The Solar Flare

by Laura E. Collins

  Lizeth recognized that Ava was in trouble immediately and raced towards the dock and James’ boat, sending a message on her PCD to her family that she was in danger. She reached the boat and powered it up, her energy expanding all around her, giving her an ability to sense where Ava was. She only hoped she would not be too late.

  Ava continued to swim and tried to keep her head above the water. She wasn’t making any progress towards getting to the shore. She sucked in breaths as best she could between the waves, but she was tiring. Despite her best efforts, water seemed to make it into her lungs causing her to cough relentlessly. Her arms and legs felt like they weighed a ton and weren’t moving as effectively as they had been. Lizeth had been right, this was a bad idea, and now I’m going to pay for it Ava thought fleetingly. She was overcome by a sinking feeling that this was it. She was free. She would no longer have to choose between her feelings for James and for Wesley because this was the end. She had been foolish and careless and this was the price. She continued to try and swim, but it seemed like everything was slowing down, even her thoughts seemed to slow down.

  Bright spots appeared in her vision and her eyes grew heavy. Her lungs burned from saltwater and ached from coughing. Somewhere in the distance she heard a boat engine, but she knew her time was up. The next wave pushed her hard under and she could not find the energy to fight back. Her body went limp and started to sink.

  James received the message and raced down the beach faster than he even thought was possible, with Melanie and Lucas in pursuit. He could feel Ava; he could sense her surrender to the ocean. As he ran he released his energy in full force and lifted his arms. He couldn’t see her, but he could sense her. The energy found her and wrapped around her. He lifted her out of the water and she soared through the air, closing the gap between the sea and the shore in seconds. He caught her and laid her on the beach, checking her pulse and for breathing. He quickly ascertained that she had a weak pulse but was not breathing. Lucas arrived first and took over. He tilted her head back and gave her a breath; Melanie arrived and monitored her pulse.

  “Blayke is notifying the paramedics,” she announced calmly.

  “Why isn’t she breathing!” James exclaimed, unable to conceal the fear in his voice. He was practically shaking, grasping one of Ava’s hands as if he was holding on for dear life. The others ignored him, continuing to issue rescue breaths. His energy surged all around them like a nuclear explosion had gone off, penetrating everyone and everything around them and beyond. The Asterions flinched around him. He had never been so afraid for anything in his entire existence.

  “Come on Ava, please! You can’t die, you’re too young to die!” James voice waivered as he continued to try and hold himself together.

  ∞

  The Captain and crew of the Principia decided that their search should continue towards the east. They had been travelling through space peacefully while remaining on the alert for anything. Since they were now in an unknown galaxy, no one knew for sure what could happen. Ash once again came to relieve Wesley from the overnight shift.

  “Anything interesting?” He asked in passing.

  “Nothing other than a few meteor showers, but that’s about it.” Wesley replied.

  “Get some rest, maybe we’ll see something today,” Ash said thoughtfully.

  Wesley, who was already at the doorframe stopped, took a deep breath and abruptly leaned with both hands on the door frame, closing his eyes.

  “What is it?” Ash asked, alarmed, getting up out of the chair.

  “What’s going on?” Andre asked, coming from the other side of the doorway that Wesley was blocking with his stance. Everyone had their eyes on him.

  “I feel something,” Wesley said slowly.

  “Something? . . . Is it Ava, Wesley?” Naomi asked.

  “No . . . it’s him. I can feel him.” He paused for a few moments with his eyes closed. Suddenly he opened them. “Turn the ship around! Turn around now, we need to head west!” Wesley commanded sharply. Ash ran to the controls and did as he was told.

  “What are you feeling?” Naomi asked eagerly, hoping she may also be able to tap into her ability to feel others and assist with the search.

  “Fear . . . he’s afraid of something,” Wesley said softly.

  “What would Xavier have to fear?”

  “I don’t know . . . unless . . . unless something has happened to Ava,” he said breathing heavy with his voice wavering.

  ∞

  Lizeth beached James’ boat and raced to the scene. “Are the paramedics on the way?” She asked as she too came to crouch at Ava’s side. The others were so focused on Ava that they ignored her. “James, I’m so sorry! We were just doing some boarding and we were about to come in,” Lizeth’s voice broke as she began to cry. James glared at her for a split second before turning back to Ava.

  “There’s too much water in her lungs, we need to try and get it out,” Melanie instructed. “James, she needs you, . . . you can do this.”

  James looked up at Melanie and then down at Ava and placed his hands over the center of her chest. He closed his eyes and focused. As he took a deep breath he used his ability to compress Ava’s lungs. Water instantly came pouring out of her mouth from the force on her lungs and she reflexively started coughing. He released her and they all moved together to turn her on her side as she continued to cough and pant violently, trying to get enough air.

  Ava drew her knees up and continued to cough, but also started crying. She grasped James knees, clinging to him and placed her head upon his lap. He wrapped an arm around her and stroked her head and back with the other, trying to soothe her anxiety. Other than being really shaken up she seemed to be all right. She barely had the energy to open her eyes, and she started to shiver as the sun had retreated behind the clouds.

