by Amy Lignor
Faith and Charles lifted Liz off the ground, and turned to Jason. “Are you all right?” Faith asked.
Jason stared at Liz. “Yes, I’m sorry. It was…out of my control.”
Faith hugged him. “It doesn’t matter. Just as long as everyone got out alive.”
The ground began to quiver beneath her feet as the townspeople raced over the hill. Screams of anguish and worry flowed from their friends, reaching through the mist of Liz’s guilt-ridden brain.
She stared at them all. Their eyes filled with tears.
Daniel’s father rushed to him. “Are you all right, son?”
Daniel released a harsh, cold whisper, “I had no choice. There was nothing else I could do.”
“You were here with Liz. She’s alive, son. You’ve done me proud.”
Liz heard their exchange. Turning away, she walked directly into Jason’s open arms. Burying her face in his chest, Liz sobbed. “I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine what you think of me now.”
Jason tightened his grip around her waist and whispered in her ear, “Don’t ever be sorry. I understand…I think. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’d do anything for you.”
Liz cried, “You don’t even know me.”
“Then let me get to know you better.”
Charles’ deep voice broke through the smoke-filled air. “What will you do now, Liz?”
“I don’t know,” she said glancing at Faith. “Start over, I suppose.”
“But this is your home,” Jason said.
“No,” Liz replied, pointing at the burning rubble. “That’s my home…and it’s gone.”
“Finally!” Charles shouted. “I am finally happy my parents are rich, good for nothing people—because I can help.”
“I can’t take your money, Charles,” Liz replied.
She heard the voice of Faith behind her, “Well, I can. And I’ll work hard to pay it back.”
“Then you must travel with me in order to do that,” Charles replied. “Jason’s no good at carrying my things and making my dinner. I have prayed every night for someone more reliable than him. Prettier, too,” he said winking at Faith. “It’s a sign. You’ll both join us on our new journey; a quest to find you a new home.”
Liz was so tired. She was barely eighteen and yet she felt like a great grandmother getting ready to go to her Maker. She raised her chin and stared into Jason’s handsome face. “Do you want us to come with you? I can’t promise anything but friendship.”
He gave her an understanding smile saying, “God knows I need someone else to talk to besides Charles. If I hear his boring stories one more time, I may throw myself into the ocean just to get a break.”
Liz walked over to her friends…her family…to say her good-byes. She hugged or shook hands with everyone who cared for her. There were tears, as the small village wished them well.
Coming to the end of the line, Liz stared into the eyes she’d never forget.
“I love you,” Daniel proclaimed grabbing her hand.
“I’ll always be with you, Daniel. You know that.”
The muscles in his neck turned purple as an unmistakable cloud of jealousy filled his gaze. He aimed his glare at Jason. “He’ll never make you happy.”
“What’s happy, Daniel? This?”
“He’ll never understand you like I do.”
“Maybe not, but that’s why I have you,” Liz said placing her hand against Daniel’s swollen cheek. “We’ll always be friends. Won’t we?”
He sighed. “Of course, we’re a team, you and I.”
Suddenly the white mist clouded Liz’s mind. “Be happy, Daniel. Today…everything changed.”
“No,” he stated. “We will never change, Liz. I’ll see you again…real soon.” He turned to Charles. “Take care of her.”
Jason growled behind his back. “Don’t worry, I will.”
Fire burned in Daniel’s eyes, as Faith came up behind him and gave him a big hug. “I love you, sweetheart of mine. Take care of your handsome self and thank you for today.”
Jason shuddered. “You’re thanking him?”
Faith shrugged. “I’ve gotten what I’ve always wanted, if that makes any sense?”
“No,” Daniel laughed, pulling Faith close. “But I suppose it does to you. I hope you’re right about your choice. It’s hard to live with regret.”
“I’m always right, dear boy. Haven’t you noticed?” With that, she took Charles’ hand. “Goodbye, Daniel. I’ll see you.”
“Yes, you will, Faith. I promise.”
Liz placed the black and white kitten into Daniel’s hands. “Take care of him for me.”
She walked back to Jason, and mounted his horse. He sat behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, but Liz felt nothing. As she stared down at Daniel for the very last time, her heart and mind were on fire. She had rage, sadness, anger, confusion—everything she once believed to be true about their friendship would no longer be a part of her life.
“Are you sure about this?” Jason whispered.
She nodded.
His voice was soft and low, “I hope you’ll never regret leaving this place—leaving him.”
Liz took one last look at the only home she’d ever known. “What Daniel and I need is a second chance.” Her heart ached as she stared into the flames that held a hidden corpse in their smoldering grip.
What seemed like only minutes had passed in her life, yet the images of Daniel lugging Billy’s body into the bar, the life they’d taken, would stay with her for eternity. He had begged Liz to help save him from a life in prison, just as he had saved her from Billy’s deadly aim. It was only after he’d made his horrible plea that Daniel had turned around to see the dark haired stranger standing in the corner of the small kitchen, listening to his confession.
