Crossing Nexis

by Barbara Hartzler

  “That’s interesting.” Mark stepped back, scratching his chin. “Everything we’ve found in the Book of the Seer about training speaks to the Seer’s power to summon the angelic hosts.”

  With a huff, I threw my hands up in the air. “I don’t know what to tell you. Except one thing, maybe. My angel never comes when I try to summon him directly. He comes on his own, or on the rare occasion I ask the big guy upstairs to send him.”

  “Hmmm. I wonder if we’re translating that word wrong or something.” With that Mark unfastened his gear and traipsed upstairs, mumbling to himself. “Better look it up.”

  My jaw dangled somewhere around my collarbone. “What was that about?” I turned to Bryan.

  He yanked off his pads, too. “My dad has been studying to train the Seer for all of his life. We all have. You’re not what he expected. It’s throwing him for a loop. All of us, really.”

  In three giant strides, I marched across the room and slammed my gear into their cubbyholes. Bryan was hot on my heels.

  “Did I throw you for a loop, too?” I whirled around to face him.

  “You definitely threw me for a loop. In more ways than one.” He reached for me, holding me at arm’s length. “But I’m glad you’re the Seer. I wouldn’t want you to change one bit. Not even your ‘organic’ methods.”

  “Thanks.” My frustration melted a fraction.

  “Don’t worry about Dad,” Bryan said, reaching for my hand. “You do things the way you see fit. Whether you summon your angel or not, he’s always there when you need him. I think it’s time you start trusting in that more. We all need to, sweetie.”

  “Okay.” I sighed, leaning in closer. “I kind of liked babe.”

  “Babe it is then.” If I didn’t know better I’d say I almost saw him blush. “Dad’ll be looking for me. I better go.”

  I watched him trot up the stairs, my heart soaring like a thousand butterflies launching into space.

  Inhaling a fresh breath, I released any remnants of anger lingering in the corners of my mind. Part of me was glad I didn’t tell the Coopers every last detail of what I really saw. Surely their brains would explode. I blew a kiss to the heavens, sending up my gratitude to my angel for always having my back. And giving me a secret weapon to fight for myself. If this was Seer training, bring it on.

  Chapter 6

  Visions of light and darkness played a movie through my head, hazy around the edges. A cloud of mist blew across my mind’s eye, as yesterday’s fight floated into focus. Premonitions of fight moves before they happened. Angel hovering in the corner, quivering in brightness. Golden butterflies burst from his form and landed on my nose. They lined up in front of me, alighting on a new scene. All the visions of light I’d ever had, all laid out in a row. As if I could reach out and touch them.

  My eyes fluttered open to the real world. Gray sunlight streamed through the blind slats. I rubbed my eyes, trying to picture the beauty of the dream I’d just had. But the images rolled away in a fog. Out of sight, but not out of mind.

  A pang of longing seared a dull ache in my chest. Today was Christmas Eve. How could I feel so at home here, but still overcome with such homesickness? I couldn’t help it. I missed my family.

  “Knock, knock.” Brooke appeared in my doorway, cradling a steamy cup of coffee. “I made peppermint mocha today, just to add a festive touch.”

  I reached for the mug and gulped down the minty chocolate comfort. “You know, I’ve felt more welcome here than my own home sometimes.”

  “Really?” A giant grin broke out on her face.

  “I—uh…” I did a double take. Did I really just admit that, out loud? My face flamed.

  Brooke reached out and squeezed my hand. “You know, we like having you around, right? And not just because you’re the Seer and it’s our destiny to train you. There’s so much more to you than that.”

  Like a missing puzzle piece, the truth clicked into place. Why couldn’t my mother show me the warmth and compassion the Coopers had in the last few weeks? Instead, she’d nagged, prodded, and pushed me to join Nexis and be the best at … everything. Had it always been about my abilities, because she knew I’d be the next Seer? I shuddered at that thought.

  “Really?” I squeezed back. “Like what?”

  Brooke dropped my hand and sank onto the bed beside me. “You challenge us, keep us on our toes. We’ve all been doing things the Cooper way for a long time. Then you come along and rock our world. Especially Bryan’s.”

