by Kelly Hall
“Tell me how’s he’s manipulating Lily.” Owen started to walk forward, but I grabbed his arm, reminding him of the trap.
“The spell is in the source. He’s got it all in the book.” Birdie closed her eyes. “Go now, he comes to me daily.”
“What book?” Owen shouted. “What book?” But she was asleep.
I tugged at Owen’s shirt, urging him from the doorway. “Let’s get going. We’re already late. Talon’s awake for sure.” I hurried down the rickety steps ahead of him.
Owen pulled me back, his hands clasping around my arm. “Lily, we’ve got to find that book! Don’t you get it? You’re in danger. We both are.”
I glanced back to the house. “I know.”
“Aren’t you even worried?” He frowned.
“Yes, but I guess I’m more concerned about the truck right now. And anyway, once Talon kills me, there won’t be much left of me for Ray.” I tried to be funny, but Owen didn’t laugh.
As we climbed on The Monster I worried what would happen next. I feared for Owen and how this could change him. Would he forever resent me if he never regained his Light?
***
My heart sank when I saw the truck again. I’d beaten it up pretty bad. Mud now hid most of the scratches that ran along the sides where the limbs had scraped by in the narrowed trail. The front bumper had a dent where it hit the tree, with a nice one on the hood, too. Yep, I’m dead.
Owen followed me back to the house and continued to his backyard where he parked Hunter’s baby. Mom had left, so I was a little relieved that I had a chance to face Talon without having her on me too. I could call her with the story and she’d cool off by the time she got home. I got out of the truck and shut the door. I started to walk in the back to see if Owen was still around when the front door opened. Talon walked out and spotted me before he saw the truck.
“What took you so long?” he asked, just a second before turning to the truck and dropping his jaw. He ran down the steps and threw up his hands. “What the hell, Lily?” He gave me a quick glance and ran to the truck, rubbing the dented bumper. “What did you do? Where have you been?”
“I’m sorry, I ...”
“Sorry? You lied to me. You haven’t been to town. You—stupid, stupid—girl.” It seemed he tried not to call me much worse. But I’d rather be called anything but stupid. The words hurt, but I deserved them. I had been stupid. The tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill. “Where did you go? How’d—Damn it!” He stared at me now, his face a mess of twisted anger, as he walked closer.
Owen ran up from behind me and got between us. “Take it easy.”
“Stay out of this, Riley,” he spat. “Where have you been? And don’t lie to me again.” He sounded so much like Tom with his temper.
“The pipeline,” I managed through a cracking voice. His eyes shut and he took a step back.
“You took my dad’s truck into the woods—into that trail? He’s going to kill me. Kill us both. How could you do this to me, Lily? Don’t you have any sense?”
“Don’t you?” Owen spoke up. “Don’t you even care if she’s okay?” He yelled. “All you’re worried about is that stupid truck. She could have been hurt.”
“Please, with all that Water your old man’s been prescribing, she could hardly get hurt,” Talon snapped. “And what am I supposed to do, pour the stuff over my truck? You think it will heal?” He turned and looked back at me. Then he got quiet and looked to the ground.
I couldn’t speak. I turned and went into the house, leaving the two of them to finish the argument. I couldn’t blame Talon for being upset. I imagined he would be. He might have been afraid things would be like before when he’d wrecked his dad’s car. I avoided my own bedroom and went to my mom’s end of the house to take a shower. My heart stung from Talon’s words. Whoever had said that words didn’t hurt had lied. Sticks and stones wouldn’t wound me any worse.
After my shower I wrapped myself up tightly in a towel and made my way, tiptoeing to my own room. Talon waited there for me.
He held up the phone. “Dad wants to talk to you. I told him you’d call when you got done.”
“You told on me?” I shouted. I stormed away to the bathroom and put on my robe before returning to hear his answer.
“You think I’m taking the heat for this?” He tossed the phone on the bed. “Wrecking one car was bad enough, trust me.”
“No, I expected you to let me tell him. What did you say? Did you tell him about the pipeline?” Surely he hadn’t been so stupid.
