Seer: The Blessed Child

Butterflies

The ride to Sandusky took an hour and forty-five minutes.

Instead of taking the Interstate, Kael opted to take the US 6 Route to give Sachi a scenic view of the Lake Erie Coastal Trail along the way.

Occasionally he heard her soft gasps as she took in the sight of the stately homes with a magnificent view of Lake Erie, shimmering like glass, in the background.

Pleased at her excitement, he knew that he'd made the right decision. 

"What did you think of the marina back there?" 

"I thought it was awesome," Sachi replied. Her eyes sparkled as she sported a wide grin. Kael felt his heart lurch in his chest with nervous anticipation.

They stopped at a gas station to stretch their legs, fill up the tank, and get a few snacks. Sachi slipped on her jacket while Kael pumped gas into the tank. 

Stepping out of the car, she entered the station and made her way to the snack stand.

She couldn't decide between purchasing a candy bar or chocolate cupcakes when her phone rang. Taking a glance at the id, she sighed.  Not wanting any reminders of the Copycat case, she didn't answer it. She turned her phone off and tucked it deep inside her purse.

Those worries temporarily pushed into the back of her mind, she turned her attention back to her current dilemma—-which treats to buy. She chose one of each and headed towards the cashier. Making shy eye contact with the clerk, she joked, "I wasn't sure which ones to get. There's so many to choose from."

The clerk, smiling politely, hummed a reply while ringing up the purchase and placing them inside a plastic bag.

Embarrassed that her attempt at telling a joke fell flat, Sachi scrounged up a few dollars and change from her purse. She handed them to the silver-haired woman and mumbled, "Keep the change," while making a hasty exit. 

"Did you want your receipt?" the clerk yelled after her as she slid out the door.

With a sheepish grin, she held up the bag as she made her way to the car.   "Pick whichever one you like," she said.   Setting the nozzle back in its pump, Kael settled his eyes on his girlfriend as she waited for his reply.

Though she didn't say it, he sensed her nervousness. He, too, felt on edge at the enormity of the occasion. This is the first time since they became a couple that they would be alone, together.

"Here let me take that," he said grabbing the bag from her jittery hands. Setting it aside, he folded his hand over hers, stilling them. 

"Don't be nervous," he said. "This is a day of fun and relaxation."

Taking his advice, Sachi shook her shoulders to shake off her jitters. Relaxing a bit, she smiled. "This and a Calpurnia concert and I'll be the happiest girl on the planet," she said. 

He arched his brow at her assertion. She giggled. "Well, besides being with you," she said. 

"All in good time," Kael said, chuckling.

As promised, Kael planned a day full of adventure. First, the duo went to the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Marveling at the exhibits and the many carousels, Sachi felt like a kid again. She listened attentively during the explanation of how the horses are carved. As Kael gave her a dimpled grin, her heart was full.

Next, they went to Lagoon Deer Park. Buying two food packs, Kael and Sachi fed deer, llamas, goats, and donkeys. Sachi tried not to jump as the animals ate from her hand. Before long, her bag was empty while Kael had plenty of leftovers.