Omniscient Leaps (6 page)

“I—” Jenna’s eyes widened. The influx of Jer’s seriousness had surprised her. She instantly flashed several shades of red. “I am so sorry, Kara. I hope I didn’t insult you. That wasn’t my intention, honestly.”

I rubbed her arm. “My father died when I was three and my mom is a single parent. She works two jobs to support us, so I really don’t like to ask for too much. Appearances are deceiving. I really just passed the time with that group of individuals you’ve seen me with. I’m very different than they are, financial situations aside.”

“They’re not all bad,” Scott added. “Some of your friends have actually attended a few of these meetings. They’re not regulars, but they come once in a while. Besides, what you do in your free time is your business.”

I liked Scott’s spunk. He didn’t feel the need to sugar coat anything. I’d noticed that about him over the course of the last hour. “Thanks for the approval,” I teased. “I better get going. I don’t want my mom to think I’ve been sucked into a cult or something.”

Jenna gasped. She apparently didn’t pick up on my sarcasm and I was beginning to think she took everything that was said with a more serious approach. As the boys worked to reassure her of my renowned endorsement, I made my way towards the door. I thanked Jess for inviting me and I made sure to let Jenna’s parents know what a wonderful time the experience at their house had been.

Mom had left the lights of our one story brick ranch on for me. I wondered if she would be curled up on the couch waiting for me when I opened the door. I set my keys down quietly as I removed my snow-covered boots. The weather from here on out was sure to improve. As much as I liked the snow, I loathed the dreariness. I just wanted to see sunlight again.

Sure enough, Mom was asleep on the couch. Her book had fallen from her grasp and was barely hanging onto its place on the cushion. “Mom,” I whispered softly. “I’m home. You can go to bed now. I know this couch isn’t so comfortable.”

Her book thudded to the floor and she sat up in one quick motion. Her eyes quickly flicked to the clock and back to me. “It’s late, Kara. I take it you had a good time.”

I helped her to her feet. I didn’t want her to lose her sleepiness or she’d be stuck awake for hours. Insomnia was a frequent unfriendly foe for her. “It was a lot of fun, Mom. Now let’s get you to bed.”

After climbing into my own bed ten minutes later, I found myself staring aimlessly around my shadowy room. My head was pounding and yet I was too keyed up to sleep. Not that I had anything against being a night owl, but I’d regret the late night in the morning if I didn’t fall asleep soon.

I illuminated the book light on my nightstand and found my nighttime headache medicine. Although I usually had a headache when I took it, it also helped me to fall asleep on nights when my mind refused to shut off. It took about thirty minutes, but once the weariness finally settled in and my head stopped throbbing, I was finally able to relax. My body drifted off to dreamland with a fleeting prayer.

Once again I was in my happy place. I followed the path down to the water and sat on my favorite slab of granite. The moon was bright, reflecting back at itself in a multitude of sparkles. I wondered why I always dreamed of night. Daytime on my secluded lakefront property had to be even more pleasant. I think it had to do with the peacefulness that only nighttime could offer.

“I’m really starting to enjoy this place of yours,” his gentle, yet deep, voice announced from behind.

My lips curled upwards into a smile before I even turned around.
Gosh, he is really here again. I hope he can stay longer
this time
. “Luke, you came back. Are you really here or just a figment?”

He chuckled as he took a seat on the slab beside me. He was wearing a t-shirt and long dark pants. His features were much more prominent without all the layers and I could feel my heart flopping around in my chest.
He is
gorgeous.

“I guess we won’t really know until we talk again outside of the dream realm,” Luke said, taking note of my oversized winter pajamas. I immediately pulled my legs into my chest feeling self-conscious.

“I kind of think you are here as just a vision,” I whispered. “You are usually sporting that Victorian outfit. Not that I mind it, but it must get uncomfortable.”

“Actually… I am wearing what I sleep in,” he replied. “Is that what you sleep in?” His eyes were bright as he scanned my flannel getup.

“It’s winter and I live in Pennsylvania. I get cold,” I said defensively. “Between her hot flashes and her limited budget, Mom doesn’t exactly keep the heat set on a warm temperature.”

