Chapter 13
I was standing on a roof.
Wind was whipping at my face as I turned left and right, surveying the amazing view.
A forest of trees and hills were below my gaze, along with an arrow of birds floating gracefully in the distance. The sun shone brightly, peaking through a cover of white fluffy clouds. I could smell the forest, the air, the species of animals living within the cover of trees, identifying each with spectacular ease at each whiff.
Rabbit. Eagle. Sparrow. Snake. Fox. Skunk.
They were all there.
I dipped my head to see the slated angular roof before me, then leaned towards the edge to see the soft green grass a good 40 feet below. Now that was distance enough to kill myself at the smallest slip of the feet…but I wasn’t scared.
No, I was exhilarated yet calm, fully prepared for what I was about to do.
Stepping back a few paces, a watched the threatening edge grow farther away. I then stopped, crouched my legs in an anticipatory stance, took three long strides forward
And jumped.
Propelling myself over the deathly ledge, staring down at the bright green grass beneath me, I barely acknowledged the dark figure that stood casually off to the side, watching my plummet…
***
My body jolted upright. What the heck? I just jumped off a roof, isn’t that some sort of dream omen for something?
But it seemed too real to be a dream. Every detail was fresh in my mind, as if it had actually happened. Why did I jump off a roof? Was I trying to commit suicide? It didn’t feel like suicide; I had felt so sure of myself, so in control.
Whatever. It was just a dream.
It was then I realized my hands were shaking. Real adrenaline was pumping through my veins with no where to go. I shoved them under my legs and decided it best to simply ignore it. After all, It was just a dream. No big deal.
I glanced around my new bedroom, already feeling natural in the surroundings, which is a little frightening and yet also a comfort. My mind drifted to last night, before bed. It had been fairly uneventful, but I had talked more with Cali. I’m choosing to ignore her self-diagnosed ‘talent’ for the moment - her belief that she is telepathic, along with the rest of her family. I’d really prefer things not be awkward between us, and besides, it seems to be working out okay so far…my just ignoring it.
So anyways, about last night, I now have a better mental layout of the first floor. Hopefully, that means I won’t be getting lost again anytime soon. It’s full of unnecessary rooms, an expansive indoor pool, a board meeting room, ballroom - you get the idea. But more importantly, during the tour, I asked Cali a couple of the questions that had been nagging me since dinner. Although this entire situation is still mind-blowing, I do have some new answers.
Like,
Was our bond common?
No. “Others” could have strong connections with their spouses but only a “select few had connections like ours”.
So why us?
It has something to do with her social status and our hierarchy. I still don’t fully understand this one.
Did her brothers have a bond like ours?
No.
Why not?
No response.
Did her brothers go off the property much?
“Of course”, but most of their friends are others their age on Killiger land.
A cult. Like the Amish. That’s what these people are. Yet, here I am. An outsider.
And, okay, I asked a little more than a few questions. By 11 I was exhausted and asked to go back to my room. Cali gladly led the way and I entered the room past her. As I flopped onto the bed, she remained stoic in the doorway for a moment, before softly offering, “Goodnight, Josh” and turning away.
It was nice to finally have some privacy, and yet I couldn’t help but sense a small twinge at her departure. It was as if my body yearned for her to be nearby, like some of my energy was drained as she left. I know that sounds odd and corny, but I was suddenly even more exhausted, and wanted her to return, even if to just hover in the doorway for one more moment. She was beautiful, and kind, with a radiant smile and enticing voice. Everything about her drew me in, yet our silent understanding kept us at a distance. She knew I felt uncomfortable with her outburst about her family, and she refused to bring it into any further conversation. Yet I detected some detachment from her, as much as she tried to hide it. She had put up a wall and I didn’t mind it staying there, for now.
