Eliezer’s Ange by Eden Auclair

VII

cassiopeia is nineteen

she is a junior in university

The next coupleof months went by painstakingly slow for Cassiopeia and Eliezer.Her never-ending pale complexion and fragility was nothing less of a worry to him—she worried him more than life ever did. And Eliezer, the emptiness filling his striking ice-blue-hued eyes made her soul ache from afar. There was absolutely nothing more she wanted than to go to Eliezer and take care of him. The more she saw of him, the more she wanted to be with him, the more she fell for him, little quirks and all.

But of course, she would never utter those words out loud.

Eliezer was visibly falling apart—something Cassiopeia would never know was because of his worry for her—his tired, hollow eyes, his complexion just as pale as hers, and even the noticeably slight tremble of his hand lately that only she seemed to notice. A permanent frown was etched on his face and every day, she longed to wipe it away and replace it with his heart-stopping smile. Though in her eyes, he looked to have aged too much in the past three months. But three months ago was the start of Eliezer picking up on differences in her too. Cassiopeia, too, had slowly crumbled, losing the glistening light that made her, Cassiopeia Leilani. Her only solace lately was Eliezer; her friendship with Ansel burned to ashes. But still, there was an underlying something that was destroying her from the inside out, and Eliezer could see it with clear-cut clarity in her features.

Eliezer wondered and worried relentlessly. He found himself awake in the darkest parts of the night, his thoughts running wild, lingering on her, and her alone. She was his first thought every morning once he’d wake up and his last before he’d close his eyes and attempt to succumb to the sleep he desperately needed. She was the first person he’d search for every morning and the last he’d essentially hold a genuine conversation with for his day, every day. He also noted that she had always been present in the coffee house since that once when she was gone for four days and he nearly lost his mind.

It was rather more evident, than not, that she was on a constant spiral downwards as time went by. It was only time before she’d reach her ultimate breaking point. She often looked sick and frail, weak; Eliezer knew, he sawit with clear-cut clarity. Though there had been days she was illuminated with life, full of bubbly laughter and eye-crinkling smiles, most days she was quiet and unsure about herself and everyone surrounding her, even him. He wanted to say she had become this silhouetteof a person and he was surely going to fight through hell to bring hisCassiopeia back.

He’d help her fix her broken pieces and let go.

§

Today was a bright morning in the city of Tallahassee. The foreigners, the tourists, even the localists were Cassiopeia’s canvas this morning as she painted smiles on all their faces but her own; she was hurriedly making her way to Carousels and Dinges through the city buzzing with life.

An hour later, she was well settled in her booth when Eliezer entered. His eyes flickered from the counter to her usual booth and he found her there—sitting, surrounded by her notebooks and books with a pen in her left hand and an untouched glass of water. But she was already staring at him with haunted eyes. Tears clouded over her beautiful wintry gray irises and she looked far too weak to even get up. Eliezer felt sick, lightheaded even, just thinking of all the things that could have been wrong with her. He went to his usual booth—on the other end of the shop—never taking his eyes off of her. He slipped into his daily routine, pulling out his MacBook and opening his current spreadsheets and proposals in an attempt to distract himself from her. As if it’d ever work.

He watched intently as the dainty old lady—who he’d come to learn was the owner of the shop and very dear to Cassiopeia—tried to make her eat, or even drink something in the least. But the girl was adamant and pushed the tall glass of water further away from her and her books. Her eyes flickered up to his figure, feeling his gaze burning holes through her. Icy blue irises to slate gray, everything else ceased to exist around them. The two had a conversation, their eyes speaking volumes as they conveyed messages only theycould decipher. Autry, the said old lady, left Cassiopeia’s side, knowing the young girl was in good hands in Eliezer’s presence.

Moments passed before she offered him a small smile, deciding she’d get up and serve him as per their usual ritual that only they shared. But getting up was a struggle for her as she attempted to stand up and tumbled right back in the cushiony red seat. Her hands rushed to her temples as her eyes screwed shut and her face contorted in pain. Eliezer wasted absolutely no time in clambering out of his seat and rushing to her side.

“Ange, what’s wrong?”

