The Honeymoon is Over!

CHAPTER FIVE


About a week had passed and Donna was moved out of ICU to a private room. Rachel and Michelle were visiting, getting filled in on all the details of the accident.

"Don, I see how it happened, but what I don't understand is what made you so upset to begin with?" Michelle stared in Donna 's still slightly swollen face.

Donna looked away and after pausing briefly she answered, "I don't know. I can't remember."

"Lucas says it was his fault. That he upset you, causing you to leave abruptly. But that's all he said. Can you remember what happened with Lucas before you left?" Rachel asked.

Donna's mind replayed the scene in the kitchen. She knew exactly what happened and he was not to blame for upsetting her. He was only being his loving self. She felt the heat rushing to her cheeks as she remembered Ares' words of warning, while she had stood in Lucas' arms that day.

"He thinks this is his fault? He didn't do anything wrong."

"Then what had you so upset?"

"I told you I can't remember. Everything is kind of a blur." Donna wished she had never mentioned that she had been crying in the car. She had absently just blurted out whatever details she could remember at the time, without thinking about trying to conceal Ares involvement in all of this. A nurse entered the room.

"I'm sorry ladies, but you will have to go. We have to take Miss Clark to the lab for some more tests. You can come back later this afternoon." The nurse checked the monitor next to Donna's bed.

"Okay. Well Don, we're sure glad you're doing better. Pete says to send his wishes for a speedy recovery." Michelle said as she stood to leave.

Rachel stood as well. "I'll come back later with the things you want from home, Donna. Now you be good and do everything the doctor tell you to." She waved her finger up and down at Donna.

"Bye, guys! Thanks for coming."

Before Rachel left the room, she stopped and turned back to Donna.

"Oh, and by the way, that Crystal lady came by. She said to send her best and she hoped you would be out soon. She said she missed having her lessons as well as your company. She's one trippy chick, Donna."

"I know, Rachel. But I’m doing a favor for a friend by helping her out." Donna explained. “She won’t be hanging out much longer, we’re almost done with the tutoring.”


*****************

Donna had many visitors during the next few days. He father and friends, some people from work, but she hadn't seen a tail's hair from Ares. She knew he was aware of what happened when Rachel had mentioned she spoke to Crystal.

Although Lucas had come by twice already, Donna had yet to speak with him. She was asleep the first time, and he didn't want to wake her. The second time he arrived as they wheeled her out for another series of tests. The doctors wanted to test her a second time since her last test results came out showing a clean bill of health. They thought that someone in lab processing had mistakenly mixed up her results with someone else. They didn't believe that her internal injuries could have healed that quickly. Again Lucas left without being able to talk to her.

Just around dinner time that evening, Lucas came back. Donna's face lit up when he entered the room. She held out her arms to him, letting him know that she wanted a hug. He gently embraced her.

"Oh, Donna. I am so sorry for upsetting you. This is all my fault." His eyes were glazed from the tears he was suppressing. He was so relieved to see her again.

"What are you talking about, Lucas? You didn't cause me to crash my car."

"I know, but I upset you and you left in such a hurry. I still think if I hadn't of don. . ."

Donna cut him off, putting two fingers over his lips. "Ssshhhh. Now that's just nonsense." She kissed him softly. "This was NOT your fault. I didn't see the light turn red. I was fishing for something in my purse at the time." Donna didn't tell Lucas that she was crying and hoped Rachel had not either. "It was my own fault for not paying attention. It could have happened to anyone."

"But it didn't, it happened to you, Donna. We could have lost you. I don't know what I would have done if that happened." She kissed him again and rested her arms around his neck.

"Well you didn't lose me. I'm still here, alive and kicking. Now please, Lucas, promise me you won't keep blaming yourself for this. I'm going to be fine. And I'm not upset with you. I should apologize to you for running out on you like that. I don't know what came over me. I think it was the surprise of your parents arrival."

"I thought you liked my parents?"

"I do! I guess I was a bit bummed cause it threw a monkey wrench in my dinner plans." Donna made a convincing story, and although Lucas didn't believe it, he did believe she did not blamed him in any way whatsoever. He hugged her again and kissed her cheek.

"Donna, I have something to ask you, something important. You don't have to answer now, but if I don't say anything, it will drive me crazy." Lucas' looked at her seriously. He stood and reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. He got down on one knee at the side of Donna's bed and held it out in front of her. Just then a blonde woman appeared in the doorway. Lucas didn't notice Crystal standing there, but Donna had, although she pretended she had not.

He opened the box that held the beautiful diamond engagement ring, as he said the words.

"Donna, would you please be my wife? Will you marry me?" They both turned to look at Crystal when she gasped in shock.

