Dawn of the Supernova by Melissa Willingham (top 10 best books of all time TXT) 📖

Sabrina Rogers stood on the precipice of a majestic cliff. Two-hundred feet below lay the grand view of the Atlantic Ocean. She deeply inhaled the fresh air into her grateful lungs. As untamed waves crashed against the shoreline, the soothing wind caressed her. The invisible fingers of the breeze sifted through her auburn tresses, slightly obscuring her line of vision. She reached up to brush her hair behind her ears as she gazed about pensively. What a shame that most of the earth’s beauty would soon be gone!

There was a sudden chill to the air, so she pulled her thin jacket closer about herself. At first intent upon the flock of birds circling around, she didn’t immediately notice the solitary figure of the man some fifty feet from her. When her eyes focused in on his lone figure, she saw him hunched over, as if studying something upon the ground. She regarded him briefly as he rose and peered up at the sky. He seemed to be looking for something. But what did he expect to find floating among the clouds?

Evidently he sensed he was being watched, for he turned and caught her spying on him. Embarrassed at his unexpected perusal, Sabrina swiftly spun in the opposite direction. Out of the blue, one of those piercing headaches hit her, causing her to fall to the ground. She doubled over in agony and prayed it would go away. After a few moments, the episode subsided somewhat.

She forced herself to her feet and stumbled across the sandy, mountainous terrain. She headed for her secret hideaway, the hollow cave she’d recently discovered. There she’d take a respite and find her medication to relieve the intense, throbbing pain in her brain. How foolish of her to have walked off without her pills! They were the only relief she found anymore. She must remember to keep them with her, for she never knew when an episode like this would occur. Just a few more steps and she’d be safely inside her cavernous shelter.

***

Samuel Flynn bent down to inspect the ridge of the mountainside. He’d already checked the ocean water below and had made his way up to the top of the peak. There were several more tests to be conducted before his experiments would be completed. This would require at least four or five more visits to the area. With this in mind, he stood up and gazed about his surroundings. If his calculations were correct, much of the planet would soon be vanquished. How heartbreaking to imagine such a catastrophic event would take place! He scratched his beard thoughtfully.

He was a bit surprised to see a young woman standing over by the edge of the cliffs. She appeared to be watching him. But as soon as she realized he’d seen her, she did a hasty about-face and scampered off. He peered after her, amused at her sudden departure. Soon, that amusement turned into concern, as he saw her drop to her knees. She buried her head in her hands for a while, before rising to her feet. Then she proceeded further onward, obviously in a state of immense pain.

Samuel followed after her, fascinated and intrigued by this stranger who traipsed ahead of him. He wanted to find out who she was and what she was doing out here. He also thought she might require some assistance and intended to help her, if needed.  From his vantage point, she barely drew herself along, determined to reach her destination. He felt a wave of compassion running through him at her obvious distress.

Abruptly, she seemed to vanish among the rocky hillside. But upon closer perusal, he realized she’d gone into a hidden cave. He brushed aside the overhanging vines and pushed through the thick weeds covering the entrance. As he ventured deeper into the spacious tunnel, he heard the sound of sobbing. Whenever he neared the source of the noise, he saw the woman leaning against the cave wall, holding herself upright. Not wishing to startle her, he called out gently. “Hello. Are you okay?”

***

Sabrina jumped slightly at the unexpected voice intruding in on her discomfort. She momentarily lost her balance, tumbling backwards. As she fought to regain her footing, she felt the man grasp her from behind and steady her against him. The warmth of his chest spread throughout her body, erasing the icy shivers she’d been experiencing. She groaned and collapsed gratefully into the strong arms which held her close. “Ahhh,” she breathed hoarsely.

Somehow the man instinctively seemed to understand her dilemma. Holding her gently with one hand, he quickly removed his jacket with the other. Then he spread it down upon the cave floor and helped Sabrina ease onto it, so she could relax.

“Thanks,” she murmured, drawing in deep gulps of air.

“You’re welcome,” he returned kindly. “I’m happy to be of help.”

She leaned forward to rest her elbows on her knees and place her pounding head in her hands. While she regained her composure, he glanced about curiously, taking in their meager surroundings.

“Can I get you anything, Miss?” he inquired. “I have a canteen of water, if you’d like.”

Peering up at him, Sabrina nodded. “Yes, I need something to take my medicine with. Would you mind fetching my pills? They’re in my backpack over there. I have several bottles of water also.” She pointed to a few feet away, indicating a small bag.

“I’ll get them for you,” he agreed, ambling over to retrieve the medication. He searched through her pack and located the bottle. “How many do you need?”

“Two, please. They’re for my migraine headaches, which come and go sporadically,” she explained.

When he handed them to her, she swallowed them down with a bottle of water and said, “Thanks. You’re a real lifesaver.”

“Sure, any time. I’m glad I was here to assist you.” He tipped his canteen and took a few sips himself. He eased down beside her on the ground.

