Free Omniscient Leaps by Kimberly Slivinski

worked and I just managed to time things just right. Whatever the reason, I found myself giving thanks as I sat on the ground in front of the church trying not to weep any further.
    “I take it your first mission is one of the more emotional and challenging variety?”
    I wiped my face across the sleeve of my shirt, hoping he wouldn’t notice the trail of snot left behind. The church was brilliant and soothing as I stood up and followed him inside. I didn’t know how I had gotten there, but I had never been more grateful for a change of scenery.
    Luke was wearing his Victorian getup and I couldn’t believe how captivating he appeared in spite of it. After dreading our prom theme for so many months, I could finally see the draw. A smile crept onto my face as I allowed myself several seconds to stare at him.
    “So are you going to ask me?”
    “Ask you?” I replied confused.
    “If I remember the dreams? Your happy place at the lake?” Luke’s mouth remained motionless, yet his eyes were dancing with delight.
    I felt my face blush. “So you really were there?”
    “Yes,” he said, finally cracking a grin. “I find it most intriguing.”
    “My happy place or just being in someone else’s dream?”
    “Both,” he announced, taking a seat beside me. My heart palpitated as he closed the distance between us. “I’ve never had an interactive dream and I really enjoy spending time at your lake.”
    “It’s the company,” I said nervously. He gave me a wink and I felt my stomach flip. It wasn’t fair that he would only be in my life for a short time. I loved the feelings he ignited within me.
    “So you called for me?”
    “I did?” I replied. “I mean, I did. Yes. I said a prayer and this is where I ended up. I really hope you can give me some direction. I feel like someone who applied for the wrong job, but got it anyway. I don’t know what I am doing.”
    “You have a personal connection with this case, don’t you?” His tone was warm and even while my anxiety was so palpable I was convinced he could see it. “Don’t feel like you can’t tell me everything, Kara. I am here to help you. Most of my leapers have a personal connection to their first case. It’s supposed to make it easier.”
    “Easier?” I scoffed sarcastically. “So many of your girls have been sexually assaulted by the person they are supposed to help? Nothing like facing something head on or then maybe I’m supposed to learn the true benefits of loving others and forgiveness.”
    Luke’s face immediately paled as his eyes dropped. “Oh Kara, I had no idea. I can’t… I don’t…”
    “No Luke. I..I never should have just blurted that out.” I grabbed his hand. “Nothing happened. That’s actually when God intervened. I hold my virtue in high regard and I should have been more careful.”
    He studied my face for a while to be sure I was telling him the truth. His obvious concern gave me warm fuzzies all over. “I’ve never heard of a leaper having such a troubling connection, but then again, I don’t really converse with my other leapers the way I do with you. I suppose they leave out many of the details.”
    “I guess spending time with you in my dreams gives me a little edge up on the other girls, eh?” I teased. Luke’s expression remained bleak. “I’m fine, you know, really. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
    “I don’t like the fact that anyone would hurt you and I really hope I can be objective with my advice.” Luke paused and put his head in his hands. “You know you learn there is a definite reason for everything, fair or not, but it doesn’t make it any easier when you realize it’s personal.”
    “I will try not to think of it as personal then,” I said, trying to sound cheerful.
    “No, it’s personal for me now too,” he said, gazing up at me. I wanted him to explain what he meant but I didn’t dare. His emotions were raw and I didn’t want to push. “I guess we should just rip the Band-Aid