"Who are you? Do I know you?" Donna toyed, feeling slightly upset that Ares had managed to interrupt another one of her private moments.

"I'm Crystal, Donna! Don't you know who I am?"

"I'm sorry, Miss . . Crystal, but you don't look familiar at all." Donna's eyes turned back to the ring in front of her and a smile crossed her face. "Will you put it on me, Lucas?" she said excitedly. Briefly turning her head back towards Crystal "Could please excuse us. . ."

Crystal slowly backed out of the room, looking as if her entire world was falling apart around her. It was. Ares couldn't believe what he just heard. That man, . . .that Lucas fellow had just proposed to his woman. And to top it all off - she didn't even remember who he was! He stood a distance away and watched Lucas put the ring on Donna's finger. They hugged tightly, he kissed her and both joy and laughter filled the small hospital room. He had to do something - soon. But what? He remembered the warning from his dream about screwing with her destiny. For the first time in his long, long life, Ares felt completely helpless. He had to find a way to stop this without altering destiny. It seemed impossible at the moment, but he would not accept defeat. Nobody defeats the God of War. No one!


***********

Donna was released from the hospital after another week with a clean bill of health. All of her doctors were astounded by her speedy recovery. You would have never known that she had been in an accident two weeks ago if it wasn't for the cuts and bruises that were still visible on her. She was excited about going home. Her dad had picked her up and helped her upstairs with her things. She opened the door and immediately stepped back again. She was startled when the small gathering of friends inside yelled out "SURPRISE" when she entered. It was a surprise "Welcome Home / Congratulations" party for her return home and for her engagement to Lucas.

Once she got over the sudden shock, she joyfully went around the room to her friends and co-workers, giving them hugs and kisses and thanking them for all the cards and flowers that had shown up during her stay in the hospital. Rachel had also invited Crystal to the party. She quietly watched Donna move from person to person, although she hadn't made it over to her part of the room yet. She had found Lucas and they were standing together talking to another couple. Ares grit his teeth together as he watched Lucas encircle his arms around Donna from the back. Ares got so upset he accidentally broke the glass he held by squeezing it too tightly.

"OH!" Crystal cried as the party punch splashed all over her dress.

"Are you alright?" a man asked.

"Oh my, looks like I had a cracked glass and it broke." The man was soaking up the punch from the floor with a napkin. Rachel approached.

"Crystal, what happened?"

"Just a little accident. My glass broke. It must have been cracked."

"Your dress - it will stain." Rachel noted. Donna walked up to the group.

"What all the chatter about?"

"Crystal spilled her punch. Her dress will be ruined if she doesn't get it into water right away." Rachel was now helping the man clean up the mess. She continued.

"I don't think any of my clothes will fit her, Donna. I'm sure you could find her something to change in to, right?" Crystal's body size was much closer to Donna's voluptuous shape than Rachel's thin, lank one.

Donna's eyes fell over Crystal's form. "Yeah, I'm sure I have something you could wear." She grabbed Crystal's and and led her down the hall towards her room. "Come on. We'll get you fixed up in no time."

Donna closed the door once the two girls were in her bedroom. She walked over to her closet and found a pair of sweat pants and a tee shirt. "So are you a friend of Rachel's?" she asked while fumbling through her clothes. She wanted to see how long she could fool Ares into thinking that she didn't remember him.

"NO - Donna! You mean you really don't remember me?" Crystal's voice sounded upset and cracked as she spoke.

Donna turned from the closet, holding the sweats and tee and looked at her. "No, should I? Where do I know you from?"

"From here, right here. You've been teaching me how to use the computer for the last six months or so. We meet here every day, except weekends. I can't believe you don't remember." Crystal hung her head slightly and her lips were pouty, looking like her feelings were hurt.

"I'm sorry, maybe it will come back to me still. I keep remembering new things every day. The doctors said that it could be like that for awhile. And I may never get all of my memories back." Donna smiled inwardly, amazed at how quickly she came up with that fabrication. Although it was partly based on truth, but the doctors never concluded she had any loss of memory.

"Well, how about Ares? Does that name mean anything to you?"

"Who? Aries? Isn't that a zodiac sign?"

"Not that Aries. ARES, the Greek God of War!" Crystal sounded slightly insulted by Donna's interpretation.

Donna stood there for a moment pretending to be deep in thought. She looked at Crystal again, drawing her eyebrows together in a questioning expression. "Where do I know this Ares' from?"

"From Greece!"

"Greece?" she laughed. "I've never been to Greece. I think you must be confusing me with someone else."

"No - I'm not. You went to Greece on vacation about a year and a half ago. It was supposed to be your honeymoon, but you didn't get married. You don't remember that either?"

"Yes, I remember William, my ex-fiancée. But I don't remember planning a honeymoon to Greece. Are you sure?"

