REBIRTH

Chapter 13

I was about half a mile away from Samuel's home so I took advantage of the walk to organize my thoughts. I began to formulate questions in my mind and decided that she would not distract me with her delicious food or sweet smile until I had all my answers. The whole way home, I hoped with all my heart Amelia would be there because I didn't know where to begin to look for her. Plus, Samuel had said to go to his home and I figured that would be the safest bet. I wasn't sure what kind of threat loomed over me, but I was going to play it safe until I knew what was at stake. After all, if an Ascended Master felt compelled to keep me safe against his own will, the stakes must be pretty high.

With that in mind I approached the front entrance of Samuel's house and the smells that assaulted my senses confirmed Amelia's presence before the door opened.

"You're back" said Amelia meeting me at the door and enveloping me in a warm embrace. Somehow she knew it was exactly what I needed so I hugged her back. We stayed like that longer than protocol called for, but I needed the comfort and she knew it.

"I need answers" I said letting go.

"First you must tell me what the council of Elders said" Amelia said with urgency.

"Long story short, they said I have to stay with Samuel and he's not at all happy about it" I said trying to hide with a smile that it hurt as well as I could. "I will tell you all about it, but first I need answers" I insisted.

"I know" she said with one of her sweetest smiles.

"I will not be distracted by food or your innocent smiles" I warned.

"I know" she answered and this time her smile was mischievous. "We can talk while you eat. You must be starved."

My stomach grumbled as if compelled to offer confirmation of Amelia's speculations. We both laughed as she turned to the kitchen to serve me a very healthy helping of all she had cooked. Words like hummus, pita, tabouli and kebbe came to my mind.

"Mediterranean. Your favorite" Amelia said.

"It is?" I asked. How could she know if I didn't know?

"Have a seat, you'll see..."

We sat across from each other as we had earlier, and as much as I wanted to get my answers the food seemed to be calling me. I figured we weren't going anywhere, and Samuel would probably stay away for a while after the incident earlier so I would take a few bites and then begin my interrogation.

"How did you know this was my favorite food?" I asked after confirming for myself that it must be. I couldn't be sure without trying other foods, but every bite of that kebbe tasted like heaven ought to.

"A hunch" she said with a shrug.

"Bullshit, you know me" I said and Amelia had the decency to look away. "Amelia, I don't want half-truths and much less lies. I want to trust you, and I really need you to come through for me. I cannot tell you how much I need this. I am not going to play the stranded-alone-in-a-strange-place victim card because I respect you, and more importantly, I respect myself. So woman to woman, I ask that you level with me. Can you do that?"

"Of course" Amelia said with a sincere smile.

"How do you know me?" I asked.

"I can only say that we have known each other a long time. However, as much as I would love to, I cannot tell you the details of our relationship because that is something you must remember on your own. It is forbidden. All I can do is guide you to your Truth, if and only if you ask for my help. There is much negative Karma associated with tampering with free will" Amelia said.