There’s obviously more to the story she doesn’t want to share—which is fine. We’re all deserving of our privacy.
As if reading my mind, Demetri turns to me and says, “So, Morgan—what about you? When did you know you were psychic?”
I glance up, taking a moment—thinking back to when it all began for me.
“I’ve always had gifts, but I suppose for me, it was around the turn of the millennium,” I finally say.
“Ah, isn’t that cute. She’s a baby,” Diana says, cooing.
I pull my eyebrows in—I was eighteen at the turn of the century. How old was she? Five?
Demetri chuckles, “Ignore her. Sounds like it was some pretty powerful energy for you. This transformation or drive for you—this has always been about finding people? What’s that all about?”
“They’re more than people—they’re incarnating to stop the impending war.”
“They’re angelic,” Diana clarifies.
“Whoa. Like the Biblical ‘end times’ sorta thing?” he asks, eyebrows furrowing.
“You could say that,” I nod.
It sounds so corny when people say it like that—but yes, in a nutshell, that’s pretty much the gist.
“Huh, and here I thought helping Mrs. Tromdall find her long-lost love was a big deal,” Demetri laughs.
“Oh trust—that was a big deal. You finally got her off my back,” Diana laughs.
“Very true,” Demetri chuckles. “Is she still in Bermuda?”
“Gods, I hope so.”
I sit back in my chair, taking in the easy atmosphere the two of them have. It’s certainly a different perspective on Diana I didn’t know existed. It’s also the easiest, and slightly strangest conversation I’ve had about the Angels and sending them on their mission.
Demetri shakes his head, “So, we’re dealing with big-time end-of-the-world stuff. Do you have any guidance on what it is you’re hoping to accomplish? Are you trying to manifest them? Just get a location for them? What?”
I pull out the ragged map I used to locate Diana. It’s been tried and true for years.
Setting it on the table, I place a hand gently over the top.
“I’m hoping to use this. It hasn’t steered me wrong yet.”
“So, real map it is,” he nods.
“A girl after my own heart. None of this craptastic technology B.S. taking over the world right now,” Diana says, pointing to it. “May I?”
I bite my lip, but slide it across the table to her.
Opening it gingerly, she looks it over in great detail.
“It has a lot of aura about it. I can see why you use it,” she says.
“It’s been in my family for a long time. My dad used to use it when we went on family trips. It’s always guided us and kept us on course—it just seemed natural for it to continue its work.”
“Nice,” Demetri says, taking another sip of his beer.
“Well, I think it will work nicely. The residual energy it holds should help us connect to the lost angelic beings. Is there any reason you didn’t want to invite one of the others—you know, the ones you’ve already found, to be a part of this?”
In a weird way—it never occurred to me. Though, I’ve managed to bring one anyway.
“If we need one, it won’t take much to get one here,” I say. “Do you think you’ll need one to make this happen?”
Demetri and Diana exchange glances.
“I don’t think so—but let’s not rule it out, just in case. Can you make sure your angelic being is in town at the full moon? We’ll plan to do the ritual as it rises. The energy should help. Then if we need a unifying field—we could always rely on his influence. Would that work?”
“Sure, I can make that happen,” I say, nodding.
Demetri leans forward and splays his hands across the table top. “Alright—so we have a plan, then. We’ll run through the ritual in a week and a half. In the meantime, I’ll work on digging up the decrees and invocations. Diana, do you want to make sure we have all the supplies we’ll need? Damn if Ren can’t find some of the more obscure stuff faster than I can.”
“On it,” she says with a tip of the head.
“So, that’s it? We get our stuff together and wait for the full moon?”
“Did you expect something more spectacular?” Diana says, chuckling.
“I honestly don’t know what I expected. Though I was hoping to have answers sooner rather than later. I feel like I’ve already been waiting forever to get to this point.”
“Funny thing about universal energies—they like to operate on their own frequencies,” Demetri says with a lopsided grin.
“Very true,” I nod, thinking back to my conversations with Gabe. “Did Diana tell you how I found her?”
Demetri shakes his head.
“I was on my way to Friar’s Point, but my car broke down just outside Helena. At first, I thought it was a derailment, but I should have known better because I saw her walk out of the coffee shop right across the street.”
They both nod in sequence.
“Sounds about right,” Demetri says.
“Alrighty people. Grab your drinks—part-time’s over,” Diana abruptly announces. “I gotta get my beauty rest.”
7
WAITING for the full moon is torture. In all honestly, I’m not even sure the moon will offer much in the way of the energy we need—but if that’s what Diana and Demetri need to feel they can make this happen … I am more than happy to oblige. It’s not like the car’s done yet anyway. The last update we got was another week out before the final part arrives.
In the meantime, I can’t seem to sit still. I’m on the precipice, I know it—but the end is still so far away. The best I can do is follow the signs, call upon my own source energies, and hope for the best.
“How are you doing?” Gabe asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I nod. “Okay—just getting impatient. It feels like we’re so close, but still so far. I have no idea if this will even work. But I really hope it does.”
