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I’d broached the subject
differently, but I can’t change the past. If you let me, I’d
like to show you a good time tonight. Maybe a movie?”

    “ To
tell you the truth, I’d rather stay in.”

    “ Oh.
Should I go?” The disappointment in his voice touched her.

    “ How
about a pizza?” She said picking up the phone. “I’m
so tired of eating baked chicken and broccoli.”

    “ Sure,
you call it in and I’ll pay.” He grinned.

    *
* *

    Two
hours later, Gwar and Abigail sat on the couch, watching television.
“Yeah, I guess you could say I’m more of a couch potato
in my spare time. In between running my own business, working out a
few times a week and the occasional spa visit I don’t get out
much, but I don’t have to tell you that. What about you?”

    “ I
live in Arachnocadia, a realm beyond this world and the next.”
    “ How
are spiders able to shift into human form?” Abigail inquired.

    “ Centuries
ago, when the world was young, Arachnianne, our creator breathed us
into existence.”

    “ Is
she like a goddess or something?”

    Gwar
nodded. “The Maiden of Destiny, daughter of Annaliak and
Ohmadin, god and goddess of Nosthoria grew bored with her weaving and
yearned to create something more elaborate.”

    “ So
she created spiders?” Abigail asked enthusiastically.

    “ She
gifted us with the ability to shift into human form. Like our
creator, we have the power to morph and walk between the realms.
Unfortunately, for us we cannot stay in human form for an extended
period of time. As spiders, we’re in constant danger. As unique
as we are, this realm proves dangerous to us. Humans have a tendency
to destroy that which is different.”

    She
smiled. “Sounds like a beautiful fantasy.”

    “ There’s
always a price to pay.” Gwar muttered.

    “ What
do you mean?”

    “ I’ve
been an immortal for far too long. Arachnianne has given me an
opportunity, but it comes with a price.”

    “ What
kind of price?”

    He
gripped her arm tightly. “You must become tolerant of spiders
Abigail, if you allow me, I’ll help you overcome your fears.”

    Abigail
hung her head in shame. “I think I know what you mean.”
She looked him in the eye. “Then it’s no accident that
you’re here, is it?”

    “ No,
it isn’t. Arachnianne intertwined our destines and sent me here
to help you have a better understanding of spiders and our purpose.
She linked us because she saw how we’ve searched our entire
lives for something to give us fulfillment.”

    “ What’s
the price?” Abigail swallowed hard.

    “ You’d
become a stone statue in her garden.”

    “ She
can’t do that,” Abigail exclaimed. “Can she?”

    Gwar
nodded. “If I should fail, I must remain immortal. I’d go
mad.”

    “ I
suppose there are worse things in life.”

    He
smiled before bending down to kiss her on the lips. “You’re
an intriguing person Abigail Mason, and I must say, I’m
completely taken with you.” Gwar reached over and tucked a
loose coil behind her ear.

    “ You’re
so sweet, Gwar. I never would have guessed that there was so much
more to spiders. Although, I can’t say I won’t freak out
when I see one again. It’s just those eight legs and eyes that
makes me kinda…well uncomfortable.”

    “ It’s
okay, change takes time. More importantly, you know what I am and
where I hail from.” He inhaled the coconut aroma in her hair.
“I’ve always loved the various scents you use on your
hair.”

    “ Oh,
I’ve got major shrinkage today. My wash and go went from a
curly fro to a puffball.” She roared with laughter.

    “ I
love all your versatile styles, but you should wear it down more
often. This look is so wild and free to me.” He reached out to
touch her hair, but recoiled it. “May I?” He asked.

    “ Yes.”

    Gently
he stroked her cheekbone with a slender finger before his hands
explored her thick, fluffy hair. With a sigh, he pulled her against
his chest, lightly