Shaping Destiny by Hmonroe Page B

my
grandpa died. I felt stronger and faster, and I could hear better
than any human. I was going to use what I had to protect those who
needed it. I was going to do what my grandpa couldn't do that
day.”
    “He would be very proud,”
I told him, resting my hand on his arm.
    The porch light then came
on, and Max and I both looked toward the house. Seconds later the
door swung open with a stern-shouldered man behind it. With slow
footsteps, he walked out onto the porch and folded his arms across
his chest, leaning to one side and putting more weight on his left
foot. I knew that look far too well and felt like I was coming home
from a date.
    “That's your father?” Max
asked with a slight waver.
    “Yes, but he's nice. He
just looks mean right now.”
    “Uh huh.”
    “Did you ever tell him
about us?” I asked.
    “Nope.”
    “Well that's good,” I
replied sarcastically. We both started to reach for the door
handles. Here we go , I thought.
    ***
    “Hello sir, I'm Max Slate.
It's good to meet you finally.” My father met Max’s hand with a
firm, grateful shake.
    “Max, welcome to my home,
and thank you for taking care of my daughter. What happened to your
truck?” Not waiting for a response, Dad looked my way with a sigh
and an apologetic look. “Leah . . . my princess. I'm
sorry.”
    “Hi Dad.” I leaned forward
and gave my father a bear hug. While keeping his arm around me he
started walking into our home.
    “Come on, guys. Let’s talk
inside.” I never thought I would be home so soon, but the familiar
smell of wildflowers welcomed us.
    “Dad, where is Luke and
Leon?” I asked almost worried. I expected them to be home.” I guess they have lives too .
    “Leon needed help with
some hotel work, so Luke went with him. But they’ll be back
tomorrow night for dinner.”
    I nodded.
    The soft, fluffy couch in
the distance looked so appealing, yet I had just sat for hours in
the truck. I headed straight there with tired steps as my mom
turned the corner.
    “Leah!” Mom had her head
turned slightly to the side. Empathy radiated from her. She reached
out with her arms as she greeted me.
    “Leah, my baby, are you
OK?”
    “Yes, Mom, I'm fine. I
just never thought this is what my college experience would be
like.”
    While she pulled away she
kept her hands on my shoulders and looked right into my eyes.
“Honey, your college experience isn't over yet. We just need to
take care of this problem and then you'll be on your way again.”
Mom smiled at me, but then her eyes drifted behind me. “Is this
Max? The man that your father hired?” she said quietly. “He's cute.
I wouldn't mind him hanging around me if I were you.” Mom meant it
for only me to hear, but his hearing was much better than she
thought.
    “Mom!” I said, full of
embarrassment. While her attention stayed on Max, I took the
opportunity to plop down on the couch. After only a couple deep
breaths I no longer remained alone. My mom sat next to me while my
dad pulled up a chair for Max and himself. My dad had his hands
intertwined in front of him with his head down. I could feel the
nervousness coming off of him.
    “So, Leah, I don't know
where to start. I guess first I need to know if the shifting has
for sure taken place.” He looked up with eyes like a child, unsure
how to place his words.
    I only said one word.
“Yes.” I had butterflies in my stomach as that simple word escaped
my throat.
    “OK . . . Then we need to
talk about how it was triggered.” I said nothing, hoping to get
more information faster. I waited until his pauses became
sentences.
    “Sorry, I guess I’m not
very good with words, so I'm just going to come right out and ask
you . . . Is there a new man in your life that can also shift like
you?”
    Now the silence became
even deeper and more uncomfortable. Before I could answer, my dad
continued. “We knew this day would come and to know that my
daughter has met the man she is destined to be with forever,