POWERS OF NATURE Book 1 - Into the Storm

Chapter 7

The wind blew the leaves across the ground, stopping only when her skirt and boots interrupted their dance with her walk. She drew the shawl in tighter, her heart hammering in her chest - a mixture of excitement and fear. She knew the wind was of her own making, the thunderous clouds above her a product of her fear and anger. She felt anger at what was happening to her. She hadn't asked for any of this, this power that caused a beautifully bright summer day to turn into a terrible storm only seen during monsoon season in autumn. She spotted movement ahead and her step faltered, before she broke into a slight sprint when it revealed itself to be her Nicholas. It was the sixth time her and Nicholas were meeting without supervision, each time harder and with more risk. She stopped just short of him before sinking into his arms, his strength keeping her upright physically and mentally. He knew her secret, her fears but she knew he'd do anything to protect her, help her and the thought made her thundering heart slow, as a warmth crept through her, his lips meeting hers in a slight brush. At the soothing of her nerves and soul, a ray of moonlight shone, the storm at ease for the moment. "Arlene, my dear Arlene." He murmured her name over and over as she clung to him. "Nicholas, I fear it is getting worse. The more I panic and fret, the harder it becomes to concentrate on my feelings. Only with you am I safe."

Stephanie's eyes popped open, sweat trickling her forehead and an ache in her heart. For a moment, she longed for the sense of safety she had felt in her dreams, her soul calling for Nicholas. Aiden, her mind automatically correcting her. She knew it wasn't Aiden in her dream, yet a part of her needed him like she had never needed anyone. At the tips of her need for him, guilt followed as she thought about Matt and instantly she banished any thoughts of Aiden. Matt was the one she thought of before she went to sleep, wanting both to see him but to keep him at a distance. His insistence that he spoke the truth scared her.

Climbing out of bed, she reminded herself that it was only a dream, a product of the journal she had read. Stephanie noticed she had fallen asleep still holding the journal and picked it up from her bed, ignoring the temptation to carry on reading as her dream stayed clear in her mind.

'I need a shower. Then I can think straight.' Stephanie made her way to the bathroom, the sounds of her mom in the kitchen drifting up the stairs. After a quick shower, she went down to where her mom was putting the finishing touches to breakfast. French Toast with cinnamon, a Sunday ritual.

"Morning honey," Sue greeted Stephanie as she handed her a plate. "Sleep okay?" Sue was still waiting for the moment Stephanie would break and call her a monster for hiding the truth about her real parents.

"Yeah, I did, thanks Mom." Stephanie accepted the plate, noticing the way Sue relaxed as she called her 'Mom'. They sat at the table, eating in silence.

The dream replayed itself over and over in Stephanie's mind, a clear movie. It had all felt so real, her own arms tingling in response as she remembered how Nicholas had rubbed Arlene's arms to comfort her. Stephanie frowned at the sensation before shivering.

"Cold?" Sue asked, noticing the goosebumps on Stephanie's arms.
"Hmm?" Stephanie looked at her mom, distracted.

"Are you cold?" Sue repeated before motioning to outside. "The wind has sprung up and it is a bit chilly. Wonder what's going on with the weather? It's never been like this before."

Stephanie nodded absent minded. She looked outside at the grey sky, the clouds covering the sun. Her mom's words made her think of what Matt had said, and the journals. The word from her file swam into her mind and she stood up abruptly. "Thanks for breakfast. I'll clean up."