SOULMATES

By Nancy E. Lane

Hopeful romantic Alexandra Shay, journalist and well-known chief anchor of the “Good Morning USA” show, lands an interview with the president of the United States. Will Allie’s lifelong dream to find her soulmate be hindered or enhanced by this advancement in her career? Will Allie ever meet the man she has always felt was out there somewhere? Or, has the search for romance throughout her life been a distraction from her true purpose?

Praying to God for guidance, Allie’s purpose is made clear. Many friendships are made and eternal truths are soon revealed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Apr 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662903489

Book preview

STALKER

PRELUDE

It was a beautiful sunny day in Southern California as God looked down on two joyful toddlers playing in the backyard of their home. At three and four years old, Allie and Randal were loaded with energy as they played on their swing set. They were more formally named Alexandra and Randal Shay, but with one look at their sweet baby faces, nicknames rolled off their mother’s tongue.

Allie and Randy come inside, it’s time for lunch! their mother called out to them from the back door.

Getting hungry, they were excited to hear Mom’s voice calling them to come inside.

Mommy, that smells good! Allie said as she skipped into the kitchen to wash her hands.

Randy followed not far behind. "Mmmm … it sure does smell good! he said as the scent of warm toasted bread and cheese from the stovetop filled the room. What are we having?"

Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup! Mom said, placing their bowls of warm, red soup on the table next to their sandwiches. She made the soup from scratch with pureed tomatoes, olive oil, thyme, freshly ground black pepper, thinly sliced fresh basil, a touch of butter, sugar and onions in a large Dutch oven. Mom always made plenty of soup to have with dinner when Dad came home from work. The aroma of soup mingled with the smell of toasted grilled cheese made the house smell like home.

Let’s say grace before we start eating, Mother said as she sat down next to them at the table. The kids bowed their heads and Mom bowed her head with them. They blessed their food together with a prayer they knew by heart and said Amen in unison.

When Allie and Randy looked up, Mom asked, What is the favorite thing you did so far today? She always asked this question, so they were prepared to answer. They thought about it as they played. It helped Mom become a part of what they experienced while she was inside making their lunch. Only four years old, Randy was already a gentleman, and he let his little sister speak first.

Swinging! Allie answered as she took a bite of her sandwich.

Jumping from the swings! Randy’s words followed closely, and he took a drink of his lemonade.

Randy jumped far! Allie said with wide-eyed wonder.

Yeah, further than before! he said, standing up with pride and pointing out the window to a spot by the swings.

How far did you jump this time? Mom asked.

With a big grin on his face, Randy said, I jumped to the edge of the slide! He was still pointing with one hand and holding a triangular half of his sandwich in the other hand. The grilled cheese was melting almost ready to drip off the edge of the crust. He saw it and took a bite right there.

That is far! Mom said. But be careful jumping. You could get hurt.

Okay. Randy nodded.

Oh, Allie said as she thought through the process of jumping. She had never been hurt before and her three-year-old mind didn’t understand.

Randy saw Allie’s eyebrows coming together in thought with a vertical crease in between them. This pensive look would become a distinctive expression she would be well known for in the future.

Mom stood up to clear the kitchen table. You two go take off your shoes and get your blankets, I’ll be there in a minute.

Mom was not far behind, as she watched them routinely know what to do next. It was almost naptime as the sweet fragrance of newly mown grass swept through the bedroom window on a tropical breeze. With tummies full, they were ready to relax. They picked up their blankets and propped themselves up on their pillows in bed. Mom was just in time to crawl in between them, as Allie and Randy snuggled in close to her. Looking out the window at the top of coco palm trees gently swaying, their attention quickly moved with anticipation to the world of make-believe. They watched as their mother opened a colorful children’s book and began reading nursery rhymes and fairy tales!