"YES!" Donna had clearly caused Crystal to become agitated and frustrated. She had begun to pace the floor. Turmoil shown in her face.

Donna took one good look at her and started laughing hysterically. She headed for the door. throwing the clothes she still held at Crystal as she passed her.

"Here Ares, change your clothes and get out! Tell everyone you need to take care of your dress and be sure to thank Rachel for inviting you." She opened the door but paused before leaving. Without looking back she continued. "And Ares, don't come back. I believe I could argue this as a breech of contract, but I'm not going to. I will be married to Lucas soon enough and you will not have a claim on me any longer." She closed the door upon exiting.

Ares was livid. He really thought that she didn't remember him. She had been faking it the entire time. He was pissed that she could fool him that easily. And then to rub her engagement in his face like that, he was just beside himself, but he also smiled oddly. At least she remembered him. That meant he still had a chance. She still was bound to the deal they made until she got hitched. Although there was truth in her accusation of him not keeping his word. He wondered how long she had known that it was really him disguised as Crystal.

His mind was spinning with a thousand questions as he slid the sweats on. He pulled the tee shirt over his head and before leaving, he waved his hand and a note appeared on her desk. He left the room and shortly thereafter, left the party.

Donna breathed a sigh of relief when he was gone. She was feeling uneasy since she told him she knew who he was and what he had been doing. Lucas had his arms around her again. She snuggled up to his shoulder and rested her head. She was pretty tired from all the excitement. Lucas stroked her head gently.

"Hey, Babe, maybe you should turn in. You had enough socializing for a day. I want to be sure you are feeling one hundred percent when you walk down the aisle." Lucas' concern for her was comforting. She agreed and kissed him on the lips and whispered good night in his ear. She announced to the remaining guests that she really needed to turn in and get some rest and bid them all farewell as she turned down the hall.

Donna undressed and got into her flannel pajamas. It was cold at night and the jammies were soft and warm. They always brought back childhood memories. Flannel sheets had been a favorite of her mothers. She remembered how nice they felt after just being washed. Her mom would sprinkle baby powder inside her freshly made bed, which added to the soft feeling and makes it smell sweet too. She wished her mother could be here to see her get married.

As she walked around the bed to get in, she noticed the note on her desk. She picked it up and started to read it. It was from Ares. He was requesting that they meet once again - to talk. He would pick her up immediately and before she could set down the note a flash of light surrounded her and she disappeared.


**************

Ares arrived home annoyed, still angry with Donna and especially with Lucas. He wanted nothing better than to wipe the insignificant mortal male from the face of the earth. Suddenly, an extremely bright light blinded him and he knew instantly that it was the same presence that had visited his dreams. He bowed his head in respect to the great power. It spoke wordlessly to him and then disappeared quickly, not leaving Ares a chance to ask even one question.

He had been warned again not to mess with Donna's destiny. What was happening in her life was already written and he must not interfere or it would affect his own destiny. It revealed to him that they would be as one, but not until Donna went through a traumatic event in her life. She had to figure out which path was written for her to follow. Nothing more was revealed to Ares.

Ares closed his eyes in frustration. He didn't want to wait for Donna to figure out that she was supposed to be with him. He wanted her now! He also knew that he didn't have much control over his desire for her. And this marriage thing, what about that? He finally came to the conclusion that if he didn't get out of town, and away from her, he would not be able to leave her alone. He figured that he would go back to Greece to continue his temple preparations, as he had started before leaving to chase Donna half way around the world.

But the note he left, he had designed it to automatically transport her to him when she read it. When he had left it - he had been angry and had other plans for her at the time. But now that he had been enlightened, he couldn't follow through with those plans.

A wicked smile crossed his face as he figured out how he would play this one last scene with her before departing for Greece. He knew he really shouldn't, but he just couldn't help himself. Really, he wasn't doing anything to interfere with the path she currently was heading down. He just wanted to tell her good-bye. He laughed, praising his utter genius.


**************

Donna arrived screaming insults at the God as she materialized in Ares apartment.

". . . JERK! NOW WHO IS THE LIAR? YOU SAID I WOULDN'T HAVE TO. . "

Ares ignored her outbursts. "Oh, I see you read my note."

". . .SEE YOU ANYMORE. HOW DARE YOU WHIRL ME AWAY LIKE THIS. PUT ME BACK."

"I will, soon."

"WHEN?"

"I just want to talk for a moment."

"NO - NOW!"

"Will you please calm down a minute? Honestly, Donna, you shouldn't be getting so worked up so soon after your accident. You're still weak, ya know!" He walked over to her and touched his hand to her cheek. She slapped it away.

"Don't touch me!" She glared at him.

