Project Lightning, page 19
I feel the tears stream down my cheeks. “Oh sweetheart.” I hear Caleb whisper as I am gathered against him. His large arms secure around my body and pull me close. My tears continue to fall as I think about what my life might have been like if they were still around. Would I be here with Caleb? Would I be a part of Project Lightning? Would anything be the same? I pull back slightly and meet his eyes. “I am proud of my parents and what they sacrificed.”
Caleb smiles slightly. “Why is that sweetheart?”
“Because if one thing was different, I may not be who I am now. I may never have met you. I may never have escaped to Project Lightning. I may never have even been anywhere near here.” I place my hand on his cheek. “And that would be a terrible tragedy.”
Caleb leans down and kisses me lightly at first. But soon our bodies get lost in the kiss. He lays me on the bed and spends the night showing me exactly how grateful he is for me being in his life.
I wake the next morning feeling Caleb's body next to mine. I smile as I think about how gentle he was last night. He loves me. I run my hand along his defined shoulder and blush a little. His hazel eyes open and he gives me a sleepy smile. “Merry Christmas, Brinna.” He presses his lips against mine.
“Merry Christmas, Caleb.” I reply as I try to continue the kiss. Last night was so amazing, that I want to continue it this morning.
Caleb groans against my lips before breaking away. I pout and he gives me a chaste kiss. “As much as I would love to continue this, we should get up before my mom discovers us.”
I chuckle lightly as he grabs my hands and hauls me out of bed. We quickly dress and then walk hand in hand down the stairs. Kylie is in the kitchen making breakfast. “Good morning, you two.” she winks in my direction and I blush furiously. “I hope you both slept well.”
“Mom” Caleb groans.
She puts her hands up. “Okay...Okay...” she says as she turns back to the skillet in front of her.
A couple hours later, after eating stuffed french toast and sausage, we are sitting in front of the tree. Wrapping paper is strewn around the room. Most of the presents are open except two. My present for Caleb and his for me.
Kylie gets up and pats Caleb on the shoulder. She moves into her room. I look curiously over at Caleb and he smiles. “I asked my mom to give us some time to trade presents in privacy.”
My jaw drops slightly. I feel a little uncomfortable. He asked his mom to give us privacy but we are in her house. “But...Caleb...your mom...” I stutter.
His hand closes my mouth gently. “My mom understands. Here open my present first.”
I smile as I gently pry open the wrapping paper. Opening the box, I see a silver necklace. I look up at Caleb and he smiles brightly. I trace the lines lightly with my finger and land on a silver heart charm at the end. The charm has a pink diamond in the center and is surrounded by diamond lines at the edge of the heart.. Tears prick my eyes. I had never received such an amazing gift and as happy as I was, I felt a little guilty. Caleb lifts the necklace from the box. “I wanted you to know that you have my heart no matter where you are.” He places it around my neck as I feel the tears drip down my cheeks. He swipes a tear and asks. “Happy tears?”
I nod and throw my arms around him. Amazed by the heart of this man and his love. He kisses me lightly as I finger the charm that lies against my chest. “Thank you so much.” I say as I look down at my necklace. “I love it.”
“I love you, Brinna.”
“I love you too, Caleb.” I kiss him lightly again. I pull back and reach for my present. I am a little hesitant because it is nothing like his gift for me. I meet his eyes with happiness shining through and I know it doesn't matter.
Caleb pries open the package and gasps. He pulls out the blanket Piper and I made. It is a mixture of purple and dark gray like our colors. There are different pictures of him and I all over it. Tears prick his eyes. “You made this?” his gravelly voice betraying his calm as he traces over each picture.
“Well Piper, I mean Madore, helped me but yeah.” He puts it down gently and pulls me into his arms. His hands cup my face and he kisses me deeply. After several moments, he pulls back and places his forehead against mine. “I love it Brinna. It is perfect.”
My heart soars at this moment. He and I are together. So in love. I can't imagine Christmas being more perfect. His mother returns and finds us wrapped up in each other. She chuckles and we pull back. I attempt to slide out of his lap but he stops me and shakes his head. I blush and try to hide my face in his arms. He chuckles lightly.
