Her Guardians Lost(73)

Seeing as I had time before my doctor’s appointment, I set about getting ready to go shopping. It had been a while since I had done any real “retail therapy”. Simeon would be at work now, so I had time to myself. I really enjoyed his company last night. He stayed with me until around ten, chatting and laughing. It was pleasant to sit with someone I could relate to and just talk. Simeon was quickly becoming the rock I had in Michael. A true friend through and through.

He’s not Stephen! the voice raged in my head.

“Yes, I know that!” I shouted back, shaking my head.

You’d think my subconscious hated Simeon the way it was carrying on. I knew he wasn’t Stephen. I could distinguish between the two now. Stephen had an air of cheekiness in him. He was fun to be around. Simeon had that in him, too, but he didn’t have the finesse Stephen possessed. When Stephen looked at me, I felt like the only woman in the world. He made me feel so wanted, my head would spin with a joyful dizziness. Just one look had my fire burning, my head swimming, and my heart swelling until I thought it would burst.

But when Simeon looked at me, I never got any of that. He looked at me like I was just another person. Of course, I knew I was more to him than that. The angels always cared and looked out for one another. The differences between the two were just indicative, even symbolic.

With a heavy sigh, I thought it high time I got myself in gear and visit my poor neighbour, Ms. Summers. I had been neglecting her something awful lately. I was determined to change that right now. I needed to go shopping anyway. I could pick up a couple things if she needed me to.

Shutting my door behind me, I walked down the steps into the crisp, cold air. It was cloudy again today, but I was hoping the rain would stay away. At least until I’d done my shopping and come back from the doctor.

I knocked and waited because I knew it would take her time to answer. When there was no answer, I knocked again. Maybe she was out today.

Turning, I was halfway down the steps when I heard her timid voice. “Cassie…,” she whispered behind me.

Spinning around, I was shocked at how pale she looked. “Ms. Summers, are you okay?”

Her smile was wide, but I knew she wasn’t well. “I’m glad you’re here, Cassie. Will you come in for a moment?”

Practically running back up the stairs, I grabbed her arm. “Of course. Let me help you back inside.”

We moved slowly, taking all the time she needed. Once we were in her living room, I motioned for her to sit down. “I’ll go make us some tea.”

“No, dear. I should do it. You’re my guest.”

Patting her shoulder, I stared into her lost eyes. “I’ll do it. I insist.”

Making my way to her kitchen, I couldn’t help the knot that was forming in my stomach. Something wasn’t right and it scared me to death. We didn’t know each other that well, but I have enjoyed the times we have spent together. She has always been my constant.

“Cassie,” she smiled as I entered the living room with the tea and biscuits. “You always are a lovely, sweet girl.”

I sat down in the chair, reaching over to grab her hand. For some reason, she recoiled from me. “Ms. Summers, you’re frightening me.”

Her eyes widened a little. “I don’t mean to, dear, but I don’t want you to see what’s coming.”

Now it was my turn to widen my eyes. Did she just say what I thought she did? “I don’t understand.”

She smiled sweetly and shifted in her chair. “I think it’s time I explain something to you, Cassie. I don’t have much time myself, so it’s time you knew.” She paused for a moment.

“My husband, George, was a brilliant man, but he had enemies. He had a mission to fulfil, but his enemies got to him before he could carry it out. He was strong, but no one could have foreseen what was about to happen. And not even he, as strong as he was, could be strong enough to remember who he really was. I knew, of course, and because of that, I gave up my seat and came here to search for him.”

She stopped for a moment, letting me take in everything she was revealing. She knew, by now, that I had understood what she was saying, but I couldn’t quite believe it myself. How could I have not seen this before? She had never once offered me her hand, but I had never tried to take it, either. For me not to do that was perfectly normal, but it wouldn’t be for the average person. I wasn’t sure why I never questioned it before.

I didn’t know why, but a single tear slipped down my face. I wasn’t even aware I had tears in my eyes until it dropped.

Ms. Summers smiled. “You understand now, don’t you?”