The Watchers Trilogy: Awakening
Page 34
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We all were snuggly in the car with the tree fastened down tightly on top with countless yards of twine. I snacked on another set of cookies I snagged from the office when we paid, while everyone buckled in and got situated.
“So are we off to dinner?” Cyril asked, as he adjusted the rearview mirror. Athen grabbed my hand. I looked over at him and filled up with gratitude at his level of understanding.
“Yeah, sounds good to us. We need a beer for our troubles.” Athen responded as lightly as he could along with the much needed hand squeeze I got.
“Thank you,” I mouthed to Athen.
“That’s what I’m here for, sweetheart. I’ll always protect you.” I looked at him realizing his mouth was not moving. A chill went through my body. Did I hear his thought? An entire thought? Not just a word? I didn’t know what to make of it. I didn’t want to ask him in case I imagined it.
I was staring intently at Athen’s face apparently trying to read it for some sign when he winked at me, letting me know that it did just happen.
“You heard correctly. You heard my thought.” Athen was looking for a reaction. I couldn’t give him that yet. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling, fear or excitement. It was all kind of running together. Then I realized just how clearly he could hear my thoughts, all of them. My blood ran cold as I thought of his demise and serpent eyes. I wondered what he had pried from my mind so far.
“Wow.” Was all that came out.
We drove to the pub in silence. I was staring out the window in awe wondering what was going to happen next with my abilities or lack of them.
“When will I be able to help people?” I blurted out.
Cyril looked at me in the rearview mirror, and Arie turned around in her seat.
“It won’t be long, sweetie,” Athen replied tentatively. “We’ll start small after you see some of what we do. Maybe, next time we are up in Whistler?”
“Ok. I was only wondering.”
“No, I get it entirely.” He squeezed my hand as we pulled into the parking lot. As if on cue, my stomach growled. I was thrilled at the thought of a beer and a good old-fashioned cheeseburger.
We all got settled into the booth near the corner window, which was a nice view. The twinkling lights outside made the place even more festive and reminded me a bit of Whistler. I started to miss Whistler but was happy to be here with my family.
CHAPTER 21