Sabasa and I have, through unspoken agreement, checked in with Allen at different times over the past few days, so there has been little interaction between us since the night Allen met with Megan. But today, we could not avoid one another, for Allen called Megan after work and asked her to come over to his house to see what he’s done already.
I was determined not to be confrontational, but as Inca had advised, I had chosen my battle, and I meant to stand my ground. Allen needs love in his life as much as he needs inspiration, and I think that they can both work together to improve his outlook.
As soon as I arrived, however, and Sabasa turned to greet me, I could see that this would not be the same as our previous encounter. Her aura was soft with contrition, and even colored with a bit of embarrassment.
“Asa’el, I owe you an apology,” she said.
I was surprised, and a little embarrassed myself at all the arguments I had planned. “Speak it, then,” I said. “I would be glad to hear it, my sister.”
She looked at Allen, who was frowning down at two different canvasses, trying to decide which was the better work. “Hesperia spoke to me after our last disagreement,” she told me. “She reminded me that there was a reason that we had chosen to offer this partnership to you, and that I was not allowing you to hold up your side. I read your blog and realized that she was absolutely right. I have failed to see your perspective in this case, and I believe you are right to think that both of our disciplines have an equal role in Allen’s life right now.” She hung her head. “I am sorry I have been so difficult to work with, and I will try to do better.”
“That is all I could ask,” I answered her. “I accept your apology, and of course you are forgiven.” I hesitated, worried that my question would spoil the peace we had begun, but I felt that I needed to understand. “I feel I should ask, though—why did you agree to work with me? You clearly work very well on your own.”
“Which in this case is not necessarily a compliment,” she said with a laugh.
“I meant no offense—”
“Oh, I know, my brother.” She watched Allen pace the floor of his living room, gathering her words. “I am good at what I do, Asa’el, I know that, but I also know that there is a great lack of balance in my work. I have become so well known for bringing inspiration out of pain that I have rarely done anything else. I know how to use suffering and sorrow and bring beauty out of it, but I know next to nothing about how to do the same with love.” She turned to me with a smile. “Already I have learned a great deal from you. I just have not allowed my pride to admit the lack to you.”
I was astonished. All this time, I have only wanted to be equals with Sabasa. The idea that I might have more to offer her than she might offer me was difficult for me to grasp.
“From now on, then, will you take the lead?” she asked. “Let me help you to bring happiness to Allen, as you have helped me bring him art again.”
It was far better than I expected. I was about to agree with her suggestion, but then I had a better thought and put my wing around her. “I will not lead,” I said. “We will walk side by side. How better for you to learn about love than to bring it forth yourself?”
There was a knock on the door then, and Allen darted to answer it, so we had no more time to talk, but I think that the peace will hold between us. There may be more disagreements, but now we know where we stand and will be able to talk about them. I am relieved that this “battle” was so easily settled! Now let us see what we can do for our charge when we both are working with the same goal.