| Chapter 51 Nick slowly opened his eyes and looked around. Lyn was asleep next to him, and he stared at her. She looked so happy, so peaceful. He wanted to remember that look, this moment, to etch it in his brain, so it would always be there. He watched her sleep for several minutes, then gently eased his arm out from under her neck and got out of bed. He searched the floor for his clothes, finding them and walking into the bathroom. He closed the door and turned on the light. He hoped that the shower wouldn't wake Lyn. It was still early, the sun hadn't even come over the horizon yet. Nick knew he needed some time to himself before everyone got up. He needed to prepare himself for what he had to do. He got in the shower letting the hot water flow over him. He stood there for as long as he could stand it before he moved. Nick tried to clear his mind of everything, to just relax and let the water calm him. It was hard to do, his mind kept replaying scenes from the past few weeks. He leaned against the wall and let the water massage his neck and shoulders. He could feel the weakness in his muscles, the exhaustion that begged him to go back to bed and sleep. He knew he wasn't ready physically for this confrontation, but he would just have to trust that God would give him the strength when he needed it. The water started to turn cold, and Nick shut it off, getting out. He dried off and fumbled through his clothes until he found his boxers. As he got dressed he played over in his mind how the plan should go. He looked in the mirror as he tucked his shirt into his jeans. Nick ran his fingers through his hair, then walked out of the bathroom. Lyn was still asleep and he smiled as he grabbed his shoes and left the room. He made his way downstairs and into Howie's den. He sat down on the leather couch and put his shoes on, then looked over to where he'd spotted the book the night before. Nick walked over to the shelves and pulled out the book he was looking for. He walked back over to the couch, sliding down between it and the coffee table. He sat on his knees and leaned on the table, opening the book. "God please help me find what I need," he whispered. He stopped on a page and began to read. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23. Nick read the passage again, taking great comfort in the reassurance the words gave him. He closed his eyes and began to pray, "God, please give me the courage and strength to do what I have to. Please keep the others safe. Please Lord, if there is anyway to get through to Aleisha, please help me find it. I don't want to do this, but if I must I will. If it comes to that, please help the others understand why I did it, especially Lyn. Lord I don't want to leave her, but to save them all I will....." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Aleisha got out of bed and headed to the bathroom. Brian was still sleeping, and she was glad to have the time to think. Her heart troubled her, she had wrestled with it all night in her sleep. She didn't want to do what she had planned, but she saw no other way. If Nick remembered what she'd done to him, she would lose him forever. She had to take him before he remembered, before he could reject her. Aleisha got in the shower and tried to relax under the heat of the water. She was nervous, and she didn't want it to show. In all her time being what she was, she had never truly bonded with someone. She knew it was dangerous for her to do, it made her vulnerable, but she loved Nick to much to risk losing him. Aleisha got out of the shower and wrapped the towel around her. She walked out to her closet and found a pair of jeans and a long sleeved shirt to put on. She quickly dressed and headed down to the kitchen. She put on a pot of coffee and sat down, watching it brew. This was it, as soon as Nick got back and she could get him alone she was going to do it. She laughed, thinking what her �teachers' would say if they saw her now. "They'd have one hell of a conniption," she said. She'd broken the �rules' before, but this was the mother of all rules she was about to break, and she felt good about it. Maybe there were to many rules anyway. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, "This is it. No turning back now." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gideon walked through the field. The new green stalks of wheat swaying in the gentle breeze. He saw her sitting in the middle of the field, making his way to her. "Tara, I've been looking everywhere for you," he said. She turned around to see him walking up to her and smiled. "You know you left before you were suppose to," he said. "I know, but I had to," she stated. He smiled at her, "I think He understands that. He wants me to give you something." Tara looked at him as he helped her to stand. Gideon pulled Tara into a hug, wrapping his arms around her as she was filled with strength. Tara closed her eyes and let the newly given power corse through her body. After a few minutes Gideon let go, looking at her. Tara's eyes were burning green flames and she radiated a light from within her. "Now that's the Tara I know," he said, smiling at her. "Is it time yet?" she asked. "Almost," Gideon said, handing her a sword, "You may need this." Tara stared at him, realizing what that meant, "I hope I don't." