by Nicole Smith
“I don’t believe you. Adam is gone. He has been gone for months now,” I tried to convince myself of this.
“He is not gone, believe me. I wish he was,” he replied somberly.
“His message for you is that, he will see you again. When you’re ordered to capture him, he will be waiting for you. He is not happy that you are living with Hayden. Natalie, he has returned to the others, he is a Geist again. He told me he plans on causing so many disturbances that you will have no choice but to find him. He will evade all the other Seekers until you come for him. I must warn you that he is no longer controlled by his boundaries either, don’t underestimate him. Be cautious and don’t let your guard down for a minute. He has a team of followers who will do his bidding. Please be careful. I have heard enough about you to realize that you are an asset to this cause, we can’t risk losing you,” he sighed as he turned to look at me. I was hurt and frightened by his words. How could Adam have lied to me like that? He knew how upset I was and yet he played me for a fool.
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about me when I find him,” I said quietly. I tackled Adam’s messenger quickly, he couldn’t resist looking into my eyes. He had a slight grin on his handsome face. His blonde curls bounced as I picked him up easily and carried him downstairs, not letting his face fall from my view. I was still surprised by how light he was considering he had to be at least six feet tall and he was muscular too. I placed him carefully in the chest and locked it.
I really didn’t have the ambition to find the last one now. I felt so betrayed and stupid for thinking Adam loved me as much as I had loved him. When did he stop loving me? I just wanted to curl up in Hayden’s arms. I knew Carlos wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t finish this training session. I listened and instantly heard that the last one was in the kitchen. I raced in and opened the broom closet door. She hit me with it, right on the top of my head.
“Hey. That’s not fair!” I shouted at her. She seemed alarmed by my anger. I don’t think she has actually hurt anyone during this game before. I felt the broom hit me and it startled me at first but now I couldn’t feel where it hit me. I wished she would try again. She had managed to hang from the light in the living room. She was skinny and tall, Amazon like with her tanned skin and dark hair that hung down her back. Her eyes were almost all I could see as she leapt toward me. I fell under her but just as she tried to jump away from me I grabbed her hand. She wouldn’t look at me. She climbed up the stairs with me hanging onto her. We crashed onto the landing upstairs and she jumped out the window, she was crawling on the roof. I didn’t know we were allowed outside. I scrambled out the window after her. Just as she was about to tackle me again I jumped at her at the same time. As we collided I looked her straight in the eye. She wasn’t going to delay me from getting back to Hayden. I jumped off the roof with her in my arms. I kicked open the door and dropped her in the chest, slamming the lid down.
“Carlos!” I shouted. He came running in, smiling.
“Excellent girl, you kicked ass!” he was exuberant as he danced around me.
“Thanks Carlos but I need to get back to the Inn now, I’m not feeling right. I need to see Hayden.”
“Right, all that stuff Hoby was talking about, I don’t know if you should believe him, he tends to be a bit of a shit disturber,” Carlos tried to make light of it all.
“I need to see Hayden. Please, Carlos, can I come back tomorrow to finish with Sofia?” I begged.
“Just let me call Clive, one sec.” He walked outside to call.
“Hey Clive, I think Natalie is tired can she finish tomorrow, she’s done a great job, she really has. I don’t know if you’ve talked to Liam yet?”
“Right. Okay. No problem. See you then.” He hung up and walked back over to me.
“We’re going to meet him back at the entrance, let’s go.” As soon as I was out of the house Carlos opened each chest quickly than ran out to me. Hoby stood on the porch and waved. I tried to smile back, I lifted my hand. He didn’t look like someone that liked to cause problems. He looked like a sweet dumb surfer. As much as I didn’t want to, I liked him.
Clive was waiting beside his jeep. I didn’t see Liam or Sofia. He waved as we approached.
“Well done love, I hear you were a natural out there. Liam doesn’t impress easily but you certainly managed too. I hear the same great news from Carlos. I would love to have you stay with Sofia but I can understand if you’ve had enough for one day. Tomorrow morning I’ll be waiting for you again though,” he nodded as we headed towards the jeep.