After a brief pause, she began to feel a little better. Then she asked, “So, who are you? I didn’t realize anyone else was in this solitary place. I noticed you studying the area and the sky. Are you looking for something?”

“Yes, my name is Samuel Flynn. And I am an astronomer. I am closely watching for celestial activity,” he explained. He extended his right hand.

She shook it and replied, “Oh, I recognize you now. I’ve heard of your work before. You’ve made so many contributions to society, involving various astronomical phenomena. It’s an honor to meet such an accomplished individual.”

If he only knew how many times she’d stared at his image in medical journals and newspapers. When she happened to see him in print one day, something clicked. She’d sensed an instant connection between them years ago. She never understood what it meant, still it existed. Somehow, she’d known and envisioned them meeting one day.

Usually, she had little interest in scientific ideals. Those doctors in white lab coats tended to clash with people such as her. They wished to poke, prod and analyze her kind. She only wanted to be left alone and allowed to live like a normal human being, not treated as a guinea pig.  

“Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. What’s your name?” He cut into her reverie.

Dare she answer honestly? What did she have to lose? “I’m Sabrina Rogers. Psychic, clairvoyant, seer, whichever you’d prefer to label me.”

He regarded her thoughtfully for a moment, before responding. “Hmm, I thought you looked familiar. You’re that lady who’s appeared on TV and radio, aren’t you? The one they feature in all the newspapers?”

She winced and massaged the side of her head that still ached. “Unfortunately, I am. It wasn’t by choice I can assure you. They’ve hounded me since the very beginning, when I helped the police find Jonah.”

“Ah, you must mean that little Daniels boy who went missing in 2002. He wandered off into the woods and they assumed he’d been kidnapped. He fell into a ravine and sustained a broken leg and wrist. You led the authorities right to him and he was rescued.”

“That’s right. It sounds like you have a very good memory.”

“Well, normally scientists and psychics don’t get along. But I must admit, you fascinate me with your high rate of accuracy. You’ve been correct with every prediction you’ve made thus far.”

Sabrina noted the look of admiration he gave her. She felt surprised by his familiarity with the incident which brought her into the public spotlight. She’d never sought fortune or fame and often resented the intrusion of reporters. It seemed someone always wanted something from her. It wasn’t that she minded helping others; she rather enjoyed it. But the constant intrusions gave her no peace of mind, despite the fact of how she brought closure to countless suffering families.

Glancing at Samuel, she took in his dark brown hair and hazel eyes. Although she’d heard his name through various channels and viewed his picture, she’d never seen him up close before. He was more handsome than she’d imagined he would be.

Her musings ended abruptly as a powerful wave of dizziness and nausea hit her. “Ohhh,” she gasped loudly, swaying sideways.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern evident in his tone. He reached out to grasp her firmly, preventing her from falling over. He pulled her against him to steady her. “What’s the matter?”

“My stomach’s queasy, my head’s spinning,” she managed to get out breathlessly.

“Breathe in deeply and release it slowly a few times. That’s it, Sabrina. Okay, now drink some more water and it should alleviate your lightheadedness.”

He brought the canteen up to her lips and held it for her while she sipped. “Good girl. Now, just rest quietly against my chest until it passes.”

He gently brushed the damp strands of reddish-brown hair from her face. She was stiff and hesitant at first to be in the arms of a virtual stranger. But soon she allowed herself to relax and be comforted by the compassionate gentleman.

***

The next morning, Samuel awoke to find Sabrina still resting within the warm cocoon of his embrace. Tenderly, he touched her shoulder to rouse her from slumber. He then excused himself to go retrieve his backpack and equipment. Once he’d lugged it up the mountainside, he placed it in the cave where they were nestled. Unzipping his bag, he took out a pack of crackers and handed them to Sabrina.

“Here, eat a couple of these. They’ll ease the nausea you’re experiencing,” he suggested.

She accepted his offering and did as he’d instructed her. As she washed the crackers down with water, her green eyes locked with his for a long, lingering moment. He couldn’t discern her thoughts, yet he believed he detected a glimmer of reluctant trust in her emerald depths. Perhaps interest as well.

Heaven knew, he’d yearned to meet her for quite some time. Ever since he’d seen her on his TV screen, during the Jonah Daniels case, he’d been intrigued by her. Miss Rogers, the beautiful, self-effacing, aloof psychic who saw visions of the past, present and future.

It hadn’t mattered to him that her world of spirits and impending doom when against everything he stood for. He dealt with the physical realm and tangible facts, while she swam in a sea of ethereal beings and supposed speculation. Until this moment, he hadn’t truly known what drew him to her. How was it possible that he’d missed it before; her resemblance to his high school sweetheart, Lana? His true love was taken from him far too soon.

“I appreciate this so much, Samuel,” Sabrina spoke, interrupting his nostalgic foray back in time.   

“Think nothing of it,” he returned. Relieved to see that she’d recovered, he grinned and sat down next to her. “So, how do you feel?”

She gave him a weak smile. “Much better, thanks