by Aiden James
Just not in mine.
A careful peek through the curtains confirmed the birds’ chirpy confidence. Rather than sulk about it, I got up and began preparing to meet the day as my family would expect—or hoped from me. After showering, I dressed in the sharp outfit purchased by my sister and her beau, pleased these duds actually felt comfortable. Not a bad reflection, either, that greeted me in the full-size mirror next to my dresser.
When I arrived downstairs, no one was stirring yet and the kitchen sat empty, which was pretty weird. Perhaps my family wanted to sleep in a bit, like most folks throughout America are wont to do on a Saturday morning. Again, I listened... only the light jingle from a miniature ‘skull and crossbones’ bell on Lucian’s dog collar resounded as he ventured into the kitchen to see who was in here.
“Hey, little buddy—good morning!”
The dog launched into his happy dance of spinning and prancing around my legs, pausing to do a full-body stretch as I lovingly stroked his back.
“Good morning, nephew!”
Adrian’s voice startled me, and I jumped while turning to face him.
He stood behind me, and behind him the rest of my family were gathered around the kitchen island. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, they all wore neutral looks, but nodded approvingly at my attire. All were dressed festively as well.
“I love the new look, Sebastian,” said Adrian, echoed by everyone else. “It shows your earnestness about moving forward. Good for you.”
I shrugged. Honestly, what else could I do?
“You didn’t seriously believe Daciana would succeed in escaping Bucharest, did you?”
I wanted to smack the knowing smirk from his face, and the soft green lights dancing within his eyes told me he knew this. Not from my thoughts... but with my disappointment hovering so close to the surface, surely my expression easily gave it away.
“I don’t know what I thought,” I replied, delivering an answer not far from the truth.
Meanwhile, I fought to keep a volatile mixture of humiliation and rage from bubbling out of control. It brought to mind the middle-aged men I used to see buying weekly lottery tickets in the grocery stores and gas stations in Wheaton. Their facial expressions when stepping away from the cashier told of dreams of winning the ‘big one’—only to soon face the reality of another loss. Then, the next weekend they’d return to put themselves through that shit all over again.
Would that be me? Consigned to forever pine for my version of a lottery win... the tantalizing and untenable prize of an enraptured union of two souls destined to be together?
When has that ‘happily ever after’ BS ever proven true, Bas?
Well, Alisia seems to have found it... my parents have it and so does Adrian and Catriona. Even my grandparents are a great fit, despite the drama I believe they’d both miss if their five-century marriage were to suddenly end.
That left poor Manuel... and me.
“What you should be thinking about is how much fun you’re going to have today, Bas!” Alisia enthused. “I believe you and Rhiana are gonna hit it off. She might even swoon when seeing you decked out like this. I know I would, if we weren’t related, of course—and, if I hadn’t met Harris.”
See what I mean? Harris is the light of Ali’s life!
Truthfully, I didn’t want to put that kind of pressure on trying to replace Daciana with a new girl... even one seemingly alluring as Rhiana Johnson.
“So, you think she’ll dig this version of me?” I asked, while an impish grin tugged at my lips. “What happens when midnight strikes and I’m turned back into a rock n’ roll rat in my preferred jeans and t-shirt ensemble?”
“She’ll think you’re just as hot,” Ali replied, blushing. “For your information, big brother, Rhiana’s just as comfortable in a t-shirt and pair of faded Levi’s as she is when all dolled up.”
“We’re all looking forward to meeting her later today, son,” said Grandpa, confirmed by everyone else.
“We want you to be happy... and safe,” added Mom. “And, Rhiana is such a sweet girl.... Florina and I have enjoyed her presence the few times we have had the pleasure of being around her. Her family is one we feel we could eventually reveal ourselves safely to as well.”
“Best of all, if you were to find her enchanting, Bas, we won’t have to continually look over our shoulders for an assassin’s sniper shot,” said Dad. Not one to sugarcoat anything, his observation drew a sharp glance from my mother and sister. “Hey, just stating the facts. As far as I can see, it’s at least worth our boy giving this nice young girl a chance... to keep an open mind.”
