Blackthorns of the Forgotten Read online

  “Alright,” he agreed.

  As she unbuttoned his shirt, her eyes met his.

  “Well, go on, Doctor. Am I gonna live?”

  She attempted to open his shirt. The fabric appeared to be fused to his skin. But when she let go, the shirt fell away like petals from a flower. She sat back to marvel. His chest was unmarred, as if there had never been an injury.

  “Astonishing!” Adara gasped. “It’s completely healed.”

  Sully looked down, amazed with what he saw as well. The source of his pain had literally disappeared overnight.

  “Well, how do ya like that? Must have been yer good care and this fancy nightwear.”

  She covered her mouth as if to swallow unexpected emotions. Keeping her back to Sully she drifted towards the window.

  Buttoning up his shirt he went to her feeling terribly confused.

  She was quietly crying, trying to hide her face in her hands. This woman carried around such great pain, wrapped up as tightly as the steel drum she cast deep into an internal well. Perhaps she feared what voicing her pain and disappointment would mean.

  “Adara, what is it?” The sound of her weeping struck at his core. “And ask ye why these sad tears stream? Why these wan eyes are dim with weeping? I had a dream – a lovely dream, of her that in the grave is sleeping. I saw her mid the realms of light. In everlasting radiance gleaming; co-equal with the seraphs bright, mid thousand angels beaming.”

  Her cries softened to murmurs. She looked at him, tears falling freely from her eyes. “That was beautiful. What was it?”

  “Isn’t it though, the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson. I read him when I was a boy. I didn’t understand much of it then, but I could see the beauty of how the words came together, like a gathering of angels. I could envision such lovely pictures in me mind when I would read his poems.”

  “You read poems for your studies?” she asked.

  “No, for company, for when I was alone.”

  “I often feel alone. Please forgive my outburst.”

  “There’s nothin’ to forgive. ‘Tis not right that ya should be so sad.”

  “What’s right, is not always what is.” She kept her eyes from his.

  “And what is, is not always what is right,” he answered.

  She cocked her head to one side. “Who are you?”

  “My name is Sully, and—” He struggled with what to say next.

  “Tell me, Sully, why do I feel like I can trust you better than my own husband?”

  Inside the gray of her eyes there shimmered a hidden violet, the place which housed a piece of Gillean. Sully wanted to step into the light.

  “I’m not more worthy of yer trust. We’re all scared and uncertain. We’re lookin’ for reassurance that we belong. Perhaps Gillean just needs a chance to prove he deserves yer trust.”

  “No, he doesn’t.” The truth of her feelings reflected in the certainty of her voice. She redirected his attentions, dismissing the topic of her husband’s honor. “You must be famished. Let’s have some breakfast. Okay?”

  “I would love to share a meal with ya. But first, ya must tell me why.”

  “Why?”

  He dabbed at the remaining tears on her cheek, “Why these sad tears stream.”

  She sat beside him on the bed offering him breakfast.

  “I don’t believe I have the words to tell you why.” She handed him a plate of fresh fruit.

  “Yes ya do,” he encouraged. “Ya see the pictures in yer mind. Now let the words come.”

  “I did see the pictures,” she brightened. “Your presence here, it caused me to think about my life with Gillean. How it was years ago.” She watched him take a bite of pineapple and smiled. “How it was when we were young like you.”

  Sully nodded.

  “Gillean swept me up with his passion. Soon, all I wanted was what he wanted. They were one and the same.”

  “No.” He put down his plate. “Ya wanted somethin’ of yer own, even then. What was it?”

  She shook her head.

  “What was it?” he prodded.

  “I was well provided for,” her back stiffened. What’s there to want with all this?” She glanced around the finely appointed room.

  “That’s not what I meant.” Sully took hold of her hand. “I know what it is to be robbed of yer dreams, to be carried away by the desires of someone else, someone close to ya. It’s a terrible thing when dreams die.”

