“Like a medical intuitive? My aunt Darla was one,” Skylar said. “She was wrong a lot of the time, though.”
“Similar. But Rhia has never been wrong. Not once. We’ve kept this quiet for the most part. For one, some people might think we’re nuts or call her a freak or try to hurt her, who knows. But also, if the world knew, we would have a constant line at our door. That might be her path one day, but not as a child. I want to protect her as long as I can.”
“Just meeting her here, I can see she is very special,” Skylar said. “She seems so peaceful and yet so lively at the same time.”
“Yeah, she’s a model for us all. She only wears white. She says it helps her sunshine come out. Getting her to wear shoes is a challenge. We made a deal that she must wear them at school, but as soon as I pick her up, they can come off in the car. She loves anything that sparkles: jewelry, crystals—mostly quartz crystals, the white ones. We have them all over the house.” Ronnie had a wistful look in her eyes.
Skylar was reminded of her mother’s crystals. “These crystals are wonderful tools,” Cassie used to say. “Among other things, they have healing properties for the mind and body.” What a load of crap, she still died, Skylar thought.
“Let’s head to the Round Room and talk about that book of yours,” Ronnie said. “Rhia will come up when she’s done playing.”
They took the quick walk up the stairs and resumed their positions at the long wood table.
“I’ll get right to it,” Ronnie said, holding the leatherbound book in her hands. She took a deep breath. “This is a book of your life, Skylar.”
“I know,” Skylar said.
“You do?”
“My mom always called it my book . . . of Akasha.” Skylar hesitated, not sure how much she should share with Ronnie about the events of the summer. “Even though I couldn’t read it. She said one day I would.”
“So she explained to you what the Akashic Records are?” Ronnie asked.
“Actually no. I just thought everyone had one of these.” She gestured to the book.
Ronnie nodded. “The Akashic Records are supposed to be a metaphoric book or library, not an actual book,” Ronnie said. “The records are just that, a record of all life throughout time. And not just this lifetime but all lifetimes before this and after. In simple terms, you can think of it as a library where all of the volumes of all of the lives that have ever walked the earth are stored.”
Ronnie’s excitement continued to climb. “And what is so fascinating about the Akashic Records is that they aren’t just a recording of actions. They’re also a recording of all human thought and desire. So, theoretically, if that were true, you could read feelings of a particular person. Like what I explained about Rhia. She has the ability to tap into the records through her mind. You have the ability to tap in through this book.” Ronnie tapped the cover. “It’s categorized in chronological order. I’ll show you.” She took in a deep breath.
She flipped quickly through the book, more flustered than Skylar had ever seen her. “Here.” Ronnie pointed to squiggles on a page Skylar was expected to believe were text. “This is your first day at Rosen, wrinkled shorts and all. I know you can’t read it, but it’s there.” She scrolled down a few lines and pointed to more squiggles. “And Argan shows up here.” She looked at Skylar. “More faith needed to believe me, I guess.” She looked apologetic. “How are you doing so far?”
“Okay,” Skylar said apprehensively. “I’ve been remembering things lately. Things I had forgotten for a long time. It happens when I hold the book.”
Ronnie studied Skylar as she took a seat across the table. The door squeaked slightly and Suki appeared. “I’m sorry,” she said, stepping into the room. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But I did.”
Ronnie frowned. “Suki, I don’t know if Skylar—”
“It’s okay,” Skylar said. “I don’t mind if she stays.” Her need for support trumped her fear of being judged as a crazy person.
“Thanks Sky,” Suki said. She plopped down in the seat next to her. “I’ve been dreaming about my parents a lot lately. I never have, ever, and now it’s almost nightly. But it’s good, like I’m getting to know them now. And sometimes I get the feeling they’re trying to warn me about something. I don’t know what, though. I don’t think I’m getting any REM sleep. I’m exhausted.” She ran her hands through her hair. “Is there anything in your mystery book about that?”
“I’m glad you’re interested enough to dig into it, Suki,” Ronnie said.
“I really just want to get some sleep,” Suki said.
“Things like this happen to everyone but most dismiss it, forgetting their connection to the Divine and those loved ones that have crossed over,” Ronnie said. “Most people need to be hit over the head with experience to cement it into a belief. And our beliefs shape the world we see. Change your beliefs, change your world.”
Ronnie returned to the Book of Akasha and scanned a few lines with her finger. “You can tell present day because it’s fuzzy.”
Skylar couldn’t tell the difference; it all looked fuzzy to her.
“Because you are writing it right now,” Ronnie explained. “It can show you just before now, and the potential after now, but it can’t show you right now.”
“It can show the future?” Skylar’s eyes widened.
“One version of it, yes,” Ronnie said.
“You’re saying all of the events in my life are already recorded, just waiting for me to play them out?” Skylar asked incredulously. “So where does my ability to choose come in? If I choose Cheer-ios instead of a bagel for breakfast, it was already predetermined somewhere and I’m just a robot following orders?”
