My head is in my hands and I'm gripping at my hair. I feel as though someone skipped a stone across my still quiet pond and every ripple was a shock to my existence. I looked up and saw Nora walk toward her room with a sense of determination in her stride. She was ready to see me and I needed her to feel my intentions. I would rather turn back towards the dark emptiness that comes with not knowing her than to ever cause her harm. I know my feelings are deeper than the link bond. I could care less about the strength of my abilities. I only use them to reach her. As for being alive again? I've never felt more alive. I take a few cautious steps towards her room. I watch her as she crawls to the center of her bed, pulls on the blanket, and closes her eyes. I feel her struggling to relax, she's tense and for good reason. She has no idea who she's allowing into her mind. I kneel down and hone in on warming my fingers. Gliding my hands over her cheek, down her arm and stopping at her thighs. I slowly feel her start to relax and sink into restfulness. I wonder where I should take us. Then it hits me. I know the perfect spot. The place where it all began.
Noras POV:
Falling asleep felt different than usual, I felt an internal warmth, a glow from within. I'm pretty sure my dream guy was with me and I'm still not sure how I feel about that. Waking up in a dream is just like waking up after one. It's a bit of an adjustment and this time was no different. Looking around I immediately recognize where I am. I'm standing across the street from the cafè, the one that's not too far from my art shop. But why here? The setting is lonely and absent of any people. Suddenly I heard a voice from behind me say
"Hello Nora"
I spun around quickly and saw him. There he was. Standing so close to me, close enough for me to see every speck of color in his beautiful blue eyes.
"It's you," I say fallowed by a slight gasp.
" Why have you brought me here?" I ask.
He took one step closer to me, our noses just inches apart. Placing one hand on my waist and the other on my arm he turned me towards the cafè. His hand still resting on my arm and his mouth close to my ear, he pointed at a large window at the cafè and said
"you were sitting there, drinking your coffee. So perfectly unaware of me"
I turn my gaze slightly over my shoulder toward his voice and I could feel his lips on my ear. Then he continued
"and right here, where we're standing now is where I was, Nora."
Where he was? What does he mean? He stepped to my side and placed himself in the fort of me and began to explain.
"My name is Cain. I've been dead for over a century. I've walked these streets aimlessly. Watching people go about their lives." He said with his eyebrows lifted and then his lips pulled in to themselves.
The expression on his face was almost boyish, he was sweet looking and his eyes begged for recognition and acceptance. I nodded as if I were ready to hear more.
"I was standing in this very spot. And I saw you. It was as if the clouds parted for the first time in a century and I finally felt the sun, Nora." He said this while searching my eyes for understanding.
"But why me? Did you know I was a link?" I had to ask this. It would help me gauge his motives.
"I had never heard that term before Nora. you have to believe me," he said while clasping his hands together and again, stepping so very close to me.
I stood there waiting to be further convinced. "Nora, I'm alone here. There's no one else. I'm no more than a chill or mist to people. I was with you when your mother came to see you" he said.
My head tilted with interest.
"So you know about the bond and how your abilities strengthen near me?" I asked.
"I found out the same way you did, Nora I swear. Using my abilities only mattered because it meant I could reach you in dreams" he explained. There is something so pure and good about him. Not only do I believe him, but I feel something happens within me when I'm with him. It's a storm of emotions. Having made my mind up I look up towards him and smile. His body relaxes and he brings me into an embrace. He took my face in his hands and kissed my forehead then looked at me and said
"I can't believe you're here and when you wake up, I'll be just as real to you then as I am now!"
His excitement is infectious and I feel the need to know more about him, well, everything about him actually.
"Cain, what's your full name and how did you die?" I ask.
His face changed slightly and he did that thing with his lips again.
"My full name is Cain Jacob Harmon, and I don't know how but I do know I was killed by a train" he responded.
"Over a century ago?" I asked.
He nodded and said it happened around 1915. Next thing I know he's pulling me into another hug and I melt in his arms.
"Nora," he says as I bury my head deep into his chest.
"yes" I answer.
"It's time to go now. But I'll see you again very soon" he said then kissed me softly on the lips before turning my dream into just sleep.
I don't know who you were Cain Jacob Harmon, but I intend to find out.
Noras POV:
I woke up the next morning feeling a sense of purpose and determination. I sat up in my bed and look around slowly wondering if I had unknowingly laid my eyes on him. I mouthed the words "good morning" with a small smile. Something about the thought that he may be watching me, made me feel feminine and even a little flirty. My feet hit the floor and I rustle my fingers through my hair as I head towards the shower. Right before entering the bathroom I stand by the door and say aloud, while casting my eyes about my surroundings. "ok so, ground rules. If the door is open you're welcome to come in but if it's closed, you're not welcome in." My head looks over my shoulder and I bite my bottom lip and walk-in, leaving the door wide open. I'm trembling. The thought that he may not even be here gave me some confidence but the thought that he may be here was exciting. I started the shower, checked the temperature, and stood to undress. I felt my face flush and my heart begins to race.