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lyn came downstairs looking around. Everyone was up, mulling about the morning routine. The mood was very somber, each person realizing what was to come later. "Guys, where's Nick?" Lyn asked. Howie and Kevin looked at each other then back to her. "We thought he was still with you," Kevin said. "No, I woke up and he was gone," she said, getting concerned. "Well he couldn't have gone to far, all the cars are still here," Howie said, looking out the window. "Let's look around the house, I'm sure we'll find him," Kira said. Everyone scattered and started searching the rooms. Kevin walked down the hall to the den, stopping at the door. Nick was on his knees leaning on the coffee table praying. Jade and Tracy were on each side of him, each with a hand on Nick's shoulder, also praying. Kevin looked around the room, seeing others he didn't recognize. They were all praying, and each one was either touching Nick, or touching someone that was. Kevin couldn't believe what he was seeing, and yet it was there in front of him. A.J. came down the hall and started to say something when Kevin put his finger over his mouth and pointed into the room. A.J. looked in, his mouth dropping open at the sight. Soon everyone was standing in the door watching in awe. Kevin looked at Lyn, both realizing this was much bigger than what they thought. Nick was being used by God for a much greater purpose than just getting this woman away from Brian and the rest of them. One of the others in the room noticed them and motioned for them to come in. They hesitantly entered the room. Kevin immediately felt the power in the room, as did everyone else. Lyn walked over to Tracy and took her hand. She looked up seeing her sister and smiled as Lyn began to pray with them. Slowly everyone took the hand of one of the others and began to pray. It seemed like they had been there for hours, but in actuality it was only minutes when Nick stopped and looked up. He blinked his eyes, adjusting them to the light coming through the windows. The others disappeared, leaving only Tracy and Jade along with the guys in the room. Nick looked at them all, as they stopped praying and looked up at him. Tracy and Jade offered Nick their hands to help him up, and he took them, lifting himself to his feet. Everyone noticed a difference in Nick. His eyes were like blue flames, and he radiated a calmness that filled the room. He smiled at them, "How long you guys been here?" "A few minutes," Howie said. Nick could see the astounded looks on their faces, realizing what they must have seen. "I told you guys they've been helping me," Nick said. "I know, we just didn't realize how much," Kevin said. Nick looked over at the clock, "We need to get ready to leave." Everyone glanced at one another, knowing he was right. Slowly they all left, heading to finish getting ready. Lyn stayed with Nick as Jade and Tracy disappeared. Lyn stared at him. Nick smiled at her, "You know your staring right?" Lyn laughed, "Sorry, I just can't help it. You look.... changed somehow." "I am," Nick said, "He's giving me what I need to do this." "Nick, I don't want you to go," she said. Nick cupped her face with his hand, "Honey, I don't want to either, but for some reason I've been given this to do. I have to do it." "You aren't scared?" she asked as a tear fell down her cheek. Nick wiped it away, "Not anymore. I know that whatever happens, God will be with me." Lyn blinked her tears away and reached out to him. Nick took her in his arms and held her, "Lyn, I love you. No matter what happens today, I will always love you." Kevin stepped into the room, "Nick, we're ready." Lyn pulled away from the hug and wiped her face with the back of her hand. Nick smiled at her and together they walked out of the room. Everyone was waiting in the living room as they came in. Nick looked at them all, "OK, guys you got the hearing aids in?" They all nodded their heads. "Kev, you got Brian's set right?" Nick asked. "Yeah, right here," he said, pulling them out of his pocket. "Girls, as soon as we leave, I need you to start praying. There will be others here with you, so don't be frightened," Nick stated, "And don't stop until one of us calls you." The girls nodded their understanding. "Then I guess we're ready," Nick said. The girls walked over and hugged the guys, telling them to be careful and bring everyone back. Everyone hugged Nick, wanting to give him the support he needed. The guys headed out the door to the car, getting in. Kevin and Howie were in the front seat, Nick and A.J. in the back. Kevin looked at them, "We all set?" The three nodded. "OK, here we go," he said, pulling down the drive. Nick closed his eyes and leaned his head back, he silently prayed again for there to be another way, knowing there wasn't. "It'll work, it has to," he whispered to himself. The other three exchanged worried glances, as the car sped down the road. Chapter 52 |