CHAT WITH ENLIL-E

Astrid noticed that every night before she slept, Enlil would make small talk with her. At first, she brush it off as concern but by Thursday night when he waited by the door, she could not help herself but ask `Enlil, do you mind if I ask you something?'

`Depends on the question?' he looked around the room. It was in much better condition than previously. She had her own vanity desk, a wardrobe cupboard, a study desk, and a sturdy bed. The only missing thing was the curtains. All her glass bottles and jars were stored away in the storage room.

`I mean, I don't want to come off as rude, but why do you talk to me every day before I sleep?', her eyes boring into his grey eyes, pulled into its depth, wondering what he has been through as a Wind God. Where did he stay? 

Enlil cleared his throat and asked permission to sit, which she nodded in approval. 

`Astrid, I saw something, around your neck when we first met. I'm not sure if you want to talk about it, but it does look like something I would like to know', he spoke in a soothing and calm voice.

`I…It's a long story', she sighed and stared out the window.

Enlil took her hand and enveloped it with his warm hands. `I can wait. I have no work or school tomorrow'. Astrid chuckled at his attempt to joke.

She leaned on his shoulder and Enlil wrapped his strong arms around her and patted her head. Something he does so often, it felt so natural to her. She felt so safe and secured each time he patted her head. A simple gesture, yet it had a profound effect on her. Almost wishing she had a brother or a father whom she can lean on. Astrid inhaled and spoke softly, clearing her mind of stray thoughts.

`I made friends at work, and they invited me to go clubbing. Everything was new and electrifying. I mean I felt like a goat out of the pen. I tried a few drinks, danced a while, then I excused myself to the washroom and when I exited, a vampire got rough. I felt so helpless at that moment.'

`I thought that would be the end of me, but I fought. I wasn't strong enough. But you know, the Wagner brothers. Somehow, I must have answered their call or called them drunk and all, and when I least expected them, they came to my rescue. They took care of me really well.'

`Yet, in my heart, deep down I still can't trust them wholly… I mean I have faith they are good people.....', she stopped to think what she had spoken.

`But you trust me to tell me all this?', Enlil raised his eyebrows.

`I suppose, yes', her eyes were full of determination. She stared into his electric grey eyes, momentarily losing herself. Enlil pondered a while.

`Your trust in me is because of what we bond; wind. Naturally, I cover your back. But giving yourself the benefit of doubt, a chance to trust others will do you no harm. From what you mentioned, they seem decent.'

`I don't know why but I feel comfortable with you as if I've known you for ages', she looked at her hands wrapped around Enlil's. I wished I could do the same for Ace. Shit, did she think that aloud?

`Ace?', Enlil grinned and tapped her forehead.

`I did not say that aloud did I?' she grunted. The apple of her cheeks turning slightly pink.

`Yes, you did and I think there is more to it?', Enlil squeezed her hands.

Astrid explained in details about the car accident, the condoms ( to which Enlil guffawed loudly scaring Astrid who did not want to face pop's wrath ), her dinner invitation, and her drunken antics ( Enlil laughed for a good 10 minutes bending over almost in tears before Astrid threatened to stop talking).

`You are a spitfire. Totally unbelievable.', Enlil spoke in between his laughs.

`Laugh all you want', she crossed her hands and pushed Enlil with her shoulder.

`He is a good-looking guy, with a thick British accent, and he is flirty, a little clingy but only when he is alone with me. Come to think of it, he behaves like a friend in front of everyone, but like an orang-utan albeit a charming one when he is alone with me.' Astrid rolled her eyes.

`I think you like this orang-utan Ace, more than you think. But you both are in the early stage of courtship, unaware whether you want to couple up or just fling it', Enlil muttered.

`Fling it? What is that supposed to mean'? Astrid's brows furrowed.

`I mean kiss and makeup then bye-bye?' Enlil explained using his fingers to draw a smooch.

`Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha…that is so funny. But heck no, I don't want a fling. I want the real thing. I guess I really need to go over these trust issues.' Astrid's wall against love was slowly crumbling and she was willing to embrace the new sentiments, reactions and respond to it.

`Well, he should be feeling the same way as you, don't you think? But you have to figure it out yourself' Enlil winked at her. Astrid was aghast. What if I am the only one who likes him? I mean he is a hunk, I'm sure he has had a couple of dates and some expectation of the opposite sex. All this while, the way he kissed her shoulders and fingers must have meant something right?

What if he wants a fling with me and moves on? Her mind was raking all the possible situations and answers until Enlil snapped his fingers, bringing her attention back.

She fidgeted with her fingers and change the topic completely.` Enlil, do you think I can be a competent student; you know the physical training you told me earlier?'

`You mean able to fight off a vampire if the need arises?', Enlil answered her mind.

`You could be an oracle of sorts,' Astrid laughed.

`Astrid, you need to be mentally strong as well as physical. Learning how to fight is not a big deal. Having only a guardian like Jones is not enough. I know he is a great guy; he loves you so much, that is apparent. But seeing you opening to me about Ace instead of him, you think of me as someone along the lines of….?' Enlil wanted her to set her opinion into words.

`A good friend whom I can call of my own.', Astrid hugged his arms and Enlil kissed her forehead.

`Enlil, are you always like this? I mean helpful and all?'

`Only to my students. If you had seen me in any of the wars, I fought you would not be sitting beside me.' Enlil closed his eyes and meditated to prevent his mind from wandering to the past.

Astrid went quiet for a moment and focused on the current task at hand. The house needs proper furnishing. There were insufficient kitchen appliances, no curtains, no bed for Enlil (he just sleeps on a mat in an empty room), a sofa, extra pillowcases, and bedspreads. She needed to jot it down.

`Enlil, the gym room is empty. Are you going to town to buy some equipment?', Astrid pulled a notepad and pen to write.

Enlil told her to write a skills tool kit, treadmill, some dumbbells, a tiller, wire ropes, steel hooks, and a punching bag. She wrote down the things needed for the house as well and took out a calculator. She estimated a sum and pass to Enlil her bank card. She made him remember her pin number. She also requested Enlil to buy furniture for the room he was sleeping at. It can be used as a guest room. She felt bad, seeing him on the floor mat.

After discussing the colours and theme for the kitchen appliances and the curtains, Astrid decided to call it a night. It was already 12.00 am. Shit, I must wake up early tomorrow. Astrid fell asleep as soon as she hit the pillow.