  We both giggled at that.

  “I really wish I could stay here forever. You have no idea how good it feels to feel safe.” Something about Brooke made me want to pour out my heart. Maybe because she radiated warmth, just like her mother.

  She wrapped me up in a hug. “Good, I’m glad. I kind of like having you around.”

  I hugged her back. “Me, too.”

  Letting go, she pursed her lips at me. “Just don’t go breaking my brother’s heart.”

  “Ha!” A coffee-tinged gurgle bubbled up my throat. “If anyone’s going to break someone’s heart, it’ll be the other way around.”

  “I hope it works out. For both your sakes.” Her eyes twinkled, not unlike her brother’s. “You’ve both had enough relationship drama for one high school career.”

  “And then some.” I leaned in and lowered my voice. “What about you? Is there anyone you like?”

  “Me?” Her cheeks pinked up. The telltale sign. “Nah.”

  “Your face says otherwise.” I cocked my head and studied her. “Anyone I know?”

  “What?” Her eyebrows quirked a little, giving her away.

  “Ha, I knew it!” I clapped my hands in triumph. “Let’s see, who could it be. Tony?”

  She shook her head and little.

  “Yeah, he’s a senior. Too old for you.” In a flash, an idea popped in my head. “Lenny?”

  Her eyebrows quirked again, and I knew I finally nailed it.

  “Aww, that’s so cute.” Immediately, my hand flee to my heart. “Do you think he likes you, too?”

  “No. Hey, wait.” Standing up, she threw up her hands. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t say a word.”

  “I won’t tell anyone.”

  She stared me down.

  “Promise.” I mashed my lips together and sealed them shut.

  “You better not.” In two strides, she was out the door. I stared at my mug, grinning into the tawny liquid. I wasn’t alone in the infatuation department.

  ***

  After, she left, Brooke’s conversation stayed with me. Hopping in the shower, I let the warm water massage out any lingering thoughts. I couldn’t help but wonder why my mom kept such a disastrous secret to herself. She’d always known James was my half-brother and didn’t have the gift. Same as she’d known that I did have the gift. So why would she push him to attend Montrose anyway, even urge him to join Nexis?

  With a snap, I shut off the water and toweled dry. I had so many questions that’d probably never get answered. Would I ever know the truth about my own family?

  Stepping out of the en suite bathroom, I glanced at the bed. Empty. No gear deliveries today. Maybe the Coopers actually took a break from training for Christmas. Go figure.

  I put on my normal, comfy clothes and finished the last dregs of my coffee. Feeling like the regular old me again, I made my way into the living room.

  “Perfect timing, Lucy.” Abby sat curled up on the couch, pointing the remote at the TV. “I was just about to watch my favorite Christmas movie.”

  “No training today?” I padded over to the fluffy rug and plopped down next to her on the couch. A heavenly smell wafted to my nose. A tray of scones sat on the coffee table.

  She handed one to me. “No training for Christmas. Try a scone. They’re gingerbread.”

  I munched on the scone, letting the gingery-molasses tingle my tongue. “I could get used to Christmas at the Coopers. Where’s Brooke?”

  Abby shr
ugged. “She’s in the basement with the punching bag. Can’t imagine why she needs to punch things on Christmas Eve.”

  I raised my hand a little. “That’s probably my fault. I interrogated her about who she likes.”

  “Oh, really?” Abby set down her coffee and scooched in closer. “Did you get anything good?”

  “No she did not, ’cause there’s nothing to tell.” Brooke suddenly appearing behind us, then she came around and plopped down next to me. “And you, little Miss Seer, weren’t supposed to say anything.”

  I glanced from Brooke to Abby and back again. “Hey, I don’t know what you’re talking about. There’s nothing to tell.”

  “That’s right.” A satisfied smile crawled up Brooke’s face. Then she pointed the remote at the TV. “Now let’s watch It’s a Wonderful Life.”

