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It was 8:00 in the morning, and Eli Deslauriers was off to his work. For three months he has been working for an older woman named Cliona Frollo. He has been her handy man, fixing things in her house, and attending to the upkeep of her yard. To his surprise, he really enjoyed his job and was fond of his employer. She was kind, generous, and down to earth, but also very dignified. And also loved her black and white cat Lucifer, who she adopted from a kill shelter, his last day before he was scheduled to be euthanized. Despite his name, he was playful and very curious. Today, Cliona asked him to come in a bit early. As soon as he got out of the shower and settled down to eat his breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, toast, and black coffee, he heard his phone ding. Still chewing, he reached over and read the text message. When he saw who it was from, his dark eyebrows rose. It was from Cliona, his employer however I couldn't quite understand it.

Eli had just helped Cliona purchase her first smartphone. He had been willing to stay and help her set it up, but she insisted that she was capable of setting it up for herself and didn't want to keep him past his shift. Being 67, he figured that she wouldn’t be used to this type of technology. And he was right. As Eli read the message, he couldn't help laughing to himself, clearly amused at the older woman’s clumsy texting.

Cliona: Good mourning Eli. I hop you remnant that I need you early toad. I have a favor to ask. See you soon. 💩

Smiling to himself, he texted.

Eli: Good morning Miss Frollo, yes I plan on leaving in 30 minutes. You, know you made me laugh. I guess I should have taken some time to teach you the basics. Although i’m quite proud of you, for getting that far without me. 😄 I will see you soon.

When Eli arrived at Cliona’s home he strode up to the front porch and banged the raven shaped door knocker, three timed then twice more quickly then twice more slowly. They had come up with a personal knock style just the two of them know, that way she automatically knew who it was.

“Come in.” He heard her say. When he walked in, he saw her sitting on the couch with her legs crossed sipping her morning coffee, reading a book, her tuxedo cat Lucifer perched next to her. Eli stood there a minute watching her with a teasing smile on his face. When she looked up smiled at him, then noticed the look he was giving her. “What is it? Do I have something on my dace?”

Eli shook his head. “No, but your text this morning...”

“Oh, you texted me back. I didn't realize, here let me look.” She set her coffee gently down on the coaster and grabbed the phone and looked at his text. She read it then looked at him tilting her head a little confused.

“Look what you typed to me.” He chuckled.

Cliona read the text and her bright green eyes widened a bit. “Oh my.”

Eli chuckled again. “Looks like auto correct got you multiple times.”

“Auto correct?”

“Yeah, here let me show you.” He walked over and sat down next to her on the couch. Lucifer stood up and stretched, then made his way over to Eli and plopped himself down in his lap. He smiled at the boyish looking cat. “Hi Lucifer.” He said stroking his neck fur making hhim purr. “Okay so when you text there is a bar above it. It's called an autocorrect bar. Sometimes the phone will try to choose words for you, which can be helpful, but sometimes it does more harm than help. If your not careful, it could put words in there you don’t want. And...um...the poo emoji, I'm thinking that was also a mistake?” She nodded a tad embarrassed. “Don’t worry it happens to me all the time. But look, you got it up and running all by yourself. I’m very proud of you.”

A guilty look passed over the older woman’s featured and she looked down. Eli gave her a concerned look. “The truth is, I called my sister-in-law...to help me come set it up. I mean she’s thirty one, same age as you as a matter of fact. You two are, much better at this technology stuff. Don’t laugh, but I didn’t even know how to turn the thing on.” Eli wanted to laugh but surpressed it and pressed his lips into a thin line so it wouldn’t slip out. “Oh I know you want to laugh. Go ahead then.” She said rolling her green eyes.

“I told you last night I didn't mind helping you set it up.” He said laughing.

“Yes, but your shift was over and you had already helped me get the phone. I didn't want to keep you, I’m sure you had better things to do.

He took her slender hand in his, making her heart speed up at his touch. “Miss Frollo, you could have kept me an hour after my shift, I wouldn’t have cared.” He looked at her, his pale brown eyes sincere and gentle. She felt her face flush. “Besides, if you called sitting on the couch mindlessly watching TV, then I’d much rather be here with you and Lucifer...well I mean helping you would have been more interesting.” He added quickly. He felt his face getting hot and was pretty sure his cheeks were turning red, even through his brown skin. Realizing he was still holding her hand, he quickly let it go. “So um…what’s this favor you wanted to ask me ?” He asked curiously.

”Oh, well yes. There is a jazz concert tonight and…in Meadow Park, and my driver cancelled on me. So I was wondering if you would be able to take me? I would drive myself but I don’t see well at night and I prefer I not get in an accident and kill myself on the way home.”

Eli gave her an amused smile. “Well of course, I can’t have you killing your self. What would I do if I lost you?” Cliona looked at him taken aback. “Realizing what he just said, he backpedaled. “Er well…Lucifer that is! I mean I would still miss you… of course I would take him if something happened to you…not that I would…um ever want anything to happen to you!”What’s wrong with me? Thought Eli. He finally stopped his words from tumbling out of his mouth. Then stood there awkwardly.

Cliona tilted her head at him, this time it was her giving him an amused smile. “Well, I’m flattered.”

”So yeah, I will be happy to take you.” He said finally, trying to shake off the last of his embarrassment.

”Splendid!” So we will leave around 5:30. The concert starts at 6:00. Anyway, I’d better let you get to work. That’s why I had you come early, I don’t want you to get heat stroke. I know it is supposed to get hot today. Also, that way you’ll have time to go home and have a couple of hours to yourself before we leave.”

Eli smiled at her. “Thank you Miss Frollo.”

”Oh by the way, call me Cliona. Miss Frollo sounds so…formal.”

When Eli had finished his work for the day, it was about 1:00. He was happy that Cliona had suggested that he come early, as it was starting to crawl into the mid 80s. He went inside to let Cliona know that he was done and check if she needed him to do anything else.

He popped his head into the living room then stepped completely into the room. Miss Fr- Cliona. I’ve finished. Would you like me to do anything else?”

“Yes, there is one thing.” She said a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Anything.” He said, happy to help.

”Please go get a drink of water. You’re sweating like the dickens.” She chuckled. “You know you could have come in and gotten something.”

”Oh…well I had some Gatorade. Very hydrating.” He said grinning.

Cliona raised one of her thin slanted eyebrows. “Is that so? Well, I still say you should go get some water.”

He gave a small smile and bowed dramatically, his locks falling in front of his face. “Yes my queen.” Cliona laughed as he scooted into the kitchen.

She looked over at Lucifer. “What are we going to do with him? Huh Lucifer?” He looked up at her with his bright round yellow eyes and gave her an amused “mrow.”

When he came back from the kitchen, he had two glasses of water in his hand, smirking. “I haven’t seen you drinking any water either. So, I brought you some.” He sad cheerily. Cliona shook her head smiling but took the water from him and took a sip. He noticed that she was reading a magazine that had bold white letters on the cover that said AWAKE! Then under it, it said. “True Happiness Lies Ahead. “What are you reading?” He asked tilting his head.

“Oh this?” She said picking the magazine up off her lap and holding it up. “It’s an AWAKE! magazine. My sister-in-law, Ica, brings them to me every month. Her and my brother are Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

”Oh, are you?” Asked Eli, curiosity getting the better of him as he took a seat next to her.

Cliona shook her head. “No, we actually…well you see, I.…” Eli waited patiently for his boss to get out her words. “Claude and I recently just met this year.” She finally said.

“Oh…” Eli wasn’t sure what to say.

“We were separated at birth. We’re twins. Years ago, I was associated with the a Cat Shelter called Paws and Meows. All the volunteers get their pictures on the wall. Claude and Ica went there to adopt two kittens. Ica said she saw my picture and said how uncanny it was how much me and Claude looked alike. I guess she asked who it was, and Pepper, he still volunteers there. He is a little older than me…but he told them who I was. At the time I was Cliona Tremaine. I didn’t know I was adopted till my parents were on their death beds. They died two years ago. They were very kind and very loving. I really do miss them.

”I’m sorry.” Said Eli, his expression sympathetic.

Cliona gave him a faint smile. “Thank you Eli.” She continued. “They also gave me a note, from my birth parents. I guess I am from a village, a poorer village in Paris, France. In the note it said that my name was really Cliona Frollo. Daughter of Burlio and Ethelinda Frollo. They wanted at least one of their children to be well taken care of have a better life beyond the village. To do something great and see the world. They said that they loved me so much… but I couldn’t help but be a little resentful, that they gave me up and not my brothers.” Anyway, Pepper gave them my address. My brother’s wife is sort of an adventurous.” She chuckled. “And oh did I find that out quickly. But she convinced Claude for him and her to come pay me a visit. When they came to my door…I was shocked. After they told me who they were…I brought them the note. And well discovered I had a brother.” She said cheerfully. “After being an only child, I guess it’s nice to find out you have a sibling. Plus I always wanted a sibling.”

Eli smiled, seeing her face light up as she spoke about her twin brother. “What about your other brother oh and did Claude tell your birth parents that he found you?”

A shadow of sadness washed over the woman’s aged, but beautiful face. “No.” She said quietly. “When I asked Claude about them, he told me something that made my blood run cold.”

Eli wanted to take her hand again, but refrained. “What happened?” He asked quietly. You can tell me, anything…well I mean if you want.” Cliona looked into the younger man’s pale brown eyes. All she saw in them was warmth sincerity in them. For some reason that put her at ease.

“He told me when he was just twelve…I would have been twelve as well, that pirates raided our village. A lot of people were hurt…killed. Claude said he got separated from his parents…our parents and our younger brother Clement. When he found them they were dead…they were lying on top of Clement. To protect him I guess.” Cliona’s voice went an octave higher and her voice broke. Surprised Eli felt tears stinging the back of his pale eyes. “Claude said he tried to rush to Clement but the pirate was too strong and threw him back. He saw our little brother killed, right in front of him.” Tears began to fall from Cliona’s bright green eyes.

This time Eli did take her hand, and link his fingers with hers. She leaned against him and
held her, letting her cry. “Cliona, I’m so sorry” He whispered.

