The tower : A New start

Chapter 17 Struggles

Sapphire sat at the breakfast nook early that morning sipping coffee something woke her though what it was she really couldn’t say. It was only four am and she hadn’t wanted to wake Alex so she crept out of the library quietly and went to the kitchen. It was now around six and she had collected morning paper which still sat folded on the table while she thought about the feeling that woke her so thoroughly trying to figure it out. Slowly her eyes drifted to the paper and without really thinking about it she picked it up.  

Unfolding it, she froze as she stared at the head line. Woman slain inside her home, it read. She scanned the article quickly, her hands shaking terribly.  There wasn’t much detail in the article about the murder, but it did say that the house looked like a m******e had taken place according to a police spokesman. He stated that until the investigation was complete there would not be any further comments. He said that all citizens should be aware of their surroundings and avoid going out alone at any time until the person behind this brutal slaying is caught. 

The article stated the murderer had disarmed the security with the code the woman used daily and appeared to be aware of her every move. Police suspect it may have been someone she knew.  Terror griped Sapphire not because of the murder itself, but because this was exactly how The Butcher had started his spree in her home town and this article was almost identical to the first article published about The Butcher that she’d read. She was so shaken up that it took her a moment to realize Alex was standing in the kitchen watching her.

He walked over to her and gently took the paper from her shaking hands. After scanning the article, he knelt, wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her for a while. After a few minutes, Sapphire leaned back and looked at him. She sighed, “He just said hello. Now we know he is here for sure.” She shuddered as unwanted memories tried to come to the surface.

“We don’t know anything, yet. Sheriff Irish and the Marshals will let us know if they suspect this murder is the work of The Butcher.”  Alex said calmly though he didn’t feel so calm, “We shouldn’t read too much into this death until we know for sure it’s The Butcher’s handiwork. Subconsciously, Alex was as certain as Sapphire who was responsible, but he didn’t want her to blame herself or be frightened any more than she already was. There was only so much anyone could do at this time and panicking was not an option.  They were just going to have to work harder to protect themselves. But that was all they could do until the time came to face The Butcher again. “Let’s make a plan to protect ourselves and implement it.” He suggested and Sapphire nodded.

“First let's have something to eat.” Sapphire suggested eager to do something to get her mind off the news and onto something less frightening and depressing. Alex was more than happy to change the subject and began making pancakes while Sapphire put more coffee on and set the table.  While they ate, Sapphire and Alex took turns practicing their abilities. Sapphire had objects floating in all sorts of shapes and patterns. Alex had lit a candle that was still in the kitchen and had flames dancing around the room shaped like hearts, people, and so on.  Sapphire switched from moving objects to controlling water, making it also dance and take various shapes. It was a good distraction. 

After Breakfast, they trained in Sapphire’s little work out room in the hall by the tower door. Alex had been teaching Sapphire how to defend herself over the past few months just in case he or anyone else was unable to help her when The Butcher arrived. He taught her how to punch and kick. Where to aim at  to cause the most damage and of course what common items could be used as a deadly weapon. They practiced daily and Sapphire pushed herself. Alex could see she wasn’t about to be a victim again if she could help it.

At ten in the morning,  they took a break and went to work in the library.  Both had jobs they couldn’t ignore. Sapphire was rewording an article and researching some of the ideas she had for remodeling a specific house, while Alex was concentrating on Daytrading and his other Business. There was always soome drama going on with one or the other. He had set Andrew and his younger brother Addison busy continuing the work in the courtyard replacing damaged bricks in the walkway, potting the new bushes, and repainting the wall that had been spray painted with the horrible message. 

A loud rumble pulled them both out of work and they glanced out the window. “It’s clouded up rather fast out there and it’s getting dark, I think it’s time the kids called it quits. We’re in for quite a storm.”  Sapphire noted as she looked at the greenish sky outside. 

“Yeah,” Alex agreed as he rose from his chair, “I'll call them in. They can hang out here until it passes.” Sapphire joined him as he went to the back door to get the boys. They had just stepped outside when a flash of lightning lit up the yard and two boys came barreling around the corner shaking like leaves. 

“Come on get inside!” Sapphire yelled as the boys ran for the door. They ducked inside the house followed by Sapphire and Alex as the next boom of thunder sounded.  Sapphire locked the door and they stood catching their breaths bent over slightly.  They could hear the wind whistling as it whipped the trees around and the rain began drumming the roof as it suddenly downpoured. It was so bad that you couldn’t see anything outside the window but gray whipping around. Alex and Sapphire opened the basement door and hurried the boys downstairs into the basement. They grabbed the flashlights and radio then followed the boys. Once in the basement Alex handed each boy a flashlight and led the way to his bunker, the entrance to which was between the washer and dryer in the wall behind. 

