My Soul to Save (Soul Keeper)

by Melissa Solis

  I drift off to sleep remembering the warmth of his back as I lay my cheek against it, and the clean scent of his Hugo Boss cologne. I miss him so much. As I flip the journal shut, a photo falls out. I reach down under my bed for it, momentarily creeped out by childish fears of monsters lurking beneath my mattress.

  I snatch my hand back up before the murderer / monster / demon – can hatchet it off. The picture is of Sam and me at homecoming, along with Elijah and Ari? Wait what? Whoa!

  Proof positive that my past was scooped out like a litter box, only bits and pieces are real, the rest has been left to swim around my brain as imposters.

  *~*~*

  The next day, Emily and I go shopping for prom dresses in Newport. She pulls in front of a dress store that boasts promises of sequins and rhinestones. The pressure is on to find the perfect dress. It has to be classy and elegant, timeless really. Now that I know what the future has in store for me, pictures from this night will likely get leaked and if I don't look every bit the part of future president, I'll be bashed by Joan Rivers on down to Carsen Kressley or versions of them in twenty years.

  An older woman approaches us like a vulture circling over a carcass. Her lips are outlined in red, way past their natural borders, and thick black liner rings her eyes several times over. "How may I help you ladies today?"

  Emily goes to tell the lady just what we’re looking for, but I interrupt. "We're just browsing, thank you." The woman’s artificial brow raises so high I think it may be touching her scalp. She waves her palm over the store like she had the magical power to display only the most hideous of dresses for our shopping pleasure. The first store is a bust. We don't even try anything on.

  "We waited too long, everything descent has been picked clean," Emily says.

  "Come on, I think there's a Neiman's about ten minutes from here."

  "I can't afford that store Bren."

  "Don't worry I have a coupon you can use."

  "You mean your Discover card Bren? No."

  "We'll try a couple more places first. But if it’s anything like this one, you are going to Niemen’s. My grandmother left me with an obscene amount of money, and if I can’t treat my best friend to her one and only prom dress then what good is it?" Emily nods her head and rattles my shoulders in the process.

  We hit a few more places. The last shop in the city has a few things we try on. I find a pretty pink dress that looks flattering, but I didn't really want to be in pink. I want something that will make Sam drool in his socks.

  We both emerge from the dressing room. Emily is unrecognizable in a red satin dress that hugs her curves. Jesson will go berserk over her in that dress.

  "Oh, Bren that dress looks beautiful on you."

  "I don't really like it. I don't think I can commit to it just yet. You however, look like a knockout,” I say.

  "You think?" Emily has lost more weight and although she was beautiful before, I think now she’s fully accepted her new body and can't wait to show it off. Even when she was full figured she would have worn a form fitting dress and flaunted what God gave her. That’s what I liked about Emily. She was confident in who she was inside and out.

  "Em's, your stunning." Her eyes flutter up as she tries to stave off tears.

  "Thanks, you don't think it's over the top?"

  "Hon, I'm from Texas. It’s go big or go home!"

  "Speaking of, are you seriously gonna let Sam move down there all by himself?" I cringe as if hearing it from her lips, cemented my future of isolation and abandonment into the bedrock.

  I shrug. "He won't have it any other way."

  She pays for her dress and then we make our way to Neiman's, still on the hunt for my dress.

  "I'm just saying, I find it hard to believe that Sam is going to Baylor just because it's some big family tradition. Maybe you should talk to his dad."

  "I don't know, Em's I think Baylor is the best spot for Sam to be so that he can be an Oncologist. He wants to intern one day at MD. Anderson."

  "He can still go to med school there, I'm just saying, what's his excuse for going there for undergrad?"

  "I don't know." That's a dang good question. I don’t know the reasoning that’s in his head. All I know is the Keepers can’t wait to pack him up and ship him off, and get him as far away from me as they can. It’s why they denied him acceptance into Harvard, and why they made his dad go broke overnight practically, so that they would have no other choice.

