The Awakener (The Watchers of Men)

by Amanda Strong

  Micah gasped. What? It’s going to work out as it should? I’m supposed to die…

  Caitlyn, still wide-eyed, watched Andrew.

  “I’m not mad at you, so stop staring at me like I’m going to hit you or something. You’re creeping me out,” Andrew said to her.

  Caitlyn’s words rushed out, “I didn’t tell Eden to break up with you, I swear. I’m sorry if I somehow caused this to happen.”

  “You didn’t. This isn’t your fault, Caitlyn. You know, when Eden told me we were done, she kind of alluded to it being the right thing. I was mad because how can the right thing feel so terrible, but now…” He glanced at her. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s right.”

  Caitlyn sounded remorseful. “I’m so sorry, Andrew.”

  She wrapped her hoodie around her body, hugging herself. Andrew sighed, “Caitlyn, stop feeling bad. You know, this has been good for me actually. I feel ok.”

  Poor dude, lying to make her feel better, Micah thought.

  Caitlyn glanced over at him. It was quiet for a moment. “Are you going to go still, to Chicago, I mean?” she asked, breaking the silence.

  Took the words right out of my mouth, Caitlyn.

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  The words hung in the air, Micah cringing at their implications.

  Caitlyn gazed at Andrew and then said, “I should probably go back in. I didn’t tell my parents I left, and they might freak when they discover I’m not in my room.”

  “Yeah, they will. Hey, thanks, Caitlyn.” He leaned over to hug her.

  Micah didn’t miss her hesitation. The hug was quick, and then she grabbed the door handle. Not facing Andrew, she mumbled, “I think you should come still.”

  “Why?”

  She turned around. “I just have this feeling that it’ll all work out if you do.”

  There was tension and then Andrew snorted. “It’ll all work out, huh? I think you’re trying to use your Jedi mind tricks on me.”

  Caitlyn’s face flushed. “This means I’m crazy, doesn’t it?” She wrinkled her nose.

  “Welcome to the super hero club,” Andrew said sarcastically.

  “Awesome, when do I get my cape?”

  “I don’t know, but I’d love to see you in spandex.”

  She slugged his shoulder. “If I have to wear it, so do you. So be prepared to look like your underwear’s on the outside of your pants.”

  Andrew laughed loudly. “No way, that only looks good on girls.”

  Undeterred, Caitlyn continued, “I can see it now—a big D on the front for Doctor Drew, the Healer.”

  “Oh yeah, you think that’s funny, don’t you? You’d have a Y then, for Yoda.” He paused, “You sort of look like him, you know.”

  Caitlyn giggled. “Nice, I like it.”

  Micah folded his arms across his chest, wondering why he still remained in this vision. Not only did he not care to watch two people flirt, he felt like he’d learned what he was supposed to, and he wasn’t really in the mood to watch playful banter.

  I only have a death sentence hanging over my head.

  Then it dawned on him. They don’t even realize they’re flirting. They think they’re just friends. Man, is it this obvious to everyone else with Eden and me?

  Caitlyn sighed. “I better get back.” She opened the door and gave him one last, questioning glance. “So, Chicago?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry, probably not.”

  Micah returned to his bed; Sage was gone now. He knew sleep was out of the question. He had too much to sort through. He debated waking Trent but decided against it. Trent would want to drive straight over to Eden’s and demand she get back with Andrew.

  Micah sat at the edge of his bed. That’s an idea. As much as he hated it, he had to consider it might work.

  He wanted someone to talk to but, for some reason, he didn’t call Sage back. This felt like something he had to work through. Or Caitlyn said it’d all work out, so maybe it’s meant to be. Maybe I just have to accept it. It’s my fate. Something tugged at him, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

  Sadness overwhelmed him. He needed to distract himself. Pacing the floor, he let his mind wander. His thoughts lead him to Eden. Well, she broke up with him, so I guess I know she likes me now. Never could be sure since she seemed to really like Andrew too. Wonder how she feels about all this.

