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Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 01

By: AislingSpinner



I hope you all enjoy. I will do my best to keep up with posting new chapters but the story is still growing and I have no idea which direction it will take yet. Thanks for reading. Comments and votes are very welcome.

*************

Ashy hair fell in waves down her back and pearlescent blue eyes showed nothing but sorrow. At a quick glance she seemed little more than a child, petite as she was but upon closer inspection one could make out the soft swell of her breasts and the definite curves marking her as a young woman. The tears that stained her face fell unceasingly down her face and body, feeding the large lake surrounding the small rock of an island she could claim as her home, the only one she could remember. 

The tenderness in her face along with her tears brought a fierce sense of protectiveness racing through Braedan. He longed to reach out and gather her in his arms and hold her until her tears ceased falling. For some unknown reason all he could do was watch the captivating woman from a distance as a sigh escaped her lips and she sank to the ground looking utterly defeated. 

"Who are you?" Braedan asked out loud, his voice carrying across the water. Her head jerked up at the sound and her penetrating eyes met his.

********

The harsh sound of Braedan's alarm jarred him awake. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he wondered yet again how he managed to keep up when he rose every morning well before the sun. It was not the first time he had dreamed of the girl. It was always the same, her delicate beauty masked in sorrow and her ever present tears. There was one change between this night's dream and those of the past. She had seen him. Never in the countless nights he had witnessed her silent torment had she recognized his presence. But as he lay in bed he could still picture her unbelievable eyes meeting his in surprise. He could still clearly see her perfect skin reflected in the lake and he knew it was as soft as it looked. He wished he could hear her voice, knowing it would be as intoxicating as the rest of her. Braedan could feel his cock growing hard as he continued to think of her and knew he had to stop. Groaning loudly, he threw off his covers and flipped off his alarm clock, 3:03am, and headed into his bathroom to get ready for his twelve hour day. 

He had recently made resident at Maywood Park Hospital in pediatrics for the emergency room. Maywood was not a large city but with a population wavering around 30,000 there was still a lot of work to be done. Although he was no longer the new guy he always took on the extra hours that were offered; it wasn't as if he had anything else to do. He had spent so much time working to get to this point that now that he was here he realized how much he had given up to get there. 

He had lost contact with most of his friends and the few he was still in contact with solely conversed over e-mail. His party days had ended before entering Med School and the last time he had been out to a bar was when his brother came to visit, when was it, a year and a half ago? He had been content with spending his time working between the hospital and the small ranch that ran a therapy program. It was designed to break through the physical and mental barriers of disability and sickness by partnering a patient with a horse. His off days from the hospital were spent on the ranch, Wolf Hallow either assisting with the therapy sessions or tending to the horses. He felt most at peace with himself when he was surrounded by the natural smells of the barn, the whickering of horses and the laughter of the children who visited the ranch. 

The shower was exactly what he needed to fight off the remnant of his dream and a quick slice of toast and orange juice saw him out his front door. The morning was quieter than normal and he wondered if a storm was coming in. His small house was at the edge of town, surrounded by the beginnings of a beautiful old growth forest. He was minutes away from Wolf Hallow which made his volunteer time even more enjoyable. Glancing briefly at the tree line, as if expecting to see something there, he sighed. 

"I have got to get her out of my head" he growled desperately to himself, pulling his hands through his thick auburn hair. Throwing his bag in the back of his old pickup he climbed in and made his way downtown. 

"I can assure you Mrs. Jakobs, that Connor is absolutely fine. The x-ray came back and he is suffering from nothing more than a bruised ego and sprained ankle." Braedan explained to the frazzled middle aged woman sitting in the emergency room waiting room. She was a constant worrier and brought her children at least once a week. He was sure she had paid her insurance deductable for the year in the first three weeks.

"Oh thank you, Dr. Kelly! I am so relieved to hear that. Is there anything I need to worry about for his recovery? Should I excuse him from school for the week, what about giving him something for the pain, and what if" Mrs. Jakobs was off and if Braedan did not stop her soon she would fall into near hysterics.

"He is more than capable of attending school, although I would suggest he use crutches until the swelling goes down; do you still have the pair you purchased for Jasmine a few months ago?" the woman nodded.

"They're in the car, I brought them along just in case he would need them" she responded proudly.

"Perfect, as for giving him something for the pain, three ibuprofen or Tylenol will do the trick and make sure that he keeps his foot elevated and ices it for no more than 20 minutes at a time; again only until the swelling goes down," he smiled down at the eccentric woman. "Now, why don't you wait here while I go and get his ankle wrapped up and start him off on those pain killers. I'll bring him out in just a few minutes." 

Mrs. Jakobs nodded and sat down, heaving an audible sigh of relief. Braedan had to stop himself from chuckling as he walked back to where Connor Jakobs was 'resting'. Really he had requested that Dr. Kelly give him some peace and quiet from his mother. 

"Alright Connor, do you have your ankle wrapped up how I showed you?" Braedan asked when he pushed the curtain aside. The young man looked up from tucking the end of the ace bandage in and nodded.

"Sure thing, Doc. How long before I can hit the track again? We have our first meet in two weeks." Connor was the captain of the high school track team in Maywood and at 17 and a senior he was really counting on a scholarship to come through because of his ability.

"You should be fine to go in a few days. The sprain isn't very bad. Wait until the swelling goes down and start off slow. Walk the track for a bit, and do those exercises I showed you and you will be good to go by the end of the week."

Connor smiled and sighed.

"I guess it's time to face the music. Just how hysterical is she, Doc? Tell me honestly." Braedan did laugh at that. The boy seemed resigned to face a firing squad. 

"I took care of her, Connor, nothing to worry about. Just be grateful she cares so much, even if she does smother you a bit." 

"That's the understatement of the year, no wonder Ada left right after high school. God, I can't wait to see her again! It will be nice to have her back in town." 

"Ada? Are you saying there is another Jakobs sibling?" Braedan asked. Mrs. Jakobs was the mother of five, Connor, Jasmine, the fifteen year old who had just entered high school, Greg and Steven the twin hellion nine year olds and Gracie, the youngest member at four. Braedan had never heard that the there was an older sibling. 

"She is a sibling, but she isn't a Jakobs. Mom found her right after I was born. She was taking a walk and heard someone crying. She found Ada, and took her in."

"How old was she?" 

"About seven; old enough to know her name and her birthday. Adelaide Bennett born August 13, 1984. She was even able to tell authorities her parent's names and given them a description but they could not find anyone who matched the names and the profile she gave them. When CPS couldn't find anything out about her family they allowed my mom to take her in as a foster child. After a few years she adopted her." 

"And they never found out anything about her?" Braedan loved a good mystery and his curiosity was peaked. Connor shrugged.

"Nothing. There was no missing person's report in the country that matched her description or her name, no birth records. There are so many Bennetts in this country that there was no way to contact them all but from what my mom said she sent out letters to hundreds of them and either heard nothing back or was told they had never heard of an Adelaide. Kinda crazy, I know. But she is a wonderful big sister and oh my god she makes the most amazing cheesecake on the planet!" Connor closed his eyes and moaned in appreciation. "And as soon as she gets back I will her until she make me one, I'll even bring a piece for you, doc." Braedan smiled and the boy's enthusiasm.

"Thanks, Connor. I appreciate the thought. What brings her back to Maywood?" He knew he should be ushering the boy out of the hospital but he could not help his question. 

"She just finished her Doctorate in psychology and rehabilitation and is coming to work at Wolf Hallow. She's supposed to be coming in at the end of the week."

"Hold on a second, you said she just got her Doctorate and she's only 24?" Braedan interrupted.

"Like I said, she left right after high school. She has done school nonstop since then. She said she knew she was needed and the sooner she finished the more help she could be. She's always been a little strange."

Braedan had heard there was someone new joining the staff, that is was Connor's older sister was a pleasant surprise and not to mention that she was obviously a very passionate individual she would be a real asset to the ranch. 

"I might just meet her then, I do a lot of volunteer work on the ranch."

"Really?" Connor exclaimed. "That's great. We'll have to introduce you, maybe you can come to dinner this weekend." Braedan was a little taken back.

"That's a very kind offer, Connor but I couldn't impose, especially at a family reunion." At this comment Connor looked at Braedan carefully and then stood and limped past him into the hall, heading to the waiting room.

"Then I'll ask mom about it, no one says no to her, not even you, Doc." The seventeen year old flashed a bright grin and called to his mom when he saw her. 

"Hey mom, Doc Kelly volunteers over at Wolf Hallow. I was thinking it would be nice to have him to dinner to meet Ada so she knows someone over there before she starts on Monday." Mrs. Jakobs eyes lit up and went straight to Braedan who held back a groan. He loved this family but was not sure if he could take more than a few hours a month with them.

"Connor that is a wonderful idea! How does Saturday night sound, Doctor? I'm making corn chowder and corn bread and all the veggies you can eat." How could he turn down a home cooked meal, especially when he hated cooking. 

"That would be wonderful, Mrs. Jakobs, thank you for the invitation. Are you sure it wouldn't be an imposition?"

"Imposition? No dear, not at all. Especially after all you have done for my family. Be there around 4:30 and we make a whole evening of it."

"I'll be there, thank you."

**********

Saturday found Braedan at the barn early, letting the horses out into the paddocks while he mucked out their stalls. The physical worked helped ease his mind from his ever reoccurring dreams. Three years was a long time to have the same dream. Alright, he had to admit that they were never the same, not exactly. Just like the dream earlier in the week, last night's dream brought something new.

This time he found himself upon the island with his beauty. He was not sure when he had begun to think of her as his but as he stood barely five feet from her and watched her tears falls as she slept, he growled possessively, startling himself. Never had he felt so possessive of anyone, or anything. He hated to see her tears continue to fall and he ached to see her experience such sorrow. He had never seen her sleep before, always had she been awake. Even in rest there was sadness etched into her perfect countenance. Moving slowly, he came up beside her and knelt beside her makeshift bed. 

He dared not reach out the mere inches to touch her, afraid his body would betray him in his need for her. His hands yearned to run through her long ash colored locks and stroke her delicate skin. Instead he studied her carefully for what seemed like hours. She sighed often and her tears never faulted. Just before he awoke, as the day time world pulled him from his watch, he glanced down one last time and swore he saw the briefest smile cross her face. 

He woke up sweating and his body in desperate need of release. How long had it been since he had slept with anyone? He knew it had been at least a year. Since his dreams began it became more and more difficult to find anything worthwhile in the women he met in the waking world. He tried for a while but was always left feeling unfulfilled and guilty, as though he were betraying his night time angel. At that point he had not even felt any sexual attraction to her, in fact he found that his desire for anyone had just, disappeared. So he had stopped seeing anyone. It was only since the dream a few nights ago that his body began to crave the intimate touch of a woman. And not just any woman, but one who solely existed in his dreams! Braedan felt completely lost and not for the first time wondered if he was pushing himself too hard. He was so caught up in his thoughts he did not hear the person who entered the barn until they spoke.

"Morning cowboy, you're sure up early." The voice was sweet and unfamiliar. Braedan turned and removed his hat, wiping his brow as he studied the person in front of him. She was rather tall for a woman, maybe 5'10", although still small compared to his towering frame of 6'2. She was at ease in a comfortable pair of jeans and a flannel shirt and her worn boots proved that she knew her way around a horse. She was...cute. Yes, cute was the best thing to describe her. Despite her height she had a very pixie like frame and face. Short black hair was messily arranged around her heart shape face and green eyes shown mischievously.

"I find the morning the best time to get chores out of the way. I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met, I'm Braedan Kelly." He reached, pulled the glove off and offered his hand in greeting. She smiled brightly and clasped his hand, shaking it with enthusiasm.

"So this is the good Doc Kelly my baby brother has told me all about. Very nice to meet you Doc, I'm Adelaide Bennett, but please call me Ada." Her smile was genuine and Braedan found himself smiling back easily. "You looked rather deep in thought there, Doc. Anything the matter?" she asked, leaning casually against the side of the stall Braedan was working on.

"I heard you were a psychologist but I did not expect you to start in so soon." He chuckled but Ada just shrugged. 

"Sometime someone just needs to be heard, I don't mind listening so I make sure to offer. Sorry if I came on a bit strong." Her smile had yet to leave her face but she did appear to be curious as to where his mind was wandering to minutes before.

"Well, all I was thinking about was the fact that I am in desperate need of a vacation. But for now, mucking out stalls and maybe a nice ride in the woods will do to help clear my mind." 

"That sounds like a fabulous idea, Doc. Would you care for some company?" She had reached into her back pocket and begun to pull on a pair of small leather gloves.

"Company would be wonderful, Ada. There's a second wheelbarrow and shovel just out the back door there. I've finished the first five stalls so far, the rest are free to claim." 

The two spent the rest of the morning finishing the stalls and grooming the horses that would be used for that day's sessions. Although Ada did not technically start working until Monday, she wanted a chance to get to know the animals and her coworkers without having to worry about participants as well. 

"So you volunteered here when you were in high school?" Braedan asked once they had saddled two horses and made their way toward one of the main trails into the forest.

"I rode my bike here everyday after school and spent every Sunday after church here as well. I had to save Saturdays for school work." Ada responded. She really liked Braedan so far, in the little time she had spent with him. He may not originally be from Maywood but seemed to love it. But she could tell that beneath his easy smile there was something really bothering him. 

"Was volunteering here what inspired you to become a psychologist?" Braedan inquired further.

"That just about sums it up. There is something about this place and what it does that has always drawn me. I've seen miracles performed with these animals," she patted the neck of palomino, Rosie she was riding. "I've even convinced a friend to follow me down here to try and get his little sister some help. She'll come and meet the staff and horses on Monday."

"Do you mind if I ask what she needs help with?" 

"A few years ago she and her parents were part of a major highway accident up north. Drunk driver, slick road conditions, the worse possible combination really. Anyway, she and her parents were trapped in their car for nearly two hours before the authorities were able to get them out. She was not very badly injured, mostly superficial things, but both of her parents suffered terribly. In those two hours she had to watch them die while also hearing the screams and cries from the cars around her. Twelve people died in total with about fifty six injuries. Her brother was her only family left and took her in. At first she seemed fine, well, as fine as one can be after witnessing the death of one's parents, but over the course of a few weeks she began to close herself off. She has now completely retreated into herself. Surprisingly she still takes care of herself rather well but she talks to no one, looks at no one, and seems genuinely unaware of anything around her except her cat. Her bond with her cat is what made me think that working with the horses might help her." Ada shrugged. "She is a beautiful girl and once I got to know she and her brother I studied even harder to finish my degree and get back here."

"Why didn't he bring her himself, before you finished?"

"He hates Doctors," she grinned over at him. "And he spent so much time being talked at without seeing any improvement in Galen that he has a hard time trusting anyone's methods. I did try to convince him to come down but he said the only way he would bring her was if I were there."

"I suppose that makes sense. A lot of people forget the hardship such an occurrence has on the caregiver. I wish you luck in her treatment."

"Thanks, I think I will need it. She may open up to the horses, but I have to get her to open up to the people around her."

Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 02



Dinner with the Jakobs was much more enjoyable than Braedan thought it would be. Mrs. Jakobs was on her best behavior and Gary, Mr. Jakobs, played pony with his youngest for a large portion of the evening. Braedan spent more time getting to know Ada and Connor chimed in will as many tidbits about her growing up as he could. Jasmine, the quietest of the family, sat back and sighed, pulled a very worn paperback from her back pocket and began to read until dinner was ready. There was no sign of the twins. 

Mrs. Jakobs, who had vehemently insisted on Braedan calling her Barb, had out done herself with dinner. The corn chowder was delicious and with fresh salad from the garden and homemade cornbread, not to mention the bread pudding with rum sauce waiting to be consumed for dessert, Braedan could not remember the last time he had eaten so well. The dinner conversation was pleasant, if not a little awkward. 

"So, Doc," Connor began once everyone had their plate and the blessing had been said. Braedan was very thankful they had not asked him to give it. "How's the love life? You must get all kind of attention being a doctor and all." Barb nearly choked on her food at her son's question. Ada held back a chuckle and Gary just shook his head. Braedan was thankful he spent so much time out in the sun because he was sure if he had not been so tan his blush would have lit up the room. He finished chewing and used that time to think of a response.

"Thinking of becoming a doctor too, Connor? Trust me, the romantic perks of being a doctor are over exaggerated. Working twelve hour shifts doesn't lead to much of a social life at all actually." 

Barb frowned at this comment and Ada seemed to study him carefully. He quickly ducked his head and filled his fork.

"What are your plans for college, Connor, besides running track?" This was the perfect question to ask to get the attention off of himself. Connor dove into the topic with enthusiasm and of course his mother had a lot to add. Gary remained the stoic father figure the whole time. The only problem was that Braedan continued to feel like Ada was studying him. He should never have said anything. He should have made some witty comment to Connor about being a doctor and left it at that. Instead he had to allude to his pathetic lack of a life and catch the interest of the psychologist in the room. He did not need to be analyzed. If he wanted that he could have visited his own family which he was in no way inclined to do. 

After dinner Braedan was ushered out to the porch with a beer while Connor and Jasmine were set to clean up dinner and Barb and Gary got Gracie ready for bed. Braedan was just forgetting his discomfort over dinner when Ada came out onto the porch with two bowls of bread pudding and a glass of wine. Handing him one of the bowls she took a seat on the porch swing, looking at him expectantly. He took a bite of the pudding and smiled.

"It's wonderful," he said. Between bites he added, "I had been told that you were going to make your world famous cheesecake tonight, though."

"Hardly world famous, although it is quite sinful if I do say so myself. But dessert isn't what I want to talk to you about. I was just hoping to sweeten you up a bit." Her expression grew serious. "Why are you so alone?"

The utter concern in her voice was disarming. She truly sounded concerned, there was not even a hint of falseness to her tone. Braedan shook his head. She was good, he would give her that. From her voice he was sure she could make a statue speak, but he barely knew her and he really did not want to get into his issues tonight. Burying them might not be the healthiest thing to do, he realized that, but it would be better than hearing someone try to diagnose him. 

"I appreciate your concern, Ada, but I'm fine. I'm just busy with the hospital and the ranch. I'm still getting settled into my residency and once I've had time to adjust, things will settle down." He knew he was spitting a load of bull and was sure she would see right through it. He just hoped she got the hint and would back off. She looked at him carefully and he met her eyes, refusing to look away. She sighed and shook her head.

"Braedan you are so full of crap I'm surprised you don't reek of it. But I can see I won't get you to talk so I'll drop it. Just remember that if you change your mind and you want to talk, I don't mind listening; even if all you want me to do is listen, I'll respect that."

"Thanks," he said softly and downed the rest of his beer. 

**********

He was yet again trapped on the other side of the lake. He could see her clearly as she sat beside the water, trailing her fingertips gently across its surface. The ripples spread through the lake and by the time they reached Braedan he was looking more closely at the water. As the ripples met and moved apart a patchwork of images appeared in the water. He saw flashes of a large group of people all dressed in black around a casket being lowered into the ground. In another flash he saw a small boy holding the torn remains of a favorite stuffed animal. And yet another showed him the heart break of a man as he discovered his wife in bed with his best friend. 

Looking up at his beauty he studied her face and the tears that fell. Each tear fell into the lake, and he was now sure each tear held a different painful memory for someone. White hot anger began to grow within him. Why did she have to suffer? Why did she shed the tears for all of those he could now see in the lake? Who would make such a beautiful and innocent creature experience such pain? 

Braedan's thoughts were a tumult of unanswered questions and anger. He wanted to scream to the heavens his frustrations. Not only did she suffer but there was nothing, nothing, he could do to help her! He tried pushing at the boundaries of his dream, tried to force himself to cross the lake and pull her into his arms but try as he might he stayed rooted to the spot on the far side of the lake. Hanging his head in defeat and exhaustion, he clenched his hands into tights fists. The anger would not subside on its own, but when he heard a soft melody floating across the water he raised his head to once again gaze at the girl in awe. She was singing. 

There were no words and although the song was not sad exactly, it seemed to express her own feeling of being defeated. She sang on and on and the images in the water calmed. The young boy wiped his tears away and handed his bear to a pair of much larger hands with a needle and thread. The daughter of the deceased cradled her own child in comfort and the heart broken man was embraced by his young son. Their problems were not reversed, but they were mended to a degree. As the last echoes of the haunting melody cascaded over the landscape, Braedan was pretty sure he saw the water level drop just a bit. But his heart nearly broke when his love, love? Yes, his love crumbled to the ground and sobbed brokenly.

**********

Braedan woke with an ache in his chest and tears of his own streaming down his face. He still felt so angry! Hitting the bed as hard as he could brought his attention to the pain in his hands. Opening his clenched fists he found small bloody crescents where his nails had sunk into his flesh while he slept. 