Allie was mesmerized during story time. At merely three years old, she couldn’t read at all and enjoyed following along with the brightly colored pictures. She hoped someday she would read with an animated expression like her mother. She was enchanted by the golden rays of sunlight streaming in through the window. The rays of sun moved slowly until they covered her legs with a bright, but otherwise invisible, warmth. This warmth relaxed her physically, while the comfort of family closeness lulled her emotionally. There was always a peaceful calm during story time as Mother created a cozy world of love.

Allie had no idea the memories of her mother reading, the fresh fragrance of grass in the breeze, and the beautiful sunshine would all hold such a special place in her heart for the rest of her life. Her mind began to drift listening to her mother’s voice reading, until she fell fast asleep.

CHAPTER 1 – THE INTERVIEW

At fifty years old, the familiar fragrance of freshly cut grass breezed through Allie’s bedroom window as she woke up from her late afternoon nap. The smell of grass was a common scent to most people, but to her it held a significance and nostalgia from her youth. This fragrance brought a precious feeling connecting the past to the present. She had slept a long time and must have slept hard, because her neighbor’s growling lawnmower didn’t even wake her.

Waking up slowly, Allie laid in bed gazing out the window. The sun began to sink restfully in the sky, as golden rays of sunlight beamed into her room. The rays were like an untouchable mist in the air coming to say goodnight. Contrastingly, she got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

The sunset was now shining on her face through the window, just as the sun had warmed her legs during naptime as a child. The sun felt like a friend in Allie’s life, always bringing comfort and warmth within her memories. Her golden hair rivaled the beauty of the sun, until they became one in loveliness with its light shining on her. She turned from looking into the mirror at the glow of the sun on her face and hair, to watching the sunset on the horizon through the window. Watching the sunset was one of her favorite parts of the day.

The power nap had accomplished her mission, Allie felt invigorated and her mind was alert. Tonight, she would be meeting the President of the United States and interviewing him at his request. As a television reporter for Good Morning USA she had achieved her childhood goal of reading extremely well. She went by Alexandra on the air, but otherwise everyone still called her Allie.

Allie’s cell phone began ringing. It was her brother, Dr. Randal Shay, calling. Hi, Randal! she said.

Randal usually called his sister after a long day at work. Hey Allie, today was my third day of overtime this week in the ER. I’m exhausted! I was thinking of you during my long drive home, he said and let out a sigh. Anything new with you?

Yes, I’m so glad you called! I do have some news. First, I was just thinking about Mom reading to us during naptime when we were young, do you remember? she asked.

Yeah, I’ll never forget those days. Here I am, fifty one years old, and I still wish she was here to read to me. Mom read with such expression, like I was watching the story right before my eyes.

I felt the same way, Allie said with a faraway look on her face as she drifted into their shared memory.

It was such a long drive home from work today, Randal said, slowly pacing his kitchen floor with lethargic energy from sitting so long on his motorcycle.

Randal, you sound exhausted.

I’ll be alright, don’t worry, he said.

Okay, promise me you’ll go to sleep soon, Allie said.

I will, he promised.

Before we say goodnight, I do have some news, she said. I have an extra special ‘Good Morning USA’ broadcast for tomorrow! I’m leaving soon to pre-tape the show.

Pre-taping? Is it confidential? Randal asked.

Yes! Although I can’t say exactly what’s up, I don’t want you to miss it, she said.

Tell you what Allie, I’ll set my DVR right now to record your show in the morning. That way I can sleep-in without missing it, or I can even watch it repeatedly! Randal said, walking into his comfortably furnished living room. He picked up the remote, set the recorder, and sat down on a plush recliner that was worn to his exact impression. He yawned as he sank into the chair.

I can hear it, Randal, you are overexerting yourself, Allie said feeling genuine concern, not lecturing. She stopped brushing her hair and paused while looking in the mirror, as though it was her brother’s reflection she was speaking to. Randal, your health is top priority. In fact, how can you be there for others if you get sick?

I know. I often wonder how long I can keep working these hours, he said. I’ll get some sleep tonight and turn down overtime tomorrow.