  “What can you know of dead dreams?” She pulled her hand away. “Your whole life is yet to be lived. Why are you here? You must have better things to do with your time than stroll down memory lane with a washed up dancer.”

  He folded his hands in his lap. “I promise ya, I’m where I’m meant to be. So, you are a dancer?”

  “Was a dancer, past tense.”

  “Yer far from washed up. Ya can’t tell me ya never again heard music, without yer feet itchin’ to dance.”

  “Dance? No, I didn’t want to dance anymore. I couldn’t. I had a family to take care of.” She sounded as if she were trying to assure both Sully and herself.

  “Was dancin’ yer great passion?”

  “Well, I mean to say, I—”

  “Yes, or no. Was dancin’ yer great passion?”

  “Yes!” She almost shouted.

  He leaned in meaning to share a secret. “Ya see love is where all things can begin again. It gives ya the nimble hands to pick up the pieces of broken dreams.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “Go on, be a dancer.”

  “It’s too late…” Her voice trailed off.

  “Try me.”

  “What?” She looked at him as if he had suggested she jump out the window.

  “Dance for me.”

  “If only it were that easy.” She squared her shoulders in a gesture of pride. “There’s no need to feel sorry for me. I chose to forgo my dreams. It wasn’t my passion that helped Gillean. The Business doesn’t work that way. I made sure Gillean didn’t have to wait years for his chance. I suppose I didn’t realize the full cost back then.”

  “Blah, blah, blah…I’m hearing excuses when I should be seein’ some beautiful dance moves.”

  He leapt from the bed pulling her with him; using his body, he shoved the substantial piece of furniture against the wall.

  “Right! Perfect for a dance floor, ya see.”

  Adara’s eyes were on the considerable amount of dust which had collected underneath the bed.

  Sully dug into his knapsack and retrieved his prized possession. “And now, ya shall have music!”

  He drew the bow across the strings which obediently delivered the first few notes his fingers requested.

  “Who are you?” Her eyes didn’t leave his face.

  “Take off your shoes, Adara.”

  “Sully, really.”

  “Take em off!”

  “You’re mad!” She was close to giggling.

  She slipped out of her sneakers and took a few paces towards the window. Sully watched with great attention as she placed one hand on the sill, her feet instinctively went into position one. But as he began to play, she quickly moved into a full arabesque.

  Here was her beauty, Sully noted, it radiated from Adara as she elegantly moved around the floor. He could scarcely believe this woman had not danced in years. It seemed as if her feet had been waiting to take flight, held prisoner only by her misguided choice to bind them to the ground.

  When she finished, Adara went to him, sweaty and flushed. She knelt down as he sat on the bed, and reached up to touch his face, brushing her lips ever so lightly against cheek.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. “You know, you could walk out the door right now, Sully, and we would still be connected. It’s entirely incomprehensible, but it’s there. Isn’t it?”

  Sully may have been relieved of his duty as far as the Elders were concerned, but he did not understand the tumultuous and thrilling emotions for Gillean and the connection to Adara. He didn’t understand any o
f it. He quickly grabbed for a pillow and playfully thumped her.

  “Now let’s see if ya know how to play!” he exclaimed.

  “You little devil!” she cried, landing a pillow of her own squarely across his face.

  “Madam, this is war!”