"Great! Just great, now I'm injuring myself. Maybe I do need help." His thoughts drifted to Ada and he shook his head. She may be well versed but he was sure she would tell him what he had been telling himself, to take some time off. He did have some vacation time saved up, perhaps now would be a good time to use it. A nice trip somewhere could be just what he needed. For now, he had another two days off from the hospital and he had to figure something out. Looking at the clock he groaned. 4:37am. There was no possibility of him falling back asleep now, even if he had wanted to. He was not at all sure if he wanted to witness the woman he loved suffer so deeply.

And there it was again. That word. Love. How could he care so deeply for someone he had never met? He felt as though she were as real as the Jakobs and that he could open his door and find her standing there. He just did not understand how he could feel so certain that she was real and that he loved her. But could she, or would she ever love him back?

Braedan pushed those thoughts to the back of his head and grabbed a pair of sweat pants and pulled on his shoes. A long run was just what this Doctor ordered. 

**********

By the time he stumbled to the stables the next morning he knew he looked awful. His dreams were yet again filled with visions of his pale beauty. After waking up in either a cold sweat or smoldering arousal he had just turned the television on and fought sleep off the best he could. His hair lacked the usual red glow and the dark circles under his eyes spoke volumes for the amount of sleep he had been getting lately. What he really wanted was a nice hard ride on his favorite horse, Turbo but classes would be starting in the hour and Turbo would be needed. Instead he would have to make do with thoroughly grooming the horse for his first rider of the day. Turbo's stall, however stood empty.

"That's unusual," he said softly to himself. All of the other horses remained in their stalls and there was rarely anyone here dealing with the horses as early as him. Assuming another worker or volunteer had come in early he shrugged it off and went to the next stall over and took down Rosie's halter. She nickered softly and pushed her nose affectingly into his hand when he entered. "Sorry, Lady. Nothing for you this morning but a nice grooming. Come on." He deftly secured the halter in place and guided Rosie to the nearby cross ties. Grabbing her grooming kit from the nearby shelf he set it down and hooked her into the ties. 

The curry comb was her favorite and as he worked it through her coat she leaned heavily into the brush. Chuckling to himself, Braedan kept up the deep circles, pulling up dust and hair. The rhythmic sounds and pulls of the comb calmed his edgy mood and he sighed in contentment, closing his eyes.

When he opened them again it was to see a double image. Rosie was still in front of him and he could clearly make out his own movements as he moved around her with the brush, but superimposed on top was the image of a beautiful face. Her never ending tears still fell but there was a strange look of contentment on her face he had never seen before. She was so close he felt like he could reach out and brush his fingers against her cheek. Her eyes bore into his and a small smile touched the corners of her lips. He felt his body begin to awaken. Heat suffusing him in pleasant ways. She had a beautiful smile.

"Braedan?" 

Ada's voice broke through the vision and he shook his head. Realizing he had been stock still, in mid stroke with the brush in his hand. Rosie eyed him curiously but closed her own eyes when he brought his attention back to her. 

"Hey, Ada. How are you this morning?" His voice felt more husky than normal and he desperately hoped Ada did not notice.

"I should be asking you the same thing. You look horrible, Braedan. When was the last time you slept; or was that what you were just doing when I walked in? Because you definitely weren't here."

"I'm fine, Ada." He said, his agitation beginning to show.

"Bullshit!" Ada ground out and came to stand toe to toe. "Something is wrong, Braedan. It is affecting you in clearly negative ways and there is no way you can be on duty at the hospital in the state that your in, drifting in and out like you are. I know I haven't known you for long but just in the last few days I can easily tell that whatever if going on in here," she tapped his head, hard. "Has gotten a lot worse. Let me help, or at least let me try to help." 

Rubbing his head where she had hit it he sighed heavily. What could it hurt to let someone in? He eyed her carefully and from the look in her eyes he could tell she was not going to back down. 

"Fine, I'll talk. But grab a brush and we'll finish Rosie up while I do." Ada just nodded and grabbed the body brush. "A few years ago I started dreaming of this girl. The dream was always the same. I stood on the shore of a lake looking out at an island where she was. She was always crying and I always seemed to understand that the lake was created by her tears." He glanced curiously at Ada, trying to gauge her reaction but she seemed to be focusing on the coat in front of her. "They started coming maybe once a month but as the years have gone by they have gotten more frequent. Maybe once every few weeks, than once a week. Now, every time I close my eyes I see her."

"The dreams are always the same?" Ada questioned softly.

"They use to be. They've started to change too in the last week or so. She saw me in one of them. She looked directly at me! And...." he hated to admit how deeply he was emotionally involved in this dream girl but perhaps it could help.

"And...?" Ada encouraged.

"And, since last week I begun to feel, attracted to her, strongly. I fall asleep and see her cry and I want to wipe her tears away and carry her out of the dream with me. She sang on Saturday night and I thought my heart would break. I wake up with such need racing through me that I've had to take more cold showers in the last week than I have in my life!" 

"So she's pretty, huh?" Ada smiled coyly and laughed when Braedan glared at her. "I'm kidding! What does she look like, has that ever changed?"

"She is more than pretty, she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Soft, pale skin, this incredibly long ashy brown hair that seems to glow silver in the light. She is very petite, no more than 5'5" and she has the more captivatingly blue eyes imaginable. Her voice, oh god! I could listen to it for the rest of my life." Braedan began to blush at all he was saying and looked at Ada, sure he would see humor in her eyes. He was puzzled and worried when he saw that Ada's complexion had paled considerably and her eyes seemed to glow with shock. "Ada, are you alright?" 

"Um," she shook her head and tried on a smile, although it did not reach her eyes. "I'm fine, I guess I'm a little tired as well, all the moving having caught up to me." She glanced over her shoulder at the entrance as if expecting someone to enter. Braedan glanced too but saw no one. "How long did you say you've been having these dreams?" she asked. Braedan thought for a moment, remembering.

"Three..." His words stalled as the stable doors opened and three people came in, the smallest leading Turbo by the reins. Her hair was plaited in two thick braids behind her ears and she smiled gently while cooing into the horse's ear. 

"Hey, Braedan!" Gregory Trent, the owner of Wolf Hallow, called. "There's someone I'd like you to meet. This here is Peter Lang, star linebacker for the Patriots and his little sister, Galen."

Upon hearing her name, the young woman looked up from Turbo and looked around. Her bright blue eyes coming to rest on Braedan as he stared breathlessly at the girl from his dreams. 

"...years."

********

--I hope you continue to enjoy Braedan's Story. Don't forget to vote and thanks for reading!

Spinner----



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 03



***Sorry it's taken awhile to get this posted. I'll do my best to get another chapter up soon. My work schedule in pretty crazy and I have a few long weeks ahead of me. Please offer your comments I love to hear what you have to say.*** 

Chapter 3:

"You alright, my boy. You're looking a little green around the gills." Mr. Trent said, eying Braedan carefully.

"I...um...what?" Braedan was sure he had officially lost his mind. How else could one explain the presence of the girl he had, in a since, known for the past three years from his dreams? He could not think straight and Mr. Trent might not be far off the mark because he could not decide if throwing up or passing out was the most logical thing to do. 

When his legs began to give out he steadied himself on Rosie and Ada was at his side immediately. 

"He hasn't been feeling too well, Greg, I'll make sure he gets home alright" she piped in. "Peter, I'll meet you and Galen back here in a half an hour. I'd like to show her how to groom a horse before the place gets too crazy. Greg will you see to Rosie?" Greg nodded.

"Of course, Ada. Thank you." Peter said with a smile. He looked at his sister, still enraptured by the horse and felt a burst of hope. Not only had she done amazingly well with Turbo, but she even noticed a complete stranger. And smiled at him. No small feet. Peter could not remember the last time he had seen her notice anyone besides himself, Ada, and her cat. Perhaps Ada was right about this place. He looked at the man Ada was leading away and saw him glance back, his eyes falling on Galen as if he could not believe what he saw. Quickly moving to his sister's side, he blocked the man's view. He hated the way men looked at his sister. He had vowed to protect her and that meant from all possible threats. 

Braedan was shoved unceremoniously into the passenger seat of a small two door coupe that involved him sitting with his knees nearly touching his chest until Ada adjusted the seat. The driver's door slammed and then a hand was reaching over him and opening the glove box.

"Here, eat this." Ada handed him a butterfinger and glared until he unwrapped it and took a bite.

"Why am I eating this?" he asked curiously, glancing back at the retreating ranch. 

"I may not be a medical doctor but shock is a pretty easy thing to diagnose. So, eat the damn candy bar before I just drive your ass to the ER. Now, where do you live?"

Braedan dropped his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair.

"At the end of Bayberry Rd. The next left." He heard Ada sigh as she drove but focused on his own breathing and tried to wrap his head around what had just happened.

"I'm not even going to pretend to understand what is going on here, Braedan. But as soon as you described this girl from you dreams I knew you were seeing Galen. I don't know how or why, I did not get my degree in paranormal studies. What I do know is that when she walked in that barn and Greg called her name she actually looked around and smiled at you. Do you realize that you are the first person she has so much as blinked at besides myself and her brother in two and half years? Oh god, Peter is not going to be happy about this!" She slammed her hands down on her steering wheel in frustration. 

"Why?" He asked in a hopeless voice and neither he nor Ada knew if he asked why Peter would not be happy or why this was happening at all. His breathing was returning to normal and he was not feeling as woozy as he had been. Straightening up in his seat he watched the road as Ada turned down Bayberry and began bumping along as the asphalt changed to gravel and dirt. It had not rained in weeks and the dust cloud that was kicked up caused a few birds roosting nearby to take flight. 

Having calmed down his thoughts began to flow with a little more ease. He had found her! Galen. She was as stunning as he had always seen her, even in her pair of old jeans, a grey tank top, and dirt smudges on her cheeks. His shock wearing off, all he wanted to do was have Ada turn around and return to Wolf Hollow. He wanted to take Galen in his arms and hide her from all of the hurt in the world. He thought of her brother and knew he would have no easy time, especially in the mental state Galen was in. Guilt began to suffuse his thoughts. How could he think of her in a romantic and clearly sexual light when she had very little recognition of the real world? But despite the fact he knew he should feel ashamed of himself and dirty, he did not. Seeing her, imagining himself with her just felt right.

They pulled up in front of his house a few minutes later and Ada shut off her car and turned to stare pointedly at Braedan.

"You're mad," he said before she could speak.

"No," she sighed heavily. "I'm not mad, just incredibly freaked out. Aren't you?" Braedan nodded. "Galen is like a sister to me. She was twenty when she was in the accident and we have tried everything to get her back and nothing has worked. Her closest relationship, as I've told you has been with her cat. She deserves to have love, Braedan," she looked at him knowingly and he blushed. "But we have to make her better first."

"Of course, Ada. I understand that. I would never condone such a relationship with her in her current condition. Having seen her, knowing for a fact that she is real, all I want to do is help her. I have to help her Ada; I've never felt so strongly about anything before." 

Ada looked at the man in her passenger seat carefully. She had known him for less than a week but she knew she could trust him. The sincerity of his tone was reflected in his eyes. Whatever was going on had to be for a reason. Galen had been through so much and not only Peter believed she deserved the world. 

"Alright, you sir should try and get some rest, I know it's still early but you really do look like death. I'll drop your car off later today."

"I can't stay here, Ada. Not when she's so close." Braedan, although he felt like a child whining at not getting his way, couldn't help it. 

"You have to Braedan, at least until I can speak to Peter. I already told you Peter has a thing about doctors. Add to that a handsome young man who is interested in his little sister, well let's just say he is not going to be very fond of you. Rest, I'll call you later and we can see about getting you in for some sessions with her and work around your shifts at the hospital." 

Braedan nodded dejectedly and clambered out of the car. 

"Don't worry about working around me. I have some vacation time saved up." Ada looked at him in exasperation but before she could open her mouth to protest Braedan broke in. "Don't. There is no way I can concentrate well enough at work to be anything but a liability right now. I'm doing this Ada. I have to." Shutting the door before she could respond he walked to his front door and unlocked it. Glancing back he waved before making his way to the phone and calling to hospital. He requested a leave of absence and when he had the answer he was looking for he found his way to the bedroom and fell with a heavy sigh onto his bed. 

He found himself upon the island almost immediately. Galen sat, looking at the ripples her own tears made in the water. The warm feeling of being near her that entered his heart was overwhelming. Galen. His Galen.

"Galen?" he said, trying her name for the first time. It felt like heaven when she turned in surprise to gaze upon him. She quickly jumped to her feet and smoothed down the soft fabric of her flowing dress. There was fear in her eyes and Braedan hated himself for being the cause. "Please," he began "I'm sorry I startled you."

"B-Braedan?" His name on her lips did things to his body he was not proud of. 

"You know my name?"

"I heard it today, at the place with the horses. You've been here before." It was not a question. "How?" Braedan shook his head and shrugged his head, taking a small step closer and finding a seat on one of the white washed logs littering the island. Galen looked at him skeptically before taking a seat on a nearby rock she used often.

"I don't know why, Galen. Why are you here?"

Her voice when she answered was sweet but held the same feeling of defeat he had heard in her song. 

"I don't have a choice." Her shoulders drooped and the strangled sob that escaped her lips set Braedan in motion. He was at her side immediately, taking her hands in his. 

"Galen, I..." His words stilled as flashes of pain shot through him, emanating from their joined hands. Images like the ones he had seen in the lake played behind his mind's eye but their presence felt much too real, much too personal. He knew the pain he felt was emotional and not his own but the weight of it created a need for physical release. Gasping he ripped his hands from hers and stumbled back, looking at his hands and feeling hot tears streaming down his face. Glancing up into the face of his angel he saw a brief halt to her tears. 

Her blue eyes had grown large in shock. 

"You...you stopped them." she winced as the visions assailed her senses and her tears began anew. "You shouldn't touch me, Braedan. Not if you have to suffer too." She turned away from him. Braedan couldn't take it. Rushing forward he scooped her into his arms and held her tight. He could briefly hear her gasp as her pain fed into him and the visions hit him hard. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to stem the flow of tears he could already feel falling down his face. 

At the same time he was acutely aware of her small body pressed perfectly against his. Biting back the pain he pushed it to the furthest corners of his mind and took a deep breath. A second breath and he was sure the ache had diminished slightly. He concentrated on the feel of the woman in his arms and knew he would be alright when he felt his body begin to stir in the most primal way.

Cool hands touched his face and he leaned into them.

"Oh Galen," he sighed.

"Your tears have stopped." She said quietly while tracing the path they had taken down his cheeks. He opened his eyes and looked down at the woman in his arms. 

"So have yours." The smile that lit her face was breathtaking. It was a smile that caused the sun to rise and Braedan knew at that moment he would do anything to keep that smile on her face. "Are the vision gone too?" he asked, for although he could still feel their presence as a dull ache, Galen's presence seemed to mute them to a bearably level. 

"No," she said, shaking her head. "They aren't gone, but they don't hurt so much anymore. Thank you!" She buried her head in his chest and Braedan instinctively tightened his embrace. He settled them together on the ground, reeling in his desire to do more than just hold her. She nestled into his embrace like she had been born to fit there and her sigh of contentment sent thrills up Braedan's spine. 

"Tell me about yourself, Braedan." Galen said sweetly and so he did.

**********

The sound of a phone ringing pulled Braedan from his sleep. He wanted to throw it across the room for pulling him for the Galen's embrace. Growling softly he threw the covers off and reached for his phone.

"What," he answered gruffly. 

"Braedan, it's Ada. Were you dreaming again last night?" There was an urgent tone to her voice that caused him to sit up straighter. Glancing at the bedside clock he saw that it was 5:30 in the morning, he'd slept nearly a whole day. 

"Yeh, most of yesterday and last night I suppose, why? What's wrong?" He was startled when she began laughing. "Ada," he called, waiting for her to calm down. "Ada! If you don't explain this call I will hang up right now." he knew he wouldn't but he hoped it would get her to calm down a bit.

"I'm sorry...Braedan. It just that Galen had a breakthrough last night. I just got off the phone with Peter. He said that after dinner last night she just seemed to wake up. He said it is the most coherent he has seen her since before the accident. She went into his room and hugged him and asked how he was and it sounds like they sat and talked for hours. She's asleep right now. I think you, Dr. Kelly might be just what she has needed all along. Should I assume last nights dreams were different?"

"Remarkable is probably a better word," he answered and went on to explain what had happened. Ada whistled low at hearing about their sharing of sorrow and surprised Braedan when she asked if he could still feel it. There was a dull ache he could feel but nothing like what he had felt in his dream and he told her so. 

"Well, I suppose when Galen wakes up she'll have reverted back to her more catatonic self." Ada surmised and Braedan did not have to ask how she came to that conclusion. He was apt to agree with her. "I was able to talk to Peter about bringing you in to help out. He isn't too enthusiastic but he isn't one to believe in coincidence. When I brought up the fact that she had already acknowledged you and how well she did last night he had to agree it was worth a try. I didn't bring up the dreams, I figured that would not win us points at the moment. If you're up for it, she has a session at eight this morning. Meet us in the barn and we'll get you introduced properly." 

"I'll see you at eight." Braedan responded and hung up. 

He showered quickly and made himself a quick breakfast. Once he had nearly inhaled it he raced outside to his car and made his way to Wolf Hollow. He busied himself with the normal chores of the stable until his nerves had calmed to a level he could manage more easily. Turbo was in high spirits and seemed to sense Braedan's excitement because as soon as he was released into the paddock he was off like a light running around and bucking like a young colt. Braedan laughed and shook his head at his favorite horse's antics before heading back inside to finish up the morning's chores. 

He knew it was nearly eight when other workers began showing up. When Gregory Trent came in he called over to Braedan. 

"So Dr. I hear from miss Ada that you will be joining us more regularly for a while."

"That's right Sir, I hope you don't mind," he answered politely. Braedan thought very highly of Mr. Trent.

"Not at all, son. In fact it will be nice to have a licensed medical doctor on hand. We always have someone that needs looking after." He clapped Braedan on the back. "Keep up the good work, Braedan, I really appreciate all that you do." And with that he walked off whistling. 

Braedan was never sure how to take Gregory Trent. He was a generous and well loved man in the community but no matter how often he spoke with the man he always felt like there was something missing. He could never pin down the feeling and although he felt it should make him uneasy, it didn't. Everyone hid part of themselves, obviously Gregory Trent did as well. 

When the stable doors opened again he heard his name being called. He set down the shovel and pulled off his gloves, turning to the sound of approaching feet.

"Good morning, Braedan. You are looking much better today," Ada said. She was followed by Peter and an obviously closed off Galen. He suppressed a sigh before responding.

"Morning too you too, Ada. I am feeling much better." As he spoke his attention was diverted from Ada to the wakening expression on Galen's face. Slowly she blinking and looked around until her eyes met his. A smile bloomed across her face and she broke free from her brother's hold.

"Braedan!" she yelled and threw herself into his surprised yet welcoming arms. 



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 04



The moment she fell into his arms he felt an electric pulse run through his body. For a brief instant he heard and saw the visions from the dreamscape before he forcefully pushed them back and focused on the beauty in his arms. Looking down into those bright blue orbs caused his breath to catch and the smile she gave him caused his heart to skip. Gently brushing a stray hair from her face he smiled back.

"Good to see you again too, Galen." he said softly, hoping Peter was too far away to hear. He looked up cautiously to see that Galen's brother had gone stock still. The look on his face would have been comical if it had not been trained upon himself. His eyes were shooting daggers but it was obvious he was restraining himself from forcibly removing his sister from the strangers arms.

"I told him," Galen whispered to him as she withdrew her embrace to replace it with a soft hand in his own. Braedan looked at her in surprise and then back to her brother. "Last night when I 'woke up'. Although I have to say I'm surprised he hasn't punched you yet." she giggled and pulled him toward the imposing form bursting with protective desire. "Peter, I would like to introduce you to Dr. Braedan Kelly. His favorite color is blue and his favorite food is shrimp spaghetti." She grinned from ear to ear while grabbing her brother's hand and forcing him to shake Braedan's. Braedan had to hold in a hiss of pain when the man squeezed his hand quite a bit harder than was common curtsey, but he met Peter's eye and refused to blink.  

"It's nice to meet you more officially, Mr. Lang. I hope I can be of some help." Braedan polity said. 

At his comment, Peter's fierce gaze and grip softened and moved to his sister.

"It appears you have already," he said without a hint of resignation. A small smile could be seen at the corner of his lips. Galen went to his side and gave him a big hug which he returned whole heartedly. "So what's the plan today, Ada?" he asked, turning to his friend after a moment. 

Ada was looking at the trio carefully. When Galen had run to Braedan she had expected to see him laid flat. When Peter saw the look she was giving them he smiled at her too.