  She pressed play, and we all sat back to watch the movie. Even though I missed my own sister, it was nice hanging with the Cooper girls. That’s why I didn’t ask where Bryan was today. It was girl time.

  As soon as the final credits started rolling, the front door burst open with a blast of cold and snowflakes.

  “You guys expecting someone?” My head turned to the door. “Santa perhaps?”

  A spark glimmered in Abby’s eye as she nodded toward the door. Then I saw him.

  My dad bustled into the foyer. Dropping his duffle bag on the hardwood, he power-walked over to me arms open wide.

  As soon as I stood to my feet, he wrapped me in a rib-crushing hug.

  “Surprise!” Dad practically yelled in my ear. “Wait, you’re surprised right?”

  “And deaf.” But I curled up my lips anyway. “How did you get here? More importantly, why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I tried calling, but it went straight to voicemail.” He stood up tall, releasing me from his bear hug. “I know you’d planned to spend Christmas with your boyfriend and his family, but your family wants you home.”

  “But I’m having such a good time.” I huffed even as I smiled up at my Dad. Under my breath I mumbled, “And Bryan’s not technically my boyfriend.”

  “Well, he met me at the airport like a boyfriend would. With his parents and everything. Very official.” He glanced back to where Bryan and his parents stood, huddled up in the foyer.

  “Oh,” was all I could say. I cocked my head at Bryan. For a guy who was waiting for some secret society stamp of approval to date me, he sure acted like my boyfriend. Could this be any more complicated?

  “Tom, welcome to our home.” Cindy rushed into the living room. “It’s good to see you again. It’s been too long.”

  “Again? Too long?” I turned to my dad, my forehead doing the bulldog scrunch. What was Cindy talking about?

  Before Dad could answer, Bryan barreled through his parents and wrapped his arms around me. “I think your dad likes me.”

  “Really?” Now I turned my worried bulldog look at Bryan.

  A smile lit up his blue eyes. “This is only one surprise. I’ve got another one for you, before you leave.”

  “Another one?” I could hardly catch my breath. Were my mom and sister about to walk in, too? Then it would really be like the Twilight Zone in here.

  His grin faded an inch. “Good surprise?”

  “Great surprise!” I squealed, hugging him tighter, while eyeing our parents out of the corner of my eye. My dad and the Coopers chatted like old friends, and I couldn’t help but wonder why.

  “Ahem.” Clearing his throat, my dad walked back toward me. “Can I talk to my daughter for a second?” It wasn’t really a question.

  “Of course.” Bryan stood up tall, releasing his hold on me.

  “Fine. I guess you get to help me pack.” Reaching for my dad’s hand, I tugged him down the hall, closing the door to my room. Then I whirled around on my heel. “Okay, spill. What’s really going on here? How exactly do you know the Coopers so well?”

  “You’re too smart for your own good, Lucy girl.” Dad ruffled my hair, sinking down onto the bed.

  I lowered down next to him, perching on the edge of the bed. “You’re a Guardian, aren’t you?” The words tumbled out, like my heart knew a truth that hadn’t reached my mind yet.

  Slowly, he nodded. “I should’ve known you’d figure it out. Being the Seer makes you that much more perceptive. I wish your mother had that quality.”

  “Me too. Then we wouldn’t be in this mess.” I couldn’t help myself. I curled up into his side.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. Can you forgive me?” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close.

  The warmth I’d longed for ever since I woke up this morning seeped into my soul. I’d always been a Daddy’s girl, even more so since I found out Mom’s secret.

  “Of course, I forgive you.” I looked up at him. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not mad. I deserve to know the truth.”

  Hunching down to my level, he met my gaze. “I’m going to tell you exactly what I told James the night he got banished. Do you remember that night?

  I shook my head. “Not really. For some reason, everything after his graduation is a big blank.”

  “I figured that must be the case.” He scratched his goatee. “Funny thing is, you were the one who told me what happened and where to find him.”

  “What?” I asked, sitting upright and jutting out my chin. “That can’t be right.”

