Extraordinary Woman

In the highest peak of Aeros was the castle fortified with stones. It was meant to be the nation's greatest and last defense in case of an attack.

While the people of Pelagy had slowly adopted to how it was living on earth, having crossed worlds for many years, Christopher's forefathers decided to improve the castle and remain to continue building it in stone, especially since the Oscorians had not stopped at their selfish aims.

When Amanda came out of the gate to Aeros, Christopher brought her directly to the castle and then to his quarters. For now, he needed to hide her from the prying eyes of others, especially his father's advisers.

From its halls, Christopher's sister, Cassy, was running hastily towards her brother's chamber. She was carrying with her clothes and a boot for Amanda wear.

The moment she arrived, she knocked boldly against the wooden door, "Chris, it's me."

When the door opened for her, the first thing Cassy did was look for Amanda. When she saw her looking through the stone window of his room, her eyes stretched widely, her mouth fell open in surprise. She could not believe her eyes.

No human has ever crossed the gate to their world and survived.

"But I - I thought the potion was not ready yet?" She asked her brother without looking at him.

Christopher took the clothes his sister was carrying and said, "It wasn't. Apparently, Amanda did not need any."

He had earlier panicked, checking every part of Amanda's body, making sure she was not bleeding anywhere or she wasn't hurt.

Turning to the siblings, Amanda greeted Cassy, "Hello. Nice to see you again, Cassy. Hope you don't mind me hopping into your world."

Cassy forced a smile and said, "I - I can't believe it! I just can't believe it!"

Christopher's sister rushed to approach Amanda, but she took a step back with her hands raised. She said, "I - Please don't come closer to me." She looked down and said, "It's not that I mind, I - I'm not comfortable touching others."

Amanda realized she made a mistake coming after Christopher without bringing her protective gloves.

She watched as Cassy cast a strange look at her. Her brows furrowed and tried to explain herself, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, I am - "

"It's okay," said Cassy. "I don't judge you in any way. I brought you clothes. It's best to change into something that would not attract attention. Especially since you are new in our world. In clothes, we are still a little traditional here."

"Sorry. I'm not a dress kind of girl," said Cassy.

"Neither am I," Amanda responded. Looking at what Christopher was holding, she added, "Pants are perfect."

Then, I guess, we will get along just fine. I'll see you around, Amanda," said Cassy before walking outside her brother's room.

Christopher lay on the bed, dark brown pants and blue-green sleeved tunic that had a perfect cut, shaped of a woman's body. He placed on the floor a black leather strapped boots.

"Amanda, my sister is okay. You can trust her - "

"I'm sure, Chris. It's just that I don't like touching others," she told. "Can you - can you help me get gloves made for me? The same kind I used to wear at the restaurant."

Christopher hadn't realized until now that she wore gloves at the restaurant back in Trinity Bay, but she never wore them with him. It never bothered him since he could hold her hand. They've kissed and had just made love.

He frowned as he asked, "Do you feel anxiety touching others? Like a phobia?"

"I - I suppose." Amanda could only agree.

"Have you been this way for long?" he probed further and he received a meek nod from Amanda. "But how come with me - "

"I don't know. I don't know myself." She cut him off and walked slowly towards him. She hugged him by the waist and said, "The day you came to the restaurant and held my wrist. I wondered myself why you could hold me and not... make me push you away."

"Well, that is odd. Amanda, you really are an extraordinary woman, Amanda," he said before pondering about everything. For one, she captured his attention. He hadn't been interested in a woman in years. Now, here he was, falling for a woman he barely knew.

"You are a strong girl who could climb cliffs like you are just playing. You swim naked on the beach and you - you crossed the gate to our world without getting hurt," He said while returning her embrace.

"Amanda, to be honest. I don't care. I don't care who you are as long as you are with me, but is there..." He paused, hesitating to ask. "Is there something else you need to tell me about you?"

As he said those words, he pulled away and looked into Amanda's eyes.

'How could I ever tell you?' Amanda said in silence.

She had a hard time trying to find the words, merely gazing at Christopher's eyes. Eventually, she said, "I promise to tell you everything about me... slowly. We have all the time in the world... now that I am here."

He was weakened by the way she said it, especially with her suggesting she would stay with him longer than he ever imagined. A big part of him hoped it would be forever.

"I'll have gloves made for you," he softly said, assuring her while reaching for her hand.

"Up to the arms - ceramic fabric is - is ideal," she added.

When Christopher's brows drew together at her request, she said, "I'll - I'll just go back to Trinity Bay and get my gloves - "

"No - No, you don't. I'll have gloves made for you in no time," he promised. "Just don't go anywhere."

"My father is leaving for Plethora. It's another nation where we get most of our water. He needs to speak to me before he leaves," he said. "Amanda, I can't introduce you to father yet, but I plan to when he returns."

"I - I don't want to shock him yet of the fact that I found a woman from another world... Please give me time," he pleaded.

Amanda understood. It was the same for her with the masters. She never told them about him. "Of course. I understand."

"Wait for me here," he said.

Christopher got changed in front of Amanda. She flushed, just looking at his well-molded back. Even if she had seen this three times, she could not help feel her knees exhausted. He had a beautiful athletic frame which was very tempting to touch.

She looked away, going back to the window when he took off his pants. She said, complaining, "You realize I am still here, right?"

Amanda could hear Christopher scoff and turn it into a laugh. As he continued to change, he said, "You realize you have seen me naked, right?"

Just as he put on his undergarment, he added, "And I have seen you naked. Many times."

She cleared her throat and said, "Maybe I'll get used to it."

Now wearing a gambeson-like top and black pants, he smiled and walked to Amanda's direction. He said, "Oh, you will get used to it. I promise."

Amanda's face turned crimson red while Christopher walked outside his room, chuckling. "Wait for me here. Rest, for now, Amanda. I'll be back and we can talk more later."