"I'm surprised you didn't tell me about Braedan's dreams, Ada. I assumed you knew after insisting that Braedan join Galen's sessions but I didn't want to bring it up just incase. Galen filled me in last night. I have no idea what it means but I learned long ago not to take anything for granted."

"You never cease to amaze me, Peter." Ada said to her friend with a shake of her head. "With how well Galen did yesterday I had anticipated getting her back on Turbo and working on some more basics but seeing how...alert...you are today, Galen, how does a trail ride sound?"

"Really?" Galen squeaked. "Do you think I'm ready for that?" She had come to stand by Ada expectantly. Her excitement was contagious and Braedan chuckled at her enthusiasm.

"It will be a nice slow ride, nothing you can't handle. Plus, we'll all be here to help if need be." Both men were nodding their agreement and Galen jumped up and clapped her hands together happily. She spun around and Braedan could not help but admire her graceful and lithe form. Even the little light in the stable caused her hair to shine with silver highlights making him ache to run his fingers through it. Clearing his throat he brought everyone's attention to his direction.

"I let Turbo out a while ago, if you'd like, Galen, you can help me bring him in and get him brushed down before we get on the trail." 

"That would be perfect," Ada broke in as Galen smiled warmly at Braedan. "Peter and I will pull out three other horse for the rest of us and get them hooked up while you and Galen start on Turbo." 

While Ada led Peter to the tack closet discussing which mounts would be best for the outing, Braedan gingerly took Galen's hand in his own. She squeezed his big hand and offered him another smile. 

"You are so beautiful when you smile," he said quietly, capturing the stubborn strand of her hair that refused to cooperate in his fingers and tucking it behind her ear once more. She blushed fiercely.

Galen looked into Braedan's warm brown eyes and could not help the shiver that coursed through her at witnessing the desire she found there. She felt lightheaded all of a sudden and the warmth from her cheeks spread, making her limbs feel weak. It felt wonderful. She had been in college before the accident, and although she had led a pretty active social life it did not often involve men. She knew about sex, having lost her virginity at nineteen to her boyfriend of six months. But despite what her friends had told her there had not been any fireworks and the discomfort and pain of her first time, and her boyfriend's lack of concern for her had turned her away from that particular activity. Her accident had not been many months after that and so her experience in anything sexual could be packaged up neatly and put into a nice box. She had thought she had been attracted to her last boyfriend, but never had she felt herself literally go weak in the knees, as cheesy as it sounded, just from someone's heated gaze. 

"Umm," Galen swallowed, "shouldn't we get Turbo?"

Braedan could hear the catch in her voice and easily saw the blush that had risen to her cheeks at his compliment. But what got him going to the point where he had to forcibly stamp down his desire was the hardly recognizable quickening of her breath in excitement as she looked back at him. She seemed to be just as affected as he was, and this knowledge was not any easy thing to accept quietly.

"Follow me," he said, his voice having taken on a huskier tone. She shivered once more; he smiled knowingly. "Are you cold?"

"No, just perfect I think," she responded and followed Braedan through the back doors of the barn. 

It took a half an hour to get all the horses ready to go. Once everyone was set they led the animals to the back of the property and the beginning of the nearest trail. Braedan had ridden it many times and knew that as long as they remained on the main trail there should not be any problems. 

"Stay on the main trail, the side trails narrow and aren't as easy for inexperienced riders." Ada told Peter and Galen, glancing at Braedan who nodded his agreement. "Why don't you two lead the way, Braedan and I will follow. It's a big loop so as long as we take no turn offs we'll end up right back here" The trial was wide enough for two horses to ride abreast and the two siblings did so. Braedan watched as Galen spoke animatedly to her brother. Turning his attention to Ada he asked a question that had been growing for a while now.

"Ada," he said softly, hoping his voice would not carry to the two in front. "You mentioned Peter was not fond of 'medical' doctors. Obviously he and Galen have some history there, what was said about her condition?"

"The bad blood came from their lack of information. Everything they came up with was mere speculation. Countless MRIs were done, electrode readings, they even attempted hypnosis. The only definitive finding was that Galen seemed to be in a perpetual state of REM sleep, despite also being physically awake."

"Like sleep walking?"

"Yes, but no. Sleep walking usually lasts minutes, not years. Although technically that is what she was going through, sleep walking during REM sleep isn't as common as it is during earlier sleep stages. There was another difference as well, a normal sleep walker can be woken up, even if that isn't the first course of action you should take. Galen would never wake up."

"They couldn't find anything else out?" The doctor in Braedan was in wonder. 

"The only other thing that sticks out was that in each and every scan that was done the area of her brain that showed she was in REM sleep was lit up like a spot light. The doctors were pretty astonished at the amount of brain activity she had compared to the average person during REM sleep." 

Braedan was intensely curious. If he concentrated he could pull back the images that passed to him from Galen. They were still there, in the back of his mind and he wondered what his MRI would look like. Galen was definitely awake now but he was curious whether there would still be readings of REM sleep for both of them. He glanced at the young woman in front of him and warmed yet again at her glowing smile. The morning sun slanted through the trees to highlight her hair and he had to readjust in the saddle to remain anywhere near comfortable. A smile crossed Ada's face when she noticed what he was doing but he ignored it. 

"Gunna need another cold shower?" she asked cheekily. Braedan couldn't help the blush that crossed his face, especially since Ada had spoken loud enough for both Peter and Galen to hear. Peter glared dangerously and the girls laughed. 

The group continued on their way, chatting about various things. Braedan found out that Galen had been going to school in hopes of being a music teacher. Besides singing she also played the piano and the violin, and quite well according to Peter. Galen however swore she was no one important.

"Galen, you played with the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie hall at twelve. They called you a prodigy for Christ's sake. Give up the act, sis, you are someone." 

Galen humphed at her brother's comment, settling into the saddle and staring straight ahead. 

"You could be so much more than a teacher, Galen. With your talent you could do just about anything."

Galen turned on her brother angrily.

"I want to be a teacher, Peter. I love children! Why isn't that enough for you? Why can't I do what will make me happy? Because I can tell you right now that traveling around for the rest of my life performing for complete strangers is not the type of life I would consider enjoyable." 

"So you'll throw away all of your talents?" he asked, clearly as frustrated as she was. 

"You are so...so....ahh," she yelled, throwing her hands up in the air in outrage, "insufferable!" She gripped Turbo's reins tightly and tried to push him into a slow trot to get away from her brother. Her anger, however came through in her actions and she urged him a bit too much. Turbo lurched into a canter and Galen screamed as she disappeared down the trail.

"Shit!" Braedan yelled and without thinking spurred his own mount after her, leaving a stunned Peter in his wake. "Please don't fall, please don't fall!" he chanted under his breath. In the back of his mind he could feel a real terror, but it did not feel like his own. The path in this part of the trail had narrowed a bit and although it was not all that likely, there was a definite chance that a fall would not be onto something as forgiving as simple undergrowth. 

"Galen, hold on!" he yelled, rounding the corner and was thankful that Turbo had not taken off down a side trail. A flash of pain erupted in his mind that shot first across his cheek and then down to his leg. Chancing a quick glance he could tell he had not hit a thing, however. He raced after her and when her horse came into view he wanted to heave a sigh of relief. Pulling up beside Turbo, he grabbed onto his reins and pulled back, slowing both animals down at once. Once they were stopped he quickly dismounted and pulled a trembling Galen from her saddle and into his arms.

"Hey, it's ok, sweetheart. I've got you," he cooed while running his hands through her wind blown hair and over her back. Once she had calmed down he pushed her to arm's length to make sure she had not been injured. Gently taking her chin in his hand he lifted her face and noticed a long gash across her left cheek, it was nothing serious but he knew it must hurt. "Are you hurt anywhere else?" he asked while closely examining the cut on her face.

"No," she responded shakily. "I don't think so."

"Alright, hang on for just a minute, I'm going to grab my first aid kit, I want to get that cut taken care of before we get back." Braedan released her and went to the small saddle bag that held his first aid kit. Galen stood with her arms wrapped tightly around her body. Her shaking had subsided but when Braedan glanced back and notice the glazed look in her eyes he scanned the rest of her and sucked in a sharp breath at seeing blood spread across her pants from her left thigh. He thought of the fear he had felt as he rode and the pain he had felt that he knew was not his own. It had been hers. The adrenaline in her system had numbed the pain so far and from her glazed eyes he could easily tell she was going into shock. The sound of riders coming up had him moving more quickly. Grabbing his kit he raced back to Galen just as Peter and Ada rounded the corner.

"Galen, I need you to sit down, sweetheart. I need to take a look at your leg, can you do that for me?" She nodded weakly and he helped her down; flinching when she cried out in pain when she bent her leg. Her eyes locked with Braedan's. "You're going to be fine, I hope you aren't too fond of these jeans though, because I have to cut them to get a better look ok?" 

"Go ahead, I trust you." She attempted a smile. Braedan could not resist and leaned over to kiss the top of her head. He pulled off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders before pulling his gloves on and getting the pair of scissors.

"Galen!" Peter yelled. He had dismounted and raced to his sister's side, his eyes wide with worry. He quickly noticed her blood stained pants and Braedan with the scissors. 

"Get the fuck away from my sister!" he screamed, pushing Braedan away causing him to loose his balance and fall to the ground.

"Peter!" Galen cried.

"We need to get her to the emergency room where they can actually take care of her!" he was still yelling so Braedan rose slowly and faced the man. His own anger had risen at the accusation he could not take care of the woman he cared for. 

"I would like to remind you that I am an ER doctor and I am more than capable of taking care of Galen right here." He spoke in a dark tone. "Now, my intentions are to get her into the ER as soon as possible but I need to take a look at her leg first. I will not have her remount a horse and ride a few miles without knowing exactly what is wrong. Now you can help me by comforting your sister instead of screaming, or you can take your horse and ride back to the Wolf Hallow and have Mr. Trent bring out his four wheeler with the rescue trailer. Whatever you choose, you better shut up and let me get to work."

He knelt beside Galen once more and offered a grim smile while her brother stood in shock above her. Ada broke the silence by coming up to his side and placing a hand on his shoulder. 

"Peter, why don't you stay with Galen? I know these trails better than you do and I don't want to see her back on a horse until she's been taken care of. I'll go and get Greg and be back in no time." He seemed to understand her words. "Be nice and let Braedan work," she added quietly and he nodded and knelt by his sister and took her hand. Ada mounted and with one last glance over her shoulder she was heading back to the ranch. 

"Galen...I," Peter tried. 

"Don't Peter." Galen said tiredly. "I don't want to hear it right now. Just shut up." 

Peter nodded, lowering his head in ashamed defeat. Braedan fought a smirk. Turning his attention back to Galen pulled any humor from the situation, however.

He cut up the length of the pant leg, adjacent to where the injury seemed to be. As the skin of her leg was revealed he had to force down the urge to caress it. Taking a deep breath he forced himself to think as a doctor and see her as nothing more than a patient; it was not an easy task. Once above the knee he slowed down the cutting. He could have cut from the slice in the jean but he had not wanted to hit the injury by accident. Glancing into her eyes he saw nothing but trust and in the next moment he was carefully pulling aside the jean material to get a look at the damage. He suppressed a sigh of relief at seeing the gash on her leg. It looked painful but it was nothing serious. It wasn't very deep and the amount of blood came not only from it but the few layers of skin that had been pulled off around it from whatever tree Galen had taken on. 

When Mr. Trent and Ada drove up a few minutes later on a pair of ATVs it was to find Galen expertly bandaged up and chomping on a granola bar. Peter was sulking nearby and Braedan was packaging up his kit.

"Thanks for coming out Mr. Trent. I'd like to get Galen into the ER to get her cleaned up properly."

"No problem, Braedan. Let's get the young lady loaded on the stretcher and we'll get her there in no time."



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 05



"Dr. Kelly, can I see you in my office for a moment?" 

Braedan turned at the question and recognized the hospital director, Sandra Christiansen and nodded.

"I'll finish up here and be there in a moment," he replied. He gathered the last few items and deposited them in the appropriate receptacles and removed his gloves. When they arrived at the hospital he had helped the limping Galen through the doors and informed the head nurse on duty that he would see to her on his own. She informed him that exam 11 was open and they made their way there. 

When the group had arrived at the barn, Peter had tried again to apologize and Galen grudgingly accepted. She surprised him, however when she told him she would like to go to the hospital alone. Braedan wasn't sure he had ever seen a grown man throw a tantrum like the one Peter had. He was enraged that she didn't want him there, and after all he had done for her. Galen maintained her calm demeanor through his tirade, though Braedan could feel her agitation as it continued. Once Peter had his say she calmly explained that it was because he was always there for her that she wished to go on her own.

"Peter, I'm not so helpless anymore. I'm awake. Of course we don't know how long this might last but I need a chance to feel like a normal twenty three year old with her own problems. I love you, but I want a chance to grow up." 

Peter grumbled some more but he had lost most of his steam. 

"How will you get home?" he asked, looking dangerously at Braedan all the while. Galen easily saw the direction of his glare and smiled. Feeling rather rebellious she said the one thing she knew Peter would hate.

"I'm sure Braedan would be kind enough to drive me home, would that be alright, Braedan?" The smirk that crossed Braedan's face could not be hidden as he politely agreed. Peter had obviously not been happy at all but there wasn't much he could do. He did not want to push Galen away when he had only just gotten her back. Ada had sighed heavily and gone after him when he stormed off toward his car, casting an irritated glance in both of their directions. 

And so Braedan had driven Galen to the hospital and seen to her four stitches himself. At present she was in the nearest bathroom changing into a skirt from the extra clothes bin the hospital kept on site. Having finished his clean up he knocked softly on the restroom door.

"Yes?" He heard her say.

"Galen, it's me. I have to speak with the director, it shouldn't take long. When you finish up why don't you wait for me in the waiting room, okay?"

"Of course, I'll see you there. I'm just about done in here anyway." Braedan turned to leave but stopped when she continued. "And Braedan, thank you." He smiled and made his way to Mrs. Christiansen's office.

Unlike most hospital administrators, Sandra Christiansen kept two offices. She had the normal executive suite with classy furniture and a view to die for. But she also kept a small simple office on the third floor closer to the hustle and bustle of the everyday activity so she could make sure her staff was in good spirits and good health. She was well respected and did her job very well. 

Braedan knocked on her door and received an answering "Come in" from its occupant. 

"Have a seat, Dr." Mrs. Christiansen said cordially. Braedan took one of two seats positioned before her desk and looked at his supervisor. "Are you doing alright, Braedan?" she asked, leaning forward in her chair. "A request for a spur of the moment leave of absence normally involves something pretty serious. A few of your coworkers had mentioned you looking a lot more haggard lately and those observations, coupled with your request causes concern. You don't have to tell me anything, I just want you to know that we are all here for you if you need us." 

The care being shown was heartwarming and Braedan couldn't help but smile.

"I appreciate your concern, Mrs. Christiansen and I can tell you honestly that health wise, I'm perfectly fine. I needed this for more of a mental health break. Haggard is probably a correct description for how I've been feeling and I felt I would be more of a liability to you if I didn't get a few things straightened out in my personal life before I came back." 

"Well, I appreciate your honesty and thoughtfulness, it isn't like you don't deserve the time off, I can't remember the last time you took a day off," she chuckled. "And like I said if you need..."

The last of Mrs. Christiansen words did not register with Braedan. He swayed in his seat as a rush of fear and anger assaulted his mind. 

"Galen," he said unconsciously while rising to his feet and rushing for the door.

"Braedan?" Mrs. Christiansen called after him but he was out of her office before she could say more. She grabbed her phone and keys and raced after him. She didn't know what was going on but the look on his face was enough to get anyone to move. She saw him rush through the stairwell door and head down.

*****

Galen had left the small restroom a few minutes after Braedan stopped by. Despite her minor injuries she made her way to the waiting room with a smile on her face. She felt alive. She could still feel a knot of sorrow in the back of her mind but its power over her had diminished in Braedan's presence. There was no way to know what it all meant but she didn't care. As long as Braedan was there she instinctively knew she would be alright.

Glancing around her she realized she should have come to the waiting room by now. The halls were quiet and not being familiar with the hospital had gotten her turned around.

"Hello there," said a cool voice from behind her. Galen twirled around, her hair flying around. Leaning against one of the doorways she had just passed was a handsome young man, not much older than she was. He was tall and dressed in the pale blue of the hospital orderlies. She could easily tell he was used quite frequently for the heavy lifting that others couldn't handle. As she took him in he straightened and walked toward her. Galen gulped, nervous and not at all sure why. She took a step back. 

"Um, hi," she said uncertainly, glancing around cautiously but the hallway was deserted. The man noticed her uneasy glance and smirked.

"Why so nervous, sweetheart? You look a little lost; I thought you might like some company." He was right in front of her now and she took another step back.

"No, that is very kind of you but I'm meeting my friend in the waiting room, so if you'll excuse me," she turned quickly, trying to seem at ease. When a large hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back she squeaked in fear. 

"I'm sure your friend can wait," the large man said smoothly, backing Galen into an open door. She made to yell for help but he pulled her into his chest and deftly covered her mouth as he closed the door behind them. She was pushed roughly against the closest wall, her head cracking against the concrete. As stars danced in front of her eyes and her fear grew, the man began rubbing his straining erection against her. "Hasn't anyone told you it isn't smart for pretty girls to wander alone? There are dangerous people out there." 

Galen whimpered as he bent down and kissed her neck. When his hand began pulling up her skirt, anger grew along with her fear. Thrashing her head around she was able to work around his hand and bite down as hard as she could.

"Bitch!" he yelled and slammed her against the wall again, her head hitting harder this time. Instead of stars, darkness began closing in. As she slumped in the man's hold and began to slip into unconsciousness she felt a rush of rage pass through her body and heard a door leave its hinges. 

*****

Feeling Galen lose consciousness left Braedan feeling cold. He burst through the closed door he knew he would find her behind and didn't even stop to consider what was happening. His fist plowed into the orderly's surprised face and as the man fell to the ground and didn't get up, he bent over to gather Galen into his arms.

"Galen...Galen?" he prodded softly; gently brushing her hair from her face. "Wake up for me sweetheart, come on." He knew he sounded desperate and didn't care. He hated that he had failed yet again to protect the woman he loved. He buried his head in her hair and held onto her tight.

Mrs. Christiansen came in a moment later, slightly winded and stopped in shock. She saw the orderly Daniels on the floor, blood trickling from a clearly broken nose and Braedan cradling a young woman, trying to coax her to wake up. She was painfully sure she knew what had happened here; she had been keeping an eye on Daniels lately, having suspected his motives for working at the hospital were not all innocent. She had yet to have anyone come forward with accusations however, and without proof there was nothing she could do, until now. Above all, however, she wanted to know how Braedan had known something was amiss. 

Pulling her phone from her pocket she dialed security and had a team on their way in minutes. Her second call was to the nearest nurse's station to bring a gurney for the young woman. She walked further into the room and placed her hand on Braedan's shoulder. She was surprised to see tears in his eyes when he looked up at her. 

"Is she alright?" she asked quietly and was relieved when he nodded. 

"I bad knock to the head it seems, she probably has a mild concussion. I won't know much more until she comes around." Mrs. Christiansen nodded and turned as the security team walked in the door, perfect timing since Daniels was groaning and beginning to push himself up.

"Please escort Mr. Daniels to your office, restrain him if he becomes difficult. I will be contacting the police as soon as this young woman regains consciousness."

"Yes, ma'am" the first man said as they each grabbed one of Daniels's arms and hoisted him up. He went without a fight, but he glared back at Galen who was beginning to wake up.

"Galen, sweetheart." Bredan prodded "Can you hear me?"

"Braedan?" she said weakly, trying to pry her eyes open. Looking closely at Braedan's concerned face she forced herself to look around. "He's gone?" she asked with a shudder. 

"He's gone," Braedan answered gruffly. A small smile grew on her face.

"Is this where I throw my arms around you and say 'My hero'? in a high pitched princess voice?" 

"As wonderful as that sounds," he chuckled, "let's save that for after we get a look at that head of yours, you have quite a nice bump." Galen groaned.

"Peter is so going to kill me," she concluded.

"He may kill you, but I'm sure he'll castrate me. You haven't been in my charge for more than an hour and I can't keep you out of trouble." His face turned serious. "I would never forgive myself if I hadn't made it when I did, if he,"

"Shh," Galen silenced him with a hand over his mouth. "It's ok, there was no way you could have known, and you stopped him, that's all that matters." Braedan took the hand that was over his mouth and kissed it softly. 

"Braedan, the gurney is here, let's get your friend loaded up and have her looked at." Mrs. Christiansen said. She had been eyeing the couple carefully and was pretty sure that this woman in her doctor's arms had something, if not everything to do with his sudden leave of absence. 

