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I expected her to freak out, but she’s cracking jokes. This lady is a keeper. “I wasn’t always like this, but it’s who I am now, and there's nothing I can do to change it.
Her soft gaze scans my face. “When we met, you said you’d tell me what happened.”
“Are you sure you want to hear the story?” I ask as I peer into her eyes.
“Yes, please,” she says, sounding genuinely interested.
Although I've been dreading this moment, Celeste deserves honesty. She shouldn't presume my reasons for avoiding things have to do with my feelings for her.
“I was a teenager when it happened. I remember dressing up for a Halloween party and hanging with my friends from around the block. We dressed in ghoulish costumes and masks, and the adults gave us plenty of candy. The town square was lit up by Jack-o'-lanterns, and everything felt magical.”
I feel relieved to share my story with her. She doesn’t judge, only listens, and her presence is calming. So I continue.
“The party became a nightmare when people drank Dr. Karloff's poisoned punch and it transformed us into monsters. Although it happened a long time ago, I still remember how we screamed in pain.”
Celeste senses my distress and silences me with a sympathetic look. “I’m so sorry. Isn’t there someone who can help?”
I shake my head. “Others tried, but no one's been able to reverse the effects of the Frankenpunch.”
“So then, what are you?”
“A Titan.”
Celeste stares in disbelief. “A Titan? Like a demi-god?”
“Yup,” I confirm with a shrug. “It's not as cool as it sounds.”
“Are you immortal?” she asks, pressing for more information.
“No way to know. I haven't tested it yet.”
Curiosity getting the better of her, Celeste probes further. “What kind of powers do you have? What can you do?”
“I move quickly and can easily lift immense weight.”
“That sounds useful.”
“It is, but it's a double-edged sword. My human side is typically in control, but if I lose control, I turn into a monster.”
Celeste nods slowly as she processes the news. “Okay. So, what happens to you? Does something trigger the transformation? Is it like an allergic reaction?”
I tilt my head back and laugh so loud that the windows rattle. Celeste's eyes widen. “How do you keep yourself from losing control?”
“I avoid triggering situations and wear a specially designed brace that prevents me from transforming,” I reply.
I see the pain in her eyes. It's as though she can't imagine enduring such a heavy burden.
“A brace. So that's why you always wear suits. To hide the bulk?”
“I don't want to hurt you, Celeste. My powers are unpredictable.” I nod, a serious look on my face.
“You're protecting me. From yourself.” Celeste's expression softens as she realizes why I always keep my distance from her.
“I promise I'm not a threat to you. I'm not afraid to use my powers to protect the people close to me, and I'll always keep you safe,” I reassure her.
Celeste smiles. “I trust you.”
“Now, back to your golf day. Are there others like me living at Windy Peak?”