Ares looked away from her and down at the floor with a frown on his beautiful face. The fire he usually had in his eyes was nothing but a smoldering pile of ash now. Donna noticed, giving her the impression that something was bothering him. She stopped yelling at him, but refused to show her sudden concern for him.

"I just wanted to say that I was sorry, Donna. Sorry for pretending to be Crystal. I knew you didn't want to be with me and I just wanted to be close to you." His voice was low and apologetic and he really sounded sincere. He wasyingying this one, but good. He wouldn’t look at her, though. He just continued to stare at the floor and casually kicked a foot at an imaginary target.

Donna knew better not to believe a word he said. He'd say or do anything to get what he wanted. But she still couldn't help how her heart felt for him. She strangely wanted to reach out and comfort him. Take him in her arms and assure him that everything would be all right. She listened attentively to him as he continued his confession.

"I. I," he stumbled, looking for the right words to say. "And I'm sorry for all the things I did to you. It wasn't right for me to treat you like that. You could have walked away and left me to die in Greece, but you didn't. I owe my life to you and I wanted you to know that I realize that now. I want to thank you for that. And I want you to know that I promise not to interfere in your life any more. I know you probably don't believe me, but I mean it this time. Really."

Donna couldn't believe what she heard. It had to be a trick or some kind. The God of War isn't capable of emotions like this, is he? She was so taken back, that she was unable to respond.

"I just wanted to see you once more before I went home. I decided that since you are going to be married soon, there is really no reason for me to stay here anymore. We will always have a special bond, Donna. I can't do anything about that or I would. I would release you so that you could have the kind of life you deserve. But I had to see you again before I left. I wanted you to know that I was sorry,"

Donna stared at him with a blank expression. He was so confusing. She wasn't sure if she wanted to slap him or kiss him.

"Why should I believe you, Ares?"

"You shouldn't, I guess. And I don't blame you. But this time I really mean what I say. I won't bother you again - I swear!"

Donna walked up to him and took his chin in her hand and turned his head to look her directly in the face. He had sadness in his eyes and his skin felt slightly cold to her touch, like the flame that burned in his heart had been extinguished.

"Tell me again, Ares. Look me in the eye when you say it." She still wasn't sure if she should believe him. Not that he couldn't fool her anyway, but for some reason, she thought it would be harder for him to lie to her if he had to look her in the eye.

Ares rested a hand on each of her shoulders. "I'm sorry for the way I've treated you, Donna. And I promise that I will not interfere with your life anymore. I will leave you alone. I want you to be happy, Donna. And since I can't be the one who does that, I'm going back to Greece."

She let go of his chin and silently stared at him as her mind took in the sights and sounds of the God’s words and reactions, trying to come to a conclusion on whether or not to believe him.

"I wanted to return something to you before I left." Ares turned and went into the bedroom. Donna walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water. She noticed an unfinished, hand written note on the counter next to where he had been standing when she arrived. She read it quickly. It was to the apartment manager, informing him that he was sorry for leaving so abruptly, but here was next months rent money anyway; this way he was still giving the manager 30 days to find a new occupant. Donna swallowed dryly. Now she really did believe what he was telling her.

Ares came back from the bedroom. "Here, I think you should have this back." He opened his hand and there was the silver and black necklace with the Greek symbol "A" attached, the one Donna had given him in Greece. "I haven't worn it for some time, now."

"Why?"

"A couple of reasons. One - it reminds me too much of you and two - I thought it meant something more than it did. I can't bear to put it around my neck anymore. Please, just take it back."

“No, Ares! It belongs to you. I got it for you.”

“I don’t want it,” he said sternly. Ares forced it into her palm and closed her fingers around it. He didn't let go, holding her hand tightly closed. “It used to be a representation of your love for me, but that’s not how it is any more.” He looked into her face with seriousness and then closed his eyes for a few seconds to make her believe that his feelings had been hurt. With his godly powers, he made his eyes tear up. “It will only remind me of what I’ve lost.”

He let go of her hand and opened his eyes. She saw that they were wet and glossy now. He quickly grabbed her face with gentleness and leaned in to capture her lips. He kissed her for a long moment and she let him. When he finally broke away from her he whispered goodbye as she disappeared from between his arms. She was back in her room again.

She sat on her bed in a numb shock. That kiss held everything. For the first time since she had freed him from his endless sleep, she felt his heart. She felt him and everything that the God of War was. He did not hide anything from her during that kiss, like she had done so many times in the past with him.

She knew he was serious about going back to Greece. She knew he had just told her he loved her in htrantrange way and that he loved her enough to let her go. She looked down at the necklace in her hands as the tears silently flowed down her face and landed on the pendant.

Back in his apartment, Ares was howling with laughter. He really had her going, he thought to himself. It serves her right for fooling him earlier.


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