She only shook her head stubbornly in response and tears rolled down her cheeks. She was in pain—her head throbbed and her chest burned.

In all simplicity, Cassiopeia wanted to scream.

“Cassiopeia, tell me.”

“Nothing,” she cried out weakly. The pain spreading inside her emasculated her light and warmth. She couldn’t even bring herself to utter the very words that had stole the moon and the stars from her sky. She knew the moment she said the words, the truth of them would only become so much more tangible.

He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his, slowly prying them from covering her face. She stared down at him, biting on her lip to stop from crying, sobbing wholeheartedly.She wasn’t ready to face her reality yet.

“Cassiopeia, it hurtsme to see you this way, beautiful girl.” He spoke with such intensity and vulnerability, her eyes widened. She shook her head frantically, not wanting to speak. A stressed sigh left her mouth as he got off the ground and slid into the booth next to her. He wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulder and pulled her flush into his side.

Cassiopeia, tell me what the hellis going on or pray tell, I will lose my mind, he wantedto say. Instead, the words came out softly, “I won’t push you to tell me, but please know that I am always here when you want to talk, okay?” She nodded. Though Cassiopeia could say she barely knew Eliezer, she felt as if she did know Eliezer. She knew very well that deep inside she trusted him wholeheartedly; she felt their souls coexisted in the same dimension.

Autry came up to them—seeing as they were sitting rather cozily—and smiled tenderly at the two. “Cassiopeia, dear, you need to have something, a scone and mug of tea perhaps? And Eliezer, can I get you your usual?” She asked. Cassiopeia shook her head, frowning before beaming at her grandmother-like figure. Quite the observant she was, Autry was the only one in the shop—apart from Archer—that closely watched Cassiopeia and Eliezer’s exchanges every morning. For Autry to know his usual that was nothing short of a secret shared between the two meant a lot to Cassiopeia. And to Eliezer, he couldn’t help the boyish grin that broke out on his face. He wasn’t much interested in his coffee being made by the hands of anyone that wasn’t his girl. But Autry was just too sweet for him to say no to.

“I’ll have a Caffè con Panna,” he found himself saying before he stood up and towered over Autry. She wasn’t in the slightest intimidated since he had become such a constant, in both the coffeehouse and evidently in Cassiopeia’s life; he seemed to be one that brought her the light she often missed.

Leaning down, he whispered in Autry’s ear and her eyes flickered to Cassiopeia’s staring back with wonder-filled irises as she answered, “Well, of course, dear,” with a wide smile.

“Thank you, Mrs…” He stood back to his full height and scrunched his brows.

“Call me Autry.” The dainty old lady smiled. In turn, he gave another boyish smile before walking in the direction of the coffee bar and got behind the counter. Cassiopeia watched with confusion-knitted brows as he rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt. He looked mouth-wateringlydelicious and she couldn’t take her eyes away as his muscles rippled through the very fitting shirt. She watched intently as he moved languidly behind the counter, infusing all sorts of ingredients together and she found herself filled with excitement.

He returned to her with the tall mug in hand a few minutes later

“This,” he paused, “is for you.” He gently pushed her books away and slid the glass in front of her. He took the black Mujipen from her hand, putting it between his teeth, and stared at her with an arched brow; unconsciously and unknowingly to Cassiopeia, her eyes darkened at the sight.

“Have at it then.” He urged her, nodding to the glass. With a much shaky hand—from her constant lack of sleep in the past nights—her hand latched around the gold mug and she lifted it to her lips. Autry slid Eliezer’s coffee in front of him and left rather quickly, not wanting to ruin their moment. He lifted his glass to his lips, sipping slowly when a low moan came from Cassiopeia.

Fuck! A voice screamed in his head as he slightly choked on the scorching coffee. He clutched his chest and turned his head slightly to look at her and it seemed all the air left his lungs. Her eyes were half-mast and her eyebrows scrunched in such a way as if she was in pleasure.

“This is delicious.” She sighed in bliss as her eyes softly fluttered open and she turned to look at him.

“It’s a coconut peach hibiscus acai,” he suddenly rambled bashfully.