“Did you love it?” Kylie asks once I finally turn around. I nod furiously as I finger the charm again. “Caleb had specific requirements but I was finally able to find it.”
I look between Caleb and his mother. Caleb chuckles again. “I asked my mom to find the necklace because the base wouldn't have anything like this.”
Caleb picks me up and places me gently on the couch. My mind wanders to how those arms felt surrounding me last night. I snap my mind back to reality and blush. “So what did she get you?” Kylie asks as Caleb pulls me to my feet. He reaches down and pulls the blanket up to show his mom. She gasps lightly and smiles brightly. Her eyes crinkle lightly as she strokes the different pictures. “You made this?”
“Well...I had a little help...” I say as I watch her inspect each of the pictures. “But yeah.”
She turns and pulls me in for a hug. Her arms press into me deeply and I sag into her. “Thank you for loving my son.” She whispers. I pull back and look at her. “What did you think I didn't know?” She chuckles and Caleb groans in the background.
Caleb steps beside me and puts his arm around me. “We should probably help clean up and head to your family’s house.”
I nod as we all quickly clean up the living room. Kylie hands me a pie. Pumpkin. Yum.
“For your family. It is Caleb's favorite.” Kylie says wistfully.
“Thank you Kylie.” I say knowing she is a little sad. “Thank you for sharing your son with my family today too.”
She smiles sweetly. She pulls me in for a hug and I feel her shake a little with tears. “I knew this day would come some day. But I was hoping...”
My tears begin to fall along with my heart. I feel guilty for taking her son away from her on this day. “Caleb can stay...I mean...”
Kylie pulls back. Her cheeks are littered with tear stains. “No.” She says firmly.
“No?” I tilt my head to the side.
“You and Caleb deserve to be together on this day. I knew someday I would have to give him up to another family. To share him. Sure I was hoping I would have a few more years. But I am so glad that he found you.”
I smile brightly and we both laugh as we wipe the tears from our cheeks. Caleb walks in and his face falls slightly. “Everything okay here?” He asks as his head whips between two of us.
Kylie walks up and pulls him in for a hug. “Everything is fine, Caleb. Brinna and I were just getting some things sorted.” She kisses him lightly on the cheek and he gives her a long hug. When he releases her, she makes her way back to her bedroom.
Caleb opens his arms and I walk into them, reveling in their strength and comfort. “You sure?” he whispers lightly as he places a kiss on my head. A shiver of anticipation runs through my body as I feel his lips on me.
I pull back and look up at him with a smile. “Of course.” I say as he leans down and places a kiss on my lips. My body buzzes. Butterflies going mad in my stomach. I almost want to forget about my aunt and uncle's and go back upstairs.
Almost as if he knows what I am thinking, he whispers against my lips. “Later, sweetheart.” He places another kiss as he grabs my hand and we get dressed to head over to my house.
Chapter 31
I walk up to my brownstone and open the door. Heat blasts in my face along with the smell of turkey. Caleb inhales deeply behind me and sighs as he closes the door. Maddy runs into the entryway and throws herself at Caleb. “Caleb! Brinna!” she screams.
Caleb quickly releases the bag of presents we brought and catches her. He spins her lightly around and places her on his hip. She kisses his cheek and scrambles to get to me. Her energy infuses me as she wraps her arms around my neck. I missed this. Aunt Myrna races into the entryway and shoos Maddy away.
“Let them get into the house, Maddy.” she scolds lightly with a smile.
Maddy scoots out of the entryway. Caleb and I pull off our large coats, scarves and hats. Caleb removes his boots and picks up the bag. We walk in hand in hand to the living room.
Uncle Greg stands there with a huge smile on his face. He opens his arms and I scoot into them. “Brinna.” he says. His arms pull me in like a well used blanket. His woodsy scent reminds me of the many times I was in his arms as I grew up. “Welcome home, kiddo.”
We sway lightly as we stand there in front of the beautiful Christmas tree. The lights twinkle gently and reflect off the multitude of ornaments. “Merry Christmas, Uncle Greg.”