When her crying stoped she looked up at him, then quickly sat up and out of Eli’s embrace. “Oh look at me. Crying like this. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to dump that all on you.” She said looking a but flustered.

Eli smiled and gently wiped her tears away from her eyes with his thumb. Cliona stilled, surprised by his tenderness. She had never been this close to him before. She studied his face. His angular features and the his pale gold eyes stood out against the deep brown of his skin, and the shape of his mouth, his full lips similar to that of a cat’s, curling up at the corners.

”It’s okay.” He said softly. “I told you, you can tell me anything. If you wish.” He flashed her a half smile.

“Mrow.” Lucifer had made his way between the two of them, looking up at them with bright eyes.

”Guess that counts for him too.” Said Eli scratching under his chin.

Cliona stroked his furry head, her hand brushing Eli’s. “You know, I didn’t even know them…but I felt every bit of Claude’s pain as he told me what happened. That’s why I chose to change my last name back to Frollo. It gives me at a little piece of my birth family to hold on to.

“Hmm I guess you can say it’s the twin thing. I do believe in that you know.” Said Eli throwing her a wink.

She chuckled. “Oh you do do you?”

He nodded. “There’s that smile.” She looked down shyly. “So what’s the magazine about?”

“Oh…some thing about paradise where we will all be young again. I do hope that’s true because if it is, I’ll be young and beautiful again.” She laughed.

Eli looked at her. “I think you’re already beautiful.” He said simply.

Cliona stopped laugh, taken aback at what had just come out of this young man’s mouth. “R-really?”

”Mmhmm, I mean you’re older but you’re still very pretty. To me anyway. I like your eyes, they are such a pretty green color.” He said smiling at her as he tucked a piece of loose hair behind her ear that had fallen out of place.

Cliona’s heart sped up and she could feel her cheeks pinking. “W-well I’m flattered, thank you…” She looked down shyly, “You know, my nephew gets his eyes from me apparently.”

”Oh he does?”

She nodded. “It’s funny. No one else in the family had bright green eyes. Claude’s and my…father…” It felt strange referring to this man she never met as her father, yet somehow it was comforting. “Well theirs were dark gray. My mother and Clement’s were bright blue and no one in his wife’s family has green eyes, so it was a mystery as to where he got them, well, until they met me of course.” She said sunnily.

”Well, your nephew is a lucky kid, to have eyes like you.” Cliona blushed at his compliment “What’s his name?”

”Zephyr, he’s a couple of months old and very cute.” Said Cliona, thinking of the first time she held her tiny nephew in her arms.

He smiled, seeing her beam as she spoke about Zephyr, then his face turned thoughtful. “Hey, did you say your sister-in-law was my age?” Cliona nodded. “And you and your brother are twins that means he’s 67?” Cliona nodded again, chuckling knowing where this is going. “So there is a 36 year age gap between them…and they have a baby.” He said half to himself.

She laughed. ”I know it’s kind of…unusual, but after seeing them together, those two are like the pinnacle of true love.”

Eli gazed at her with a thoughtful glint in his eye. ”Well...I think it’s wonderful.” He said. “If true love can exist like that.” Cliona found herself studying him again, not physically this time though. She thought how simple Eli was. His optimism and his ways of looking at things, his kind nature. “Besides if a woman can make an old man get har-”

Cliona gasped and covered her mouth. “Eli!”

He laughed out loud. “Well he has a kid! So I would assume, well you know. Come on, look me in the eye and tell me you haven’t thought it.”

Cliona pressed her lips together guiltily and then looked up at him. “Okay! Maybe once.” She blurted, laughing too. Eli threw her a smug smile. “Anyway, why don’t you go home, take some time for yourself for a couple of hours.” Suggested his employer.

“Oh, are you sick of me already?” Asked Eli, dramatically placing a hand on his chest.

”No.” Said Cliona “I am trying to be a good boss and not work you to death. Now run along.”

”Okay, okay. But first let me add my profile picture to my contact card.” Said Eli. Cliona looked at his with a bemused look on her thin face. He chuckled. It’s just a picture I put in the little circle next to my name. That when when I call my fave will pop up.”

”Oh, right then of course, Here’s my phone.” He took it from her looking smug again then held it up and took a selfie. He added it to his contact card and handed it back to her. There. Oh and I should probably take one of you, too.”

Cliona blushed a bit. “O-okay.” She nervously faced him and smoothed down her lavender dress.

Eli held up his phone then put it back down, frowning a bit. “What is it?” She asked, becoming even more self conscious.

”Why don’t you hold Lucifer.” He walked over and picked up the sleeping cat who gave a meow of protest, who wasn’t too happy about being woken up. “I know cutie, but I love you just as much as I l-” Eli felt his cheeks get hot. “I-I mean. You would make the picture look even better.” He kissed the tuxedo on the head and handed him to Cliona. “Okay ready?” Cliona nodded. Eli held up is phone and snapped the picture. When he went to view it, he smiled to himself.

“Is it okay?” Asked his boss anxiously.

”It’s perfect.” He said quietly. “Okay, so I will see you later then?” Eli smiled sincerely at her.

”Yes, Eli, see you later. I will be looking forward to it.” She said smiling back at him.

When Eli left, Cliona sat down on the sofa, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Why do I have butterflies? She thought to herself. Do I have feelings- no…no I can’t. But I can’t stop thinking about him. She unlocked her phone to see the selfie he had taken of himself, and ran her thumb across the brow of his picture. But he is very good looking. Awakening her from her thoughts there was a knock at the door. “Now who is that?” Cliona said aloud. She set her phone down on the coffee table and got up to see who it is. When she opened the door, she saw her sister-in-law with a sunny grin on her freckled face.

Ica threw her arms around Cliona’s thin waist. “Oh! Ica what are you doing here?” She said as she hugged her back.

“I got something for you I saw in the store!” She said enthusiastically.

Cliona raised her slanted eye brows. “You did?”

“Mmhmm. I saw it on my way home from work when I stopped to get something to cook for dinner. Come, let me show you!” Cliona ushered Ica in and they sat down Lucifer settling in besides Ica. “Here.” Ica held out a tiny bag with both hands.

Cliona took it and reached in. Ica stroked Lucifer’s fur as she watched her pull out a mug that said, ‘Not just my sister-in-law but my sister-in-love.’ “Oh Ica, it’s perfect, I love it. Thank you.” She hugged her young sister-in-law tight. When Cliona let go of Ica, she noticed her staring at her. Her hazel eyes scanning over her pretty features. “What is it?” She said, her voice tinted with humour.

“It’s really amazing how much you look like Claude.” Said Ica. “And how my baby has your eyes. I’m so happy we found you. Claude’s happy too. He was ecstatic to find out he had a sister. After… you know.” Cliona nodded. “And I just realized there was a theme that your parents did with your names. C. L.

”C. L.?” Said Cliona tilting her head.

”Yeah. All your names start with CL. Cl-ona, Cl-aude, and Cl-ement.”

Cliona chuckled. “Hey, I guess you’re right.”

“Oh hey! So how’s the phone coming?” Asked Ica.

“Oh, well I’m getting the hang of it. You know, I sent my landscaper a text this morning and it was so jumbled up and embarrassing. He gave me a quick lesson on autocorrect.”

”Oh yes. Autocorrect is so annoying sometimes.” Droned Ica rolling her hazel eyes.

“To tell you the truth, he said he was willing to stay and help me yesterday to set it up. He came with me to buy it.” Said Cliona.

”But…you didn’t. Want him to help you? Is that why you called me?” Asked Ica raising an eyebrow.

“Well no…I mean yes I called you because I felt bad having him stay past his shift hours. But…” Cliona smiled to herself. “I wish I would have let him just stay.”

Ica noticed the dreamy look on her sister-in-law’s face and they way she blushed. “Wait a minute…do you like him?”

Cliona’s face flushed. “What! Well yes, of course I like him. He is a very good and hard worker.”

The look on Cliona’s face told Ica that it was more than that. “Oh don’t give me that! You know what I mean. Do you have a crush on your employee?

Cliona sighed. “I don’t know really. Maybe. I mean today when he came over for work…we…I guess we got to know each other. Or…oh I don’t know.” Cliona threw her hands up exasperated. “It was just different today is all.”

Ica leaned forward and rested her chin in the palm of her hand looking smug. “How so?”

“Well, he was more playful with me. And he said...that he liked spending time with me and Lucifer. He loved that cat. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to steal him.” She chuckled. Then he saw me reading one of those AWAKES you gave me and then I started to explain you and Claude being Jehovah’s Witnesses, and then I told him about how we all met. He’s so easy to talk too.” She glanced at her lap. “I even told him about me and Claude’s family.”

Ica raised her eyebrows. “You did?”

Cliona nodded. “I started to cry...and he...well I kind I cried on him. But he didn't care. He held me until I stopped crying.” Cliona thought back to her in Eli’s arms and how comforting it felt. “And he said I was beautiful.” She said softly.

Ica threw her a sly smile. “Well now. If I didn't know any better I would say he liked you too?”

Cliona perked up. “You think?”

“Yup, I mean he’s calling you beautiful, and saying he likes spending time wish you, and holding you in his arms, I'm pretty sure he has a thing for you.” China couldn't keep the smile off her face. “So what does he look like? Let me guess he’s the dapper type and curled mustache, head full of pure white hair, and blue eyes.”

Cliona suddenly felt selfconscious. “Er...well not exactly. He’s got very light brown eyed, almost tan. And his features are lovely, and he doesn't have a mustache. And he does have hair...it’s just not white. He’s perfect.” Murmered Cliona, the dreamy look creeping back onto her thin face.

Ica smirked. “You’ve got it bad. I wish I could see him in person...who knows I could have a future brother-in-law!”

“Well he did take a picture of himself on my phone to save to his um...contact photo?”

Ica’s eyes drifted to the older woman’s phone resting on the table. Cliona new what was coming. She desperatly tried to reach for the phone but Ica was quicker. “Ica! Wait don’t!” Cliona tried wrestling the device from her sister-in-law’s thin hands but she held tight. She seized Ica by the waist and pulled her onto her lap trying to hold her still and pinned her arms, but Ica yanked her arms free with a triumphant grin as she held the phone in her clutches. Cliona braced herself, ready for Ica’s reaction when she saw how young Eli was.