Her grin was devastatingly adorable as she hummed. “A Starbucks barista that I can call mine. I love it.” Her wild gray irises found his as he threw his head back in laughter, showing his white pearls. He could care less about his coffee, there was nothing better than seeing life slowly seep back into her being. He wrapped his arm once again around her shoulder and this time, sheleaned into him; it seemed now, all was good.

“We still haven’t had our promised date.” He breathed in her ear and she turned to hide her face in his chest as she smiled like a fool. He felt her smile against his clothed body and he couldn’t help the rather lovesick smile of his own.

§

—later, that day—

Cassiopeia was at an utter loss as she walked down the promenade of Satin Leaf. The tears streaking down her face seemed to be endless as she pondered over her thoughts. She was miserable, genuinely worried for herself; she had no idea what she would do now. Receiving the news that the coffee shop would be closing for good ruined her second by second once Autry and Archer confirmed the bitter news.

I’d have to give up my dainty loft and perhaps take off a semester or two, the thought came across her mind painfully. The coffee shop-slash-diner had given her an ideal life being that it was a high-class eatery. With that money, she was able to help her family, even just a little, pay the expensive medical bills that came with Slater’s AVM.

But now it was being stripped away from her, much like every ounce of happiness she had felt just hours ago. The shop was not only the source of her income but her happiness as well. Carousels and Dinges, a coffeehouse by morning and diner by night, was the foundation of her university days.

She could vividly recall the day two years ago when she exchanged tearful goodbyes with her mama, papa, and brother. From Fort Lauderdale to Florida State in Tallahassee, the seven-hour drive was not enough to stop her tears. She had left her family, her home, and the remnants of what Ansel and her once were. She was entering another world, becoming a diffident version of herself. Cassiopeia had been lonely alone, thrown into a world of harsh realities, a world where dreams ceased to exist and she was dared to start anew.

And starting anew is what she did.

Thus, the beginning of Cassiopeia and Carousels and Dinges.

Cassiopeia reminisced pulling into the very first café her eyes fell upon in the foreign city of Tallahassee in a tired haze and desperate need of freshly brewed tea—her symptoms for driving hours on end. She had ordered an orange chamomile tea and situated herself on a barstool against the counter. Upon entering the café, she was entranced, and once seated, she glanced around, falling in love with the retro vintage-themed style shop.

The vivid memories brought fresh tears to her eyes, and she harshly sloshed them away. The sides of the shop were lined with red and mint booths, while the windowpanes of the front were lined with teal metal wired bistro sets on either side. It screamed vintage with its fluorescent neon signs and lights that lined the ceilings in vibrant colors. The shop called her name with its checkered patterned counters, the red lamps hanging in every booth, and the jukebox sitting cozily in the back corner. The glass-paned windows of the shop gave the perfect view of the bustling life of downtown Tallahassee. It immediately felt just like home to Cassiopeia and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

The memory collapsed in her head before she could continue reminiscing and like the waves roughly crashing against the shore, something raucously brought her back to her current reality. As she wandered around, she continued musing over her choices. She couldn’t even call her best friend—best friend? Is he still my best friend?

§

Eliezer’s eyes acted on their own accord, snapping up to her figure as she wandered down the promenade. It didn’t come as much of a surprise to him that he caught sight of her across the street as soon as he stepped out of the bookshop—how could he miss her? She was the epitome of perfection—beautiful, breathtaking, divine—he’d never miss his little ange.

Leaving her this morning in the coffee shop left him feeling unsettled. Cassiopeia was falling apart and saying he was worried was an understatement. He wanted, no, he needed to know what was wrong with her, but she was too damn stubborn. Of course, she was, she’s my girl after all.

And so, one could only imagine just how livid he was when he saw the tears streaming down her face and her shoulders shaking. Instinctively, he went after her, needing to know what was wrong. And if that pretty boy was the reason for her tears, I would gladly break his face, he thought as he jogged across the promenade to her.

“I’m s-so sorry,” Cassiopeia stuttered when Eliezer walked right into her. He found her stutter terribly cute and her voice undeniably alluring.

“Don’t apologize.” His faint English accent warmed her insides as his arms went around her waist, catching her from falling. “What’s wrong, beautiful?”

