Nia's eyes went wide at the mention of her name and she clutched her wrist for comfort rubbing her tattoo. That drew the girl’s attention to the spot and she came close in a flash.
Lilly grabbed Nia's wrist tightly examining it closely and gasped at the sight of her tattoo.
"Where did you get this!?" Lilly’s hand tightened on her wrist in a death grip. Nia pulled her wrist hard from Lilly's clutches to no avail but shortly after Lilly dropped her wrist like it was on fire.
"I got it for my eighteenth birthday. I drew it and tattooed it myself." She explained.
"Oh my, it's worse than I thought! There is a possibility they have already seen you! Please be careful of who you trust Nia." she said looking around warily.
Nia swallowed hard, whatever this was the eerie feeling that settled in her stomach told her it felt pretty real. She knew she was dreaming but thought maybe this was just a lucid dream.
"Things are not as they seem dear Nia, I will have to come back to you soon.” The girl said looking startled. “I promise I’m on your side, please remember that. I think he has sensed you already.” Lilly said biting her lip. “I have to go. I will find a way to see you again. Do not worry." Nia frowned, "Please just tell me why you reacted like that to my tattoo.” she practically begged.
"I’m afraid I cannot. I must go, he is coming.” Lilly said abruptly.
"No please! Wait! I have more questions!” Nia screamed after the disappearing girl.
Lilly was fading when her voice came through like a whisper. "You will be sent a Guardian. Only he can truly protect you. I will contact you soon. Do be safe, Nia!" and just like that she was gone.
Hopping off of the branch she stood frozen. "Now what am I supposed to do and what the heck does any of that even mean!!" She screamed stomping her foot truly frustrated.
Nia thought for sure this would be the revelation she had been waiting for. A telling of why weird things happened to her all her life. Nia's dream began to change subtly at first then the sky slightly darkened to a look of twilight.
It seemed to be getting colder too so Nia wrapped her arms around herself whispering, "Wake up, Nia, wake up. WAKE UP!" she hissed willing herself to awaken.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and she started to feel fluttering deep in her belly. She felt like someone or something was behind her.
Turning around slowly Nia was shocked to find herself face to face a couple of feet from a guy in a hoodie and jeans. His pale blue eyes stared at her studying, making her feel like she was on display. His eyes were almost crystal clear like ice and they were mesmerizing.
He let out a low rumbling laugh and Nia cleared her throat and spoke slowly, "Can I help you?” she asked glaring at him while she crossed her arms across her chest.
Before he could say anything she blurted, "Hey I can talk again! I mean you heard that right?" she asked cocking her head to the side.
A small smirk played on his lips, "Of course I heard you. I'm not deaf. Wait, why did you ask me that?" he asked tilting his head slightly.
Nia's tattooed wrist pulsed uncomfortably and she stuffed her hand into her pajama pants pocket. She was glad just then for those useless pockets. Something told her no one should see her tattoo, not after Lilly's reaction to it.
"Never mind that. Who are you and what do you want?” she asked summoning her courage. The feeling of being creeped out by this beautiful boy was almost overwhelming. For some reason she felt like she shouldn't say anything about Lilly though.
He lowered his hood revealing a shaved head with just the stubble of the black hair that was once there. His cheeks sported twin deep set dimples and a scar on the right from his dimple to right underneath his eye. The scar was pink and puffy like it was fairly recent.
"I'm not here to hurt you Nia. I know things are confusing for you right now but there is a lot going on. You have to find your true identity because no one can reveal it to you, not even me. That tattoo you are trying to hide on your left wrist brought me to you. Now before you say anything else we have to go somewhere, less, I don’t know. Open." He said gesturing for her to follow.
Nia was silent for a moment thinking. "How do I know you aren't trying to trick me?” she asked skeptically.
"You will just have to trust me this one time." He said as Nia crossed her arms in front of her, defiance written on her features.
The beautiful eyed boy huffed and took a deep breath. "Here,” he said blowing out a breath and standing there for a moment staring at her like he was trying to decide something.
He pulled a blue stone the color of his eyes and the size of a quarter only thicker out of his pocket, it had a faint glow to it. Looking at the stone he then clasped his hand around it and crossed the space between them swiftly.
The blue eyed boy held it out to Nia, she took it a bit reluctantly and it felt warm. The comfort that radiated from it was very soothing. She stared at it and let the peace she felt radiate throughout her.
There was a low hum she could feel coming from it as she closed her hand around it. He sighed deeply and shuddered.
"That stone, it connects me to this body and it is very important to me. I don’t think I can clarify it any further." Nia felt overwhelmed that he would be handing over something so important to her, "But why are you giving it to me?" she asked him stunned holding it carefully after the revelation.
"My purpose as of now is to protect you in your dream realm. I am not allowed to give many details especially not here. We have to go somewhere safer. But I am supposed to show you how to control your dreams so that you can be safe." he said solemnly.