  With that, the two dealt each other strategic blows, all the while scrambling round the room breathless and laughing. They kept at it even though the delicate pillows began to break apart from the force of their play. Feathers took to the air, falling around them like January snow.

  ~~~

  Ciar was waiting, calling to him from the window of her idling, luxury car, as he walked from the train platform. The trip had been an exhausting one. As it turned out, Gillean and Sully had traveled to the outermost edges of the island. Gillean was glad to be back in Bantry Bay. Relief turned to irritation at the sound of her voice. She had one thing in common with Sully, it seemed, neither could be ignored. He plodded over to the car, wanting nothing more than to dismiss her.

  “Why did you come here, Ciar?” He held his suitcase firmly in hand.

  She lit up a cigarette, tossing the burning match out the window dangerously close to where he stood. “You may not believe this, Gilly, but I’m the only person you can trust.”

  “You’re right, I don’t believe you. And I don’t trust you. So if you will please excuse me—”

  “Going home to the wife and family?” She exhaled a puff of smoke in his direction.

  He took a moment to decide if she should know his plans. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I am going home. I suggest you do the same.”

  She crushed out the cigarette, and leaned onto the opened window, her oceanic eyes latching onto him. She was so damned beautiful. Gillean cursed himself. For a moment he was carried back to the time he’d first laid eyes on her, and her work. There was no denying their effect.

  “Just promise me this. After you return home to your wife and family, if you find that I was right, and Sully is not who he appears to be, will you at least consider what I have to offer you?”

  His tone softened. “I can’t say I was not completely smitten by you—what man wouldn’t be? But I have a life that I am obliged to. I’m sorry if I led you to believe I could offer you anything. That’s not who I want to be.”

  “Little Gilly, I know exactly who you are. You are an artist, like me. You want the same things I want. Things life with your simple family can’t give you.”

  “I have to go now.” He turned to look for his car in the small lot. “I hope you will respect my wishes.”

  She smiled at him with confidence. “I hope you will remember what I said. I’ll be waiting for you. Don’t be afraid to call when you need me.”

  “All I need is to get back to my family.”

  “And to find Sully?”

  “Yes.” He narrowed his eyes. “I intend to find Sully, and help him if I can.”

  She laughed. Rolling up the window, she offered him one last thought. “I’d be more concerned with what Sully is helping himself to!”

  She waved, driving away with a most satisfied look.

  ~~~

  Gillean stumbled up the stairs two at a time, Ciar’s prediction mixing with the recognizable laughter coming from a bedroom. Not wanting to see what lay on the other side, he flung open the door, radiating anger.

  “What the bloody hell is going on?” he demanded.

  Adara and Sully sat motionless on the bed as if a force of nature had blown its way into the room. The only movement was of the free falling feathers that continued to shower the three. Gillean eyed Sully’s pajamas, Gillean’s pajamas! Adara’s hair was uncharacteristically wild and unkempt. Neither was wearing shoes. They looked as if they had just been caught attempting to steal the crown jewels.

  “Gillean!”

  Adara got up, showing no remorse for her husband’s discovery.

  He was not as tolerant as to allow her an explanation. He jumped towards the bed grabbing Sully, violently dragging him away from his wife.

  “You lying son of a bitch! Get over here!”

  His vigor was much more than a man of his small stature. His eyes were black portals of fire and jealousy. Sully did nothing to resist as Gillean continued to berate him.

  “To think I actually fell for your lies! I trusted you, and you!” Gillean turned towards Adara.

  “Stop it!” she yelled, moving towards him.

  “What? Do you want me to leave go of your lover then, Dara?” Gillean shoved Sully up against her, his breath on her face. “Look at how pathetic he is! He won’t even fight for you.”

  Gillean heaved Sully in the opposite direction, sending him crashing to the floor. He landed roughly in the corner of the room. Sully tried to stand as Gillean came at him again.

  “No!” Adara tugged at Gillian’s arms.

  He shrugged her off as he loomed over the stunned Sully. “Leave us, Adara. This is between me and Sully.”

  “Is it?” Sully stopped the enraged man in his tracks.

  “Is what?” Gillean boomed.

  “Is this between you and me, or maybe you and Ciar?

  “Where do you get off accusing me?”

  “Or maybe Adara? Who is it ya need today, Gillean?” Sully tossed out the explosive question.

  Gillean’ body shuddered with the rage he tried to contain. He stood before Sully, a man he had trusted, a man he had felt not only sympathy for, but also a kinship with. Why had this man betrayed him? And why did he care so much what Sully thought of him? The nebulous questions only fueled Gillean’s fervor.

  “Don’t take a superior attitude with me, you worthless piece of—” Gillean lunged for Sully, twisting his pajama top in balled fists.

