What the Heart Knows

“What? No, you’re misunderstanding me.”

“Then clarify.”

“How we got together? I’m not sure if it was truly coincidence or designed.”

“Does it matter?”

“It might.”

“I don’t see it that way.”

“We have no clue why we were brought together. I can’t be the reason you’re hurt.”

“You’re getting a little ahead of yourself, don’t you think?”

“No! I think you’re being way too nonchalant.”

“Madeleine said we needed to stick together.”

“She also said things were hazy.”

“I don’t want to fight with you about this, Oliver.”

“I think it might be best if I left.”

“Are you fucking kidding me, Oli?”

He flinched, but nodded his head yes.

“After everything that’s happened, you’re going to leave me here by myself?”

“It’d be the best decision I could make.”

“Bull shit!” Her body flushed as she moved to stand in front of him. “If you think you’re getting off that easy you’ve got another think coming. We’re going to talk this out, and come up with some kind of plan to figure out what’s been happening. If this things feeds on guilt you’re offering up a buffet.”

Her words seemed to break through his anger as he blinked and became still.

“For all we know it’s working on you right now.”

Desperation filled her as she ran to the couch and grabbed her purse. She dumped the contents on the cushions, grabbed a bundle of sage and her lighter. She stood, lit an end and worked her way around the house. She focused on healing and reclaiming her home as she went from corner to corner with Oliver trailing behind her. Ten minutes later they were back in the living room.

“How do you feel now?” she asked.

“Lighter.” He shook his head. “Like I’m thinking my own thoughts. I always assumed the negativity was coming from my subconscious, but now …”

“We have to figure out what this thing is and how to stop it.”

“I know, Juniper.” Oliver wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “I’m sorry for pulling away.”

“I think it’s pretty clear whatever this thing is, it wants to keep us apart.” She closed her eyes and focused on his steady heartbeat. She refused to give him up without a fight.

“I don’t know where to begin to start this search,” she said.

“Same place you can find information on everything else, the Internet.”

“We’ll get through this together, right?” she asked.

“Yes, we will.”