When she opened the photos app there was just one lone picture in her photo library. And it was Eli’s. Ica raised her eyebrows. “This is him?” Ica was still in Cliona’s lap so she had to crane her neck to look back at her. Cliona nodded. Her face completely flushed. “He is a very nice looking guy.” Said Ica smiling sincerely.

Cliona, taken aback at Ica’s reaction said, “Really?”

”Yeah.” Said Ica getting off her sister-in-law’s lap and sitting next to her.

“But..I mean you don’t think it’s weird. He’s your age.”

Ica guffawed. “Cli, did you forget that I’m married to your brother? You know who’s 36 years older than me? Now if I were to judge you, I would be the biggest hypocrite in the whole wide world! Well you definitely have the twin thing going on. What are the odds you would fall head over heels for a guy 36 years younger than you. And he likes you back, so obviously he sees past your age.”

Cliona sighed. “Ica I don’t know that he likes me back. He could just be being nice to me.”

”Well I think he likes you too. Is he working for you tomorrow?” Asked Ica.

”He’s actually coming back tonight. I’m going to a concert tonight and my driver canceled. He agreed to take me.”

”Oooo so like a date.” Cooed her sister-in-law.

”Ica no! No.” Yipped Cliona swiping her arm to the side.

“Okay, maybe not a date but you never know. Anyway, I’m going to take off. Claude has been home with Zephyr all day and I fear he might have tired my poor husband out.” Ica chuckled.

“Well alright.” Cliona stood up and smooth her dress down. “Thank you so much for my mug.” She said hugging Ica and giving her a kiss on the head.

”You’re welcome. Okay I’m off. I love you. And I will give my love to your brother and nephew.”

”Thank you darling.” I love you too.

“And have fun tonight.” She threw her a wink and scooted out the front door.

***

It was almost time to pick up Cliona and take her to the concert, and Eli was searching for something to wear. He’d tried on two outfits but didn’t like how they looked. He had butterflies and he didn’t understand why. He was nervous yet thrilled that he was going to see Cliona tonight. Why am I so anxious. It’s Cliona. I see her all the time. He thought to himself. I guess I hadn’t realized how happy she makes. Shaking his head he finally found something to wear. He settled on a black dressy T-shirt, and a pair of tan skinny khaki pants and a black rope bracelet. After gathering up the rest of his things he set out to his boss’s home.

When he arrived he, parked the car and went to go know Cliona he was here. As he walked up the driveway his heart began beating a mile a minute. Calm down Eli! What is wrong with you?!”

As usually, he did their secret knock and he waited for a couple of seconds, all the while trying to slow his heart down. When Cliona opened the door, his pale eyes widened and he did his best not to gape at her. She was wearing a royal purple dress with a V neck cut that accentuated the curves of her slim frame, and around her neck a black choker with a single aqua jewel dangling in the center of her collar bones and earrings to match. And pinned in her gray up do was a purple head scarf the fell around her shoulders and framed her thin face.

”W-wow.” Stammered Eli. “You look, amazing.”

Cliona’s cheeks pinked a bit. ”It’s not too much?”

Eli shook his head. “Not at all. You look perfect.” He reassured her sincerely. “So, are you ready my queen? Your chariot awaits.” He bowed dramatically then looked up at her grinning.

Cliona chuckled. “Yes, I’m ready, my loyal servant.” She curtsied.

Eli walked her to the car and opened the door for. After she was in securely, he got into the driver’s seat and turned on the car forgetting that his radio was on, and that the volume was turned up rather loudly. Immediately a barrage of electric guitars, drums, and raspy singing voiced assaulted their ears. Cliona cringed and Eli fumbled with volume button then just shut it off completely. “S-sorry!” He apologized feeling his face burning. Even though his skin was brown he felt that his face had to been turning as red as a lobster.

Cliona looked at him with playful amusement. “It’s quite alright. My sister-in-law does that to me all the time. Except hers is country.” She chuckled.

“Well I still feel bad. That’s all you need, for me to deafen you before the concert where you won’t be able to hear any music at all.”

“Don’t worry, I can still hear just fine.” Cliona threw a wink at him.

Eli smiled. “Phew, we’ll that’s a relief. But you know, if you ever did go deaf, I would teach you sign language.”

Cliona rose her thin eyebrows. “You know sign language?”

”Yup. My little sister was born deaf, so me and my parents decided it would be good to learn sign language then teach her. She used to get bullied when we were little. She was eight and I was 10. That really pissed me off. A couple of times I would beat them up.” He admitted guilty. “But Amelia, that was her name, said she could stand up for herself.” He laughed at the memory of his little sister sizing up a bully twice her side.

“So…she fought them?” Asked Cliona tilting her head, making the scarf cascade over right shoulder.

Eli laughed and shook his head. “No, she didn’t have too. She said that because she couldn’t hear, it made her other sensed even stronger. So she said if they were to bother her again, she would use her eyes to watch their every move, even when they couldn’t see her. Then she would threaten to tell on them if they were doing something bad.”

“Well now, your sister sounds like quite the little firecracker.” Said Cliona, laughing herself.

”Oh she is.”

”Does your family live around here?” Asked Cliona.

”They live in D.C. but we talk every day. My folks have a nice little cottage in the country side. And Amelia went to school to become a teacher. Now she reached sign language at Easton’s School For The Deaf.”

”Well, your family sounds lovely.” Said Cliona smiling at him.

They rode in silence for a few minutes until Cliona broke the silence. “Thank you for doing this Eli. Of course I’ll pay you extra for the last minute request.”

Eli shook his head modestly. “You don’t have to do that. I was happy to do it.”

”But-”

”Cliona, it’s fine. But if you want to repay me, how about whenever you go away on vacation you let me keep Lucifer instead of that stuffy old woman that just comes and feeds him and cleans his litter box then leaves. He deserves better than that.” He threw her a smirk making her laugh out loud.

”Alright, it’s a deal.”

Finally they arrived at the concert grounds. The park was already starting to become very busy as people arrived for the concert so an officer had to direct traffic. The officer signaled to Eli to park in the Z lot. After pulling into a parking spot, Eli hopped out and opened Cliona’s door for her.

”Thank you, so the concert last about two and a half hours. Feel free to do whatever you’d like in between.” She said cheerily.

Eli looked at her dumbfounded. “Wait…you don’t want me to go with you?” He asked feeling slightly dejected.

”Oh heavens no! I couldn’t ask you to do that. I’ll be fine on my own. Frederick goes off all the time.” She said nonchalantly.

”Well I’m not Frederick. I’m going with you. There’s a lot of people here. I don’t want you by yourself.”

Cliona stared at him taken aback. “Are…you sure? I mean I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay with me.”

”I’m sure.” He said vehemently. “I would like nothing more than to accompany you it’ll be fun.” He said smiling sincerely.

”Oh…well thank you.” She said quietly.

Eli offered her his arm. “Shall we?” She gladly took it and the two of them strode off to the field where the concert was being held.

Once they found seats they settled down and waited for it to start.

“So what kind of concert is it?” Asked Eli, turning to look at her.

”It’s classical. I don’t know how you feel about classical…I know some people find it boring. That’s why I didn’t know if you would want to come.” She said feeling a bit guilty.

”I like all kinds of music.” Said Eli matter of fact.

Cliona looked up. “Oh, you do?”

He nodded. “Yes, I actually play the violin and cello. Besides, I’m just happy being here with you. It could have been the most boring thing ever, but as long as I was with you I’d be happy. Thankfully though it’s a concert and not a boring lecture.” He chuckled.

Cliona just watched at him for a moment as he looked around taking in his surroundings. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Eli had actually chosen to stay with her when he could be doing something else. But not only that he said he was happy being with her. The thought of it made her heart skip a beat.

When he caught her staring at him, she smiled warmly. “What is it?” He said humorously. “Do I have something stuck to me?” He said dramatically twisting around. “Or is my hair sticking up? Oh wait it kind of always sticks up in places. Oh! I got it! I look like a total doofus don’t I?” There was a playful look in in his pale brown eyes.

Cliona laughed out loud. “No, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you as my landscaper. And how silly you can be at times.”

Be smiled. “Well I’ll take that as a compliment.

Pretty soon the concert had begun and the melodious sound of instruments blending together drifting through the summer air and tickling the ears of its listeners. As the concert carried on pretty soon couples began to get up and dance. An older man sauntered over to where Cliona and Eli were sitting. He had salt and pepper hair, an old fashioned mustache, and a slim build. He was clean cut in his gray suit and blue speckled bow tie. He bowed slightly and held out his hand.

”Would the lady care to dance?” He said giving her a smile.

Cliona hesitated, feeling out in the spot. She glanced at Eli, who gave her a half smile. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”

The man looked from Eli then back to Cliona with a hopeful look. “Sure, I’d love too.” He helped her up and kissed her hand. Eli’s face flushed with annoyance and he felt a jolt of jealousy shoot through his body but he pushed it away. As the man led her to an open spot, she glanced back at him and he tried his best to give her an encouraging smile but couldn’t help that strong feeling of jealousy come back as he saw the man pull Cliona close to him and place his hand on the small of her back.

After the dance was over the man kissed her hand again and whispered something in her ear making her physically blush. Eli rolled his eyes, having had enough of this dapper older man. As Cliona came back to sit down next to him, he couldn’t help but ask how it was.

”Did you enjoy your dance with Mr. Fancy pants over there” He asked trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.”

”It was…nice. He asked if I would like to see him again.” Said Cliona.

”What did you say?” Asked Eli a little to quickly.

Cliona raised an eyebrow amused. “I told him I was flattered but, I said that I wasn’t interested.” Relief flooded Eli’s body and he tried his best to keep the satisfied grin off his face. Cliona noticed but didn’t say anything.

”Do you want to dance.” He said suddenly.

Cliona looked at him quizzically. Eli felt as though he should have just kept his mouth shut, but seeing her with that older man lit something in him that he couldn’t control. He wanted patiently for her answer even though his heart was thumping inside his chest. Then she smiled. “Of course.”

