The Missing Soul

The Moment Of Truth

        Leland's house was huge. When you enter there's a big chandelier hanging in front of the wide staircase. The first thing I realized is there was no lights on. Not in any room. On both sides of the staircase is two doorways. Leland and I walked through left doorway and made our way into the living room.

        The living room had a brick fireplace and all black leather furniture. Pictures of Leland and an elderly woman sat on the fireplace. Pictures of other people also lined the walls. One of them was a little boy, which in no doubt was Leland. 

        "I'm sorry about the lights. My Grandmother has sensitive eyes." Leland pointed to the couch and we both sat. "In every life both of us had different parents. In this life, I only had a grandmother." He spoke in a whisper.

        It was weird to think that in other lifes I didn't have Harper Jensen as my mom. All of it was weird. Is this what happens to everyone? We all get reborn with no memory of other lifes? Well, what about Leland? How come he remembers me? And if he remembers me, why can't I remember him?

        I asked him all of these questions that lingered in my mind. Leland explained to me the first couple of times he was reborn he didn't remember, in every life he met me and eventually the memories of the girl who disappeared stayed with him. He also said everybody is reborn, however him and I are the legend of "The Forbidden Love", a never ending thing that repeats history. He also said that when I "disappear", I get sent to Oblivion. I get sent back out of Oblivion and reborn again.

        "You were never meant to be with me, but you always defy because you're so persistent. A trait you have in every life. The guy you are meant to be with, you push him away. May, the legend has no happy ending. It's either you choose me and die or you live unhappy with the man you are meant to be with."

        I looked down at my hands, tears swelling in my eyes. "That's not fair! That's not what I want for MY life. I refuse to give in, we can change our future.... Together!" 

        Leland smiled with tears in his eyes. "You're so headstrong... May... It's impossible."

        "It's never been done right?" 

        "Right?"

        "Well, nothing has ever tried to be changed. Let's try it. We have nothing to lose." 

        Suddenly a loud thump was made from upstairs. Leland jumped up and ran out of the room. I decided to look around the room at the pictures. My eyes landed on the young picture of Leland. He was at least seven in this picture. I picked the picture up to get a better look. He is an amazing piano player. 

        Wait, what? I've never heard or even seen him play a piano. I don't know if he owns one either. I sat the picture back down on the end table. I sat back on the couch and waited for Leland to return. Five minutes later, he did.

        "I'm sorry. My grandmother also needs help getting around. I take care of her." 

        "Leland, do you play piano?" I blurted.

        He grinned. "So, you do get some type of flashbacks. Yes, I played piano in the 1700's, a trait that's always been with me." 

        I wish I could remember everything like he did. My phone then started to vibrate. It was my mom. 

        "May, you've been gone for hours! Could you please come home? I'm making lunch." I don't care if she's just my mom in this life, I love her so much. I was going to respect my mother's wishes and come home. 

        Just as I was telling Leland I had to leave, his grandmother was yelling for him. We leaned in for an awkward hug and he let me out the door. I knew he didn't want to kiss me because he was scared I would "disappear." Before I reached the path I texted my mom that I was coming home.

        I was on my way home when I ran into the boy on the bike. 

        "Look, boy, I'm not in the mood. I have to go home." 

        "Boy? I have a name, it's Paul."

        "Well, PAUL, I have no time." 

        Paul cut my path off with his bike, again. "Look, Miss Prissy, I'm throwing a party tonight. You and some of your friends can come." He handed me an invitation with the times and address. Paul lived a couple blocks down from my house.

        "I have name too, Paul. It's May."  I stared down at the invitation. "I can bring friends with me?"

        "Yeah, sure. So, you're coming?" 

        "Whatever." 

        "Cool!" Paul exclaimed. "I'll see you later tonight, May!" He rode off and around the corner.

        I'm going to bring Leland with me. I don't know about Paul, he seems like he's trying to be a flirt. If I bring Leland with me then Paul will know I have a boyfriend. Let's see if he's still trying to be all "Joe Friendly" after that.