True Fate (8 page)

Taking a moment to think and with a deep breath
Eric began, "You are very special Nia. Your destiny is important to many.
Dreams are a way for us to communicate and now that you are of age it kind of
leaves you wide open. There are those out there who do not want you to fulfill
that destiny. You have to learn who you can trust and who you cannot. Good and
evil resides in us all so it's not very easy to tell between the two. It’s
never as simple as good and evil or right and wrong.”

“You will have to learn to center yourself before
you can block any outsiders from your subconscious. Until then I will be with
you when you sleep, I will keep you safe, you have my oath." He said
solemnly.

Eric poured their tea and began putting sugar
into his cup. Nia was in shock and perhaps disbelief. But taking everything
that had happened to her into consideration she finally spoke,

"Okay I, I really don't know what to say. I
know you can't elaborate so I guess that will have to do for now. And I promise
to try my best to learn what I need to. I mean it is for my own safety right. And
thank you." Nia grabbed for the sugar ready to be done with this weird
conversation.

"Eric?" she said taking a sip of her
tea.

"Yes." he replied looking in her eyes
which was making her increasingly uncomfortable.

"How do I wake up? If I'm afraid I
mean."

He grinned, "Well that's easy, you just
pinch yourself.” Eric said with a serious face.

"What! It's that simple?” a wide eyed Nia
nearly shouted.

Eric chuckled, "No I'm afraid not. But I
will tell you an easy enough way. All you have to do is touch that stone and
wish with everything in you and you will wake up. Reaching in her pocket to get
the stone she'd placed there when she'd stepped into his house, she rubbed the
smooth surface with her fingers.

He got up from the table, Nia looked at him
curiously as he went to the living room then returned moments later with a
small black lacquer box.

"Here, this is for you.” he said scooting
the box across the table nervously. Nia took it with shaky hands curiously
opening the lid.

Nestled safely inside the velvet lining was a
black bracelet with beautiful twisting filigree. In the center was what looked
to be a small hollow cage. Eric took his soul stone from her hand and she gave
him her left wrist, he gave her a nod of approval. Her skin heated as he ran
his finger over her tattoo staring at it.

Eric gently clasped the bracelet around her
wrist, he blew out a breath puffing out his cheeks. He carefully opened the
little cage with shaky hands and placed the stone inside. It touched Nia's
tattoo with a jolt as a tear trickled down her cheek. The enormity of the
situation was like a weight in her chest. This was the most trust ever given to
her in her entire life.

 
He clasped
the cage softly and began to twist the side. Nia stared fascinated as it
twisted itself the rest of the way. Eric sealed it inside with a glowing touch
from his finger. The stone glowed brilliant blue light causing them both to
gasp. After a moment it dimmed to just a shimmer.

"It's absolutely beautiful." Nia
breathed. "I promise to take care of it." She added reverently.
 

Eric looked up meeting her eyes, "I trust
you Nia. Now you have my soul to prove it." He said while wiping another
stray tear from her cheek.

They stared into each other’s eyes exchanging,
she really didn't know what. But he was now a part of her and she him in a
strange way. Her thoughts and questions were cut off by his husky voice thick
with emotions of his own, "It's time to go." Nia could only nod in
response.

He smiled and brought her to her feet gently by
her hand. “Place your hand on the bracelet and clear your mind.” He instructed.

"When will I see you again?” she
interrupted, he smiled then and it was a brilliant smile making her breath
catch.

"You will see me in your dreams of course.
Now it’s time for you to go back.” Nia nodded and gave him a dazzling smile of
her own placing her palm down on the bracelet. The stone lit up dimly and everything
started to fade. Blurring and swaying slowly until there was nothing but the
black of her eyelids.

Nia opened her eyes and saw a purple ceiling
through the sheer canopy and knew she was awake and safe. She laid there for a
second as Sweet Dreams was playing from the MP3 dock.

