Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance (2 page)

“
Why is that
?” She wondered.

She had never thought of herself as a jaw-dropping beauty. She knew she wasn’t ugly. There was nothing wrong with just being average, and Emily had always felt that was the category she fit into.

When Rob saw that his line wasn’t going to make her giggle and blush like it might some other girl, he cleared his throat.

“Well Emily maybe you should be a writer of some sort, you know, go to school and take some courses.”

That surprised her and for the first time that night, she found herself wanting the conversation to continue. “And why is that?” Emily was truly interested in his answer.

“Well I think you have talent.” Rob looked away for a moment contemplating if he was about to give too much away.

“I’ve read some of the articles you’ve written for the newsletter your father sends to his clients. They’re all really good. I especially like the piece that hangs in your father’s office, you know, the one you wrote for your mother’s funeral.” He muttered the last sentence realizing that it might not be something she wanted to talk about.

Emily relaxed her expression. She was touched. This was the most sincere thing he had said all night and she appreciated it.

“Thanks,” was all Emily could come up with. She turned back toward the auction trying to hide how uncomfortable she was beginning to feel.

This time though, as she gazed forward, she found that she really was interested in what was up for bid. An item had just been placed on the podium. A violin. It didn’t seem new, which was odd, usually the items were brand new. There were some occasional antiques here and there, yet for some reason this violin seemed out of place. It looked slightly worn but the cherry-stained wood reflected the light above showing that it was still in good condition. It had a small crack through the neck, a very minor wound. She could tell the bow was used because the hairs were somewhat frayed.

“Well it must be used
.
But whoever used it took very good care of it
.”

When the assistant displaying the violin turned it around she noticed something very unusual. As if etched or maybe even burned into the bottom edge of the violin, were two small letters, E and H.

“Is that the brand or maybe where it was made?”
The auctioneer snapped Emily out of her thoughts.

“This violin is a 19
^th
century Casslyn. I believe it is a bit out of tune but would make a beautiful display piece for any of you collectors out there. There is slight damage to the neck but other than that it seems to be in rather good condition. The donation comes to us anonymously so I am afraid that we don’t have any more information. We will start the bidding at one thousand dollars. Do I have one thousand dollars?”

An older gentleman in a navy suit raised his paddle.

“One thousand dollars, do I have twelve hundred?” the auctioneer said, not skipping a beat.

This time a younger man in a tux with an arrogant smile quickly raised his paddle.

“Twelve hundred dollars. Do I have fifteen hundred?”

Once again the older gentleman ever so gently raised his paddle. Emily watched the exchange, feeling some anxiety beginning to grow inside her. “
This is strange. Why should I care about this violin?”

“I have fifteen hundred dollars. Do I have seventeen?”

Without thinking Emily grabbed her paddle from the table and raised it.

“I have seventeen hundred dollars from the lovely young lady in front.”

Emily’s father who was standing across the room shot her a surprised look. Rob seemed shocked as well.

“I thought you played the piano?” Rob leaned in closely as he whispered in her ear.

“I do.” Emily replied under her breath. Her eyes remained unmoved, she kept her focus on the auctioneer.

“Do you play the violin as well?”

“Nope.”

“Do I have two thousand dollars?” The auctioneer could tell he was getting some interest and was now moving at a quicker pace.

The younger man raised his paddle in response.

“Two thousand from the gentleman in the back. Do I have twenty-five hundred?”

Emily’s father looked over to see what she would do, and once again she raised her paddle. Her father gave a little laugh to show how utterly amazed he was. This was becoming fun to watch.

“So why do you want the violin so bad?” Rob buzzed like a pesky bee in her ear.

“Umm I’m not sure. I just do. The money goes to a good cause so why not?” Emily was trying to concentrate; there was no time to chitchat. She wanted that violin. She really wasn’t sure why, she just felt drawn to it, and she had never felt that way at an auction before.

“Do I have three thousand dollars?”