He smiles and says, “Merry Christmas, kiddo.” He releases me and holds out his hand. Caleb steps up and shakes it. “Merry Christmas, Caleb.”
“Merry Christmas, sir.” Caleb replies.
“Greg.” Uncle Greg states shortly and I smile.
“Greg it is.” Caleb says with a smile as he releases Uncle Greg's hand.
Maddy scurries into the room. “Can we open presents now?” she whines and I realize how hard it was for her to wait.
We all chuckle as Uncle Greg leans down and picks her up in his large arms. “Go sit in front of the tree.” She scurries off toward the tree as Aunt Myrna comes in with hot chocolate on a tray. Our Christmas tradition. I blink back tears as I am washed over with the love these people have given me despite everything. I can’t imagine why I ever felt so lonely with them.
Caleb leans over. “You okay?” he whispers. I nod and we go take our seats in front of the tree. I am amazed that my family included Caleb in their celebration. Several presents lie in front of him as my family opens our gifts.
After all the presents are open, we make our way to the dining room table. Uncle Greg struggles to get the large turkey on the table. Mashed potatoes piled high in bowls. Cranberry sauce, gravy and stuffing completes the meal. Aunt Myrna tells Caleb to thank Kylie for the pie. We talk about training and their work. Aunt Myrna talks about one family in particular that she helped find housing. They were on the verge of being homeless. But Aunt Myrna pulled some strings and got them in housing.
We return to the living room and settle in to watch a Christmas movie. Maddy falls asleep on Caleb's lap and Uncle Greg picks her up to take her up to bed. Aunt Myrna returns with some hot apple cider. Uncle Greg stops and Aunt Myrna gives Maddy a kiss. “Poor thing.” Aunt Myrna says as she places the cups on the table. “She has been up since dawn looking out the window every few minutes. She couldn't wait to see you both.”
Caleb grasps my hand and squeezes. I smile and settle myself against his shoulder. “Thank you, Myrna.” Caleb says as she passes him a cup.
Uncle Greg returns and settles into his easy chair. Aunt Myrna hands him a cup of the steaming liquid and he sits back. “So...” I say. “I have something I would like to tell you...but...”
I look over at Caleb and he is searching my face for my news. Uncle Greg sits forward and glares at Caleb. No doubt he is thinking wrong things.
“What is it sweetie.” Aunt Myrna says. Her eyes dart between Caleb and I. I don’t know what she thinks I am going to tell them but I am pretty sure it is far from the truth.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. This has been such a good day that I don't want to ruin it. “I found out some things about my parents.”
Caleb sighs and puts his arm around me. Uncle Greg frowns briefly and looks over at Aunt Myrna. “What did you find out sweetie?” Aunt Myrna asks.
I take another deep breath. “My father and mother deserted Project Lightning when they found out about me. They didn't want me taken away. So they left.” I wanted to tell them about my dreams or memories but I didn't want to completely ruin the day. So I told the lie that I knew. “They were killed shortly after my birth.” Caleb looks at me with an eyebrow raised. I subtly shake my head at him. He squeezes my hand as I look back at my aunt and uncle.
Silence pervades the room as we all look at each other. Aunt Myrna slowly sips her drink. Uncle Greg gets up and returns with a bourbon. Caleb's thumb rhythmically strokes against my fingers as I wait for someone to say something.
Uncle Greg finally clears his throat. He looks over at Aunt Myrna who nods. “I know we should have told you years ago about this but...” he sighs. “We were threatened to keep quiet by some pretty powerful people.” My eyes widen and my heart speeds up. Caleb grasps my hand solidly. Uncle Greg continues. “You weren't raised by us. You were brought to us a little before you turned eight. We were told that you didn't remember anything. That you had been in an accident. That my brother and his wife were dead. Maddy was little and we decided in that moment to raise you two as sisters.”
I stand suddenly. My anger overflows. “You knew!” I look at both people. “You knew and you didn't tell me!”
Aunt Myrna stands up and grasps my shoulder. “Yes, we knew. But we didn't want to keep it a secret. We were threatened. The men who brought you told us they would kill us all if we told.” She starts to cry but I am too angry.