As if he’d read my mind, he answered. “I’m not stupid, Lily.”
“No, just me, right? I’m the only stupid person here. The stupid girl, right?”
“I was mad, Lily. Besides, you have to admit it wasn’t your smartest move ever. You aren’t stupid; you just make snap decisions. You don’t think things through.” Hearing him say that made me feel stupid. I had actually planned that out, but wouldn’t tell him that.
Before I could explain myself, mom called. I sat on the bed next to Talon and answered. “Hey.”
“Lily, Tom said you had an accident, honey. Are you okay?” She sounded panicked.
“I’m fine, Mom, really. I’m sorry about the truck.” I waited for her to let me have it.
“Lily, it’s just an old truck, it’s insured. It can be replaced, but we can’t replace you, Jo-Jo.” Mom sniffled into the phone, so I didn’t complain about the endearment. I would be her baby Jo-Jo for the rest of my life; I better get used to it.
“Thanks, Mom, I love you.” I promised her I would call Tom and hung up the phone.
“So that’s it? You’re off the hook?” Talon raised an eyebrow.
“No, I have to call your dad,” I said, wondering if he really wanted me to get in trouble. I dialed the number and Tom answered.
“Lily! Hey sweetie, are you okay?” I didn’t deserve his tone or expect it. I guess I should have, though. Tom was new to being the father of a daughter. He might have been afraid I’d burst into tears.
“I’m fine.”
Talon watched my expression with narrowed eyes.
On the phone, Tom continued. “Good, we’ll get that truck all patched up. Don’t you worry, and we’re going to get you something more manageable to drive as soon as we can. That truck is too big for you anyway.”
“You mean—my own car?”
Talon’s eyes narrowed.
“Sure, we’ll start looking as soon as I get home. I’m keeping the company truck and I was going to give Talon mine anyway when I got back. We’ll have to get the thing fixed up now, but he can make it a project.” Great, I hadn’t wrecked his truck, I’d wrecked Talon’s.
“Thanks.” He told me again how glad he was that I didn’t get hurt and asked to talk to Talon, who snatched up the phone and went to his room. I got up and got dressed. Holly had gone next door, so I had the silence of my room to think. I processed the conversation when Talon returned with a better attitude.
“You’re unbelievable.” He stood in my doorway. Then his smile widened and he entered and plopped down on the bed beside me. “You’re the only person I know who can trash her dad’s truck and come out smelling like a rose.” He took my hand.
I gave him a look that should have told him to let go, but he ignored it.
“I’m sorry. I acted like an ass and I’m so sorry, Lily. I just knew Dad would kill us both. You for the truck and me for letting it happen. Instead the man’s gone mad. He’s giving me the truck, which by the way, I get to fix up however I like. It needs a little work and a new paint job, but it’s covered by the insurance.” He clapped his hands together and smiled. “So, what do you think about red?” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and before he could lean in to kiss my neck, I flinched away. “Lily? I said I was sorry.”
“For what? Acting like an ass or being one?”
Talon’s expression faded. “Excuse me?”
“I know about your girlfriend, Talon! I’
ve known for a while now!”
“What?” I took him by surprise. Heck, I even surprised myself. He narrowed his eyes, probably wondering how I knew. Then without any explanation or defense, he got up and went to his room. I lay back on my bed and curled my legs to my chest. The hole that ripped me wide open wouldn’t kill me, but I wished it would. Why hadn’t I kept my promise not to mention it? Maybe I was just stupid, after all.
Chapter Seventeen
With our latest discovery of Birdie, Owen thought it necessary to call a Circle meeting to discuss our next steps. We gathered on the patio after lunch.
“So, we’re cursed?” Hunter asked. “And an act of unselfishness will break it?”
“Well, she said it couldn’t hurt. Only the Angels can decide for sure.” Owen shrugged.
“But Hunter is the most unselfish person I know,” Holly argued. “He does things for everyone; he’s a friend to all!”
“And I’m not?” Owen challenged.