Emily looked right at the man she was bidding against. He stared back at her and while holding his stare and flashing his smile, raised his hand.

She got the message. He was toying with her. She was around enough charity auctions to know his type. He was just in it for the sport, not the actual item. He was the type that liked to win and show off his money. Emily felt the anger begin to boil inside her. Though she did not know much about the violin she knew this creep wouldn’t truly appreciate it.

Emily immediately raised her paddle, this time not even giving the auctioneer a moment to offer a new price.

“Five thousand dollars,” Emily said with as much confidence as she could muster. It was a bold move to interrupt the auctioneer but she had seen it done and knew it sent the signal that she was not backing down. Looking in her father’s direction she expected to see disapproval. Instead she saw a warm smile. He was quite amused with his daughter. He hadn’t seen spunk like this from her in years.

“Six thousand dollars,” came the reply from her fellow bidder. She was starting to dislike this man even more.

Emily had grown irritated and had had enough. “Nine thousand dollars,” she said triumphantly.

There were a few gasps. That was a small sum of money for most in the room, but a high price for an old violin that didn’t play and didn’t come with any specific information. Emily shot her opponent a glare. The young man curled his lip into a smirk as if to say, “You want it? Fine, take it.”

She looked back to the auctioneer, anxious for him to finish the bidding.

“Well, we have nine thousand dollars from the competitive young lady in red. Do we have anyone who will dare challenge her?” The room stayed silent as the auctioneer continued.

“I have nine thousand, nine thousand going once.” The auctioneer glanced at the young man in the tux. “Going twice…nine thousand going three times… sold to the beautiful young lady in front.”

The room applauded. Some people tried to hide their chuckles, others did not.

Rob leaned over. “Nine thousand is a lot for a busted violin.”

“Then it’s a good thing my father taught me how to invest at a young age,” Emily shot back with a little edge in her voice.

Her father came over at a brisk pace showcasing a big grin. She was glad to see him smiling. His round brown eyes showed his approval. He embraced her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, tickling her with his moustache.

“Well looks like you found yourself quite the treasure,” her father boomed.

“Doesn’t look like much of a treasure to me.” Rob laughed.

Before Emily could say something her father responded ever so gently.

“Oh, just because something might not look impressive doesn’t mean it doesn’t hold incredible worth. An object only receives its true value from the one who cares the most about it. And, I would say my Emily, for some reason, really cares about this violin. So in my mind that makes it a treasure.”

“Thanks Daddy.” Emily nuzzled in closer to his embrace. “I was afraid you were wondering what on earth I was doing with my money, it’s a lot to be spending.” She blushed a bit and hoped it wasn’t noticeable. Usually her olive-colored skin did a good job of hiding her chagrin.

“This is one of the best places to spend your money. It will go to those families who need all the help they can get. I couldn’t be more proud.” He gave her another tight squeeze.

“Well if you don’t mind, all that excitement kinda wore me out. I think I’m ready to collect my violin and go home.” Emily was being truthful. She couldn’t remember the last time she had gotten so excited over something. It was almost an unfamiliar feeling to her.

“That’s fine; it’s probably a good idea. One of the bigger items tonight is a grand piano and I would hate to see you spend your college tuition on it since you already have one at home,” her father chided.

“Ha, ha, Dad. Very funny.”

“Well, I’ve got to stay until the end to make sure things go smoothly, but I don’t like the idea of you walking home alone.” Her father glanced at Rob. “Rob I would appreciate it if you could escort Emily back to our apartment.”

Emily knew that Rob was more than happy to carry out her father’s request.

“Dad you can’t be serious. We live two buildings over.” She motioned in the direction of their home. “It’s like a total of twenty steps; I think I can handle myself.”

Rob wasn’t about to lose his opportunity. “I don’t know; someone might want to steal that old violin. I think you should listen to your father.”

Her father laughed. “Thanks Rob. I’ll see you at the office on Monday.” He turned to Emily. “Goodnight sweetie, I’ll see you in the morning.” Her father gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and then walked away. He had left no time for further protests.