I was quiet on the way back. I let Carlos do most of the talking. I could tell he was worried about me by the way he rubbed my shoulder from time to time on the way back. He knew everything Hoby told me was true. He just didn’t want me to know. I felt like crying but I held it in. I couldn’t talk to Clive about this but I’m sure either he already knows or he will soon. I just had to get to Hayden. As soon as the jeep was in park I thanked Carlos for a great day and told Clive I would see him in the morning. I ran quickly, but not too quickly, into the house and up the stairs. I wanted to avoid everyone, I just wanted Hayden.
I opened the door and called his name. He didn’t answer. I shut the door and crashed onto the sofa. I couldn’t stop my tears now. I was sobbing uncontrollably. It was probably a good thing Hayden wasn’t here. I barely heard a tap on the door and Hayden walk in. He quickly had me in his arms.
“Oh Natalie, I’m sorry if you had a rough day. It will get easier with practice darling,” he tried to console me. I started to laugh in between my sobs.
“What is so funny?” he asked, confused now.
“I had a great first day, just ask Liam and Carlos, they told me I’m a natural,” I said starting to calm myself now.
“I don’t understand, then why are you crying?” He wiped my tears with a tissue and brushed my hair from my face. He lifted my chin with his hand and looked me in the eyes.
“What happened?” he asked, more concerned now. He had a way of looking at me that made me think he could read my thoughts. He knew I discovered something I shouldn’t have.
“I’m sorry for crying, I just feel so stupid and deceived. I can’t believe he could have been so cold, especially to me. I did nothing but love him. Why has he turned on me like this?” Hayden was still confused as I tried to stop my tears and catch my breath.
“You’re talking about Adam I presume?” he said, frowning.
“I’m so sorry Hayden, yes, it’s Adam, he’s back to haunt me again,” I stood and walked to the window.
“I met a ghost named Hoby in the training house. He told me he had a message for me from Adam. I had no idea he was still here. I don’t understand it.” I felt more tears streaking my cheeks.
“I have heard these rumors but I thought it couldn’t be true. He had said good bye to you. He ended your relationship, why would he have done that if he didn’t have to actually leave this realm? What was the message Natalie?”
“He told Hoby that he knew my destiny was set as soon as I met you. I can remember Adam saying the same thing when you first drove me home after the party. He said I shouldn’t have met you yet, that my destiny had changed. I told him he was crazy and he didn’t say anything else. I don’t understand Hayden.” I wiped my fresh tears. Hayden walked over to me and held me in his arms. He seemed lost in thought. His eyes cleared and he looked down at me.
“What was the message Natalie?” Hayden asked again.
“Hoby said that Adam is waiting for me. He is going to do all he can to provoke the Seekers. They will have to search for him. His plan is to evade them until you have no choice but to send me after him. That’s what he wants,” I told Hayden this quietly. The thought of it sent shivers down my spine.
“Well you know I will not allow that, I will not have you go after him. Regardless of what he says, he will not be able to escape me. I will not let him near you. Do you understand? He has lost all rights when it comes to you. You a
re my love now. I will take care of you, but from what I understand of your day you really don’t need much protection do you?” he changed the subject abruptly.
“I’m impressed. I knew you were strong. I overheard Liam raving about you. He doesn’t do that often,” he kissed me again. I just melted into his chest. He put his fingers through mine. I could stay like this forever.
“Try not to think of Adam anymore tonight,” he whispered, as he kissed me again.
We stayed together, alone, that evening. We had dinner in our room. Later that night we went for a walk on the beach. The moon was so bright and the sounds were so different than anything I had heard back home. The waves were crashing against cliffs in the distance. Strange birds were singing in the dark. It was almost euphoric. I was so enchanted with everything here. I didn’t want to leave. Hayden held me close as we walked along the shore. I was thrilled by how well I could see in the dark. Hayden decided to test my new skills.