“While also being patient with his own heart’s healing,” added Grandma, continuing the conversation as if I had somehow disappeared from the room. “This is a first step to doing that.”
“I’m already on board with meeting her today,” I said, drawing everyone’s attention back to me. “So, I thought I’d fix myself something to eat and relax a bit until it’s time to get this show on the road.” I offered a congenial smile that hopefully hid how deeply my heart ached.
“If you’ll hold off on breakfast, Sadee Dean is preparing quite a feast this morning, along with Carol Morton and Alice Fullerton,” Mom advised. “It should be quite good, given how it’s being prepared by the finest cooks in the neighborhood.”
“The finest ‘chefs’,” Grandpa corrected. “We’re in for a real treat, Bas, and it starts in about an hour!”
He pointed to the kitchen wall clock that showed the time as just after seven o’clock that morning.
“Sure.”
Actually, breakfast at Sadee and John Dean’s home had me intrigued, since the spread would likely rival the finer restaurants out there. I envisioned something along the lines of an Oktoberfest theme, and maybe the presence of some Bavarian ale samples or at least breakfast liquors.
Something to help wash down the pain and keep my spirits up would be nice!
“So, are we still getting together with Harris and Rhiana around ten this morning, or later?” I asked Alisia.
“Probably earlier,” she advised. “Harris will bring Rhiana to the Deans’ home sometime before ten o’clock, likely nine-thirtyish.”
“Well, at least we’ll know before noon if it’s sparks that fly... or fur,” I deadpanned, to a chorus of boo-hisses. “Hey, I’m just kidding. She sounds wonderful, and I’ve already promised to be cordial and I intend to keep an open mind.”
“See that you do!” Adrian gave me hearty slap across the shoulder that softened to an affectionate grasp. “We’re counting on you, Bas.”
With the morning’s schedule settled, we hung out as a family until it was time to leave, a few minutes before eight o’clock. By then, Manuel showed up with his ‘ice-princess’ better half, and Catriona arrived with her and Adrian’s adorable toddlers.
“Well, hello everyone!” Sadee enthused, upon greeting our mob gathered on her front porch. Dressed in a festive Bavarian-styled outfit, she motioned for us all to step inside her smartly decorated craftsman bungalow. “Come on in!”
An array of wonderful aromas wafted from the kitchen and dining room, and I anticipated converging on the table already loaded with delectable items. But, first, Sadee stopped me.
“I just want you to know, Bas, that you are about to meet one very special lady in Rhiana!”
Her enthusiasm was even stronger than my sister’s fervor had been earlier—and admittedly infectious, as I smiled shyly. For a moment, her eyes misted behind her thick glasses, and for the first time I could determine their color. Hazel... darker than Dad’s or Julien’s eyes to where they were almost as brown as Grandma’s eyes and Wizard von Stroheim’s peepers, but with a rich green halo.
Yeah, an odd observation, but all this time I had never been able to tell the color, largely on account of Mrs. Dean’s prescription lenses.
“Well, that’s what everyone has told me so far,” I said. “I’m looking forward to meeting her today.”
“Good—I think you’ll make a great match!”
With that, she scurried off to attend to her other guests, which included the Mays, Crawfords, and Albrights. Counting her elderly husband, John, who navigated the crowded main level with his walker, there were at least thirty people gathered in the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
I had hoped to get a heads up for when Harris and Rhiana showed up, but with such a boisterous group, I now expected to look up and there she’d be. Not quite how it happened, but I had just finished polishing off a second Danish roll and my third mimosa, when Ali tapped me on the shoulder.
“Here she is, Bas!” Alisia announced while proudly motioning to a truly stunning statuesque blonde with bright green eyes, and who was far prettier in person than in the picture my sister showed me the other day. “This is Rhiana!”
“Hi... it’s nice to meet you,” I said. I started to extend my hand, but wasn’t sure what socially acceptable gesture was appropriate in a Covid-era ‘inside’ gathering—especially, after suddenly realizing that no one gathered here was physically distanced or wearing a facial covering.
Covid-sinners we all are!
