The Date

61.

After the many gifts and surprises, we moved to the table. I was still fueled by the bubbling feeling of being the happy owner of a brand new car. Dad will freak out each time I'll take a ride around the neighborhood to flash my new toy. My fingers itched to text Reka to send her a pic of my shiny gift.

Grandpa guided me to the buffet. Everyone smiled like they were into some shady joke only they knew. I gobbled a few macarons and washed them down with soda. My heart jumped in my ċhėst, the time was drawing close. I could taste it, putting aside the terribly sugary snacks I just had. Somehow, I felt a need to hurry.

"Hey, girl!" called uncle Emet. "Where's the fire?" I sprung around and grinned. The woods were calling for me. All I wanted was to be out there. Mom and Dad stood a little further, their smiles wavered with worry.

"Only she knows and hears the call," commented Grandma Esme. She rested gentle eyes on me and I nodded in her direction. she held out her hand and I took it without hesitation. "Come, my child. Your destiny is waiting," a wave of bliss and calm washed over me. We steered to the large glass door that led to the back and beyond to the garden. The group trailed behind in silence. With each step, my heart hammered in my heart. With each step, I was closer to him.

The garden was bordered tall pine swaying in a light breeze. The scent of freshly crushed grass, mixed with the moisture in the air floated around me. I took a deep breath and marveled at the intensity of the moment. Power crackled around me. for a moment, I lost myself in listening to the sounds of the trees. Murmurs and whispers. Songs. Poems.

I didn't even notice that Grandma had let go of my hands and my feet had carried me to the middle of a stone circle at the end of the lane. I raised my arms to the stunning full moon, the trees swayed to greet me. I smiled and felt the power flare. First at the base of the sole of my feet. It came from the soil, the tiny life in the ground. The millions of little voices all speaking at once. I bathed it in. They spiral around me, brushed against my shoulders, my cheeks, my legs. Then I heard him.

"I am here," my eyes fluttered open, my smile wavered. The voices died instantly.

"Jacob," I whispered. His voice had texture, intension intertwined in the fabric of the word. A command. I turned in the direction of his energy. Under two crooked trees hidden in the shadows of branches there he stood. At first, all I saw were torn jeans and the top lost in the gloom. But yellowish eyes gleamed in the darkness. Power radiated from him. Raw and primal. Longing and relief. All clashing together.

"Come," I said and extended my hand.