Between by Cyndi Tefft

like to go forward three hundred years in the future and to see how things have changed. I don’t understand it, but thank you for showing me your home.” He kissed my fingertips and I sighed, thankful to have shared my memories with him, but also very glad the day was over.

Chapter 12
     
     
    A heavy mist shrouded Eilean Donan Castle and the cool evening air pinched my cheeks. Energy bubbled up from my core and I ran with that same effortless strength that I’d had upon first awakening into this mysterious place. I focused my mind on the movement of my muscles under my skin.
    “ Come on, let’s go!” I shouted over my shoulder to Aiden, who had fallen behind. His labored breathing grew faint as I sped away from him. The greenery surrounding me was sparse but welcoming, and I had no fear of tripping or falling. It was as if the ground itself was rising up to meet me with each step. The air rushed around me and through me as I ran. My lungs pulled in the nourishing substance like water to parched lips. My mind emptied of all thoughts and I concentrated on this extraordinary sensation of being one with the elements.
    I win!
    A thrill ran through me that I’d reached the church before Aiden. The moonlight reflected brightly on the mirrored surface of the water and I marveled at its beauty. The air began to vibrate and swirl around me in an embrace, caressing and holding me where I stood. It moved through me, filling each cell in my body with a wholeness I’d never known before. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, feeling God’s presence and recognizing it like a long-lost friend.
    Music emanated from the presence within me, powerful and delicate like an angelic symphony. My soul soared at the sound. I swayed in place as the song built majestically to a crescendo, my heart full of unspeakable joy and peace. I turned to share my happiness with Aiden and found him standing far-off, one hand held up in a silent farewell.
    “ No,” I whispered. “No, I don’t want to leave him. Please don’t make me, God,” I said, my chest constricting with loss. The power slowly seeped out from me, the notes diminishing and fading into silence. I stood looking out over the water for a long time, aware of the remnants of His presence still with me, calling me home.

Chapter 13
     
     
    I woke to the familiar scent of the rosebush outside my bedroom window, the morning breeze blowing lightly across my face. A stray curl tickled my cheek and I brushed it away with a yawn. I grumbled sleepily, not wanting to wake up, knowing Mom would be down any second to yell at me to get ready for school. I furrowed my brow in protest and clamped my eyes shut, burying my face in the pillow.
    “ Don’t wanna. Lemme alone. Rhf grn strk…” I argued blearily. A hand stroked my cheek and I slowly roused as whispers of fluid French wished me a good morning. Confused, I peeked open one eye and saw Aiden’s gentle face smiling down at me. His presence was a balm to my spirit and I sighed contentedly, reaching out to touch him. He took my hand and pressed it to his cheek, then turned and kissed my palm. A tingle ran across my shoulders.
    “ You’re always awake before me,” I observed.
    “ You’re a good sleeper. You will not wake until you’re ready, and you don’t notice the sound of me moving around the room.” Embarrassed, I dropped my gaze, feeling like a sloth. “I love to watch you sleep in the morn,” he continued. “You look so bonnie and your face is very expressive when you dream. I wish I could see what you’re dreaming about, though.” I seldom remembered my dreams, and something niggled at the edge of my mind, but I dismissed it. I shrugged and sat up, stretching, and then shot him a sly smile.
    “ Well, they’ve got to be all about you, but you probably wouldn’t approve of them anyway because I’m sure they are entirely inappropriate. Well, at least the best ones are.” He threw his head back with a full belly laugh.