Emily was grateful the walk was short, though Rob insisted he drop her off at her apartment instead of the lobby. She had her key in hand, anxious to put some distance between her and her escort. But before Emily could get through the door Rob dropped the bomb she was dreading.

“So I thought that maybe next Saturday I could take you out for lunch.”

Emily’s mind was racing. “
What do I say?”
“Don’t you think you’re a little old for me?” she responded, a little hesitant.

“You make it sound like I’m some old fart. I just turned twenty-two and you’ll be nineteen in September, I don’t think it’s that much of a difference.” Rob shrugged, confident enough to keep pressing.

“I guess what I meant,” Emily rethought her strategy, “is that I’m still in high school. Doesn’t that seem awkward to you? Besides, what will my dad think?”

“Actually I’ve already spoken to your father. He’s fine with it as long as we keep it casual; you know, nothing serious or heavy, at least not until you graduate.”

That made Emily’s head spin. “
Not until I graduate! Have he and Daddy already planned out how many kids we are going to have? This is nuts!”
She really didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but she just wasn’t interested.

“I’ll check my schedule and let you know, okay?” It was the best she could come up with.

“Sounds good to me,” Rob replied with pent enthusiasm. “It was good seeing you tonight, Emily. You looked stunning, as always.”

“Thanks Rob. It was good to see you too; I’ll call you about Saturday.” Emily was now using the door as a barrier between her and Rob.

“Enjoy that violin of yours. Goodnight.” Rob turned and walked away with a little bounce in his step.

Emily closed the door, relieved that the embarrassing encounter was over. She went to her room and put the violin down on the nightstand next to her bed. She hadn’t realized when she bid on it that it came with a case.

“That’s nice,” s
he thought. “
Hopefully that will keep the dust away
.”

It surely wouldn’t be getting much use. Emily didn’t know the first thing about playing the violin. Either way, she felt as though tonight was a victory. She was impressed with how determined and aggressive she was. Tonight she caught a glimpse of the girl she once knew herself to be. The violin was worth the fight; it really was beautiful to her, and the wear marks told a story, she was certain.

Knowing a hot bath would help with her aching feet, Emily slipped out of the long silk evening gown that gracefully draped her body the past few hours. She had never been thrilled with wearing high heels; her arches were protesting the activities of the night. She tossed her shoes toward the closet not wanting to exert the effort it would take to put them away.

The bath was just what she needed. She felt so relaxed; she almost fell asleep in the tub. When she mustered the strength to get out, she knew she would be lucky to make it to her bed. Tired and groggy, Emily slipped into a t-shirt and pair of shorts, not even bothering to dry her hair. Lifting her down comforter she slipped in between the sheets. The soft padding beneath her beckoned to every inch of her body and she reached for the lamp on her nightstand. She was about to turn out the light but stopped as her eyes landed on the violin.

While keeping focused on the case she slowly sat up. Removing the violin she gently traced her finger up and down each string. Emily flipped it over, rubbing her hand along the wood. Her fingers found the small black letters on the bottom left side of the violin.

“So odd,”
she thought. “
I wonder what the letters stand for
.”

She gave the instrument one last look and placed it back in the case. She turned off the lamp and sunk down deep into her pillow. It wasn’t long until the tranquil feeling of sleep took over her body. She slept peacefully that night. Instead of old memories haunting her, Emily’s dreams were filled with the rich, soft music of a violin.

Attack

Monday at school Emily had a hard time listening to Candice talk about how cute Seth Davis was. She did care about what Candice had to say; she loved her. She was the only person at school Emily could honestly call her friend. Candice was sweet and very humble. She, like most kids in the school, came from a wealthy family. What made her so unique was that she had not given in to being superficial and obsessed with possessions. Candice’s obsession at the moment was Seth, and she relayed how stressed she was that he hadn’t asked her to the prom yet.