“Not exactly,” Ronnie said. “Think of it as a giant computer game. You are in it, turning left or right, making choices all the time, big and small. You are choosing your breakfast, you are choosing your college, you are choosing whom to marry. Every time you choose, a new pathway opens. The records contain infinite malleable possibilities, taking into account human choice. Some things in life just don’t work out no matter how hard you try. Some opportunities fall at your feet as if placed there by the heavens. Most people call this luck. But there ain’t no such thing.”
Skylar let all that Ronnie had said sink in. Finally, she said, “I want to be able to read this book so I can see my future.”
“Bad idea,” Ronnie said. “People always say they want to know the future, but it can do much more harm than good.”
“But I can make choices based on what I learn from the book,” Skylar said.
“Well, let’s sleep on that one, okay? But here, take it back. You would need enormous help to read this, so I’m not worried you’ll get into trouble with it.” Ronnie pushed the book back across the table to her.
“Thanks, Ronnie,” Skylar said. She stood up from her chair but her head started to spin. She sat back down for a moment.
Ronnie reached for her hand. “I know this is a lot to take in. Let it settle a bit before we delve further, okay?”
Skylar nodded and stood up again, slower this time. She took the book and put it in her bag.
“Suki, do you feel like having a girls’ night at my place tonight?” Skylar asked. She had a strong desire for company.
“That sounds great,” Suki said. “I could use a change of scenery.”
The sun was setting through the trees behind Skylar’s house as Suki pulled into the long driveway. Michael was perched on the porch railing.
“I don’t like cats,” Suki said. This didn’t seem to bother Michael; he jumped down as she walked up to the porch and started his delicate dance, weaving between her legs, purring loudly.
“He’ll convert you before too long,” Skylar said at the door. “He has a way.”
“Not likely,” Suki said coldly.
“You’re a vet tech, you’re supposed to love animals.”
“I specialize in horses for a reason,” Suki said.
They walked into the house and Suki glanced around.
“I told you it was small,” Skylar said.
“It’s really great, actually,” Suki said. “Very welcoming.”
“You can stay in my room,” Skylar said, taking Suki’s duffel bag. “I’ll sleep in my mom’s.”
They ate pizza and argued over what movie to watch. Suki wanted action; Skylar wanted anything by Nicholas Sparks.
“I’d rather hang out with the cat,” Suki said. She hopped off her chair in the living room and walked into the open library. The moon was full, beaming its bright light through the arched window. “I can see why you don’t want to leave this place,” she said, looking at all of the books on the shelves. “It’s magical.”
“Thank you,” Skylar said. “My dad doesn’t understand.”
“They rarely do,” Suki said. The Book of Akasha sat on a small end table next to the beanbag chair. She gestured to it. “Mind if I . . .”
“Go ahead,” Skylar said. “Maybe your parents can tell you how to read it.” She cringed at her own bad joke. “Sorry.”
Suki held it and closed her eyes, pretending to channel her parents. “Nope, sorry,” she said, returning the book to the end table. “How’s it going with Argan?”
A wide grin spread across Skylar’s face.
“Ahh, that well,” Suki said, answering her own question.
“It’s weird but it’s not,” Skylar said. “He’s an old friend but gives me a new rush I’ve never had in my entire life.” She paused. “How about you? Dating anybody?” Suki had shared so much about her parents and her home life but nothing about her love life. Skylar was curious.
“I don’t think my grandmother would approve of anyone I brought home, so I’ve put the idea out of my head,” Suki said. “Although to be honest, the idea has never really been in my head.” She paused awkwardly. “I’m less than experienced in that area of life.”
“You’re not alone there,” Skylar said. “I haven’t dated too seriously. Although who does anymore?”
“My grandmother didn’t want me to go away for undergrad, so I commuted to Rosen. I never had the full college experience, if you know what I mean.”
It took a minute for Skylar to understand what Suki was implying. It was hard to tell, but she thought her friend might be blushing. “Do you mean you’ve never . . .”
Suki shook her head.
“That’s crazy!” Skylar said—and instantly regretted reacting so immaturely. “I mean, sorry. Wow, I’m just surprised. But I guess that makes sense given your family situation.”
“I figure my grandmother’s going to have to kick off before I go on a date,” Suki said, sounding resigned. “I’m happy to focus on work, anyway.”
Skylar shook her head. “I’d hate for you to be waiting around for that, Suuk. And besides, these things have a way of sneaking up on you with no warning.”
The girls resumed their position in front of the TV, and Skylar leaned down to pick up the remote from the floor.
“What’s that?” Suki asked, pointing to Skylar’s neck.
Skylar touched her collarbone. “What?”
“The tattoo,” Suki said.
“Oh, it’s henna,” Skylar said, touching the ring of three doves. “My mom had the same tattoo and wouldn’t let me get one when I was young, so she did the henna. I’ve kept it going for her.”
“That lasts, like, a week or two. You could just get a real tattoo.”
“I got a small one on my toe when she was sick, and it was excruciating,” Skylar said. “I’ll stick to the henna.”
She pressed Play on the remote and they started a marathon of vintage Matt Damon—the only movies they could agree on.