"Can you tell me your name?" Nia asked weighing the truth in his words carefully.
"Names are sacred where I am from and we do not give them freely.” he said shaking his head with slight apprehension etched in his handsome features.
"That's not exactly fair. You know my name and I didn't even tell you!” she complained a bit closer to his face than she realized. Blushing at her childish behavior she backed away a little.
The boy stepped closer to her concentrating on something as warmth enveloped Nia’s entire body. He stood there eyes zeroed in on her lips, mere inches from her. Then grabbing her free hand he pressed it to his solid chest.
Just her touch made him tremble, his words coming out whispered. "Nia we don't have much time. What you hold in your hand is my soul.” He breathed into her ear, causing her to shiver as goose bumps trailed his warm spicy breath up her neck and caressing her ear.
Staring in awe at his sparkling eyes as he looked down at the dim glowing stone with a pulse all its own. Nia slowly realized that it matched the heartbeat that was strong and steady under her palm and gasped in surprise.
"Nia, I am trusting you explicitly. I know your name because we are in your mind. Your mark brought me to you. Now we can waste time arguing about this, or you can come with me and learn something that will be valuable to your well-being.” He said in a semi-frustrated tone. “Perhaps maybe even mine.” he slowly backed away biting his lip.
Nia had nothing to say she simply closed her hand back around the precious stone removing her other hand from his chest in a daze. She held her free hand out to him. "I will go with you, but I have to call you something. Some name."
He took her hand and thought for a moment a small smile slowly changing his beautiful features. "Why don't you decide that?" He said finally.
Wearing a sly smirk on her face now Nia spoke ragged. "Fine. How about Eric?” she asked.
He laughed, "Sure, Eric it is. Now hold on tight." He said giving her hand a light squeeze. A wicked grin spread across his face, or maybe it was more mischievous. Nia wasn’t sure.
The world around them started to turn slowly, all of the colors mixing together like spilled paint. The sky and the grass turned into a kaleidoscope of color mixed with the rich brown of the bark of the huge oak tree. It twisted and spun until it was all a blur. Nia felt like she would be sucked into
the ground, she was fighting off a violent feeling of nausea, gritting her teeth. She clutched onto Eric's hand tighter and buried her face in his shoulder cradling the stone tight to her chest between them. With an almost violent jerk towards the ground like gravity was kicking in they stopped.
Eric said, "Open your eyes." She heard him laugh, a beautiful sound. "Nia please, open your eyes.” he prodded. She must have looked ridiculous with her head buried in his chest clutching her hand to her own chest with her eyes shut tight.
Nia slowly complied and gasped at the sight as her eyes adjusted. She was standing in a field with wild flowers scattered about. It was absolutely beautiful. She took a deep breath allowing the soothing aroma of the vibrant colored flowers to sooth her stomach. Exhaling with relief that the nausea was practically gone. She spun around laughing fully aware of Eric’s eyes staring at her, clearly enjoying her reaction as she blushed under the heat of his gaze.
Nia noticed a small cottage that was tucked to the right with vines trailing up one side. The stones it was made out of were black as night and quite large. It had a lovely burnt orange roof that reminded her of what red riding hood might have lived in. Round top windows with wooden shutters and the front door looked like it was carved out of a redwood tree.
There was smoke coming from the chimney in puffs and a bench swing in the yard next to a small fountain with a meadowlark bathing in it.
"Where are we?" she inquired turning to Eric. He was staring at her again as if he was taking her in. He shook his head minutely snapping out of his daze.
"This is my home and I swear you are safe here Nia. I have something for you and we have some things we need to talk about.” he said heading for the front door.
Nia hurried after him and stopped as they got to the front door. He reached for the doorknob and whispered turning the knob with a click. He opened the door and Nia followed him inside.
The room was beautiful and quite unexpected. Dark couches and mahogany tables with a small designated area with a desk and bookshelf. The fireplace was bigger than she would have thought possible for the small cottage. Thick comfortable looking rugs were laid on the floor making her want to kick off her shoes though she wouldn’t dare. A hallway led off to what she assumed was a bedroom, bathroom and perhaps one other. It had four doors three regular size and one thin.
He motioned for her to follow him through a swinging door, he held it open and she passed just grazing his shoulder with hers. The sensation of the contact lingered like the brush of butterfly wings and her heart fluttered.
The kitchen was no disappointment at all. It may very well be the largest room in the house. Her mother would envy the decor in here for certain. Copper pots all perfectly polished hung from a rack over an island and if she wasn't mistaken there was a wood burning oven on one wall. The appliances were modern and top notch at that. The dishwasher was a surprise as well. It seemed no amenity had been left out.
"Sit, please." he pulled out a chair from the table made of thick rugged wood. The surface was slick and shiny and it had carvings all around the edges. The chair was gorgeous, intricate patterns wove through the backrest. There was a deep crimson velvet that covered the fluffy looking cushion that seemed to puff up as she sat down.