I shrug her hands off my shoulder. My fists clench. “You both should have told me!” I wave my finger in her face. “For years I have felt so alone! Like I didn't belong anywhere! But you knew!” I look up at my Uncle Greg who has stood and placed his hands on Aunt Myrna's shoulders. My chest is tight and my heart is beating faster. “Did they tell you that I have a brother! Somewhere out there I have a brother!”
Uncle Greg closes his eyes and his face goes down to his feet. Suddenly I realize that I can't be there anymore. I need to leave. Walking to the entryway, I pause for a moment. I hear Caleb talking calmly in the living room. But I can't deal with it right now. I throw the door open and walk out into the cold December night.
My feet fall swiftly on the pavement as I make my way through the street. Tears fall indiscriminately clouding my vision. I stumble through the streets. Branches and chunks of rock reach out at me. My mind is reeling with thoughts. They made me feel alone. How could they? Why? That is the biggest question.
My body is pulled down. Concrete punches at me as I fall. Sprawling across the broken concrete at the bottom, I pause for a moment. Bruises and scrapes litter my bare arms. But nothing outweighs the pain inside me. I push to my feet and continue my ramblings through the barren wasteland.
My knees fall against more concrete. This time steps up. Placing my hands down, I push up to keep moving. Blinking to clear my eyes, they land on two angels. Shields beside them. Weapons in hand. The Soldier and Sailors Monument. Suddenly, I am exhausted. Collapsing against the cold stone, I shiver. My cheeks frozen with tears as I blink the icicles out of my eyes.
A calmness and peace pervades my body as I lay silently. A fog surrounds my body and I am still in the cold, dark night.
“Brinna!” Caleb's deep voice rings out in the night. “Brinna! Where are you?” Desperation laces his tone. The sound pierces the fog and I cry out. Pain from my evening finally invading my body.
His arms wind around me as I lose it. I scream into his chest letting out the invading hurt. Warmth seeps into my bones as he places my jacket around me. Shivering in his arms, I attempt to breathe but my lungs hurt with each incoming breath. Red light flashes in all directions as my vision fades to blackness.
Chapter 32
Bright lights pierced into my mind replacing the beautiful image of my mother, father and brother. My mother pleaded with me to go back. To find the light. But I didn’t want to leave the garden. I wanted to stay in the warmth. To feel and see the beauty around me. The flowers in bloom with their slightly strange smells. The vines creeping along the concrete walls. With morning glories, lilies, and irises. The scent of fresh cut grass and blossoming trees.
But the light was too strong to resist. Almost like an elastic band pulling me toward it. A soft beep echoing in the silence. “Wake up, Brinna.” A man's voice pleading with me. The rasp of calloused fingers against my skin. “Please, wake up. Sweetheart. I need you.” Drops of water skitter across my skin.
My lashes flutter against my cheeks as sunlight pours in. Taking in a deep breath, panic infuses my body as I feel a piece of plastic lodged in my throat. Grasping around, my eyes land on the haggard vision in front of me. “Brinna. Calm down.” My eyes blink furiously as I grasp at my throat. Caleb grabs my hands and holds them tightly in one hand as he reaches across my body and pressed a button on my left. A disembodied voice disorients me as I struggle to get my hands free. “I need help here. Brinna is awake and struggling.” Caleb turns and fixes his eyes on mine. “Sweetheart..Look at me.” I blink furiously trying to figure out where I am and why a plastic piece is sticking out of my throat.
Three people in white enter the room and I feel myself restrained. My heart clangs loud in my ears as I thrash about the bed. A sting in my neck precedes a feeling of euphoria spreading through my body. I feel my heart begin to slow and my thrashing slows as if lead moves through my veins. Slowly, my head turns toward Caleb. His eyes, red rimmed, are filled with despair as he gazes upon me. I stare at him as my body free falls into emptiness.
Darkness pervades the room as I awaken again. Taking a deep breath, I notice the plastic is no longer in my throat. Pain lances through me as I try to swallow. Looking around the room, I notice Caleb is not sitting next to me. My heart sinks as I try to recall the most recent events. Nothing.