Four hours later, Skylar wished Suki a good night’s sleep and headed up to Cassie’s loft carrying the Book of Akasha. She curled up under the quilt with Michael by her side. She flipped through the book for a brief moment and found the fuzzy passage Ronnie pointed out earlier. She wondered if the book could function like an Ouija board—if she could use it to answer questions about her future—but she had the sense to treat it more seriously than that. She fell asleep still holding the book in her hands.
A stunning blond beast makes his way toward Skylar. He’s larger than any man she has ever seen and freakishly muscular. He can’t possibly be human. His tight black T-shirt cuts into his massive biceps and dips into his painted-on jeans. He quickly locks onto Skylar’s eyes with a piercing stare. She senses he’s talking to her, but she doesn’t hear a voice; it’s more like a vibration in her head. Her instincts tell her to run, but she can’t pull away from his stare. As he continues toward her, the vibration increases in intensity. Her initial repulsion reverses to a steady pull, like gravity. With every step he takes, her fear dissolves, desire taking its place. Her entire body starts to shake. She recognizes this power; it’s coming from behind the door deep inside her. It’s pounding, tired of waiting for permission to be unleashed. The beast reaches out and touches her shoulder with his hand—
Skylar jolted up, her T-shirt soaked with sweat. What the hell was that? she thought, her heart pounding. All of the fear from her dream rushed to her awareness. All of the passion had vanished. Something lay buried in her dreams, untouchable when she woke up.
She felt a chill from her wet shirt in the night air. She clutched her mother’s old quilt around her, hoping it would give her comfort, but it couldn’t prevent the uneasy feeling washing over her. She lay back down, unsure she would get back to sleep that night.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Suki consoled her the next morning after hearing a watered-down version of the dream. “It was just a dream.”
“It didn’t feel like just a dream,” Skylar said, her temples pounding. “It felt like an alarm clock set off in my subconscious, telling me I’m out of time to remember something important.”
“Maybe you should take a break from that book,” Suki said. “Everything seems to be going in an unsavory direction.”
“Ya think?” Skylar said, pouring coffee. “A break would be good. I need some shoes. Are you up for a trip to the mall?”
“I meant more than just an afternoon, but I could use some new workout shorts,” Suki said, hopping off the counter stool.
“Hey, did you get sleep last night?” Skylar asked.
“Some, but my parents apparently know your address too,” Suki said. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready to go.”
The girls were on their way back to Skylar’s after a morning of shopping and a high-calorie lunch, fresh lattes in hand, when they ran into heavy construction traffic.
“Can you go a different way?” Suki asked. “This is going down to one lane and will take forever.”
“I should have taken the 402, but it’s too late now,” Skylar said, shaking her head. “We’re stuck in this now.”
The girls crept along for ten minutes and merged into the traffic. A construction worker flagged them through the zone.
“God, I love a man in work boots,” Suki said, admiring the flagger. “Why is a guy that looks like that doing a job like this? That makes no sense.”
Skylar looked at the flagger and slammed on her brakes. “Suki!” she screamed. “It’s him!”
“Jesus, Sky!” Suki held her arm out to the dashboard for fear of slamming into it, and latte spilled down the front of her sleeveless turtleneck. “What are you doing?”
“That construction worker is the guy from my dream,” Skylar said incredulously. She swallowed hard.
Suki rummaged through the glove box for something to blot her sweater with. The best she could find was a crumpled paper napkin. “He is really hot, Sky,” she said. “Too bad he just touched your shoulder.”
“You think I’m kidding,” Skylar said. “I’m not! That’s him! I don’t believe this. What do I do?”
“Keep driving! Pay attention, please!” The car behind them agreed with Suki, beeping loudly.
Skylar’s focus returned
to the road, her heart still pounding. “That was the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me,” she said.
“Did you get a good look at him?” Suki asked. “He was beautiful, but at twenty miles an hour, he could have been anyone.”
“Maybe I should go through the line again,” Skylar said.
“Don’t you dare. Or at least drop me off first. I am not sitting through that traffic again.”
“How does something like that happen? And why?” Skylar said, checking her rear view mirror as he faded from view.
Suki couldn’t argue the point. “I think you need to figure out how to read that book,” she said, still trying to salvage her sweater with the napkin.
“Sorry about your sweater,” Skylar said.
“It’s fine,” Suki said. She gave up and threw the paper napkin on the floor. “How does this fit in with Argan? He’s back tonight.”
“It doesn’t affect us,” Skylar said quickly. “This was weird, that’s all. It doesn’t affect us,” she repeated, unsure if she was trying to convince Suki or herself.
That afternoon, Argan called Skylar from the road, asking for a date. “We can go out to an actual restaurant,” he said. “We’ve done nothing but hang at my place since we met.”
“Sure, that sounds nice,” Skylar agreed. “You’ve been on the road all day, so I’ll come to you. Why don’t I meet you at the barn and we can go from there?”
Three hours later, Skylar and Argan pulled into the parking lot at the same time.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said in a throaty voice when he saw her. “I missed you.” He gave her a strong hug and buried his face in her hair. “You smell great.”
Skylar’s butterflies returned, stronger than ever. Fondness for her old friend had officially been replaced with desire for the man he had become.
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