The Awakener Read Online Free PDF Page B

Micah.
    He peered through the telescope. “Pretty dirty, but still works.”
    “See any monsters?” She moved behind him.
    He turned unexpectedly, bringing his face close to hers.
    His eyebrows knit together. “Eden, can I tell you something?”
    “Sure.”
    He exhaled and she waited.
    “I do see monsters.” She surveyed their surroundings and he added, “Not now. I mean, I see them in my sleep, in visions. I guess that’s what I’m calling them.”
    “You do?” Her skin crawled.
    “Yeah. It’s kind of freaky.” His eyes searched hers.
    “Totally freaky. What are they?”
    His shoulders hitched up as his brows relaxed. “Don’t know. They look black, sort of human. They have arms and legs. All I can ever make out is their red eyes though and,” he frowned, “they’re always chasing me.”
    She stared back at him, his expression almost pleading. He needs to tell someone, she realized. Wonder why not Megan?
    “That’s creepy. What does it mean?”
    “I don’t know. That woman told me I’m the Seer, so maybe that’s why.”
    “Seer?”
    “I think it means I’m sort of a prophet. I see dreams, visions of what’s going to happen. I’ve seen Trent and me in Rome, so maybe I’ll learn more there.”
    As much as she hated him leaving, she understood and nodded.
    She was surprised when he said, “Thanks.”
    “For what?”
    “Believing me.”
    She gazed back at him, afraid to say anything. Another stupid lump in my throat.
    “Man, I’m going to miss,” he hesitated, “it here.”
    She was confused by his closeness, so she deflected with humor. “Mm, Bon Air High or the Coliseum? It’s a pretty tough decision. I can see why you’re torn.”
    He scratched his forehead, smiling, “I know, right?” Then his gaze was intense. “But you won’t be there.”
    “Like you’ll miss me!”
    “I will,” he insisted.
    Not as bad as I’m going to miss you. She shook her head, determined not to take him seriously. “There’s so much to see and do there. You’re going to have the time of your life….” Her words faded as he took a step toward her.
    “I wish you were coming with me.” His eyes were focused on her .
    Objectivity was getting harder. Friends don’t act like this, do they?
    “Your cousin’s going to keep you company. I’m sure you’ll make lots of friends.”              
    “ Yeah, you’re probably right.” His eyes searched her face. “I’m glad you’re here. You make me feel,” he paused, “normal again.”
    That she could understand. He was seeing monsters and ghosts now. It was probably comforting to have a friend to tell.
    She grinned back at him. “Normal’s my thing.”
    She didn’t see him move, until his arms were already around her, hugging her. Her heartbeat became erratic.
    I don’t think I’m breathing anymore.
    His hand brushed the hair from her face, his fingers warm against her skin. It felt so natural, like they’d done this a thousand times before. But we never did this as kids…
    The euphoria shattered with a loud bang from below. “Time to stop making out, Micah,” a masculine voice called out in a fake, high-pitched, singsong voice.
    The spell broken, they stepped apart.
    Through the hole in the floor, a boy emerged. His spiky, brown hair came first, followed by a lean frame.
    “Trent!” Micah slugged his cousin in the shoulder, who stood inches below him.
    Eden met Trent once before, when they were kids. All she remembered was a boy two years older than she was, who teased her mercilessly. He looked the same, except bigger, built like a wrestler.
    Trent punched Micah back in the arm and then stared at her.
    Her mind was still spinning from Micah’s hug. Great, I probably look like a deer caught in headlights.
    “Oh, you were really getting it on. Didn’t know you were with your girlfriend. I can come back later.” He chuckled and walked closer to her. “Hello, gorgeous.”
    His statement dripped of sarcasm, and she