Daniel’s eyes had grown cold when he realized what he’d done, and all he could think of was getting rid of the one witness who could destroy his entire life. But Liz had begged him to spare Jason, and a deadly deal was made. Daniel and Liz then set the fire, sacrificing all they’d ever known to bury Billy’s corpse and save their own hides.
The magnitude of what they’d done forced them to sacrifice each other, as well. But somewhere deep inside Liz’s soul, she knew that they would meet again. Because of one murderous moment—one bad decision—their futures would be forever intertwined.
Liz looked back at the place she’d always called home. She’d have to figure out how to live with the fact that a human life would forever be buried in the rubble of her once innocent life.
“We all make mistakes. Don’t ever look back,” Jason whispered. “Up ahead is where your life is just beginning.”
Liz nodded. She was so confused. The warmth she felt for her new savior blended with the regret she felt for having to leave her old friend behind.
“By the way, Beth?”
“Yes?” She asked closing her eyes before turning her face up to the sun.
“What’s your last name?”
She giggled. After all they’d been through, it seemed like a ridiculous question. “O’Conner. Yours?”
“Perrie,” he whispered. “Jason Perrie.”
“I like that.” A smile danced on her lips, as she fell into a peaceful slumber.
***
Daniel watched the riders disappear. He longed to get away from the sickening smell of death. He turned his attention to the new problem that’d arisen. One mistake was buried today, now he had to deal with the man who was holding the only girl he had ever loved.
Liz should be his. But now she was off to some faraway place with the wrong man by her side.
I’ll fix this. I’ll make this right. Someday I’ll make her understand that she was born to be with me.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Home
The newly polished door sparkled. Emily could smell the strong scent of the orange oil used by the hardworking caretaker. She knocked, as always, knowing that the actions of the people inside the
room were top secret.
The sign above the door was lit. The large bubble letters read—in session. That meant under no circumstances was anyone allowed to enter. But Emily needed to talk to Mark and she knew that this was a meeting he always attended. Knocking one last time, she swung the door open. A bright red object flew at her head, and Emily immediately ducked letting it ping off the precious metal behind her. She read the words on the bright shiny wrapper—Kit-Kat. Emily looked over at the four shapes huddled around a card table. “What’s this?”
The four chairs were filled with liquid bubbles of metallic colors; the large raindrops bounced up and down on the four metal chairs, but when Emily spoke, the drops quickly evaporated. The colors swirled up into the air forming a rainbow-colored cloud above her head. As the cloud split into four separate pieces, human forms floated back down into the chairs. Emily waited as each mass transformed before her eyes into a quartet of men known the world over.
“John, what is this?” Emily asked again holding up the wrapper.
Saint John stroked his long, black beard and stared at her; his sad eyes let Emily know he was having the worst luck of all in today’s meeting. “It’s a candy bar. I just lost it…among others,” he grumbled. “But I’ll have you know that Luke is cheating.”
Saint Luke, a smaller man with a golden beard and a twinkling smile, laughed out loud. He picked up the piles of colorfully wrapped objects stacked in front of him. “Come now, John, it’s not my fault that you haven’t mastered the art of blackjack.”
Saints Matthew and Mark huddled next to each other. Their mouths covered in chocolate and nougat. Considering the ocean of candy wrappers that littered the floor, Emily knew that the card game must’ve been going on for days.
She scanned the other wrappers. “Baby Ruth?”
John smiled. “He’ll be a heck of a ball player someday.”
“Ball player?”
“Baseball.”
“Oh.” Emily was confused. She had no idea how a bar of candy would be able to play a game with a ball.
John stood up and gave her a hug. “Don’t be concerned. I’m sure you’ll experience that life, too.”
Emily pushed him away when a sharp point bit into her shoulder. “Ouch! What is that?”
John jumped back with a frightened look on his face. “I’m sorry, did he get you?” He reached up and patted the parrot sitting on his shoulder.
As Emily rubbed her tender skin, she noted John’s strange costume. His dark beard was braided, and a patch covered his right eye. His white shirt was decorated with ruffles and his brown pants clung tightly to his legs.
“Like it?” He pointed to the human skull and bones that were painted on his black hat. He grinned. “I’m a pirate.”
Emily gazed at him. “What’s wrong with your eye?”
“Nothing,” he snickered. “The patch just adds a little something extra, don’t you think?” He laughed, as he crammed chocolate bars into the pockets of his pants.
“Hey,” Luke snapped, rising from his chair. “Those are mine!”
Emily took a step back and studied Luke. A white wig hugged his head, perfectly offsetting the shiny black robe he wore. His face was painted with a fine powder that made him look like a man who hadn’t seen the sun in years, and a big black mole was pasted to his cheek.
John laughed and moved away from him. “But Barrister, you must understand that I am but a mere pirate. I mean no harm but I must pilfer the loot. It’s in me’ blood, matey.”
Emily laughed at John’s strange accent and watched the two learned men chase each other around the table. The four friends were always so calm and regal at the council meetings, but every time they came together on their own, the childish fun and banter began. After all, they deserved this time together. They were always seen as stately and refined as they offered the words of wisdom that humanity tried to live by.
She looked at the two older men as they continued to eat the chocolate bars the others had forgotten about. Matthew and Mark were the elders of the group and shared the same tired expression, like older brothers who were completely bored with their babysitting duties.