  I inhale the scent of money as we walk into the brightly lit store. I would normally never shop anywhere so extravagant, but my two sidekicks here keep telling me this is where I need to shop to find the perfect dress for the occasion.

  I feel like I'm already dressing for the part of my unfathomable destiny. They help me pick out several to try on. "Plum will make your eyes pop." "No, gold will." They argue in my ear about the details for several minutes. They've sucked all the fun out of day and now I just want to buy the next dress that fits.

  Ugh, none of these are right either. I should have shopped online months ago. God help me when I do get married, I am going to turn into bride-zilla for sure. I make my way to the counter with the least hideous dress. It’s a teal peacock themed little number. At least I feel sassy in it.

  "You must be her," the young woman at the register sighs out.

  "Excuse me?" I ask ready to be back home ten minutes ago.

  "What's your name?" the sales clerk asks. I look to my guardians, they shrug as if they don't have a clue.

  "Brennen Hale"

  "I knew it had to be you. He said your eyes would put the stars to shame." I glance around the store and wonder what kind of prank someone is playing on me now.

  "Who?"

  "I don't know his name, but he left a gift for you, said you'd be by to get it today. He was tall. His own eyes were something altogether... Well anyway, he was unbelievably gorgeous. You’re a lucky girl to have someone like that." From under the counter she produces a large white box with a red bow.

  My first thought is, it's a bomb. I mean that is the kind of luck I have right? It wouldn't be the first time the evil ones have taken to fire to try and extinguish me once and for all. Of course, such a unique death would come with a bright red bow attached, because that’s just how they roll.

  Elena leans over it and listens. Ha, see! I'm not the only one who thinks the worst. She must take a short trip to the future. I watch closely as she blurs in and out of sight, like some stellar strobe light. Her head bounces back up and she nods for me to cautiously proceed.

  "Did Sam arrange all this?" Emily wonders. Nope, not Sam. I shrug knowing full well Elijah is the culprit here.

  I pull apart the silky ribbon and lift the lid. Piles of tissue are folded over it. I finally find the prize. Layers and layers of snow white organza feel like heaven on a stick, in my hands. It has a low cut neckline and a gold beaded belt. It’s simple really, but somehow extraordinary.

  "Oh Bren, it's a work of art," Emily cries out. She and the sales woman herd me into the dressing room to change. I'm surprised they haven't stripped me down right next to the half-naked mannequin already. The dress has a barely noticeable print of gold feathers falling all around it, as if the angels above were having a pillow fight.

  "It's perfect. The dress makes me look like some mythological Greek goddess."

  "Well, who sent it? Is there a card? Oh it had to be Sam. He's so romantic. I wonder how he knew you'd shop here." Great, how am I going to explain this one away? I look to Elena for help. A smirk sits on her face as if it's a permanent fixture to her perfectly formed lips.

  "No card. If Sam didn't send it, I don't know who on earth did." Hell's not on earth technically, right?

  "Well we'd better get back to your house, they'll be there soon. Oh, but we need shoes and jewelry still. We need to hurry." The guys want to meet up and hash out prom details with us since we're all going together. I nod, I can't wait to see Sam, and I need to pick Jesson's brain for a way to he
lp Elijah.

  “I’ll just text Sam that we need a couple more hours.”

  “Guys have it easy. They show up to Rent-a-Tux and leave five minutes later, complete.”

  “Yep but they do it all for us. You know it’s the worst five minutes of their life.” I retort and Emily giggles.

  “I wish I could tell if Jesson asked me because he’s interested romantically. He gives off no vibes either way.”

  “I would take it solely as a friendship thing until he makes it as clear as day.” She nods like that is the last thing she will do but she'll never tell me that. I hope he doesn’t wind up hurting her. I may have to talk to him tonight.

  I fall in love with a pair of white strappy heels that have rhinestones studded in gold. They’ll look perfect with the dress.

  “How about these drop earrings.” Emily holds up gold feather ear rings.

  “They’re pretty.”

