Fly: A PORTAL Chronicles Novel (The PORTAL Chronicles) (42 page)

I came across so many fascinating flower species and colors that the beauty about me was overwhelming. But it wasn’t just the obvious external differences that alerted me of change. There was an internal shift as well, boggling me as it went against every instinct I knew. Didn’t my chase usually end unfulfilled due to the discovery of something awful and scary like the giant that chased me away? Didn’t I usually wake from this dream disappointed and dissatisfied, the Voice having once again eluded me? Yet an internal knowing told me this was different. This time I was going to find her.

“Sooo-phiiie… ” The Voice sang her familiar siren song, pulling me from my thoughts.

“I’m coming,” I answered, nearing the clearing where the looming giant usually stood. I braced myself for the confrontation ahead, but was stunned to not find him there. I stopped in the center, looking this way and that. Mystified, I continued on, emerging from the forest’s edge and finding myself on top of a hill.

I paused, wary of stepping foot into this new territory. Taking in the stunning landscape of flowering valleys and fields before me, thought and breath evaded me. Never had I seen a more beautiful sight. I began my descent, savoring a symphony of sights and sounds: the soft babbling of a brook in the distance, the rich, velvety greens carpeting the ground and the deep blues accenting the warm, citrus sun in the sky. Wellbeing and peace fell over me.

“Sooo-phiiie… ” The Voice called again. She was close! “Just a bit further, my love. I’m right here.”

“I’m coming.” A shiver of delight broke over my skin.

I ran down the hillside into a meadow. I saw her. Her back turned to me, only her cascade of brown curls were visible to me, yet I was already mesmerized by her beauty.

I’d found her! The Voice.

Nerves then tumbled in my stomach. I’d waited months to meet the woman who called to me night after night, but now that the time had come, I didn’t know if I was ready.

“Are you the Voice?” I asked.

“Yes!” she said, facing me. “Yes, Sophie, I am.”

I cried at the sight of her sweet face, her small frame, her beautiful hair. How had I not known it was she? “Mom!” I exclaimed, running into her arms. We fiercely embraced, her hug and scent exactly as I remembered.

“How’s my baby doing?” Mom cried, stroking my hair like she used to.

I could only sob into her shoulder for some time before acclimating to the joy and grief — and millions of other feelings — washing over me. I leaned away taking in her gorgeous face.

“How can this be? I can’t believe it’s you.”

“Yet it is so,” Mom said, a smile spreading across her radiant face and into her pooling brown eyes.

I hugged her again, willing this dream to never end. But this had to be more than a dream for — Mom’s arms around me, my hands tangled in her silky curls, her cashmere-soft skin against my cheek, and her lilac and honey suckle scent in my nose — it was all too real.

“Oh, Sophie,” she breathed, rocking me in her arms. “I love you so much.”

I savored the moment as it was the little things, like her hugs, that I’d missed the most. “I love you, too. I don’t understand how you’re here. How are we together again?”

“Dio thought it time for me to see you again, so voila! Instant reunion!” She laughed in delight, wiping tears from my cheeks. “But our time together is limited, so we mustn’t squander it. I have many things to tell you.”

Holding my face in her hands, she took me in and I her. There were subtle things I’d forgotten, yet remembered now: the complexity in her big eyes and the delicate laugh lines framing them, the peachy tone of her pretty lips, and the way her smile radiated joy, lighting up her entire countenance. She was just lovely.

“You are more beautiful than ever,” Mom said, smoothing my hair from my face. “I didn’t think it possible for you to get any prettier, but you have.”

“I was thinking the same of you,” I admitted.

“Oh, honey.” She kissed my forehead. “You’re gorgeous inside and out. What more could a mother desire?”

I smiled, basking in her praise and approval. What more could a daughter want?

“Come,” Mom said, taking my hand.

Walking side by side, I studied how our hands looked entwined. Mom’s hand no longer engulfed mine, but now seemed daintier, fitting perfectly together with mine.

A soft wind blew, bringing with it the scent of floral and greenery and making me think to ask, “This forest is usually dead or dying. Why is it so lush and green now?”

“Dio is the Creator, miraculously bringing life where there was none before.”

“So, you know a lot about Dio,” I deduced.

