Sleep Keeper (22 page)

As quickly as it began, the pain ceased and I fell limp over Orion. I lay on top of him, covered in sweat. My head was disoriented; I was too exhausted to move. Gentle thuds vibrated against my face. I felt his chest rising and falling. I peeled open my eyes and used my shaky arms to push myself up. I looked up to Orion’s rosy cheeks.

He sat up next to me; both of us held equally baffled expressions. He ran his hands down his chest to find no wound. He turned toward me and I threw my arms around him, squeezing as tight as I could.

“How?” he stammered.

“I don’t know and I don’t care, as long as you’re alive,” I cried.

He held me back tightly. I kissed his neck and relaxed my hold. He took my hands in his, turning them over for inspection. He ran his fingers down the lines of my palms and traced my fingertips.

“You healed me?” he asked.

Don’t be ridiculous; I definitely did not do this. Maybe it was you,” I suggested.

“I was dead, Alexis.”

“Then maybe it was both of us.”

I laced my fingers through his. He smiled back. I threw myself back onto him, kissing him deeply. I knew he was still skeptical but I was hoping he would let it go. I didn’t want to jinx the situation by overanalyzing a miracle. Sometimes miracles should not be understood.

I rose to my knees and looked up at the heavens. “Thank you,” I whispered.

I closed my eyes and laid my head across his shoulder. His heart was beating strongly against my chest. I wished time would stand still and keep us frozen together.

My heart ached as I thought about being alone again in a few hours, but I was grateful for every sleeping minute I got. I crawled into his lap and we held each other, our body’s molded into one. Our hearts beating in rhythm, our breaths synchronized.

              “Hey!” I pulled myself upright as the realization of Orion’s actions just hit me. “What were you thinking stabbing yourself like that?! Have you lost your mind?!” I probed sternly and punched his arm several times.

“Owe… I don’t know… I couldn’t think of any other way to protect you.”

“How would killing yourself protect me?” I asked.

“All he wanted was the location. He didn’t care about you. If I told him, he would have killed us both. I though if I took away the prize, he might let you go. I couldn’t handle watching you die,” he said, as he grazed my cheek with his hand.

“So instead I had to watch you die? I would rather be dead than to lose you,” I scolded.

“I’m sorry, my love,” he whispered in his ever-so-smooth voice and pressed his lips lightly against mine.

I tried to stay mad, but the taste of his mouth sent my heart racing and I easily caved. “Well… don’t do it again!” I ordered.

“Yes, Ma’am!” he barked back with a grin.

              I took a deep breath and enjoyed the fresh air, untouched by Erebus’ destruction. The sky was stained with smoke in the distance, still many miles away… remnants of Onasius’ fires.

“Now what? Your home and town have been destroyed,” I frowned.

“I used to think that where I lay my head was home. Now I know that wherever you are is home. The rest is just a dwelling.”

I felt warm inside and smiled. “You always know exactly what to say.”

“You bring out the best in me,” he replied with a wide grin. “Hey…” his smile thinned out, “How are you doing with all of this? Are you… feeling okay?”

“I’m ecstatic that you’re alive, I don’t care why or how.”

“I mean with everything - you took a life for me,” he said, with a penitent expression that was somewhat adorable.

Draco... I was so wrapped up in Orion’s death that I had completely forgotten about the last few moments before we arrived in the forest. I paused and waited for the guilt and debilitating anxiety to hit me - but nothing came. My memory took me back to that moment where I watched him take his last breath and saw the life disappear from his eyes. I waited for the tears, but again I felt nothing. All I felt was relief.

“Alexis? Say something?” he implored.

“I know I should say that I feel terrible - but I don’t. I don’t feel terrible. In fact, I’m glad he’s dead,” I admitted.

Orion’s face was flush from shock. I bit my lip, regretting that I confessed too much.

“You know exactly what to say too,” he replied.

He rose to his feet with ease and I followed.

“Where to now?” I asked.

“I’m not sure. Erebus is still out there somewhere.”

“I doubt you will have to look for him for very long. Something tells me he will come looking for you.”

