Between the Cross and the Flame

Chapter 12: Chaya

Chaya peered excitedly out the window. Although it was incredibly hot and humid, even inside their transport van, the ride from Ben Gurion Airport to Bat Yam was full of enticing sights. A wonderful piece of architecture particularly caught Chaya's eye, a synagogue constructed in strange but cool geometric shapes and patterns. Worshipers of all kinds, from tiny children to muscular adults, streamed out of the building, laughing and chattering in a peaceful bliss. Chaya wished he knew what they were talking about; it looked like fun.

Eventually, they arrived at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Chaya climbed out of the van with the rest of his friends while Haniel paid the driver. Tall buildings and resorts rose on all sides like skyscrapers from New York City. Chaya had to crane his neck to see to the tops of most of them. Suddenly feeling like a very small fish in an Earth-sized pond, he fit his hand in Haniel's and followed cautiously behind him.

The five ended up wandering toward the water, subconsciously agreeing to leave the city behind. Vacationers of all nationalities lined the beach, which was mostly blocked off by individual resorts. Children dumped sand on their siblings, teenagers splashed their friends, and groups of parents tanned in the oppressive heat. Chaya had to wipe sweat off his forehead three times before they even reached the sand.

At a nearby resort, Mavet managed to negotiate a place to stay for a few nights in exchange for working in the kitchens. Chaya understood every word that was exchanged during the rapid Arabic conversation. His own abilities still baffled him; if he had had any control over them before amnesia, then he certainly didn't show it now. It unnerved him somewhat, being able to understand random stranger's conversations, while Haniel, Del, and Irvin walked right on by, clueless. Then again, he thought, it was a gift to be able to converse in all languages, because not only could he effectively communicate with anyone in the world, but he could truly understand someone and relate to them on a whole other level, just by speaking in their first language. The thought put a little pep in Chaya's step.

After a long afternoon and evening of washing and drying hundreds of dishes, the five undid their aprons and trudged to the elevator, hardly able to stay upright. They suddenly caught a second wind, however, when they realized the resort manager was kinder than they expected. Del unlocked the door to their suite only to discover that it was essentially a penthouse- with an waterfront view.

"You must be joking!" Irvin gasped.

"I think I'm dreaming," Haniel said.

Del raced to the balcony and threw open the sliding glass door. "Guys! There's a sea off our balcony!"

Chaya laughed and threw himself on the couch, sinking into the soft, cushiony material. Mavet ran his hand across the fancy granite countertops, whistling at their sleek finish. The furniture was comfy and vibrantly designed to stand out. Even the lamps appeared luxurious, as if created at the demands of a rich person. Chaya could hardly believe their luck. This resort manager, whoever he was, had been extremely generous to let them into this amazing suite.

Irvin gratefully plugged in his phone into a charger on one of the coffee tables. Haniel and Del, always getting their priorities in order, immediately searched the kitchen cabinets and full-sized refrigerator for food. Chaya and Mavet wandered around the room, discovering two serene bathrooms and adjacent bedrooms. The pair exchanged a mischievous glance, then launched themselves onto a king-sized bed, busting out laughing when they sank into the memory foam mattress.

"Google Translate, Nature Boy! We found food!" Irvin called.

Chaya and Mavet skidded onto the tile floor of the kitchen seconds later. Haniel and Del held giant containers of Frosted Flakes cereal in each hand. Even though it wasn't the fanciest of foods, it was sustenance, and that was all they needed. They chowed down on the sugary corn flakes on the balcony, where they could listen to the waves lap up on the shore. The five remained there long after they finished eating, simply staring off into the distance, watching the stars twinkle between the purple clouds.