Atlantis (36 page)

The light in my room was dim. The faint trickle of moonlight through my window was all there was to help distinguish shapes. There were no colors in this light. I couldn’t even make out Nicholas’s facial features. But I could see the light in his eyes. I was going to have to be careful. I still wanted my friend when all was said and done.

“
So I’m here hoe, as requested.” He handed me the roses.

“
Thanks Nitch-o-las. What are the flowers for?” Playing dumb might work?

“
You, obviously.”

I held them up. “I caught that much. Why?”

He sat down beside me. “I was kind-of hoping this was a second date?” I could tell he was being careful as he walked on thin ice.

I did the same.

“
I was really just hoping for a night talk with my friend.” I grabbed his hand. “You are still my friend, right?”

He inched closer, both in proximity and to my heart. “I’ll always be here for you Lilly.” Nicholas grabbed my hand as he swore his oath.

I lay the flowers on my nightstand next to the vase of gardenias. Too bad Nicholas really was such a sweet and handsome guy. Perhaps if he had only made his move a week earlier, things would be
different. But
I
was different now. Something inside me had awakened, and it wouldn’t be denied. My opal sparkled in the moonlight.

Nicholas lay beside me and tucked me in under his big strong arm. “What would you like to talk about hoe?”

It was such a pain that life was so complicated. All I really wanted to say was
I really just wanted to take a nap with you and see if I could project to an alternate plane and be with my boyfriend.
But that would be cruel, and I felt dirty enough already. I wish I didn’t need Nicholas now. He could tell I was uncomfortable. And I couldn’t think of a decent answer to his question. The truth wasn’t an option, so I was quiet.

Nicholas took my silence wrong. “Do you want me to leave?”

“
No. No. Its not that.”
What was I going to say?
“I just woke from a nightmare when you got here. I’m still recovering that’s all.”

“
It’s alright sweetie.” He caressed my back as he held me protected in his arms. “What was your nightmare about?”

I took a deep breath in and noticed Nicholas smelled nice. He had put on cologne for me. I tried to block out the scent as I answered his question. “I was falling.”

“
I hate those dreams.”

“
It was more than that though. It was so real.”

“
What do you mean?”

“
I’m not sure how to word it, but it was like it actually happened.” I thought for a moment, “or will?” The last bit trailed off in a whisper.

I could feel Nicholas’s heartbeat speed up at the thought of my death. He whispered back to me, “You’re alright, I’ve got you. You’re safe here.” It sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than me.

“
I know.” I only answered his first affirmation.

His hand caressing my back, stopped where he could feel my heartbeat. “Lil, you’re alright. Why is your heart still going a hundred miles a minute?”

“
I don’t know.”

“
That must have been some dream. I’ll go make you some chamomile tea if you like. Would that help?”

“
Yeah. But my mom’s home. I better do it.” I got up and started to head for the door. Turning back I added, “Would you like some tea?”

“
Sure hoe.”

“
I’ll be right back,” and I shut the door behind me.

I hurried down to the kitchen. I didn’t bother to turn on any lights. I didn’t really want anyone waking up and ruining my plans for the evening. The microwave was kind-of loud, so rather than use it I quickly filled a pot with water and set it on the stove to boil. While I waited for bubbles, I got out two cups and the tea bags from the cupboard. It had only been a few minutes but the water was already hot. I didn’t waste any time pouring the water into the cups and heading back upstairs.

I couldn’t open my door with each hand carrying a cup of scalding hot tea. I quietly tapped the door with the glass and waited for a minute, but nothing happened. I did it again. And again there was no response. The cups were too hot to try and tuck one under my arm.
Ugh
. I sat one down on the floor and opened my door.

There, asleep on my bed, was Nicholas. I almost knocked the glass of tea on the floor over I was so happy. Now I didn’t have to fake interest in some made-up conversation about why I wanted him here tonight. Setting both cups of tea on my desk and locking my door, I lay down next to my best friend and tried to project.

I did as Elliott said. I purposefully relaxed each part of my body. My breathing was calm and mindful. I cuddled next to Nicholas and gave his hand a squeeze. His hand squeezed back and he pulled me closer in his sleep. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and tried to let go.

It worked.

Instantly, I could feel the wind in my hair as the falling sensation overtook me. But this time I wasn’t scared. I had only one person on my mind and I knew I would see him soon. With a soft thud I landed on the green grass of the meadow.

The energy overload shocked my system for just a second. Though I was getting quicker at recovering, and also used to feeling the energies mix with my own. Two things happened simultaneously as I finally opened my eyes: Elliott swung me up in his arms and rain drops fell on my face.

“
You did it! You projected on purpose!” Elliott’s aura glowed with happiness and our embrace became a kiss. “I’m so proud of you!” was the first thing he said when my lips let his free.

I couldn’t help but be proud of myself too. “Thanks. It was really easy!” My smile seemed to radiate off me. Still in Elliott’s arms, I looked up. “Why is it raining?”

“
I want to hear everything Miele. How did you do it? Was I right about Nicholas? Did he help you?”

The smile was plastered to my face. I chuckled at the onslaught of questions. “One at a time. First, why is it raining?” I repeated my question. For although rain was trickling down from the star filled heavens, not a cloud was in the sky.

“
Water is a window to other worlds Lilly. We are both overflowing with happiness, and the universe responds in kind.” He laid me down on the grass amongst the lavender. The smells seemed enhanced with the addition of the fresh scent of rain.

“
I don’t get it. What do you mean the universe responds to our emotions?”

“
I’d really rather hear how you projected.”

“
Please?” My eyes lowered and I shook my head. “You first.”

“
Va bene. (Alright.) Close your eyes,” he paused. “Can you feel the energy of the grass and flowers around you?”

“
Yes.”

“
Can you feel the soul of the heavens above?”

“
Yes.”

“
Can you feel my soul?”

My answer was the most true statement I had ever made. “Yes.” I opened my eyes to the green sea of his staring back at me.

“
Well mia amore, we can feel their energies, and they can also feel ours.”

I turned my confused face back towards the falling heavens. “How?”

“
Everything that came from nature is connected. Think about your meadow. You go there because you feel good hiding amongst the trees and leaves and grasses and flowers. Whether or not you realized it, you go there because you enjoy mixing your energy with nature. Most people lose touch with the world. Never stopping to appreciate a gentle breeze, the beauty and scent of a freshly bloomed flower, and most never look up at one of the most amazing sights they would ever see in the stars above. But just because they don’t bother to pay attention, doesn’t mean the connection isn’t there. Its raining down a celebration of happiness. Water is one of the most sensitive elements to emotions.”

“
I think I get it, maybe. Does that have something to do with
water is the key
?”

“
A part, yes. The most important thing to take from all this is that when you start to look at things differently is when you see what’s really there.”

I couldn’t help myself. I hugged Elliott close as the water fell from above. He was right though. The rain did feel happy somehow. The warm raindrops fell on our face as I moved my lips closer to his for a kiss. His soft lips moved over mine with such skill. He knew exactly what I liked. I guess he would know after being together for such a long time. I only wish I could remember it. After what felt like only a few minutes of twisting our tongues, and subsequently energies, together Elliott started to pull back and nibble on my lip. I opened my eyes when his lips had made it to my cheek. “What?” I asked.

“
It’s time you go.” I knew I shouldn’t, but I felt hurt. He could see it in my eyes. “I don’t want you to go Miele, but its almost light.”

I looked around and noticed the stars and raindrops were starting to fade. The sky was a beautiful mix of pink and orange. I hugged Elliott close and breathed him in. I would never get over how he smelled so good. “How do I get back?”