The Awakener

by Amanda Strong

  The drive back home was very different from the one out. Eden glanced back to see almost everyone was asleep now as they drove. Trent had climbed into the back and passed out hours ago. If he wasn’t snoring, he was muttering under his breath. Probably the first real sleep he’s had in weeks.

  Andrew, next to him in the back, would periodically shove Trent over when he toppled in his direction.

  Willow had insisted on Damon sitting next to her on the middle seat. Eden peeked over her shoulder. Damon stared at the window, with Willow curled up next to him. Ironic that Damon’s unnerved by Willow, considering how powerful he is. But I doubt he’s ever had a girlfriend as gorgeous as she is. Maybe if Willow were a tree, he’d be more comfortable. Eden grinned and turned back around, happy to be riding alongside Micah in the front. She ached to hold his hand, but with bucket seats, it’d be too visible for Andrew.

  She glanced at Micah. Now I know why he seemed so old when he got back from Rome. After these past few days, I don’t feel sixteen anymore.

  Micah peeked over at her.

  “Just checking for gray hair,” she admitted.

  “Huh?”

  “Remember in that movie the Ten Commandments, when Moses comes down from the mountain and suddenly has gray hair?”

  Micah slowly nodded, staring at her.

  “I just had to make sure we’re still teenagers.”

  Micah chuckled.

  “It’s going to be weird being home and going our separate ways. I feel so connected to everyone now,” she said quietly.

  He nodded.

  “I overhead you telling Vern you’re coming back soon.”

  “Yeah, I’m going to talk to my parents. See if I can fly back Thursday.” Before leaving Vern’s home, Micah had encouraged everyone to go home and tell their parents everything. She was still mulling over how to begin that conversation.

  “I’m hoping my parents will come too. We’ll stay the weekend so Trent can have some time translating and Damon can start clearing the land. He’s better than any backhoe, that’s for sure,” Micah added, with a glance into the rearview mirror. Damon was asleep.

  “Yeah, he is,” she agreed. “So, you get a break for the next few days then?”

  Micah snorted. “Sort of, I’ve been told by Trent I’m not to bother him until we leave. I think he needs a little down time.”

  “I’ve been hearing his plans from the back. Sounds like they all involve Jessie. Hope she’s ready for him.” She grinned at Micah. “How about you? Do you get a little down time too?”

  “I sure hope so. I think I need it as bad as Trent right now.”

  The visions were coming rapidly now. After a long night of dreams, Micah was anxious to talk to Trent, but he’d gone out shortly after they’d arrived home. And if Micah knew Trent, he’d been out late. He decided it was best to let his cousin sleep. Eden came over around ten o’clock and he was glad for the distraction. When Trent did emerge around noon, he was already dressed to go out.

  He saw Eden sitting on the couch next to Micah. Giving them both a salute, he said, “Off to fill my canteen a little more. It’s going to be another long weekend, you know.”

  Micah laughed at him, completely understanding his need. He felt desperate to enjoy every minute with Eden. They started in the pool, but after seeing Eden in her swimming suit, he decided she needed to have more clothing on. Even on the couch, they couldn’t stop kissing each other once Micah’s parents went out shopping for a few hours. Eventually, they ended up on the porch swing, Eden leaning her head against his shoulder as they gently swayed back and forth.

  It was almost dusk, and the sun was finally leaving, giving them some relief from the humid heat. Micah was glad for the mosquito-repelling candles his mom had placed all over the porch, knowing they’d be eaten alive without them.

  As the fuzzy light faded, and the crickets began to chirp, Eden asked, “So, did you mean it?”

  “Mm…?”

  “Those three words you said—did you mean them?”

  Micah knew exactly what she was referring to, but teased, “Now that’s not fair, because as I recall, you didn’t say them back.”

  Her head popped up. “Well, as I recall, I’m the one who said them first. And you didn’t say it back then either.”

  “That’s because you were too busy running away then.” Seeing her anxious eyes peering back at him, he said, “Yes, Eden. I meant it. I love you.”