  I pick out a pair of Swarovski smoke colored earrings for Emily and she fawns over them. All in all we ended up having a fun time being absolutely girly and spending ridiculous amounts of cash. I worry the entire way home about what I will tell Sam when Emily eventually blurts out the day's highlight.

  Chapter 3 ~ Good Lies

  My skin ignites as Sam takes me in, his eyes peeking over the spatula tell me just what he's thinking. A flare on the grill shoots up flames behind him, and he turns away to adjust the burgers. I glide backwards in the pool letting the cool water rush over my hair. Emily is lounging on a raft with Jesson clinging to the middle, they're lost in conversation. I imagine he's enjoying his newfound freedom. I wonder if he's on a mission.

  I blink into the red sky world and find Elena and Inara dangling their feet in the deep end. Will soars overhead, looking like some exotic creature with the contrast of his dark as night skin, against the pallor of his pristine white wings.

  I swim closer to the ladies. "Is Jesson Emily's Keeper?" I direct to Inara, favoring her more for honesty.

  "No."

  "Then why is he still hanging around in my high school?"

  "It's classified, I believe that's what you would call it down here."

  I know all too much about classified missions, it's all my father ever went on. Suddenly Brutus jumps into the pool and retrieves my shark shaped chlorinator.

  "Brutus! No, leave it!" He promptly expels it, missing its fin and full of holes. With a fresh kill, he exits the pool and shakes off as Sam lifts the platter of meat to save it. Having a dog is great, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants their home to have that particular wet canine aroma peppered with a light dusting of black hair. It's very up and up.

  "Marco?"

  "Polo!" Mia and Maci shout across the pool at each other. A round of squeals and giggles follow as Mia finally tags Maci. I stretch my arms over the sides of the pool and take it all in. This is what I hope the future holds for all of us. I capture this moment in time, with my mental snapshot.

  "Burgers are done!"

  "Brutus no!" We all shout as we see the dog go for the plate as if it were chow-time, and we just decided to serve him at the bar. Sam lifts the plate so fast he loses a burger. The dog inhales it without chewing.

  "Okay, salad for me. Thanks boy."

  "Don't worry, I made an extra just for him." I walk around the bar and kiss Sam chastely on the lips.

  "Thank you for cooking for us, it smells delicious," I whisper in his ear.

  "You're welcome."

  "Jesson would you help me get everyone's drinks?" I ask. He nods and throws his towel around his shoulders following me inside. I slide the door shut and make sure all heads are accounted for outside. He rakes the towel across his black hair and spikes it up.

  "Hey I need to talk to you alone as soon as you have time."

  "I figured as much. How about I come back later tonight, after I drop Emily off?"

  "That would be excellent, and Jesson."

  "Yeah?"

  "Don't tell anyone."

  "I would never."

  I pass out lemonade at the table, and Jesson clears his throat.

  "May I say the blessing?" he asks. I nod, my eyes a little wider than usual. I'm not used to that, but I do wish I'd start making it more of a habit. A smile warms his face as if this were his intention. I grab hold of Sam's hand and then he takes Mia's, before long we've made a circle. The other Keepers bow their heads.

  “Lord, our God we thank you for the blessing of this delicious meal Sam has burned for us.” He smiles up at Sam. “These beautiful friends to enjoy it with, against a backdrop of one of your most glorious sunsets to date. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.”

  He says only a few words but it touches something in me to the point of drawing tears and I blink them away before anyone sees. But he notices, and that same heartfelt smile beams over to me. Jesson has always been the same, before when he was a fallen, and now with his grace fully restored. How could he have survived down there, and still come back so normal?

  "So Sam, nice job on the dress today," Emily blurts out, catching me off guard so that I almost choke on my burger. I start coughing and sputtering. Sam hands me my glass to help. Ugh, why did she have to say anything?

  "Are you okay?" he asks, rubbing my back.

  "Don't forget to chew-chew!" Mia and Maci sing out, sounding like a train. I nod and take a sip from my glass.

  "Sorry, Emily what were you saying?"

