Vie

***

“Damn, she was not hot at all.” I mutter. “Hardly any fun at all.”

“What are you talking about?” says Alicia. “She was amazing!”

About as amazing as a chimpanzee throwing a fit over a stolen banana.

“Did you see her eyes? Such fire! Such wit!” exclaims Alicia.

“The only fire she had was on her head.” Oh, that one was good. I need to keep that filed away for future use.

Alicia turns on me. “You’re always so spiteful, Vie! Could it be,” a smile alights her rosy lips, “that you’re jealous?”

Jealous of that pale hippo for stealing my girl’s heart? I suck on the hard candy in my mouth, the artificial blueberry taste relaxing my frayed nerves. “You are always flirting. I just keep you in check.”

“I told you, flirting is my personality. I don’t need you to keep me in check Ms. ‘Here-is-my-number’.”

“Well, the half century that I knew you, you were never this flirtatious.” I say bluntly.

Her face is that of the perfect, adorable pout. “A lot can change.”

“You are just asking for another Poegare to appear.” It is not even a question. We both know the sin that is falling for a human. We know how fragile they and their world are.

“You must really love to see my pain.” murmurs a very somber Alicia. “Those wounds haven’t yet healed…”

I step closer to her, staring as deep into her eyes as I can go without drowning. “I do not love to hurt you. I hate the look of pain in your eyes. I think you should keep your priorities clear and stop chasing every creature that stumbles onto your path.”

“I don’t think you get it, Vie.” Alicia murmurs. “I’d rather the pain. I’d rather that than emptiness. I know you’re trying to make me forget so, I thank you.” She places a hand over my heart which, despite my unchanging expression, quickens its beat. “Please, just stop trying.”

I let her walk away through our obstacle of moving boxes and furniture. I let her disappear into the kitchen before placing my own hand where her’s was a moment ago.

Oh, Alicia. Sweet, gentle, beautiful Alicia. I am not trying to make you forget. I am trying to make you look-really look- right in front of you.