An Awakening Read online

  “It’s just strange that I pondered this subject the other night, before… well the other night and now we’re discussing it like a neat little coincidence. Oh, but wait, if nothing is random, there are no coincidences are there?”

  “That’s right.”

  “So, if nothing is random, everything has a purpose? Good things, bad things, big and little things?” I could go on categorizing, but I leave my question at that because I’m pretty certain what his answer will be.

  “Yes.” He is looking at me intently. He isn’t staring or making me feel uncomfortable in any way. He merely appears to be very certain of his opinion and seems to want me to understand.

  “I’m not sure if that is a good thing,” I admit.

  “Why not?”

  “If there is a purpose, then whose purpose is it? I mean, for a purpose to exist, doesn’t it have to belong to someone or something?”

  “Why do you say that?” His question is not presented in a doubting manner. It is more like an encouragement to think about it further.

  “Well, a purpose would indicate that there is a reason for the action or whatever. If there is a reason, I don’t know, I guess maybe reason indicates intent, which would have to be owned. Does that make sense or is it crazy?”

  “Not at all. I think you understand better than you realize.”

  “Understand what?”

  “Just the idea that nothing is random. If you really think it out, as you have just done, it makes sense, doesn’t it?”

  “I guess it does. I mean, if some things were random and they just happened for no apparent reason—”

  “Apparent is the key word there,” he interrupts.

  “Apparent.” I consider the word.

  He sits quietly allowing me to ponder for a moment. I close my eyes and shake my head slightly bringing myself back to the shore seated beside this familiar stranger. As I gaze up at him, he grins at me.

  “Deep,” he says.

  “Yeah. It is. I guess.”

  We chuckle a little. The mood is very relaxed, not stressful at all. I could stay here all day pondering things with this perfect stranger. No worries, not a care in the world.

  He looks up at the sky and takes in a breath. He places his hands on his thighs and turns his head to look at me once again.

  “I guess I should be going. I have work to do.”

  “You’re working today?” Now I’m curious about his job.

  “My hours are complicated. I’m pretty much on call around the clock.”

  “Aw. I’m sorry. That doesn’t sound fun at all,” I say with a pout.

  “Oh, I don’t mind. I love my job. In fact, I live for it.”

  “Really? That must be some job. Wish I could land something like that.”

  He smiles and without offering anything further he puts out his hand to shake mine again.

  “It was very nice to meet you, Jeriley. I’ll see you around.”

  “Maybe so,” I reply.

  “Oh, I’m sure I will.”

  “You are?”

  “Well, this isn’t a metropolis or anything. Chances are, I’ll see you again.”

  “But you said nothing is random,” I point out.

  “Good. You were listening,” and with that he stands up and walks back down the beach in the direction he came from with his towel dangling from his hand.

  I sit there motionless, staring after him until he is out of sight.

  “Who is that guy?” I ask myself aloud.

  I don’t seem to be able to come up with an answer. He is obviously intelligent and a deep thinker at that. He is nice, not obnoxious or overbearing. That’s a refreshing change. I reflect on my experiences with people who demanded attention and then turned out to be shallow with nothing to offer anyone. Wait. Did I just describe myself? Not entirely. I don’t demand attention, but I don’t exactly have much to offer. Do I?

  My brain is tired. I think I have thought about enough deep things for today. I get up and gather my things to begin the trek to my Jeep. I decide to grab a late lunch and relax back at the house for the rest of the day.

  CHAPTER 2

  “You are being ordered to report.”

  “I am aware of my requirements.”

  “You would be wise to follow through without further hesitation. He is extremely displeased with your performance in your current assignment.”

  “Yes. I’m sure he is. Perhaps I should make contact with her before I approach him so that I have news to share.”

  “I am simply delivering the message. I must go. I am needed in Russia.”

  “Is that falling through already?”

  “Yes, but we cannot stop. Perhaps we can bring a few more down before it is finished.”

  “We have already lost anyway.”

  “Quiet! You know admittance to defeat is forbidden! Fool!”

  “Has he asked many questions about my assignment?”

  “He only expressed his surprise that Stephen reached her first. That was not in the plan.”

  “How did he find out?”

  “He was made aware that her move was successful and that they were seen making contact. He has had her watched closely, but intervention was your duty.”

  “Yes, well I cruised by them at the park and he spotted me. I will go now and make contact with her so that he will be somewhat appeased.”

  “Adrian, this Stephen—”

  “Yes, I know. He and I have met before.”

  “Why didn’t you just take her out in the beginning?”

  “I know what I am doing. Besides, I wanted to play with her a bit. Simply killing her would not have been any fun. There is still time. She is nowhere near ready to make her choice. I won’t let it happen.”

  “You were not given this assignment for your pleasure. You were ordered to take her out quickly. You always deviate from the plan, Adrian. You may be one of the Elite, but you are not above reproach.”

  “The way I carry out my assignment does not concern you.”

