The Promise - 6. The Story

Nora curtsied as Finn sat eating his breakfast. "I've cleaned Mr. Christian's room. Will you be home for lunch, Mr. Finn?"

"Nora, please, you have to stop curtsying."

"I'll try, sir."

Finn closed his eyes for a moment. "Nora, Christian will return this week for a few days. I'm driving into town to pick up my car, and then him. I won't be back for lunch but I can pick up anything you think you may need. Just make a list for me."

"Oh, Mr. Finn, that would be wonderful. Thank you. I'll do that." The young maid tarried. "Sir, may I ask about your mother? I … well, if she's to be gone a while, then I could just cover the furniture in her room, rather than clean it weekly."

Finn chewed his eggs, and nodded as he swallowed. "I think it will likely be a good stretch before she returns. Yes, cover things. I'll text her to ask her to make sure she gives us fair notice before she comes home. How's that?"

Nora smiled, she liked her young boss. "Thank you, that's great. I … I hope … well I hope I don't sound lazy, sir—”

"Not at all. Practical I'd say. No sense in cleaning everything in there weekly while the room will be unused. I'd say it would need vacuuming monthly though. What do you think?"

"Yes, Mr. Finn. That seems very sensible. I'm making up my schedule, so now I can finish it properly."

"That's a great idea." Finn considered the young woman. "I know this house is big and you have a lot to do. Nora, if you need help, or things seem too much, you will come and tell me. This isn't Upstairs, Downstairs, okay? I mean you can come and talk to me; that's what I want you to know."

"I will, Mr. Finn. Thank you. It's why I'm doing the schedule, so I don’t get overwhelmed and can keep on top of things."

"Nora, bring your schedule out here and get some coffee for yourself. Let's do this together. It will help me understand things, and make sure I'm being fair."

"Yes, sir."

Nora and Finn sat together for an hour going over the household duties; Finn made a few changes to help his employee.

"I do not want you dragging that vacuum cleaner up and down the stairs. Tell me the type you want and I'll buy one we can leave upstairs."

Together they made a list.

"Nora, this is great. I feel much better." Finn finished his coffee and replaced the cup. "I think we should meet regularly to talk about things, and I want you to know, if you ever need to just talk, or need anything, you must come to me, okay?"

"I like that idea, Mr. Finn." Nora smiled at her boss. "And thank you for that, I will."

"Excellent. Right, well I better get moving." Finn stood up. "Add anything else you can think of to that list, while I get ready to drive to town and pick up the new car, and then Christian."

"I will, right away."

 

 

Two hours later, Finn was at the dealership, signing documents and waiting for his new Hyundai Kona. He'd returned the rental and then taken an Uber to the car lot. Now he sat on a hard chair near the salesman's desk.

"Here we are, sir." Mel, the salesman strode toward Finn holding out some keys. "There are instructions for the smart phone app as well."

Finn stood up and shook hands with Mel. "Excellent. Thanks very much. I appreciate the service."

"My pleasure; nice to meet you, Mr. Green." Mel walked toward the door with Finn and they walked out to the new gray vehicle together.

Finn opened the door and climbed in. Mel gave him a few more pointers and reminders about the dashboard and its buttons and features.

Mel held the door for a moment. "It's full. First tank is on us. Enjoy it; call us if you have any questions."

"Thanks. That's great." Finn started the SUV, as Mel pushed the driver's side door closed. He stepped back and waved.

Finn, waved back and drove out of the lot slowly, turned right and headed to the airport to pick up Christian.

He parked and walked in, knowing where flight crew exited. He stood watching the planes take off. "They're still amazing to watch."

Finn jumped a little when he felt the hand on his lower back. He turned slightly to find Christian beside him.

"Hey."

Finn stood up and smiled. "Hey. Welcome home."

Christian kissed his boyfriend lightly. "You okay? You were daydreaming."

"Yeah, I'm good. Just watching the planes, and waiting for you."

"Have I told you how nice it is that you do that. Pick me up, I mean?"

Finn turned around fully, and Christian stepped closer. "Not in so many words, no, but I'm glad you like it."

"I'm beat. How about we go home?"

"I like that."

"What?"

"That you call it home." Finn grinned, and picked up Christian's bag.

They began walking to the exit and parking. Christian slipped his hand into Finn's.