  He pressed his lips on hers, each kiss feeling like the first kiss all over again. Each time left him wanting more. When he stopped, she leaned her head against his chest.

  “I’ll miss you while you’re gone. Promise you’ll be safe. No more fighting demons, right?”

  Micah kissed the top of her head, mumbling into her hair, “I’ll be fine. We just have to get things going and I’ll be back. We’ll be going to Vern’s a lot, but you don’t have to worry about those trips.”

  As soon as he said it, he wished he hadn’t. Her head came up. “What trips do I need to be worried about then?”

  “None, sorry, that came out wrong.”

  “Micah, you’re a terrible liar.”

  He sighed. “I’m seeing things and I’m not sure what it all means yet. I promise I’ll tell you once I know. Ok?”

  “That answer again?”

  He smiled at her. “Guess I sound like a broken record. Sorry your boyfriend’s half crazy.”

  She grinned back at him. “I like the sound of that.” When he laughed, she added, “Boyfriend… not you being crazy.”

  “Sure.” He chuckled.

  She swatted his shoulder and he pinned her arms. Her smell’s driving me crazy. He kissed her again, loving how soft and warm her lips felt.

  She pulled back, her eyes troubled. “Have you seen more about that angel, Semjaza?”

  He grunted. Guess she catches on fast. “A little.”

  She stiffened.

  “Don’t worry about it. Gabriel will pull down half of heaven to protect you. You know that right? And I’m not done with what I need to do.” He paused, kissed her again, and said, “Let’s not let fallen angels, or demons, ruin this moment.”

  She sighed. “Ok.”

  Pushing his feet against the ground, Micah kept the swing rocking gently. He was running his hand through her hair, when he began to see the dry, brown landscape again. It was somewhere he had never been before. There were no trees, just brown land as far as the eye could see. The desert plants were sparse as he walked amongst the sagebrush and tumbleweeds. Just ahead, he could see a large rock formation. There were other lone rocks dispersed around, but this one called to him; he found his feet plodding closer.

  He was nearly to the rock, feeling a surge of adrenaline, when Eden’s voice cut through the scenery, causing it to disappear.

  “Micah?”

  He pulled himself back to be present. It was a strange sensation, almost like waking from a too-vivid dream. “Yeah?” he replied, blinking, trying to regain full consciousness.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his lips to hers. All lingering thoughts of the desert were gone now. He kissed her back, enjoying how silky her skin felt, when she stopped and whispered, “I love you too.”

  He loved the way those words made him feel. They spent another hour talking and kissing and, though he didn’t want the moment to end, he knew he needed to get Eden home soon. He needed uninterrupted time; the visions were begging for his undivided attention. Reluctantly, he drove her home, walked her in, chatted a few minutes with her family, and then hugged her good-bye one last time.

  Driving home, his mind continued its journey towards the lone rock formation. His need to get close to it was overwhelming. In his mind, Damon was next to him now. He felt the strength Damon brought to him and he knew what needed to be done. Suddenly, Gabriel was marching alongside them. Panicked, Micah searched for Eden. Gabriel never left her, but he didn’t see her anywhere. Good. She didn’t need to be here for
this, but Gabriel did.

  In his vision, Micah turned toward Damon, asking, “Ready for this?”

  Damon smiled. “Looking forward to it.”

  Sitting up in bed, Eden tried to get lost in a book, but it was useless. She tossed it aside. “Gabriel, are you still here? I guess I know you are. Why am I so nervous?”

  She waited but it remained silent.

  “Can you help me sleep?” she asked. This time she felt something. The sweet, peaceful, calm she’d come to recognize as Gabriel’s touch.

  Sighing, she laid down. “Thank you.” Then, to her surprise, Gabriel was sitting next to her on the bed.

  She glanced over. “There you are.”

  Startled, he jumped back. Eyes wide, he gasped, “You can see me?”

  “Yeah,” she replied, baffled.

  Gabriel ran his hands through his hair, leaving the curls standing on end. She wanted to laugh at seeing him so disheveled, but then noticed his troubled expression.

  “You didn’t mean to appear to me?” she asked, sitting up.

