Soulmates Beyond Time
Peter woke to find himself in his rooms, now once again his father's. His father was sitting next to him concern, love, and pride showing deep in his eyes. Peter tried to rise but his father pushed him back down trying to keep him from turning over on his back.
"I think it would be best that you do not move just yet."
"Why, I feel fine."
Caine did not push the issue but instead let Peter discover on his own the reason why he should not move. Peter turned over and was suddenly assaulted with excruciating pain. In
reaction, he arched his back trying to keep it from touching any fabric.
"That is why."
Peter turned back on his side and tried to clear his mind of the pain. A cup was brought to his lips.
"This should ease your pain, my son."
"And probably put me to sleep." Peter added.
"You are probably right."
"That's all right, Pop. I could . . . (Yawn) . . . Use the rest. Pop, there is one thing. I know I was suppose to take over here for you, but I think I'm going to need to make a journey myself."
"Peter, I know you are hurting over the death of Jordan but you did what had to be done. In the end, you did free Jordan's spirit. There is no need for you to make the journey you are referring to."
"Pop, Jordan died at my hands. As a Shaolin I need to face up to that and try to find some kind of peace with myself and I have to face that alone."
"You did not destroy, Jordan. You destroyed the creature that had taken over her body. I could feel what you saw. She chose to die so she would not be a danger to you or to anyone else. There is no need for you to make that journey alone. For now, rest."
Peter looked up toward his father but the tea was finally working its magic and Peter was slowly drifting into sleep. Peter tried to stay awake but he could no longer fight it. Maybe his father was right. Jordan had chosen to die rather than live the life that had been thrust upon her. If only he could be sure. He had cared for Jordan as he had for so many others. And yet, too many have also died because of him. If only there was someone he could truly love without fear.
*Do not doubt what you already know in your heart, my son. There is someone already out there.*
While Peter slept, his father continued to treat his back with a cooling salve. The poison that had entered his system was nearly gone and soon Peter would be back to his old self. Caine cleared the workbench and began to make preparations for a light dinner when a soft knock came from the doorframe. A young Chinese woman was standing in the doorway holding a box wrapped in plain brown paper.
"Yes, may I help you?"
"I am looking for Master Caine?"
"I am Caine."
"You are not Peter Caine," the woman stated.
"No, I am his father."
"Ah, so you are Kwai Chang Caine. I am Mai Chi. I have something that is addressed to you. It was from my uncle. It was given to him for safe keeping. Tell me, where is Peter?"
"He is asleep. May I see the box?"
"Of course." Mai Chi walked over and placed the box on the workbench.
"Tell me, how do you know my son?"
"I came here looking for help for the Emperor."
"Ah, yes. Peter told me. Well let me see what could be in here."
Just then all eyes turned toward the door to see Peter coming into the room.
"I am glad to see you are awake, my son. How is your back feeling?"
"Much better, thanks. That stuff you put on it really did the trick. Mai Chi, I'm so glad to see you. When did you get into town?"
"I arrived just yesterday. I found an apartment in Chinatown. Everything has been taken care of regarding my uncle."
"I'm glad to here that. I've missed you so much." Peter hugged her tightly then kissed her deeply, forgetting his father was in the room. Here was what he had been missing. The nearness of Ma Chi would help to alleviate his troubled soul.
Caine was amused and knew there would be no journey for his son at this time. Instead, the type of journey that Peter could be making would turn into a far different one than even he was not expecting. Caine cleared his throat.
"Sorry, Pop. What's in the box?"
"I was just about to find out." Caine un-wrapped the paper and found an ornately carved box underneath. There was something familiar about it but he could not place it at first. When he tried to lift the lid, Caine found the box to be locked. He pressed the keyhole with his thumb and a small click could be heard. Caine lifted the lid and the first thing he found was a letter in his father's handwriting.
"My son, contained in this box are the memories that I was not able to share with you when you were little. I gave the box to a friend to give to you later when you were ready to face them. I am sorry we were not able to open the box together. Your loving father, Matthew Caine."
Kwai Chang Caine pulled out a folder and found several black and white photographs inside. They looked as if they had been taken that very day. Caine nearly caught his breath when he saw one of the pictures. He had not seen her face since he was a child. He could remember the scent of her hair, orange blossoms; the feel of her skin as she would wipe his fevered brow, soft as a dove's wing; and her voice like wind chimes swinging in the breeze. Tears came to his eyes as he remembered the day the solders took her. Mother, how he missed her. It was so long since the memories came unbridled to his mind.
"Pop, are you all right?"
Caine handed Peter the photograph.
"It is a picture of your, grandmother."
"She's very beautiful."
"I wish you could have met her."
"What else is in the box?"
Caine looked and found other items that were thought lost. His birth certificate, an envelope containing his first lock of hair, and another journal from his father. This contained writings about his life in China. There were drawings, and other items related to his own Shaolin training, his life with his mother, and life at the temple up to when the temple had been destroyed.
"Maybe I should leave you alone so you can go over this in private. We'll talk later. I'll help Mai Chi unpack and settle in."
"Thank you, my son. Do not be too late. I need you to finish that lesson you started with the Ancient."
"Sure, Pop. I'll see you later."
Kwai Chang Caine turned back to his father's journal and began a journey back into his past.
The End
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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