"Know what else, Finn?"

"What?"

"I want to know when I can say you're my husband." Christian glanced at Finn. "And I really think we should redecorate the Master bedroom, and move in there, sooner rather than later."

"I guess we need to firm up our plans."

"Yeah, I guess we do."

They walked quietly for a few minutes. "I have the new car out here. And I have to make a short stop to pick up something for Nora."

"Where do we have to go?"

"Canadian Tire. I'm buying her a vacuum to keep up on the second floor." Finn stopped in front of his new car. "Here we are."

Christian glanced at Flynn. "That's one of those new Hyundai Kona. It's really a nice looking thing. Love this colour." He walked around the vehicle.

"It's called Lake Silver." Finn leaned against the car. "Personally I really liked the Acid Yellow … but I chickened out."

Christian stood at the front of the SUV with his right hand on his hip. "You chickened … if you liked it you should have gotten it."

"To me it screamed gay … I hate to draw that kind of attention."

"Seriously?" Christian eyes widened. "You hold my hand in public, you've hugged and kissed me in the middle of an airport and you're suddenly afraid to draw attention to the fact you are gay because you liked a car in a shade of yellow?"

Finn unlocked the doors. "Okay … maybe I'm not afraid of that, but a man driving a yellow car. What will people think?"

"Who cares? Do they have to drive a yellow car? I've seen that colour on TV, and we are not talking sunshine or daffodil yellow."

"The point is moot now, isn't it?" Finn pulled open the driver's-side door.

"Yes, I suppose it is, or maybe not."

"Are we going to argue about this?"

"No, Finn, but you have to see why I'm concerned." Christian opened the passenger-side door, and shoved his bag into the rear seat. He slid into the front seat.

Finn sat in the driver's seat and stared at the man beside him. "Is it such a huge concern? I felt weird in a car that colour. If I was straight I'd have felt weird in a car that colour. I felt much more at home in the gray, but I do like the other one."

"Okay." Christian pulled on his seat belt.

"What?" Finn turned again. "What? Let's start as we mean to go on, Christian. If you think I'm wrong, or have something to say. Don't bottle it up. I don't want this kind of relationship, that kind I mean."

Christian faced his boyfriend. "Look, this is silly. I'm reading way too much into this. You like the colour but don't want drive around in it. It's like me being okay wearing pink and while you like me in it, you'd never wear it."

"Yes, like that." Finn started the Kona. "I'm not ashamed of who I am, or us, Christian. If straight guys can hold hands with their wives, I can hold hands with you."

"Are you saying I'm the girl?"

Finn laughed. "You're lucky we're in this car or else I'd kiss that smirk off your face."

Christian joined in the laughter. "You can just turn your head, you know."

Smiling, Finn leaned toward Christian, whose lips met his halfway.

 

 

They drove home, enjoying the new car after stopping to pick-up the vacuum cleaner.

Once they'd returned to Sanctuary, Finn took the vacuum upstairs, with Christian following. As each suite had its own bathroom, the previous bathroom on the second floor had been turned into a storage/utility closet, and this was where Finn stored the new vacuum cleaner.

"That's better. Nora should not have to haul that thing up and down stairs." Finn closed the storage room door.

He eyed Christian, who stood beside him with this bag in hand. Finn grinned. "What?"

"Just wondering what room to go into?"

"Oh, yes." Finn chuckled. "You did say something about the Master Bedroom as soon as possible…."

"After redecorating!"

"Mmmm, you have something against pink walls and rose wallpaper?" Finn put his hands on Christian waist. "As soon as possible, you said." Finn kissed his boyfriend, pulling him closer.

Christian groaned softly as he let himself be moved. Dropping his bag, he slipped his arms around Finn and pressed against him. They broke the kiss and just stood together hugging.

"So, Finn, your room or mine, until we fix up ours?" Christian whispered.

The soft breath on his neck made Finn shiver. "Your room. Are you sure about this?"

"Mmm, yeah, I am. Even though there's no ring."

"Oh, I see. So that's what this is all about, eh?"

"I'm so transparent."

Finn kissed Christian’s cheek. "Your room is good, as long as you're sure you're ready."

"I am. Can we look at the Master bedroom, Finn? I mean is that okay?"

"Of course it's okay. Mom was serious about us taking it." Finn took Christian hand. "No time like the present."