“No offense, but no.” Holly curled her lip. “The only person you act human for is Lily. You’re a spoiled brat when it comes to Granny, and don’t even get me started on the way you act with that bunch of girls from school.”
Owen stood dumbstruck, wounded by the words which were a little harsh for Holly, though not too surprising knowing she directed them toward Owen.
“Yeah, something’s not right,” Talon agreed.
“Thanks a lot! Can’t you speak up for me, brother?” He looked at Hunter, exasperated by being ganged up on.
“Well, you’re just different, I guess. But in your own way, you care.”
“What you’re saying is that in my own special way, I’m selfish,” Owen said. “You’re calling me shallow.” Hunter gave an apologetic shrug and Owen waved it off. “There has to be something to what she told us. I say we find this book.”
“Only concerned with your own problems again,” said Talon. He’d been unusually quiet since he’d reluctantly walked over to eat. He’d only come out of his room with orders from Granny, and still hadn’t spoken to me. “Well, some of us have other things to worry about. I for one am going to concentrate on the Kevin situation.”
“Oh, who’s being selfish now?” Owen mumbled. I couldn’t help but crack a smile.
Talon threw out his hands as his face twisted. “So what if I’m being selfish? I think after what I went through, I have every right to want Kevin dealt with. Besides, we’d all benefit if he were gone.”
“It’s so nice of you to want to clean up after yourself,” Owen said. The two of them glared at each other across the unlit fire pit. Talon had not taken his usual seat next to me.
“That’s exactly what I intend to do, and when I’m done I’ll be leaving,” Talon said. “I figure I have until the end of next week to get it done, that way I can start the next semester in Houston.” I expected to find him looking at me when I looked up but instead he looked at Hunter and Holly. Holly gave me a confused look. I froze, unable to move or speak. Hearing that Talon would leave for good cut me deep.
“Well then, guess we better get to making plans,” Hunter said.
“Tell me something?” I said directly to Talon. “Just how do you plan on defeating a dark spirit without a Light Keeper?” I shifted my eyes to Owen who looked at me confused, and then he smiled slyly as it registered.
“Are you saying you won’t help me?” Talon narrowed his eyes.
“Not until we find that book. Then we’ll take care of Kevin and you can run away.” I stood up quickly, shoving the chair away from me, causing it to make a nasty screeching sound across the patio pavers as I walked away toward home.
When I rounded the corner, I looked over my shoulder. Talon was coming after me, his face red with anger. I turned to keep going but he caught up and spun me around by my arm. “Don’t touch me!” I hissed.
“I know you want to help your boyfriend first, but the sooner you help me, the faster I can leave.” He took a step back. “Or is that it? You think I’ll change my mind if you stall me?” He laughed.
“No, I’m sure you can’t wait to get back to your girlfriend!” I yelled at him. “I don’t know why you even bothered coming back.”
Anger set in his eyes. “You don’t know anything, and I’m starting to wonder that myself! You really aren’t worth it. Any of it. If I think back, I’d realize you never were. You’re just something to do. But I won’t make that mistake again.” He spat on the ground at my feet before he got close in my stunned face. “I’m going to clean up my mess, and when I’m done, I’m gone, and I don’t care if I ever see you again.” He left me there, shaken, and for the first time I realized that my very first impression of him rang true. He was a heartbreaker.
***
In front of Mom, Talon acted casual. He didn’t talk to me directly, but joined in conversation with her and me about everyday things. Strangely, we didn’t talk at all in private. Within the Circle we agreed to work as a team, and kept to our pact.
Hunter and Holly kept themselves at a distance. Even Owen gave me more space than usual. More space than I wanted, really.
Two days after Talon’s blow up, and two days before Christmas, Tom came home. Talon and I kept up our appearances through his welcome and even long enough to go out and buy a Christmas tree with our parents. We struggled getting the thing in the house and upright, but it made for some comic relief. Talon and I actually laughed together a few times, but when I let my eyes meet his, the empty stare was still there. By midnight we had a beautiful tree and Mom and I finished up our last batch of Christmas cookies.
