Page 12 of Sealed With A Kiss
“I won’t tell him. And honestly, if he wasn’t so caught up in his unnecessary guilt, he would have scented it on you already. I’ll convince him to use the tea today before he goes home. Why don’t you go home early for the day, and figure out how to tell him.” Hendrix offered a slight smile and held my hand. “Don’t worry, Milo, it will be okay.”
Somehow I knew he was right.
Nikolai Survolar
“Here. Take this.” Hendrix appeared by my side at the table in the center’s cafeteria, placing a small metal cylinder in front ofme. “I am tired of seeing you look like shit. Sorry, not sorry. And from the rumors around here, I am betting those dark circles under your eyes are from stress and lack of sleep. I think this will help.”
“I don’t need a tea that will make me sleep.” I smiled at my friend and shook my head. “But thank you.”
“Even if it will take you to the between dimension?” Hendrix lifted a brow. “Nikolai, do us all a favor and go speak with her.”
“But what if she’s angry I moved on? What if that bird I took as a sign was just a coincidence and she feels just as betrayed as I fear?” This was why I hadn’t asked him for the tea yet. My anxiety wasn’t ready to face Stacey just yet.
“Listen, none of us know the future with absolute certainty. Even the psychics, since they only see the most likely path. But I do know that we only get the answers when we are smart enough to seek them. You need to do this. If you haven’t been able to process your feelings on your own in the last couple weeks, then you need outside help to do so.” Hendrix pushed the canister closer to me. “Go into your office and take this. I am sure everyone will respect your need for a nap and appreciate it when you wake up feeling much clearer about the world.”
“Fine.” I took the tea and stuffed it in my jacket pocket. Relief poured over me that I didn’t have to ask and Hendrix came to me himself to offer me his assistance. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Hendrix placed his hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “Next time, don’t waste so much time. Just find me and let me help.”
“Sorry. It was just hard.” The icky thread of guilt clung to me, and whispers of blame filled my ears.
“I know. But there is nothing wrong with asking for help. And once you hear from her, I bet most of your guilt will fade away. Especially the ones telling you everything you do is wrong.”Hendrix smiled and moved his hand, stepping away. “Now get up and go get your answers.”
Listening to him, I stood and took the tea back to my office. For a moment, I considered going home to do this but realized I didn’t want to do it in front of Milo. I would text him and let him know what I was about to do, but having him or Willow nearby when I finally faced Stacey would make this even harder for me. I needed to be alone when I asked for forgiveness.
12
Nikolai Survolar
After mixing Hendrix’s tea as instructed and drinking the cup I’d prepared, I lay down on my office couch. I wasn’t sure what to do but was told I had to fully relax. Closing my eyes I let my consciousness drift until I caught the faint whiff of lavender. Opening my eyes, I was no longer surrounded by beige and teal décor, but instead, I was in a field of calming flowers. And Stacey was beside me.
“Hey, Nikki.” Stacey’s sweet voice soothed a wound on my heart, like a sweet song I hadn’t heard in too long. “It’s about time you asked Hendrix for that tea. I’ve been waiting.”
“You have?” I reached out and was surprised when I felt warm flesh beneath my fingertips. “How did you know I’d be coming to speak with you?”
“Nikki, I’ve known you since we were kids. I know how your brain and heart work.” Stacey tilted her head, her cheek met my palm firmly. “I knew that you would need help figuring out that you are not doing anything wrong.”
“But I promised you—”
“Nikki, I am not bound to Earth’s vows any longer. And I have seen your mate and how much he loves you and our daughter. You deserve that. Don’t let those promises you made to me stand in your way of happiness.” Stacey grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles like she always had. “It’s okay to be happy. I’m happy to see Willow and you smiling again.”
“You don’t hate me?” I felt tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. That was one of my worst fears, that Stacey felt betrayed and hated me for moving on.
“Oh, Nikki.” Stacey moved in and wrapped her slender arms around me. “I could never hate you. But especially not for living a full life after I’m gone. The moment I took my last breath, I no longer was tied down to the same ideas that an earthbound soul is. I only wanted you and our daughter to find happiness. And when I foresaw you meeting Milo, I knew I needed to warn you. That’s why I made sure Xavier had another vision and could tell the family. It’s also why I sent you that bird to sing you our song.”
“That was you?”
“It was. I was so happy when you seemed to have understood and made Milo yours.” Stacey pulled away and scrunched up her face in a fake glare. “Then you started being stupid and letting guilt cloud your vision.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. Not to me.” Stacey hugged me again and then stepped back. “Go tell your mate and our child you’re sorry. It was them who had to deal with a mopey Nikki.”
“I will.” I smiled. “I miss you, Stacey.”
“I know, Nikki.” Stacey placed a hand on my chest, above my heart. “But I’m always here.”
“I know.”