"I can walk, Braedan. There is no need for this, I'm fine." Galen motioned to the rolling bed being brought into the room by two nurses.

"Why don't you stand up and let me be the judge on whether you're fine or not." Braedan chided, helping her to her feet. He released her to stand on her own but caught her as she swayed on her feet. "Now you see, that is not fine. Onto the bed with you, missy." 

"Fine," she grumbled and allowed Braedan to steer her to the bed. One of the nurses gently placed a cold compress to the back of her head and after a hiss of pain she sighed as the cool pack helped ease her burgeoning headache.

Mrs. Christiansen took Galen's statement while Braedan saw to her head. She contacted the police and informed Braedan that both he and Galen would need to remain there to give their official statements to the officer who came. 

"How did you find me, Braedan? I thought you had to speak with your boss." Galen asked when they were alone for a moment.

"I think I have to start back with when we were on the trail. When Turbo took off I think I felt your fear and your pain. When you hurt your cheek and your leg, it felt like it happened to me too." He looked at her closely, trying to gage her reaction. He didn't know how but he knew that whatever connection they shared, ran much deeper than he had first assumed.

"So, when Daniel's attacked me, you knew I was in trouble because I was afraid?" 

"I knew the moment you felt uneasy. When that unease turned to real fear I came to find you."

"That doesn't explain how you found me, this is a large building; I could have been anywhere."

"I just...knew?" Braedan thought about it for the first time. He had not questioned which way he had run, he just ran, knowing that Galen needed him. "I just knew," he said with more certainty. 

"I'm glad that you did." She took his hand and squeezed it lightly. "My hero," she joked.

Braedan squeezed her hand back and leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. Before he could pull back all the way, Galen caught his face in her hands and kissed him lightly on the lips. The slight contact was too much for Braedan's self control. He deepened the kiss, his tongue gently sweeping against her lips, seeking entrance, he moaned when she opened for him. His hands moved to her face and held her gently, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. When she sighed he pushed harder, wanting her to feel the same heat that suffused him because of her touch. The last push was a little too much for her tender head and her sounds of pleasure turned to a wince and a cry of pain; he pulled away, resting his forehead to hers.

"I'm sorry," he said breathlessly. 

"Don't ever apologize for kissing me like that," she scolded. "Or doing anything else," she added with a blush. Braedan grinned and leaned in and planted one more, slow kiss on her delectable mouth before pulling away. 

"As much as I hate to say this, we should probably call your brother and let him know what's going on." Braedan said.

"I hate that you said it too, but you're right," Galen said. "He deserves to know and waiting to tell him will only make it worse." Braedan fished his cell phone from his pocket and handed it to her. "What, you're not going to call?" she asked with humor. 

"He's your brother, not mine. I doubt he'd like to hear this story coming from me."

"Fine." She opened the phone and stared at the keys, Braedan could feel a great sadness coming from her, followed by growing agitation.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I don't know his number." She looked into his face, emotions warring inside her for dominance. Anger won out. "I don't even know his fucking phone number!" She looked at Braedan with pleading eyes. "Why, Braedan? Why am I like this? What did I ever do to deserve this torture?" 

Braedan motioned for her to move over on the bed and he joined her, wrapping her in his warm embrace. He could feel the tumult of emotions coming from the woman beside him and wished he had an answer that would ease her suffering, but there was nothing he could say.

"I don't know. None of this should even be possible. But maybe you shouldn't be asking yourself what you did to deserve this burden, maybe see it as you were the only one worthy enough for such a job." She glared at him. "No, hear me out. I know you're in pain, I can feel it. I've seen it each night in my dreams what you have to go through and now I seem to be taking part in it, at least a little. I've seen you sing to diminish the sorrow in others' lives. You are a gift, Galen. I don't know what I have done to deserve to be part of your story, but I swear to you I will do everything I can to help you. I can't stand to see you hurting." 

Galen looked at him carefully. Her anger ebbed as she let herself feel more than her own emotions. What she found shocked her, but not nearly as much as it should have.

"You love me," she said. Braedan blushed crimson but held her gaze. He nodded.

"I think I've loved you since the first time you appeared in my dreams, but I only realized it myself over the past few weeks."

"Why the sudden revelation?" she questioned in a small voice.

"You saw me." Was his only answer.



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 06



Braedan called Ada, knowing she could get in touch with Peter if they weren't already together. As it turned out they were down the street at a nearby coffee shop, waiting for Galen and Braedan. Ada had only been able to convince Peter not to follow the pair to the hospital, by offering the nearby alternative. 

"Hey, Doc, how did everything go?" she asked casually when her phone rang. Peter's anxiety skyrocketed when Ada's face fell into lines of concern. "Is she alright?" she asked to whatever Braedan had said.

"What happened?" Peter asked, feeling cold with fear, but Ada just raised her hand to silence him, trying to listen to Braedan.

"Of course, we'll be right there." And she hung up. Looking at Peter she offered a small smile. "Galen is fine, Peter. But let's go, I'll explain on the way." Peter quickly grabbed his keys and led the way out of the shop looking at Ada expectantly. "First of all I need you to promise to be nice to Braedan, he is a good person and just wants to help."

"I don't like the way he looks at her. He looks like a man dying of thirst and she's the only thing that will quench it," he grumbled

"How poetic." Ada snorted. "And you might not be far off the mark, but you can't keep Galen away from every man who comes knocking, not to mention he is the only person who has ever been able to get her to wake up. We need him, Peter." 

"I know," he said, "Now tell me what that phone call was about." Ada sighed and glanced cautiously at her companion, preparing for the worst.

"Galen was attacked at the hospital by an orderly."

"WHAT!" Peter grabbed her arm and began running toward the hospital, Ada in tow. The few people they past jumped out of the way as the large man charged past with little regard to those around him. Fire burned in his eyes and he couldn't decide who to kill first, the man who dared go after his sister, or the man who failed to protect her. 

He burst through the emergency room doors and pushed his way to the front of the line at the nurse's station before either of the two security guards could step in his way. 

"I need the room for Galen Lang," he growled startling the nurse who sat at the desk.

"I'm sorry, sir. But you will have to wait your turn. There were many people who have been waiting before you," the nurse stated sternly but gulped when she saw Peter's eyes darken in rage.

"Tell me where my sister is...now," he spoke quietly but the fierceness in his voice had one of the security guard's placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Sir," he said. Peter slowly turned to glare at the security guard; he glanced at the man's hand and offered a chilling smile. Ada couldn't take it. The testosterone level had reached its peak and so had her patience. She slapped him, hard.

There was a stunned silence and a combined intake of breath from those observing the proceedings. 

"Stop with the asshole routine, Peter. I already have her room number if you would have acted like a rational person and actually listened to me!" Ada said. "Now apologize to the nurse and I'll explain the rest."

Peter actually had the nerve to look sheepish as he turned back to the nurse.

"I'm sorry, miss." 

The nurse tried to hide a smile.

"That's alright, sir. I hope you're sister is alright." 

Pete nodded and turned to follow Ada out of line and to a pair of chairs. She pointed, indicating he was to sit and she would have no arguing about it. "Now are you actually going to listen to me or do I need to call the security team over?" she said in a rather annoyed voice.

"I'll listen, I promise." 

"Alright, Braedan had finished checking on Galen's leg and she was changing when he was called away by his boss; Galen was going to meet him in the waiting room. It sounds like she got turned around, was attacked by the orderly but Braedan found them. She has a slight concussion where she was pushed into the wall but other than that she is fine. The police had just arrived to take their statements when Braedan called." Ada could see that Peter was barely controlling his rage but was thankful that he was at least listening. "You can talk now," she said with a smile.

"Where is the son of a bitch?" he snarled. 

"I don't know but I would assume he will soon be in police custody so don't start being all vigilante on me; Galen needs your support and needs to know that you aren't angry with her."

"Angry with her? She hasn't done anything, I'm angry with myself for ever letting her out of my sight. And I am pissed at lover boy up there for letting this happen!"

"You see, that is exactly what she does not need to hear," she sighed heavily. "It's what she expects to hear but she doesn't need to hear it. She needs some independence, Peter, especially since we don't know if her lucidness is a for sure thing. We could wake up tomorrow and she'll be back to the robot she has been for the last three years, let her live her life while she can."

Peter dropped his head in his hands, he hadn't thought of that. He would feel terrible if he took away the little time she had to experience the real world. He looked up at his friend who was eyeing him gently, true understanding in her beautiful eyes. 

"What if he hurts her?" 

Ada took the chair beside him and took his hands in her own, squeezing them comfortingly.

"We all get hurt, Peter, and Galen knows better than most what that feels like. She needs to be the one to make the decision on whether he is a worthy risk." 

Peter quirked his head to the side and smiled sadly.

"Is this the doctor talking or my friend?"

"Which one are you more inclined to listen to?"

Peter nodded and stood, pulling Ada up into a hug.

"Thanks, beautiful," he said and kissed the top of her head. "Let's go find my sister, and I promise I'll do my best to behave."

*******

"We'll get this report submitted today and someone from the court house will be in touch with you about a court date."

"Thank you, officer," Galen responded

"Have a nice day." The officer nodded and left the room, most likely to join his partner in dealing with Daniels. Galen heaved a sigh just as Peter and Ada came into the room. Peter came over to her bedside and seeing her almost fearful look leaned over and kissed her forehead. 

"Are you alright?" he asked softly. She nodded and sniffed, trying to hold back tears. Braedan could feel her embarrassment and fear over the situation but being her brother, Peter instinctively seemed to know what she was feeling too. "It wasn't your fault, babe. I love you and I could never be mad at you or disappointed." She buried her face in her brother's chest and inhaled the familiar comforting scent of him as he wrapped his arms around her tightly. 

"I'm sorry anyway," she said.

"Hey, if it's alright with the Doc, why don't we get out of here and get you home. We'll stop and pick a movie up on the way, your choice, what do you say?"

"That would be nice," she smiled. Wiping the tears from her cheeks she turned to Braedan. "So doctor, am I free to go?" She could feel his disappointment but when he saw her bright face drop a bit in guilt he attempted to push a sense of understanding and love toward her. The smile that came to her face proved that she'd felt it. 

"You're free to go but you are on concussion watch tonight. Peter you'll need to wake her up every two hours or so. If she has a hard time waking up give me a call and bring her back in and I can do a few tests. If your head keeps hurting take some Tylenol and make sure to take it easy. No horseback riding either for a few days, not until we're sure you're in the clear."

Peter had expected as much, he'd suffered a few concussions in his line of work and the aftermath was never fun. He could see that Galen wasn't too keen on Braedan's instructions either and he smiled to himself.

Ada had yet to speak up, watching the dynamic between her three friends carefully. She was proud of Peter for keeping his cool but she couldn't help feel like there was something she wasn't considering, it had something to do with how Galen and Braedan kept exchanging looks, like there was an underlying conversation happening as well. 

"Why don't I give you my number in case you need to call?" He quickly went over to a small desk on the side of the room and scribbled down his number on a scrap of paper. He purposefully handed the paper to Peter trying to create some peace between them. Of course Peter didn't know that he had already given Galen his number and it was safely tucked into her jacket pocket. Peter looked at the paper like he wanted to throw it away but he took a deep breath and looked up from the paper to Braedan.

"I'll make sure to call if anything comes up," he answered diplomatically and then turned to his sister. "Let's get you out of here, huh?"

*****

"I can't believe you're making me watch this," Peter grumbled good naturedly as he settled down on the couch beside his sister with a large bowl of kettle corn. "Aren't you too old for cartoons?" 

"You know I love this movie, and it is my pick tonight. I haven't gotten to watch it in years so you will just have to endure." She grabbed a handful of the salty-sweet snack and smiled as she stuffed it into her mouth.

"Yeh, but 'Sleeping Beauty'? Couldn't you have chosen 'Aladdin', or 'The Little Mermaid'; Jasmine and Ariel are so much hotter than Aurora." Galen slapped him and laughed, pressing play. Trying her best to ignore his snide comments as the long opening credits rolled she sighed and settled into the soft couch cushions. 

Despite her love of the movie her exhaustion from the day had caught up with her and by the time Prince Philip was making his way up the winding staircase to the tower where his love slept, Galen's own deep and steady breaths filled the room. Peter turned off the TV and gently shook Galen awake. Instead of the lucid Galen he was expecting he was met with the foggy eyes of the Galen from the past three years. She looked past him and slowly stood and made her way into the bathroom where she silently washed her face and brushed her teeth. That routine completed she went into her bedroom and climbed into bed. Peter glanced at his phone on the counter, almost desperate enough to call Braedan over just so he could see the life in his sister's eyes again. Instead he sighed and went in to kiss Galen goodnight. He would call him only if there were complications from her concussion, tomorrow would be soon enough for everything else.

*****

"That bitch is going to pay!" Greg Daniels thought while waiting for his bail to post. If it weren't for her he'd still have a clean record and now the little incident from this morning was going to haunt him wherever he went. He smiled darkly to himself with the knowledge he possessed. He had seen her brought in and caught her name coming from that son of a bitch, Kelly. Before he'd approached her he'd pulled up her file and taken down her address. It would take some planning on his part but he was willing to wait. He wasn't going to prison because a little girl decided to say "no". As soon as he could he would be paying Miss Lang a well deserved visit. 

***** 

One day, it had been one day in her presence and already Braedan felt her absences as a tangible thing. Galen was quickly becoming as important as air in Braedan's mind; he already felt there could be no living without her. He knew this fact should scare him, he wasn't close with very many people. His own family taught him early on that loving someone didn't stop them from hurting you so he had not let anyone get close enough to do any lasting damage. But with Galen all of his past notions and beliefs were being burned away in the fire of her eyes and the strength of her heart. She was his, and no one would contest that fact. 

Braedan spent the remainder of the day working around his house, finishing projects he had neglected and getting simple chores like laundry and dishes out of the way. By the time he climbed into bed he sank down with a contented sigh, feeling happy with what he had accomplished. His contentment didn't last when he realized just how empty his large bed felt without the soft body of a particular woman. He tossed and turned for a while before sleep finally claimed him. When he found himself at the lake looking at a weeping Galen he ran to her side and pulled her into his arms. The same surge of emotion hit him again, not quite as strong as before, and settled into the back of his mind with a small push. 

He didn't say anything at first, just let her cry. When her sobs turned to hiccups, he pushed her to arms length and looked into her eyes with concern. 

"What's wrong, love?"

She sniffled and through shuddering breaths tried to explain.

"I know it's dumb, but I couldn't see the end of 'Sleeping Beauty'" and fresh sobs escaped.

"Oh sweetheart, why not?" he asked, holding her tight.

"I fell asleep and came here!" she angrily stomped her foot. 

"Perhaps my sleeping beauty needs a prince to wake her up?" he asked playfully, he knew she was upset but was glad it wasn't anything really serious. Galen pushed away from him and smiled a little.

"You'd have your own dragon to get through I'm sure. I doubt Peter would let you anywhere near my bedroom."

"Yes, I'm sure his line would have something to do with going through him or his dead body. Can you tell if he's been waking you up like I told him to?"

"I think so. I've felt him trying and I guess my body at least is responding since he hasn't called you. I know he wouldn't hesitate to call if he thought something was really wrong."

"He loves you very much," Braedan said while pulling Galen toward him again. One hand wrapped around her waist while the other cradled her head gently, tilting it toward him. "But so do I." Their lips met gently, but it took all of his strength to pull himself away. Despite the unrelenting desire to claim her as his own, he wouldn't push her. A small moan came from the girl in his arms and then her hands grabbed the back of his head and pulled him back.

She met him with a hunger she had never felt before. As soon as his lips had first met hers a warmth had spread through her body making her feel lightheaded and an insistent ache quickly started between her legs. When he pulled away she couldn't take it, she needed to feel loved completely, in a way no one had ever shown her before. 

Galen pressed herself against his hard body, aching to feel the warmth of his skin against hers. Her body ached as they kissed and she moaned as one of his hands stroked the side of her breast through the soft fabric of her dress. Barely realizing what she was doing she began to frantically pull at his clothes. He pulled back long enough to help her pull his shirt over his head before he greedily recaptured her soft lips. A need filled growl escaped him when Galen began running her hands along the planes of his chest.

Braedan's hands reached for the straps of the simple dress she always wore in this grey world, sliding them down her arms and letting the dress pool at her feet. With even greater reluctance and a groan from Galen, Braedan pulled from her hold and took a step back. He took in her slender form, so small compared to his own. Because he was not touching her the unceasing tears had begun again, trailing down her face and making their way down her chin and chest to cascade through the valley between her breasts. Her skin glowed in the otherworldly light and his pants became uncomfortably tight as his cock grew and hardened to the point of pain. Her eyes smoldered with need and Braedan couldn't take any more. He fell to his knees before her, circling her waist with his hands. Her breath caught as his tongue darted out to taste the tears between her breasts. He lowered her to the ground below him, worshiping her body with kisses.

Their desire was tangible and as Galen's moans and whimpers of pleasure became louder, Braedan wasn't sure how much longer he could hold back. His body shook with tension as he lapped gently at a nipple before pulling it into his mouth. Galen felt the fire within her flare, a new wave of moisture pooled between her legs. 

"Braedan, please," she begged, pushing her desire for more through their bond. He lifted his head from his ministrations and grinned. He knew they were dreaming and he couldn't really hurt her but he wanted to treasure this moment, he wanted to prove to Galen that not only would he protect her but that he could give her more pleasure than she had ever experienced. He leaned back down and kissed just above her navel before sinking lower. Soft pecks on the sides of her inner thighs before he maneuvered her legs over his shoulders. He lapped at her feminine folds, treasuring her taste before pulling them into his mouth to tease them with tongue and teeth. Galen quivered in need as he continued his slow onslaught. She loved what he was doing but hated how gentle he was being. She pushed her impatience at him and was rewarded with a chuckle before she felt his tongue dive inside. Her eyes rolled back and a shuddering breath escaped her lips. He quickly replaced his tongue with a finger and began massaging the patch of tissue he was sure could take her over the edge. Her breathing grew more ragged as he continued and when he could feel she was getting close he pushed a second finger in, stretching her tight core and sucked the bud of sensitive nerves into his mouth. She exploded.

Galen could not remember ever feeling so happy. She was floating, she was sure. She knew she was smiling as weight came back to her limbs and when she opened her eyes it was to the vision of Adonis. Braedan knelt proudly before her, his manhood standing tall and sweat gleaming across his well muscled body. Galen licked her lips and spread her legs and lifted her hips slightly in invitation. It was all Braedan could take. He fell upon her, capturing her mouth in a bruising kiss while positioning himself at her opening. With a groan he pushed forward and was met with a sweet tightness he had never even dreamed of. Galen's accompanying moan stilled his actions until her legs wrapped around his waist and urged him forward.

"Take me," she demanded. Braedan growled in her ear and pushed forward, embedding himself fully in the woman he loved so dearly. Pulling nearly all the way out he heard a disappointed whimper before he rammed back in to the hilt with a satisfying groan from both. He reached for his discarded clothes and positioned them under Galen's lower back, lifting her hips and giving him a new angle and deeper penetration. His pace quickened with the volume of their cries, he was staking his claim. He could feel the pressure build, signaling his imminent release but he wouldn't end this alone. He changed his thrusts and began grinding his pelvis into her clit, sending her quickly over the edge. The contractions around his cock were too much and with one last deep thrust he followed.

When Braedan came back to himself he was alone on the small island in the middle of the cold lake. Despite her absence he couldn't help but smile, if she wasn't here, she was awake again. He glanced around and stretched, feeling more alive than he had in years. As he looked out over the vista his breath caught, the island was bigger and the water level had receded. 

*****

Thank you all for reading, I apologize again for taking so long to get this chapter out. Please remember to vote and comments are always welcome. 

Much Love,

Spinner



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 07



(Author's Note: I have taken some creative license in the retelling of the Algos. If you are a buff on Greek mythology please be gentle with me. I know I've said this before but I'm sorry this has taken so long. Another big move for the family and another new job has taken up a lot of my time recently. I hope now that things have settled down I can find some time to spend with my characters. Much love to all and Happy Thanksgiving! - Spinner)

*

"The Three Algos, or Algea were the spirits of pain, suffering, grief and sorrow in ancient Greece. Daughters of the Goddess of strife and discord, Eris their natures became a tool to fight their mother's turbulent character. Lupa and her twin sister, Achus the spirits of pain and the youngest, Ania, the spirit of sorrow. Little is known about these spirits, some believed them to simply be the personification of pain and suffering, while others saw them as saviors, using their gifts to help ease the pain and sorrow in the population around them. It has been postulated that because of their insubstantial nature they were unable to affect the world around them without the aid of a human host. Sadly there is no evidence, anecdotal or otherwise to support this claim."