"Whew! Just a dream!" she whispered,
noting the song that was playing and laughing to herself at the oddity of it.

She took her time getting out of bed careful not to
disturb Rhea. Going over to the dresser she grabbed some clothes and as she
reached for the drawer she stopped short stifling a scream.

On her left wrist was the bracelet that Eric had
given her in her dream.

Her knees gave out and she stumbled to the edge of
the bed and rubbed her eyes.

She could feel the hum between the bracelet and her
tattoo like she could feel the plush carpet beneath her bare feet. Nia looked
at the time and saw it was six forty seven in the morning. If she didn't get
showered and ready to go she'd be late for her day with Aaron. Shaking herself
deciding she would deal with the bracelet later, she figured she had better get
moving.

Nia gathered her things and went into the
bathroom taking her phone and setting it on the counter. She was pretty freaked
out about the bracelet being real and what that meant and she didn't have time
to tell Rhea all about it.

Nia promised to make time to tell her soon. Showering
quickly she got dressed and snuck to the front door as quietly as possible.
Rhea would just have to forgive her.

'Crap!'
She
had never gotten his address! She would make her way to Starbucks to get her
morning fix, she'd handle directions after that.

Clicking the door shut softly she locked up with
her spare key and noticed a text that had come during her shower. It was Aaron
with the address, gate code and an apology for forgetting to give it to her
before. Also reminding her that he wasn't used to getting picked up.

‘Perfect!’
Nia laughed at the last part and replied quickly with a Thank you and see
you soon. Well that takes care of that she glanced at her phone and it read
seven thirty five. She had plenty of time to spare. She double checked Rhea's
door and walked groggily to her car.

"Let the fun begin. I hope."

Chapter 4

Aaron woke up startled, his heart pounding. He got
up and went to splash water on his face. He had never dreamed so vividly
before. He reached for the faucet and froze staring at his wrists.

"What in the hell?" He examined the
beautiful new and completely healed, marks.

'It was just a dream, wasn't it?'
He thought to himself.

This didn't make any sense. He splashed cold water
on his face, slapped his cheeks and looked again.

"Yup! Still there." he said looking at
them closer rubbing a hand over the marks trying to see if it would smudge. But
it didn't. "Oh man!" he said to no one.

The buzzing alarm was going off when he came back
from the bathroom signaling that it was seven. This was going to be a long hour
and a half. He quickly sent the text with his address and an apology for
forgetting to send it yesterday. He took his shower, got dressed and waited.

It was seven thirty four a.m. now and he was
anxious for eight thirty to roll around, that was when she said she'd be there.
He also gave her the gate code, thinking she might as well see the place now.
He got a short reply, a simple "Thank you. See you soon.” he smiled and
went to the living room and sat in his recliner and drifted back to sleep…

Nia mapped the directions and it really wasn't
that far so she sat in Starbuck's and drank her coffee. She had breakfast
worked out and had loads of ideas for the rest of the day but was still wary of
the lack of a solid plan.

‘Oh
well here we go.’
She finished up and was on her way in no time. She
pulled into his parking garage and checked the time. Seven fifty-five. She
sighed.

"Well I could wait here.” she said to no
one.

She turned on the radio and flipped through the
stations.
She turned if off after realizing it was too early for good
music, it's all just annoying morning shows. Blek! She had to pee after that
Venti so she did the only thing she could, she didn't want to wait anymore
anyway.

“Here goes nothing.” She said as she texted
Aaron.

A buzzing startled Aaron out of his sleep and he
dug his phone out of his pocket. It was Nia.

Nia: Hey um, I'm downstairs but if you're not
ready yet it's ok. And could I please use your bathroom. I may have had a Venti
Mocha on the way....

Aaron: I've been ready for an hour already, it’s
cool. Come on up!
 

Nia: Thanks be right there.