She followed Eli to a a patch of grass near a tree. “Don’t worry, I know how to dance, so I won’t step on your feet.” He flashed her a grin. Then he took her hand and interlocks his fingers with hers, as she put her hand on his shoulder. Then he gently placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her a little closer to him. Cliona felt her body flush being this close to Eli. He led the dance and she followed.

“So who taught you how to dance?” She asked looking up at him.

”My dad used to work in corporate. They used to do a bunch of fancy dinner parties and sometimes me, my mom, and sister would all have to go. Of course there was dancing so it was only fitting to learn all that smancy fancy stuff.” He said throwing her a smirk.

”Well you were taught well. You are even a better dancer than that gentle man that whisked me away earlier.”

Eli beamed inwardly. They danced in comfortable silence for a while until Cliona spoke. “Eli,” she said softly. “I know I’ve said it numerous times, but thank you. You’ve been so kind to me. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be my landscaper.”

He smiled. ”It’s an honor to work for you, my queen.”

She chuckled. “You know, you don’t have to call me your queen. All of the queens I have known have been evil.”

”Welk first of all, you are the farthest thing from evil. Two, I call you my Queen, because I feel like you should be treated like one and I don’t mind doing things for you. I actually enjoy it. You are kind, and caring, and you always are thinking of others. It’s a term of endearment. If anything, you are the most precious queen anyone could have.” He said softly.

Cliona looked up at him, as he peered down at her affectionately, his pale eyes gentle and sincere. No matter how hard she couldn’t help think back to what her and Ica had discussed this afternoon. I think I’m falling for him. She gently rested her head on his shoulder. She was thankful that he didn’t seem to mind. Rather he pulled her a tad closer to her.

When the last song had finished, Cliona and Eli were a little reluctant to let go of each other, until the realized that people began grabbing their stuff and filing out. “Oh, the concert’s over already?” Said Eli a tad bummed.

”I guess it is.” Said Cliona sounding just as disappointed. “By the way you are a lovely dancer. You, as they say, swept me off my feet.” Cliona looked down shyly.

Eli grinned. “Aww you can thank my dad for taking us to all those fancy dinner parties.

”And what might your father’s name be? Hmm?” She gave him a playful look.

”Oswald.”

“Can I see your phone?” Asked Cliona innocently.

”Umm…okay.” He reached in his pocket, took out the phone and handed it to her.

“Code please?”

“1111.”

”That’s your code.” She asked humour in her voice.

”Yeah. So easy but hard to guess.” He said winking.

Cliona rolled her eyes playfully at him, then unlocked his phone. She opened his iMessages then turned around so her back was to him. “What…are you doing?” She just glanced over her shoulder and gave him a coy smile then went back to doing whatever she was doing on his phone. Throughly curious, he walked up behind her and peered over her shoulder. He saw that she was texting someone. And that someone was his dad. He couldn’t believe the boldness that had gotten into this older woman. Her thin fingers tapped away at the keyboard on his phone screen.

Eli: Hi, this is your son’s employer, Cliona Frollo and may I say he is a lovy dancer. Wank you for gibbing him da-

“Hey! Give me that!” He said laughing as he tried to grab for his phone.

Cliona turned quickly with his phone still grasped in her slender hands. “Oh I will….after I send this.”

Eli lunged for the phone again but once again she swung away from him. “Okay that’s it!” Eli seized Cliona by the waist. She laughed. It was high and robust. She tried wiggling free but he held her tight. Eventually Cliona gave up the struggle and let him take the phone. When he scrolled to checked his text she had conjured up he saw that it had been sent. He looked up from the screen to see Cliona smiling smugly at him. A piece of gray hair had fallen out of her tighty up do, and flopped against her forehead.

To be honest, Eli thought she looked quite cute. “You do know I’m going to have to explain this to my dad right? And there are auto correct typos in there.” Said Eli giving him a pointed look.

“You told me to thank your father. I’m only doing what you asked, my humble servant. “ She smirked at her, her bright green eyes playful.

Hey smirked at walked up to her. “I’ve never seen you like this before.” He said tenderly. “But I like it.”

”Well I guess you bring it out in me.” She said, giving him a sly smile. “Anyway, I guess we should be getting home, shouldn’t we?”

Eli nodded and held out his arm smiling. Cliona gladly took it. As they walked happily back to the car, Eli spotted something that was beautifully lit and flashing through the trees. He could hear cheery lively music, blending with the tinking of bells. Moving his head to the side, and peering up, to get a better look, he saw that there was a beautiful carousel. The brightly coloured horses were warm and inviting and their expressions ranged from stoic to wild, to majestic. Their bodies frozen in numerous trots, canters, and gallops.

Getting an idea, Eli abruptly un hooked his arm from Cliona’s and took her by the hand, leading her quickly through the bushes. “E-Eli, what are you doing? The cars this way.” She said thoroughly confused. He didn’t answer, rather he quickened his pace making Cliona run a little but. Finally he stopped and eyed the carousel, as the man took everyone’s ticket. When Cliona saw where he had dragged her, her green eyes widened with awe. “It’s…it’s magnificent.”

”It is. And we’re going to ride it. Come on!” Once again Eli seized the older woman by the hand and hauled her close and closer to the colorful spectacle.

“Don’t we need a ticket?!” She called.

”Nope.” Said Eli giving a determined smug smile. He slowed his pace and stooped down, gently pulling Cliona down next to him.

Eli carefully watched the man taking everyone’s tickets. “Next!”

“What in the world are you doing Mr?” Blurted Cliona bewildered.

“You’ll see.” He said still watching the line of people. After the the last person stepped onto the ride, the ticket holder closed the gate. As the carousel attendants went to go check seat belts, Eli crept closer and closer to the side of the gate where a second door was unlatched, Cliona close behind him. He gingerly opened it and the door and the two of them slipped inside. “Here, I’ll help you up.” He said holding out his arms. Cliona stared at him. “Come on, it’ll be fun.” He gave her an innocent smile.

The older woman shook her head smiling. “Oh alright.”

As Eli began to help Cliona onto the carousel, the ticket holder spotted them. “Hey! You there! Stop!”

Eli whipped his head around, his long locks swinging around a face. Then swiftly pushed Cliona up onto the deck of the ride and climbed up to join her. The man ran around to their side of the gate to try to catch them but it was too late. The ride jolted and began to move.

Eli and Cliona looked around frantically. “Where do we go now?!” Cried Cliona.

”Um…Eli quickly turned his head this way and that until he saw a vacant horse. “Over there, go!” He ushered his boss hurriedly toward the horse. It was a pure white horse with a silver mane and pink flowers decorating the golden saddle.

“Eli, my dress! I can’t ride a horse in a dress!” But without warning, Eli hoisted Cliona up and on top of the horse’s back. She sat with both legs dangling off the side against horse’s belly. Eli the. Hoisted himself up so he was sitting behind her. He wrapped both arms around her waist.

“I’ve got up you, just hold on tight.” He said close to her ear. As the ride picked up speed Cliona’s apprehension melted alway and turned into thrill. She threw her head back laughing as the horse bobbed up and down. Eli hugged her a little tighter and rested his shin in her shoulder. “Aren’t you glad I hi jacked the ride!” He shouted, pure elation in his voice.

Cliona held out her arms as if she were Rose on the bow of the Titanic and Eli supported her by helping her hold them up. They truly looked as if they were having the best time. When the ride slowed then eventually stopped, the ticket immediately stomped onto the carousel, eyes darting all around until he spotted the two culprits.

”You!” Yelled the ticket holder.

”Uh oh time to go!” Eli quickly lifted Cliona down off the horse and too, her by the hand. The ticket holder scrambled after them red faced as he tried to weave and dodge between the horses and those exiting the ride. “This way!” Cried Eli. Then he saw that there was another carousel employee coming their way. “No this way!” Eli ushered his boss quickly down off the carousel and took her by the hand, as he had done many times tonight, and they ran as fast as as they could, trying to loose the angry ticket holder.

“Over here!” Cried Eli as he lead her behind a stone wall and out of sight where the two of them belly laughed until tears formed in the corners of their eyes.

”Oh my, Eli. That I think was the biggest thrill of my life. What in earth possessed you to sneak onto that thing!” She said laughing and trying to catch her breath.

He shrugged. “I guess it was just spur of the moment. To tell you the truth, I haven’t done anything that bold before. It felt kinda good.” He said with a glint in his eye.

”Well, you sure know how to make an old woman feel young again. Thank you for tonight. One of the best nights I’ve had in a long time.” She said smiling at him fondly.

When she looked at him, he felt his heart skip a beat. Her bright green eyes seemed to catch the light of the full moon that had made its debut in the night sky. Her dark gray hair, disheveled from their escapade, was falling in all the right places, framing the contours of her thin ,angular face. Though she was much older than him, he couldn’t help but be mesmerized by her.

Eli moved closer to her. “Cliona…” he said keeping his voice low. “Thank you for hiring me as your landscaper. If you hadn’t, then I wouldn’t have gotten to see how amazing you are. Your kind nature and how you always think of ways to make other people feel thought of. They way you make Lucifer purr when you scratch him underneath his chin and your beautiful green eyes.” Eli rested his hand flat against the stone wall on the side of Cliona’s body. Then he leaned in closer to her face, her perfume intoxicating. He rested his other arm against the wall on the other side of her. She was trapped by his body, pressed up against the stone wall. But she didn’t care. She longed for his closeness. His face was now just inches from hers. And the way you make me feel when I’m with you.” He murmured.

He gently brought his lips to her red ones and she welcomed it. She leaned into him, enjoying the tenderness of his kiss. When they broke apart, they kept their foreheads resting lightly against one another’s for a few moments. Then Eli smiled at her affectionately and said, “Are you ready for me to take you home, my queen?”

When Eli pulled up to Cliona’s house the two of them sat in the car for a moment. Then Eli spoke. “I had a nice time.” He said meekly, looking over at her.

She smiled back shyly at him. “Me too.”

“Do you want me to walk you to your door?”

“No, no, I think I should be fine.” She smiled at him.

“Okay, well, good night, my queen.” He leaned over and gently kissed her on the cheek.

“Good night, my royal servant.”

