Zira stretched and yawned as the light coming through the window crept across her face. She reached across her bed and realized it was empty. She instantly sat up as panic started to set in. She looked around the room for him and it was empty.
She was on her way to getting out of bed when the door to her bathroom opened. James walked out and noticed her panicked face. He cocked an eyebrow, with a smile playing across his face.
“What?"
"I thought," Zira said, trying to catch her breath. "I thought you were gone."
James laughed. "Where would I go," James asked sarcastically. "You barely let me pee without hovering over me. And that snoring-"
“Shut up.” Zira yelled while throwing a pillow at him, which he promptly returned. “I don’t snore that badly.”
“Tell that to my ears,” he laughed.
Zira watched him dry his hair and couldn’t help but stare at the scar above his heart. It’s been a few months since the battle with Alaia and it still hasn’t healed. Trixie and her fairies tried everything they could to heal him. Zira didn’t realize how much damage Alaia did until George got him to Trixie to examine him.
James, on the other hand, knew it was bad and did what he could to block it from Zira. When they saw a scan of his heart, it looked as if Alaia imprinted her hand on it. Psycho! Zira wished she could bring Alaia back to life just to kill her again.
James didn’t care much about the scar. He calls it a reminder of what they had to go through to get here. He was just happy to be here and so was Zira.
“You shouldn’t be out of bed, James. Trixie said it could take a while for your heart to heal and the best way is to rest.”
Zira walked over to him and grabbed his hand, trying to lead him back to bed. James reluctantly followed, knowing arguing would be useless.
“Then I think she would disapprove of what we did last night. If my heart can handle that, it can handle anything.”
James picked Zira up, despite her screams, and laid her on the bed. He trailed kisses down her face to her neck, then to her mark. He gave it a little lick before placing a kiss on it, sending a thrill down Zira’s body. He posted above her, looking into her eyes with a playful smile.
“Besides, I do feel better now. I think it's time I got back out there. Deacon is restless.”
“Depends, does this hurt,” Zira asked, pinching his arm.
“Ow, hey-”
“Then you’re not ready to leave yet,” Zira laughed, getting him to laugh with her.
Suddenly, he stopped laughing and sat on the bed while keeping his eyes on Zira. He was content with staying with her, but something felt off. Something was pulling at the back of his mind but he shook it off.
“Seriously, Zira. It’s been a minute and I’m starting to feel like that guy that was chained up by the crazy woman who broke his legs so he couldn’t leave,” James laughed, but this time Zira didn’t join him.
Maybe he’s right and I’m being a little over-protective, Zira thought.
All she knew was that they were safe in this room and that’s how she wanted to keep them. James noticed the worried look on Zira’s face and pulled her into a hug.
“Hey, I’m just kidding,” James said, lifting her chin so she was looking at him. “You are way hotter than that crazy woman.”
Zira jabbed him in the ribs as they both started laughing. She snuggled into his embrace, hoping they could stay like this forever. This setup wasn’t bad. Trixie would bring them food three times a day, they kept themselves entertained in more ways than one, and James’ heart kept beating. This was bliss.
“I’m so glad we’re here, James. Together,” Zira whispered as his hand stroked the side of her arm.
“Me too. I had so many things I wanted to say to you that night. Especially when I thought it was going to be my last.”
Zira sat up with a smile and straddled him. “Oh yeah. Like what?”
James turned his face away from her as she spotted a blush on his cheeks. “I don’t know. It was so cheesy.”
“I don’t care. I want to hear it,” Zira said while guiding his face back to her. “Please.”
James' hands snaked around her waist and pulled her closer to his body. “Well, for starters, I wanted to say how much I admire your bravery. I know in the beginning I was a fool. I took you for granted, never realizing how much I needed you-needed Arias in my life. It took a while but I’m glad I came to my senses before I lost the most important thing in my life.
In all, I want to thank you for loving me and giving me a chance to be a father to Arias. When this is over, all I want to do is wrap you both in my arms and listen to our heartbeats. No matter what happens, know that I love you, Zira. Always and forever.”
Every word tattooed itself on Zira’s heart. It was so full she felt like she was going to drown as tears fell down her face. So she kissed him and poured all her feelings into him. She wanted him to fill up with so much love that he would never doubt it. They broke apart trying to catch their breath while Zira leaned her forehead against his.
“So, I was thinking about tomorrow,” Zira started, “I could have my mom make you the best get well cinnamon rolls. I know you like mine but hers is-”
“Zira.” James stared at her and shook his head. Zira looked as if her heart could stop at any minute. “We can’t stay here forever. I think…I think it’s time for me to go.”
Jamesy-bear, a voice rang out.
They both looked in the direction of the voice and James knew exactly who it was. He got up and walked over to the window. There he saw her. Maria. His Maria waved at him. She motioned for him to come along and he smiled before turning back to Zira, who was shaking her head.
“No,” she said, walking to James and grabbing his hand. Zira didn’t want him to go. Every day, this would happen and, so far, she was able to get him to stay. This time she knew it was different but she still wanted to fight. “Not yet. Just one more day, please…I…”
Zira could barely finish her sentence as tears flowed from her eyes like a waterfall. She felt this wasn’t fair. After everything, this wasn’t how it was supposed to end. James pulled Zira into a hug, but it wasn’t as comforting as she wanted. There were no sparks, no scent, no...anything. There was nothing and she hated it. Jame lifted her chin to look at him.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay. You have given me everything that I ever wanted. A second chance at love and having a family. More than I could have hoped for. Now it’s time for someone to do the same for you. You have to be brave, Zira. Not just for yourself, but for Arias too.
“I don’t know if I can, James. I can’t lo-”
“You will, Zira, if you try. Promise me, you’ll try,” he said, staring down at her. She tried to turn away from him but he wouldn’t allow it. “Promise me.”
“I promise,” Zira said, reluctantly. “I promise.”
James smiled before pulling her into a kiss, then a hug. She melted into his embrace until she opened her eyes and realized she was hugging a pillow.
She was in her room at her parents’ house, surrounded by multiple bouquets of her favorite flowers, moonflowers. James was nowhere in sight but the hint of cinnamon was still present, as if at any time he could walk through the door.
A knock made her jump as she stared at the door. From the scent she could tell it was her mom as she opened the door to peek inside. Zira turned away, not wanting her mom to see her like this.
“Hey sweetie, just checking to see if you wanted to join us for dinner,” she asked softly.
ZIra let go of the pillow and looked at her mother. “He’s gone, Mom.” Zira let out a deep breath she didn’t know she was holding. “I can’t believe I actually said that out loud.”
Her mom climbed into the bed and held her. “I know…I know.”
Zira sobbed into her mom’s arms. She wasn’t sure how long they had stayed there, but eventually her dad joined the little huddle. Even though her heart still felt heavy, she was happy to have her support here with her.