  Now Micah wasn’t in his room, but in Eden’s. It was dimly lit by a night light in the corner. He could see she was in bed, and he drew closer. Kleenex’s sprawled across her floor and littered her bedspread. She’s been crying. Her eyes were shut, her breathing even. She’s asleep at least.

  Then it was like a layer peeled back and he saw Gabriel, sitting next to her, leaning against the headrest. He was running his hand from the top of her head, down her hair, which covered most of his lap.

  Micah cocked his head to the side. There was a low, deep, lulling sound. He’s humming to her. Micah watched the rise and fall of Eden’s chest. She’d obviously spent the night sobbing.

  Returning to his bedroom, Micah understood the meaning. She still cares for Andrew too. And, he groaned, I need to convince her to get back with him.

  Micah waited for Eden to come over again, but she didn’t. For some reason, he’d assumed she’d pounce on the chance to be with him. He was surprised and relieved by her absence. It sort of gave him hope that maybe she’d worked things out with Andrew after all, as much as it pained him.

  It’d been almost two weeks, and Trent’s patience was wearing thin.

  “Micah, just call her or go see her. You’re avoiding it, aren’t you?” Trent snapped. His mood had been foul since he’d learned about the break up. He put it together pretty fast that it meant his cousin would die.

  Micah glanced up from the Bible in his hands. He spent most of his time reading now.

  “I don’t care what Eden wants. You tell her what’s at stake! She’ll do it for you. You know she will. So why haven’t you told her? You’re stalling.”

  You’re right, I am. As much as he wanted to live, the thought of forcing Eden to be with someone she may not want to be, for him, felt selfish. The more he read and prayed, the more he avoided having that talk with her.

  He sighed and closed the book. “Trent, Caitlyn said it’d work as it should. Maybe it is.”

  Trent growled. “This is ridiculous. I’m going to tell your parents. You talk to Eden today, or I’m marching upstairs and announcing to your mom what’s really happening here.”

  Micah knew Trent loved him. They were like brothers. And he doesn’t love Eden like I do.

  Micah begun to protest, but they both heard the doorbell ring. Trent was off the couch and to the front door before he’d even stood up.

  Micah slowly left the great room, coming into the front entry. His heart dropped. Eden stood in the open doorway. Trent turned around and glared at Micah, his expression obvious.

  She seemed unsure what to do since Trent hadn’t really invited her in.

  “Hey Eden,” Micah recovered. “Come on in.”

  Trent stormed past Micah and muttered, “Well as fate has it, she’s here. So you better do it.” He paused and studied Micah’s face, adding, “Don’t do anything stupid. Say what needs to be said.”

  Micah hoped Eden hadn’t overheard as he grinned at her. “I haven’t seen you in a while.”

  She nodded, rubbing her arms like she was cold. “Had to finish school and well, summer’s been…”

  Her words trailed and he offered, “Busy?”

  “Yeah.” Her voice sounded heavy.

  “Want to swim?” he asked.

  “I don’t have my suit. I just wanted to say hi.”

  He grinned again. “Good, I’m glad you did. Should we sit outside?”

  She smiled. “Sure.”

  They opted for the deck. Micah cranked the umbrella up for one of the tables, and they sat across from each other.

  “So, what’ve been up to
?” he asked, noting how withdrawn her eyes seemed.

  She licked her lips. “Not much. How about you?”

  “Oh you know, the same—lots of visions.”

  She arched an eyebrow at him but said nothing.

  “What’s wrong? You seem upset.” He had to say it. I really don’t want to have this talk.

  Her eyes were moist and she looked away. “I guess there’s no point in not telling you. Andrew and I broke up.”

  Ugh, no avoiding it now.

  “Really? What happened?”

  She glanced at him. “I’m the one who did it.”

  “Why?”

  Her eyes pleaded with him. She doesn’t want to be the one to say it.

  She sighed. “I like him a lot, but when he says he loves me, I can’t—”

  “Say it back?”

  “No.”

  He hated the fact that he loved hearing her say that. “I’m sorry. When did it happen?”

  “A few weeks ago.”

  “And you’re just coming to see me? Man, what are best friends for?”

  She stared at him. “I didn’t want to interrupt with Damon.”