“You’re right about that... In the meantime, let’s go back and help mend the town,” he suggested.

I nodded in approval and we walked toward the billowed smoke in the sky.

“How about a faster method of travel?” he posed and raised his eyebrows.

I gave a timid grin at my previous sporadic successes at transporting. I held his hand and closed my eyes, focusing on the images of the town.

I opened my eyes… and frowned.

“Was worth a shot,” he shrugged.

I dropped my shoulders in failure. “Why didn’t it work? It doesn’t make sense!” I pouted.

“Maybe it’s tied to your emotions? Here, try this,” Orion reached over and pinched me hard on my arm.

“Owe!” I cried and pulled my arm away. “What was that for?”

“I thought a little pain might help the process,” he said laughing.

I grabbed his hand and closed my eyes, focusing back on the town.

Nothing.

I dropped his hand and slugged him in the arm playfully. “You didn’t actually think that would work, did you?”

He shook his head and laughed.

I reached back for his hand and we continued to walk through the forest.

I awoke to the shower of rain drumming on my roof. The weather outside was dreary with a gray haze in the air, yet there was something comforting about snuggling in my warm bed on a cold November day. I thought about the people of Onasius who lost their warm beds to the fire. By the time Orion and I got back into town yesterday, everyone was working together to repair the damages. Most of the townsfolk knew Orion was somehow involved, although no one knew to what extent. Even still, they treated us with respect and kindness. There were no hidden whispers or stares among the community, like there would be here. It was apparent how respected and appreciative everyone was to each other.

I let out a yawn and crawled out of bed. My stomach was empty and swimming in distaste. Apparently the soup last night was not enough substance to hold me through the night. I shuffled into the kitchen for some toast and coffee, and then reluctantly started to get ready for class.

Sitting at the desk, I fought to keep myself from distraction. After what seemed to be endless lectures, I walked to the gym for my tennis lesson. My once satisfying hobby no longer occupied my restless mind. I shifted through the moves watching the time. My thoughts wandered to Orion and the life that was dangled in front of me, teasing and taunting me - close enough to touch with my fingertips but not close enough to embrace. I was sickened with frustration. I tried to snap out of it and focus on the tasks at hand, but my concentration kept drifting.

I knew Erebus would come for Orion again. His looming attack was inevitable; the only question was when. Anxiety gnawed at my stomach and shot waves of nausea every minute I was away from him. It wasn’t fair; we were meant to be together but were kept worlds apart.

Why
was I being punished? Why was I being introduced to a life I could never have?

I stared again at my watch. The day dragged on and on. Time had frozen over like a scorpion’s paralyzing venom. I could feel every agonizing second of the day ticking forward with monotonous repetition. I wanted to quit school, but I knew I would just go stir crazy sitting at home when my mind wouldn’t let me sleep any longer. The phone rang and pulled me back to the present.

“Hello?” I droned.

“Hi honey. You must be feeling better today?”

“Hi Mom. Yeah, feeling better - but still a little tired.”

“Well, how about I come over tonight to make you dinner? I have something I want to talk with you about…” her voice trailed off.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yes,” she responded a little too eagerly. “Everything’s fine. I’ll be over at six.”

“Um, okay. See you tonight.”

“I love you honey,” she sang.

“Love you too Mom,” I grumbled as I hung up the phone.

I hoped she doesn’t stay over too late. I preferred to get to bed early these days.

The day continued to drag on uneventfully. Mandy invited me to lunch with a group of other girls I used to have lunch with occasionally. That is, before the dreams began. I brushed them off, a little too obviously, and ate alone. I didn’t see the point in trying to play nice in a world I didn’t belong in anymore.

Tennis lessons finally came to an end. I drove home in the rain, listening to the gentle drumming on the car. By the time I arrived home, it had lightened to a sprinkle. Instead of heading inside, I strolled into the courtyard and lifted my face to the sky. The cool water kissing my eyelids felt nice. It stirred up a yearning to be in my other world. I took in the scent of the rain and let Mother Nature bless me with her cherished creation. I watched the tiny wet crystals slide down the silken petal of a red rose and caress its delicate thorns. Before I realized it, I was smiling - the weight of this world didn’t seem so heavy, for a moment.

