The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs Read Free Book Online Page A

his eyes dilated. Gavin’s
eyes closed and filled his lungs with air. A smile hinted at his
lips, and he held his breath for a moment. Every reason I enjoyed
my life was opened in my mind—the strength of these memories clear.
He opened his eyes, and the green now seemed fluid.
    My practical side really didn’t think this
would make a difference. Maybe I was being dramatic; he probably
couldn’t see into my head anymore than I could feel his emotions.
He probably had no idea what I was thinking ... but I followed that
basic instinct and acted with some unknown force. I didn’t have a
variety of memories, mainly concentrating on the one person in my
life that actually loved me back, Edna.
    The foreign emotions gradually turned from
panic, to protection, and finally to wonder. I watched in amazement
as each emotion registered in his expression, and I knew I was
right.
    “I have to get back home,” I whispered.
    “I know. Can I ride back with you? Elias can
meet me in Waynesville.”
    I shook my head yes. The need to help Gavin
was overwhelming, and to be honest, I wasn’t ready to let him
go.
    “Maybe we should stop by the hospital,” I
suggested. He still was extremely pale and sweat moistened his
brow, but he seemed to be getting stronger.
    “I think I’m fine,” Gavin muttered.
    My body continued to ache like I was getting
over a bad flu. Gavin made his phone call at the edge of the
parking lot and then slid in the passenger seat. My hands shook as
I put the keys in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and I
threw the heater on high.
    “Thanks for taking care of Holly,” I said,
ignoring the aches and pains, trying to put him at ease. He kept
his gaze toward the campus, his discomfort apparent.
    “I hope she learns soon to make better
decisions—she could have been hurt.” There was no judgment in his
voice, only concern, for which I was grateful.
    “I appreciate your help back there, Nora.”
Gavin murmured, resting his head on the back of the seat. A
character trait became clear. It seemed difficult for him to
receive assistance. I respected that more than he knew—allowing
someone to help goes against the grain of a survivor.
    “You’re more than welcome.” I beamed;
indisputable sincerity shone on my face. He took a deep breath and
raised his head off the seat, his gaze piercing. A faint twinkle
briefly sparkled in his exhausted expression, and he smiled.
    “What’s your family like?”
I finally asked.
    “Most of my immediate
family lives on our land. However, several of them are abroad at
the moment.” It seemed like it was an effort just to
speak.
    “Why don’t you try and get
some rest.” Maybe the hospital wasn’t such a bad idea.
    “Just for a moment,” he
conceded.
    Gavin laid his head back on
the seat. Memories of every moment I had spent with him came
to my mind, and the magnificent creature that had brought such
peace rejoiced in them. I gig gled at my slice of
insanity. We drove in silence until the welcome sign glared
at the road. Gavin opened his eyes, and I was pleased to see they
once again sparkled.
    “Where is Elias picking you up?”
    “By the hardware store.”
    “You sure you’re okay?”
    “Yes, thank you….” He started to say
something and then changed his mind. I could feel
the conflict around me float into resolve, as he exhaled
sharply.
    “I will see you soon,” he
said, bringing my hand to his lips. Their soft caress on the divot
between my knuckles sent electricity up my arm. I gasped; my heart
sputtered. I could feel his face smile, and he kissed the back of
my hand one last time and placed it back on the seat.
    “Take care.” My voice was a
little higher than usual; he smiled again.
    The Tahoe, waiting for him
in the back lot, followed me to church and then sped
away.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     
     
    Chapter
5—Mayberry
     
    “Nora Catherine Johnson,
I’ve been worried sick!” A clear mountain voice rang as the
children quickly