Chlorine Halos

Aces & One-Eyed Faces

My heart fell victim to the paralyzing gravity of the two souls I couldn't save. Their names rung in my ears, burning into the dark corners of my mind. That charred branding crippled my nerves with a spinning series of images: the colored symmetry of their eyes, Mike's sadistic smile, the spark from a steel lighter, a shattered turtledove.

A light smack on the face snapped the haunting flashes. "Avian, stay with us," Jaime said, holding me by the shoulders. I lowered my head, blinking over and over as the daze subsided. The morning sun removed the shadow cast by Jaime's ballcap. The scar over his left milky white eye distracted attention from the faint brown of his right.

"Is he going to be okay?" Riley asked, unable to silence her concern.

"I'm okay," I replied with a shaken confidence. "It all just came rushing back."

"Give it time," Jaime advised. "I know that fearless, strong young man is in there somewhere."

"What are you talking about? He's here right now," Oz said, grinning. "I won't be surprised if one day I lose count with how many explosions he's managed to survive."

"I see it didn't take you long to gain a few fans," Jaime chuckled.

"I think I did better than fans," I said, looking over to Riley and Oz. "I found friends."

"Best friends," Oz asserted.

"Amazing what you can do with some broken bones and a lot of luck," I said.

"You'll have to believe me when I say that luck had nothing to do with it," Jaime retorted.

"I think you're giving me too much credit," I responded.

"It's nice to see you haven't lost that humble demeanor of yours," Jaime said while I struggled to adjust my seated position. "Let me help you with that." He firmly grasped my wrist. "I've been waiting for the moment when I could return this to you."

A luminous ribbon flowed from his hand and wrapped around my forearm. Euphoria poured over every break and bruise, draining every ache and pain. As this wondrous healing radiated through me, years of age sped across Jaime's face. His caramel complexion wrinkled while his slightly silver moustache became more pronounced. Salt and pepper color sprinkled strands of his dark, wavy hair. The illuminated energy dissipated and he released my wrist.

"What just happened?" Oz asked with a widened stare. "That was seven different flavors of weird."

"Avian asked me to hold some channeled aperas for him," Jaime replied, patting my back. "It was the least I could do." He grabbed a white robe off the cedar chest against the wall and tossed it on my lap. "Now, come on. Àndele. Breakfast in bed is reserved for the ladies." As Jaime walked out of the room, Riley placed her hand on the comforter covering my legs.

"Don't think you have to push yourself," she said with worry written over her expression.

"I don't think that's a problem anymore," I said, feeling fully rejuvenated. I twisted my torso from side to side, breathing deeply and craning my neck. "This is incredible."

I threw aside the bedding and brushed the thick carpet with my toes. I stood up and swung the robe around my body, allowing the draft to open a sleeve as my arm found its place. My hands smoothed the creases in my teal and white striped pajama pants.

"From coma to comeback in a matter of minutes," Oz said, slowly shaking his head. "What can't you do?"

"Well, I know I can beat the both of you to breakfast!" 

Our rampant laughter echoed throughout the halls and down the stairs. Playful, sporadic nudges fueled the competition to the kitchen. Riley's cheery giggles and Oz's mock grunts painted happiness on my lips.