“It’ll work,” Gabe says, walking up to me. He places his hand on my back, circling the spot between my shoulder blades they way he does.
“I really hope you’re right. It’s such a strange feeling not being the one in control. I’m not used to it.”
“Maybe that’s why it’s happening—to allow you a chance to be the one to view things from the outside for a change. You’ve been acting as a bridge for so long, maybe it’s time for you to take a step back to allow things to unfold as they will. You’re getting close to the end, after all.”
“Perhaps.”
Gabe takes a seat beside me, smiling the way only he can—the kind of grin that illuminates a room without even trying.
“Why don’t you go have a word with Diana. Maybe getting to know her a little better before the ritual will help ease your mind. It would probably be good for both of you—at least, from how you describe her.”
I glance up, peering into his wise blue eyes and open face.
He’s been my own personal angel from the very beginning.
“You’re right,” I nod. “Of course, you’re right. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself,” I say, shaking my head and pinching the spot between my eyes.
“Because you’re too worried about the outcome and not focused enough on the presence of those you’re surrounded with. You and I both know the journey is as important as the destination. Hell, being here should even be another reminder,” he chuckles.
“I know, you’re totally right. It’s been such a bizarre few years getting everyone into play—knowing I have to. Knowing there are elements I don’t really understand fully. I guess it’s just wearing on me.”
Gabe’s eyes twinkle.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been this off-center. You’re usually the grounded one of the two of us.”
I smile at his sly humor.
“It’s just been hard. You know? When you’re
working on something over and over and over—but seeing no results. It starts to get disheartening.”
Gabe nods, “I know the feeling. It’ll be over soon.”
“Aren’t you just a little bit scared? I mean—knowing what’s coming… Knowing what’s at stake and what you’ll be called to do?”
His piercing eyes go distant for a moment, and his mouth puckers while he thinks.
“No, I can’t say I’m scared. But then again, I see things from a different perspective than you do. Death and rebirth are all the same thing and I know no matter the outcome, something new will emerge. Hopefully for the better—”
“But what if it’s not?”
“Then the forces of good will continue to try,” he says, softening his tone and touching my cheek with the back of his hand.
I sigh, leaning into his touch.
“The outcome isn’t the concern. You don’t have to carry that burden. You only need to focus on what you’re guided to do.”
“I guess that means I should go talk to Diana, then, huh?” I say, gazing into his eyes.
Whenever he speaks of our mission, I know I have to stop and listen. I know how important his words are and what they mean—to everything.
He nods. “I think that would be a good place to start.”
“I’ll give her a call right now,” I say, standing up to find my cellphone.
“Hey Morgan, it’s Ren. Look, I know Diana’s been giving you the slip the past couple of days. Don’t speak a word of this to her, but if you head over to the diner, you’ll catch her on her lunch break. Go to the back corner, away from all the windows. It’s where she always sits.”
I clutch the phone to my ear, breathing a sigh of relief. It’s been two days since I first tried to get Diana to chat alone—but she’s been keeping me at arm’s length.
“Thanks, Ren. I appreciate it,” I say, giving Gabe a thumbs up as he walks into our room from the bathroom.
“She’s just walked out the door about five minutes ago—so you’ll want to make it quick. She doesn’t like to linger long, just in case she’s spotted. She has a tendency to get cornered to give free readings and such. You know?”
“Okay. I’m grabbing my purse and heading out now. Thanks again, Renaldo.”
“Anytime.”
I click the little red hang-up button on my cellphone and shoot a glance to Gabe.
“She finally willing to meet?” he asks, setting his cup of coffee down on the side table beside him.
“Not exactly. That was her assistant. He sorta just gave me a tip on how to pin her down.”
“Well, when needs must,” he says, shooting me a sexy wink. A shudder runs up my spine and I can’t help but remember how incredibly lucky I am to have him in my life.
“Looks like I’m heading to the diner. Will you be okay for a bit?”
“Oh, I’ll find things to do,” he grins.
I smile.
“I’m sure you will. Try not to work too hard— Okay, be back soon,” I lean forward, brushing his lips with mine.
“Looking forward to it.”
I steal one more glance his direction before walking out the door. Gabe is one of those souls everyone should have in their lives. His presence and encouragement always fill me with so much hope—even when I can’t find it on my own or perhaps feel like I don’t deserve it.
It takes me less than five minutes to reach the diner by foot—one good side effect of being in a tiny little town.
I glance at the clock on the wall—it’s just gone two o’clock—and the diner is all but deserted. Making my way to the back, Diana is right where Renaldo said she’d be.
“Diana?” I say, approaching her booth.
“Dammit,” she curses, dropping her head. “I’m gonna have to have a word with Ren, I see.”
“It’s not his fault—he’s only trying to help,” I say, sliding into the booth seat opposite her.
“Fine line between being a helper and a traitor.”
“Why are you trying to avoid me?” I say, unable to help myself.
“I’m not. It’s just—I’m a private person and I know what it’s like to be psychic.”
“Ah—so you’re afraid I’m going to read you?” I say, narrowing my eyes.