“There in the woods, what do you see?” he would ask suddenly and I would describe the animal or bird because I had no idea what they were called. Hayden would laugh and tell me it was a Margay, which apparently I was very lucky to spot or a Long-Tailed Potoo.
“I had no idea you were such a bird man,” I laughed as he scowled and carried on.
On our way back I tried to delay the night from ending. I didn’t want the morning to come, when I would have to leave Hayden’s side again. I flung my arms around him and held him closely. He grinned at me.
“My love, don’t you want to go in?” he asked so sweetly. I could see the twinkle in his eyes. I slid my hands under his loose shirt and slowly traced his chest with my fingers. He held me closer. He slid his hands down to rest on my hips and pulled me down on the sand with him.
In the morning Clive was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. Hayden held my hand as we walked down. I was feeling better this morning. I was in a much better frame of mind than I was yesterday afternoon. I was going to ignore Adam’s threats, whether they were real or not.
“Good morning Hayden, Natalie,” Clive smiled at us as we approached.
“Good morning Clive. I hope you bring my girl back in better spirits today,” Hayden threatened. I knew he was upset with Clive for exposing me to me Hoby.
“I plan on keeping her well, thriving actually Hayden, don’t worry. Sofia will be with her than apparently Carlos promised to teach her something extra. I think Liam wanted another go but I told him to wait till tomorrow, if that’s okay with you, Natalie,” he glanced at me.
“Yes, that sounds fine,” I said, still gripping Hayden’s hand. I really didn’t want to go at all but I knew I had too. I had my backpack with me today. I brought water, granola bars and an apple. I hoped it would sustain me till I returned.
“I’ll meet you outside Natalie. Have a good day Hayden,” Clive said as he walked out. I hugged Hayden tightly. He was reluctant to let me go too.
“Enjoy yourself darling, I’ll see you soon,” he whispered in my ear.
I jumped into the front seat of the jeep. Clive took off immediately down the dirt road.
“He really is protective of you isn’t he?” Clive commented without looking at me. I smiled thinking about Hayden watching out for me. I was glad it was noticeable.
“Are you feeling better today?” he asked, pulling me out of my thoughts of Hayden.
“Yes, thanks. I was just a little overwhelmed yesterday. I’m good now,” I tried to make it seem like nothing.
“I talked to Carlos after I dropped you off. I know about Hoby’s message. I also know that what he says isn’t entirely true.” Clive seemed to have a smirk on his face. He knew a lot more than I did about Adam and his façade.
“What do you mean?” I asked, not really wanting to know anymore.
“I know he is still here. I also know that he does not want to hurt you Natalie. He may want to see you but I do not believe he wants you to capture him. He wants to stay here. I think he may be saddened about you and Hayden being together but he wanted you to be with him, Adam knew he would take care of you. Trust me Natalie. You don’t have to be fearful of him. I’ll explain later, you have work to do now,” Clive looked over at me and winked. I can’t say I really trusted this man. I was relieved when I saw Sofia just up ahead.
“Hi Sofia,” I said as I hopped out of the jeep. I couldn’t get out quick enough. Sofia had the intuition to pick up on my mood instantly. I witnessed the glare she gave Clive and the inquisitive glance my way. Clive just grinned, like he had succeeded at something. I was trying to remain calm. I would not let any of these mind games upset me. I turned to Sofia again, waiting for her instructions.
“Let’s head over to the ocean. I want to start there and work our way inland,” she said quickly.
“Lead the way,” I gestured for her to go ahead. I took a deep breath and tried to focus.
The leaves on the trees were still wet from the early morning rain. The sound of the birds up in the tree canopy was incredibly loud and it sounded so chaotic. There were so many different sounds, but the surprising part was that I seemed to be able to make out every different tone, instead of it being just a mass of bird calls. I listened closer. I could hear the tree frogs too and hundreds of different kinds of insects under the forest floor. If I have to listen to all this much longer I think I’ll lose my mind. I shook my head and kept following Sofia until we made it out to the open water. The sound of the waves crashing was soothing compared to what I had just been through, I calmed instantly.