Together they walked down the hall and entered the large Master bedroom. Christian went in before Finn.

"Wow, this is really nice."

"Yeah, I think we'd want new wallpaper and paint."

Christian turned to face Finn. "Yeah, the pink is a bit overwhelming. What about the furniture?"

"Well, I think we should get furniture we both like. We can take the stuff out of your room and then put Mom's stuff in there. I think we need to shop."

"We have some work to do. So, if your mom is moving in my room, then we can put her stuff in your room for now and get started on our room, while I'm here … home."

Finn nodded. "Okay, if you want to. What colours are you thinking of? I'll tell you now, I'm not good at design."

"Lucky for you then, because I am." Christian walked through the space. "Look at the windows in here. There will be a lot of light, once those draperies go. We could go for something in browns and forest green on that wall."

"Two colours I'm fond of. So, yeah, okay." Finn grinned. "Let's do it."

Finn held Christian close from behind. They looked out of the window to a view of the mountains and miles of pine forest.

"After we do this … then we'll sort out our wedding?"

"Yes … the sooner the better." Finn kissed Christian’s neck. "You know … let's just hire someone to paint this for us."

"Are you sure?" Christian turned around to face Finn.

"We have a lot to do. I think it's better. I'll find out who my mother used when she redid the bedrooms."

"Okay."

"Good, then we can start to work on the wedding. Any date you'd prefer?"

"We could just elope, Finn."

Finn smiled, but the look on Christian face made him pause. "You're not serious?"

"No, but it doesn't need to be some huge affair, does it?"

"No, it can be what we want it to be."

"Does it need to be here?"

"Christian, no it doesn't. Let's go downstairs, get some coffee and a notepad. Settle in the office and work this out, okay?"

Christian reached for Finn's hand. "Yeah, good."

 

 

After a pot of coffee, a long call to Christian’s parents, and an email to Finn's mother, it was decided. Their wedding would be in Christian’s hometown of Lumsden, Saskatchewan, so his family could attend.

"Okay, Mom … Yes, sure get that organized for us … Perfect … We will fly out to see you before that, yes … Okay, love to Dad. Love you too … Bye, Mom."

Christian smiled at Finn, who had been watching as his boyfriend called home. "All okay?"

"Yes, she's happy to arrange that. Thanks for doing it there, Finn."

Leaning over, Finn kissed Christian on the cheek. "It's better this way, and I want to see your family. See you where you lived."

"We're doing the right thing, aren’t we? I mean it's not too fast?"

Finn drew Christian into an embrace. "You know, I've just known, since that first day I came to meet you in the airport, that it's right. I simply feel it."

Christian relaxed into his boyfriend's warmth. "Okay."

They sat quietly together for several minutes before Christian got to his feet.

"I'm just going to get some air. I just would like to have a bit of time on my own. Is that okay?"

Finn rose also. "Yes of course. Are you okay? I mean, if you're concerned or worried, you'd say so?"

"I would." Christian caught Finn's hands in his. "Just want to think, that's all babe. Nothing to worry about."

"Okay. I've got to look for the decorator Mom used and get that ball rolling."

"Good, back in a bit."

Finn smiled and caught Christian in his arms. "Don't forget, we are making our own dinner tonight. Nora's night off."

"Right. I won't be long. Just gonna get some fresh air."

They kissed, and Christian left the office and headed to the vestibule. He put on his jacket, opened the front door and stepped outside. Christian checked his watch; it was close to 4pm. Christian walked up the drive, but remembered that Finn had mentioned something about a well.

"I'll go around the back and see if I can find it."

He picked his way around the side of the house. It was rather overgrown. Christian made it through the thick copse of trees and overgrown bushes to what was the back garden.

Christian took in the now-dry pond. "Be nice to bring that back again." He walked around it. "Fill it with koi and water lilies." Leaving the lifeless water feature, Christian made his way to the old patio. Beyond it was a flower garden, which was obviously well looked after.

"That's very nice stone, or would be when we get the moss off of it." Christian slowly turned around. "It would be wonderful to make this garden ours, livable again, useable again. Some nice furniture, we could have coffee here. Spend more time out here."

Christian dug at some moss with the toe of his running shoe. He looked farther back and walked toward the trees at the back. "Let's find this well, then."