I ambled through the courtyard and into the house, switching my damp clothes for a pair of jeans and a sweater. I washed my face and ran a brush through my tousled wet hair. A time check said I had an hour and a half until Mom came for dinner; enough time for some tea and a book for distraction.

I stared at the pages in a daze, thinking about Orion. I wished I could see him. I thought about taking a quick nap, but was afraid that would only result in me not being able to sleep later. I heard a tapping at the door. I glanced at the clock, 5:51 P.M.; must be Mom. I crossed the living room and opened the front door.

“Hi honey,” Mom said cheerfully.

My stomach twisted into a bitter knot when I saw his leering eyes from behind her.

“What the hell is
he
doing here?” I muttered through clenched teeth.

Jeremy rolled his eyes and tugged at Mom’s sleeve. “I told you this was a bad idea Mom, let’s just go.”

“Great idea,” I shot back and swung the door shut.

“Wait!” Mom shouted and caught the door with her hand.

“No Mom! What were you thinking?” I yelled. “And aren’t you supposed to be in jail?” I sneered as I waved my hand at Jeremy. I was too disgusted to look at him.

“No - thanks to you Sis,” he taunted with a grin.

“What is he talking about?” I hissed at Mom.

“Okay you two, calm down! Alexis, can we please come inside for a minute?” she insisted.

I hesitated.

“At least let me put the dinner in the fridge before we go,” she pled.

I sighed and stomped into the kitchen, leaving the door wide open. Mom took that as an invitation and Jeremy scampered in behind her. She put the food away in the fridge while Jeremy remained hovering in the entryway. I stood next to the breakfast bar with my lips pressed firmly together and my hands shoved aggressively on my hips.

“Explain please,” I demanded.

“Well, honey, I didn’t know how to tell you… but Jeremy was released,” she replied sheepishly.

“I can see that Mother, WHY was he released? Did you forget that he tried to strangle me?” I scoffed.

“He said that was a misunderstanding…” she began to rationalize, but quickly changed her direction when she saw the anger flash across my face, “regardless… since the witnesses failed to appear in court, the case was dismissed.”

“The witnesses?”
What was she talking about?
“There were no witnesses other than Mich… Oh… are you talking about Mitchell and me?!” I gasped.

Mom peered at the floor for a moment then shifted her stance and looked up at me.

“When was there a court appearance?” I attacked.

“It was a week ago,” she mumbled.

“They didn’t notify me!”

“I think they sent a notice… I saw something in the mail from the courthouse and left it on the counter for you to read a few weeks ago…” she said innocently.

“What?! You saw a letter and didn’t say anything? You know I wasn’t checking my mail then,” I scolded.

“How was I supposed to know you weren’t reading your mail? I just assumed you would do what any decent sister would do and not press charges.”

I let out a cry. “I cannot believe you would do this! You would betray your own daughter just to keep your precious son out of jail!” I accused.

“Now wait just a minute,” she scoffed.

“No! Don’t even try to talk your way out of this one! This is so typical of you! I want you both the leave now!” I yelled.

“Alexis please,” Mom reached for me, her eyes wet with tears.

I yanked my hand away and took several steps back, “Don’t.”

Jeremy walked over and took Mom by the hand, “Come on, Mom… give her some space.”

I turned away as walked out the door. I was so furious. How dare they! I paced angrily up and down the hall. Once again Mom ran to Jeremy’s rescue. I was so mad and I had no one to calm me to down. Usually that was Mitchell’s job…

The rain stopped momentarily. I threw on my running shoes and bolted out the door to burn off my anger. An hour later, I came back home, annoyed, but too tired and hungry to be mad. I made a sandwich, ignoring the bag of food Mom brought for me. I ate it quickly then took a long hot shower. The food and shower helped calm me some and I crawled into bed for an early night’s sleep. Once my body hit the sheets, the excitement of seeing Orion overshadowed the negative feelings from my family.