  Oh, the Honda in the driveway, of course! She would’ve come sooner. Some measure of his pride felt better, even though he knew he shouldn’t.

  “You should have come over anyway!” His grinned and then sobered. “I’m sorry you went through that on your own. Are you ok?”

  Pain flickered across her face. “No, I feel awful.”

  Well, here it goes. Micah forced the words out, hating the taste they left behind. “Really? Maybe you should call him, get back with him.”

  Eden’s expression made his chest ache, her blue eyes confused and dejected. But the alternative’s not an option, he reminded himself.

  He swallowed. The words were like bile coming out. “Are you sure you did the right thing?”

  Her gaze shifted to the pool and she whispered, “I don’t know anymore.”

  Micah knew Trent wasn’t bluffing about telling his parents everything. He knew he needed to sink it in with Eden. But how? He hardly thought it fair to her to say, If you don’t take him back, I die, ok?

  Apparently, he’d waited too long to respond, Eden pushed her chair back and stood. Jumping to his feet, he stammered as her eyes swept his face.

  “Eden, I’m sorry about you and Andrew. But you need to know that you and I… we can’t… we can’t ever be,” he said at last.

  “Why?” she whispered. “I don’t understand, Micah. How can you know who I’m supposed to be with? Don’t I get a say in it? Doesn’t how I feel matter?”

  Micah was stumped. She’s right.

  “Yes, you should. You did what you had to. It’ll all work out as it should.” His words sounded hollow, empty to him.

  She stared at him, and then her eyes dropped to the ground. “I’m sorry I didn’t do what you wanted me to.”

  He knew he should say something. He should tell the why behind it all. He knew she’d run back to Andrew; she’d do anything to save him. But he clenched his jaw shut. Forcing someone to live a lie couldn’t be what Caitlyn meant.

  He glanced over at her downcast eyes.

  “I better go,” she mumbled.

  “Eden wait—” He stepped toward her.

  She glanced up, her eyes filled with tears. He reached for her, his heart torn up by her anguish.

  “I’m sorry. I just need some time to figure this out.” His hand landed on her arm.

  Her blue eyes met his. “I don’t know why you won’t tell me anything. Why I’m in the dark all the time. Don’t you trust me anymore?”

  He was taken aback. Is that what she thought? “No, I do. I… it’s just, I thought it was going to work one way and now…”

  “I’m sorry,” she cut in. “Sorry I messed it all up.”

  He tried to protest, realizing his words probably made her feel personally responsible, but she slipped through the sliding glass door, escaping him.

  He hadn’t missed the tears falling from her eyes as she’d left. He sighed heavily, resigning to defeat.

  Eden was surprised when she glanced up from her book to see her mom standing in the doorway.

  Eden stretched her legs out, uncurling from the tight ball she’d been in on the recliner. She’d spent the past week living in the library.

  Her mom walked in, and Eden already knew what was coming. She’d been here before, back in Portsmouth, when all she did was read, alone, book after book.

  “Eden, the sun’s shining today. Why don’t you go swimming?” her mom asked, fluffing the pillows on the couch next to her.

  Eden shoved the faded receipt she’d found on the desk into her book. “I don’t feel like it today.”

  Her mom eyed the book, and Eden slowly shut it.

  “You’re reading an awful lot, not that I mind it. I just worry it means you’re still upset over your break up.” Her mom sat down, still holding one of the olive green throw pillows in her hands.

  “I’m fine. It’s not that.”

  Her mom glanced over. “What is it then? You seem like your avoiding your friends too.”

  Eden frowned. That wasn’t entirely untrue. Since Jessie didn’t hesitate to remind Eden that she was the one who wanted to break up, and that she’d tried to warn her about Micah, she’d been avoiding her more than usual. It was too painful.

  “You haven’t spent much time with Micah,” her mom continued.

  Eden cringed. Her mom didn’t miss it. “Did something happen with Micah?”

  She glanced at her mom and sighed. “I sort of told Micah I liked him, after I broke up with Andrew.”

  Eden watched her mom’s face; she didn’t seem surprised.

  “And?” her mom asked when she fell silent.