The four of them gathered into the bunker and closed the door. Alex passed out chairs, set up a table and turned on the radio. “This is KTIT Weather. A severe storm warning is in effect for the following counties Rembolt, Landall, And Strogurt. Expect strong winds with gusts of up to 80 mile per hour, marble sized hail, heavy rains and possible tornadoes. Take cover in an inner room or basement until the storm passes. Do Not go outside or try to help those in these areas as a dangerous storm is passing. Stay tuned to KTIT for further updates.”  The radio went back to music and then broadcast the same message again several times over the next two hours.  Power was out so Alex lit a lantern to save the flashlight batteries while Andrew tried his mom without success. 

“Cell Towers must be out right now.” Alex said calmly, “We’ll try as soon as the storm ends.”  They sat and played board games to pass the time while above them the storm raged on.  

“This place is so cool. “  Addison exclaimed excitedly as they played games.  Andrew nodded his agreement as he took his turn.

It was two o’clock before the radio announced the all clear. It seemed that several bad storms moved through the area before things settled down and they could climb back upstairs to the main house.  Damage to the house was minimal, the courtyard however had damaged trees and one of the table umbrellas went missing. 

Miraculously the boy’s bikes were untouched in the front yard. They were wet though so Alex took them home while Sapphire stayed at the house with the doors locked. She was trying to get back to work when she somehow connected to Alex. She could see what he was seeing, feeling what he was feeling. It was strange. He didn’t seem to notice at first.  Suddenly, a kid ran into the road and Alex stomped on the brakes swerving to avoid him.  The kid was pushed back out of the way suddenly by unseen hands and landed on his butt on the sidewalk surprised. Alex came to a stop shaken by what almost happened and baffled by what did happen.  He got out and checked on the kid.  “You ok?” He asked. 

“Yeah mister. I’m Ok. Sorry I ran in front of you. Luckily a breeze knocked me backwards.” The kid answered and ran off to play in the grass. Alex got back inside the car and pulled over to the side of the road and parked. There he sat and stared at the boy who was now safely playing in the grass unharmed. 

 “You Ok?” Sapphire asked through their mental bond as she sensed his nervousness and confusion. 

Alex sighed and shook his head as he got back on the road and headed home since he’d already dropped the boys off. “I’m not certain,”  Alex replied through the bond, “This kid just ran out in front of the car. I thought I was going to hit him for sure when suddenly something seemed to push him backwards out of the way. I don’t know if it was a gust of wind or what for sure, but something saved that kid. It was spooky.” 

“I know I saw it through you. When I realized the boy was in danger, I gave him a nudge back toward the grass.”  Sapphire made the hasty confession uncertain of Alex’s reaction.

“Are you telling me that was you?” Alex asked incredulously through the bond. Telepathic communication was something he was more than used to. But, this-this was something that wasn't or shouldn’t be possible. He was struggling with what Sapphire revealed, really struggling. He didn’t know what to say or think at this point in time, he just drove on auto pilot still trying to make sense of everything that happened, that she told him. But, he was having trouble accepting these things. How powerful were Celestials exactly if they could do the things he and Sapphire were discovering they could do? Did that mean they were something more altogether and not human at all. He didn’t know and Alex hated not having answers, that’s what frightened him more than anything; not knowing.

Sapphire was as baffled as Alex and as scared as she could get. She hardly believed it herself and in truth she wanted to believe it was something as simple as a gust of wind, something with an explanation that wasn’t as crazy as this sounded.  “Yes, and before you remind me, I know it’s not possible. I don’t know how, but it happened.” she answered telepathically. She paced long minutes waiting for a response, but it was as if Alex had shut her out.

Alex pulled into the garage and parked. He didn’t respond to Sapphire’s last response because he needed time to think. So many questions that needed answers. How was that even possible? To see through someone else's eyes and be able to affect things, yet not even be anywhere close. It just wasn’t possible. Was it?

Alex finally got out of the car and headed into the house. He entered the tower instead of the main house deep in thought and began collecting clothes. He was going through the motions having figured he’d need clean clothing if he was going to continue to stay with Sapphire. He took a break an hour later for supper and then sat and stared at nothing lost in thought.

Sapphire, feeling confused and worried, ambled to the library. Alex was avoiding her. She’d seen him pull up and head to the back where the garage is, but he didn’t come into the house, at her part of it.

She couldn’t help, but wonder if Alex was having second thoughts about everything. Was he deciding she’d have to leave? She just didn’t know. A hard knot formed in her stomach as she worried. She tried to work, but couldn’t concentrate. Tried to read her Celestial book, but also just couldn’t focus. Supper came and went, but no Alex. She barely ate, couldn’t concentrate on anything even working out. She just sat and stared at nothing lost in thought and worry.

It was nearing Midnight and Alex hadn’t graced her with his presence. Sapphire was now so upset she couldn’t even sleep. She was even thinking of having the Marshals move her. For what reason? She didn’t know, but anything was better than being shut out for something she didn’t even know she could do in the first place. Thoughts raced and whirled around in her head, questions popping up all over the place. Even doubts wormed their way in.  Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea moving here? 