I lay in bed, staring at the shadows dance across the wall, as the wind blew the branches outside my window back and forth. I closed my eyes and snuggled deeper into bed. Relaxing my muscles, I focused on my breathing and let the darkness envelop me.

The scent in the air changed. I opened my eyes to a clearer world. My nose and throat no longer burned but the faint scent of smoke still lingered. I was standing in the forest but didn’t recognize my surroundings. I surveyed the area and spotted a quaint wood cabin fifty yards to the North. It was a modest home made of pine planks with a sea green roof. As I approached the cabin, something moved over my right shoulder. I paused, used my hand to shield the sun above and squinted for a better look. There was a man perched on the trunk of a fallen tree. His back was toward me with his knees parted. He hung his shoulders low across his solid frame. He was holding a crooked stick and digging aimlessly at the dirt.

I walked closer for a better look, remaining cautious and stealthy. Unfortunately, I was about as quiet and inconspicuous as a rhino, and instantly called attention to my presence nearly sixty feet away. He jumped to his feet and whipped around his head.

Oh no, Leyland!

I froze for a moment; my mind tangled with fear. The red flag waved in my head longer than it should have before I began to run.

“Alexis, wait!” he called out.

His voice was desperate. I slowed and turned slightly toward him. He did not pursue me. His hand was outstretched, as if to beg me to stop. His eyes were pleading. I halted with my feet firmly planted in the ground, ready to run again if warranted. He lowered his hand and took several steps forward. I shifted uneasily at his advance but remained where I was.

“That’s close enough!” I ordered.

He stopped twenty feet before me. “I’m not going to hurt you, I promise.” His stature didn’t look as threatening as before.

“Are you really…
you
? I mean… normal?” I asked.

“Yes, it’s me, Leyland,” he assured, and he reached out his hand in introduction.

Unsure how to respond, I cautiously walked closer, lifted my right hand and placed it in his. He gave a gently shake with his massive hand and released it. He appeared relatively harmless, but the vision of his once savage eyes was still burned into my memory and reminded me to remain attentive.

“I feel terrible for what I did to you and Orion. I betrayed my comrade and delivered him to that brute and his mule,” he cried and dropped his eyes in shame.

His face swam in guilty turmoil, yet his tongue spoke with resentment. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to tell him that it was okay; that I forgave him. But I didn’t forgive him. He nearly ripped away the most precious thing in my life. Did I have to forgive him? Why wasn’t he strong enough to resist Erebus? How did I know he wouldn’t try to hurt us again?

“Is Orion alive?” he asked eagerly.

“The last time I saw him he was,” I answered as I looked around the forest. I then realized that I had not seen Orion yet.

“Oh, thank God,” he blurted out as he placed his hand in the middle of his chest. “I don’t know what happened. I was with Orion at the campsite… I heard a noise in the bushes and the next thing I know I woke up in a cave, but something was…
different
… I felt a rush of… well, I don’t know how to describe it other than Hate… but not hate for Erebus. It was pure hatred of
everything
- of people, the land, even myself. It was a powerful feeling of anger and excitement.

“Then, Erebus ordered me to bring Orion back to him alive and without thought, I obeyed. It’s like my mind was fightin’ with the obedient ‘me’ and the other tiny piece of me who was screamin’ to resist. It’s hard to explain…”

“It’s not your fault, Erebus has that effect,” I caved and consoled him.

“He doesn’t seem to affect you or Orion,” he refuted.

“No, I suppose not. Not in the same degree at least - but I have felt a glimpse of what you describe.”

“But you’re able to withstand him. I’m no better a person that he is,” he mumbled and dropped his head.

“Leyland,” I caved in pity. I moved toward him and placed my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up over this.”

He turned his rugged face toward me and I looked into his pain-stricken eyes. “You don’t understand,” he stammered. “I’m a killer.”

“You were defending your town,” I countered.

“No, not them…” His eyes filled with tears.

A knot hit my stomach. I didn’t want to ask, but I had no choice at this point. “You killed who?”

“It was six years ago. Raina and I had been married for almost a year… we were madly in love. She was so beautiful - tall and slender with dark skin and a big smile that would warm your heart. She was my whole life.