Gaia glared at her for a moment, then realized Fate was sincere. Her posture sagged. “Fine. Sit down. But I’m not sure you can help.”
“That’s a start.”
“What is?”
“Just letting someone in. You need to talk. I imagine you feel the weight of the universe on your shoulders every single day.”
The powerful goddess of all snorted. “You think?”
When Fate remained quiet, Gaia decided talking it out might not be a bad thing. “You promise to keep everything I say private, just between the two of us?”
Fate smiled. “I promise.”
“Good.” Taking a deep breath, she was about to launch into her usual diatribe but stopped herself. This was different. She wasn’t scolding stupid paranormals. She and her sister were just talking. With a snap of her fingers, two lounge chairs appeared.
“Thank you,” Fate said. As soon as the two were comfortably seated, Fate snapped her fingers and produced a tray with two coconuts with straws and tiny colorful umbrellas sticking out of them.
“What’s that?”
“Refreshment.”
Mother Nature took the coconut and sniffed the contents. “This isn’t my coconut milk.”
“No, darling. It’s something humans invented, but give it a chance. It’s yummy.”
Gaia shrugged. She had to admit humans occasionally had brilliant ideas. Perhaps this was one of them.
She took a sip. She tasted the sweet tang of citrus fruit and something else… It had a certainzingto it. “Mmm, you’re right. I hate to admit when my children have improved upon my original creations, but this is delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it. Go ahead and take a long, slow sip. It can really warm and relax you on its way down.”
Mother Nature did as suggested. “Mmm.” Gazing out over her lake, she noted the beautiful snowcapped peaks in the background and the sparkles the sun created as it played upon the surface of the blue water. It almost looked like another of her creations that man had improved upon…diamonds.
She sighed. “Yeah, I guess humans aren’t that bad. I’m just so used to their screwing up everything I’ve done for them. But not all are like that. I understand there are even some who are trying to protect my beauty, even though most of it is cordoned off in national parks.”
“Yes, Sister. There are groups of people committed to keeping your gifts, your beauty, and the very balance that sustains them, knowing your forgiveness and resources have limits.”
“Ha! It’s my patience that’s limited.” Her straw made a gurgling sound as she reached the bottom of her drink.
Fate handed her another coconut filled with the same liquid, then settled back in her lounge chair and tucked her hands behind her head. “You have outdone yourself in places like this.”
“Thank you. I know.”
“Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone special to share this with?” Fate asked.
Gaia turned away from the scenery and scrutinized her sister’s face. “What are you getting at?”
Fate stretched and adjusted her hands behind her neck, closing her eyes. “Nothing. I’m just saying it must be lovely for the humans you and I have brought together. You created them to want love, and I’m the one who makes that love happen—when they let me. You should see the bliss on their faces as they stare into the eyes of their beloved.”
Mother Nature nodded. “Yes. I had the best of intentions…once.”
“How’s your beverage?”
Mother Nature took another sip. “It’s delightful. What is it called?”
“Its name is Bahama Mama.”
“Oh, how nice—named after another mother. Well, it’s lovely. Thank you for bringing it. And talking to you seems to be helping. I feel much more relaxed now.”