Description
It was 8:00 in the morning, and Eli Deslauriers was off to his work. For three months he has been working for an older woman named Cliona Frollo. He has been her handy man, fixing things in her house, and attending to the upkeep of her yard. To his surprise, he really enjoyed his job and was fond of his employer. She was kind, generous, and down to earth, but also very dignified. And also loved her black and white cat Lucifer, who she adopted from a kill shelter, his last day before he was scheduled to be euthanized. Despite his name, he was playful and very curious. Today, Cliona asked him to come in a bit early. As soon as he got out of the shower and settled down to eat his breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs, toast, and black coffee, he heard his phone ding. Still chewing, he reached over and read the text message. When he saw who it was from, his dark eyebrows rose. It was from Cliona, his employer however I couldn't quite understand it.

Eli had just helped Cliona purchase her first smartphone. He had been willing to stay and help her set it up, but she insisted that she was capable of setting it up for herself and didn't want to keep him past his shift. Being 67, he figured that she wouldn’t be used to this type of technology. And he was right. As Eli read the message, he couldn't help laughing to himself, clearly amused at the older woman’s clumsy texting.

Cliona: Good mourning Eli. I hop you remnant that I need you early toad. I have a favor to ask. See you soon. 💩

Smiling to himself, he texted.

Eli: Good morning Miss Frollo, yes I plan on leaving in 30 minutes. You, know you made me laugh. I guess I should have taken some time to teach you the basics. Although i’m quite proud of you, for getting that far without me. 😄 I will see you soon.

When Eli arrived at Cliona’s home he strode up to the front porch and banged the raven shaped door knocker, three timed then twice more quickly then twice more slowly. They had come up with a personal knock style just the two of them know, that way she automatically knew who it was.

“Come in.” He heard her say. When he walked in, he saw her sitting on the couch with her legs crossed sipping her morning coffee, reading a book, her tuxedo cat Lucifer perched next to her. Eli stood there a minute watching her with a teasing smile on his face. When she looked up smiled at him, then noticed the look he was giving her. “What is it? Do I have something on my dace?”

Eli shook his head. “No, but your text this morning...”

“Oh, you texted me back. I didn't realize, here let me look.” She set her coffee gently down on the coaster and grabbed the phone and looked at his text. She read it then looked at him tilting her head a little confused.

“Look what you typed to me.” He chuckled.

Cliona read the text and her bright green eyes widened a bit. “Oh my.”

Eli chuckled again. “Looks like auto correct got you multiple times.”

“Auto correct?”

“Yeah, here let me show you.” He walked over and sat down next to her on the couch. Lucifer stood up and stretched, then made his way over to Eli and plopped himself down in his lap. He smiled at the boyish looking cat. “Hi Lucifer.” He said stroking his neck fur making hhim purr. “Okay so when you text there is a bar above it. It's called an autocorrect bar. Sometimes the phone will try to choose words for you, which can be helpful, but sometimes it does more harm than help. If your not careful, it could put words in there you don’t want. And...um...the poo emoji, I'm thinking that was also a mistake?” She nodded a tad embarrassed. “Don’t worry it happens to me all the time. But look, you got it up and running all by yourself. I’m very proud of you.”

A guilty look passed over the older woman’s featured and she looked down. Eli gave her a concerned look. “The truth is, I called my sister-in-law...to help me come set it up. I mean she’s thirty one, same age as you as a matter of fact. You two are, much better at this technology stuff. Don’t laugh, but I didn’t even know how to turn the thing on.” Eli wanted to laugh but surpressed it and pressed his lips into a thin line so it wouldn’t slip out. “Oh I know you want to laugh. Go ahead then.” She said rolling her green eyes.

“I told you last night I didn't mind helping you set it up.” He said laughing.

“Yes, but your shift was over and you had already helped me get the phone. I didn't want to keep you, I’m sure you had better things to do.

He took her slender hand in his, making her heart speed up at his touch. “Miss Frollo, you could have kept me an hour after my shift, I wouldn’t have cared.” He looked at her, his pale brown eyes sincere and gentle. She felt her face flush. “Besides, if you called sitting on the couch mindlessly watching TV, then I’d much rather be here with you and Lucifer...well I mean helping you would have been more interesting.” He added quickly. He felt his face getting hot and was pretty sure his cheeks were turning red, even through his brown skin. Realizing he was still holding her hand, he quickly let it go. “So um…what’s this favor you wanted to ask me ?” He asked curiously.

”Oh, well yes. There is a jazz concert tonight and…in Meadow Park, and my driver cancelled on me. So I was wondering if you would be able to take me? I would drive myself but I don’t see well at night and I prefer I not get in an accident and kill myself on the way home.”

Eli gave her an amused smile. “Well of course, I can’t have you killing your self. What would I do if I lost you?” Cliona looked at him taken aback. “Realizing what he just said, he backpedaled. “Er well…Lucifer that is! I mean I would still miss you… of course I would take him if something happened to you…not that I would…um ever want anything to happen to you!”What’s wrong with me? Thought Eli. He finally stopped his words from tumbling out of his mouth. Then stood there awkwardly.

Cliona tilted her head at him, this time it was her giving him an amused smile. “Well, I’m flattered.”

”So yeah, I will be happy to take you.” He said finally, trying to shake off the last of his embarrassment.

”Splendid!” So we will leave around 5:30. The concert starts at 6:00. Anyway, I’d better let you get to work. That’s why I had you come early, I don’t want you to get heat stroke. I know it is supposed to get hot today. Also, that way you’ll have time to go home and have a couple of hours to yourself before we leave.”

Eli smiled at her. “Thank you Miss Frollo.”

”Oh by the way, call me Cliona. Miss Frollo sounds so…formal.”

When Eli had finished his work for the day, it was about 1:00. He was happy that Cliona had suggested that he come early, as it was starting to crawl into the mid 80s. He went inside to let Cliona know that he was done and check if she needed him to do anything else.

He popped his head into the living room then stepped completely into the room. Miss Fr- Cliona. I’ve finished. Would you like me to do anything else?”

“Yes, there is one thing.” She said a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Anything.” He said, happy to help.

”Please go get a drink of water. You’re sweating like the dickens.” She chuckled. “You know you could have come in and gotten something.”

”Oh…well I had some Gatorade. Very hydrating.” He said grinning.

Cliona raised one of her thin slanted eyebrows. “Is that so? Well, I still say you should go get some water.”

He gave a small smile and bowed dramatically, his locks falling in front of his face. “Yes my queen.” Cliona laughed as he scooted into the kitchen.

She looked over at Lucifer. “What are we going to do with him? Huh Lucifer?” He looked up at her with his bright round yellow eyes and gave her an amused “mrow.”

When he came back from the kitchen, he had two glasses of water in his hand, smirking. “I haven’t seen you drinking any water either. So, I brought you some.” He sad cheerily. Cliona shook her head smiling but took the water from him and took a sip. He noticed that she was reading a magazine that had bold white letters on the cover that said AWAKE! Then under it, it said. “True Happiness Lies Ahead. “What are you reading?” He asked tilting his head.

“Oh this?” She said picking the magazine up off her lap and holding it up. “It’s an AWAKE! magazine. My sister-in-law, Ica, brings them to me every month. Her and my brother are Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

”Oh, are you?” Asked Eli, curiosity getting the better of him as he took a seat next to her.

Cliona shook her head. “No, we actually…well you see, I.…” Eli waited patiently for his boss to get out her words. “Claude and I recently just met this year.” She finally said.

“Oh…” Eli wasn’t sure what to say.

“We were separated at birth. We’re twins. Years ago, I was associated with the a Cat Shelter called Paws and Meows. All the volunteers get their pictures on the wall. Claude and Ica went there to adopt two kittens. Ica said she saw my picture and said how uncanny it was how much me and Claude looked alike. I guess she asked who it was, and Pepper, he still volunteers there. He is a little older than me…but he told them who I was. At the time I was Cliona Tremaine. I didn’t know I was adopted till my parents were on their death beds. They died two years ago. They were very kind and very loving. I really do miss them.

”I’m sorry.” Said Eli, his expression sympathetic.

Cliona gave him a faint smile. “Thank you Eli.” She continued. “They also gave me a note, from my birth parents. I guess I am from a village, a poorer village in Paris, France. In the note it said that my name was really Cliona Frollo. Daughter of Burlio and Ethelinda Frollo. They wanted at least one of their children to be well taken care of have a better life beyond the village. To do something great and see the world. They said that they loved me so much… but I couldn’t help but be a little resentful, that they gave me up and not my brothers.” Anyway, Pepper gave them my address. My brother’s wife is sort of an adventurous.” She chuckled. “And oh did I find that out quickly. But she convinced Claude for him and her to come pay me a visit. When they came to my door…I was shocked. After they told me who they were…I brought them the note. And well discovered I had a brother.” She said cheerfully. “After being an only child, I guess it’s nice to find out you have a sibling. Plus I always wanted a sibling.”

Eli smiled, seeing her face light up as she spoke about her twin brother. “What about your other brother oh and did Claude tell your birth parents that he found you?”

A shadow of sadness washed over the woman’s aged, but beautiful face. “No.” She said quietly. “When I asked Claude about them, he told me something that made my blood run cold.”

Eli wanted to take her hand again, but refrained. “What happened?” He asked quietly. You can tell me, anything…well I mean if you want.” Cliona looked into the younger man’s pale brown eyes. All she saw in them was warmth sincerity in them. For some reason that put her at ease.

“He told me when he was just twelve…I would have been twelve as well, that pirates raided our village. A lot of people were hurt…killed. Claude said he got separated from his parents…our parents and our younger brother Clement. When he found them they were dead…they were lying on top of Clement. To protect him I guess.” Cliona’s voice went an octave higher and her voice broke. Surprised Eli felt tears stinging the back of his pale eyes. “Claude said he tried to rush to Clement but the pirate was too strong and threw him back. He saw our little brother killed, right in front of him.” Tears began to fall from Cliona’s bright green eyes.

This time Eli did take her hand, and link his fingers with hers. She leaned against him and
held her, letting her cry. “Cliona, I’m so sorry” He whispered.