  “Are you aware that her grandmother has petitioned for her many times?”

  “Her grandmother has already crossed over.”

  “You know that does not matter. The prayers were earnest and heard. The faith was there. I fear you have already failed this assignment.”

  “Nonsense. I will just have to be faster and come on stronger. It can still be done.” With a smirk, Adrian turned to pursue his target. The Master will tell him that Jeriley must be finished before any more interruptions can occur, that it was a costly mistake putting off her end. Perhaps there is still time for a little fun.

  He transports with the speed of this realm to watch her from a short distance away. She is the happiest he has seen her in a very long time. Her life and everything in it is coming back together, it would seem. This could work in his favor. He has to make sure that he gets close to her quickly. This one’s salvation would prove detrimental. He perches himself outside her house on one of the dunes near the kitchen window. She will be waking any moment from her afternoon nap.

  “Adrian, I thought I might find you lurking about.”

  Adrian rolls his eyes and lets out a huff.

  “I strongly advise you to pull back.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Stephen. It is Stephen isn’t it?”

  “Why else would you be hanging around here? You are well aware that I am speaking of Jeriley, and you have quite a clear memory of our last meeting.”

  “I don’t know. It was over a thousand years ago or so, right? It was a shame how that all ended. I was really hoping to get to know that sweet young girl. We could have had an adventurous life together.” He gazes off as if he is tenderly relishing the young girl’s memory and begins to look sad.

  “I am not here to
entertain your lies or play your games, Adrian. Stay clear or you will go down quickly. She is protected.”

  “She has not accepted. There is no obligation to her. She possesses free will. Let us see what she decides.”

  “Intercession has taken place on her behalf. I will not gamble over her. Consider yourself warned.”

  “You wield no power of your own, Stephen. Do not send your empty threats unless you are prepared to pay.”

  “It is you who will pay, Adrian. In fact, you already have to answer to your own master for not doing your job. Now, unless you want to add to your chastisement, I suggest you take leave and run along to your next assignment. This one is over.”

  “You are not with her always. What is your assignment to her anyway?”

  “That is none of your business. My Lord and Master—”

  “Stop! Do not say that name!” Adrian stoops down, thrusting his hand out and looking as if he is in pain.

  Stephen stops and glares at him. “Return to your master and report your failure.”

  Adrian straightens slowly and turns as if he is going to leave. He hesitates only slightly before the blink of his disappearance takes place. This realm is so much easier to maneuver through. Time is not a factor here nor is distance.

  He makes time for a visit back in Jeriley’s hometown and plants a few random thoughts in the mind of her old employer. Maybe he should call her up and offer her a higher position with more pay. Nothing like a little confusion to keep things interesting, then he can return to Jeriley and encourage the move back home. That should weaken her resolve.

  Stephen won’t be expecting him to show up this soon after their little chat so he should be able to at least introduce himself today. He’ll have to move in strong. Her trust in him must be quickly earned.

  Jeriley has several accessible weaknesses. One of which is the reason Adrian was assigned to her. He specializes in her strongest area of weakness. He is irresistible. Jeriley likes male attention. She is easily flattered, although she won’t admit it.

  Perhaps she should begin to feel a little lonely. She has been single for quite some time. He has arranged this to clear the way for himself. It would have been a very dangerous thing for her to fall for a believer. He continues to play with ideas, amusing himself until he has become more excited than he should be about his latest conquest.

  As Adrian leaves the dunes, Stephen approaches the Throne to report the event that has just taken place. He bows his head in reverence and is prompted to speak immediately.

  “Dearest Lord, Jeriley is being pursued by one of the fallen. He was warned to flee, but is not expected to do so.”

  “Yes.” The voice comes from the Throne but arrives at Stephen from every direction at once. He loves to hear this voice as it flows smoothly and gently over him, consuming his being with peace.

  “What is your will? What would you have me do?”

  “Be patient. This is but a small thing. I will keep her safe. Keep your assignment on track. Do not alter your course. I will permit this.”

  Stephen never questions the instructions given by the Most High. There has never been any reason to do anything but follow his command. His power and knowledge are unmatched.

  Stephen is dismissed and prepares to follow up on another assignment that he has been given. As he leaves the presence of the Holy One, he decides that he will check in with Jeriley later to assess the situation.

  CHAPTER 3

  I wake up on the couch and look at the clock to see that I have enjoyed a sweet little nap of just over an hour. As I sit up and stretch, I take a look around the living room and gaze out the window. I realize that I haven’t ventured out to the beach yet. I find this odd because it is usually my first stop when I visit these parts.

  Rubbing my eyes lightly to clear away any remaining traces of sleep, I decide to take a stroll to investigate. I already know there is a short pier adjacent to the house and a convenient boardwalk leading directly to the beach. Perhaps I’ll find some seashells on my walk.