"Thank you.” she said taking her seat. "Well what do you think?” he asked looking around at the house.
"I think it's really gorgeous. Is it real? I mean if we’re in a dream is this really your home? Like physically?” he nodded standing and going to put on a pot for tea.
"It can be confusing but this place is as real as I am. Just think of it as an in between reality." He tried to explain.
Eric produced two cups and grabbed napkins and spoons. "I know that all of this is a lot to take in Nia. I assure it will all be made clear to you very soon." He said taking his seat again.
She smiled "I guess I’m ready to do whatever it is I am here to do.", she had a curious look on her face. Nia asked him a question that was in her mind the second the dream felt lucid.
"Wait. Does this have anything to do with what happened on my eighteenth birthday?” at that, Eric froze, then said, "I'm sorry that's something I cannot speak of." He said wincing.
Nia frowned, "Well tell me what you can then.” she said with a sigh.
Taking a moment to think and with a deep breath Eric began, "You are very special Nia. Your destiny is important to many. Dreams are a way for us to communicate and now that you are of age it kind of leaves you wide open. There are those out there who do not want you to fulfill that destiny. You have to learn who you can trust and who you cannot. Good and evil resides in us all so it's not very easy to tell between the two. It’s never as simple as good and evil or right and wrong.”
“You will have to learn to center yourself before you can block any outsiders from your subconscious. Until then I will be with you when you sleep, I will keep you safe, you have my oath." He said solemnly.
Eric poured their tea and began putting sugar into his cup. Nia was in shock and perhaps disbelief. But taking everything that had happened to her into consideration she finally spoke,
"Okay I, I really don't know what to say. I know you can't elaborate so I guess that will have to do for now. And I promise to try my best to learn what I need to. I mean it is for my own safety right. And thank you." Nia grabbed for the sugar ready to be done with this weird conversation.
"Eric?" she said taking a sip of her tea.
"Yes." he replied looking in her eyes which was making her increasingly uncomfortable.
"How do I wake up? If I'm afraid I mean."
He grinned, "Well that's easy, you just pinch yourself.” Eric said with a serious face.
"What! It's that simple?” a wide eyed Nia nearly shouted.
Eric chuckled, "No I'm afraid not. But I will tell you an easy enough way. All you have to do is touch that stone and wish with everything in you and you will wake up. Reaching in her pocket to get the stone she'd placed there when she'd stepped into his house, she rubbed the smooth surface with her fingers.
He got up from the table, Nia looked at him curiously as he went to the living room then returned moments later with a small black lacquer box.
"Here, this is for you.” he said scooting the box across the table nervously. Nia took it with shaky hands curiously opening the lid.
Nestled safely inside the velvet lining was a black bracelet with beautiful twisting filigree. In the center was what looked to be a small hollow cage. Eric took his soul stone from her hand and she gave him her left wrist, he gave her a nod of approval. Her skin heated as he ran his finger over her tattoo staring at it.
Eric gently clasped the bracelet around her wrist, he blew out a breath puffing out his cheeks. He carefully opened the little cage with shaky hands and placed the stone inside. It touched Nia's tattoo with a jolt as a tear trickled down her cheek. The enormity of the situation was like a weight in her chest. This was the most trust ever given to her in her entire life.
He clasped the cage softly and began to twist the side. Nia stared fascinated as it twisted itself the rest of the way. Eric sealed it inside with a glowing touch from his finger. The stone glowed brilliant blue light causing them both to gasp. After a moment it dimmed to just a shimmer.
"It's absolutely beautiful." Nia breathed. "I promise to take care of it." She added reverently.
Eric looked up meeting her eyes, "I trust you Nia. Now you have my soul to prove it." He said while wiping another stray tear from her cheek.
They stared into each other’s eyes exchanging, she really didn't know what. But he was now a part of her and she him in a strange way. Her thoughts and questions were cut off by his husky voice thick with emotions of his own, "It's time to go." Nia could only nod in response.
He smiled and brought her to her feet gently by her hand. “Place your hand on the bracelet and clear your mind.” He instructed.
"When will I see you again?” she interrupted, he smiled then and it was
a brilliant smile making her breath catch.
"You will see me in your dreams of course. Now it’s time for you to go back.” Nia nodded and gave him a dazzling smile of her own placing her palm down on the bracelet. The stone lit up dimly and everything started to fade. Blurring and swaying slowly until there was nothing but the black of her eyelids.
Nia opened her eyes and saw a purple ceiling through the sheer canopy and knew she was awake and safe. She laid there for a second as Sweet Dreams was playing from the MP3 dock.
"Whew! Just a dream!" she whispered, noting the song that was playing and laughing to herself at the oddity of it.
She took her time getting out of bed careful not to disturb Rhea. Going over to the dresser she grabbed some clothes and as she reached for the drawer she stopped short stifling a scream.
On her left wrist was the bracelet that Eric had given her in her dream.
True Fate Page 6