Echo in Her Mind

Thirteen.

Ruben sat at his kitchen table, head in his hands. The smile that took over his face did not reflect the thoughts that were racing through his brain.

He knew, he always knew the outcome of this mission, always knew the truth of his destiny, and his place in this world. He had accepted it, but now, somehow, it felt unfair.

He thought his body and mind were prepared for his life to take their course, the life that The Watcher had so carefully built since the day Bethany was born. A pawn being used for him to get what he truly wanted: ultimate power and destruction. And with Bethany now in his possession, he would certainly achieve that.

Bethany.

His heart, his angel, his soulmate, the woman he had been waiting for longer than he was to supposed to, to meet.

The Watcher took something great, something cherishable, something real in his life, and turned it into the one thing that would be able to break him with a simple thought of her mind. 

*****

The next morning was quiet, peaceful even. It's as if the world knew what terrible things were about to happen to some of its inhabitants, and wanted to enjoy the sultry of its beauty a few more moments, before chaos erupted.

No words were exchanged between Bethany and Ruben as they went about their morning routines. She assumed he was butt hurt that he got a lecture from The Watcher last night.

The silence as they ate their breakfast was driving her insane; the only sounds that came from each other's mouths was the chewing of their food. Bethany wanted to scream.

Instead, she picked up her unfinished bowl of cereal, and trudged her way back up to Ruben's room to finish her breakfast. She was not in the mood for an argument, and apparently, neither was Ruben, as he never even inquired to where she was headed.

It was clear that he was now taking The Watcher's warning seriously. At least she didn't have to listen to his stupid voice nag her this morning.

To say things were different was an understatement. It seemed as if a switch had been flipped in Ruben's personality, and he was no longer the joking, reluctant man he was when he first came to seize her.

Bethany's thoughts trailed back to last night in Ruben's safe haven, where The Watcher could not access his every move. It seemed so surreal it could've been a dream. Was it a dream? Bethany didn't know. She didn't dream often, but the words Fallen Angel were etched into her brain like a virus taking over her whole body.

It didn't seem real, more for the fact that Ruben didn't speak of any the secrets that he had spoiled while in his haven.

Maybe it was just a dream...She trailed off her in thoughts.

A light knock on the door dew her dazed mind back to reality, and Ruben appeared in front of her the next second. He sat down on the edge of the bed, appearing to be just as stuck in his thoughts as she was seconds before.

When Ruben's mouth never moved to speak, Bethany figured she should take the initiative.

"Are you planning on telling me what the heck is going on?"

It wasn't subtle, but then again nothing about her ever was. When he didn't say anything in response, she shoved his shoulder, seeming to awaken him from another world, the way his eyes peered over to her in shock.

"What in the world is wrong with you? You're acting more weird than usual." Bethany's anger was spiking, and her head began to buzz with a sound she wasn't familiar with. She felt cold under his warm gaze, and was now fully aware of how close he was actually sitting.

It was as if they were being drawn towards each other with a force that was much stronger than the hate she had for him, that roared through her veins. Ruben was radiating with it, and she couldn't force herself away, as much as she was trying.

The look in his eyes held hunger, and his lips were a mere centimeter away from hers. All he had to do was lean in, and a kiss would've been placed upon her lips; lips that have never been touched by another being other than his.

Suddenly, Ruben was pushed back with a force that blasted him to the wall of his room. He didn't appear to be shocked by it, but disappointment could be read on his face. He stood up in one quick motion, dusted off his clothes from the blow, and stood before her.

He seemed to have no control over his body as a huge smile was through across his face, and said: "We begin our journey in our hour, miss Bethany. Please begin to gather your things." Ruben then left the room, closing the door behind him.

She had no idea what kind of sorcery took place just now, but Bethany no longer felt safe in Ruben's room.

He was right, she thought. The Watcher really does know it all.