When her crying stoped she looked up at him, then quickly sat up and out of Eli’s embrace. “Oh look at me. Crying like this. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to dump that all on you.” She said looking a but flustered.

Eli smiled and gently wiped her tears away from her eyes with his thumb. Cliona stilled, surprised by his tenderness. She had never been this close to him before. She studied his face. His angular features and the his pale gold eyes stood out against the deep brown of his skin, and the shape of his mouth, his full lips similar to that of a cat’s, curling up at the corners.

”It’s okay.” He said softly. “I told you, you can tell me anything. If you wish.” He flashed her a half smile.

“Mrow.” Lucifer had made his way between the two of them, looking up at them with bright eyes.

”Guess that counts for him too.” Said Eli scratching under his chin.

Cliona stroked his furry head, her hand brushing Eli’s. “You know, I didn’t even know them…but I felt every bit of Claude’s pain as he told me what happened. That’s why I chose to change my last name back to Frollo. It gives me at a little piece of my birth family to hold on to.

“Hmm I guess you can say it’s the twin thing. I do believe in that you know.” Said Eli throwing her a wink.

She chuckled. “Oh you do do you?”

He nodded. “There’s that smile.” She looked down shyly. “So what’s the magazine about?”

“Oh…some thing about paradise where we will all be young again. I do hope that’s true because if it is, I’ll be young and beautiful again.” She laughed.

Eli looked at her. “I think you’re already beautiful.” He said simply.

Cliona stopped laugh, taken aback at what had just come out of this young man’s mouth. “R-really?”

”Mmhmm, I mean you’re older but you’re still very pretty. To me anyway. I like your eyes, they are such a pretty green color.” He said smiling at her as he tucked a piece of loose hair behind her ear that had fallen out of place.

Cliona’s heart sped up and she could feel her cheeks pinking. “W-well I’m flattered, thank you…” She looked down shyly, “You know, my nephew gets his eyes from me apparently.”

”Oh he does?”

She nodded. “It’s funny. No one else in the family had bright green eyes. Claude’s and my…father…” It felt strange referring to this man she never met as her father, yet somehow it was comforting. “Well theirs were dark gray. My mother and Clement’s were bright blue and no one in his wife’s family has green eyes, so it was a mystery as to where he got them, well, until they met me of course.” She said sunnily.

”Well, your nephew is a lucky kid, to have eyes like you.” Cliona blushed at his compliment “What’s his name?”

”Zephyr, he’s a couple of months old and very cute.” Said Cliona, thinking of the first time she held her tiny nephew in her arms.

He smiled, seeing her beam as she spoke about Zephyr, then his face turned thoughtful. “Hey, did you say your sister-in-law was my age?” Cliona nodded. “And you and your brother are twins that means he’s 67?” Cliona nodded again, chuckling knowing where this is going. “So there is a 36 year age gap between them…and they have a baby.” He said half to himself.

She laughed. ”I know it’s kind of…unusual, but after seeing them together, those two are like the pinnacle of true love.”

Eli gazed at her with a thoughtful glint in his eye. ”Well...I think it’s wonderful.” He said. “If true love can exist like that.” Cliona found herself studying him again, not physically this time though. She thought how simple Eli was. His optimism and his ways of looking at things, his kind nature. “Besides if a woman can make an old man get har-”

Cliona gasped and covered her mouth. “Eli!”

He laughed out loud. “Well he has a kid! So I would assume, well you know. Come on, look me in the eye and tell me you haven’t thought it.”

Cliona pressed her lips together guiltily and then looked up at him. “Okay! Maybe once.” She blurted, laughing too. Eli threw her a smug smile. “Anyway, why don’t you go home, take some time for yourself for a couple of hours.” Suggested his employer.

“Oh, are you sick of me already?” Asked Eli, dramatically placing a hand on his chest.

”No.” Said Cliona “I am trying to be a good boss and not work you to death. Now run along.”

”Okay, okay. But first let me add my profile picture to my contact card.” Said Eli. Cliona looked at his with a bemused look on her thin face. He chuckled. It’s just a picture I put in the little circle next to my name. That when when I call my fave will pop up.”

”Oh, right then of course, Here’s my phone.” He took it from her looking smug again then held it up and took a selfie. He added it to his contact card and handed it back to her. There. Oh and I should probably take one of you, too.”

Cliona blushed a bit. “O-okay.” She nervously faced him and smoothed down her lavender dress.

Eli held up his phone then put it back down, frowning a bit. “What is it?” She asked, becoming even more self conscious.

”Why don’t you hold Lucifer.” He walked over and picked up the sleeping cat who gave a meow of protest, who wasn’t too happy about being woken up. “I know cutie, but I love you just as much as I l-” Eli felt his cheeks get hot. “I-I mean. You would make the picture look even better.” He kissed the tuxedo on the head and handed him to Cliona. “Okay ready?” Cliona nodded. Eli held up is phone and snapped the picture. When he went to view it, he smiled to himself.

“Is it okay?” Asked his boss anxiously.

”It’s perfect.” He said quietly. “Okay, so I will see you later then?” Eli smiled sincerely at her.

”Yes, Eli, see you later. I will be looking forward to it.” She said smiling back at him.

When Eli left, Cliona sat down on the sofa, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Why do I have butterflies? She thought to herself. Do I have feelings- no…no I can’t. But I can’t stop thinking about him. She unlocked her phone to see the selfie he had taken of himself, and ran her thumb across the brow of his picture. But he is very good looking. Awakening her from her thoughts there was a knock at the door. “Now who is that?” Cliona said aloud. She set her phone down on the coffee table and got up to see who it is. When she opened the door, she saw her sister-in-law with a sunny grin on her freckled face.

Ica threw her arms around Cliona’s thin waist. “Oh! Ica what are you doing here?” She said as she hugged her back.

“I got something for you I saw in the store!” She said enthusiastically.

Cliona raised her slanted eye brows. “You did?”

“Mmhmm. I saw it on my way home from work when I stopped to get something to cook for dinner. Come, let me show you!” Cliona ushered Ica in and they sat down Lucifer settling in besides Ica. “Here.” Ica held out a tiny bag with both hands.

Cliona took it and reached in. Ica stroked Lucifer’s fur as she watched her pull out a mug that said, ‘Not just my sister-in-law but my sister-in-love.’ “Oh Ica, it’s perfect, I love it. Thank you.” She hugged her young sister-in-law tight. When Cliona let go of Ica, she noticed her staring at her. Her hazel eyes scanning over her pretty features. “What is it?” She said, her voice tinted with humour.

“It’s really amazing how much you look like Claude.” Said Ica. “And how my baby has your eyes. I’m so happy we found you. Claude’s happy too. He was ecstatic to find out he had a sister. After… you know.” Cliona nodded. “And I just realized there was a theme that your parents did with your names. C. L.

”C. L.?” Said Cliona tilting her head.

”Yeah. All your names start with CL. Cl-ona, Cl-aude, and Cl-ement.”

Cliona chuckled. “Hey, I guess you’re right.”

“Oh hey! So how’s the phone coming?” Asked Ica.

“Oh, well I’m getting the hang of it. You know, I sent my landscaper a text this morning and it was so jumbled up and embarrassing. He gave me a quick lesson on autocorrect.”

”Oh yes. Autocorrect is so annoying sometimes.” Droned Ica rolling her hazel eyes.

“To tell you the truth, he said he was willing to stay and help me yesterday to set it up. He came with me to buy it.” Said Cliona.

”But…you didn’t. Want him to help you? Is that why you called me?” Asked Ica raising an eyebrow.

“Well no…I mean yes I called you because I felt bad having him stay past his shift hours. But…” Cliona smiled to herself. “I wish I would have let him just stay.”

Ica noticed the dreamy look on her sister-in-law’s face and they way she blushed. “Wait a minute…do you like him?”

Cliona’s face flushed. “What! Well yes, of course I like him. He is a very good and hard worker.”

The look on Cliona’s face told Ica that it was more than that. “Oh don’t give me that! You know what I mean. Do you have a crush on your employee?

Cliona sighed. “I don’t know really. Maybe. I mean today when he came over for work…we…I guess we got to know each other. Or…oh I don’t know.” Cliona threw her hands up exasperated. “It was just different today is all.”

Ica leaned forward and rested her chin in the palm of her hand looking smug. “How so?”

“Well, he was more playful with me. And he said...that he liked spending time with me and Lucifer. He loved that cat. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to steal him.” She chuckled. Then he saw me reading one of those AWAKES you gave me and then I started to explain you and Claude being Jehovah’s Witnesses, and then I told him about how we all met. He’s so easy to talk too.” She glanced at her lap. “I even told him about me and Claude’s family.”

Ica raised her eyebrows. “You did?”

Cliona nodded. “I started to cry...and he...well I kind I cried on him. But he didn't care. He held me until I stopped crying.” Cliona thought back to her in Eli’s arms and how comforting it felt. “And he said I was beautiful.” She said softly.

Ica threw her a sly smile. “Well now. If I didn't know any better I would say he liked you too?”

Cliona perked up. “You think?”

“Yup, I mean he’s calling you beautiful, and saying he likes spending time wish you, and holding you in his arms, I'm pretty sure he has a thing for you.” China couldn't keep the smile off her face. “So what does he look like? Let me guess he’s the dapper type and curled mustache, head full of pure white hair, and blue eyes.”

Cliona suddenly felt selfconscious. “Er...well not exactly. He’s got very light brown eyed, almost tan. And his features are lovely, and he doesn't have a mustache. And he does have hair...it’s just not white. He’s perfect.” Murmered Cliona, the dreamy look creeping back onto her thin face.

Ica smirked. “You’ve got it bad. I wish I could see him in person...who knows I could have a future brother-in-law!”

“Well he did take a picture of himself on my phone to save to his um...contact photo?”

Ica’s eyes drifted to the older woman’s phone resting on the table. Cliona new what was coming. She desperatly tried to reach for the phone but Ica was quicker. “Ica! Wait don’t!” Cliona tried wrestling the device from her sister-in-law’s thin hands but she held tight. She seized Ica by the waist and pulled her onto her lap trying to hold her still and pinned her arms, but Ica yanked her arms free with a triumphant grin as she held the phone in her clutches. Cliona braced herself, ready for Ica’s reaction when she saw how young Eli was.