“Something like that.”
The waitress walks up to the booth, sliding a plate brimming over with a bagel, cream cheese, and a ton of fruit across the table and shooting us both a look of surprise.
“Oh—I didn’t know you were meeting someone, Diana,” she says. “Can I get you something, sweetie?”
“Can I get a green tea?” I smile.
Diana rolls her eyes.
“Is that all?”
“Yup, that’s it,” I nod.
“Coming right up.”
As the waitress leaves the table, Diana immediately digs into her food as if it’s the first time she’s eaten all day.
“Wow—hungry?” I laugh.
“You have no idea. It’s hard to wait for the diner to clear out before coming in here some days,” she says through bite-fulls.
“I can imagine. Why don’t you just have them deliver to your shop?”
“For starters, they’re not a delivery type of diner. Secondly—it’s actually nice to get out once in a while. I just don’t like getting cornered.”
She shoots me a knowing glance.
I slink sheepishly into my booth and mutter, “Sorry.”
“Here ya go, honey,” the waitress says, placing a cup of hot water on the table in front of me. She scoots a small container of tea bags beside it. Apparently it’s a multiple choice green tea kinda place.
Plucking out the only actual green tea from the host of herbal assortments, I plunge it into the hot water.
“Diana, I have to ask you a question,” I say, staring into the tea. “I promise—I’m not here to read you. I just need a few answers. Do you mind?”
“I have a feeling I won’t be able to stop you if I tried,” she says, lifting her gaze from her bagel.
“I’m trying to gain my center in all of this. I feel really uneasy and I guess I’m just trying to ground myself.”
“Odd question,” Diana says snorting to herself.
“Funny,” I say rolling my eyes the way she does. “Look, from the moment I laid eyes on you—I knew you were the one I was searching for. I can’t explain it—my gifts are my own and they sort of just come to me. I suppose it’s similar to the way yours do. But I can’t be sure. Sometimes they’re psychic impressions—other times more abstract.”
“Is there a point in here?” she says, slow blinking.
“Well, yeah—you’re way more powerful than Demetri is. You have—I don’t know how to put it—an energy unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Your gifts are well beyond him. Yet, it seems like you default to his expertise. Why is that?”
Diana leans back in her chair, licking some cream cheese off her lip.
“I can understand the need to find solid footing—and I’m sorry if I come off—I don’t know …”
“Harsh?” I offer.
“I was going to say distant. But sure—harsh works. I’ve had a rough experience with people and it’s hard to be completely open. I’m hoping with the kinds of gifts you have, you can understand.”
I nod.
Though most of my experiences have been highly positive once I was awakened. It was far harder to be in this world when I didn’t know my purpose and what was happening around me.
“Look, I like you. You’re a good kid,” she starts.
I snicker at her words because I have a good twenty or more years on her.
“If all this works—and I’m able to get my memories—you will be the only person on the planet who has been able to help me. I guess that means I’ll sorta owe you,” she says, as if trying to convince herself.
“Okay?”
She takes a deep breath, placing her hands palm-side up on the table in front of her—almost as if she’s calling on th
e universal energies for guidance. For a moment, she pauses—and I watch the light as it bends to her will. The white and orange glowing tendrils from the sun’s rays in the far windows arc in spirals around her as she soaks in their energy.
Watching me closely—she tilts her head to the side as if listening to something only she can hear.
“Demetri and I have a complicated relationship,” she finally says. “On one hand, I’ve learned a lot from him. On another, he’s learning a lot from me. I suppose in some ways, it’s like a mother bird trying to teach her young to fly. I know I can seem like a downright bitch—and trust me, there’s good reason—but the people who know me … really know me—well, they see a different side. I can’t help it.”
Without meaning to, I get images of Diana’s tear-stained face. Her clothing is old—tattered and like nothing I’ve ever seen before. She clutches a man’s body to her chest, rocking back and forth inside the mouth of a large cavern. Even from the vision, I feel her heart breaking and the enormous amount of pain she feels.
“You’ve been so hurt,” I blurt out before I can stop myself.
Diana’s eyes widen, but she doesn’t say anything.
“I’m—I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I just—”
“It’s okay,” she says, shaking her head. “It’s the nature of the beast, Morgan. I kept you away because I was afraid you’d uncover my darkest secrets if you were too close. My personal history is rife with struggles you couldn’t even imagine.”
“Try me? I might be the only one who really understands.”
Diana pauses for a moment, watching my every move.
I lean in, taking a deep breath. “Diana—I’m here because I’m the bridge between the world of angels and the world of humans. I don’t know anyone who’s life is more complicated than mine.”
“Well shit, when you put it that way,” she says, rolling her eyes—but the smile twinkling in her eyes tells me I’m on the right path. “Morgan, I—I’ve been at this a long time. Trying to access my memories. Trying to learn why I am the way I am.”
I reach out to comfort her, placing my hand over hers. Before she can say another word, more visions of Diana rush into my mind. I see her as a young woman—the same young woman she is now, but spanning not only years or decades, but centuries.
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