Ada yawned and rubbed her eyes. She had been up all night, trying to find even a spark of possibility hidden in the university database and the internet. The current passage was the only thing she had found. She had started her search in the countless medical, psychological, neurological and any other journals looking for any reference of a condition similar to Galen's, she had found nothing. So she'd moved onto the realm of the improbable; myths, legends, and fairytales. Whatever was happening to Galen obviously lay beyond average medical understanding and she was a believer in seeking out all possibilities, no matter how remote. At 3:30 in the morning she had stumbled across this passage but that was it. She searched for another hour for any other information or stories on the Algos but all she could find were brief mentions in old poems and stories. If the Algos had anything to do with Galen's condition, she wasn't sure if knowing would make a difference.

****

The water lapped gently against the form in the water. Braedan walked toward it and realized he was looking at the remains of a marble statue. It had toppled over and as the water rose had been covered. Their actions during the night seemed to have eased more of the sorrow than Galen's songs and the water level had dropped nearly two feet. Despite its watery resting place, the statue, although in pieces held a pearlescent glow. Kneeling down in the shallow water, Braedan studied the pieces and realized it was the form of a young girl, marble tears streaming down her face. The toppled base held characters he didn't recognize. Not for the first time he wondered what this place was and was even more curious that he could remain there when Galen was not present. He could feel the pull of the waking world and stood to glance around one last time. He noticed an odd bluish glow in the water he'd never seen before. He looked up, realizing the moon had fallen below the horizon, leaving no explanation for the light in the water.

His eyes fluttered open a moment later and he stretched with a smile. This was the first time in months he had woken without an aching need for release. With that thought he glanced down, expecting to find a mess to clean up but besides being rather tangled his sheets showed no sign of his explosive finish. He glanced at his clock and saw that it was only seven, too early to hear from anyone he assumed.

"A run it is," he declared happily.

*****

Galen opened her eyes not to the sight of Braedan but to the sheer canopy over her bed. She smiled to herself thinking about what they had done and stretched. She winced as her muscles protested and not just from her horse ride the day before. She frowned and sat up and then felt the moisture between her legs. Throwing the covers off of herself she ran to the bathroom and pulled off her clothes. Her underwear were soaked and now that she was standing she felt more moisture begin to drip down her legs. Despite the impossibility of it, she knew this was not the sole product of her arousal as she slept, it was their combined passion. She sat down hard on the edge of the bathtub.

"But, it was a dream," she said quietly to herself, trying to come to grips with what had happened. She knew she had been in her bed all night and that Braedan had been in his, across town. But she also knew that her body ached in a way that proved she had been well loved the night before and the combined spending pushed the point home. Somehow, normal physical laws had been circumvented and any protection a normal dream would give a girl had just been thrown out the window. She didn't think Peter had put her on any form of birth control, feeling that his protection would be enough to keep men away. She placed her hands on her stomach, her heart racing at the thought that she could very well end up pregnant. But when she thought of Braedan, his smile, his love, and his dedication she felt warm. She could picture herself, swelled heavily with child and Braedan at her side. A giddiness welled within and she picked herself up and started the shower. Her heart felt truly light for the first time in years.

Peter woke to the smell of bacon. He pulled on a robe and rubbing his eyes and made his way to the kitchen. The sight and sound that greeted him almost made his heart stop. His sister was dancing around the kitchen, making breakfast and humming happily to herself. She noticed his stare and giggled.

"Good morning, Peter. Breakfast will be ready in just a few minutes. Would you like some coffee?"

He nodded, almost dumbly and sat down at the breakfast bar. He hadn't gotten much sleep having to wake Galen up every few hours and the last time he woke her up she had still been the zombie. He looked at the clock, just past seven, which mean that was only two hours ago. What had changed in that time?

"How are you feeling? How's the head?" he managed to get out.

"Wonderful!" She twirled again and deposited a steaming cup of black coffee before him. "My head's still a little tender but besides that I feel incredible."

"You seem way too cheery for someone who had to be woken up every hour last night,"

Galen shrugged and grinned at her brother. Turning back to the stove she flipped the eggs over and pulled the bacon out of the pan. In another few moments she had assembled two plates, complete with bacon, eggs, and hash browns.

"Do you have any idea of what you'd like to do today?" he asked, enjoying the first few bites of his food. He wasn't sure but he swore he saw the slightest blush before she turned around to gather her own plate.

"I was hoping to call Ada and see if she'd be willing to take me shopping. I haven't really had a chance to do that is a long time. Would that be alright?"

Peter was surprised she didn't ask to see Braedan first thing and he was more than happy to see her go out with Ada. He'd had to do most of her shopping the last three years and it was definitely not on his top ten list of fun ways to spend an afternoon.  

"Sure, babe. We'll call her a little later and see if she's free. How much money do you think you'll need?" 

"I'm not really sure," she said thoughtfully, "I guess I hadn't really considered what I would get exactly, I just thought it would be fun to go out with Ada for some girl time," she smiled sheepishly and Peter laughed.

"I'll give you my card then, and you can go crazy," Galen came around the counter and after placing her plate next to Peter's on the breakfast bar gave him a big hug.

"Thank you, big brother."

"Anytime, babe. Just make sure to have fun."

The siblings finished their breakfast amidst a feeling of serenity. Peter couldn't help the warmth that swelled in his chest at seeing his sister smile and laugh and he felt his resolve crumbling in regards to Braedan. With a new determination he knew he would do whatever it took to keep Galen smiling. 

"Why don't you go and relax. Since you made breakfast I'll do the dishes and then give Ada a call." Galen nodded and quickly rinsed her plate in the sink before heading back to her room. She figured a little more rest wouldn't hurt especially after the exertions of the day before.

Peter waited to hear her bedroom door close before he gulped down the rest of his coffee and grabbed his wallet and phone. He pulled out the slip of paper he'd been handed the day before and took a deep breath before punching in the numbers. The phone rang for a while and he was about to hang up, not wanting to say what was need on a machine when Braedan's voice came on.

"This is Braedan," he said, sounding slightly winded.

"Umm, Braedan, this is Peter." Braedan could hear an uneasy undertone in Peter's words and was instantly concerned.

"Is Galen alright?"

"She's fine, better than fine actually," Peter said with a sigh. "She says her head is a little sore but nothing besides that."

"Then why the trepidation, Peter." Braedan asked, confused. "I know we haven't really gotten off on the right foot, but you sound genuinely concerned about something."

"Look, Braedan, Galen is my sister, she's all I have and I don't want anything to happen to her. I know you...are interested in her and she in you, but,"

"Peter," Braedan tried to say.

"No, please, let me finish before I lose my nerve." When Braedan didn't say anything else he went on."I know you are interested in each other, but please get to know each other a little better before you jump into anything too serious. There is something about you that brings Galen back to us, I won't even try to understand it but I can accept it. My sister needs you Braedan, and as much as it pains me to admit it, I need you too. I don't know what I would do if she went back to the way she's been the past three years. I won't ask you what your intentions are with her, because you've made them pretty obvious, but still know that if you hurt her, mine will be the last face you see."

Braedan was a little embarrassed and rather stunned at Peter's forthright speech. He'd expected a fight to get closer to Galen, but if he heard correctly, Peter had just given him permission to be with his sister.

"I know my words won't mean much, but I hope I can prove to you that I would never hurt your sister. I've seen how she suffers, I could never add more to her," he said. There was an uncomfortable pause before Peter cleared his throat.

"If you aren't busy this evening, you might bring Galen out, she could use a nice night out."

Braedan couldn't help the smile that came to his face, and Peter could easily hear the change in tone in his response.

"Are you setting your sister up on a date?" he asked, trying not to laugh. 

"Oh shut it, Kelly, just be here at six to pick her up," CLICK.

Fifteen minutes later Peter knocked on Galen's door.

"Come in," she called.

"Ada will be here in an hour to take you shopping," he said and laughed when Galen squealed in excitement. "And make sure to pick up something nice to wear,"

"Why's that, where are we going?" she asked, confusion evident on her face.

"Not 'we', you. You have a date tonight." Galen was off of her bed and in her brother arms in a second.

"Thank you!" she kept saying until Peter had to forcibly push her way.

"You're welcome, now get ready," he said, smiling broadly. Her excitement was infectious and the hint of worry that lingered began to melt away.

*******

Maywood Mall was nothing special but it held enough shops to keep Ada and Galen busy for the afternoon. By the time Ada picked Galen up it was nearly lunch time so they stopped in the food court for some greasy food before hitting the actual stores. Galen had every intention of telling Ada what had transpired the night before, hoping for some guidance, but now that the opportunity had come she felt too nervous to talk about it.

"I know something is on your mind, sweety. Why don't you just spit it out, you'll feel a lot better afterward."

Galen looked at Ada and blushed hotly. This was why she loved this woman. She was incredibly perceptive but lacked the self righteous streak that caused many other perceptive people to add judgments to what they saw. Ada cocked her head and smiled knowingly at the color that came to her friends cheeks.

"Should I assume this has to do with a certain handsome doctor? Peter told me that you have a date tonight."

"It's not about tonight," Galen said quietly, glancing around to make sure there was no one nearby who might overhear. "It's about what happened last night."

"Last night? But you were..." Ada stopped and her eyes grew wide as she realized the significance of Galen's words. "You mean in your dream?"

Galen nodded, Ada laughed.

"Well damn, he must be rather talented to produced a blush like the one you just gave."

"You have no idea." Galen sighed happily and then laughed along with her friend. But her merriment didn't continue and Ada knew there was something else going on. Taking Galen's hands she squeezed gently.

"If things were as wonderful as you're alluding to, why on earth do you seem hesitant in your happiness?" Once again Galen glanced around before speaking.

"Everything was wonderful, and I am happy, happier than I've been in a really long time. But, I mean, this connection I have with Braedan is weird enough but after last night...well, let's just say when I woke up I had a lot more to clean up than should be possible." The confusion was clear on Ada's face for a few moments but Galen could clearly see when the other woman figured it out.

"You mean, when you two...how could that happen? Are you ok, do we need to pick anything up for you? Does Braedan know?"

Galen almost laughed at how unbalanced Ada seemed at the news. She smiled gently and shook her head.

"No, Ada, I'm perfectly fine. Whatever happens, happens. I've thought about it a lot today and if I were to get...pregnant," the word was harder to say than she thought, "because of last night, or any other nights like it; I doubt there is anything I could have done to prevent it, not if the normal rules are already out the window. I don't understand any of this but if it were to happen, I have to believe that it is meant to be, none of this makes sense anyway. I'm not really sure if he knows or not, I haven't had a chance to talk to him, I'll try tonight though."

Ada was completely out of her element, she dealt in the realm of facts, of reality, or at least she use to. She thought back to the reading she'd done that morning and sighed. No, she was definitely not dealing with something that could be explained away. The girl, no the woman in front of her just continued to surprise her. Looking at her again she realized it wasn't fear that was holding back Galen's happiness of the experience, it was confusion.

"Alright, just promise me you'll speak with Braedan about all of this. You can't know how he will feel about the possibility of bringing a child into this world without speaking to him. I can't even begin to understand all of this but make sure you're both on the same page. Braedan's a great guy, he deserves the knowledge at the least."

"All right, I promise," Galen said and took a final sip of her root-beer. "If we're done with the serious talk can we go shopping now?"

*****

Braedan glanced at his watch, 5:34pm. Early, but he couldn't stop himself from climbing the few steps up to Galen's front door. He didn't understand how he could physically hurt from being away from her but as the hours ticked by that day his head began to hurt, his skin prickled and a heaviness descended on his chest. He'd driven over to her place at 5:00, unable to wait any longer and as if her physical proximity made the difference the heaviness lifted and he was able to breath easily for the first time in hours. Feeling better he tried to sit in his car until closer to his expected arrival but the anticipation was too much and the heaviness returned. He was just reaching for the door bell when the door swung open and a streak of blue flew into his arms.

"Braedan!" Galen wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her head in the crook, breathing in his soft musky scent. Braedan smiled and buried his face in her hair. "I couldn't wait either," she said sweetly in his ear and he sighed and squeezed her tightly. 

"Mind if I declare that 24 hours away from you is much too long?" he asked her, while extracting himself from her arms. When he got a good look at her he sucked in a breath. Her hair was curled gently and flowed down her back and across one shoulder. Very light makeup adorned her face with a silver eye shadow that made her eyes shine. Blue tear drop earrings hung delicately from her ears and their color matched the blue of her dress perfectly. The dress, wow. The dress hugged her slender frame down to her hips at which point it flared out into multiple layers of fabric that swirled down to her knees. The sweetheart neckline was modest enough for her brother, Braedan was sure, but not by much.

Galen beamed up at the man before him, adoration clear on his face. She twirled around gracefully.

"Do you like it?"

Braedan gulped. He was about to tell her just how much he liked it when Peter and Ada appeared in the doorway smiling. Ada nudged Peter in the ribs and after a quick glare he turned his attention to Braedan.

"I hope you both have a great time. Galen is an adult so she doesn't have a curfew, but I would appreciate a call to let me know when I can expect her home." Peter's eyes bore into the other man and Braedan could easily read between the lines. Peter would not be very happy if Galen didn't make it home tonight and he understood completely.

"Actually I plan to have her back no later than 11:30, so there is no need to worry. I figured dinner and movie would be appropriate for a first date?" He turned to Galen at this to make sure she was on-board with the plan; she nodded her agreement with a grin.

"See," Ada said smugly, "that wasn't so hard was it?" Peter just grunted in response.

Braedan offered his arm and Galen took it with a smile, glancing back over her shoulder with a grin at her brother. Once in the car Galen wanted to get the heavy topics of conversation over with, not to mention a restaurant and a movie theater weren't ideal places for private chats but the words wouldn't come.

"I know you want to say something," Braedan smiled, "I can feel it, just spit it out."

Galen thought back to her conversation with Ada, and almost laughed at the similar start to it. She took a deep breath.

"I...I could be pregnant." As soon as the words were out of her mouth she almost groaned at her wording. What would he think? "No, that came out wrong," she chanced a glance at his face, afraid at what she would see but she just saw confused amusement. Heaving a sigh she tried again. "Sorry, let me start over. This morning when I woke up, after we..." she blushed scarlet not sure why she felt so shy all of a sudden.

"Made love," Braedan supplied for her helpfully, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. 

"Yes, made love. Well, when I woke up I had a lot more to clean up than I should have." She watched him closely. First he grinned ear to ear, in manly pride no doubt but then the real meaning behind her words sank in and his smile faded to a look of astonishment. She gasped when he took a hard right into a parking lot and stopped the car quickly. He took her hands and looked between her face and he belly. 

"So you mean, with what we did last night, you could become pregnant because of it?" His eyes shown with wonder and one of his hands reached tentatively for her stomach but stopped with inches remaining between them. Galen took his hand and pulled it the rest of the distance to rest on her flat belly. 




Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 07



"Yes? I don't really know. You're ok with this?"

"Ok?" His eyes lifted from the view of their entwined hands on her stomach to look her in the eyes. "I know we just found each other, Galen, but I love you. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I hadn't really thought as far as children but just the thought that our child could be growing inside of you," his second hand joined his first and he stroked her stomach, "I can't imagine anything that would make me happier."

Galen lifted a hand to Braedan's face and stroked his cheek. "I love you too."

Braedan's hands moved to cup Galen's face and he kissed her gently. "So, how about that dinner?"

*******

Peter sighed as he closed the door behind his sister, placing his head against it and closing his eyes. He couldn't remember the last time he had been at home without her. Gentle hands ran up his back in a comforting motion and he smiled. Turning he pulled Ada into hug and sighed again.

"Thanks for being here, love," he said. Not for the first time he felt his body begin to respond to the feminine softness pressed so intimately against him. He took a deep breath, trying to control his reaction and nearly groaned as the sweet scent of lilies assaulted his nose. His grip on the woman in his arms tightened and he realized that for the first time in a long time, he didn't have to hide his feelings, he didn't have to control his actions, there was no one here he had to put before himself except the woman who had spent the last few years driving him crazy with need. 

"Of course, Peter. You couldn't have kept me away." She gave him a quick squeeze and peck on the cheek before untangling herself from his hold.

"Not so fast," he grabbed her hand and pulled her back, capturing her lips with his own before she knew what was happening. Her eyes grew wide at the sudden contact but quickly drifted closed with pleasure. She melted against him in moments, moaning as he deepened the kiss. His hands rose to her face and held it gently, a stark contrast to the hunger in his kiss. When he pulled back Ada blinked up at him slightly dazed. "I've wanted to do that for way too long."

"Worth the wait?" she asked with an embarrassingly shaky voice.

The grin that broke across Peter's face was the only answer she received before he reclaimed her mouth. When the kiss finally ended they stood gasping for air.

"I'll take that as a yes," Ada said with a smile, but it faded a little and concern appeared in her eyes. "How long has it been, Peter?"

He knew what she meant. She had always been on his case about maintaining his own life while taking care of Galen but the life he lead before the accident just didn't fit with the man he had become after it, the man his sister needed him to be. Before the accident he'd had a different girl on his arm every week, each more beautiful than the last. Sex was a normal part of life, and life was damn good. But with one phone call that all changed. Bringing Galen to live with him was the only solution he could live with, and having your near catatonic sister hanging around the house wasn't very conducive to an active sex life. But that hadn't bothered him, he'd taken on the full-time roll of big brother, parent, and caretaker, without a backwards glance. And he had tried. After Galen was back up on her feet from the accident and before she lost all sense of the real world he'd tried to date. But bringing a near stranger home when his sister was just down the hall wasn't all that appealing especially the morning after when the girl tended to get freaked out over Galen's condition. That only happened once. But Ada had been insistent so being the dutiful best friend had offered to stay with Galen so Peter could have some time to unwind. But he soon realized the only women he wanted to spend time with were the ones waiting at home.

"Two years? How about you, beautiful? You seem to spend just as much time wrapped up in all of this as I do, maybe more." A blush rose to Ada's cheeks and Peter looked at her quizzically, she looked at her feet to hide from his gaze.

"Well, between the fast track undergrad work I did, grad school and then working with you and Galen..." she chanced a glance at his face and swallowed, "Never."

Peter's eyes opened wide in shock, "But you...I....what?" he shook his head before throwing it back and laughing, "You are such a hypocrite! Always telling me to live my life when you've barely started yours." The humor in his eyes remained as he gently cupped her face. "How could someone as smart and as beautiful as you still be a virgin at twenty five?"

"Those traits can only get someone so far. And when the one guy you're interested in is preoccupied with other things, it can get a girl down. Not that I'm bitter, he had his reasons."

"Just because he was preoccupied doesn't mean he didn't notice the treasure in front of him. I'm sorry it's taken me so long." Ada leaned into the warmth of his hand.

"Like I said, you had your reasons, it's not your fault that I've been so hung up over you that I never looked at anyone else, alright maybe partially your fault, if you weren't so perfect,"

"I'm hardly perfect, Ada" he interrupted.

"Sure you are," she said with a grin. "That thick headedness of yours is even endearing, I'm still trying to figure out how you pull that one off." She gave him a small peck before taking a step back. "Now how about I make dinner, I don't know about you but I'm starving." She was running, she knew she was. There was no logical reason either. Peter had basically just told her what she had waited years to hear, and she was walking away. Her heart was still racing and she licked her lips as she turned from him. She began walking to the kitchen but didn't make it two steps before a pair of warm hands settled on her hips and pulled her back roughly against a hard body, she squeaked in surprise.

"Dinner can wait," Peter whispered against her ear, sending delightful shivers throughout her body. "I'm hungry for something a little sweeter and I intend to show you just how sweet it can be."



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 08



"Can I interest either of you in dessert tonight?" the waiter interrupted, looking between Braedan and Galen.

Galen smiled warmly at the young man but shook her head. "I couldn't eat another bite."

"I have to agree. The rest of the food was just too delicious, we couldn't help but over indulge. We will take our check though, if you don't mind."

"Of course, I'll be right back with that."

Braedan turned back to his date and smiled, "You were saying?"

"Well, when Ada and I went shopping she got me thinking about the future. If things keep going well, and I can stay awake for longer periods of time, I'd like to go back to school. I don't care where, my credits should transfer. I have all my prerequisites done to get into a teaching program, it's just a matter of getting signed up." The waiter returned and set down their check along with two complimentary mints. "Thank you," Galen unwrapped her mint while Braedan took out his wallet.

"So you'll teach kids while I heal them," he said, putting their payment along with a generous tip on the table.

"We'll catch them coming and going."

"Won't it be your job to teach them to be safe and careful?" he asked with laugh.

"Among other things," she shot back but sobered quickly, "but accidents do happen." Warm hands enveloped hers and she looked up into Braedan's incredible eyes.

"So we'll be the ones to help pick up the pieces." His tone had gentled at her obvious distress. He wanted to kick himself for leading the conversation in such a direction, he hated seeing her in pain, especially when he was the one to cause it. His moment of self loathing must have been stronger than he suspected because the sadness in Galen's eyes shifted to anger quickly.