  The breeze greets me gently as I open the door and step out into the wide open space that is unique to the seaside. The atmosphere in this yard is definitely different from that of my old backyard. Both contain beautiful surroundings, but there is a different quality in the air here. My old yard was quaint, cozy, and serene. This yard is subjected to the openness of the sea and its seemingly infinite space and while it is not cozy, it is calming.

  I follow the boardwalk down to the end and turn right as I reach the sand. This is a quiet stretch of beach with only slightly more publicity this way than in the opposite direction. There are a few houses situated on the sand followed by an inn and some other buildings farther down. Had I turned left, it seems that I would have encountered nothing for miles. Looking back, there doesn’t appear to be any buildings at all as far as I can see. Perhaps I’ll venture down that way in a bit, but for now, I decide to carry on in the direction of civilization and see what I can find.

  I pass the first few houses and the inn. The breeze and the sound of the waves are so peaceful. I am not normally one to enjoy going for walks. It always seems like an inconvenience, but ambling along by the seashore is so relaxing. It isn’t burdensome at all. I have noticed this on previous sandy strolls. I begin to walk and ponder the sea, the sand, and all the little findings one is sure to come upon. Before I know it, I have traveled a good distance without any thought of it. Only when I turn and look back do I realize how far I’ve come. I always enjoy this nice little surprise. It’s like a thoughtful little gift. I turn back around to continue on when I hear it. The most beautiful sound I have ever heard.

  “Hello.”

  It is a voice that seemingly came out of nowhere. It sounded like bells, much like Stephen’s, but mesmerizing. I find it strange as I haven’t seen anyone out here at all. When my eyes land on him, I am frozen. My mind has words but not the ones that I should speak. He smiles and takes a couple of steps towards me. I stand in this motionless state unable even to blink. I do not seem to have the ability to move at all. I can’t even muster up a smile. I must look like a complete idiot.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says with a smile as he continues towards me.

  “Um. I. You didn’t. I.” I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts, find words or at least try to sound like I have a competent brain in my head.

  “Where did you come from?” I try again.

  “I am staying at the inn. I was on the porch when you walked by. I was contemplating a walk when I saw you.” He continues to smile and looks directly into my eyes as he speaks to me holding my gaze.

  “Oh. I didn’t notice anyone there, but I really wasn’t looking very closely, I guess.” I finally look down because I feel the need to catch my breath. He is absolutely gorgeous. Stunning even. He has those dark features I have always been attracted to. His body is chiseled and seemingly flawless. I have never seen a more perfect specimen in my entire life. Everything about him is impeccable. His tan is a shade of bronze that I couldn’t achieve in an entire summer. This guy is…Wait. I have to get myself together. Jeriley, you can not—

  He ducks down so that he can see my face, interrupting my thoughts.

  “You okay?” He asks. “You look like something is bothering you.”

  I look back up at him and a sigh escapes. I can not think clearly at all. My thoughts are all jumbled and none of them make sense. They begin to spiral in a direction in which they haven’t gone in a very, very long time.

  He smiles at me and I relax, closing my eyes for just a moment to try to regain control of my thoughts. I concentrate only on my breathing for about four breaths, and I open my eyes to answer.

  “I’m sorry. I guess you caught me off guard. I really wasn’t expecting to run into anyone out here.”

  “Don’t apologize. I shouldn’t have snuck up on you that w
ay.” He offers his hand to shake mine. “I’m Adrian.”

  “Jeriley.” I shake his hand in answer and the feel of my hand in his is unexplainable. I don’t ever want to let go of it. Everything about him seems inviting. His voice, the way he looks, the way his hand feels all seem to be overwhelming me. About this time, I notice that he smells incredible. Did the wind just change direction? I didn’t notice this a second ago.

  “Were you heading anywhere in particular?” He interrupts my thoughts again.

  “Huh? Oh. No. I was just walking.” Good grief, Jeriley.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “No, not at all.”

  His smile broadens and he takes a step in the direction I came from. I complete my turn and start back in the direction of my house and the empty stretch of beach beyond it.

  “Have you been down on this end?” I ask trying to make the situation feel normal, because it doesn’t at all, at least not to me. He is unbelievable. I am still trying to get myself together.

  “No. I haven’t been here long. Have you?”

  “Been down there? No. I haven’t been here long either,” I explain.

  We walk along quietly for a short time at a leisurely pace. I’ve only been here a few days and I’ve met two men who have wreaked havoc on my thought processes.

  “Penny for your thoughts.” Adrian’s voice, the voice of bells, rings out again, chiming into my contemplations, relentlessly scrambling them again.

  “I was just thinking about the last couple of days.”

  “Oh?” He looks over at me with one brow raised in question.

  “They have been interesting. Nothing at all like I expected.”

  “Is that a bad thing?” He seems genuinely curious.

  “Not at all. Just unexpected.”

  “I’d say the unexpected keeps things exciting.”

  “I guess it does,” I say with a smile.

  “So how long have you been here?”

  “I have only been here a few days. What about you?” I redirect.