Alright, I’ll hold you to that Randal. Please try to get some sleep.

Thanks, I’ll do my best.

Your best is always good enough, she said.

I sure wish Dad and Mom were still alive to see your broadcasts, Randal added.

Me too, I miss them, Allie agreed, and the conversation that was almost closed reopened as it often did when they were talking on their cell phones.

I miss them too. Dad and Mom set good examples for us. I remember how hard Dad worked every day, never taking a sick day his entire career, he said.

I remember, she harmonized within their memories. "Mom and Dad were always so proud of your medical profession. It’s too bad I didn’t accomplish much before they passed away, but tonight’s interview could very well be something substantial."

This sounds exciting! How about I give you a call tomorrow to let you know what I think?

I look forward to it. Allie ended the phone call and looked again in the mirror. The bathroom lighting revealed age lines that seemed camouflaged during the light of day. Her face, arms, neck and hands were slowly showing their age. Thankfully, her skin was not aging in areas typically covered by clothing, but she wished there was a skin cream to reverse the aging process on her face and neck.

As a journalist and chief anchor, Allie had to wear heavy makeup at work for television but wore only the basics at home. Applying flesh colored cover stick under her eyes, rose-toned blush on her cheeks, and a soft shiny lip gloss completed her makeup routine quickly today. When she arrived to work, the makeup artist would always create her glamorous look.

Allie’s stomach gurgled. She was missing dinner again and there was no time to eat. Feeling a need to stay hydrated to avoid the impending doom of the aging process, she opened the fridge for a cold bottle of water and took a thirst-quenching gulp.

Allie turned off the kitchen light, grabbed her purse and script from the kitchen counter, and headed out the door connected to the garage. She turned around to lock the deadbolt, and jiggled the doorknob to ensure it locked.

Turning around, Allie saw her shiny metallic sportscar parked precisely in the center of the garage. Everyone saw her coming down the street like a gleaming silver bullet! She beeped the remote to get inside. Although she had reached a level of financial security, it was hard to justify this car. It was her one extravagance in life. She grew up driving anything, anything at all that would get her from point A to point B. Money had not come easily, but you wouldn’t know that unless you looked into her heart as she sat down and thanked the Lord each day as she drove away in this pretty, shiny car. It made her happy. Unfortunately, no matter how sleek a car looked driving down the freeway in Los Angeles, drivers would swerve around fancy automobiles within an inch of scratching them, just as quickly as they would swerve around old clunkers.

Being a successful journalist and reporter, Allie had worked extremely hard to stand on her own two feet. Now she had money for everything but hardly ever bought things she didn’t need. This flashy automobile was her one guilty pleasure. Reliable transportation was a necessity, she rationalized.

Allie hoped driving to work at night would be easier than the brutally long drives during morning rush hour. For her own safety, she learned early on how to focus and maneuver through tight traffic while being recognized and sometimes followed. Although she kept her distance in traffic, she was very down to earth and approachable in public.

Why was Allie still single? Maybe people didn’t realize how well-grounded she was. She typically didn’t mingle with those of a Hollywood mindset, mainly those interested only in how they appeared superficially and making it to the proverbial top. Her character was the antithesis of her perception of those type of people. She didn’t want to stereotype all of Hollywood into this category. However, she had seen enough people morph into a clouded lack of reality and self-absorption from being in the entertainment industry, that she had a vivid heads up of what she did not want to become.

Allie had always believed she had a soulmate somewhere. Being a strong Christian, she had always wanted a husband, children and a family of her own. Not having her soulmate yet, and already fifty years old and still unmarried, she felt unaccomplished. Even with her wonderful job, she felt a longing to make more righteous contributions to this world, especially knowing she was missing out on many truly purposeful reasons for her life on Earth.