"Don't do that to yourself! There is nothing you can do to change the past, Braedan and you can't protect me from it either. I won't have you blaming yourself for anything," the challenge in her eyes was obvious. It dared him to contradict her edict. Braedan could only shake his head.

"You really are the most incredible woman I've ever met. Here you are spouting at me about not protecting you from your pain, when you help protect everyone from theirs. All I can promise is that I'll try my best, I hate seeing you hurting sweetheart, especially if there is something I can do to prevent it."

"I suppose that's the best I'm going to get, huh?" she asked with a half smile, her anger having already simmered out. She was answered by being pulled to her feet and enfolded in two strong arms.

"You've got that right, sweetheart. Let's get out of here." Taking her hand he led her from the restaurant. As they walked he realized he had yet to tell her about his discovery the night before. He looked down at her walking beside him and smiled, pulling her arm through his before speaking. "I forgot to mention something about last night."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Somehow I managed to stay at the lake after you woke up." Galen's head snapped up at the news. "It wasn't for long," he continued. "Just long enough to notice a few things."

"What kind of things?"

"Well, with our very satisfying finish," Galen blushed scarlet while Braedan smiled proudly, "it seems the water level dropped...dramatically."

"What do you mean by 'dramatically'?" Her eyes were wide in surprise, how could this be?

"Three feet maybe? A lot more than when you sing." Galen's feet slowed unconsciously, bringing them both to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk. She looked up at Braedan speechless. Three feet? Feet? In the three years she had been trapped never once had she been able to perform such a deed. It had only been by happenstance she had figured out that her singing helped lift some of the sorrow; but it lowered the water in barely visible amounts. What Braedan revealed was incredible. Together they had diminished a great amount of pain. But how?

"Braedan, how is this possible? What we did, it wasn't for anyone else, it was for ourselves, how could that affect the island?" Braedan could clearly feel her confusion and her reluctance to believe. He was glad he'd had a chance to think all of this through before their date.

"The first time you sang, the first time that you noticed a change on the island, why did you sing?" The question threw Galen off guard, not sure where he was going with this.

"I was lonely," she said, "I was trapped and alone and sad and singing has always helped make me feel better so I sang."

"So you didn't sing for anyone else but yourself? You sang so that you would feel better? How is that any different than what we did last night?"

"Well it's just, it's..." she had to stop and think, her thoughts were coming and going so quickly it was hard to grasp one and hold on. "Selfish?" She knew it wasn't the right word but it was the closest she could come. Braedan's eyes darkened a bit at this comment.

"Selfish? Perhaps a little. But we didn't make love for selfish reasons, we made love for each other, to experience a few moments of real, undiluted joy. In that final moment last night, what did you feel?" Galen's mouth lifted in a half smile, her eyes beginning to beam with understanding and love.

"Freedom," she whispered "So much happiness that I can't describe it."

"Exactly. Many people say that joy is contagious; I think we may have proved that last night." Galen wrapped her arms around the man before her, burying her head against his strong chest.

"Thank you," she whispered, afraid that if she spoke any louder that the emotion in her voice would overwhelm her.

"I haven't even finished telling you everything." Yet again Galen's eyes met his in surprise.

"More? What else could there be?"

"With the drop in water level I noticed a few other things. A marble statue of girl appeared. It was toppled over but still in amazing shape for being underwater for so long. She had tears running down her face. And then there was a blue glow out in the middle of the water. I think there's something down there."

"What is that place?" Galen asked, squeezing Braedan tightly.

"I keep asking myself that same question."

******

Gina smiled at the handsome man at her counter. Usually the only nice faces she had to look at were of men on the cover of magazines. The man in front of her was delicious. Shoulder length black hair hung around his face and fierce hazel eyes took in everything around him, a strong and compact body finished up the package nicely. When he set down his purchases on the belt she wanted to lick her lips, she loved a man who worked with his hands. She saw the edge of his mouth lift in a wicked smile and a heated look enter his eyes as he took in her low cut shirt and the generous amount of cleavage it left visible.

"Good evening, I hope you found everything alright," she said batting her eye lashes playfully. "Wow, duck tape, rope, hooks, chains, hammer," she rattled off as she scanned the items, "You must have quite the project you're working on, sugar."

"You could say that," the man answered, a hard edge to his voice. "just getting ready for a guest. I want to make sure she'll find her stay..." he glanced at the items being placed in bags with an evil glint in his eye that sent a shiver of unease through Gina, "comfortable." Gina quickly finished ringing him up and handed him his receipt. She liked her men hot, but she had an unnerving suspicion that this one would leave her charred beyond recognition once he got through with her. She did not envy his guest one bit.

******

The air wooshed from her lungs as Peter threw her down on the bed. There was barely anytime to regain her breath before his hard body climbed over hers and recaptured her mouth in a bruising kiss.

"You taste so good," he crooned, pulling away from her mouth to run his lips from her neck down to her collarbone. Goosebumps followed his touch and Ada gasped, trying to regain at least a semblance of control. His hands were everywhere at once and it was becoming increasingly difficult to focus on anything but the burning that was spreading through her body. Her shirt was quickly pulled over her head and thrown across the room but the activity stopped suddenly after that. She forced her eyes open and looked up into the burning face of her best friend. He stared down at her with a hunger that caused her to swallow hard. His eyes were glued to the delicate swell of her breasts encased in black lace and silk. His hands hovered near her sides, shaking slightly.

"Peter?" she was growing concerned. Had he changed his mind? The desperation and doubt in her voice cause his eyes to meet hers and he smiled wickedly.

"I'm am far from being down with you, love. I just had to take a moment to really look at you. You are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." The conviction in his tone sent pleasant shivers down her spine. His hands ran down her sides and gripped her hips tightly before moving to unbutton her jeans and pull them down her long legs. "Absolutely stunning. I can't believe I've waited so long for this." He descended on her again, this time capturing a taught nipple through a layer of lace. The moan that issued from Ada's mouth was ripped straight from her soul; there was nothing she could remember that had ever felt even half as divine as Peter's mouth. Her back arched as he began to pull away, trying desperately to follow the warmth of his lips and tongue. She was rewarded when he pushed the cup of her bra to the side and engulfed her nipple once more without the fabric in the way. A sharp nip of his teeth caused her to yelp before he laved the pain away with long sweeps of his wicked tongue.

Her hands fed through his short hair and she held on as best as she could. The world was spinning and she still couldn't seem to catch her breath. She didn't even realize that she was grinding her pelvis against the hardness lying against her until Peter growled and glared down at her, pinning her hips to the bed. She whimpered in need and any frustration Peter had been feeling at being pushed too fast evaporated against the heated look in Ada's eyes. He groaned.

"I'm trying to take my time and be gentle, Ada. I want this to be good for you. I don't want to hurt you."

"Be gentle next time," she panted, trying desperately to move against him. "I need you now, I need to feel you now!"

Peter could feel his control slip. He was like a man dying of thirst and Ada was the coolest, purest spring in existence lying right in front of him, he couldn't hold back any longer. He ripped her panties down her legs and pulled her closer to the edge of the bed. Grabbing her hips he lifted her up and lined himself up with her glistening opening. The keening moan that left her mouth at the feel of his hardness caressing her slit had Peter gripping her all the tighter. With one hand he worked his shaft up and down her dripping slit, coating himself easily. The sensation of his heat against her core was nearly enough to send her spiraling over the edge. She forced her eyes open again and looked up into Peter's. It seemed to be what he was waiting for because without preamble he pushed forward quickly, engulfing himself in her tight folds. Ada groaned loudly.

"You're so tight," he ground out between clenched teeth. "Are you ok?" he asked, still trying his hardest to ensure her comfort.

"Fuck me, Peter." she demanded breathlessly. He growled at her words and grinned darkly, all thoughts of restraint gone. He pulled back and slammed in again, seating himself fully in the woman below him. The friction of his cock sliding roughly inside her was too much. When he pushed in a second time she shattered; screaming his name. Her muscles contracted tightly around his hard shaft and he struggled not to end this too early. Holding still he lowered her hips back onto the bed and lowered himself on top of the one woman other than his sister who had managed to find a stronghold in his heart. He stroked her face gently as she came back down and smiled at the dreamy look on her face. With her muscles still shuddering around him be began to move again, slower this time, gentler.

She picked up the rhythm quickly, matching him thrust for thrust, urging him with her body to pick up the pace once more. His own body responded on a primal level and he soon found himself pounding inside her at a ruthless pace, desperate to reach his own completion. Her hands stroked his back and her nails raked his heated skin. One particularly deep thrust caused her muscles to squeeze tightly and her nails dug deep. The heady mix of pain and pleasure ended his torment and he erupted deep inside her quivering core. The feel of his release was all Ada needed to join him in bliss.

Peter fell to the bed and rolled, pulling Ada around so she fit snugly against his chest. As their breathing evened out the pull of sleep began to inch forward.

"I'm sorry if that was too fast, I'll make it better next time," he vowed softly, kissing her bare shoulder tenderly.

"It can get better?" she asked, clearly stunned which cause Peter to laugh.

"So much better," he answered as his laughter died down, "I'll have to prove it to you later though, right now I just want to sleep with you beside me."

"I think that can be arranged."

***** "Thank you for a wonderful night," Galen said while Braedan walked her to her door.

"Any night is wonderful when I'm with you," he responded which caused her to blush, again. She would have snorted if the comment had come from anyone else but she could feel his sincerity through their bond.

"You're going to have to stop being so perfect at some point," she said, "I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop but so far nothing."

Braedan chuckled and gave her a quick kiss.

"You haven't met my family yet," he laughed, "I'm sure they would love to tell you just how not perfect I am."

"Well they would obviously be wrong."

He chuckled again pulled her into a hug.

"Would you like to do something tomorrow?" he asked.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I was hoping you'd have an idea, you haven't had a chance to see much recently." Galen thought for a moment and smiled.

"Is there a college near by? Could we maybe visit the campus, check out their teaching program?"

"I'm glad to see you so excited about this. There are a few colleges around, I think there's a private school downtown that is said to have a wonderful teaching program. We can start there?"

"That sounds perfect, thank you."

"Anything for you, beautiful. Anything." He leaned down and gently brushed her lips with his own before pulling back and looking into her face. The pout that became visible as he pulled away cause his eyes to sparkle with good humor. "If I go any further tonight, I can't promise I'd be able to keep my promise to your brother, and I'd much rather stay on his good side." Galen humphed but nodded, she knew he was right, even the slight contact sent warmth flooding through her body.

"I guess this is goodnight then?" she asked. Braedan nodded, clearly just as reluctant to end their evening as she was.

"I'll pick you up in the morning. How does nine o'clock sound?"

"Nine should be fine, I'll be waiting."

"Sleep tight, and sweet dreams," he said softly, cupping her face gently and bestowing on her one last kiss.

"I'll meet you there," she said.

She watched as Braedan got in his car and waved as he drove off before heading inside with a content sigh. It was still relatively early, just past ten so she was surprised at how quiet the house was.

"Peter?" she called but received no response. That was odd. She had expected her brother to be pacing the floor waiting for her to get home but he was nowhere in sight. As she climbed the stairs she heard a groan coming from his room and didn't stop to think. Was he hurt? Could she help him? "Peter...." her voice trailed off as she pushed open his bedroom door and she stood there in utter shock. The couple on the bed were obviously not injured in any way and so caught up in each other that they hadn't heard her arrival. Blushing five shades of scarlet she backed up as quietly as she could and closed the door. She couldn't decide on whether to be horrified at having walked in on her brother and her friend during such a private moment or to be happy that two of the people she cared for most were obviously very happy. But by the time she reached her own room she felt ecstatic. Both Peter and Ada did so much for her, sacrificed so much, she knew she could only feel joy for them. Things were getting better, she just knew it. She changed out of her dress and got ready for bed. She left a note under Peter's door to let him know about her plans in the morning in case she wasn't aware enough to get ready on her own. Still, she set her alarm clock and climbed into bed. And for the first time in nearly three years, she dreamed normal dreams.

*****

The sun pouring through her window woke her before the alarm could. She stretched and then shot up in bed, realizing she was still coherent. Giggles bubbled up and overflowed as the joy of the situation overtook her. She was awake, aware, and so incredibly happy. She looked at her clock, 7:53am, just a few minutes before her alarm would have woken her. With a wide smile on her face she quickly selected her clothes for the day and headed to the bathroom to shower. By the time she exited the steaming bathroom and made her way to the kitchen, Ada and Peter were there sipping coffee.

"Good morning!" Peter's smile grew at seeing his sister lucid yet again.

"Two mornings in a row. We might just have to keep this Kelly guy around."

"Oh stop," Ada shoved him playfully, she shared Peter's same smile at Galen's amazing progress.

"How did you sleep?" Galen asked, she looked between Peter and Ada and smiled knowingly. The color that came to Ada's cheeks was enough to cause more laughter to fill the room. "I'm really happy for you both," she said gently, hugging them both.

"So college shopping with the good doctor today, huh?" Peter asked; waving the note she'd left for him the night before.

"Yeh, he should be here in a few minutes. I think I'll grab something small to eat and wait outside for him."

"If you can wait a few minutes I'll walk out with you, I've gotta get to work," Ada said, gulping down the rest of her coffee. "Just let me grab my stuff." Galen nodded and rummaged through the cabinets until she found a granola bar and a banana. Peter got up and followed Ada back to his bedroom while Galen ate her meager breakfast.

"Can't you take the day off?" Peter had come up behind her as she gathered her jacket and purse, pulling her against him and running his hands up and down her toned body. With an audible sigh she melted into his embrace for a moment before forcing herself around to face him. She kissed him softly, brushing her lips lightly against his.

"Peter, I just started. I can't take days off in order to spend more time in bed with you; as much as I would love to." His face dropped for a moment before he schooled his expression.

"Well, then will you at least spend the night with me again?" Ada grinned.

"You couldn't keep me away. But now I really need to go, I'm going to be late."

Galen and Ada walked outside together. Peter watching from the doorway as the two women embraced. Galen said something that made Ada laugh loudly. Both women turned their gazes to Peter and laughed again at his hardened expression, he hated gossip.

"I'll see you both tonight," Ada called as she reached her car. The siblings both waved as she drove off.

"Are you sure you don't want to wait inside?" Peter asked. It was a chilly morning despite the bright sun and all his sister had on was a light jacket.

"I'm sure, I just want to soak in the sun for a few minutes. Braedan shouldn't be long."

"Alright, have a good time today, and here, take my cell, I should be home all day so call if you need anything, everything is programmed." Peter handed her his phone and she slid it into her purse with a smile.




Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 08



"Thanks, big brother." She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I'm really happy for you." Peter squeezed her a little harder at her words and took a deep breath.

"I'm happy for you too, babe. If you get cold come inside and wait, okay?"

Galen nodded her agreement and Peter went inside. Looking around she realized she had never really looked at their yard before. It was simple with a small law in the front, the edges sported some well manicured shrubs that were bursting with flower buds, she couldn't wait to see what colors would be produced. She walked along the edge of the yard and tried to take everything in, everything she had been missing. A yawn caught her off guard and a soft buzzing began in the back of her mind. It took her a few moments to realize what that feeling meant. By the time she did it was too late to do anything about it. She took a few steps toward the front door as her vision closed in and she felt herself spiraling inward. She had been away from Braedan too long and not going to their island in her dreams last night must have had a bigger effect than she first thought. She should have listened to Peter and waited inside. The last thing she saw before she tumbled completely within herself made her heart freeze in fear, the handsome face of Greg Daniels coming toward her. 



Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 09



*Author's note: I want to thank everyone for sticking with me, I know it's been a long time in coming and I hope you find the final chapter of Sorrow's Sieve satisfying. I apologize for any typos or mistakes, I've done my best to proof read and edit multiple times but it's hard to catch everything. Please vote and don't be afraid to leave comments, they encourage me to become a better writer. Happy New Years Everyone!*

*

She just stood there. He had come to get a better idea of the lay of her neighborhood and home when she had walked out of her house. Another woman accompanied her but she quickly left. She and her brother spoke for a moment and although he couldn't make out their words from where he was hidden, it appeared to be a goodbye. He watched her leave her house and walk around the yard for a few minutes. When he was sure her brother wasn't coming back out he decided to approach; this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. 

He had come prepared just in case, and it appeared the case had indeed presented itself. He knew he had to be careful, if she heard or saw him she would scream and there was a chance her brother would hear and rush out to investigate. So he pulled a prepared syringe from his coat pocket, pocketed the cap and crept up on her. He watched her carefully for any sudden movements and what he saw brought a smile to his face. He watched her swoon suddenly; she was obviously not running at one hundred percent. She took a few steps toward the front door and he lengthened his steps to reach her before she could get there. 

But again he was surprised when her steps slowed and stopped, and then she turned. He was nearly on top of her when her eyes met his, there was a brief moment of recognition and fear that caused his blood to boil and then her eyes glazed over and her expression became blank. She just stood there. Confusion warred with his baser instincts but he quickly decided he couldn't take any chances. He'd already come this far. Stepping closer to her he carefully pulled her against his solid frame and she came without any resistance. He quickly pushed her hair to the side exposing her neck. The syringe sank in easily, the fast acting sedative moving through her system from her carotid artery. 

Throwing the needle into the nearby bushes he gripped the beautiful girl before him as her body was overcome with the affects of the drug. She sank into his embrace and he quickly pulled her after him to the side street where he'd parked his car. By the time they were halfway there he had to pull her into his arms as consciousness left her fully. He smiled darkly as he inhaled her clean scent and ran his hands up and down her shapely legs. Oh yes, this was going to be fun. 

*****

"Aina! Aina you must wake up!" 

"It's no use, Lupa. Whatever he gave her is strong. It will take more than you shaking and yelling to get her to wake up."

"It isn't fair, she is so close. How many hosts has she had now? A thousand? If I had known how difficult a time she would have I never would have agreed to this, Achus."

"Be patient, Lupa. She made the decision, not you or I. She knew it would be difficult. But she has found her symbolon now. He is her other half in every way, both for her spirit and for the body she inhabits. He will not let any harm come to her. They have been searching for each other for countless millennia and I think he is the catalyst that will finally help end this. Look around, look at what he has already helped accomplish. We have not been able to interact with her in nearly two thousand years, but here you sit cradling her in your arms and they have only been together for a handful of days. Have hope, sister."

"I will try, Achus. I hope for all our sakes you are correct. Aina is strong but I fear she cannot take much more. You and I were lucky and found our soul's counterpart early, they gave us strength to fight, Aina has not had such fortune. I just hope he is not too late."

***** Braedan felt uneasy. When he'd gone to bed it was with the knowledge that he would be seeing Galen soon. But when he woke up the next morning to light streaming through the windows and no memory of visiting Galen on the island the unease had set in. He tried to tell himself that this was a good thing. That perhaps when they banished so much pain she had been granted a reprieve for one night, maybe longer. But what if she had still gone and it was only he who could not find his way there? The knot of pain in the back of his mind had diminished as had his connection with Galen. He couldn't feel her and he didn't like it. 

He had slept in later than he normally did and realized that if he didn't hurry he would be late to pick her up. He rushed through his shower and breakfast and was on the road within twenty minutes and he was still going to be a few minutes late. He was stopped at a light about five minutes away when a wave of exhaustion hit him hard. A huge yawn escaped and he had to rub his eyes to clear his vision. Apparently he still needed to catch up on his sleep. They would definitely have to make a stop for coffee if he was going to make it through today. 

The smile that lit his face when he finally pulled up in front of her house was impossible to stop. Right through that door was a woman who had become his world in the span of three days. He knew he should be scared at how quickly his feelings had developed but everything just felt right. He hopped out of his truck and nearly skipped up to the door. When it didn't open right away at his knock he tried the doorbell. Perhaps she was still getting ready.

He was just about to pull out his phone and call inside when the door opened and Peter looked out with confusion clearly written across his face.

"Oh, hey Braedan, did Galen forget something?"

"Um, no. I'm here to pick her up, we're going to visit a few colleges today, didn't she tell you?" Peter straightened at this news and pushed passed Braedan to get a better look outside.

"She's not with you? She had been waiting outside for you to get here." Braedan's heart rate picked up.

"Galen!" both men called at once and listened for a response. They glanced at each other in worry.

"Do you have your cell on you? I let her borrow mine, give it a call, maybe she took a walk around the block." Peter desperately tried to believe his own words but there was a sinking feeling in his gut. Braedan quickly pulled out his phone and dialed. Both heads whipped around when the audible ring of a cell phone started around the house on the side street. Both men were off, rounding the edge of the building in barely a breath. What they found caused them to stumble to a halt. Peter bent down and scooped up Galen's purse, his cell phone ringing in the front pocket. 