“Let’s stop here on the beach. I want to talk to you about some of the changes your probably noticing since yesterday.”
“Absolutely, I’m all ears,” I said laughing. I sat down beside her. Her black hair was pulled back into a braid today. She was wearing sunglasses that covered her green eyes. The sun was just starting to break through the clouds. I was already warming up. The beach was deserted. Sofia was looking into the jungle as though she was waiting for something. I followed her gaze. I saw a bush dog strolling along the edge of the woods. I could hear its webbed feet hit the ground gently with each step it took. Somehow I knew there were seven more of them in the woods, just out of sight. I could hear their individual heartbeats.
“I think you have discovered by now that your senses have changed. I want to make sure you understand them all and how they can be used in your best interest. I also want you to know how to tune them out so you don’t become overwhelmed by everything around you. I know that sometimes the world can be deafening,” she sighed, as if remembering some distant memory. I wondered how old she was and how long she has been a Seeker.
“I would love to learn how to do that. Is it difficult?” I asked, knowing this would be an incredibly valuable skill to have.
“No, it just takes concentration. Once you are in control of your own mind you will find you can turn the noise on and off at will,” she smiled and got up.
We spent hours focusing on sounds and movements. She taught me how to shield my mind from the noises. I listened to her and quickly grasped what she was trying to teach me. I was surprised by how easily it all came to me. I was thrilled with what I could hear, but I was even more thrilled by how easy it was to fade out the sounds I didn’t want to hear. I loved being able to control it. It was all about will power and finding that quite place in your mind. She compared it to meditation. The difference was I had to learn to be able to function while meditating.
As we walked through the forest I was able to point out everything, insects in the grass and birds in the trees that weren’t moving or chirping. I was aware of everything that surrounded us. Nothing could surprise me now. I really enjoyed Sofia’s company too. She was funny and really wanted to help me. She was impressed with my focus. We planned to get together once more before I went home.
As we were walking back towards the jeep I heard Carlos quickly approaching us. I grinned at Sofia, she heard him too. We both knew he was running fast. We stopped dead in
our tracks at the same time and looked in the direction he was coming from. He was still going full tilt when we finally saw him through the trees. He wasn’t expecting us to be so close yet. Sofia and I realized he wasn’t listening carefully enough. He wasn’t tuning out the sounds of the forest, like I had just been shown. I laughed quietly. Carlos almost shouted as we jumped simultaneously out in front of him. He had to stop so quickly he fell back, landing just off the trail. We both broke out in laughter at the same time as I reached my hand out to help him up. Carlos took it well though, he knew he had been caught with his guard down, his senses had failed him.
“She’s all yours Carlos if you think you can manage her,” Sofia joked, winking at me.
“Thanks so much Sofia. I hope to see you again before I go,” I said as she turned to leave us.
“I’m sure we’ll get together once more. It’s been fun Nat. See ya,” she said as she looked back at me and within seconds she was gone.
Carlos led me to a clearing in the woods. The sun was shining brightly now, I was beginning to feel my skin glistening from sweat.
“I want you to practice your running vaults before we go anywhere dangerous,” he said as I looked around at all the beautiful flowers that were scattered throughout the big green meadow he led me to.
“Sure. Good idea,” I said getting ready to run. Carlos ran with me and when he said `jump’ I leaped as far as I could go. It was kind of like running long jump in track and field. I was fascinated by how far my jump was. I secretly thought of going back to high school and competing now.
“I think you’re ready to try a cliff, what do you think?” Carlos asked grinning at me. The expression on his face reminded me of an excited little boy.
“Sure. No problem. You did say a small cliff right?” I was feeling anxious now. I really didn’t think a few jumps in a meadow was enough preparation before going cliff diving.
“I will jump with you and if I feel you falling I will grab you, okay?” he seemed serious now.
“Yes, I’m ready, don’t worry. I can do this,” I said trying to reassure him as much as myself.