Of course, those of us warlocks and witches—and one wizard—could neither catch nor transmit the coronavirus. But still I worried, and couldn’t believe I hadn’t even noticed our hypocrisy until that very moment.
Apparently, Alisia could tell what was up with me, offering a knowing look to Rhiana before whispering “Mom, Grandma, and I have added a protection spell, silly—it’s okay in here. Everyone—including John Dean—is fully protected from catching those tiny viral bastards. We’ll put the masks on out there, once we leave.” She pointed toward Old Dominion through the Deans’ large picture window facing the street.
“It’s nice to meet you, too, Bas,” Rhiana said, stifling a chuckle. Her voice was cheerful and her eyes glowed with a loving warmth that, admittedly, was unusual. I could immediately tell that her soul was caring, humble, and giving—which frankly defied what I’ve usually seen in mortals fortunate to be blessed with the rarer ‘gifts’, be it physical perfection or innate special talents.
“What’s so funny?” I asked, as she traded an extra giggle with Ali.
“She knows what we are, Bas, so you don’t have to pretend you’re just a regular mortal guy.”
“Oh,” I said, feeling warmth spread across my face, wondering if I had just made a fool of myself, or not. Thankfully, the last mimosa’s buzz helped me move on quickly. “Well, I guess that takes care of the age difference awkwardness, eh?”
I added what I hoped was a charming smile.
“I suppose so,” she said, nodding approvingly.
Hard not to like this kid. I know that sounds arrogant, but despite my own obvious ‘kid-like’ qualities, any warlock my age carries a wealth of earthly experiences that can mean as big a generation gap as say, some elderly millionaire mortal man has with a trophy wife in her twenties. Something told me that Rhiana was well ahead of her years. Perhaps, she is an ‘old soul’, as Grandma sometimes referred to the more evolved mortals we’ve encountered down through the years.
As for her beauty? It was more of the classic variety, which has always wooed my heart. Drop dead gorgeous, in that sense, really. Even her choice of a beige and burgundy pantsuit was elegant and accentuated her natural loveliness.
“Hey, Bas—man you look killer, dude!” Harris nodded approvingly as he joined us, pausing to give a loving kiss to my sis. “I knew you’d tear that look up, man!”
“Thanks, Harris,” I said, feeling a tad self-conscious. “You’re looking quite stylish too.”
An honest compliment. He reminded me of one of those Armani billboard models, and Alisia looked great, too, in a similar ensemble to Rhiana’s. Meanwhile, I missed my much more casual and inconspicuous attire. Although, I still had my Ray-Bans, tucked away in a zippered side pocket in my sweater. My triggered left-hand ached to pull ‘em out, like a smoker counting the minutes to their next cigarette.
“Thank you, Bas,” said Harris, nodding admiringly at both Ali and Rhiana. “Y’all ready to hit the square? There’s supposed to be some fun stuff going on already... we can go check it out!”
“Sounds good to me!” Alisia pointed to the Deans’ grated front door, and I caught my breath as it started to open. No doubt, my sister had also indulged in at least as many mimosas as I had, and had shed her usual inhibitions of casting a spell in the presence of mortal witnesses. I briefly wondered how she pulled the drinking feat off without raising an eyebrow or two, since she still looks all of sixteen. “Let’s go!”
“Wait!” I said, holding up my glass and saucer, prepared to return them to the kitchen.
“No worries, Bas.” She smiled wickedly and lightly scrunched her nose. Instantly, my hands were empty.
“You better hope Mom and Dad didn’t see that,” I quipped.
“It’s probably okay,” said Rhiana, chuckling. “She does that all the time, and used to hide my cell phone and purse across the room during Home Economics last year.”
“Really?” I shook my head at the very same rebelliousness my dear sis gives me shit about. Only, in Ali’s case, I could readily picture her being a hell of a lot more brazen than I ever was during my school days.
“Oh, like you didn’t pull stunts like that, too, buster!” Surely her irritation was heightened since she couldn’t confirm the thoughts feeding my playful look of scorn. “Sometimes far worse!”
“Oh, yeah? Like, when?”
