Sleep Keeper (9 page)

“But you said that was three hundred years ago,” I refuted, clearly unconvinced.

“And you question this after what, coming here from another world, and transporting me to safety?” he argued.

His lip twitched in the slightest smile at his strong rebuttal. He walked over to a log and sat down.

“Okay, you got me there,” I surrendered and strolled over to sit next to him, a little too close with my body toward his.

I remained skeptical, but there was no way I was going to argue with him over this right now. He was way too cute to disagree with. He placed his hand on top of mine and I gazed into his alluring eyes. My heart fluttered. I was breathing so hard that he could probably hear me panting again. I put my other hand on top of his… my body burned for his. His skin was warm and soft.

“If it really is Draco trying to harm you, then something’s wrong. I wonder if Erebus has somehow awakened… that would explain the restlessness. Tell me everything you saw,” he demanded. His face was full of apprehension.

“Orion, are you really going to chase a fairytale?” I mocked and laughed.

He jerked his hand away and jumped to his feet. I instantly regretted my words, but I couldn’t help but speak my mind. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it how it sounded,” I apologized.

Actually, I did mean it.

I rose to my feet to stop him from leaving. My hand grazed his shoulder and he didn’t pull away. He sat back down and I followed, this time giving him some space. I explained what happened in the cave, sparing no details. It didn’t help my case at all. I could tell that Orion was even more convinced that something big was happening.

“Alexis, I know in your world bad things happen all the time. You tell me of the pain and sadness that constantly surrounds you. Even now, you are sitting here relatively calm given the events that just occurred, clearly numb from the evil in your life.”

I rolled my eyes without meaning to. He ignored it.

“You have to understand, in my world, things like this don’t happen, at least not in a long time,” he explained.

“You’re right, every day in my world I see or hear about pain, sorrow, and indescribable acts that I can’t comprehend. But that’s not why I’m calm right now,” I said whiled locked onto his gaze.

There was silence for a moment. “I trust you, Orion. If you think this is Erebus, then I do too,” I caved, but still remained doubtful. “Tell me what to do. How can I help? I know this isn’t my world but I feel like it should be. I want to help protect it… and
you
,” I teased, although I actually meant it.

Orion laughed, not in a mocking way - more like he was pleased with my response. At least that was how I chose to interpret it.

“You said you were lost before. Maybe you have found your way home,” he said.

I wanted to laugh away his words, but I just sat there in silence. In a strange way, this place felt more like home than anywhere else I’d known. I looked around the forest and felt like I belonged. I looked back at Orion. Looking into his eyes gave me a strange comfort. I followed the shape of his eyes to his cheekbones, studying the curve of his jaw and his moist lips.

His lips.

I leaned it closer and his face twisted out of focus. Everything became a blur… then darkness.

I felt the pressure of the bed against my back; the strong suck of gravity holding me down. I stretched my arms and legs as far as they could go. My muscles ached in protest. I slowly cracked open my eyes and stared a moment at the ceiling above. I peeled back the sheet and lifted my leg to inspect my wound, but there was only a faint scar - a sliver of white tissue where the gash once was. I stretched my sore arms again and yawned. I was too young to feel this worn out.

The shutters were already open and the sun was beating down on my skin. I took a deep breath in preparation for the day and caught a faint floral scent in the air. I sat up and looked around. The bed was sprinkled with red rose pedals with an extra bouquet on my nightstand. Mitchell appeared around the corner holding a tray of food.

“Morning sunshine!” he welcomed me with a pleasant smile.

Setting down the tray on my lap, he planted a kiss on my lips that startled me and made me feel uneasy, “Happy anniversary babe!”

“Oh… Mitchell… you didn’t have to do this. Thank you… and happy anniversary to you too,” I sputtered, still trying to wake up. I had completely forgotten it was the anniversary of our first kiss, the turning point that moved us from ‘friends’ to ‘more-than-friends’. I took inventory of the pancakes, sausage, and coffee on the tray. My mouth began to water. “This looks delicious. And the flowers are beautiful,” I admired.

My stomach grumbled and I began to eat as Mitchell slid in bed next to me.

“What do you want to do today?” he asked.

“Well, if you don’t have any plans, I thought we could go kayaking at the lake then have a picnic,” I suggested, thinking on my feet.

“Sounds perfect,” he responded.

“Great. I have lunch planned already. Leave it all to me,” I tried to recover, hoping he wouldn’t figure out I had forgotten.

“I love you, baby,” he proclaimed with bedroom eyes.

Guilt washed over me as I thought of Orion. I was such a terrible person. Here was my faithful and loving boyfriend who would do anything to make me happy, and I was lusting over another.

“I love you too,” I answered, and placed my arms around his neck for a hug.

He kissed my neck softly.

“I better finish my breakfast and shower if you want to get the day started,” I rushed, trying to avoid any intimacy.

“Um… Okay… I’ll go let you get ready. I have another surprise for you later tonight,” he said with a wink and walked out of the bedroom.

“I look forward to it!” I sang, trying to sound excited; but all I wanted to do was go back to sleep.

I ate the entire breakfast, faster than my stomach wanted. After I showered and dressed, I strolled into the kitchen to pack for our picnic. I glanced out of the kitchen window and spotted Mitchell outside, pulling the kayaks from the condo’s garage and tying them onto the rack of his SUV. I rummaged through the fridge and cupboards looking for a decent picnic idea. I managed to find enough ingredients to whip up some sandwiches, salad, fruit and bottled water. I searched the closet and found a beach bag that fit all the items needed for the picnic.

Perfect.

I met Mitchell outside and we headed off to the lake for our date.

