Her Guardians Lost(29)

Simeon breathed in deep. The sight almost had me weak at the knees. He looked so much like him, it hurt.

Making sure I had the door open first, Simeon handed me the bags. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

Nodding, I smiled timidly as I shut the door. I could see the glint in his eyes. It was almost as if he was enjoying my turmoil, my confusion over him and Stephen. I knew I was being silly. He was an angel and would never relish in someone’s suffering. He was supposed to be the good twin. The one who kept his name because he did as he was told. It still didn’t erase the doubt in my mind.

After putting all my groceries away, I was about to sit down when I heard the doorbell. I walked over to the window to take a peak outside. Michael.

Opening the door, I could already see his intent because he was holding two helmets in his hands.

“I wasn’t sure if you would be up for this, what with your shoulder and everything, but I thought it might be nice to take you for lunch if you wanted.”

Leaning my shoulder up against the door frame, I regarded Michael with a sense of awe. He was like my rock, always there for me, always thinking about my needs first.

“I would love to, Michael. Hold up a second while I get my coat.”

I grabbed my things and walked out the door, awkwardly trying to put my coat on. “Here, let me help you,” Michael offered.

“Thank you, Michael. You’re a true friend.” And there it was. The truth. It slid out so easily. I felt the comment wasn’t lost on Michael, though. I felt the way he tensed as he put the coat around my shoulders.

I was about to face him and explain, but Michael interrupted me before I could start, “Here. Let’s get this helmet on you so we can get to lunch. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. I haven’t eaten anything since I woke up. These nights throw my eating schedule out of whack. This is breakfast for me.”

All I did was nod as I made my way to the bike. I wasn’t sure if he wanted to talk about us right now, or if he felt this wasn’t the right time. All I knew was that it had to be said at some point.

We went to a quaint restaurant in Richmond. It was the same one he took me to when I was still confused and didn’t know what I wanted. Oh, how things have dramatically changed since then. How I have changed since then.

“So, how’s the shoulder?” Michael asked as we waited for our drinks to be served.

“It’s better now, thanks. It’s other things that are happening that seem to take over the pain, if that makes sense.”

Frowning, Michael started playing with his napkin as he thought about what I said. “Can you elaborate?”

Clearing my throat, I sat up straighter. “I keep having these dreams.”

Michael leaned over the table a bit more. “Dreams. What dreams? Do you mean like the ones you used to have?”

I shook my head. “No, these are different. I keep dreaming about a door.”

“A door,” he asked, mildly amused.

I chuckled. “Yes, Michael, and stop taking the mickey.”

He threw his hands up in surrender as he laughed. “I’m sorry. Go on.”

“I can hear children’s laughter behind the door.”

“Really?” Now that seemed to catch his attention.

“I wouldn’t normally take any notice, but it seems so vitally important that I open the door. I don’t know why. It almost feels like I would get the answer to something if I can just get that door open. It sounds silly. The answer to what? It’s frustrating the hell out of me. Not only that, but I’m hearing voices.”

“Voices!” Michael shouted, causing other diners to turn in our direction. Smiling slightly, he lowered his voice. “Sorry. I didn’t mean for that to be so loud.”

“Quite frankly, it’s pissing me off, Michael. It’s my voice, but it’s not my voice. What the hell is going on? Am I going loopy?”

Michael chuckled. “Loopy, no. I just think you’re trying to heal after a very traumatic experience. It’s only natural.”

I could see the sincerity in his eyes, but I knew he was lying. I knew he knew why I was having these dreams. I just didn’t know what theory drew me to that conclusion.

“Who am I, Michael? Please tell me.” His panicked expression lead me to believe I was right.

“You know I can’t, Cassie. I would get into a whole heap of trouble if I made you remember.”

I sighed. “I know. I know. I’m sorry I asked. I just feel… I don’t know… Like I’m on the tip of something special, something colossal. Does that make sense?”

Michael smiled and leaned back in his chair as our drinks came. “It makes perfect sense.”