The Awakener (The Watchers of Men)

by Amanda Strong

  There was a hint of a smile on Willow’s mouth.

  “The more I get to know Andrew, the more I agree with you. But I’m about as common as they get,” Eden replied, befuddled by her behavior.

  Willow’s eyes widened. “Trust me, you’re unique.”

  They made their way into the show, Eden relieved to end their conversation; it was more than a little strange. Once the previews started and the theater darkened, Andrew reached for her hand. She smiled as their fingers intertwined. She tried to pay attention to the movie, but she was distracted by his warm hand. It felt different tonight; the warmth of his fingers radiated into her whole body.

  She glanced down at their hands, just as her vision went awry. She gingerly pressed her eyelids with her free hand.

  Andrew noticed. “Are you ok?”

  She blinked. “I think,” she paused, “I lost my contacts.”

  “You did?” he whispered back.

  “I don’t know. Everything’s blurry.” It was more than blurry… it was almost too focused—angular, sharp, and distorted. She stood up, bending over to not block the view of those behind them. He followed her out, and then guided her up the aisle to the exit.

  “Thanks,” she said, once they were in the bright hallway. She blinked again. “Feels like they’re in.”

  “But you can’t see?” He sounded worried.

  “They’re probably just dirty.” Like, really dirty. “I have solution in my bag. I’ll go clean them.”

  He nodded, eyebrows creased.

  She hurried into the bathroom, digging in her purse for the saline solution. Her eyes were throbbing, a pressure headache creeping in. She separated her eyelids and swiped her thumb and forefinger across, pinching. The contact popped out, sending immediate relief. She was glad her mom insisted she bring a spare case and solution wherever she went. She repeated the motion with the left, placing both lenses in the case.

  She gasped at her reflection.

  “What in the world…” She stepped closer, examining her eyes. “Everything’s clear.” She turned around, taking the restroom in with wide eyes. How’s this possible? I’m blind as a bat.

  Tossing the spare contact case back into her purse, she whispered, “Guardian, did you do this?”

  She heard and felt nothing. Not sure how long she’d been gone, and feeling bad Andrew was missing the movie, she hurried out.

  He was waiting, arms crossed, eyes concerned. “Everything ok?”

  “Uh… yeah, sorry.” She wasn’t sure what to say exactly.

  He cocked one eyebrow, but said nothing. Returning to the theater, her mind was no longer on the movie. She couldn’t stop gazing around. Even in the darkness, she could see clearly. I see better now than I did with my contacts!

  She caught Andrew staring at her several times, and decided to at least pretend to watch the show. Poor guy did pay a lot for the tickets. Guess he doesn’t want me admiring the walls.

  That night, after Andrew had dropped her off, leaving her with a warm embrace, she sat cross-legged on her bed, laptop humming. She took a swig from her orange soda, debating.

  Why not? She set her drink on her nightstand.

  She exhaled. “Well, Guardian, I’m not sure why I’m doing this. I still haven’t heard anything back from Micah from my last email. But I’ve got to tell someone, so might as well be him, right?” She laughed a little at herself.

  At least he won’t think I’m crazy.

  It was hard to believe that two weeks had passed since the demon had attacked. Micah rubbed his hand across forehead; he felt restless.

  Lying on his back in bed, he couldn’t shake the feeling he was missing something. It was late, probably past midnight. Trent had insisted Viola and Gianna come over earlier, telling him he desperately needed a social life. He guessed it was Trent’s way of worrying about him.

  Knowing sleep eluded him, he sat up and rested his elbows on his knees. Tonight had been a turning point with Viola; he knew he didn’t like her as more than a friend. He’d confided this to Trent an hour ago, after the girls had left. Trent had just muttered something in Italian and gone to bed.

  Trying to put his finger on what it was that was bothering him, he got up and paced the floor. When Sage came to mind, Micah mulled over what she’d said two weeks ago, like he’d done a thousand times before.

  Why did she say I was on the right path when I asked about Eden? And why do I keep seeing Eden in my mind all the time?

