own. He hopped up from where he was laying and held out a hand to help me up. "Let's not let this beautiful water go to waste."

"Last one in is a dirty runt" I called, already running.

-

By the time we made our way back home, I was smiling like an idiot. The sun was beginning to set, and the moon was visible in a still-light sky. I was sopping wet, exhausted, and sore from the full moon, but I had never been happier. When we arrived at the edge of the city Andre and I parted, and I made my way back home.

I climbed the steps to my porch and bursted in the door yelling "Lukah I'm home".

I heard him before I saw him. Lukah only stomped when he was pissed. "Where the hell have you been?! I've been worried sick! I got back from the moon last night and you weren't here. It's been hours and you promised to be home by noon!" Crap.

"I'm so sorry I forgot. Things happened unexpectedly, but I'm fine so you can stop freaking Luke."

"I can't just stop freaking" He scowled, but I simply rolled my eyes. Now he was just being a Diva. "Why are you all wet?" Instantly my grin found its way back to my face.

"I was at Paradise." Lukah gave me a look that said So? " With Andre" Lukah's eyes bulged and he pulled me to the couch.

"Tell me everything." He demanded. So I did.