Typically, Allie rehearsed her lines for work out loud while driving, and sometimes she prayed out loud or silently. Tonight, she felt fully prepared for the interview as she began praying to Jesus. She kept a sort of on-going conversation with him, as though Jesus were sitting next to her in the passenger seat.

This night was no different as she began praying. This is such a huge opportunity to meet the President. I have not made my dent in the world and feel unaccomplished in what really matters. I feel a duty to bring about thy will and not my own. Hopefully you will find me worthy of greater enlightenment. Jesus, I want to live virtuously and promote righteousness and devotion to thee in my life. I pray that one day I can return to thee, and you will say more eloquently than I can express, that I have been faithful and lived a life in tune with thy will.

Allie’s belief was that any time was the right time for prayer. She continued, A goal of world peace has always been a top priority. A personal goal if put in a position to help, is to guide mankind back to loving one another. Love is the key. From my Christian upbringing, deep within my soul yearns the greatest achievement possible—to love one another! Jesus, you set us on the right path, we need to get back on this path.

It was a dark, moonless night and the stars twinkled more brightly than usual as Allie drove to work through Beverly Hills. She continued expressing her heartfelt desires, always believing that every word she thought or said was heard by God.

Looking up at the stars, I find the universe breathtaking and limitless. It leaves me with a million questions. Then within our planet, there’s the brilliancy of various life forms and humanity in the midst of all God’s creations! She began analyzing. Science fascinates me, and although I love science, scientists have not found the answers to the universe. Is this because God is beyond science? Perhaps God is not bound by or confined to scientific laws. He is the creator. Maybe our minds are limiting our judgment, and we must consider what we don’t know before we judge. If we alter our perception, can we alter the world? Jesus, I believe you will open up realities if we place total faith in thee. Please let me know if I am right, she prayed out loud while driving. She hoped God heard the desires of her heart.

Turning into the studio entrance, the guards lifted the gate for Allie to enter. She carefully parked in her assigned parking spot. Always trying to get to work early, she walked as quickly as possible to the make-up room. Then overheard her name being called to the set by the forty-something, but looks thirty-something director, Kyle Warner. He was wearing his sharpest navy-blue suit for the President’s visit. It went well with his eyes.

Allie, are you ready for your interview? Kyle asked as he walked briskly to catch up to her.

"Yes, absolutely. I am about to interview the President of the United States, am I not? she said. I have rehearsed my questions and I’m ready to go."

Kyle stopped and flipped through his paperwork. He was obviously too busy to respond.

Allie stopped momentarily as she looked around at the stage. There was a Presidential podium center stage, and to the right of the podium were comfortable matching chairs and a table for the interview.

Kyle looked up to respond, I have news, he said. I am thankful you are the reporter known for spontaneity, because the White House scrapped our script," he said looking her directly in the eye. They turned and began heading toward the make-up room side-by-side.

With no time to respond, Allie saw the President’s Chief Aide Jacob Reynolds coming her way. Miss Shay, or should I call you Alexandra? he asked.

Allie, Allie Shay, when I’m not on the air Mr. Reynolds. She shook his hand.

The President would like to meet with you when you’re through in hair and make-up, he informed her.

It would be my honor, she said, hoping to glean some understanding of the President’s expectations.

Arriving to hair and make-up, Allie adjusted the waistband of her red skirt. She straightened her matching suit jacket while taking a look in the mirror. Her stomach gurgled again as she routinely sat down. The room was bright with lights surrounding the makeup mirror in front of her. One person skillfully applied her make-up, while the other fussed with her hair. A breeze from the stage fan blew gently through the open door, blowing her shiny, shoulder-length blonde hair. A few white strands of strategically hidden hair gently appeared and seemed to gleam, showing her age. The hairdresser adjusted these strands with a light spritz of hairspray.

President Design is in here, Kyle said, motioning Allie into a soundproof side studio office manned with several gun-carrying Secret Service agents. They all looked similar in their black suits and sunglasses. It was as if wearing sunglasses was part of their Secret Service uniform. They stepped aside and let her in the room.