Braedan tried to think but his fear was making it difficult. He couldn't feel her, but he had woken up like that. Had the feeling of unease he felt all morning been a warning? Dammit, if he'd only gotten there sooner! 

"When did she go outside?" Braedan asked her brother. Peter glanced at his watch and then up and down the street, as if willing Galen to appear.

"Ten, maybe fifteen minutes ago tops, she said she wanted to sit in the sun for a while."

"Alright so she can't have been gone all that long. Did you hear anything in the last few minutes before I got here?

"Nothing, my room is on the other side of the house and I was getting changed. That's why it took me so long to get to the door. We have to find her Braedan." Braedan could see the other man shaking with emotion and the tears that were threatening to fall made him swallow his own back. Clearing his throat he grabbed Peter's shoulder and looked him in the eye.

"We will find her, Peter. I promise you." Peter nodded and looked down to compose himself. "Look why don't you call Ada and I'll call the police. I'm not sure if there is anything they can do but it's a start." 

Both of them headed back to the front of the house, phones to their ears. Sure enough, although the police said they would send a unit out to get a statement there was nothing they could really do until 48 hours had passed. Galen was over twenty-one, there was no sign of a struggle, no evidence of a crime. She could have set her purse down and forgot about it before going for a walk. Ada was on her way. She had just made it to work but she promised that once she let Mr. Trent know what was going on she'd be heading in their direction. 

Braedan was pacing across the yard, trying to piece things together. Peter sat on the front stoop watching him. He didn't know what to say. His sister was gone and he felt like a complete failure. He shouldn't have left her alone, not when there was still so much they didn't know about her illness and recovery. He should have insisted she wait inside. He glanced up again at Braedan Kelly, following his movement as he wore a path into the lawn. When he reached the shrubs and turned Peter caught a glimpse of something under one of the bushes. It was just barely catching the morning light. He quickly stood and walked over, bending down to pick up the offending object. His hand stilled and he felt like his stomach was in his throat when he realized what was on the ground.

"Braedan," he choked out. The doctor was there in an instant. When he saw what was there he turned to Peter.

"Don't touch it, I'll be right back." Racing to his truck he grabbed a first aid kit he kept in the back seat and pulled on a pair of gloves. Lastly he grabbed a plastic bag and made his way back over to Peter. Gently he took the object into his own hand and looked at it carefully. The syringe was new, and as he flipped it over in his hand he read the hospital code for Maywood Park. A small amount of blood coated the tip. He thought back to his drive over and the sudden bout of exhaustion. His vision began to tunnel and he had to remind himself to breathe. He knew he was on the verge of panic and that would do Galen no good. 

"If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say there was a strong sedative in here. And as much as I hate to even think it, I have a feeling that bastard Daniels has Galen. This is from the hospital." He growled as he opened the plastic bag and slipped the needle inside. 

"How can you be so sure it was only a sedative?"

"Because I felt it when he injected her." Wide eyes met his and although Galen's brother tried to speak no words came out. Braedan wasn't sure how to explain. So far all Ada and Peter knew was that he and Galen shared the same dreams. That in itself was rather unbelievable but add to it their emotional connection and Braedan knew they were treading on a thin line between real life and fantasy. He was saved from explaining for a few more minutes when Ada pulled up with a screech and practically threw herself out of her car. She took one look at Peter and wrapped her arms around her friend. 

"We'll find her, Peter," she cooed gently, "it's ok." She looked up at Braedan, her expression clearly demanding an update.

"The police haven't arrived yet but I'm pretty sure Daniels has her." 

"Are you sure?" The steely resignation in her eyes made it clear to Braedan that she'd been thinking along similar lines. He lifted the bag that held the syringe.

"That is from the hospital and I sure as hell didn't bring it here." He glanced at Peter who had pulled himself out of Ada's grasp and was trying to compose himself. "I'm pretty sure I also felt it when she was injected with it." Ada's head tilted and her eyes narrowed for a moment before growing wide.

"I knew it! I knew there was something else going on the other day at the hospital. So what is it? Can you hear each other's thoughts or is it less concrete?" Now Braedan was the one surprised, she knew? He had expected skepticism at the very least but this over the top acceptance was almost too much.

"Less concrete," he explained. "It's more feelings than anything. That's how I knew when she was in trouble at the hospital. I was talking with my boss when I got this wave of fear and I just knew that it was coming from Galen. I was on my feet before I knew it and just followed that feeling until I found her."

"So what did you feel this morning?" Peter piped in. 

"The connection seems to fade with time and distance," he explained. "It seems to reasserts itself when we are together or when we're dreaming. But last night my dreams were just normal old dreams, I don't know why. So this morning I couldn't really feel anything. When I was driving over I got a strong wave of exhaustion but just thought it was my own catching up with me. But after seeing this," he motioned again to the discarded needle, "I'm pretty sure it wasn't my lethargy I was feeling."

"Can you still feel her?" Ada asked, hoping with everything in her that he could. The solemn shaking of his head had her holding in a curse.

"When she lost consciousness at the hospital I lost my connection to her. I'm assuming she's in an even deeper state now. Not to mention with how much time has passed since we were together the connection wouldn't be strong enough anyway, even if she were conscious."

"So why don't you just go to sleep and reboot the network?" Peter asked. "From what you've described it seems that if you can meet her in a dream everything will reset, right? And if that happens then hopefully you will be able to tell where she is and we can go and get her."

"It's worth a shot but she would still have to be physically conscious when I woke up for me to be able to feel a direction."

"It might be our only chance, Braedan," Ada added. "If Daniels does have her, there is no way in hell we are leaving her there any longer than necessary." 

Braedan swallowed past a large lump in his throat. Each mention of Daniels sent a chill through is body. He had to focus but it wasn't easy to do. Galen was in the possession of a man who didn't just lust after her but probably held a lot of resentment once the charges were filed against him. 

"You're right, I'm just not sure how I'll be able to sleep with all of this going on." He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I don't think drugs are a good idea, I'm already afraid that whatever Daniels gave Galen will make it so she's too far under to dream."

"Let's start with some chamomile tea, I know it sounds cliché but it can help with nerves, then I think we should set you up in her room. If you can surround yourself with her things maybe reaching her will be easier." They both glanced at Peter as if seeking his permission.

"Do whatever you need to. If you have to put on her clothes to make this work just do it. I want my sister back." Braedan nodded and headed toward the house. "Go with him, love," he said more gently to Ada. "I'll wait out here for the police, see if we can get anything started on that front. I'll be in as soon as they leave." Ada cupped his face in her hands. She kissed him gently before resting her forehead against his and sighing.

"I am so sorry, Peter," she said softly, trying to keep her tears at bay. Truth to tell she was terrified. She loved Galen like a sister and she was beginning to feel sick thinking about what Daniels wanted with her. She had always been a very empathetic person and the pain and fear and guilt that she saw in Peter's eyes forced her to square her shoulders and blink back tears. Peter had it much worse than she did, she would help him get through this, but right now she could tell that he wanted to be alone. "I'll be inside if you need me," she said with more strength than she felt. Turning from him she followed Braedan inside. 

Braedan sat at the kitchen counter, looking out the window with glazed eyes. The bright sunshine was a stark contrast to the storm raging inside him. He couldn't figure out what was stronger, his fear or his anger. They were playing a tug-of-war with his emotions which he was finding very difficult to control. He barely listened as Ada shuffled around the kitchen behind him and so he jumped a little when her hand came down on his arm.

"Sorry for startling you, but your tea is ready," she said. He glanced at the clock on the wall, 9:34. Just a little over thirty minutes that she had been missing. He picked up the cup and took a sip, desperate for it to help. It was cool enough that he was able to finish it in a few minutes.

"Which room is Galen's?" he asked, already heading up the stairs.

"First on the right."

Braedan stopped in her doorway drawing a deep breath. When he pushed the door open he couldn't help the small smile that crept to his face. A queen size bed took up one corner of the room covered in a beautiful sheer silver canopy. The bedspread was a deep green that matched perfectly with the rest of the room. He felt like he had just stepped into an enchanted forest. The walls were painted to look as if you stood in a forest glade, many shades of green and brown made up the pictures. The carpet was a moss green and nearly as springy as the real thing. In one corner an actual tree sat, or at least part of one. It stretched from floor to ceiling and the limbs had been shaped into shelves where books and pictures were held. The ceiling was easily the most beautiful part of the room. When the light was flipped on hidden lights came to life around the ceiling's edge, casting a light glow that highlighted the changing of color that happens to the sky at twilight. The center light was nearly flat against the ceiling and shaped like the full moon. 

"She always loved fairytales." Ada said softly from behind him. He spun around and saw the same smile on her face. "Peter has always been the indulgent big brother and doesn't spare a thought to cost when it comes to Galen. He had a team come in before they moved down to finish her room. He had hoped it would help her find her way back."

"I have no doubt that it has played a part," he said honestly. "This is Galen," he said softly. "This room is perfect." The sincerity in his voice gave Ada a little hope. If this room helped him connect to Galen, then they had a chance. She watched the tall man push the canopy aside and run a hand along the bed. Taking a deep breath another smile tugged the corners of his mouth. He turned back to Ada and the fire in his eyes was impossible to miss. "This will work, Ada, I can feel myself being pulled there even now. I'll be back as soon as I can." And with that he laid himself down on the bed and closed his eyes. Within moments his breathing evened out and his body relaxed into the soft mattress. Now all they could do was wait. 

*****

The lapping of water on a shore was the first thing that came into focus. Forcing his eyes open he found that he was looking up at a stark night sky. A light breeze danced over his skin and he felt comforted. He pushed himself up sighing with relief to see the familiar gray of the island. Standing, he looked around and quickly focused with surprise on three figures. Galen's form lay sprawled on the same smoothed out rock she usually lounged on but her head lay cradled in the lap of a beautiful woman. The third figure was nearly identical in appearance to the one who held Galen but she stood over the other two, looking at them with worry etched across her brow. At his first step forward her head shot up and she focused eyes the same piercing blue as Galen's on him. The relieved look that lit her face caused him to stop his approach.

"Please, come to her, Braedan. We don't have much time." Her voice was low and sensual, carrying across the space between them. His feet moved forward at her command and before he knew it he was kneeling beside his love. Perhaps it was because of all of the other unexplainable things happening lately but it didn't even cross his mind to ask how she knew his name. 

"We have no time to explain everything to you now, symbolon," the one holding Galen said. When he looked up at her he was unsurprised now to see two very similar eyes looking back at him. "Just know that we are here to help. You are the only one who she will respond to, you must wake her. You must find her." The pleading in her voice had Braedan reaching for Galen and pulling her into his own arms. 




Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 09



"Galen?" he said gently, stroking her cheek with his hand, wiping the line of tears away for the moment. "Love, you need to wake up, beautiful." As he spoke she began to stir. Though when her eyes finally opened they were unfocused. "Baby, you've got to wake up. Do you understand? I need you to wake up."

Galen shook her head and mumbled at his insistence, burying her head against his chest. He shook her gently then, not wanting to hurt her.

"Galen!" he said more forcibly but she didn't respond. "Dammit." He laid her back down on the stone and repositioned himself beside her. "I can't believe I'm about to do this." He murmured, missing the almost amused faces of the women around him. Leaning in gently he cupped the side of Galen's face. Taking a deep breath he steeled himself for further disappointment and then claimed her mouth with a gentle kiss. As his lips lingered he felt a sweep of her tongue against his lips and with a groan of relief he deepened the kiss, feeling her arms wrap around his neck. Reluctantly he pulled away and looked at her carefully. Her eyes were clearer and she was able to focus on him more easily. "I can't believe that worked, you really are a princess," he said with a sad smile.

"Hardly," she said weakly, trying to look around. When her eyes fell on the beautiful twins she quickly looked back to Braedan. He shook his head slightly as if to say he didn't know either. 

"We have little time, sister, not nearly enough to explain. If Braedan is to help you, you must wake up in the physical world, it is the only way he can find you." Galen's eyes widened and her skin turned a ghostly pail. 

"Daniels," she whispered and turned frightened eyes to Braedan. "I was waiting outside for you when I started to come here, at the last second I saw Daniels. I don't remember anything after that."

"I think he drugged you," Braedan explained gently. "It hasn't been too long, at least it hadn't been when I came here to find you. I would much rather you stay here where you can at least protect your mind from that bastard but I can't find you if you don't wake up." Galen swallowed audibly.

"I understand," she said "I love you, Braedan." The ever present tears seemed to pick up speed and she chocked back a sob. Strong arms gathered her close. She could feel his fear and guilt through their bond but the strongest thing she felt was love. She was terrified to face her abductor but she knew it was the only way to end this, the only way to be with Braedan again. Taking a shaky breath she pulled back and looked from Braedan to the strange women. "How do I wake up? I've never be able to control when it happens."

"That is something we can help with, are you ready?" Galen and Braedan exchanged worried looks and Braedan pulled her in for one last bruising kiss. When they came away gasping they both nodded.

"I'm ready," Galen whispered. The twins positioned themselves behind the two lovers. With a glance at each other they placed their hands on Braedan and Galen's shoulders. A warmth spread from their hands to engulf them in a warm glow. The light grew in intensity until Braeden had to close his eyes. Quite suddenly the warmth was gone and he blinked his eyes open. He was once again on his back, this time looking up at the silver canopy over Galen's bed. Taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and searched within him for any sign of her. At first there was nothing but gradually he felt her presence grow stronger. He felt discomfort at first but that was quickly swallowed by fear and dread. He had to force himself to feel it, to focus on her emotions. He slowly stood from the bed and spun, using those troubling emotions to orient himself. Finally opening his eyes he glanced at the clock. 11:43am. 

"Fuck!" he swore and flew out of the room. Running down the stairs he took in the startled and hopeful faces of Galen's family. "Let's go, I'll drive."

***** 

Consciousness returned more slowly for Galen. The sedative in her system making her body feel heavy and cold. Trying to shake off its affects was harder than she'd have liked to admit. It was a struggle to open her eyes, and when she finally was able to force them open what she saw had her wishing to slip back into unconsciousness. Instead she forced herself to sit up, taking in the room around her and her own physical state. 

The first thing she noticed was the thick chain wrapped around her ankle and anchored to the floor. She tested its hold and winced as the metal tightened and pinched the sensitive skin above her foot. There was only about three feet of extra chain and there was nothing around her but the cold and damp cement floor she sat on. The room was dark and had no windows. The only light came from the open door at the top of some old wooden stairs. Besides herself the only other thing in the room was a table near the staircase. It was obvious that there was something on the table but it was covered with an old ratty quilt. 

Her anxiety ratcheted up another level when heavy footsteps sounded above her. She swallowed and pressed herself against the wall, trying to appear as small as possible. She tried to take a few deep breaths but as the footsteps got closer she couldn't seem to get enough air into her lungs. A silhouette appeared at the top of the stairs and began to descend. With each step the tall figure took, Galen felt her panic rise. She couldn't see his face but she didn't need to. He paused at the bottom of the staircase and reached for something. A moment later harsh fluorescent lights ignited overhead, casting the dank basement into a contrast of bright light and terrible shadows. 

Galen blinked, trying to help her eyes adjust. When her vision cleared she sat looking into the handsome face of Greg Daniels. His face was carefully schooled of all expression as he looked down at her. His gaze was so intense she couldn't hold it and dropped her eyes to the floor, tightening her small jacket around her. When he began walking toward her she quickly scurried away until she reached the end of the chain. But he didn't continue towards her, instead he stopped about half way there and began fiddling with something mounted on the wall. She looked closer and realized it was a video camera and the red light was on. Bile rose in her throat and she had to swallow fast. What was he planning?

"I'm so glad you could join me, Galen," he said, almost friendly in his tone. "I mean after our rocky start I wasn't sure I would see you again. It's so nice that you stopped by." His voice was slowly taking on a harder edge.

"What do you want?" Galen asked quietly. Perhaps is she kept him talking she would give Braedan enough time to find her. Thinking of Braedan sent a jolt of pain through her chest that she tried desperately to ignore. 

"Oh, beautiful, I want so many things." His voice had deepened and he finally began making his way closer. When he was about a foot away he squatted down to her level and looked her up and down appraisingly, hunger clearly evident in his eyes. "I want to feel that delectable mouth of yours wrapped around my cock. I want to feel your smooth skin against mine and hear your pleas for release as I bury myself inside of you. I want to watch your ass grow red from the punishment you deserve, and I want to watch the tears fall down your face as you finally give in to me. And after all of that, I want you to drop the fucking charges you have against me. I want you to tell everybody that you came on to me, that you wanted to play rough but got embarrassed when that bastard Kelly walked in." 

"Keep dreaming," she whispered back fiercely "You can do what you like to me but I will never do what you want." 

"We'll see how you feel about that in a little while," he answered.

He reached forward and ran his hand up her leg gently. She tried to control herself but as his fingers roved higher she lashed out, kicking at him and yelling. He jumped back, out of her reach and she saw a flash of the rage she had seen at the hospital before his face shifted into a dark grin. He threw his head back and laughed, the sound sending unpleasant chills through her body. "I knew you would play hard to get," he said and then reached for the chain.

The scream that was torn from her was one of pain and terror. With the first jerk of the chain she felt and heard a pop in her ankle that brought tears, unbidden to her eyes. Using the chain he hauled her toward him quickly, grabbing her hair as soon as he could reach it. Using nothing except her hair he lifted her up until she was standing and shaking in front of him, tears fell down her face but the stubborn set to her jaw and the defiant gleam in her eye told him everything he needed to know. He pulled her harshly forward and captured her lips with his, kissing her roughly. She tried in vain to push his away, beating at his chest with her hands, when she tried to kick her bad ankle gave out and she screamed as she was held up by nothing but her hair. He ended the kiss after that, a smug smile on his face. 

"I hope your ready for some fun, beautiful. Because I think we're going to be here for awhile." He threw her to the ground and walked over to the table lifting the quilt up and setting it aside. Galen didn't try moving away again, she just sat where she fell. Her hands came up to rub her head, trying to ease the pain and her ankle was throbbing and when she looked down it was easy to see why. The skin was broken and blood was sluggishly flowing down into her shoe, her sock was already red. Her shoe felt tight and she knew her foot and ankle were swelling. The blue and black marks that peaked out beneath the blood continued to darken. 

She didn't know if it was broken but whatever it was she knew it wasn't good. She chanced a glance back at Daniels. He was busying himself with something at the table. He looked up and saw her eyes on him and he smiled, excitement evident on his face. She watched as he slipped something into the back of his pants and pick up another small black box. 

"Now Galen," he began, moving back toward her. "Don't forget to smile for the camera." He lifted something in his hand and pointed it at her. Just as she realized what it was he pushed the button. Two tiny barbs shot out of the device and embedded themselves in her abdomen. The scream she was ready to voice clogged in her throat as 50,000 volts shot through her body. White hot pain lanced through her core and every muscle in her body contracted painfully. The seconds seemed like hours and when the pulse stopped she lay gasping for breath, her body feeling like she had just run a marathon. She looked up at Daniels with hatred in her eyes and all he did was smile and hit the button again.

She lost count of how many times it happened. When one cartridge ran out he would grab another and reload. Some times the blasts were short, others seemed to go on forever. She had tried to remain silent but after the first few she found herself screaming as soon as the current was cut off. She surprised her abductor with the words that left her mouth but they just made his smile grow. Eventually she couldn't even muster up enough strength to scream or swear; she just lay on the ground with her eyes closed, groaning.

She didn't think she could move if she wanted to, she had been prepared for all sorts of things from Daniels but this had never crossed her mind. He was slowly wearing her down both physically and mentally and as much as she hated herself for it she was so close to begging him to stop, telling him she'd do as he asked. Which of course is what he wanted all along, she thought. In the seconds between charges she realized that he didn't want to rape her, he wanted her to offer herself to him, to come to him willingly and he was oh so close to achieving that goal. An image of Braedan came into her head for the hundredth time and she couldn't stop the tears that began to cascade down her cheeks as she felt the approach of her betrayal. He wouldn't make it in time, she wasn't strong enough. 

The pain hit again, this time lasting so long she thought she heard her own heart stop. But this time when the current shut off she felt different, lighter. She tried to open her eyes but they remained uncooperative. A thudding sound grew in strength and reverberated through her head and she realized with an ounce of relief that it was her heart, still beating strong. The light feeling spread through her body and when it finally reached her fingertips she dropped. Her last thought was at least she was saved from having to make a decision. 

*****

Braedan drove like the devil was at his heels. The single mindedness in which he drove had both Ada and Peter gripping the emergency handles with white knuckles. As they had gotten in the truck Ada had explained that after Peter talked with the officer she tried calling her cousin who was also on the force. He'd told her that word had passed around to all the officers to be looking out for Galen. She explained the circumstances and he told her to call him if they found out anything else but sadly his hands were just as tied as everyone else's. 