Emily inspected Saint Matthew’s joyful costume. His hat was made of four triangles—each a different color—with little bells dangling from each corner that rang every time he moved his head. His baggy suit was way too big for him, and the slippers he wore on his feet squeaked when he walked.
He winked. “Is it, me?”
Emily laughed. “You look like those little elves we visited on Christmas Eve.”
She moved her gaze to Mark. He was the largest of the group. Blessed with dashing good looks, the wavy hair and emerald eyes of the shell he transformed into made all the ladies lose their fear when they arrived at Heaven’s gate. Mark also had the wonderful gift of making everyone feel immediately at home in his presence, no matter how harrowing the journey had been.
Emily always referred to her teacher as the charmer, and he didn’t disappoint. Today, he was dressed in a black tuxedo. His wavy hair was slicked back and he looked like someone who’d stepped directly out of the pages of a romantic novel. Emily loved his elegant manner. All the classes she’d taken with him regarding prose and the use of her heart in times of need had always been her favorites. Although her own partner had no desire for such drivel, as Matt liked to call it, Emily longed for any information that Saint Mark could give. She remembered when Mark had taken her down there when she was just a child to celebrate a romantic holiday dedicated to helping people fall in love.
Mark liked that job a lot. His three friends had always teased him about it, calling him by his adopted name of Saint Valentine from time to time, but Mark just let them laugh. He’d taught Emily that through all the trials and tribulations she would have to endure, love would always win out in the end.
He smiled warmly at her. As Saint Matthew continued to devour John and Luke’s candy, Mark stood up and took Emily’s hand. Stepping over the younger men who were still wrestling on the marble floor, Mark led her out of the room. “Come, I do not wish such a grown-up lady to have to endure the sight of these moronic children.”
She giggled, as they walked through the golden door into Mark’s classroom.
The walls were always white, waiting for Mark to produce his next masterpiece. He always painted such magical scenes with his eyes. The medieval castle that he swore Emily would someday see appeared on the ceiling. Fire-breathing dragons circled the tower where a distressed damsel waited to be rescued. Emily loved the ridiculous fairy tales he created.
“Sit down, lovely girl. You look as though you have some questions for me,” Mark said waving his hand behind her as a red velvet settee rose up from the thick sapphire carpet.
He conjured one for himself and sat down. Throwing one leg over the arm, he folded his large hands in his lap. “Well?”
Emily smiled. “Why were they all dressed like that?”
He winked. “They’ve been called down to explore the land. One will pillage, one will joke, and one will lay down the law with his own hand.”
“And?” she asked, giggling at the rhyme. “Where will your journey take you?”
Mark glanced at his clothing and raised a confused eyebrow. “Nowhere, I just like this outfit.”
“Okay,” she said rolling her eyes. “I do have a couple of questions that I think only you can answer.”
“Shoot.”
“I know you’ve been keeping watch,” Emily began, searching his face.
“Yes.”
“I’m a bit confused,” Emily hesitated, wringing her sweaty hands.
“Yes.”
She sighed, “I’m not acting like myself.”
Mark sat quietly, waiting for her to continue as his leg bounced up and down on the armrest of the couch.
“There’s this person—a person I hardly know. But…I feel like I’ve known him for a long time.” She paused. “I feel strange around him. Even when I don’t see him, it’
s like I can feel him staring at me. And when I do see him, the look in his eyes makes me feel funny…like my belly is on fire. I only just met him, but I can’t seem to hide anything from him. I don’t want to hide anything from him.”
She stood up and began to pace back and forth across the soft carpet. “There’s also this other boy…Daniel. I feel weird around him, too. With him, I can share anything…everything.” She bowed her head. “I already have. He and I did something terrible, Mark. I think it was terrible. No…I know it was terrible. And instead of hiding our mistake from this other man, I let him hear all about it.”
“Did he turn away from you?”
“No, he invited me to travel with him, if you can believe it. I don’t know, he didn’t seem to care. He just…understood, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone, like it was all going to be okay. And instead of questioning it, I got on a horse and rode away with him, leaving everything I knew and everyone I ever loved behind.”
Mark smiled. “He sounds like a good man, not someone whose motives should be questioned.”
“But don’t you think it’s a little strange? He doesn’t even know me.”
“Well, of course he knows you. All the souls you meet down there know you. Maybe he’s even your soulmate.”
“But I also care very much for Daniel. He protects me, and he’s always there to offer a helping hand. He’s so kind and I completely understand the way he feels about things. But I chose to walk away from him. Why?”
“Daniel is also a player in your life down there. Perhaps he’ll play the part of your soulmate.”
“That’s such a dumb word,” Emily said waving her arms in the air feeling anger swell in her soul. “You create a stranger up here, then put him down there for me specifically?”
“No. You make your soulmate. We don’t do that. You choose before you go down. Your soul splits when it’s born, leaving the other half to appear when its presence is requested.”
“I requested its presence?”
“In a way…you were alone…you were scared. Your soulmate provides you with the strength and confidence to help others.”
“So will I fall in love?” Emily heard the hope running through her voice.