Two additional Secret Service agents were standing inside the door. One of them caught her eye, he was wearing a notable red leather watchband. This uniquely identifiable difference between the agents caught her attention. He looked crisply tailored in his white dry-cleaned dress shirt, tie, and suit jacket. His shoulders were broad but lean and his long waist narrowed from his shoulders like a T.

What a perfect build, she thought.

Excuse me, please raise your arms above your head, the red-leather watchband Secret Service agent said.

Allie raised her arms. She laughed inwardly wondering if he would raise his arm from the elbow and speak into his red wristwatch as they do in spy movies, but he didn’t. He took her pen and notepad and proceeded to frisk her.

That will be all, the President said to the Secret Service agents. They closed the door behind them leaving the President and Allie alone in the soundproof room. It was a basic room with four white walls, but soundproof for privacy and accessible through only one door, which made it a safe room.

Good evening, Miss Shay, President Design said as he walked up to shake her hand. I would like to take a different approach to today’s interview.

Absolutely, President Design. What are your thoughts? she asked with full dedication to the President. She hoped this interview would take everyone in a direction toward her righteous lifelong goal of praising God and establishing peace on Earth.

Alexandra, I have someone I would like for you to meet. You must keep this confidential, the President said and opened the door to leave. I will see you on set.

Yes sir, Mr. President, Allie said as she turned toward the door, watching him leave. Two more Secret Service agents arrived to meet the President outside the safe room door. They were going to escort him to hair and make-up. She saw the red leather watchband Secret Service agent just outside the door manning his post. He put his hand over his earpiece, perhaps listening to advice. Then he gave a slight smile but caught himself and straightened the corners of his mouth. Never letting down his guard, he nodded to her and closed the door.

Wondering why she was standing in the soundproof room all alone, Allie began pacing. She wondered who she was supposed to meet. Then the room began to fill with a peaceful energy coupled with an emotional warmth. She stopped pacing and simultaneously felt a spiritual presence of purity and tranquility touch her spirit. The emotions of this spiritual guest proceeded his physical presence. Slowly, not all at once, she saw a luminous glow in the form of a man. His presence began to materialize with a lustrous brightness. As he came into view, he looked ageless with porcelain skin and rosy cheeks. His brown hair was flowing in the breeze of his movement. As he materialized before her, the definition of his physical attributes began to clarify. It was as though a photo was being brought into focus as he became fully present. The warmth of his brown eyes with flecks of gold stood out and seemed to understand her.

My name is Aiden. I am a Heavenly angel sent from God, he projected the thought into Allie’s mind telepathically. It was not a voiceless thought from her own brain but an actual voice of a Heavenly angel within her brain, spirit and soul. She was caught off guard by the unfamiliar, yet completely intelligible form of communication.

Allie marveled at the angel’s ability to speak to her mind.

I have a brief message for you today. President Design has developed the gift of mental telepathy. He and I can speak telepathically to one another. Meanwhile, I know what everyone is thinking. Therefore, I can tell the President telepathically who is being honest with him and who has ulterior motives. I was sent to President Design by God. He is a prayerful President, and truly wants to do God’s will, the angel projected telepathically.

Allie stood in awe. Aiden, it’s glorious to meet you! What am I to do with this knowledge? she asked.

The angel answered, Treasure this knowledge inside you. I will speak with you again soon.

The rays of emotion from the angel penetrated Allie’s soul with enlightenment, replacing any negativity that was once a part of her. Unfortunately, this cleansing only stayed while he was in her presence. As Aiden’s luster disappeared, his emotions left like glitter rising. Then the aura of his essence departed leaving her to gaze upon and ponder the vacancy of his countenance. Oh, how she wished she could keep the feeling of the angel’s emotional glitter within her. She had never felt such splendor and purity. She stood in contemplative silence for a minute or two.

Then the red leather watchband Secret Service agent opened the door. Let me introduce myself, I am Secret Service Agent Ryker.