After several minutes, Christian saw what looked like it could be a well. He reached it and pulled away the deadly nightshade that was growing over it. "So pretty …."

"Yes, pretty, but it can kill you."

"Huh?" Christian whirled around. In front of him was a naked …."Naked, what?"

"Naked?" Sam looked down at himself. "I guess to you I am."

Christian stood still. He blinked. He drew in, held and released a deep breath. The thing—creature—stared back at him. Realization slowly came to Christian.

"I know you, well, I've seen you before. You were with Finn, but ... what are you?"

"Sam. I am Sam. I am Finn's friend."

Christian stared. He was rooted to the spot and his heart pounded in his chest. He spoke to the creature softly. "You may be, but you are not human."

"No, I am not, Christian."

"You know my name?"

"Yes, Finn told me." Sam cocked his head. "You will be his mate."

"I … yes."

"You are confused. Finn told me about you, because he has to. Finn's family protects us—"

"What? Protects who? Who are you?"

Sam smiled. "Please don't worry. Finn doesn't want secrets from you. So, I came to tell you. Would you like to hear a story, Christian?"

"Sam!"

Both Sam and Christian turned.

"Sam, what are you doing?" Finn stepped closer, and stopped next to Christian.

"Finn! I am going to tell Christian our story."

Finn knew he was caught. He looked at Christian and smiled weakly. He had to trust that the right thing was about to happen. Finn drew in a deep breath, and nodded. "Okay, but let's go inside so we can be comfortable and talk properly."

Christian reached for Finn's hand. "Good idea, let's go."

Sam nodded and followed the couple.

They settled in the office. Sam held a bottle of Perrier.

"I'm right? You're not human?" Christian sat forward. He was beside Finn on the leather chesterfield.

Across from them, Sam perched on the matching brown chair. "No, we are not human. We are related to salamanders, in your language."

Christian eyes widened. "But you can talk, think, so humans are not the only intelligent species. That’s great, but why don't we know about you?"

Sam smiled. "What would happen to us if your kind knew? What has your kind done to strangers, or even within your own species just because they were different?"

Christian’s smile faded as Sam spoke; as he realized the truth.

Sam saw Christian’s expression change, and continued to speak. "The first Green also realized what would happen. The first Green was a good man. He did not ask for our help, we gave it, as we have since that time. The Greens have protected us, and we help them."

"But things have changed—"

"No!" Sam was on his feet. "NO, they have not. Your kind kills each other, because of religion, because of skin colour, even you! You two, Gay you call yourselves, people hate you, because of who you mate with."

Sam walked around the room as he spoke. "I have read many of your books, your history. It is horrible what your kind can do. Zoos, marine parks—did you know dolphins speak? Think?—apes your closest relatives, what you do to them … wars filled with untold, hard to imagine horrors, yet you seem not to care for the most part. Can you see why now, Christian? Why we do not want to be known about?"

Christian gazed up at Sam. He eyes glistened. His reply was a whisper. "Yes."

"Sam …." Finn spoke softly. "That's enough."

Sam sighed softly and retook his seat. "I have to make you understand. That is my role, my family's role to protect my home and my people."

"I know." Finn glanced over to Christian and smiled at him. "We know."

"Good. I am sorry I was blunt."

"Well, as you say, humans aren't the best at a lot of things. Listening is one of them."

Sam looked to Christian. "Do you still with to hear the story?"

"Yes. I'd still like to, Sam."

Sam grinned. "Excellent. I love to tell this story."

 

 

_____

 

 

“It was many years ago now. Many generations of Greens have come and gone. The first Green was a kind man. Quiet and determined though. I was not yet even an egg when my ancestors met him and decided to help him ….

Jedidiah Green came here to search for yellow metal, you call it gold. We watched him digging, but he filled in places where he'd been. He left the world as it was, and he did not hurt small animals or the trees. He did not leave many traces of himself behind.

My ancestors watched Jedidiah Green as he came back over several of your years, but he never found much of the yellow metal. So, the ancestors decided to help him.

So, because he was so careful, our people dug up the yellow metal for him, we left it where he would find it.

My oldest ancestor would stay close by; he listened to the sounds the human made. He learned the word for the yellow metal was gold. The old one listened often to the man as he spoke to himself. After they began leaving the gold for him, the man often spoke, it seemed, to the air and trees.