  “No. I didn’t cross over.” He stared back at Eden.

  “But I can see you,” she said, stating the obvious.

  “I suppose the barrier’s getting thin for you. You’ve always believed I’m there. Perhaps, your faith’s allowing you to see more.”

  When he remained thoughtful, she asked, “Isn’t that a good thing? Why do you look upset?”

  Gabriel folded his arms, his feet planted shoulder-width apart. “Yeah, it’s fine. Don’t worry.”

  “Your body language isn’t backing up your words, Gabriel. You look like a drill sergeant right now,” she said, tugging her blanket around her.

  He gazed at her and then peered down at his stance. Unraveling his arms, he sat at the foot of her bed, giving her a quick smile, “Sorry, I’m not use to you seeing me. This will change things slightly.” His smile faltered, leaving his expression hard to read.

  Still, she grinned. “Now you know how I feel. Does this mean I get to see you all the time now? I would love that!”

  He grunted. “I don’t know, but you must remember, I’m not crossing over right now. That means no one else sees me. You can’t be walking around talking to me, or they’ll think you have lost your mind.”

  She giggled loudly, at which he gave her a funny look. She’d already been talking to him like he was her imaginary friend. This didn’t change anything for her, only made it so much better.

  “Ok, deal.” But even as she said it, she could no longer see him. “Where did you go?”

  She felt the warm peace settle on her. Apparently, he was still there, just not visible again.

  “Well, now that I can’t see you, can you come be by me again? I sleep so much better when you’re near.” The peaceful feeling washed over her as she lay back down. She turned to where he would be sitting and whispered, “Good night, Gabriel.”

  It felt like five minutes later when someone jostled her arm, and then her shoulder. Opening her eyes, she saw Gabriel’s face.

  “Eden, get up.”

  “I’m up, aren’t I?” she asked, rubbing her eyes. Sometimes it was hard for her to tell if she was still dreaming or not.

  “I think so. Why don’t you sit up and see.”

  Reluctantly, she obeyed. Stretching her arms above her head, she asked, “What time is it? Why are you waking me?”

  “Micah’s leaving in a few minutes. I thought you might like to say good-bye to him again. I know you had a hard time going to sleep.”

  Eden stared at him. “Thank you, Gabriel,” she said, throwing her covers aside. Gathering her clothes, she faced him. “Am I seeing you on my own, or are you here? You know, on this side of the barrier?” She hoped he’d understand. It’s one thing to dress when he’s invisible, but now?

  “Unfortunately, you’re seeing me. This is going to get interesting. I’ll leave the room and wait for you in the hall.”

  She got ready quickly. Pulling her door open, she was happy to see he was still there waiting. It felt strange to have Gabriel right behind her as she jogged down the stairs. Does he always walk? I thought he flew.

  Coming into the kitchen, she found her mom loading the dishwasher. Being eight o’clock, her dad had already left for work and Brendon was still sleeping.

  “Good morning, hon. Have fun with Micah last night?”

  “Yeah, do you mind if I go over and say good-bye? I think he’s leaving in a half an hour,” she asked, while trying not to gawk at Gabriel standing between them. It was sort of distracting. Her mom had no idea an angel was standing right next to her.

  “Sure. When you get back, you’ll have to tell me all about your trip. I’ve hardly seen you these past few days. You and Micah are inseparable now.” Her mom’s smile spoke volumes. Eden knew both of her parents had been happy when she’d told them she was dating Micah now.

  “Ok, I will,” she replied as she hurried out the front door.

  Once on the porch, she turned to Gabriel. “I want to walk over.”

  He shrugged. The air felt wonderful on her skin and, taking deep breaths in, she felt like her body was finally waking up. Having Gabriel beside her, seeing his large, threatening frame, made her feel safe.

  “I like this,” she said, glancing over at him. “Do you usually walk with me?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “What?”

  “Well, I guess I thought you floated or something.”

  He smiled. “I sort of do both. It’s different when I’m on my side of the barrier. I thought it’d feel more natural for you if I walk though, since you can see me.”