“Like in Mrs. Doris Ellis’ algebra class! Have you conveniently forgotten how many times you ended up in the principal’s office for your own mischievous deeds?” That not-so-adorable smirk of hers was back, full force. “Hmmm... seems to me that back in 1985, you once erased every theorem she wrote on the blackboard as she jotted them down, causing her to mumble to herself as that poor woman thought her chalk wasn’t working. And, then, when the class was laughing at her and she had a full-on meltdown, you caused the pages of her flip chart to tear off and attack her as giant paper airplanes! Grandpa still laughs about it.”
“Oh... forgot about that,” I admitted, grinning sheepishly.
It honestly had slipped my mind, after all it was thirty-five years ago. Doubtless, Grandpa told that tale with relish, and although only one ninth-grade pal of mine, at the time, had an inkling I had ‘supernatural powers’, I was blamed for egging on the laughter at poor Mrs. Ellis’ expense. But in my defense, she was a hateful woman who truly had no business teaching anything aside from Rottweilers for The Omen’s Damien Thorn. She pushed us all to the edge... so, naturally I took it upon myself to ‘remedy’ the situation.
“You’re forgiven, as long as we can leave now!”
Alisia batted her eyes playfully with an impish smile. Without waiting another moment to get going, she shouted a ‘See ya later—love y’all!’ to everyone else in attendance, and the four of us exited the Deans’ residence.
Once we reached the sidewalk along Old Dominion, I noticed the temperature seemed noticeably warmer than earlier. I worried the sweater I wore might prove to be a liability by that afternoon. Taking the opportunity to remove my sunglasses from my pocket, I glanced toward the sky as I donned them, pleased that very few clouds were visible.
At least it shouldn’t rain any time soon!
“The weather couldn’t be any better, it seems,” said Rhiana, as we walked behind Alisia and Harris. I noticed she wore a mask that matched her outfit, and I hurriedly pulled mine out of my slacks’ pocket. “I’m looking forward to getting to know you, Bas.”
“Likewise,” I said, offering her a warm smile before masking it with my covid-protection. “It should be a fun day.”
Not that I had forgotten the heaviness weighing upon my heart, but I actively pushed the misery from my awareness, knowing I could pick it back up later. After all, it wasn’t going away anytime soon.
In the meantime, Rhiana’s warmth and sweetness were a welcome balm
to my soul—even if temporary. As the four of us strolled through the neighborhood, enjoying the pleasant ambiance of older homes from yesteryear, and under the colorful canopy of mature trees in the early stages of autumn’s arrival, Rhiana and I chatted about a variety of subjects. I learned about her family’s roots in Tennessee that were a mixture of Mississippi and Ohio, and her great-grandparents had arrived by way of a Nashville beauty contest featuring her great-grandmother, while one of the judges was a 1930’s football star who also descended from one of Akron’s famed ‘tire baron’ families.
Fascinating, really. And, I found myself attracted to her positive outlook on life and the devotion she felt toward her family, friends, and the world in general. As I mentioned earlier, the warmth and gentleness of her spirit combined with her strong zest for life are rare.
When we approached the courthouse park area, Harris advised that he and Alisia would see about getting whatever passes we needed for the day’s events.
“We’ll be right back,” said Alisia. “If you two want to hang out in the park, we’ll find you once we’ve got everything squared away for today’s festivities.”
“Sounds good,” I said, similarly echoed by Rhiana.
For the moment, there were roughly two hundred people in the square, and maybe thirty people in the entire courthouse park area. From what I could tell, none of these patrons were part of the Matei clan.
That’s good... at least we won’t have an unpleasant confrontation to deal with today.
But a twinge of pain hit my chest, knowing that in all likelihood Daciana was now Mrs. Magnus Ninnius. I silently wished her well, believing this wasn’t what she wanted.... But in the end, we were forced to abide by the wishes of those more powerful than us.
And more powerful than Sorin Gabon!
“Alisia says you are a huge Chicago Bears fan,” Rhiana said, motioning for us to take a seat at the very same park bench where Grandpa and I had sat just six days earlier. “My great grandfather once played for the Bears long ago.”