The Awakener

by Amanda Strong

  “So, what was up with you and that girl today?” Megan asked, hands on hips.

  By the way she stood in front of the couch glaring down at him, Micah had one guess why he’d gotten the silent treatment the entire drive to his house after school. She’s upset about Eden still. He sighed. “I already told you—she’s my best friend. Or was,” he added, seeing his girlfriend flinch. “Why are you being like this anyway? What’s the big deal?”

  Megan let out a short blast of air from her mouth, making a face at him. He hated when she did that; it really wasn’t attractive.

  “What’s the big deal? Micah, you’re leaving me in like two weeks!” Her voice hitched up in a hysterical sob.

  Great, now everything’s my fault because she’s crying. He cringed.

  “Sorry, Meg. I know you’re upset I’m going,” he soothed. He patted the seat cushion next to him. “Come here.”

  Pouting, she sank down beside him. She sniffed and then leaned her head against his chest. “Why do you have to leave? Just stay here with me.” She sniffed again.

  Irritated, he rehearsed the same lines over again. “My parents already paid for the semester. My cousin gets here next week. I’m only going to be gone three months.”

  “And you’re probably going to flirt with every girl in Rome too, right?”

  “Meg, don’t you trust me at all?” Now he didn’t hide his irritation.

  “No, not after how you acted today with that Eden girl!”

  Ironically, what was irking her was the same thing bothering him too. He’d been happy to discover the tall blonde bowling him over was Eden. His parents told him the McCarthy’s were moving back to Bon Air and he’d been hoping he’d get to see his old friend again before leaving. What he hadn’t counted on was how rude his friends would act.

  “Yeah, about that. What was up with you guys today?” he asked.

  Megan stared at him.

  “You all acted like jerks,” he reminded her.

  Her eyes bulged. “I can’t believe you’re making this all about her. You’re totally dodging it.”

  “Dodging what?”

  “You were holding her arms like forever! I saw the way you looked at her. Don’t even try to deny it!”

  Micah threw up his hands. “Meg, really? Are you that jealous of Eden?”

  “Yes, well, no… I don’t know! So you swear you don’t like her like her?”

  “No more than Chase or any other of my friends. She’s just a friend to me, I swear.”

  She smiled and then giggled. “Ok.” She laid her cheek against his upper arm, too short to reach his shoulder. “Guess I just want you all to myself until you leave.”

  He moved his hand to the top of her head, brushing her hair back. Normally, he’d kiss her forehead or utter some reassuring nonsense, but not today. Since Megan was engrossed in the TV show, he let his eyes wander the living room. Hard to believe I’m actually leaving. With football done for the season, he didn’t mind being gone the last half of his junior year. Megan minded.

  Knowing his parents were out to dinner with friends, a movement in the front entry caught his eye. Rotating to get a better look, he disturbed Megan. She peered up at him.

  “Sorry, I thought I saw—” He froze, staring.

  Poised in the entryway, a woman appeared out of nowhere. Her pearly white skin contrasted with the form-fitted crimson gown she wore. Her face was beautiful: a straight nose, red full lips, and riveting, onyx eyes. Black hair reached the leather belt at her waist.

  Megan spun around, searching the room. “Micah, saw what?”

  His eyes flickered to Megan and then back to the woman in red. She’s breathtaking. His jaw went slack, his mouth gaping open.

  “What is it? Why won’t you answer me?” There was panic in Megan’s voice now, but he felt transfixed. The woman’s lips slowly parted, opening. His breath caught, waiting for her to speak. Instead, her head inclined, her body bowing, and then she was gone. Disappearing into the nothingness she’d come from.

  “Sorry,” he said, exhaling, his shoulders slumping forward.

  Megan was either going to cry or scream, he wasn’t quite sure yet. “I thought I saw something,” he explained.

  “What? What’d you see?”

  “Uh, nothing, really.” It sounded lame. I’m a terrible liar.

  “Nothing? You’re totally freaking me out! That wasn’t nothing.”

  “Sorry,” he repeated. He didn’t know what else to say. Man, I feel like I just did football drills. He noted Megan’s scowl. I’m not sure I can handle her hysterics. I just saw a freaking ghost! Somehow, he knew Megan would not be able to handle that truth.

  “Sorry? You’re sorry! I swear, Micah—”

  “Megan, please. I just can’t do this with you right now.”

  Her mouth snapped shut, her eyes narrowing.

  When he remained quiet, she stood in a huff. “Fine, be that way. I’m going home.”

  He forced himself to his feet, but she was already storming from the room. Do I even want to follow?

  “Meg, wait,” he called, stepping after her.

  “First the flirting and now this… I just can’t take anymore.” They were by the front door now. She whirled around, facing him. “Go to Rome and forget all about me.” She jabbed a finger at his chest. “We’re through, Micah!” She threw the door open and slammed it behind her, leaving Micah speechless.

  Wow, didn’t see that coming… Chase wasn’t kidding about her being the jealous type. Feeling guilty, yet relieved she was gone, he returned to the couch, sinking down into its cushions. He kneaded his eyes with his knuckles before staring back at the entryway.

  Who was that woman? he wondered. Will she come back?