  “We need to get her to a hospital,” Melanie said.

  “The paramedics are here,” Blayke’s voice announced through Lucas’ PCD. They could see them distantly down the beach at the house, hurrying towards them.

  James carefully picked her up and rushed her towards them, then went on with them in the ambulance to the hospital. His family followed behind. At the hospital James had a hard time being separated from Ava while the doctors ran all kinds of tests and took some images of her lungs. It was certain that if James had not intervened she would have drowned. It was sheer luck that he had been close on his way home when the incident occurred. Much to everyone’s relief, there was no permanent damage done. The doctors mentioned that otherwise, Ava was in excellent physical shape. After an overnight observation and some intravenous fluids, Ava was free to go home the next morning.

  Chapter 26: Party Time

  Ava walked slowly up the stairs back at the house. Melanie was on one side holding one arm and James on the other. She was determined not to be carried, even though she was entirely sapped of energy. The mild exertion left her breathing heavily, however she was motivated by wanting a hot bath. Even though the nursing staff helped clean her up at the hospital, she still had sand in places she didn’t even think was possible. Once inside the bathroom, she didn’t object to Melanie staying to make sure she was okay while she bathed.

  Afterwards, she put on the pajamas the Melanie had laid out for her. She sat at the vanity and allowed Melanie to comb out and dry her hair for her, like she was a child. She was so numb and in shock from what happened she just stared at the floor. Physically Ava was okay, mentally, she was a mess. In her mind she kept repeating to herself that she had nearly died . . . again. Near drowning was definitely more scary than the virus, she thought. James had saved her life and now she felt guilty for treating him so poorly over the last few weeks. She vowed this would change. He was no threat to her, he had not harmed her. She knew he never would. All she could feel was his constant love, just like Wesley, and she could sense him waiting for her in the bedroom. He was worried about her even now.

  Once her hair was dry, Ava stood up and emerged int
o the bedroom. James was standing near the windows, looking out at the overcast day. He immediately came to her, embracing her.

  “How do you feel . . . do you need anything? Are you hungry?” His eyes searched hers while his hands caressed her shoulders and back.

  “I just want to sleep, if that’s all right,” Ava responded softly. He nodded and guided her over to the bed and helped pull the covers over her as she settled. He kissed her forehead and started to pull away when she stopped him. “James?”

  “Yes?”

  “Please don’t be angry with Lizeth . . . this wasn’t her fault. It was mine. I’m the one that disobeyed her orders to stay on the beach.”

  “You should have never been out there in the first place with the weather like that. Lizeth knows better,” he said sternly.

  Ava grabbed his hand, feeling the electricity connect between them. “Please . . . Please don’t blame her.”

  He sighed and nodded in defeat. “Get some rest now, I won’t be far if you need me.” He kissed the back of her hand and everyone cleared the room after Melanie pulled the curtains, smiling warmly at Ava as she closed the door behind her.

  Ava slept the day away before awakening again. She eased up out of the bed and sat on the edge to steady herself. There was a small desk lamp illuminated on the other side of the room and a glass of water on the bedside table. She took a long drink before getting up. After a quick trip to the bathroom she left her room. Glancing at the clock she saw that it was eight thirty at night. Even though she was still exhausted she wandered over towards the other hallway, looking for James. Seeing no one, she wondered where everyone was.

  She noticed that James’ door was cracked and the lights were on inside. She pushed the door open and stepped inside his room. She had almost no time to take in the elegantly decorated surroundings before he came rushing out of the bathroom with his hair wet, wearing only his cross and a pair of dark linen pants; holding a towel. Ava couldn’t help but notice how sexy he looked coming out of the shower. It took him almost no time to reach her.

  “Are you okay?” He asked, his voice full of concern, tossing the towel on the bed.

  “Yes, I’m fine . . . I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, I was just wondering where you were,” she stated simply, reaching for his hand, which he seemed happy to give her.

  “There is no intrusion Ava,” he smiled contentedly at her.

  “James, there is something I want to say to you.” She hesitated and when he did not interrupt she continued. “Thank you for saving my life . . . words cannot express the gratitude that I feel.”

  “I would have done anything to save you, no matter what,” he said sincerely.

  “I know that. I also want to apologize to you. I’ve treated you so terribly since the concert and I’m sorry.”

  “You don’t need to apologize for that Ava, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have pushed you . . .”

  “But you didn’t! I . . . wanted to kiss you. It’s just that you feel like him and I’m having trouble separating my emotions.” She brought her other hand up to her face, feeling ashamed of her admission.

  He nodded in sympathy, sensing the struggle within her, noticing how exhausted she was, both mentally and physically. “Ava, you’re so tired. Please . . . let me help you.”

  “Help me how?” She looked at him with uncertainty.

  “Come here,” he whispered, gently pulling her to him. She had no time to react as he softly placed a hand upon her chest and felt the powerful sensation of his energy flowing into her. She held her breath as the heat enveloped her as she absorbed some of his life source. This was so different from feeling his energy expand around him, this time it was channeled directly into her. It lasted a few brief seconds before he removed his hand from her chest and she leaned against his naked chest, wrapping her arms around him, hyperventilating slightly.