“We’ll decorate these in the morning,” she said, sliding a sugar cookie Santa off the pan. “I’m too tired to make the icing tonight.”
Tom stood behind mom, rubbing her belly. “You ought to rest, honey. You’ve had a big day.” He kissed her neck and they both smiled at each other.
“I missed you,” she responded softly.
I tried not to watch my parents’ affections, especially when they slipped into the bedroom for some alone time. Holly stayed out with Hunter, so I wanted to stay up and show her the tree and decorations. Mom had hung six red stockings on the mantel, each with a fuzzy white top and our names scribed neatly in silver glitter glue. We even had a stocking for the baby.
I turned on the TV and found an old Christmas movie as Talon took to the recliner. We sat watching, not saying a word. Every now and then I’d glance his way, hoping to find him glancing back, but he stared at the TV, as if he had much on his mind. I wanted us to talk. But every time I felt the urge, something pushed the words back into my throat.
When Holly came home I was still on the couch and Talon had fallen asleep. I had thought about waking him and sending him off to bed. Instead, I found myself watching him breath steadily, wishing I could touch him.
“Wow,” Holly whispered, minding Talon. Her eyes lit up and her mouth gaped like she’d screamed while she pointed to the tree. “It’s so big. Beautiful.” I nodded, not taking my eyes off him. Holly gave me a pitiful look and then nudged Talon. “Hey, off to bed.” He opened his eyes and gave her a sleepy smile. Then he looked past her to me and his smile faded.
“Night, Holly,” he mumbled.
When I got to my room I threw myself across my bed and buried my head under my pillow. I felt the bed move as Holly sat beside me.
“Want to talk about it?” She offered.
“Thought you were staying out of it?”
“I’m always here to listen, Lily. But Hunter and I think it best if we mind our own business when it comes to advice. You have to understand how in the middle we are.” I nodded. I did understand that Holly loved Talon as a brother.
“It’s just...” My throat tightened and didn’t release until the tears broke. “He doesn’t even like me, he hates me.” I choked them back remembering the awful things he’d said to me.
“Lily, Talon didn’t mean anything he said. He was just mad. You’ve had so many troubles and Talon’s been th
rough a whole lot. And if it is meant to be then I know you two will work it out and be together again. He only said all those things because you chose Owen’s side.”
“You don’t get it. It’s not about being together or not, it’s just, to hear that he never really cared like I thought he did... it hurts. It was real for me. It is real.” Holly patted my back and I sat up to hug her. Suddenly, someone tapped on my window.
I peeked out to see Owen looking up at me. Holly opened the window and gave him a warning. “Tom’s home now, you know. Not the best idea to come to the window anymore.”
“Where’s Lily?” he asked.
“Now’s not a good time,” she said.
“It’s okay.” I wiped my eyes and sat up into his view.
“Are you okay? Did Tom yell at you for the truck anyway?”
Holly rolled her eyes and gave him a look. “No you imbecile, she’s upset ...”
“It’s okay, Holly. I’m fine.” I cut her off before she could tell him too much. With a disapproving glare, she went to the bathroom and shut the door, leaving us alone.
“You’re taking it rougher than you’re letting on,” he said.
I played with the wand on the mini-blind instead of answering. “What are you doing here?”
Owen leaned against the house. “You’ve had your phone off again. I’ve called like twenty times. I’m going out to Birdie’s in the morning. We haven’t checked on her in a while and I want to see if she’s okay.”
“Oh really, is that all you want to go for, to check on her?”
Owen raised a brow. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Because if you were being that unselfish, your eyes might be a lot greener,” I smiled.
“I want to know about the book; where to find it, what it looks like. I am who I am, sorry it’s not good enough for everyone, but it’s not likely I’ll change.”
“I was kidding.” I took a deep breath. “You don’t think it’s the ledger Ray’s been recording our lessons in—the one that Birdie had used to write about Alyssa?”
“Nope, too obvious. What about Alyssa’s diary? Is there anything strange in it? I know you’ve only skimmed through parts. Did you ever go back and read it through?”