Existence 2.5 - Leif

night, I’m really sorry. I hadn’t expected you to finish the speech for me. I messed up and I was going to take the bad grade. I should’ve called, but –”

She shook her head, “It’s not a big deal. However, from now on would you please let me know in advance when you won’t be able to make it to the appointed time for your session? Now, if you’ll excuse me.” The cold clipped sound of her voice felt like ice water through my veins. NO. This could not be happening. I’d come so far with her.

“Pagan wait , please.” I begged chasing after her.

She stopped, paused then turned back around to level me with a glare so hard I knew I’d ruined everything. “What?”

“I was coming over and Kendra called.” I started

“I don’t care. Just call next time, please.” She snapped then spun back around and walked away. I wanted to go after her and beg her not to go. But what could I say to make this better?

I followed quietly after her. I needed to make sure she was going to be okay. There had been unshed tears in her eyes. It ripped me apart thinking about her hurting. The idea that she was going to cry made me want to roar in frustration .

She didn’t go to her classroom. Instead , she headed for the parking lot. I stopped short when I saw a dark figure appear by her side. I knew it was Dankmar . I could feel his presence. This was it. Her death was near. She wasn’t in love with me but she had feelings for me. That would have to be enough. Because when her body died , I was going to be there to take her soul.

But her death didn’t happen…

Instead, Death broke the rules. Why? It had been Pagan’s time to die, again. But this time , it hadn’t been me that saved her soul. Death had saved her. I backed away from the wreck scene as Death cuddled Pagan safely in his arms. Her soul was weak and trying to release but Dankmar refused to allow it. This wasn’t right. It was his job. He couldn’t just choose not to take her. Could he? His cold glare lifted to meet mine. He knew I was near. A possessive gleam startled me. What did that mean? Did Death know of my claim on her soul? Was he challenging me? Did he… did he want… Pagan, too? Shak ing my head , I backed away. No. T hat couldn’t be it. That wasn’t right. Death didn’t care for souls. I should talk to F ather about this b ut first I needed to get back to school. She’d be in the hospital soon and I needed to be there when she woke up.

The sound of the ambulance was the last thing I heard before I left her there in Death’s arms.

~*~

“Listen here, Leif Montgomery, I don’t care who you are. All I care about is the fact my best friend is lying in that hospital room lucky to be alive because YOU upset her. I don’t know what you did but this is your fault. She. Liked. You.” Miranda stood like a tiny warrior pointing her finger at me with a snarl on her face. Everything she said was correct. I wasn’t going to argue or even defend myself. I deserved more. I wished Wyatt would take a swing at me. I needed to feel something. Everything inside me was numb from fear.

“You aren’t worthy of her. Do you hear me? NOT WORTHY. So stay the hell away from her. I love her. She is like my sister. If something had happened to her,” Miranda stopped and sobbed loudly. Wyatt was instantly at her side pulling her into his arms. He wasn’t happy with me either. The worried frown on his face as he held Miranda in his arms told me h e would have words with me when Miranda wasn’t around.

“I know I don’t deserve her,” I replied in a low whisper. I’d protected her from the time I’d saved her soul from Death. But now, when she needed me most , I’d sent her away right back into Death’s embrace. Why he hadn’t take n her soul , I couldn’t figure out. It didn’t make sense.

“Why Kendra? She is so, so, Ugh,” Miranda hissed.

I couldn’t argue with that. “It wasn’t anything like you think. I’m in love with Pagan. Kendra is an annoying pest that can’t accept I’ve moved on .”

Miranda straightened up and turned her full attention on me. “ You love Pagan?” she asked with awe in her voice.

I’d said that aloud. Well, it was time I admitted it. “Yes, but please don’t tell her I said that. Right now , she isn’t ready to hear i t.”

Miranda nodded and a small smile touched her lips, “I agree. She doesn’t need to hear that r ight now. But you’ re going to need a lot of luck to get back in her