  “Why don’t you speak to Adara?” Sully lifted his chin, his face defiant. “Why don’t you speak to her of all that is in yer heart? Or are ya too much of a coward?”

  The beating of Sully’s heart against Gillean’s clenched hand caused a strange sensation within him. His own heart constricted. He had to look away from the pictures in Sully’s luminous eyes. He was thankful his wife could not see his face.

  “You get out of here Gillean Faraday!” Adara scream was as shrill as a banshee.

  Gillean recoiled at the sound.

  “Dara, no.”

  “You heard me. Get out!” She opened the door and gestured to him. “How dare you make this between you and Sully? You don’t even care enough to be upset with me.” She pointed a finger at him. “You think I could never love anyone but you? You simply assumed Sully must have seduced me. That would be the only way I would be with another man, because I am just so happy with you.” She placed her hands on her hips, her eyes emitting hoary sparks. “Here’s a news bulletin for you, Mr. ‘the entire world revolves around me’ Faraday. Did you ever think perhaps, just perhaps, I would have had my fill of you and all of your lies?”

  Gillean blinked back the raw, hot tears. “What? Please…” He wanted her to be calm, to stay and restore the balance of their normal, predictable life. He wanted her to remove the unknown sensation he felt standing close to Sully. This was not part of his life. This was not who he was.

  His sudden change in attitude failed to stem the flow of Adara’s fury.

  “Did you ever think I may not desire you any longer?”

  Confounded and repentant, Gillean looked to Sully who stood with his head bowed. Reality settled over Gillean like a wet blanket muting the intensity of his emotions.

  “Where are the children?”

  He held Sully with his impassioned stare as he asked his wife the question. Adara cooled in the wake of Gillean’s composure. She gathered the hair from her sweaty face.

  “They’re fine. They’re with your mam.”

  “I need a drink and then some sleep. We can talk about this in the morning. I promised to look after you, Sully. I don’t know what the hell to think now. But don’t leave this house until we’ve talked, okay?”

  Sully held Gillean’s glan
ce, then slowly, as if with regret, turned to address Adara. “If that’s what ya both want.”

  “Yes, of course.” Adara turned from them. “Perhaps another room for you.” She swept piles of feathers from the bed.

  “No, I’ll be fine here.” Sully remained.

  Gillean nodded. “Right. I’ll see you both in the morning. Adara, I’ll be sleeping in the study.”

  Not wanting to be trapped in those infinite green eyes, he took his leave and went sadly to his study on the first floor.

  Adara did not follow her husband, but went instead to the aggrieved man deposited in the corner by her husband’s impulsive explosion of temper. Sully held the look of a man headed to the gallows, so great was the regret in his troubled eyes—the same eyes through which she had discovered her truest self.

  “Don’t do it, Sully. I know what you’re thinking. Just leave him be for now.”

  “I have to speak with him, I have to.” Sully fell to his knees. “Oh God!” The sob caught in his throat. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. Why did I come here? What have I done?”

  “Hush, now.” She wrapped her arms around him. “Don’t blame yourself. You gave me the courage to uncover what I have kept buried away for such a long time.” She held him as he continued to cry mournful tears. “We did nothing wrong. You did nothing wrong.”

  “How can you say that?” He raised his moist face to her. “All I wanted to do was help, and now Gillean is devastated, and you—”

  “I am stronger than ever, dear man,” she soothed. “And Gillean will finally have to deal with his life as it truly is. It’s been a long time coming. You were the catalyst for a much needed change.”

  “But, you still love him,” Sully posited.

  “I will always love him, but I no longer believe my place is with him.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “I’m sorry, but you have given me a great gift. I won’t be too quick to let go of it either. I think it best that you do as Gillean suggested. Get some rest and we’ll all be better to face each other in the morning. Will you be alright, now?”

  Dabbing at his face with his sleeve, he spoke in a more controlled tone. “Yes, please, don’t concern yerself with me. Maybe ya could go and have a word with Gillean?”