She should have never involved Alex in any of this. She should leave. What if this was all a game to Alex? What if he was The Butcher And he was playing a game with her to earn her trust only to destroy her later when he finally chose to kill her? They just kept coming. Realizing where her thoughts were going, Sapphire ruthlessly stamped them out and shoved them away. Alex wasn’t The Butcher, he was just another victim like herself and a good friend. He was just struggling right now, wasn't he?

Sapphire sust didn’t have any answers and all this thinking just wasn’t helping at all. If anything it was making things worse. She needed to sleep and in the morning she’d sort through everything. She settled in on the chaise and at least attempted to sleep.

Alex knew he should head over to Sapphire’s place and let her know he was fine. He couldn’t though. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the last surprise. He didn't even know what to say or how to act. Besides it’s now well past Midnight, Sapphire’s probably asleep. She might even be pissed at him for avoiding her. Who knows what she’s thinking, let alone feeling. 

Alex wouldn’t be surprised if she wasn’t considering having the Marshals move her. That thought alone sent shards of pain into his heart nearly doubling him over. She’d come to mean a lot even though they were holding back in their relationship until she was ready for more. Not that he blamed her for taking her time, what she went through when The Butcher attacked her was more than enough to warrant really taking time with a relationship.  However, he had to remedy the situation, Alex knew he wouldn’t survive if she chose to leave because of this. 

Both of them fell asleep after hours of agonizing over their current situation. He was in his LivingroomBedroom and her in the Library. Neither of them were any closer to understanding what happened with the kid or a solution to their current situation.

Around 4:30 in the morning, they were both awakened to the deafening blare of the security system alarm going off.  Sapphire flew out of the library headed for the main door. She skidded to a halt when her phone rang and answered it, just as Alex burst through the door to the tower into the hall of Sapphire’s place. 

She briefly answered a few questions from the security firm and was informed the police were on their way.  While she talked, she shut off the alarm so she could hear the other person on the line.  A minute later she hung up and the two of them waited for the sheriff’s arrival amidst an awkward silence.

Sheriff Irish and a group of officers searched the house and grounds for intruders. They discovered that someone had attempted to gain entry through one of the front windows. It was easy to see someone had tried to pry off the window. While officer’s collected evidence, The Sheriff spoke with both Alex and Sapphire. He also collected the video surveillance footage from the security cameras including the ones Alex had installed all over the bluff earlier on in hopes of catching The Butcher and anyone else attempting to cause trouble.  When the police left,  the security was turned back on, and the doors were locked again Alex and Sapphire shared another Awkward silence.

Alex ran a hand through his hair making it stand on end as he watched Sapphire. She didn’t look at him, not even when the sheriff was at the house asking questions. She didn’t even acknowledge him. Of course, he did the same to her except he had started right after she had honestly admitted to an amazing feat yesterday afternoon. To be fair, he acted like she didn’t even exist. She had a right to be hurt and angry.

Sapphire sighed and turned away. If he doesn’t want to talk or see her then she could oblige him. Although, Sapphire couldn’t really blame him. It must have felt like an intrusion to him and if she could move a child from the street to the grass without being anywhere near, what could she do to him. Still even knowing how he must have felt, it hurt. 

Sapphire, however, refused to cry. She’d done enough of that with The Butcher. So she simply remained quiet and turned away with the intention of going back to bed. 

Alex caught the sheen of tears in her eyes even as she turned away. He couldn’t just let things remain like this. He liked her alot. In fact he was almost certain they were meant to be together in some way. He was far too protective of her to think otherwise. So he grabbed her hand and tugged her back to him.

Sapphire didn’t fight Alex, nor did she look at him. He did the unexpected however. “I’m sorry I should have talked with you about what happened, not avoided you. I don’t know why I acted that way. I intended to just grab some clean clothes and come back here, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened…” He broke off feeling lame with that excuse.

Sapphire still didn’t look up at him, “I know I couldn’t stop thinking about it either.” She admitted, “If you want me to leave, if this is too much, I”ll..” Her voice broke before she could finish. 

“God no! Sapphire, I want you to stay. I was just in shock. Nothing like that ever happened to me before.” Alex said as he pulled her into his arms no longer bothering to hide the tears that trickled down his face. “Never think that.” He whispered as he pressed kisses into her hair.

Sapphire turned her face toward him, returning his kisses. Without pausing in his administrations, Alex bent and scooped Sapphire in his arms and carried her into the library where he laid her on the soft rug since the cots wouldn’t hold both their weights.  Sparks danced along their skin as they kissed the tears from each other's faces.  Kissing turned to petting and petting turned to exploring as they began the dance of lovers. Neither could get enough of the other. Clothes were slowly shed as kisses were trailed along skin. 

Each tasted the other, marked each other. Soft moans filled the air along with dancing sparks and gently floating items. They filled first their mouths with each other then their bodies.Sapphire was nervous of the size of his member until she discovered the pleasure it gave. The room filled with a chorus of their combined voices as heaven was reached and they floated back to earth safe in each others arms.