Penitence (2010) by Jennifer - Heavenly 02 Laurens Read Free Book Online Page B

experience. But that kind of experience is pretty personal. How many people go out and broadcast it? Not many, I would think. Ive read just about everything out there about life after death, but Ive never heard anyone go as far as youve gone. Like I said, there have to be others. They just dont talk about it. A thread of panic dangled inside of me. You arent going to tell anyone about this, either. Promise? His brown eyes locked on mine. Youre going to keep it to yourself? With effort, I struggled to my feet so I could make my point clear. This is my experience, Chase, not yours. Understand? And, no, Im not going to tell anyone. Not even my parents know what happened. Youre the only one. I am? His eyes widened. Wow. So I need to trust you on this. Promise? Yeah, sure. Promise. Im honored youd tell me. Who else would understand? Weary, I lowered back to the couch. Chase sat beside me. You okay? Tired. Maybe I should go now. Sorry, I dont mean to be a deadhead. You should go to bed. Can I tell everyone who asks me that youre okay? I nodded, smiled. Yeah, thatd be fine. Thanks for asking. Want me to help you up the stairs? Um. Thanks, but I can make it myself. I rose unsteadily to my feet and Chase followed suit, hands itchy at his sides. You sure? It wouldnt be a problem. His eyes shot out the living room door and in the direction of the front stairs. I carried my mom around the house when she broke her ankle. I laughed. You want to carry me? He looked wounded that Id laughed and I quickly wiped the smile off my face. That sounds really sweet, Chase. Maybe next time. But, with my parents here and all, they might wonder what were doing. Oh. Oh, right. Yeah. We walked to the front door and I opened it. He paused under the threshold and looked me over. Can I hug you? Uh. Sure. Tentatively, Chase wrapped around me as if embracing a glass figurine. He felt amazingly strong for an office-type. And he smelled like Zest. His head dipped close to the curve of my neck for a second, and the ticklish sensation sent warmth throughout my body. Then he drew back, his lips in an awkward grin. His cheeks glowed pink. Thanks, Zoe. Thanks? I playfully tapped his arm. No problem. Thanks for coming by. He went out the door. I watched him stride down the walkway, posture erect. He turned, waving at me once, twice. Then he tripped, corrected himself and didnt turn around again. Six I slept a lot those first few days at home. Like a traveler back from a long journey, seduced by the feel of my mattress under flannel sheets, the scent and scrunch of my soft pillow beneath my head. And, as each day passed, waking got easier. Hours dragged, even with net surfing, reading and the occasional Lifetime mini series re-run Britt ditched school to join me for. Luke brought home some of my assignments and notes from my teachers, most of whom were still of the take it easy mindset. Evenings, Mom and Dad tried to be with me as much as possible after sharing Abria duties. Even Luke offered to tuck Abria in bed for Mom two nights in a row. Days recycled. But always, my first thought upon rising was Matthias, as was the last thought I held onto before falling asleep each night. After another week of convalescing, I was ready to go back to school. A combination of added strength, boredom and curiosity fueled my decision. As I dressed for the return day, I stood looking in the mirror and realized Id changed. Not physically, though I had lost a few pounds that still hadnt come back and my skin was so pale, the blue veins beneath looked like fine roadmaps. Even in recoup-mode, I looked light. Happy. My soul had traveled a journey that now shone in my countenance. I hadnt really looked at myself for a long time and in spite of the fact that beneath my long-sleeved red tee shirt there was a scarred breast, I was more pleased with the way that I looked than I ever had been. I wore my dark, somewhat-thinned hair down and straight. The stress had taken a toll on my locks, that