Medusa: Love Me ✔

You are My Life

Medusa woke up, smiling to herself when she found Lara's arm was circling over her abdomen.

"Fuuuf," Lara mumbled. Medusa raised her eyebrows. "Food," Lara repeated and her stomach growled.

"You're hungry, huh," Medusa chuckled. She untangled herself and kissed Lara's cheek. "I'll go make breakfast."

Medusa walked into the forest. After some time, she managed to catch a rabbit. She made fire and started cooking.

The aroma fulfilled Lara's nostrils. She got up and looked around her.

"Good morning. How's your sleep?" Medusa asked.

"Morning to you too. Not bad. I got to cuddle with you. Your body is so warm," Lara smirked. "Although I have to admit that the snakes tickled my face. It's itchy."

"My apology. I'll tell them to behave," Medusa petted her snakes, having a silent conversation between them.

"So, what are you cooking? It smells good."

"You guess. Let me get you some," Medusa handed Lara a plate. 

Lara took a bite. Soon, her face lit up. She finished her meal in a record time. Medusa just eyed her and ate in small bites.

"Is it that good or you're just hungry?"

"To be honest, I'm starving but it's so delicious. Where did you learn how to cook? What is it though, not chicken I assume. The texture is tougher. Can I have some more?"

"Easy there, girl. You have something here," Medusa wiped Lara's corner lips and the other smiled sheepishly. "To answer your questions, I used to help my mom with the kitchen. Living in the wild, I earn some skills to survive, like hunting, climbing a tree, make trap. Today, I got a rabbit," Medusa answered.

"No," Lara's mouth dropped open. "Rabbit. A sweet creature," she gulped and closed her mouth, preventing to not vomit.

"You look green. Drink this," Medusa handed her water.

"How could you. Poor cute little animal," Lara sobbed.

Medusa did not expect this. She was glued to her place, looking at her plate. She chewed and swallowed the last bite. Lara was crying in the corner. Medusa never knew how to approach a crying person, let alone someone who cried over a rabbit. Should she pat her back or hug her. "Does it mean you don't want another plate?" Lara turned her head and glared at Medusa. It was hard to tell with her eyes closed. But her face reddened and she had her hands on her waist. So, Medusa thought that Lara might be angry.

"We can always find another source of food. Since, I discovered the river, I'll go fishing. Fish sounds good?" Medusa offered.

"Much better," Lara wiped her tears. "Now if you excuse me. I'm going to pray for the rabbit's soul."

"She's okay with me turning people to stone but she's upset that I cooked a rabbit. Weird," Medusa rolled her eyes.

*

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. The two women developed a bond. Medusa would go hunt or fishing. Lara cooked meals, with Medusa's assistance. One time, Medusa tried teaching Lara how to use a bow. Bad idea. Medusa nearly lost her right eye. Since then, they danced and sang instead.

The pair enjoyed each moment they spend together. They played in the riverbank, walked in the forest during daylights. When night comes, Medusa and Lara would talk about anything and everything.

The following night, after the pair finished dinner, they sat side by side, under the tree besides the riverbank.

Lara broke the silence. "I never knew what were you doing before you helped me."

"You never ask," Medusa replied shortly.

There was a sudden change of atmosphere between them. Lara fidgeted in her seat. She did not want to push. She would wait until Medusa was ready.

"You don't have to tell me anything."

"I want to. It's just hard," Lara gave her hand a small squeeze.

Medusa sighed and started talking. "Promise not to judge me," Lara crossed her heart.

Medusa leaned her head on Lara's shoulder. "You must have heard about the legend of Medusa. A monster with snakes on her head and green skin. The one who turned everyone to stone. It was true. Partly."

"What's your side of the story?"

"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Medusa. She wanted to serve Athena as her priestess and was living her dream until a sly god tricked her. Poseidon. He raped her. Athena caught them. The goddess banished her. Just like that her dream turned into a nightmare. She lost it all. Her beauty, family, freedom and hope. The parents couldn't accept her. People coming with spears, want nothing but her death. So, she hid herself. The cave is the place she calls heaven on earth where her shadow is her only companion," Medusa's voice cracked.

"Every night, she woke up, covered in sweat. It was hard to get a decent sleep because when she closed her eyes, the images of her victims were haunting her. It wasn't long before she started to lose her sanity. The demons, the voices. She was dead in the inside. So, why not end it once and for all. No more suffering. That day, her mind was set."

Lara hugged her. "You were about to commit suicide?"

Medusa draped her arm across her knees and leaning her head on it. Her words got caught up in her throat as her eyes welled up. "Yes."

"Are you okay now? Are you still having the thought of suicide?" Lara rubbed her back soothingly.

"No. It's because of you."

"What did I do?"

"For a long time, I was alone and lost in an unfamiliar world. I had no friend. But that day, you came into my life uninvited. You were screaming for help, fighting for your life and hoping that someone would hear you. I was contemplating whether I should help you or not. For a second, I thought it'd be great if we die together." Medusa laughed dryly.

"But I can't be selfish. I'm better than that. So, I saved you. It was the best decision I've ever made. I find a strong, independent woman. Not to mention a beautiful one. You don't give up when things are difficult. Each day as we grow closer, I realize how much you paint my life. With your laughter or your lack of talent in singing." Lara punched Medusa's arm lightly.

"I no longer afraid when I'm with you. No more tears nor pain. It's incredible how you see the good in me. Not as a monster but as a good human being. Just because I did bad things in the past, it makes me a bad person. I deserve a chance to show the real me. That under this ugly skin, I am Medusa. Also, you teach me how to love myself, to accept my fate and embrace it. It's like an irony when you use my eyes to describe the skies, rainbow and birds when in fact, you open my eyes when I couldn't see. You give me hope to live. Words can't describe how thankful I am."

"Promise me one thing. It's time to stop hating yourself. I want you to stop living your life according to the comforts of others. Make yourself and your life happy." Lara warned.

"I'm happy when I'm with you," Medusa stated.

"Then, we'll grow old together." Lara reached out and lifted Medusa's chin. "I won't miss a chance of having free and delicious meal every day. You're such a good friend," Lara grinned.

"Friend huh?"

"Uh-huh."

"Friends don't kiss each other passionately," Medusa flirted.

"A special friend." Lara whispered.

Medusa cupped her palm around Lara's cheek. "I have one more confession to make. I love you."

Lara leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Medusa's lips. "Show me."

AN: Writer's block attacked me. This chapter is so rushed. But I want to keep the whole story short. Maybe I'll finish it in three more chapters.