  Sighing, he flopped back on his bed, throwing his arms above his head. Staring at the ceiling, his mind wandered back to their younger years. He and Eden had been joined at the hip since he could remember until she had moved away. He’d been twelve; she was almost eleven. He’d been depressed for a while, but then Chase had moved to the neighborhood, and they’d become friends. At that age, it was nice to have guy friends who were into sports like he was. The last few years, he had gained more friends and a girlfriend or two. They had a tight group and did everything together. He hated to admit to himself now; Eden had been pushed to the background.

  Then, out of nowhere, she’d plowed him over in the locker hall. He grinned, remembering how red her face had been. It was almost as if it wasn’t in her control, as if she was being moved by some unseen force. As if she was supposed to hug Trent and me…

  He bolted up. Of course! How did I not see it before?

  Realizing what this meant, he wondered who else she may have touched. Has she figured out what she can do? Ironic, such an unassuming person can hold such a gift and not even know it.

  Contemplating her ability, he saw her stormy-blue eyes staring back at him. In his mind, there was a yearning in her expression. It startled him. He’d never seen that look on her face before.

  Then he was following her in his mind, watching her sitting on the bleachers with Andrew, walking alongside them through the school lawn, and then seeing her abruptly hug him.

  So Andrew too.

  Then he was at a dinner table with Andrew and Eden. He was trying to pay attention to what they were saying, but their voices were muted, and there was an annoying pressure on his chest. He took a deep breath, trying to shake it, and realized Chase and Willow had joined the table. This time, Chase hugged Eden.

  Micah’s eyes widened. Wonder what that means…

  But he didn’t have time to wonder; the visions were flowing now. He was following the girls into the restroom, something he wasn’t entirely thrilled about. He pressed on, knowing there was always a reason behind what he saw.

  Eden hugged Willow.

  Micah gazed at Willow, and in that moment, he could have sworn Willow stared right back at him. He did a double take, but Willow was saying, “Thanks, I guess I sort of did,” to Eden.

  Very interesting.

  The vision didn’t end though. In a déjà vu way, he saw his friends at Chase’s for a party, and there was Eden right in the middle of it all, looking lost.

  And beautiful…

  Her hair was down, framing her face and covering her back, looking full and silky. He had the unexplainable urge to reach out and touch it.

  She smiled; the braces were gone. She always did have a nice smile.

  Andrew led her to the dance floor and a new feeling flooded Micah—jealousy. He knew he had no right to feel it, but he did. Andrew’s arms around her made him sick inside and, as she nestled her face into Andrew’s neck, he groaned. He’d had enough, and was glad his dream shifted. He pushed aside the ache in his chest. He didn’t have time for that now.

  I need to pay attention.

  Eden was hugging another guy, someone Micah didn’t recognize. It was right in the middle of the classroom too. Her face was very red.

  Then there was a girl. She was hurt, limping. Eden was putting her arm around her, supporting her. It was a sideways hug. Micah supposed it counted.

  Trying to place the details of the room the girls were in, his eyes flew open. Grateful it was morning, Micah rolled out of bed, walki
ng through the bathroom and rapping on Trent’s closed door. He didn’t know what time it was. Trent won’t be happy if it’s earlier than eight, but this can’t wait.

  When he heard no response, he hesitated before knocking once more, this time harder. There was a squeaking floorboard, and then the door flew open.

  Trent’s eyes squinted back at him. “There better be a fire or a demon in your room, because my internal clock says I shouldn’t be awake right now.”

  “Neither, but I need to talk to you.”

  “Tell me Sage’s there at least.” Trent sighed heavily.

  “Nope, but I figured something out last night. Something Sage said to us a few weeks ago.” He surveyed his cousin’s head slipping down the doorframe. “Are you awake?”

  “What?” Trent’s head snapped up. “Yeah, you were saying…”

  “Trent, this is important.”

  “All right, all right, give me a minute. Nature calls.”

  A few minutes later, Trent shuffled into Micah’s bedroom. Micah had purposely turned his alarm clock so Trent wouldn’t read 6:35.