“Yes.” Mom smiled sweetly, seeming warmed by the thought. “There is so much I’d love to tell you about him and his ways, but for the sake of time, I must get to the point.” I nodded and she began. “First off, you should know that I never wanted to leave you. It was never my intention — nor Dio’s — for us to be separated the way that we were.”

“Victory said you died to save me.” My heart dropped at the thought.

Mom stopped. Facing me, she caressed my cheek. “Listen carefully to what I’m about to say because it’s very important. New life never comes without sacrifice. It is a constant in Dio’s kingdom, but I took this rule into my own hands — a grave mistake.” She took my hands in hers. “When Dio first gave me the prophecy about you, I had such peace that everything would be okay, but as time went by, I grew weary of running from Divaldo’s operatives and obsessed about when they’d find us next. By the time we were found at the grocery store that day, I’d stopped relying on Dio and allowing him to fill me with his peace and power as before, causing me to panic and react in a way that harmed all parties involved. Out of practice with consulting Dio, I took matters into my own hands.

“I placed you out front of the store reasoning that I could lead the men away before fighting them off on my own. Keeping you safe was part of what Dio had called me to, but I had become focused on my task instead of focusing on my Creator, thus putting me totally out of focus — an error I didn’t grasp the ramifications of until it was too late.”

“So it’s true,” I gasped in shock. “You led the men out back and Dio just stood by and let them kill you. He used you. You were his pawn.”

“No, babe. Dio is the Creator, only bringing forth new life and restoration — never death or despair. I followed my will instead of Dio’s, disconnecting me from his supernatural wisdom and power and preventing him from helping or protecting me. He waited by my side expectantly, hoping I’d recant my mistake so he could help, but even after realizing he was there, I stubbornly refused. I insisted on my own way and paid dearly for it.”

I swam in the depth of what she’d divulged, unable to fully soak it all in. “So, you’re not mad at Dio?”

“No. Why would I be?”

“He let you die when you needed him most. Bad choices or not, he could have saved you if he really wanted to, really loved you.”

“Though, that’s the beauty of Dio, Sophie. He’s just and always follows through on his promises. When he gave us the gift of choice, he promised to honor it and has done so ever since, no matter how hard it is for him to do so. My rebellion prevented him from helping me, and even though he knew he could stop the injustice happening to me with the mere blink of an eye, he followed through on his side of the bargain, allowing me a choice as well as the consequences of the decision I made. And it wasn’t easy for him. Watching me get cut down because of my refusal to follow his way broke his heart, cutting him deeply, too.”

“Why are you telling me this? I don’t understand,” I said, crying again.

“You will once you meet him,” Mom assured me. “He is gracious and loving and remained by my side until the end.” Tears also welled in her eyes. “I was so foolish, Sophie. It wasn’t until I was dying that I finally apologized to Dio for rejecting his plan, allowing him to come to me once again. And even though my rebellion hurt him, he readily forgave me, comforting me with the knowing that he’d turn this tragedy around for good.” She paused a moment to gain her composure. “As I was gasping my final breaths, he promised me he’d watch over you and Dad, leading you in the way you should go, giving you hope and a great future. As I learned the hard way, he never breaks a promise, so I closed my eyes on this world with peace that everything — including you and Dad — would be okay.”

“It’s still not fair,” I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“We don’t always understand Dio’s ways—”

“Because they are unfathomable,” I finished her sentence, recalling what Everett and I had recently discussed.

“Yes,” Mom nodded. “But his ways are always best.” She smiled, her radiant beam drying my tears. “You are wise beyond your years. Much smarter than your stubborn mother. I know this is awful to hear, but I’m telling you so my mistakes won’t be repeated. I’m here to prepare you for things to come and to equip you for the journey ahead.” Grabbing my hand, we walked again. “I’m sorry, but you probably won’t like the rest of what I have to say either.”

I nodded, bracing myself.

“You’re going to have to allow Dio to work in you and through you. You don’t have the power to fulfill all that Dio will ask you to do, meaning you’ll need help. It will be hard for you as, like me, you’re stubborn and prefer doing things on your own, but don’t let this hinder you from surrendering to Dio and his will. Trust that he only does what’s best for you.”

“You sound like Everett,” I said under my breath.

“That’s because Everett is familiar with Dio and his truths.”

“Wait!” I looked up, surprised. “You know Everett?”