The drive wasn’t long, yet we cruised down the road in silence. Mitchell wasn’t much of a talker these days and there wasn’t anything I felt like talking about either. The silence didn’t bothered Mitchell, but I hated it. I enjoyed talking, but it was hard to have a one-way conversation.

My mind was elsewhere anyhow as I gazed out the window watching the city pass by. We stopped at a light and I watched a little girl crying at the street corner as her mom shouted for her to hurry and yanked her arm across the street. On the other side of the street, there was a teenager sitting outside of a café talking on his phone. An older gentleman slowly walked by, limping with his cane. He looked through our window as he passed our vehicle. His eyes were tired and lonely.

I looked back over at Mitchell. His face was innocent. His dark brown hair was swaying gently in the breeze, a perfect compliment to his smooth beige skin. He ran his hand through his hair and down his neck. He was quite attractive. The light turned green and we continued our drive.

Not long later, we arrived in Folsom. We turned into the entrance for the lake and watched the scenery change from city to nature. Scraggly trees and dry brush parched by the summer heat outlined the calm blue water. We pulled into the parking area and I helped Mitchell unload the kayaks. He carried my kayak to the shore and I hauled the life jackets and ores. On our second trip, Mitchell grabbed his kayak while I gathered the picnic bag and stowed it away in the waterproof storage container in my kayak.

I walked into the water to push the kayak far enough off the shore to climb in without scraping the bottom. Autumn was near and the air was still warm, but the water felt like ice. I shivered as the cold water washed over my legs. I hurried into the kayak and, with one firm push away from the shore, glided across the water.

I paddled out further onto the lake. The surrounding echoes of barking dogs and kids’ playful screams soon faded and were replaced by the hush of a gentle breeze. I looked upon the clear blue sky and watched several hawks circling above.

I glanced backward and saw Mitchell close behind. He was much stronger so I knew that in a less than a minute he would pass me by. I paddled faster trying to pick up speed to widen the gap between us. His victory was inevitable, but a smidgen of competitiveness overtook me. I tightened my muscles and paddled hard. It didn’t do much use. Not more than a minute later, Mitchell’s smiling face glided past effortlessly, with a chuckle.

Damn.

I kept paddling hard to catch up to him, but he slowly floated farther ahead. I finally stopped paddling, out of breath, and watched as Mitchell floated away. The momentum of the kayak along with the current of the water continued to carry me at a decent speed. I relaxed and enjoyed the ride down the peaceful lake. I leaned to one side and stared into the water. My refection was all I could see in the dark water below. I dipped my hand into the water and felt the cold current pushing back.

I returned upright and paddled again at a steady pace. Mitchell slowed down and entered a small cove ahead. He turned back and waved for me to join him. When I arrived, the shallow water of the cove was clear enough to see brown trout scurrying along the rocks below. We floated through a narrow entrance near a gathering of ducks that didn’t budge with our presence. I watched one of the ducks dip into the water and popped back up, looking as smooth and dry as before. We floated under the canopies of trees and vines that shaded us from the sun. Birds chirped from the shoreline trees. A lizard ran across the rocks.

We made our way under a narrow walking bridge. I spotted a large grassy opening that looked perfect for our lunch so we pulled over at the shore. I stepped out of the kayak into the cool water and grabbed the picnic bag out of the compartment. Mitchell pulled the kayaks closer to shore while I spread out a blanket across the scattered leaves and setup our meal.

“Wow, this looks great, Alexis,” Mitchell complimented as he sat on the blanket next to me.

I was impressed with myself too; the presentation made it appear like I actually put some effort it. We enjoyed the nice surroundings as we ate our lunch.

“I’m so lucky to have you, babe,” Mitchell said intensely.

I felt the heavy weight of his affectionate stare.

“Me too,” I muttered, looking up at the pale blue sky.

It was a clear day without a cloud in sight. No colors painted across the horizon, just a dull baby blue. I inhaled a deep breath and scanned my surroundings. Even now, with this picture perfect moment, I felt like something was missing… I missed the forest. I missed the vibrant trees and the purple sky. I missed the energy of the wildlife flowing through me. I could see and hear life surrounding me now, but I didn’t feel it. I also missed the smell and the taste of the pristine air. And I missed...
no… don’t do that!

I looked over at Mitchell and felt shameful for almost ruining this moment. I tried to focus on the present. I needed to get that place and
him
out of my mind! I lie across the blanket and let the sun soak into my skin. I stretched my arms under my head and closed my eyes, listening to the songs of the birds nearby. The bright sun left an orange glow under my eyelids and my body relaxed.

The orange glow quickly darkened. I opened my eyes to a painted sunset with soft gray clouds floating by. Deep red, yellow and orange streaked the sky and mirrored in the ocean below. The silhouette of the cliffs was carved in the distance. The sand of the beach sparkled like a thousand tiny diamonds scattered across the shore. The view was breathtaking as I sat on the beach staring into the twilight.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Orion whispered.

I turned toward my right. He was sitting directly next to me. “Yes, breathtaking,” I answered, meeting his stare.

He softly chuckled but didn’t look away - holding my gaze with his hazel eyes that held similar features of the sky.

“Dusk is my favorite time of day,” he admitted.

“Mine too,” I agreed.

That wasn’t true until this moment.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said.

“I didn’t expect to be here either. I’m actually outside at the lake with Mit...” I stopped myself and bit my lip in guilt - guilt for being with Mitchell. “I can’t stay long…” I continued, peering down at the sand.

I ran my fingers through the tiny grains and watched them delicately fall.

“I understand,” he answered, without asking for an explanation.

I felt shameful. I didn’t dare look up.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, breaking the awkwardness. He reached for my hand and I accepted the invitation.

“So am I,” I replied and flashed a genuine smile.