  “And he doesn’t like me more than a friend.” The words caused painful waves to roll through her. Her fingers tightened their grip on her book. She felt desperate to escape her own reality.

  “Oh, Eden, I’m so sorry. I really thought he felt differently. It sure seemed that way to Lacey and me. But, maybe it’s not you. Lacey told me he’s acting strange again. They’re really worried about him.”

  That got Eden’s attention. “Really?”

  Her mom glanced over. “He’s hardly eating anything. It’s like he’s starving himself. Lacey is beside herself on what to do. I was thinking of having the Hawkins’s over for the 4th next week, but maybe we better not.” Her mom gave her a sympathetic look.

  Not eating again? She hated the dread trickling in.

  “No, Mom, invite them. Maybe I can talk to Micah. We’re still best friends. I shouldn’t be avoiding him.”

  Eden tossed the cut watermelon into a bowl as the doorbell rang. When Brendon ran to answer it, she debated what to do. Her mom continued to slice tomatoes and pickles for the relish tray. Eden wiped her hands on a towel; her hands were shaking. Taking a deep breath, she retrieved the knife and deliberately sliced into a cantaloupe.

  A few moments later, Caleb emerged into the great room with Brendon. Since their kitchen was open to the great room, she watched Caleb set up a video game with Brendon on the big screen TV. Lacey came into the kitchen next. They all said their hellos, and then their moms began discussing the new table saw Eden’s mom had bought her dad for his birthday.

  Lacey said, “I think Jared wants a new one too. They’re out in the garage, looking at it.”

  Trent strolled into the kitchen, drawing Eden’s attention away from her mom’s conversation. He plopped on the stool next to hers and began popping chunks of cantaloupe from the bowl into his mouth.

  “Where’s Micah?” She dropped her voice lower and smiled. “Don’t tell me he’s still with Damon.”

  Trent’s smile was strained. “No, he’s out in the garage with his dad, looking at your dad’s tools.”

  What? No snarky come back?

  Studying him closer, she saw dark rings under his eyes. Her bad feeling got worse. He’s not sleeping…
Micah’s not eating.

  Hearing someone behind her, she stiffened. Trent glanced over his shoulder, and she did too. She almost gasped, but bit her lip instead. Micah’s stood behind her, his blue eyes penetrating. She almost overlooked the paleness in his skin since her heart was banging against her rib cage.

  She stood and he stepped closer.

  He bumped her shoulder with his body. “Hey, stranger.”

  She nudged him back. “Hey, to you too.”

  His smile sent a thrill through her.

  She glanced away, catching eyes with her mom.

  “We got it in here. Why don’t you guys go catch up?” her mom offered.

  “Ok.” Eden felt awkward knowing their moms were watching. She followed Micah and Trent into the great room, trying to remember she had a purpose. I need to know what’s up with Micah.

  “So, is it true?” she asked him as they sat down on a couch together.

  He glanced over. “What true?”

  “That you’re not eating again?” There, it’s out in the open.

  Trent was the one to answer. “He has a name for it, but I say he’s just starving himself to death.”

  She glanced at Trent and then stared at Micah.

  He shook his head, grinning. “Always the drama queen.”

  Trent didn’t laugh. He stood up to join Caleb and Brendon playing the video game instead.

  “So, why aren’t you eating?” she pressed.

  He gave her a side-glance. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.”

  “Sweet! Did you see that?” Brendon blurted, pointing at the screen.

  Micah looked at the TV, but she continued to gaze at his profile. She was debating if she should keep pushing him when her mom came in and said, “Time to eat everyone.”

  Guess it’ll have to wait. Lunch was set up buffet style, Eden’s dad bringing in a platter full of hamburgers, hotdogs, and steaks. Micah gestured for her to go first. She shook his head and he gave her a friendly shove forward. She sighed and began scooping potato salad on her plate. His arm brushed hers as he followed her. By the time she’d reached the end of the line, she wondered if all the bumps and brushes were accidents at all. He seemed to be trying to be near her.

  She sat at the table, her heart in a tizzy. She was disappointed when he sat across from her. Guess no more accidental touches.