Burning Souls (F.T Sequel)

Epilogue

The hustling and bustling of Cafe Europa's busy clientele have me running amongst tables and jotting down orders in a messy handwriting with a now very much cramped hand. I hastily stuff the notepad down into the front pocket of my all-black, square apron and offer a sweet smile to the newly arrived family of four. I nearly trip on something that looks like orange juice that a toddler has just spilt on my way back to the counter, but with quick reflexes, I grip the edge of the sleek marble and hitch myself behind the cash register. 

"Those are some quick reflexes," a knowing voice chimes. Amidst my putting in the received order in the computer, I look up briefly, only to have my gaze lock on the man that's perched up on a barstool by the same counter, just feet away. Clear, baby blue eyes, as innocent as a lamb but as dirty at the same time. He traces my dumbfounded state and offers a Colgate-toothed smile. "And that was a sickly sweet smile you gave them back there. You know," he tilts his head, running a finger around and around the rim of his elegant champagne flute, "If I didn't know any better, I'd have guessed that that was a poor attempt at getting that middle-aged daddy home with you. The mother didn't notice, of course. They never do..." He shakes his head as the joke passes his lips as effortlessly and smoothly as in the past. My hand now a trembling mess, I raise it to my lips. 

"Caleb?" I whisper. "What- what are you doing here?" 

"Never would have guessed you to be a Rome kind of gal, to be honest." He shrugs and his smile widens as he winks mischievously. "But Ferrari over there wanted to visit his mama, so, like in every other millionth city I've searched this month on our tour around the world, I obviously looked for you."

"Jackpot," I whisper, still at awe but somehow managing a tentative smile in the midst of all the shock. My eyes flip past Caleb's pretty face to rest on a relaxed shadow by the front door. Fernando lifts his hand up in a polite wave and I return it, stifling a laugh when an Italian lady inches up to him and runs a manicured finger down his chest. He looks at it, frozen with fear, and shoots a desperate look in his boyfriend's direction. Caleb swivels around on the high, turning chair and leans his elbows back on the counter. With a dirty smirk, he shakes his head and lifts the glass to his lips, taking long, taunting sips. Fernando's eyes widen as he desperately tries to shake off the insistent woman. "Nothing's changed, I see," I giggle, unable to help myself. Caleb turns back around to face me and shrugs. 

"Nope. He's still completely and whole-heartedly terrified of the female population." 

"Sanders! Get to worrk!" a heavily Italian-accented voice barks from the cacophony that erupts from the kitchen. I shout back an apology to my boss and run a hand through my hair. It's shaking now and I still, knowing that this means that I'm already getting attached again to my old life. I'm dreading Caleb and Fernando's departure, and they've only been on my mind for a minute. 

"Listen-" I begin, lifting my head to Caleb. His eyes narrow but then his face softens, a knowing glint locking into place in his gaze. He sighs and curses lowly. 

"Ah shit, Em. Yes, I know what's going to happen now. You're going to either kick me out or run away. Again." I take the words like a million stabs to my heart, and the truth stings more than I'll admit. 

"I'm so, so sorry Caleb. This is better. For everyone." As his eyes flick to his boyfriend, I'm a screaming mess inside. The Shadow lurks in the darkest corners of my soul, clawing and screeching like a wild cat, demanding to be let out. I've been holding the reins for well over a year now, and my resolve is slipping already. 

"I know that that's what you think, chica." As I open my mouth to answer, he cuts me off with the rise of his hand. "But I respect you, so I also respect your decision. But the truth is, I'd hoped that you wanted to come back with us, you know? That you'd come back home."