  He flopped down on Micah’s chaise, groaning, “Man, why does it feel like it’s still two am?”

  Micah cleared his throat. “I’ve been having more dreams.”

  His eyes popped open. “Did you see where the vaults are?”

  “No,” Micah exhaled. Trent’s lips turned down, but he didn’t say anything. “I wish I had, trust me. But I’ve been having dreams about Eden.”

  “Really?” One of Trent’s eyebrows shot up.

  Micah knew he’d have a hard time not teasing him, but dove in anyway. He had to tell him, everything, he decided.

  When he’d finished, Trent stared at him. “Do you think it’s because of something she did?”

  “Yeah. And I’ve been seeing others that she’s been touching at school.”

  “I knew that girl was special. I felt something warm and tingly when she hugged me.”

  He knew Trent was joking, but he couldn’t get the image of Andrew holding Eden close while dancing out of his head.

  “Sage said Eden was important and she’s right; Eden’s very important. She’s the one needed to start the gifts. Sage had a name for it, but I can’t remember. Can you?”

  Trent scratched at his short sideburn with his thumbnail. “I remember every word out of the beautiful woman’s mouth.”

  “So?”

  “Just a sec, it’s coming to me. She said some gifts are from the Captain and need a… an Awakener. I think that’s it.”

  “Awakener, yeah you’re right, that was it.” Micah couldn’t shake the void he felt. The excitement over his new discovery was fading.

  Maybe I’m just tired.

  “What is it?” Trent asked.

  Micah stared back at him.

  “You look like you just saw something. You got that out-of-focus glaze you get.” Trent half-rose from his reclined position.

  “No, I just… realized something.”

  Trent studied Micah’s face. “And?”

  Micah wasn’t sure what to say, but knew Trent wouldn’t let up, so he admitted the truth. “I can’t get her out of my head.”

  Trent chuckled. “Who? Eden? Ha! I knew it! I called it before we even left Virginia. You like her, don’t you?”

  “No, no it’s not that…” Micah’s words trailed off. His heart was telling him something otherwise. Why am I jealous of Andrew? He’s my friend; she’s my friend… I should be happy, right?

  The ache in his chest startled him. Of all the times to realize my feelings, did I have to do it in front of Trent?

  Micah conceded. “Ok, maybe you’re right, Trent, just this once.”

  Trent was laughing hard now. “I’m always right, Micah. Just accept the facts, baby.”

  “I didn’t even realize it until she was dancing with Andrew, and I wanted to punch his smiling face.”

  “Wait, what?”

  “Nothing, she was on a date with Andrew, one of my friends.” Micah grew quiet. That sort of complicates things.

  “Ok, I get it, I get it. You’ve got it bad for this one. She’s fine and, let’s face it, her touch is pretty special. So what’s the problem? I know she feels the same way about you. I saw it all over her face when I busted in on you two in the tree house. Which, come to think of it, what were you two doing anyways?”

  “It wasn’t like that, then.”

  “Wasn’t it?”

  “I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter; she’s with Andrew now.”

  “You saw them dancing! That doesn’t mean she’s in love with the guy! Plus, you don’t even know if it’s happened. Your visions are sometimes about the future too. Man, I thought you knew your way around the opposite sex. It’s like talking to a ten year old. Just tell her!” Trent shook his head in mock exasperation.

  “When did you become the expert on love anyway?”

  “I’m the interpreter. Pretty sure it’s part of my gift.”

  “Oh really? That’s a stretch, even for you, Trent.”

  As he walked sluggishly out of the room, Trent muttered, “I’m going back to bed. I think there’s a reason you turned your clock around. I don’t even want to know what time it is.” Micah decided not to remind him they weren’t sure yet what Andrew’s gift was, and if they’d need him around for what they had to do.

  Once the door shut, Micah grabbed his laptop. He wasn’t going to put it off any longer. Trent’s right; I should tell Eden how I feel. As he waited for the screen to boot, his eyes went out of focus. Glancing around, he was now standing in front of large crowd, seated on white chairs, facing him.