When she opened the photos app there was just one lone picture in her photo library. And it was Eli’s. Ica raised her eyebrows. “This is him?” Ica was still in Cliona’s lap so she had to crane her neck to look back at her. Cliona nodded. Her face completely flushed. “He is a very nice looking guy.” Said Ica smiling sincerely.

Cliona, taken aback at Ica’s reaction said, “Really?”

”Yeah.” Said Ica getting off her sister-in-law’s lap and sitting next to her.

“But..I mean you don’t think it’s weird. He’s your age.”

Ica guffawed. “Cli, did you forget that I’m married to your brother? You know who’s 36 years older than me? Now if I were to judge you, I would be the biggest hypocrite in the whole wide world! Well you definitely have the twin thing going on. What are the odds you would fall head over heels for a guy 36 years younger than you. And he likes you back, so obviously he sees past your age.”

Cliona sighed. “Ica I don’t know that he likes me back. He could just be being nice to me.”

”Well I think he likes you too. Is he working for you tomorrow?” Asked Ica.

”He’s actually coming back tonight. I’m going to a concert tonight and my driver canceled. He agreed to take me.”

”Oooo so like a date.” Cooed her sister-in-law.

”Ica no! No.” Yipped Cliona swiping her arm to the side.

“Okay, maybe not a date but you never know. Anyway, I’m going to take off. Claude has been home with Zephyr all day and I fear he might have tired my poor husband out.” Ica chuckled.

“Well alright.” Cliona stood up and smooth her dress down. “Thank you so much for my mug.” She said hugging Ica and giving her a kiss on the head.

”You’re welcome. Okay I’m off. I love you. And I will give my love to your brother and nephew.”

”Thank you darling.” I love you too.

“And have fun tonight.” She threw her a wink and scooted out the front door.

***

It was almost time to pick up Cliona and take her to the concert, and Eli was searching for something to wear. He’d tried on two outfits but didn’t like how they looked. He had butterflies and he didn’t understand why. He was nervous yet thrilled that he was going to see Cliona tonight. Why am I so anxious. It’s Cliona. I see her all the time. He thought to himself. I guess I hadn’t realized how happy she makes. Shaking his head he finally found something to wear. He settled on a black dressy T-shirt, and a pair of tan skinny khaki pants and a black rope bracelet. After gathering up the rest of his things he set out to his boss’s home.

When he arrived he, parked the car and went to go know Cliona he was here. As he walked up the driveway his heart began beating a mile a minute. Calm down Eli! What is wrong with you?!”

As usually, he did their secret knock and he waited for a couple of seconds, all the while trying to slow his heart down. When Cliona opened the door, his pale eyes widened and he did his best not to gape at her. She was wearing a royal purple dress with a V neck cut that accentuated the curves of her slim frame, and around her neck a black choker with a single aqua jewel dangling in the center of her collar bones and earrings to match. And pinned in her gray up do was a purple head scarf the fell around her shoulders and framed her thin face.

”W-wow.” Stammered Eli. “You look, amazing.”

Cliona’s cheeks pinked a bit. ”It’s not too much?”

Eli shook his head. “Not at all. You look perfect.” He reassured her sincerely. “So, are you ready my queen? Your chariot awaits.” He bowed dramatically then looked up at her grinning.

Cliona chuckled. “Yes, I’m ready, my loyal servant.” She curtsied.

Eli walked her to the car and opened the door for. After she was in securely, he got into the driver’s seat and turned on the car forgetting that his radio was on, and that the volume was turned up rather loudly. Immediately a barrage of electric guitars, drums, and raspy singing voiced assaulted their ears. Cliona cringed and Eli fumbled with volume button then just shut it off completely. “S-sorry!” He apologized feeling his face burning. Even though his skin was brown he felt that his face had to been turning as red as a lobster.

Cliona looked at him with playful amusement. “It’s quite alright. My sister-in-law does that to me all the time. Except hers is country.” She chuckled.

“Well I still feel bad. That’s all you need, for me to deafen you before the concert where you won’t be able to hear any music at all.”

“Don’t worry, I can still hear just fine.” Cliona threw a wink at him.

Eli smiled. “Phew, we’ll that’s a relief. But you know, if you ever did go deaf, I would teach you sign language.”

Cliona rose her thin eyebrows. “You know sign language?”

”Yup. My little sister was born deaf, so me and my parents decided it would be good to learn sign language then teach her. She used to get bullied when we were little. She was eight and I was 10. That really pissed me off. A couple of times I would beat them up.” He admitted guilty. “But Amelia, that was her name, said she could stand up for herself.” He laughed at the memory of his little sister sizing up a bully twice her side.

“So…she fought them?” Asked Cliona tilting her head, making the scarf cascade over right shoulder.

Eli laughed and shook his head. “No, she didn’t have too. She said that because she couldn’t hear, it made her other sensed even stronger. So she said if they were to bother her again, she would use her eyes to watch their every move, even when they couldn’t see her. Then she would threaten to tell on them if they were doing something bad.”

“Well now, your sister sounds like quite the little firecracker.” Said Cliona, laughing herself.

”Oh she is.”

”Does your family live around here?” Asked Cliona.

”They live in D.C. but we talk every day. My folks have a nice little cottage in the country side. And Amelia went to school to become a teacher. Now she reached sign language at Easton’s School For The Deaf.”

”Well, your family sounds lovely.” Said Cliona smiling at him.

They rode in silence for a few minutes until Cliona broke the silence. “Thank you for doing this Eli. Of course I’ll pay you extra for the last minute request.”

Eli shook his head modestly. “You don’t have to do that. I was happy to do it.”

”But-”

”Cliona, it’s fine. But if you want to repay me, how about whenever you go away on vacation you let me keep Lucifer instead of that stuffy old woman that just comes and feeds him and cleans his litter box then leaves. He deserves better than that.” He threw her a smirk making her laugh out loud.

”Alright, it’s a deal.”

Finally they arrived at the concert grounds. The park was already starting to become very busy as people arrived for the concert so an officer had to direct traffic. The officer signaled to Eli to park in the Z lot. After pulling into a parking spot, Eli hopped out and opened Cliona’s door for her.

”Thank you, so the concert last about two and a half hours. Feel free to do whatever you’d like in between.” She said cheerily.

Eli looked at her dumbfounded. “Wait…you don’t want me to go with you?” He asked feeling slightly dejected.

”Oh heavens no! I couldn’t ask you to do that. I’ll be fine on my own. Frederick goes off all the time.” She said nonchalantly.

”Well I’m not Frederick. I’m going with you. There’s a lot of people here. I don’t want you by yourself.”

Cliona stared at him taken aback. “Are…you sure? I mean I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay with me.”

”I’m sure.” He said vehemently. “I would like nothing more than to accompany you it’ll be fun.” He said smiling sincerely.

”Oh…well thank you.” She said quietly.

Eli offered her his arm. “Shall we?” She gladly took it and the two of them strode off to the field where the concert was being held.

Once they found seats they settled down and waited for it to start.

“So what kind of concert is it?” Asked Eli, turning to look at her.

”It’s classical. I don’t know how you feel about classical…I know some people find it boring. That’s why I didn’t know if you would want to come.” She said feeling a bit guilty.

”I like all kinds of music.” Said Eli matter of fact.

Cliona looked up. “Oh, you do?”

He nodded. “Yes, I actually play the violin and cello. Besides, I’m just happy being here with you. It could have been the most boring thing ever, but as long as I was with you I’d be happy. Thankfully though it’s a concert and not a boring lecture.” He chuckled.

Cliona just watched at him for a moment as he looked around taking in his surroundings. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Eli had actually chosen to stay with her when he could be doing something else. But not only that he said he was happy being with her. The thought of it made her heart skip a beat.

When he caught her staring at him, she smiled warmly. “What is it?” He said humorously. “Do I have something stuck to me?” He said dramatically twisting around. “Or is my hair sticking up? Oh wait it kind of always sticks up in places. Oh! I got it! I look like a total doofus don’t I?” There was a playful look in in his pale brown eyes.

Cliona laughed out loud. “No, I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you as my landscaper. And how silly you can be at times.”

Be smiled. “Well I’ll take that as a compliment.

Pretty soon the concert had begun and the melodious sound of instruments blending together drifting through the summer air and tickling the ears of its listeners. As the concert carried on pretty soon couples began to get up and dance. An older man sauntered over to where Cliona and Eli were sitting. He had salt and pepper hair, an old fashioned mustache, and a slim build. He was clean cut in his gray suit and blue speckled bow tie. He bowed slightly and held out his hand.

”Would the lady care to dance?” He said giving her a smile.

Cliona hesitated, feeling out in the spot. She glanced at Eli, who gave her a half smile. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”

The man looked from Eli then back to Cliona with a hopeful look. “Sure, I’d love too.” He helped her up and kissed her hand. Eli’s face flushed with annoyance and he felt a jolt of jealousy shoot through his body but he pushed it away. As the man led her to an open spot, she glanced back at him and he tried his best to give her an encouraging smile but couldn’t help that strong feeling of jealousy come back as he saw the man pull Cliona close to him and place his hand on the small of her back.

After the dance was over the man kissed her hand again and whispered something in her ear making her physically blush. Eli rolled his eyes, having had enough of this dapper older man. As Cliona came back to sit down next to him, he couldn’t help but ask how it was.

”Did you enjoy your dance with Mr. Fancy pants over there” He asked trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.”

”It was…nice. He asked if I would like to see him again.” Said Cliona.

”What did you say?” Asked Eli a little to quickly.

Cliona raised an eyebrow amused. “I told him I was flattered but, I said that I wasn’t interested.” Relief flooded Eli’s body and he tried his best to keep the satisfied grin off his face. Cliona noticed but didn’t say anything.

”Do you want to dance.” He said suddenly.

Cliona looked at him quizzically. Eli felt as though he should have just kept his mouth shut, but seeing her with that older man lit something in him that he couldn’t control. He wanted patiently for her answer even though his heart was thumping inside his chest. Then she smiled. “Of course.”