Aaron quickly scrambled to the bathroom when
she'd asked about using it. He brushed his teeth again quickly and cleaned up
the splatter, spraying air freshener one last time. Standing hovering around
the door when the doorbell chimed, he counted to five trying not to seem over
eager and opened the door.

There she was in the flesh, beautiful Nia. She
was a knockout.

 
Even
though he knew that she was lovely, he was still struck by her beauty. He found
himself wondering if she had any clue how stunning she was. No one could
possibly look that good in jeans, a t-shirt and hoodie.

Right then he let all the drama of vows, Guardians
and true identities go, at least for now. Why not enjoy the time they have and
get to know the woman he will soon be
"bound"
to.

"Hey", he said with a smile.

"Good morning." she said nearly taking
his breath away with that in combination with the shy look on her face looking
at him from under her lashes. The thought of her in his apartment saying good
morning gave way to thoughts of why a girl would normally be there to say good
morning. He shook himself a little ashamed. That may not be the best line of
thought so early in the morning.

"Good morning Nia." he said with a goofy
grin. "The bathroom's right through that door." he pointed out, not
wanting to keep her awkwardly there while he knew she had to go.

She gave him a shy smile and said "Thank
you." so sweetly.

He tried not to make his sigh audible he just
wasn't sure he succeeded.

Taking the opportunity to grab his house keys and
his phone and checked for his wallet. Nia may be guiding this day but he
intended to be the one treating. She came out rather quickly and he gave her
the grand tour.

"Oh wow. You know my mom would have a field
day with your place. She would love every second. She's really good too. I
could give you her number.” she said looking around.

He was a little embarrassed but not really, he
knew it needed some TLC. "Well maybe I should take you up on that.” he
said with a wink.

She quickly added, "It's a great space and
believe me I know what the rent is like. I considered moving here myself. I'm
still living at home.” she said rolling her eyes.

His eyes went wide, "Really?" she
looked at him confused or was that offended, he couldn't tell. "Oh, I
just... I mean it's so close to the ball park and it gets super noisy when
there's a game. I love it because I love baseball.” he added quickly feeling
awkward and hoping she didn’t misunderstand him.

She laughed at his rambling, "Way to
stereotype mister." She teased.

He laughed too then asked, "So... you like
baseball?"

She grinned, "Oh, I don't just like it. I
love it and I happen to have season tickets too."

He stood there dumbfounded.
Where
has this woman been all his life, beautiful and a season ticket holder! That's
two for two.

He grinned, "Well that is pretty awesome.
Maybe we could go to a game sometime. I don't think I've ever been with a girl.
Well besides my mom.” he frowned at the last thought.

Aaron always missed his mom and she did take him to
games. She was the one that took him to his first Yankees game. They drove into
New York and spent the day together, just the two of them.

It was one of his favorite memories. He put a smile
back on his face then and promised himself that nothing would ruin the day.

"My mom was awesome. She would have loved to
meet you." Aaron told Nia.

"The feeling would have been mutual I'm
sure." Nia said sincerely.

"Should we go?” Aaron asked and she nodded.
Placing his hand on the small of her back he gently led her to the door and his
pulse picked up pace at the small touch. She seemed to melt back into his hand
for a moment and then walked forward. Making sure he had his backpack Aaron
locked the door behind them.
 

"I'm parked right around the corner.” Nia
said.

Once they got to the car Aaron was sure they were
in the wrong spot but she pressed a button on her key ring and it beeped and
the lights flashed.

His jaw was practically on the floor. "Holy
crap!" was all he could manage to say out loud. He couldn't believe it!
The girl of his dreams in his dream car! Seriously! This had to be a sign this
was going to be an amazing day.

"What's the matter Aaron?", she asked
grinning as she unlocked the doors with a pop.

"You have the 2013 Charger! Leo is going to
freak out! It's the Srt8!"

Smiling at the excitement sparking in his blue
eyes Nia felt confused, "Wanna check under my hood?" she asked
batting her lashes playfully. She was feeling so drawn to him it was
astonishing.