  They were dressed nice, women in dresses, men in tuxedos. There was a cool, misty breeze on his skin. Hearing his shoe squeak, he glanced down to see black, shiny loafers. Gazing to the left, he noticed they were on top of a grassy hill, which sloped down to meet white sand. Maybe two-hundred yards away, there was a beautiful beach. He could hear the ocean’s surf rolling and crashing against the shore.

  Micah stared back at the group before him; they were seated in two sections, a long aisle with red, velvet carpet running between them. The carpet was covered with white petals. He wasn’t sure which flower; they were bright against the deep red aisle. Peering at his own black tuxedo, it dawned on him that he was at a wedding, perhaps even his own.

  A single violin began to play a sweet melody. It was soon joined by a cello; they harmonized for a few chords, and then a whole orchestra joined in, playing melodic music. It reminded him of Pachelbel’s Canon, although it wasn’t quite the same. As Micah searched for the source of the music, the audience rose to their feet in unison.

  At the end of the aisle, a young woman wearing a white, silk wedding gown began to slowly step towards him. The small crystals on her bodice sparkled in the sunlight as she moved gracefully. She was breathtaking. Micah recognized the man guiding her down the aisle; it was David McCarthy. He knew who the young woman was; her hair was swept halfway up, leaving her shoulders covered in blonde curls. As she approached, he could see her face, smiling back at him through the veil. He felt himself shiver. Is this our wedding? Tears flooded his eyes, and each step she took echoed his heartbeat.

  Her eyes remained on him until she stood directly in front, and in that moment, she glanced to the right. He did too and was surprised Andrew was standing next to him, also in a tuxedo. A sinking realization crept through him.

  This may not be our day after all. I might just be the best man.

  Andrew was older, but still retained his boyish facial features. Since both he and Andrew stood in the middle of the aisle, he searched for the minister. Perhaps whoever stood closer to him was the groom, but they were the only two there. Eden continued to smile at Andrew, while Micah panicked.

  This isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

  She bridged the gap, her dad graciously stepping away. Standing before both of them, her eyes remained glued on Andrew. Micah’s lips twitched, tempted to
plead for her to glance his way. Mercifully, her eyes shifted back to him, and her smile deepened. He couldn’t help it; he took a step forward, reaching for her hand.

  There was a strange beeping sound. Distracted, Micah flipped around to see his headboard. Confused, he whirled back, but Eden was gone, and in her place sat his laptop, blinking for him to log in. Feeling drained, he opened his email. There were two emails from her. He clicked on the oldest one first. It was from two weeks ago.

  Hi Micah,

  How are you? Are you liking Rome? I’m sure it’s been pretty incredible. And I’m sure Trent has kept you busy, or at least your lips busy, haha! How are your classes? Do you understand the Italian? I’d love to travel one day. There are tons of places in Europe I’d love to see. Rome is definitely one of them!

  Things have been interesting here too. So, I’m not really sure how to say this, so I’m going to jump right in. Last night, a demon tried to attack me in my bedroom! It was the scariest thing ever. I think those black monsters you are seeing are real; actually, I know they are. The demon was black with red eyes, just like you said. It jumped on my bed and everything!

  But, luckily for me, I have a guardian angel like you (your woman in red). He came out of nowhere and killed the demon with a sword made of fire!!! Don’t worry, I’m totally safe. I think I havea tough guardian

  I don’t know why you need to be in Italy, but I know you’re part of something big. So keep studying and doing what you’re doing. It’s important.

  Well, I better go. I miss you a lot.

  Eden

  Micah wasn’t sure what he was feeling: shock, anger, worry…

  “I was right. She was attacked,” he muttered to himself, clicking on the second email, wanting to make sure there wasn’t a second attack.

  This one was shorter, dated earlier that night.

  Hi Micah,

  I hope you’re doing well! It’s really late and I can’t sleep. I hope you don’t mind me typing away to you! I went out with Andrew again tonight. He’s been really nice to me. It’s sort of a new thing for me. I know you’ve had lots of girlfriends, so I probably sound cheesy to you! Sorry! What are best friends for, right?