  “What did you do to me?” She gasped.

  “I just shared a fraction of my energy with you. How do you feel?” He asked with concern.

  “I feel . . . good actually,” she responded with surprise. In fact, she felt more than good, she felt completely recovered, as if the drowning never occurred. It didn’t take her long to put the pieces together. “Is that your other ability?” She asked quietly, still embracing him.

  “Yes. I can share energy with you . . . only you Ava . . . when you need it.”

  “Your energy? Then why do I feel okay? I’ve been down this road before, with the blood transfusion. Why don’t I feel like bouncing off the walls?”

  “Because Justin’s energy was not meant to be shared with you. Even though they saved your life, they could have killed you.”

  “It didn’t matter, I was going to die anyway.”

  “Thank God they did save you,” he said softly as he brushed his lips over her cheek.

  “Can I have some more?” Ava pulled away slightly, looking at him, feeling enthusiastic as the prospects. She could definitely get used to this.

  He playfully pulled her back into his embrace. “Absolutely not. You are human after all.” He smiled at her warmly. They laughed softly together for a few moments. Ava looked up into James’ serene face and caressed his cheek with one of her hands, running it back and through his hair. He made no move to encourage her affections; the last thing he wanted was a repeat of what happened after they kissed the last time.

  She surprised him and herself when she stood up on her tip toes and used the hand on the back of his head to ease him down to her. She pressed her lips against his and pulled back slowly, looking into his large brilliant blue eyes. She could feel the desire coursing through both of them and still he made no move. “Kiss me,” she whispered.

  He didn’t have the resolve to resist the invitation and brought his face down to hers.

  They kissed slowly, hesitantly at first, not in the hurried, reckless way they had after the concert. He pulled her body tight up against him, circling his arms around her, allowing the connection to build between them. Ava relaxed into him, feeling his energy permeate her body, welcoming it. She wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying the feel of his body. As they continued to kiss the passion escalated. Their hands roamed and caressed each other lovingly, comforting each other, fulfilling a need that each of them had. As soon as Ava began to wonder how far this was going to go tonight, James stopped kissing her and pulled back, breathing heavily.

  “What’s wrong?” Ava asked, catching her breath.

  “Nothing’s wrong. In fact, everything is right,” he said pleasantly as he gazed down at her.

  “Then why did you stop?”

  “Because the woman I love almost drowned yesterday,” James said seriously. “My energy will give you a lift but it won’t sustain you. I think you should eat something and rest to recover your strength,” he replied softly.

  Ava smiled, realizing that despite the energy James had given her she was indeed famished. “I guess I am a little hungry. Do you want to come to the kitchen with me?”

  He released her and went into his closet to grab a T-shirt, then took one of her hands and brought it to his mouth. After planting a soft kiss on it he led the way downstairs.

  A couple of days after the incident on the beach, things were back to normal, save for Ava’s relationship with James, which seemed to take a happy turn for them both. She put the events of her past out of her mind and threw her energy and thoughts into beginning a new romance, and falling in step with her new family. It was nice for her not to guard her feelings, or feel guilty for wanting something she told herself was wrong to have.

  James had told her that he had a surprise for her on Saturday, but wouldn’t tell her what it was. She suspected the whole family was in on it because no one would tell her anything when she asked. When the day in question arrived, so did Emma and Lizeth. They showed up early and took Ava for a day of shopping, citing the need for her to dress well this evening. She didn’t know what the occasion was but decided to play along with
it, choosing a casual but elegant pale gray strapless dress made out of a flowing chiffon-like fabric that was artfully draped and cascaded down to just below her knees in the front and a little longer in the back. Tiny crystals had been glued to the gown strategically here and there, giving it a shimmering effect. After bringing Ava back home, the women instructed her to be ready promptly at five for her ‘surprise.’

  ∞

  Everyone on board the Principia was on high alert for anything that could indicate the presence of an inhabitable planet that Xavier could take Ava to. It didn’t take them long to detect something major on the trajectory. As they moved closer they were astounded to find a large planet with a greenish hue in the distance.

  “Cloak the ship, I don’t want to ruin our element of surprise,” Wesley commanded.

  The ship virtually disappeared from sight and radar detection thanks to Ash’s new technology. The same technology they had developed after observing what Kaden could do.

  “There’s something else coming up on the trajectory!” Naomi announced.

  “What is it?” Wesley ran to where she was sitting.

  “It appears to be a satellite,” she said in astonishment.

  “Let me see,” Wesley sat down next to her and within seconds a huge smile spread across his lips. “That has to be Xavier’s handiwork, because that’s exactly how I would build it!” He said happily as they passed by it, taking in the appearance of the massive structure. “Now, let’s get a reading and see exactly where he’s hiding out,” he said confidently.

  ∞

  At five o’clock Ava was dressed and ready as requested. She had pulled her hair up in a casual loose bun and secured it with a sliver comb she had acquired at some point since arriving on Sphene. She stood in front of her dresser looking in her jewelry box trying to decide what to wear when there was a soft knock on her door. Sensing his presence, she knew who it was.