It is nice to meet you, Agent Ryker, Allie said, finally learning his name. I can’t help but wonder what your face looks like under those sunglasses.

As he shook her hand, she mentally tried to get her head back in the game. After all, it’s not every day that you meet an angel from Heaven, or the President of the United States. If anyone could pull her back into reality at this time it would be this handsome agent. His soft brown hair was combed back off his forehead, his face mostly unseen behind his sunglasses. She loved his broad shoulders! She could only imagine him holding her within his protective embrace.

"My name is Agent Paul Ryker, and yes, most of us wear sunglasses."

Alexandra Shay, but everyone calls me Allie, she offered her introduction as he shook her hand, with a slight tilt of her head and a pretty twinkle in her eyes.

It’s a pleasure to meet you. They asked me to give you the updated script for tonight’s broadcast. Paul said and handed it to her carefully.

Thank you, she said, tucking the script under her arm.

They began to walk out the door as Kyle Warner returned to the soundproof waiting room. The teleprompter has everything loaded and ready to go for you and the President, Kyle said.

With no time to spare, Allie perused her lines as she walked toward the center stage Presidential podium. Three Secret Service agents who she had not seen before escorted President Design to the podium. They kept an active eye on the President and the surroundings. She supposed this was in case anyone broke into the studio. They stepped away and stood further back off-camera. Making her way to the stage she stood next to President Design.

Here’s where the spontaneity Allie was so well known for would come into play. With no additional time to look over her script, the spotlight lit the area around the President and Alexandra. The cameramen zoomed in on her for a closeup as she introduced the show.

Good morning, USA! she said with confident professionalism. It was the usual highly recognized opening statement for their news broadcasts. Yet, this time there was a discernable excitement detected in her voice.

The cameramen widened the view from Alexandra’s closeup. The overhead lights dimmed as a bright white spotlight beamed sharply into place on President Design and Alexandra Shay.

Ladies and gentlemen of America and around the world, the President of the United States, President Jonathan Weston Design. The spotlight narrowed in on the President. Additional spotlights began dancing with importance until the Good Morning USA introduction music stopped.

Alexandra proceeded to introduce him using her own words. The teleprompter simply said, Introduce the President.

She continued looking directly into the camera and said adlib, It is my honor to be interviewing President Jonathan Weston Design. The advancements he has made within our country against great scrutiny have been phenomenal. His aerodynamic yet warm approach with people has reduced the drag between onset and accomplishment of projects. He has the knack of reducing pressures that might come into play by foreseeing issues of concern. Well known for his calmness in the state of crisis, he accomplishes what he sets out to do, unless forcibly detained. How does he do it?

Allie then turned toward the teleprompter. She began reading, although you would never know she was reading. Tonight, we have the opportunity to speak with our beloved President. I will be talking to him one-on-one as both a man and as the President of the United States. He has chosen to scrap my script for his script, She read out loud, and then the teleprompter stopped.

Allie looked at the President and paused.

Alexandra, I am scrapping my script as well, the President interjected. I want to have a heart-to-heart right here on national news.

Let’s have a seat, she said.

They walked to the comfortable chairs staged attractively aside the Presidential podium where they had been standing. Allie and the President were wired for sound with tiny microphones hooked to their clothing. President Design, sir, I would love to share a heart-to-heart talk with you right here, right now on national television, she said as they reached the set.

The President began speaking, Yes, let’s have a seat. The camera followed them as they sat down. I would like to tell you and the world what an honor it is to be in the position of President of the United States of America. President Design turned and looked directly at the camera as though he was looking in the eyes of each person watching from their homes. I am humbled and honored by the responsibility to carry out the requests of the American people and to guide our nation safely and righteously. There are hundreds of millions of lives that God has entrusted in my care, I treasure His trust in me to follow through with His will.

"Calling upon God is highly visible with your administration. Do you feel God’s