"Please tell me who you are? Why do you leave this for me? I am only grateful and wish to thank you. I do not wish to hurt you."

After much time and talking, the oldest and closest to death, an elder, said he would go and talk to the human. He would die soon anyway and this could be his last sacrifice for his people, if the human turned mad and killed him.

The elder approached Jedidiah's small camp one day when he'd learned a few words. "I come. Speak you."

The man stumbled back. "What are you? Who?"

"We dig for you gold."

"You dig?" Jedidiah squatted down. "Thank you. I am so grateful … but why?"

"You want. You good. No hurt world." The elder smiled as best as he was able.

"It's not my work, but the kindness of others. It should be used to better something."

"You help keep you away."

"Me? You mean others like me?"

"Yes, o...thers." The elder nodded. "They hurt world. Hurt us."

"Yes. Can you show me where you get the gold? Maybe I can use the gold to buy the land here, and keep others away."

The elder heard the words and nodded. "I show."

Sam looked to each of the men with him. "So Jedidiah bought all the land here. My people dug some gold for him, and in return he made Sanctuary."

Christian looked at Finn. "My God, is it true?"

"Yes, it's true. All those years of gold are banked, or in bars now. We do not spend it, except to run Sanctuary. My clothes, food, car, vacations, and wedding, are from my own funds."

"That's pretty incredible."

Finn nodded. "It is and so you see why this place is special. Why we cannot tell anyone. Why we need to work and have our own careers."

"I understand, Finn. You and Sam have my word. I won't discuss Sanctuary outside of us, of here."

Finn sighed as did Sam. They glanced at each other, all smiling now. Finn spoke first.

"So, Sam, can you stay? I'm cooking breakfast for dinner, which means bacon."

"Mmm. Thank you, Finn, but no, I cannot. You and Christian likely want to talk, and I have some responsibilities to complete." Sam got to his feet and went to the window and pushed it open.

"Sam! We do have doors here."

"I know, but the window is so satisfying." He grinned, his yellow eyes flashed. "I will see you soon Finn, and Christian."

Both men were on their feet and said goodbye to Sam.

Finn walked over and closed the window once his friend was safely through it. He watched for a moment as Sam slipped into the safety of the forest. Then he returned to sit beside Christian.

"Are you okay?"

Christian smiled. "Yes … oddly, yes, I think I am. Knowing explains a lot."

"Good. I'm glad. Glad it's out now as well. I don't like to keep secrets."

Finn leaned over and kissed Christian’s cheek. "I'll go start dinner."

"No."

"No?"

Christian took Finn's hand. "Dinner can wait."

"Can it?"

"Yes." Christian got to his feet. "Let's go upstairs."

"Okay." Finn stood beside his boyfriend.

"We can eat later. Right now, I want you."

Finn grinned, accepted his boyfriend's hand; and followed his lead.

_____

 

 

Epilogue

 

 

The wedding, the merging of families was a happy time. The honeymoon on a small, quaint, tropical island had been peaceful and fun. Returning home to Sanctuary was like breathing again. The place and its secrets meant a lot to both men.

Finn's writing had become more popular. Christian still worked for Eagle Air, though he'd moved to an office position close by.

They made a habit of walking together each evening in the warm months. This night was no different. They walked hand in hand.

"What about an heir to all of this?" Christian asked.

"Guess that depends. Adopt or find a surrogate?"

"Girl or boy, or a baby? Who's the dad though?"

Finn squeezed his husband's hand. "You are the girl remember."

Christian laughed. "You didn't say that last night!"

They stopped while still in the forest, but in sight of the house, and held on to each other, Finn said, "You know, I'd love to write this story … about my family looking after Sam and his world."

"So, why don't you?"

"There will be questions about where I got the idea … assuming people like the story."

"I'm sure you'll think of an answer to that question." Christian waved his hand. "After all, the scenery is very inspiring."

"Yeah, it is. I guess I could just say it was a writing prompt I found online. Like it was Prompt Number 603 … The Promise."

"That works for me, babe."

Finn laughed, slipped his arms around his husband and gazed into his eyes.

Around them the trees bent closer to catch his words. "I love you."

“I love you too.”

To Finn, they were a very satisfying sound indeed.

 

 

The End