  She nodded, amazed she was conversing with him so freely. A subtle breeze sent the leaves bouncing on the trees. Eden instinctively hugged herself.

  “Don’t worry; it’s safe. I don’t sense anything.”

  She nodded and then gasped. “Oh no, does this mean I’ll see demons more often too, since the barrier is thin for me?” She didn’t like that idea.

  “No, I don’t think so. I’m the only one you’re seeing, right?”

  “Yes, but who else would I’ve seen?”

  “Your mom’s guardian was in the kitchen. Did you see her?”

  “No.” Curious, she asked, “Who is she?”

  Gabriel shook his head. “Not sure if I should tell you or not. I don’t know how it could be harmful.” He seemed to be talking more to himself. “But let me see what the Captain’s instructions are regarding this first.”

  This new world was fascinating to Eden. She had thousands of questions she wanted to ask him, but they were approaching Micah’s house now. Seeing the Excursion parked in the driveway, she quickened her pace. They would be leaving soon.

  When Micah opened the front door for her, she wondered if he would see Gabriel too. But peering around, she could no longer see Gabriel.

  “Good morning, sunshine,” Micah said to her.

  “Good morning. Surprised I’m here?” she asked, following him in.

  “No, I knew you’d come.”

  “Saw it in vision?” she teased.

  “Yeah, I did, actually.”

  “Really? What else did you see?”

  He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Lots of things. Tell you all about it when I get back.”

  They were entering the kitchen now, where his mom and dad were talking quietly. Seeing Eden, Micah’s mom said, “Hi Eden. Glad you came over.”

  “Wanted to tell Micah good-bye,” she replied, feeling silly for some reason.

  “Eden-Eden-bo-beeden!” Trent hollered, entering the room. “Are you coming with us?”

  “I wish, but no.” She turned to Micah, “Tell Grandpa Vern hello for me, ok?”

  “I will,” Micah said with a wink. She smiled and then caught Micah’s mom staring at them. She wondered what Micah’s parents thought of all this.

  Lacey turned to Micah’s dad, saying, “Jared, you better get your stuff loaded up. Don’t want to miss your flight.” r />
  Doesn’t sound like his mom’s going, Eden thought.

  As the group filed to the front entry, Eden hung back to walk next to Micah.

  “So, what do they think?” she asked quietly, nodding her head toward his parents.

  He sighed. “They’re taking it surprisingly well… It’s a lot to swallow, you know.”

  Eden nodded when Micah glanced over. “You’re going to tell your mom and dad too right?” he asked.

  Cringing, she replied, “Yeah,” as the doorbell rang. It was Damon. He was greeted by everyone as they exited the house, carrying their bags. Watching Trent hand the luggage to Jared, she mulled over Micah’s question. She was dreading sitting down with her parents and rolling out with, ‘Hey Mom, Dad, I’m the Awakener. Yeah, I know that sounds funny, but I see angels and demons, and give people spiritual gifts by touching them.’ That sounds so ridiculous; they’ll never believe me!

  She jumped when someone touched her arm, breaking her reverie. Thinking it’d be Micah, she was surprised to gaze into Damon’s chocolate-brown eyes.

  “I never got to tell you thank you,” he said so quietly, she had to strain to hear.

  “Thank me? For what?” she whispered back, for some reason.

  “For my gift,” Damon replied. He climbed into the Excursion before she could think of a response. That was unexpected.

  Peering around, Eden saw Micah’s dad hugging his mom, and she realized they were about to leave. But where did Micah go?

  “Trent, where’s Micah?”

  “In the house, powdering his nose,” Trent replied as he climbed into the Excursion.

  Eden quickly reentered the house, where she found Micah jogging down the stairs. She smiled up at him. He reached the bottom step and closed the gap between them, pulling her into his arms.

  “Man, I’m going to miss you,” he said between quick kisses.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be here when you get back.”

  “I know.” He smiled and then his expression changed, turning intense.

  “Micah, what is it?”

  “Will you stand by my side for what comes next?”

