Free Sara's Soul by Deanna Kahler Page B

her imagination.
    Chip continued: “Who knows? Maybe our ancestors once hooked up with each other. Maybe your great-great-great grandmother was Margaret, and my great-great grandfather was Merek. We share their memories because we share genes with them, so that’s why we seem familiar to each other. Whatever the case, it still supports my destiny theory. You and I, Sara, were brought together for a reason. I’m more sure than ever now.”
    Sara was quiet. This was all too odd for her scientific mind to grasp. She believed Chip’s first idea: that she was having visions of people who had lived long ago. What she didn’t understand was why.
     
    ***
     
    Chip got out of the car and went around the other side to open the door for Sara. He took her hand and escorted her to his front door.
    Well-trimmed Juniper bushes surrounded his small front porch, and a pot of red geraniums sat just outside the wood door.
    “Welcome home,” he said, before realizing what had come out of his mouth. He was afraid Sara would think he was already hoping she would move in with him. He knew there was a fragile side to her and didn’t want to upset her or scare her away. He looked at her, anticipating discomfort or a startled response. But his words didn’t even faze Sara. She just smiled at him and followed him into his house as if she really were at home. He was relieved and pleased.
    “Nice place, Chip,” she said as she looked around his house. “Very cozy and inviting.”
    Chip’s house was small but homey with hardwood floors throughout. He had chosen to decorate it in earth tones. He had a love of nature, so had picked shades of tan, deep green, brown, and burgundy for his walls, furnishings, and accessories. He felt most comfortable in an environment that reminded him of lush forests, the changing leaves on trees, and the rich hues of the soil. He was happy that Sara approved.
    “Glad you like it,” he said. “Please make yourself at home while I go find the pictures. Would you like a glass of wine while you wait?”
    “No thanks,” Sara answered. She plopped herself down on the brown leather sofa.
    “Okay then. I’ll be back in a few.”
    Chip climbed up into his attic and retrieved the wooden box that held his mother’s pictures and belongings. He hadn’t looked at them in a long time. He gently brushed the dust off with the back of his hand and the blew across the top of the box. He climbed down the ladder and protectively carried the treasured box to the living room, where Sara sat waiting for him, her shoulders sunk into the sofa and her legs curled up underneath her. She looked right at home, like she belonged there. As she looked at him, her eyes glimmered, and her subtle smile made him feel special. He was struck once again by her beauty. It wasn’t just her outward appearance that captured his attention, it was the inner beauty that she projected. He couldn’t help but feel totally at ease with her. It was as if she had cast a spell on him, and he was transfixed by her. What a lucky guy he was.
    “What?” Sara asked, as she caught him staring at her.
    “I was just thinking of how lucky I am,” he confessed. He sat down on the sofa next to her.
    “No, Chip, I’m the lucky one,” she said.
    “I guess we’re both lucky. And, if memory serves me right, a relationship isn’t official until the guy introduces the girl to his mother. Ready to meet my mother?”
    “Yes, I am.”
    As Chip opened the box and saw his mom Celeste’s beautiful face looking back at him in a picture, he immediately sensed her presence. A tingly chill brushed across his cheek, and he clearly heard his mother’s words:
    Don’t ever let her go, Chip. Don’t make the same mistake I did in life. A love like that lasts forever.
    “I know,” Chip said aloud. “I won’t.”
    “You won’t what?” Sara asked, confused.
    “Oh, I was just talking to my mother.”
    “You think Celeste is here?” Sara asked with a slight hint of