“Yes, since he was a baby. I visited Victory when I could and we often exchanged pictures. Now, I get my updates from Dio. According to him, Everett is an amazing young man destined for greatness.”

“He’s already great,” I said, the thought of him warming me.

“He makes you happy,” Mom stated. I nodded. “He makes me happy, too, because his intentions are pure and he truly cares for you. It’s not a coincidence when people like him are put in your life, Sophie. He’s a gift from the Creator. Cherish him… and don’t be too hard on him, okay?”

I laughed lightly. “Going forward, I’ll try not to be.”

“I’m not talking about the future. I mean now.”

Confused, I noticed Mom looking out into the distance. Following her gaze, I spotted him. Unlike with Mom, I immediately knew it was Everett.

“Go,” she whispered. “I’m right behind you.”

Joy bubbled up within me at the mere sight of him, swelling as I grew closer to where he stood. “Everett!” I ran so fast I almost knocked him over.

“Sophie?” He turned just in time to catch me in his arms, surprise on his face.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, laughing gleefully. “We’ve finally done it!”

He hugged me tightly before pulling away with a frown. “Done what?”

“We’ve moonlighted in each other’s dreams, but we’re finally interacting in one.”

His face fell then, perplexity coloring his handsome features. “But this isn’t… ” He gasped. “No! It can’t be.” He dropped to his knees, his face frozen in a silent cry. Wrapping his arms around his body, he rocked.

“Everett?” I asked startled. “What’s wrong?”

“This,” he whispered, his brimming eyes wandering the surrounding landscape. “This place. I’ve failed you.” He rambled, “You were so white and your skin so hot. I should have known. I was scared for you, but I had no idea it was serious until it was too late. And now we’re in the same place, which can only mean… ” He stopped, his shoulders shaking as he openly wept into his hands.

I stood there dumbfounded, uncomfortable watching Everett cry but not knowing what to say or do to remedy the situation. “It can only mean what?”

Looking to me, Everett stood and held out his shirt for me to see the unsightly blood stains covering it. How had I not noticed them before? I felt sick.

“Hagen,” he said, his head bent in shame. “They must have gotten to you, too. Or maybe you were dead before they found you.”

“Dead!?! Everett, what are you talking about?”

“We’re dead, Sophie,” he wailed. “Divaldo won. Hagen murdered us. And it’s my fault. I failed. What will happen to PORTAL now? Or to us?”

A soft gasp came from behind me. Mom stood there, tears in her eyes as she watched Everett self-destruct. She passed by me, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Condemnation and fear are not yours to bear. Why do you insist on carrying such heavy things?” she asked him.

Everett stared at her, pensive. “Who are you?”

“Clara. Sophie’s mother,” she answered softly.

“I was right,” he shook his head. “We’re dead!”

“But not permanently,” Mom said. “Like Dio has revitalized this forest, so will he do with you, breaking Death’s claim and breathing new life. You have grown up with the truth, yet still, you don’t believe. As your mom has told you, Dio is truth and Dio is love. Why do you doubt this is true? Why do you doubt his intentions for you — and even the intentions of others, like Sophie — come from love? You are not unlovable. You are worth loving.” He opened his mouth, yet nothing came forth but more tears. It seemed Mom was reading some deep-seeded truth from his heart. “And your connection with Sophie and being able to share dreams with her is not a coincidence.”

“You know about the dreams?” Everett asked, intrigued.

Mom nodded. “Dio created you for each other. He orchestrated your paths to cross as they have for you are soul mates.”

Everett smiled but continued to cry, though seemingly more out of joy and relief now than sadness and defeat.

“Your deep connection with each other allows you to share dreams,” Mom continued. “Everett, you could see into Sophie’s dreams first as she immediately sensed this connection and opened up to you from the beginning. You, however, weren’t as forthcoming, but once you finally surrendered to trusting her, it opened connection for her to see into your dreams as well.”

“Amazing,” Everett whispered.

“Yes. Your bond is quite unique. It is a gift from Dio, not something given because you deserve it but simply because he loves you so,” Mom said, looking at each of us. “Though, Divaldo knows you both are meant for big things, and that you are stronger together than apart, explaining why he has assigned Fear to unceasingly haunt you. But now it is time for you to walk in your destiny, to come into who you are meant to be, and this can’t be accomplished until Fear is defeated.”