  Here we go. I don't even have a lie in place. She spins the event out in full dramatic detail as I watch the concern grow on Sam's brow like an untamed weed. He blinks up at me wondering who my secret admirer is, no doubt.

  "I didn't buy Brennen a dress." He turns to me. "Is there something you want to tell me?" I can't read his mood. Now, I would beg for the power to know what he's thinking.

  Okay make this believable. A light smile breaks out on my face, and I laugh. "I apparently have a wealthy cousin on my mother’s side. My Aunt Hattie, god rest her soul, gave him up for adoption and he tracked me down recently. He likes to splurge sometimes." I marvel at how easily the lies come when I need them to.

  "Why didn't you say anything?"

  "I don't know him very well yet."

  "Well what's his name?"

  "Elijah." I whisper as if I may summon him here by the mere mention of his name.

  Elena applauds my efforts with a standing ovation. "Bravo child!"

  I glare into her, wondering if angels can get drunk. I'm so glad that I’m the only one who can see her. Inara and Will are locked in conversation I take a second glance, and he whispers something in her ear, and she rolls back laughing, touching his bare shoulder in the process. Hm looks like love is in the air for those two.

  "Well if he's in town, I'd love to meet him."

  "I called him this afternoon to thank him and to confirm it was really he who sent the gift, he said he bought the dress days ago, when I was in New York. He's already back in Cali." Keep piling Bren, lies on top of lies. I go into the kitchen and grab the cherry cheesecake. Maybe a bit of sugar will help them swallow the load of crap I just fed them by the spoonful.

  By the time I serve it they have moved on to prom details.

  "You are all welcome to spend the weekend here if you want," I offer. Jesson's eyes widen at the prospect. He takes Emily's hand and kisses it. My own eyes widen in shock.

  "Would that make you happy?" he asks her and she nods. "Then that is what we'll do."

  "Dinner at Salacia? Prom is right downstairs," Sam offers.

  "I've heard that place is really good," Emily says, and I nod my head in agreement.

  His sisters dive back into the water, so I take my chance and steal a kiss from Sam.

  "You have a little cherry on your lip, may I help you remove it?" I ask. His eyes close and drift open, waiting. I take in his lower lip as he sucks in a breath. His hands wrap in my hair as he returns the kiss.

  "You know I was saving that for later," he says in his low, hushed voice that makes me want to crawl
on his lap and never leave. I sigh, and he smiles knowing exactly what he's doing. God help me come prom. I rake my body out of the chair and begin to clear the table.

  After everyone has vacated, and it’s just me and the Po-Po, I retreat to my bedroom to brush up for my finals this week. Brutus curls up on a blanket I put on the floor for him.

  “Tomorrow you and I get to go see the veterinarian and get you all checked out.” He groans and rolls over exposing his man hood. Yep, those are going too. I scratch his tummy and his tongue flaps out of his mouth in response. “You are a goofy dog.”

  *~*~*

  “Bren?” I gasp at the sound of a man’s voice calling my name nearby. I must have dozed off. I recognize Jesson’s voice outside my door.

  “Yeah?” I call, as I roll out of bed to let him in.

  “Sorry. Elena said you were up here studying. You must not have heard me the first time I knocked.” He brushes his medium length, straight hair back like a habit.

  “Sorry, I guess I was tired. Come on, I need some fresh air.” I lead him out to the catwalk of my house. He leans against the railing and stares out at the water, toeing at the walkway with his Converse.

  “Where should I begin?” he asks. Jesson is always so calm and cool.

  “I need to know how I can save Elijah.”

  “Whoa, whoa, first you need to back up. You can’t save Elijah; he has to save himself.”

  The moon casts its light over the water turning the sea into a churning cauldron of navy glitter.

  “He said they were taking him, and he may not be the same. What will they do to him?”

  “Look you don’t really want to know what they are going to do to him, Bren. Trust me on this one okay. You saw me when I came back. And I was with them since the beginning.” My heart sinks as I watch a chill run over him as if he’s reliving the moment.