Now Aaron couldn't help but laugh and he gave an
almost overeager, "Hell Yeah!"

Nia popped the hood and went to the front to
unlatch it like a pro, he couldn't help but watch the way her lips turned up at
the corners and her dimple was so visible just then,
'Wow,
That would be a great spot for a kiss.
’
He thought to himself.

"Umm... Hello, earth to Aaron, are you going
to check out my motor or not?" She said almost pouty, with her hand
holding up the hood. He could tell by the smile and giggle that followed that
Nia was enjoying messing with him.

His eyes went wide at the Hemi, Edelbrock
conversion engine that was there in all it's chromed out glory. The entire
thing was decked out and pristine.

All he could do was stare. "Wow!" was
all he managed followed by a long whistle as his eyes roamed over its shiny
surface.

 
"So you
like it then?" she asked interrupting his dream weaver moment with her
car.

"Of course!” he blurted with his voice
cracking. They both laughed at that and she closed the hood.

"Get in.", Nia all but commanded.
"If you liked the outside you might just love the inside."

Aaron opened the door and saw an interior anyone
would envy, she clearly went all out. "It really is awesome!" he said
with a great big smile that had melting abilities.

"Thanks.” She showed him the USB plug for a
phone or whatever and how to connect it to the stereo. Her MP3 Player was
hooked up now and she showed him how to work it. He was apparently going to be
the DJ. He had no problem with that, he hit play, "I love this song."
Aaron said quickly as Tunnel Vision came on.

"Me too." Nia responded.

That's definitely what he had for her, tunnel
vision, he sighed nothing else mattered when she was around. This was all new
to Aaron, he had never experienced anything like this and neither had Nia
really.

As the song played on she felt her cheeks flush
at the intensity coming from where Aaron was it pulsed over her like a
heartbeat with the music. She couldn't deny how much she liked that she felt
the warmth coming off his hand that was close by hers on the center console.

"So where are we headed?" he finally
asked with a smile.

"Well it's been a favorite all my life and
it was a tradition for a while. It's not far." She said thumping the
wheel.

Oddly they enjoyed the lack of conversation while
he took in his surroundings. Nia took him through town instead of hitting the
freeway pointing out things along the way. She told him about growing up and
the fun of having a large Latin family at least on her dad's side.

Aside from Aunt Amarie there was no one at all on
her mom's side, though she was certain a Cajun family would have been just as
fun.

Aaron wondered what it must be like not knowing
any of your family. Nia told him that her grandmother's death was a mystery and
her mother didn't even know who her own father was.

"Aunt Amarie raised my mom and she was
worried someone would try to take her away. Aunt Amarie is a little...
off." she said wrinkling her nose. Aaron thought of his own family and how
scattered and distant they were.

His thoughts drifted to his Aunt Millie.
"Yeah I have an Aunt that's a little off too.” he said thoughtfully.

Amelia Bouvier Pierce, how does one describe
Great Aunt Millie? He mused.

"My Aunt Millie was young when she had her
first child, apparently she was forced to marry or arranged. Same thing in my
book. Anyway, my dad said it was an arranged marriage. Millie was so distraught
about the babies’ lineage that she'd suffocated it in its crib. I never
understood it really” he looked at Nia all wide eyed and added. "Crazy is
probably a better word to describe her. She was in a mental facility for
decades and released when she was fifty five." Shaking his head Aaron
relaxed and slumped into the seat a bit.

Nia was so silent and it looked as if she was holding
her breath. "Wow!" she let out with a gust. "I’ve got to say, I
think you have me beat.” she said honestly. "But I have to warn you though
you've peaked my curiosity so I might get nosy and ask you more about that
story in the future.” he just smiled at her again.

"I won't mind."

The future, Aaron thought about that small
statement. Could Nia want a future with him after knowing him for not even
twenty four hours? He sure felt like it could go there eventually.