  Eden felt a rush of nerves, not sure what he meant. “Of course. I don’t want to be anywhere else than by your side.”

  A look of relief shot across his face, leaving him looking suddenly very young and boyish. It was as if the mantle he had been carrying, had been lifted, leaving him vulnerable.

  “Good. I need you, Eden,” he said softly.

  She melted into his arms as he hugged her tightly. “I need you too,” she whispered back.

  “See you in a few days,” he said, slowly letting her go. Are his eyes wet?

  “Ok. Be safe,” she called, as they crossed the porch. She hugged herself as he jogged away, climbing into the Excursion. Micah’s mom waved good-bye to Eden and then got in the driver’s seat. She was going to drive them to the airport. As the Excursion rolled away, Micah waved from the window, and then with a right turn at the end of the driveway, they were gone, swallowed up in the trees.

  Already feeling a lonely void, Eden strolled back home.

  “He’s coming back, Eden, and in one piece.”

  She gasped and turned to see Gabriel smiling back at her. She grinned, “Thanks. I think I could get use to this.”

  “What?”

  “Walking, talking, together. It’s so much better—don’t you think?”

  Gabriel grunted.

  “Come on, you have to admit it’s nice. I’m sure you’re so tired of just listening to me all the time.”

  Gabriel glanced at her, giving her a crooked smile. “It wasn’t that bad before.”

  “I guess it was probably easier for you when I couldn’t see you. You didn’t have to talk back. You could just ignore me and my ramblings,” she said, wondering how he could stand being by her all the time. Maybe I drive him crazy…

  Gabriel laughed. “I love your ramblings, Eden. Ramble away.”

  She halted and stared at him. “Really? I don’t bore you to death?”

  “You’re refreshing to guard.”

  “Refreshing? That might be a stretch, Gabriel.”

  He chuckled louder this time, and then reached over and tousled the hair on the top of her head.

  “Let’s get you home. I’m under strict orders to keep you safe.”

  “Orders from Micah?” She kicked a pebble flying across the road.

  “No.” His hand rested on the sheath of his Flaming Sword. “From the Captain.”

  I wish I could personally thank and acknowledge all the friends and family who helped make this possible with their encouraging words and advice!

  A thank you to my good friend Gail, who showed me that even a mom of three, small children, could find time to write a book. She awoke a sleeping giant in me, reminding me of my childhood passion. Thank you friend!

  To my parents for loving me and believing in my story! Dad, you taught me faith and hard work; Mom you taught me hope and perseverance. I love you both!

  A thank you to my husband, Josh. Without you, this story wouldn’t be what it is! I love our ‘hashing’ times where I can pick your brain and find strokes of genius! I consider you my best friend, my writing partner, and the love of my life!

  Wattpad friends, you know who you are! I couldn’t have done this without you! Your enthusiasm for my writing gave me new life at a time when I wanted to give up.

  Lastly, and most importantly to me; I thank my God and my ‘Captain’. Thank you for every miracle in my life!

  Born in Dekalb, Illinois, Amanda Strong has called Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Virginia and now New Mexico home. Amanda has been spinning tales since she was a child. Her family still remembers finding young Amanda with her bright pink glasses, hiding in random corners of the house while scribbling away in one of her many spiral-bound notebooks. You could say that some things never change since Amanda is still writing today. Amanda began her writing career when she uploaded The Awakener, her first full-length novel, on Wattpad where it received over 430,000 reads in four weeks. She was blown away and humbled by the reader support and feedback she received. Because of The Awakener's success as a non-published book, she was asked to talk on 1400 KSTAR about her story.

  In September 2013 Amanda Strong signed with Clean Teen Publishing for publication of The Awakener, which is scheduled to release in late October of this year. The Awakener is the first book in an all-new young adult paranormal romance series called: The Watchers of Men.

  When Amanda isn't writing, you can find her chasing her three rambunctious children around the house and spending time with her wonderful and supportive husband. On some occasions you can still find Amanda with her not-so-pink glasses, hiding in a corner reading her favorite young adult fantasy novels or working out only to blow her diet by eating ice cream.