  “But it is.” His face softened as he nodded. “You had a nightmare that night and came and woke me up at one in the morning. You told me bits and pieces about a field and torches and banishment. Then you said you saw James in the chapel. You told me, if any of that made sense to me then I needed to do something about it. Does any of this ring a bell?”

  His words gonged around in my brain. The scene he described seem strange, yet familiar somehow. That vision of James in the field had haunted me all semester. Maybe it’d been haunting me since eighth grade.

  I shook my head to clear the cobwebs. “Right now, it’s all a big blur. What you’re saying sounds true, but it seems out of my reach right now.”

  “Don’t worry, sweetie.” Dad patted my knee. “It’ll come back to you when you need it.”

  “I hope so,” I mumbled, still trying to make sense of what he had just said. “Did you find James that night?”

  “Yes, and I told him everything I’m about to tell you.” He huffed out a bear-sized sigh. “Okay, here goes. Honey, I’ve been a Guardian since the day I was born. I come from a long line of Guardians.”

  “Say what?” All the air in the room disappeared. I floated up in a vacuum, trying to just breathe as my world rocked on its axis.

  “That’s not all.” He paused, inhaling a deep breath. Then he dropped the bomb. “My grandmother, your great-grandmother, was the last Seer. And I always hoped one of my kids would be the Seer. Someday.” His eyes glazed over in a far-off look.

  In a blink, it dawned on me. “You thought James would be the Seer?”

  His shoulders deflated in an instant. “I did. I didn’t even know about your mother’s indiscretion until I found James in the chapel that night. He told me himself.”

  “How awful. Poor James!” My blood simmered in my veins. “But that still doesn’t explain why Mom joined Nexis and pushed us to join.”

  “I’m afraid that’s my fault too,” he mumbled, head hanging low. “In college, I went through a rebellious phase. I didn’t want to ‘bear the Seer’ as the Guardians call it. I just wanted to be a normal person.”

  “Sound familiar?” I mumbled to myself. “’Cause that sounds totally weird.”

  “Exactly.” He glanced at me, perking up a little. “That’s when I met your mother. We fell in love fast, and eloped after six months of dating. My family was furious I married someone normal. Someone outside the Guardians. Before you kids were born, I was very involved in the Guardian council. To the detriment of my family.”

  I gasped. “You’re on the Guardian council?”

  “Not anymore.
” He slumped over again. “Your mom felt neglected by my constant involvement at what I told her was work. In her vulnerable state, Nexis preyed on her. They convinced her to join. When I found out, I was mad at myself. I couldn’t believe I’d let this happen to my family.”

  “Oh, Dad.” The look on his face made me reach for him instinctively.

  Squeezing my hand, he stared at me. “I went straight to the Guardian council and begged them to let me break my vow of secrecy.”

  “Let me guess, they said no.” I exhaled a hot breath.

  “Bingo.” He snapped his fingers, ruffling my hair. “Instead, they convinced me to join Nexis, too. As a double agent.”

  I practically rolled my eyes. “Wouldn’t Nexis see right through that?”

  He sat up straight, squaring off with me. “The Guardians had an elaborate scheme about me falling out with the council over James and spread the word throughout the entire American sector. Nexis isn’t stupid. I’m sure they suspect me. This kind of thing happens all the time amongst the three secret societies.”

  “Yeah, tell me about it.” I pictured James in Europe, all by himself. The thought made me shudder.

  “That’s not the point.” Slinging his arm around my shoulder, he paused until I looked him in the eye. “The point is, I’m done with all of that. Pretending to be a double agent and all. The day your brother told me the truth, showed me that birth certificate, something inside me snapped. I couldn’t pretend anymore. That day I chose my side. And it’s not Nexis or the Guardians. I choose to fight for my children. All of them.”

  “Oh, Dad.” Saltwater welled up in my eyes and I wrapped both arms around his middle and squeezed. My tears dampened his Colts sweatshirt. “I’ve always known that in my heart, but I’m really glad to hear you say it.”

  “Good. I’m glad you know where my true loyalties lie.” Arching back, he held me at arms length. “That’s why I want you to come home.”