“Your family is poor then?” Luke asked. His noted concern was visible by the sympathetic expression he instantly took on.

“Not exactly,” I replied. My toes played with the smooth surface of the water as I talked. “We are doing fine, but we’d be better if my mom would let me get a job. My dad died when I was three so Mom has to work two jobs to keep us afloat. She refuses to let me help out.”

“She thinks you are too young to work?” He had obviously taken note of my age. How could he not considering what his actual age was?

I laughed. “No, she just wants me to focus on my schoolwork and get into a reputable college.” I paused and made sure he met my eyes before I said another word. “I’m not that young, Luke. I’ll be eighteen in a few months and I’m sure that women in your time were already married with babies. I hate to tell you, but times have definitely changed.”

“I know that,” he said, leaning back against the rock. “I read all kinds of books in my spare time. My library has a plethora of literature and reference reading from all periods in time.”

“So you just read when you have free time?” I asked. A sadness tugged at my heart as I thought about his solitary daily life. I didn’t mind some alone time, but the amount of time he spent isolated was inconceivable. “Do you have anyone to talk to? Are there other shepherds like you?”

“There are, but I don’t see them. The only interaction I have is with my leapers.” I wasn’t good at hiding my emotions and he immediately took notice. He brushed his hand down my cheek and I closed my eyes so I could savor the sensation. I felt like I was glowing. “I took a vow to serve God years ago and that’s what I’m doing. I don’t regret it and I rarely feel like I am alone.” When I opened my eyes again, I realized he was staring at me. “I have to admit that I do like these dreams though. I enjoy your company.”

“And I yours,” I giggled. “So your other leapers are not social bugs then?”

“Yes and no. They are from different cultures, lifestyles and speak different languages,” he explained. “I—”

“Wait,” I interrupted. “You speak several languages?” He nodded. “I guess I should have known that considering you only read in your spare time. You really don’t have a television or a computer?”

Luke chortled. “I know what they are, but I wouldn’t say I am living in a realm that would connect with technology.”

“Oh right,” I said, feeling foolish. “I guess that makes sense… considering you don’t age. How about your other leapers? You’ve never spent time with them outside of your safe realm?”

“This would be a first, Kara, and this isn’t exactly like the real world now, is it?” This time I found myself nodding. “Anyway, after my leapers get the hang of their abilities they are set free. I try never to form a bond with any of them and I guess it’s easier that way.”

“Wait a minute,” I said with my chest tightening. I felt like someone had knocked the wind out of me. “You mean you won’t always be here for me? With me?”

He shook his head and his face seemed to be reflecting the same disappointment I was feeling inside. “It’s different with everyone, but I always send them on their own when they are ready.”

“Well then consider me never ready, Luke,” I cried. “I don’t want to do this on my own.”

He brushed my hair back from my face as I held back the tears. I hadn’t felt this comfortable, this content, with anyone in my life and he was going to go away eventually. It would be like a death. “Kara, you don’t need to concern yourself with this right now. You are just getting started. You just need to focus on your tasks and we will worry about the rest when it’s time.”

I sucked in a sob. “I haven’t had any more flashes. Maybe God’s rethinking this?”

“I think He’s just giving you a chance to adjust to the idea of everything first. Everyone needs a little time,” Luke assured me. “Most people don’t take to it as well as you do. You’re doing great.”

“Yeah, well I am going to try to suck at it from now on,” I sniffed. I knew I was being ridiculous, but I was feeling a little angry with God for bringing Luke into my life only to take him away again.

“You know you can’t hide things from Him,” Luke whispered. “Besides, I can already tell you are a fast learner. I bet you are at the top of your class in school.”

“That’s just because I’m a bookworm and I’m not involved in anything extracurricular.”

“Well then, that’s something we have in common I guess,” Luke chuckled. He knew how to make me feel better without even trying.

“You’re sparkling again,” I said disappointed.

“Someone’s been calling me, but I wanted to make sure you were okay first,” Luke said, taking my hand in his for a brief moment. “I’ll see you again soon.”