“Nothing,” she said softly, and grasped his shoulders to steady herself. He stopped himself from letting a rude remark slip past his lips, but he was certainly losing his patience with her.

I need to know, he swore in his head; I need to know what’s wrong, or else how will I fix this?

“Cassiopeia,” her name rolled off his tongue smoothly, almost making her crumble to her knees, “come on, get in.” He nodded to his car along the sidewalk where they were standing.

“No, it’s okay.” She shook her head.

“Cassiopeia, get in,” he demanded through gritted teeth and immediately regretted it. Fuck, he swore in his head as she shivered getting into his sleek black Audi. “Please,” he added gently and she nodded. He closed her door before walking over to his side. He hadn’t meant to be so harsh but he wasn’t used to softening his tone, especially when his heart was made of ice.

But the little angel was slowly melting his stone-cold heart.

“Please tell me what’s wrong,” Eliezer prodded gently once he was settled in the driver’s seat. Hopefully, she’ll finally tell me, he thought impatiently.

She was silent for a moment but once her lips softly parted, they trembled and a body-wracking sob ripped through her. “I don’t know, the coffee shop is closing, my family, just... and I-I was, urgh,” she cried in frustration, burying her face in her palms. Her eyes widened behind her hands realizing how easily she shared her struggles with the man next to her but couldn’t even tell her best friend.

“Breathe, Cassiopeia.” He gently pried her hands from her face and then gently brushed her tears away. “Talk to me,” he said softly.

She shrugged. “There’s just so much between the coffee shop, my family, and I have to pay rent for my loft in a week, but with the shop closing, I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it. I feel like I’m drowning.”

“Well, now you’re my personal assistant,” he said out of nowhere, laying his hand on her bare thigh. Her eyes flickered down to his large, calloused hand, and gooseflesh rose along her skin, her body longing to feel more of the spark that crackled between them just like every time in the past.

Cassiopeia stilled then, despite a slight shiver raking up along her spine that didn’t go unnoticed by Eliezer. Her eyes softly fluttered and her lips parted. His eyes focused on the elegant column of her neck, deeply desiring to kiss and bite the supple skin, leaving dark purple flowers in its wake.

“What?” She finally turned to stare at him wide-eyed and searching but there was not a drop of pity in his irises, only desperation.

Smooth, real fucking smooth, a voice sarcastically retorted in his head.

“You’re my personal assistant now. I’ve been needing one forever, and lately, my colleagues have been on my ass because I’m a mess and unorganized,” he sighed tiredly.

“I don’t know, we barely know each other, Eliezer,” she managed quietly.

He chuckled deeply. “Don’t worry about that, amour, we have lots of time to get to know each other.” A shy grin curled the corner of his lips and Cassiopeia blushed faintly, shaking her head.

“I don’t... know,” she said slowly, pondering the idea, and Eliezer inwardly beamed, please say yes, please give us a chance, give me a chance, Cassiopeia. “I don’t- I can’t be your personal assistant,” she fought back stubbornly. His jaw clenched; his control was slipping little by little.

“Why not?” He shot back rudely, narrowing his eyes.

“I just can’t,” she suddenly answered indignantly. Her eyes met his for a moment before she glanced away and sighed tiredly. Her heart was screaming yes, but her mind left her feeling unsure.

Silence settled between them, only the sound of their harsh and soft breaths mixing together. Her eyes were focused on her lap while his eyes burned into her. The longer the silence stretched, the more Eliezer felt out of control.

Until he finally snapped.

“Cassiopeia, if you don’t take up my proposal, I will make sure you get no other job in this city,” he threatened. Her eyes sharply cut to his in surprise before they flared dangerously. Beautiful, his mind praised and by the stirring of his cock, it certainly agreed too. Eliezer could see her mind turning over through her translucent eyes but he simply didn’t care at this point, his want and desire to have her was far too arduous. A grin slowly crept upon his lips, seeing her mouth open and eyes narrow.

“Fuck you,” she said calmly, sitting back in her seat and staring straight ahead.

“That can be arranged, ange,”he replied.