She followed Eli to a a patch of grass near a tree. “Don’t worry, I know how to dance, so I won’t step on your feet.” He flashed her a grin. Then he took her hand and interlocks his fingers with hers, as she put her hand on his shoulder. Then he gently placed his hand on the small of her back, pulling her a little closer to him. Cliona felt her body flush being this close to Eli. He led the dance and she followed.

“So who taught you how to dance?” She asked looking up at him.

”My dad used to work in corporate. They used to do a bunch of fancy dinner parties and sometimes me, my mom, and sister would all have to go. Of course there was dancing so it was only fitting to learn all that smancy fancy stuff.” He said throwing her a smirk.

”Well you were taught well. You are even a better dancer than that gentle man that whisked me away earlier.”

Eli beamed inwardly. They danced in comfortable silence for a while until Cliona spoke. “Eli,” she said softly. “I know I’ve said it numerous times, but thank you. You’ve been so kind to me. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be my landscaper.”

He smiled. ”It’s an honor to work for you, my queen.”

She chuckled. “You know, you don’t have to call me your queen. All of the queens I have known have been evil.”

”Welk first of all, you are the farthest thing from evil. Two, I call you my Queen, because I feel like you should be treated like one and I don’t mind doing things for you. I actually enjoy it. You are kind, and caring, and you always are thinking of others. It’s a term of endearment. If anything, you are the most precious queen anyone could have.” He said softly.

Cliona looked up at him, as he peered down at her affectionately, his pale eyes gentle and sincere. No matter how hard she couldn’t help think back to what her and Ica had discussed this afternoon. I think I’m falling for him. She gently rested her head on his shoulder. She was thankful that he didn’t seem to mind. Rather he pulled her a tad closer to her.

When the last song had finished, Cliona and Eli were a little reluctant to let go of each other, until the realized that people began grabbing their stuff and filing out. “Oh, the concert’s over already?” Said Eli a tad bummed.

”I guess it is.” Said Cliona sounding just as disappointed. “By the way you are a lovely dancer. You, as they say, swept me off my feet.” Cliona looked down shyly.

Eli grinned. “Aww you can thank my dad for taking us to all those fancy dinner parties.

”And what might your father’s name be? Hmm?” She gave him a playful look.

”Oswald.”

“Can I see your phone?” Asked Cliona innocently.

”Umm…okay.” He reached in his pocket, took out the phone and handed it to her.

“Code please?”

“1111.”

”That’s your code.” She asked humour in her voice.

”Yeah. So easy but hard to guess.” He said winking.

Cliona rolled her eyes playfully at him, then unlocked his phone. She opened his iMessages then turned around so her back was to him. “What…are you doing?” She just glanced over her shoulder and gave him a coy smile then went back to doing whatever she was doing on his phone. Throughly curious, he walked up behind her and peered over her shoulder. He saw that she was texting someone. And that someone was his dad. He couldn’t believe the boldness that had gotten into this older woman. Her thin fingers tapped away at the keyboard on his phone screen.

Eli: Hi, this is your son’s employer, Cliona Frollo and may I say he is a lovy dancer. Wank you for gibbing him da-

“Hey! Give me that!” He said laughing as he tried to grab for his phone.

Cliona turned quickly with his phone still grasped in her slender hands. “Oh I will….after I send this.”

Eli lunged for the phone again but once again she swung away from him. “Okay that’s it!” Eli seized Cliona by the waist. She laughed. It was high and robust. She tried wiggling free but he held her tight. Eventually Cliona gave up the struggle and let him take the phone. When he scrolled to checked his text she had conjured up he saw that it had been sent. He looked up from the screen to see Cliona smiling smugly at him. A piece of gray hair had fallen out of her tighty up do, and flopped against her forehead.

To be honest, Eli thought she looked quite cute. “You do know I’m going to have to explain this to my dad right? And there are auto correct typos in there.” Said Eli giving him a pointed look.

“You told me to thank your father. I’m only doing what you asked, my humble servant. “ She smirked at her, her bright green eyes playful.

Hey smirked at walked up to her. “I’ve never seen you like this before.” He said tenderly. “But I like it.”

”Well I guess you bring it out in me.” She said, giving him a sly smile. “Anyway, I guess we should be getting home, shouldn’t we?”

Eli nodded and held out his arm smiling. Cliona gladly took it. As they walked happily back to the car, Eli spotted something that was beautifully lit and flashing through the trees. He could hear cheery lively music, blending with the tinking of bells. Moving his head to the side, and peering up, to get a better look, he saw that there was a beautiful carousel. The brightly coloured horses were warm and inviting and their expressions ranged from stoic to wild, to majestic. Their bodies frozen in numerous trots, canters, and gallops.

Getting an idea, Eli abruptly un hooked his arm from Cliona’s and took her by the hand, leading her quickly through the bushes. “E-Eli, what are you doing? The cars this way.” She said thoroughly confused. He didn’t answer, rather he quickened his pace making Cliona run a little but. Finally he stopped and eyed the carousel, as the man took everyone’s ticket. When Cliona saw where he had dragged her, her green eyes widened with awe. “It’s…it’s magnificent.”

”It is. And we’re going to ride it. Come on!” Once again Eli seized the older woman by the hand and hauled her close and closer to the colorful spectacle.

“Don’t we need a ticket?!” She called.

”Nope.” Said Eli giving a determined smug smile. He slowed his pace and stooped down, gently pulling Cliona down next to him.

Eli carefully watched the man taking everyone’s tickets. “Next!”

“What in the world are you doing Mr?” Blurted Cliona bewildered.

“You’ll see.” He said still watching the line of people. After the the last person stepped onto the ride, the ticket holder closed the gate. As the carousel attendants went to go check seat belts, Eli crept closer and closer to the side of the gate where a second door was unlatched, Cliona close behind him. He gingerly opened it and the door and the two of them slipped inside. “Here, I’ll help you up.” He said holding out his arms. Cliona stared at him. “Come on, it’ll be fun.” He gave her an innocent smile.

The older woman shook her head smiling. “Oh alright.”

As Eli began to help Cliona onto the carousel, the ticket holder spotted them. “Hey! You there! Stop!”

Eli whipped his head around, his long locks swinging around a face. Then swiftly pushed Cliona up onto the deck of the ride and climbed up to join her. The man ran around to their side of the gate to try to catch them but it was too late. The ride jolted and began to move.

Eli and Cliona looked around frantically. “Where do we go now?!” Cried Cliona.

”Um…Eli quickly turned his head this way and that until he saw a vacant horse. “Over there, go!” He ushered his boss hurriedly toward the horse. It was a pure white horse with a silver mane and pink flowers decorating the golden saddle.

“Eli, my dress! I can’t ride a horse in a dress!” But without warning, Eli hoisted Cliona up and on top of the horse’s back. She sat with both legs dangling off the side against horse’s belly. Eli the. Hoisted himself up so he was sitting behind her. He wrapped both arms around her waist.

“I’ve got up you, just hold on tight.” He said close to her ear. As the ride picked up speed Cliona’s apprehension melted alway and turned into thrill. She threw her head back laughing as the horse bobbed up and down. Eli hugged her a little tighter and rested his shin in her shoulder. “Aren’t you glad I hi jacked the ride!” He shouted, pure elation in his voice.

Cliona held out her arms as if she were Rose on the bow of the Titanic and Eli supported her by helping her hold them up. They truly looked as if they were having the best time. When the ride slowed then eventually stopped, the ticket immediately stomped onto the carousel, eyes darting all around until he spotted the two culprits.

”You!” Yelled the ticket holder.

”Uh oh time to go!” Eli quickly lifted Cliona down off the horse and too, her by the hand. The ticket holder scrambled after them red faced as he tried to weave and dodge between the horses and those exiting the ride. “This way!” Cried Eli. Then he saw that there was another carousel employee coming their way. “No this way!” Eli ushered his boss quickly down off the carousel and took her by the hand, as he had done many times tonight, and they ran as fast as as they could, trying to loose the angry ticket holder.

“Over here!” Cried Eli as he lead her behind a stone wall and out of sight where the two of them belly laughed until tears formed in the corners of their eyes.

”Oh my, Eli. That I think was the biggest thrill of my life. What in earth possessed you to sneak onto that thing!” She said laughing and trying to catch her breath.

He shrugged. “I guess it was just spur of the moment. To tell you the truth, I haven’t done anything that bold before. It felt kinda good.” He said with a glint in his eye.

”Well, you sure know how to make an old woman feel young again. Thank you for tonight. One of the best nights I’ve had in a long time.” She said smiling at him fondly.

When she looked at him, he felt his heart skip a beat. Her bright green eyes seemed to catch the light of the full moon that had made its debut in the night sky. Her dark gray hair, disheveled from their escapade, was falling in all the right places, framing the contours of her thin ,angular face. Though she was much older than him, he couldn’t help but be mesmerized by her.

Eli moved closer to her. “Cliona…” he said keeping his voice low. “Thank you for hiring me as your landscaper. If you hadn’t, then I wouldn’t have gotten to see how amazing you are. Your kind nature and how you always think of ways to make other people feel thought of. They way you make Lucifer purr when you scratch him underneath his chin and your beautiful green eyes.” Eli rested his hand flat against the stone wall on the side of Cliona’s body. Then he leaned in closer to her face, her perfume intoxicating. He rested his other arm against the wall on the other side of her. She was trapped by his body, pressed up against the stone wall. But she didn’t care. She longed for his closeness. His face was now just inches from hers. And the way you make me feel when I’m with you.” He murmured.

He gently brought his lips to her red ones and she welcomed it. She leaned into him, enjoying the tenderness of his kiss. When they broke apart, they kept their foreheads resting lightly against one another’s for a few moments. Then Eli smiled at her affectionately and said, “Are you ready for me to take you home, my queen?”

When Eli pulled up to Cliona’s house the two of them sat in the car for a moment. Then Eli spoke. “I had a nice time.” He said meekly, looking over at her.

She smiled back shyly at him. “Me too.”

“Do you want me to walk you to your door?”

“No, no, I think I should be fine.” She smiled at him.

“Okay, well, good night, my queen.” He leaned over and gently kissed her on the cheek.

“Good night, my royal servant.”