With a flash he was gone and I was left alone to enjoy my happy place by myself. The unfortunate thing was that it didn’t feel like my happy place anymore, not without Luke. This was a sign, a very bad sign that I was getting myself attached. After hearing the most disturbing thing about this new gift, I should have been looking to distance myself from Luke. However, I was feeling quite the opposite. I wanted nothing more than to spend as much time as possible in his company.

“Kara Benson,” a shrill female voice began. “Matthew Jones said he invited you to a party this weekend and you blew him off. Are you too good for us all of a sudden or what?”

I shut my locker calmly as I turned to face Hailey Reeves. Her pin straight black hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail making her unfriendly eyes bulge. “Actually I’ve never really been into the party scene. If you haven’t noticed, I generally just stand around with the same drink all night.”
Rarely even taking a sip.
Her lip quivered into a snarl. “I just don’t see the point of wasting my time attending meaningless soirees anymore.”

“First you mess with Gage’s head and now you turn down Matthew’s invitation?” She shoved me towards the locker and leaned in to my face. “Listen good, Kara. The only reason we even included you in anything the last few years was because Reyna insisted on it. For you to think you are blowing us off is a joke.”

“You’re the one who said it, not me,” I scoffed as I shoved her out of the way.

Hailey didn’t like someone else getting the last word so she began to tail me down the hall. “We can make life difficult for you for the rest of the year if need be. Don’t push me, Kara.”

As I turned to face Hailey, my body suddenly released all its tension. Several friendly faces had gathered behind her and they seemed to be waiting for her to notice. Scott leaned forward so Hailey would be sure to hear him. “Kara girl. We hope you enjoyed yourself last night. Everyone’s looking forward to spending more time with you.”

Hailey flinched and flicked her ear. Her face contorted into an evil expression as she checked out the group gathered behind her. Most of them had attended the Young Life meeting, but all of them were showing support on my behalf. “These are the people you are hanging out with now. Well then,” she paused to snort. “Have fun!”

“Thanks,” I whispered as Scott and Jer pulled flank beside me. “Hailey’s not all bad. She just loves to make a scene and I just happened to be on her radar today.”

My new group of friends walked me to class and for the first time I could remember, I felt part of something bigger than myself, something genuine. As Hailey had stated, my childhood friends were a far cry from being my best buddies. My newfound friendships proved that. For the first time in ages I didn’t feel alone anymore.

After spending part of my night with Luke and realizing the power of true friends, I was able to pass my day with a carefree attitude. The last year of high school was in full swing, but I was going to make the most of the last few months. Jenna asked me if I would help her paint background props for the school play and I agreed to lend a hand. An artistic ability was not something I was blessed with, but following instructions came naturally for me.

“So I heard Hailey was giving you a hard time this morning. I hope she didn’t say anything too horrible.” Jenna carefully dipped her paintbrush into the paint bottle, focused her eyes on what she was doing until every last drop of paint was used and then lifted her head to see my expression.

“You’ve got a system down,” I teased. Her face blushed as she waited for my reply. “Hailey’s okay. She’s an unhappy person all around. I have to admit that was the first time she’s badgered me, but considering I only have a few months of high school left, it was bound to happen sometime. I don’t think you can graduate without some kind of unpleasant encounter with her or one of her cronies.” She gave me a half smile and finally took a breath. “Don’t sweat it. The girl doesn’t scare me.”

“You know she has a main part in the play,” Jenna whispered. “I forgot that when I asked you to do this. I hope she won’t give you any trouble.”

“What’s she going to do, dump paint on me?” I laughed. Jenna didn’t find an ounce of hilarity in my comment; in fact she looked downright horrified.

I whipped my head around to see Hailey standing over me mocking my every word. There was no way she was going to get a rise out of me. “Hi Hailey. Shouldn’t you be on stage rehearsing instead of backstage with the hired help?”

Hailey flashed me one of her famous scowls before storming off out of sight. Jenna seemed shaken by the whole incident, making it clear she wasn’t big on confrontations. I made sure to turn the focus of our conversation to boys, Young Life and classroom assignments. By the time we were finished painting, she was in high spirits once again.