The one thing in their favor was the syringe that had been recovered. The officer who had taken their statements had sent it to the lab and just before Braedan woke up they had received a call confirming that Daniels' fingerprints had been found on the needle. Since he had obviously violated the terms of his bail he was suspect number one in Galen's disappearance, the whole police department was on the lookout for him. Braedan just nodded and kept driving, heading east and out of the city limits. They had been driving for about fifteen minutes when the vehicle swerved. Ada screamed and Peter grabbed the wheel from Braedan. Braedan had enough control to hit the brakes. The truck came to a screeching halt and everyone inside shook. 

"What happened!?" Peter yelled, knowing it had something to do with Galen. Braedan shook his head, trying to clear it.

"I don't know, I just know that for a few seconds there she was in a lot of pain. But it's passed now." He dropped his head in his hands took a shuddering breath.

"Braedan, why don't I drive? You tell me which direction to go." Braedan nodded at Ada's suggestion and quickly got out of the drivers seat and climbed into the back. He was just putting his seat belt on when his body went rigid again and he screamed. Ada and Peter exchanged looks as Braedan's eyes focused once more. He didn't say anything just pointed straight ahead. 

"Go," was the only word he could choke out. Ada drove, following Braedan's directions. After two more jolts of pain he was able to get a little better control over himself and was able to focus that pain into a clearer sense of direction. Thirty minutes later they were parked alongside a field looking at a run down looking house about two hundred yards away. In front of the house was a red sports car. Braedan was sure Galen was in there and it took everything he had not to storm the house now. Ada called her cousin and he listened as she read him the license plate of the car. A brief silence followed and Peter and Braedan looked at her as she listened. Her eyes met theirs and she nodded.

"It's his," she said softly and continued to listen to her cousin. She assured him that they were one hundred percent sure that Galen was being held inside and then she listened again. With a grim note of consent she ended the call. "We're out of his jurisdiction so he can't do anything himself. He says he's calling a friend who works for the county and he should be here in a few minutes, we just have to wait a little longer." 

Peter swore and continued pacing, his eyes never leaving the house his sister was in. Braedan tried to focus and send comfort to Galen, to let her know he was close but he didn't know if anything made it through the web of pain she was feeling. The next wave hit and Braedan was grabbing at his chest, gasping. He didn't know if it was just the close proximity but this was by far the worst one yet. A lifetime later the pain ended. He tried to focus on Galen again but felt the connection dimming, she was fading. He looked at Peter and Ada, saw the worry and fear on their faces and he made perhaps the stupidest decision he'd ever made. 

"You two wait for backup, I'm going to get her now before this goes any further." He took off at a run, listening as his two companions screamed for him to stop. Whatever he found in that house he would overcome, there was no question. He was getting Galen back, his love, and no one would ever hurt her again.

*****

The island was a welcome sight to her weary spirit. She lay on the ground looking up at the sky and waited. She didn't know what for but she did. When two heads appeared over her suddenly she sucked in a surprised gasp. 

"Who are you?" she asked but again they shook their heads.

"Introductions will come soon enough but you must sit up and watch, Braedan is in danger."

"Braedan?" She sat up quickly and followed the twins to the waters edge. One of them waved her hand above the water and a familiar image appeared as the basement came into focus. She watched as Daniels tased her unconscious body once more before throwing the device to the ground. She watched as he dragged her body away from the wall and quickly unlatched the chain from her ankle. His hands lingered on her flesh and she felt sick as she watched him start to tug at her clothes. Apparently she was wrong about his intentions. 

He pulled her shoes off first and then reached for her pants. When they were off and thrown across the room he finally released her prone body and reached for his own clothes. When he pulled the gun out of his waste band and set it on the ground nearby she felt cold all over. He had just finished releasing himself from his pants when his head jerked toward the stairs and he reached for the gun. Galen watched in horror as Braedan dashed down the stairs only to stop in his tracks when he realized a gun was aimed at his chest. She was surprised when she heard Braedan's voice.

"Let her go, Daniels," he growled. He'd quickly taken in the man's state of undress and a glance at Galen had him fearing the worst.

"Well if it isn't the noble Dr. Kelly to the rescue," Daniels retorted. "I'm sorry I can't honor your request but I haven't quite had my fill of the lovely Miss Lang yet. Sorry to disappoint."

Braedan's eyes flashed rage and he took a step forward, Daniels cocked the gun.

"I wouldn't do that, Doc. I don't have to kill you, but I will if you push me."

"You won't get away with this Greg. The police are on their way, you have nowhere to go."

"You are just digging your grave a little faster with each word you mutter, Doc. Keep it up, I have a bullet with your name on." The sneer on Daniels' face told Galen that he meant every word. He was going to shoot Braedan. She turned to the two women beside and saw the sadness on their faces, as if they had already given up hope.

"No!" she screamed. "I won't allow this to happen." She turned back to the image in the water just as Daniels' finger positioned itself on the trigger. "NO!" she yelled and dove into the water.

*****

Braedan watched as Daniels' finger landed on the trigger. He sent a silent apology to Galen, wherever she was and braced himself. The guttural scream that erupted from the beautiful girl on the floor was the last thing he expected. A startled Daniels whirled around and his eyes widened when they met the glowing blue gaze of the woman he had spent the last hour torturing. Her hands connected with his chest and her eyes locked with his. Braedan watched as the man's body went rigid, the gun falling useless to the ground. The glowing blue of her eyes began to dim and when they had returned to normal Daniels' body collapsed onto the floor, unmoving. 




Sorrow's Sieve Ch. 09



Braedan rushed forward and kicked the gun across the room. Galen was in his arms in the next heartbeat, sobs echoing through the cold room as they both sought comfort from the other. They were able to compose themselves after a few moments and Braedan left Galen on the floor and scooped up her discarded clothes for her. As she worked her way back into her pants he checked on Daniels. 

The man lay on the ground, eyes wide open staring straight ahead. His pulse was slow and his breathing deep as if he were asleep. Braedan glanced a Galen, knowing instinctively that Daniels would not be hurting anyone ever again.

"Are you okay?" He asked her, sitting down beside her and pulling her snugly against him.

"No," she whispered, "He almost shot you, Braedan. You could have died!"

"I know, love. I'm sorry all of this happened, I'm sorry you had to go through it. But this time you saved me. Is it my turn to use the high pitched princess voice?" he asked with a small smile, hoping to lighten the mood just a little. It worked too, Galen laughed through her tears and sighed. 

"Did he...I mean..." Galen placed her hand over Braedan's mouth and shook her head.

"You got here just in time, the only thing he got was a good view." 

"Thank god," Braedan trembled.

A commotion sounded upstairs at that moment, someone identifying themselves as the Police and then Peter and Ada's terrified calls.

"We're down here," Braedan yelled and in a moment an armed officer was coming down the stairs, gun raised. He took a second to assess the scene and not seeing any danger, lowered his firearm. As the officer went over to see to Daniels, Peter and Ada rushed down the stairs. Braedan and Galen were engulfed by the other two in an instant. More tears were shared and for a few minutes no words were spoken, the emotion running too high to formulate a thought. Braedan eventually relinquished his hold on his woman and allowed her brother to hold her.

"I'm sorry, babe, I'm so sorry!" he mumbled over and over, his face buried in her neck. The rolls had reversed and now it was Galen comforting Peter. He rocked her back and forth, mumbling further nonsense until Galen was able to pull away enough to grasp his face between her hands.

"Peter, stop this!" she demanded. "None of this is your fault and I won't have you blaming yourself. This is his fault," she pointed to the still form of Greg Daniels," and no one else's. It's over now Peter, and I would very much like to put this all behind me. Do you understand?" Her tone brokered no argument and Peter nodded and kissed her forehead. 

"I understand, babe." It would take more than a few words to ease the ache he felt over what happened but being in her presence helped a little.

While the siblings were talking, Braedan was looking Galen up and down, trying to discern any injuries. The most obvious was a severely swollen, bloody and bruised ankle. What wasn't quite so obvious and it took him a moment to notice were the small spots of blood on her clothes. He gently placed his hand on Peter's shoulder.

"Would you mind if I exam her really quick?"

"No, please do." Peter quickly backed away and Braedan knelt down. Upon closer inspection he was able to make out the small metal barbs that were still protruding from her abdomen and chest through her clothes. "A taser?" he asked, horror clear in his tone when he realized just how many different barbs were embedded in her skin. Galen nodded.

"I can't really feel the barbs," she said gently "the rest of me hurts like a bitch though, to be honest I can't believe I'm sitting up right now." There was a grim smile on her face, "my ankle hurts the worst though." Braedan changed his position and reached down to her foot. She winced sharply when he began to prod at it but remained silent otherwise.

"I hate to say this but I think it may be broken, sweetheart. It's hard to tell because of the swelling, we'll need to get you in for an x-ray and probably an MRI to make sure the soft tissue is alright. We also need to get those barbs out, the easiest way is with tools at the hospital." Galen nodded.

"I had a feeling I hadn't seen the last of that place. At least I have my own personal physician." The smile that crossed her face this time was genuine.

Additional police arrived on scene along with an ambulance. With a police escort, Daniels was loaded into the ambulance and carted away. Galen denied transport, assuring the paramedics that she would get to the hospital as soon as they finished giving their statements to the first officer. It wasn't as difficult to tell her story as she thought it would be. Of course she kept out certain parts, like what exactly caused Daniels to go comatose; although to be perfectly honest she wasn't completely sure anyway. Within twenty minutes they were on their way back to town, Galen and Braedan in the back seat. Braedan called Mrs. Christiansen to let her know what was going on and she promised to have a room ready for when they arrived. 

Three hours, an x-ray and many anti-inflammatories and pain killers later Galen was snuggled up in the back of Braedan's truck dozing. Her ankle was just badly sprained and there had been no lasting damage from the taser except some sore muscles. He hadn't told her about his conversation with Peter yet. The conversation that told her brother in no uncertain terms that he was not letting Galen out of his sight again and that he was taking her home with him. Okay so it was less of a conversation and more of a declaration. Peter had remained surprisingly calm.

"I guess I don't have to ask you what your intentions are with my sister, do I Kelly?" He asked in a light tone. "Just do me a favor and marry her before you two give me a few nieces and nephews." Braedan actually had the decency to blush. He reached into his pocket and passed a small velvet box to Peter.

"I already bought a ring." Peter opened the box and gazed down at the simple but beautiful ring inside. A floating diamond took up the center of a white gold band while six small sapphires found a home in a row next to it. Ada who had been watching the scene unfold found that tears were brimming to the surface and she launched herself at Braedan.

"I'm so happy for you both!" she sobbed happily. He gave her a tight squeeze and looked over her shoulder at Peter. With raised eyebrows he motioned to the woman in his arms and Peter just smiled and nodded. He knew it might take them a little longer but he was positive that Ada and Peter would find a similar happiness to his own. 

Now he glanced at Galen through his rearview mirror as they pulled up in front of her house. She was sound asleep and Braedan really didn't want to wake just to have her go pack a bag. Ada solved that problem however.

"I'll go and get some things together for her, you should stay here." She and Peter got out of the car and within ten minutes Ada was back with a small duffel bag over her shoulder. "Take care of her, Braedan and give us a call in the morning." Braedan agreed and pulled away from the curb, heading towards home. 

Galen woke up hours later, snuggled comfortably against a hard male body with arms wrapped around her tight. She inched closer, reveling in Braedan's warmth but the slight movement jarred her ankle and she winced.

"Sweetheart?" a husky voice asked quietly, "you awake?"

"Mmhmmm," she responded and looked up into the rumpled and sleepy face of the man she loved, she'd never seen him look sexier. 

"Are you alright?" he asked, pushing himself up and rubbing his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine Braedan, I just jarred my ankle a bit."

"Here let me take a look" He threw back the covers and Galen couldn't help the blush as she realized she was in nothing but her underwear. Braedan didn't seem to notice and gently took her ankle and began to unwrap the ace bandage around it. "Well the swelling has gone down quite a bit but I should probably redress the broken skin and get you some more pain killers. How does everything else feel?" She moved around a little, testing her muscles and grimaced only slightly.

"My muscles are pretty tight but nothing too bad." 

"Okay, stay here I'll be right back, once I'm done taking care of that ankle I'll give you a massage, how does that sound?"

"Heavenly," she said with a smile. 

Braedan left the bed and Galen nearly groaned. He only wore some black silk boxers leaving the rest of his body on display for her. He really was the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen. Despite her discomfort and her earlier treatment she felt the first signs of arousal and she was nearly squirming by the time he got back. His gentle treatment of her leg, the soft caresses of his hands, felt anything but clinical. By the time he finished she was nearly gasping with need. His eyes lifted and met hers and she realized quickly that she wasn't alone in her desire. 

"Love me, Braedan," she demanded in a voice heavy with passion.

"What about that massage?" he asked, clearly teasing.

"Massage later," she gasped while reaching toward him. He met her half way, easing her onto her back and taking control of their joining. As desperate as they both felt what they shared was gentle, tender. When Braedan finally eased himself inside her he felt like he was coming home. With slow deliberate strokes and heart wrenching kisses he pushed them both closer to that precipice of pleasure. It didn't take long, so emotionally high strung as they both were, and they were soon writhing in passion as the ultimate pleasure invaded their senses.

They lay gasping in each other's arms for minutes after until the pull of sleep claimed them once again.

*****

Soon after the haziness of sleep gave way to the vision of a rocky landscape. Galen stood beside Braedan, clutching his hand as they both took in the drastic changes that had occurred to their private place. The water was gone. The sky was taking on the hue of the coming dawn and the normally silent world was alive with the sounds of crickets and morning songbirds. Among the rocks and sand they could see sprouts of green where grass was bursting forth and patches of color where wild flowers were already blooming. The lakebed was scattered with more rocks and budding green but as the couple walked around they noticed a discernible path that led down toward what appeared to be a large amphitheater. At the center of the stage they could just make out a bright blue glow. 

Glancing at each other they both smiled and started down the path. The toppled statue that Braedan had noticed on one of his last trips was now standing and whole. Looking down the path he realized that every ten feet or so there was another statue of similar make leading the way. Galen stopped at the first figure, a flash awareness ignited inside but she couldn't quite place what it was about the statue that caught her interest. Her eyes focused on the marble tears and suddenly she gasped. Reaching for her own face in shock.

"What is it?" Braedan asked, "What's wrong." 

Slowly she turned to him, a bright smile on her face, "I'm not crying anymore," she said in wonder. "I'm not crying anymore!" she shouted and with a laugh threw herself at Braedan, wrapping her arms around his neck. After a few moments she pulled back and grabbed his hand again. "Let's go," she said, "I have a feeling there is something else we still have to do." And pulling him forward with a laugh she began running toward the light. 

As they neared the top of the stairs Braedan reined in his beautiful woman and they both looked down at what awaited them. The two women from before stood in silky white robes looking back at them with glowing smiles of pride. In front of them sat a pedestal of white marble where a glowing object sat.

"Galen, sister," one of the twins called, "Come." With a tight squeeze of her hand, Braedan released her and ushered her down the stairs in front of him. The twins greeted her warmly, offering her warm hugs and sweet kisses on each cheek before turning to Braedan and offering him the same. 

"We know you both have many questions," the one on the right began. "To begin let us introduce ourselves, I am Achus."

"I am Lupa. And you, sweet and brave Galen are our sister, Aina."

"You're sister? What do you mean?"

"A long time ago," Achus began, "Your soul was born to a powerful goddess named Eris. What made her so powerful was not the power of her talents but their magnitude. As the goddess of strife and discord she wrecked havoc on the world. As we all grew we took it upon ourselves to ease the suffering she helped caused. Lupa and I focused mostly on physical pain, while you took it upon yourself to champion those suffering from grief and sorrow. Now Eris's powers did not last, as the world progressed she realized that man was more than capable of inflicting ample amounts of pain on each other and as with many other gods she retreated many millennia ago to a life of solitude. All of us, however have continued to fight. 

"Together we created this place, a sanctuary we could visit that would personify the world's suffering so that we could more easily give our aid. There came a time when you, Aina, realize that without physical contact with the real world we were becoming numb to the pain and suffering, so you decided to re-enter the corporal world. Over and over again you found a host who had suffered a great ordeal. You did so in order to really feel the pain inflicted on humanity. For many years things worked very well, you lived in harmony with your host, visiting us at night while your partner slept and we continued our mission. 

"But times changed. As years passed the population grew and so did the suffering. War and poverty were just the beginning. You began to loose yourself in your host and the lake began to fill faster than we could combat it. Two thousand years ago Lupa and I discovered that we could no longer enter this world. Somehow it would only accept your presence. For two thousand years we watched as your soul jumped from host to host, unconsciously still trying to make a difference. Some of your hosts were stronger than others. Some were so overwhelmed with the emotions that they quickly ended their lives, while at other times someone would end it for them. 

"Although you are now known as Galen, you are still our little brave and selfless sister, Aina. We had hoped that this time would be different and that hope proved true."

"Why was this time different?" Galen asked, trying to wrap her mind around everything that had been said. 

"There are a few things," Lupa finally spoke. "Firstly, in the past your soul would find a host who was so torn up with grief that they were nearly an empty shell already. This time, for the first time, you were born as Galen. Your soul and your body were in perfect harmony. It wasn't until the accident three years ago that the part of you that had always belonged here woke up. Secondly, you found your symbolon." She stated this second part with a tender smile in Braedan's direction.

"Just want is a symbolon? You called me that earlier but what does it mean?" Braedan asked. Pride had welled up inside for his love as he listened to the story unfold. She may not remember everything but he had no doubt that he had fallen in love with the purest soul that ever existed.

"You would be more familiar with the term, Soul Mate." Achus supplied helpfully, a large smile on her face. "Congratulations."

Galen turned to Braedan, her own tears of happiness shining in her eyes.

"After all that has happened you would think I wouldn't be surprised that such a think exists," she said with a laugh. Braedan held out his hand and when she placed her small one in his he pulled her into a warm embrace. 

"I knew it was you," he whispered against her head.

"Galen," Lupa hated to interrupt the moment. "We have a gift for you." 

Galen looked, though choosing to stay in the warmth of Braedan's arms. Lupa reached for the glowing object on the pedestal. As she lifted it the light dimmed and in its place hung a crystal blue teardrop pendant. The blue matched the eyes of each of the sisters. 

"You have already done so much, and suffered for so long that Achus and I have created this for you. When you wear this pendant you will help all those around you, without having to suffer for them. All we ask is that you pass it on to your children so it will continue to be of help to the world. We also thought you would like to know what happened to that horrible man. When you touched him you passed on to him all of the suffering that had gathered here, thus why all the water is gone. He is the new sieve. No longer will there be a need for you to suffer for others. When his time on this world ends the gift will move onto the next person, someone equally as deserving of it as Greg Daniels."

"Thank you, thank you so much." Galen extracted herself from Braedan's arms and hugged her newly discovered sisters. "Will I ever see you again?"

"In time, for now we must return to our own mates. But don't fret, little sister, we will meet again." Lupa motioned for her to spin around while Achus lifted her long hair off her neck. The pendant settled just below her clavicle and a pleasant warmth spread outward from her chest. "Live well, sweet Aina." Lupa whispered before a blinding light erupted from the necklace. 

"Why do they always do that!" Braedan swore with good humor. He was rubbing his eyes trying to clear his vision when he realized he was back on his bed. Blinking a few more times he was able to focus on Galen as she stared down at the simple blue pendant around her neck. It was nearly undetectable but Braedan swore the necklace glowed. He looked at the woman he loved, sitting before him with mussed hair and not a stitch on. He already knew he was the luckiest man alive just to be in her presence but he wanted so much more.

He wanted to hear her claim him as her own. He wanted to watch as her belly swelled with his child, he knew she would be even more stunning than she was now. He wanted to hear her sing their children to sleep and watch her sooth all of their aches and pains; she was the best person for the job after all. He wanted to grow old with her, he wanted to be the one to comfort her, to love her and cherish her for the rest of their lives. It was silly for him to be anxious, he knew they belonged with each other but he couldn't help feel the slightest bit of hesitation.

"What?" Galen asked, growing more uncomfortable at Braedan's silence. He just sat there and looked at her with such tenderness she was starting to feel antsy. Through their bond she felt so much love washing over her she couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face. His hand came up and brushed against the necklace; a wave of absolute contentment infused him. 

"I think I have something that will go with that perfectly," he said now without a second thought. He reached for the drawer in his side table and pulled out the small velvet box he'd shown to Peter. "Galen, I know it's only been a few days, but I don't think I have the ability to continue living without you by my side. Marry me?"

He knew the answer without her saying a word. Her elation filled his heart and the glow in her eyes said more than words ever could. She would be his, for now that knowledge was enough.