by H G Lynch
“Celtic mythology,” Ember answered with a grin.
“Ooh, very interesting. You should ask your grandfather about it when he gets back. He has a whole collection of books about the Celts. Well, I’m off to pack. We’ll be out of your hair soon enough.” And off she went again. The woman was always busy with something.
“I’m going to go sit in the back garden for a bit.” Ember got up and stretched, and Sherry linked arms with her.
“I’ll join you. It’s time we got to reading those new books.” She grinned.
Ricky decided he wanted to go explore the area, and Reid tagged along.
Ember called to them, “Don’t get lost!” just before the door closed, and snickered as she and Sherry grabbed their books —a copy of the same book each actually — and went to sit in the chilly back garden, on the little wooden bench.
It wasn’t as cold as you’d think, seeing as they were sheltered by the high fences. And the angle of the weak sun poured right into their corner of the garden, too. They relaxed, and Ember listened to the purr of doves in the trees above as she sunk into her book.
“Girls? Where are you? Oh, there you are.” Edith strolled into the back garden, chuckling. “That’s us away now. The house is stocked with food, and emergency numbers are on the notepad in the study. You be good now, dear. And keep those boys on a leash,” she said as Ember stood and hugged her tightly.
Sherry waved to the old woman.
“Bye Grandma. Love you,” Ember called.
The dainty old bird disappeared back into the house. A house that was to be theirs for the next three weeks. Awesome.
“Hey, I don’t need to be on a leash. Do you, Kee?” Reid’s voice floated over their heads and both girls looked over their shoulders. Both boys were perched on the top of the fence behind them, and Reid had a twig in his hair that he didn’t seem to notice.
“Nope,” Ricky replied calmly, jumping down and landing neatly beside Sherry. Reid, of course, decided to show off, and did a flip off the fence before landing.
Ember snickered, “What did you do, fall out of a tree?” she asked, reaching up to disentangle the twig from his hair. It was knotted in there good.
Ricky laughed. “Actually, he did. I bet him he couldn’t climb this one really gnarled tree, and I won,” he said gleefully.
Reid crossed his arms. “Yeah, well, if it wasn’t for that stupid squirrel, I could’ve done it. Damn thing bit my finger,” he sulked.
Ember finally disentangled the twig and tossed it aside. He flipped his hair to make it sit right again — annoying how he could do that, when she had to run a brush through her hair six times to make it sit perfectly.
“Poor squirrel. You probably scared the hell out of it,” Ember muttered, and Reid’s expression turned to incredulity.
“Poor squirrel! What about me? I’m the one who fell out of the tree!”
Sherry and Ricky were chuckling away, and Ember sighed.
“You heal in the blink of an eye. Falling out of a tree hardly qualifies for a pity party,” she replied with a smile.
His shoulders slumped. “You’re mean.”
She arched a brow. “And you’re stupid. Would you like to state something else totally obvious?” she asked, the question loaded with sarcasm.
He just pulled a face at her, and she turned her back.
She got the distinct feeling he was giving her the finger to her back, but she ignored him. “So, the house is all ours. I vote we start off by unpacking.”
Sherry didn’t look pleased, but Ricky seemed on-board. “Sure. No problem,” he said, slipping his hand into Sherry’s and dragging her toward the house. Ember started toward it too, and glanced back to see if Reid was following. Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t. He had his head tilted back and was looking at something in the tree branches like it was utterly fascinating, strands of his gold hair fluttering about his face.
“What? You see the evil squirrel up there? Think it’s come back to get you?” she quipped.
Reid just shook his head, looking oddly serious. He looked back at her and smiled. “It’s nothing. And I’m sure all the little squirrels won’t mess with me once they realise I could eat them for lunch.”
***
That evening, they all sat around the fireplace in the living room, and Reid smiled to himself as Ember curled against his chest, half-asleep. Her blonde hair spilled down her back, and one little hand was knotted into his shirt, her head resting on his shoulder. He had looped one arm lightly around her waist to hold her close, and he could feel the steady shifting of her sides as she breathed.
Ricky and Sherry were settled comfortably in an armchair opposite them, Sherry perched easily on Ricky’s lap. Reid watched the fire dance, hearing the crackle and hum of the amber flames. It was odd how comfortable he felt here. It was so cosy, everything laced with a golden glow.
If he hadn’t been who he was, he might’ve thought about living somewhere like this with Ember in the future, but, being who he was, he didn’t dare think about such things. They just seemed too…well, boring. He and Ember might have a future together, but they would be teenagers forever. They didn’t have to think about growing up. They could have endless adventures, and never even consider the ‘M’ word. Thank God.
At the moment, though, he was just glad to be where he was, with his demonic angel snuggled against his chest. He thought about what he’d seen of Ellon when he and Ricky had gone exploring earlier.
There wasn’t much to it, really. Lots of trees, a few shops, pretty little houses. It was peaceful, though. The trees that ran behind the house made a scenic trail for some, way up to a quaint children’s play park, and from there, carried on in denser thickets. Squirrels scurried in the bushes, hedgehogs pattered through the undergrowth, birds chirped in the treetops. There was the scent of freshness and earth permeating everything. He could smell it even as he wandered past the tiny shops and shiny cars flew by on the narrow road. He’d never admit it out-loud, but he enjoyed the quiet nature of it. But, of course, nobody had to know that.
“What are you thinking about?” Ember suddenly asked softly. He blinked and looked down at her, brought out of his reverie. She was looking up at him with wide, thoughtful blue eyes, her long lashes casting shadows on her lids, and her little mouth was a sumptuous, pink rosebud against her pale skin.
He smiled. “Nothing much,” he answered, brushing her hair back from her face with his fingertips. She closed her eyes, and he knew how she liked it when he played with her hair, no matter how many times she made fun of him for it.
She settled back against him, and Ricky said, “There’s something so calming about this place, don’t you think?”
Sherry nodded. “I know. I felt it the first time I came here with Ember. It’s like there’s a bubble around Ellon that separates it from all the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world,” she whispered. Ember made a quiet noise of agreement. Reid glanced at the clock. It told him it was well after ten, the shiny gold hands ticking away on the cream face with the tiny numbers. He absently stroked his fingers through Ember’s hair and heard her sigh lightly, as he contemplated the next three weeks. Peace and quiet, no disturbances, no evil warlocks, no battles or kidnappers to fight. Could it really be so…normal? …Nah. Something exciting was bound to happen. He could feel it. And, oddly, a little part of him was disappointed by that.
***
“Stop it!” Ember whispered, trying to stifle her giggles in the pillow. But Reid continued to tickle her mercilessly, refusing to pause even for long enough to let her put her pyjama top on. The bedroom was lit with the warm yellow glow from the bedside lamps, and the rest of the house was quiet. Sherry and Ricky had gone to bed a little while ago.
“Not a chance.” He grinned, and she tried to slap his hands away. Unfortunately, her attempt was pathetically weak, because she couldn’t stop laughing and wriggling. She hated being tickled, and he knew it.
“Please,” she gasped, her ribs ach
ing. At last, with a sigh, he gave in.
“I hate it when you use that word on me,” he sulked, and she beamed at him.
She pulled on her top, and adjusted her shorts, and climbed onto the bed. Reid sat cross-legged on top of the duvet, in his blue pyjama trousers. She’d forced him, also, to put on a t-shirt, knowing he normally slept shirtless, and knowing she might not be able to stand that without touching him.
“Don’t tell me you actually want to sleep?” he sighed, flopping back and folding his hands behind his head. His blue eyes looked even bluer in the warm light, his gold hair a shining halo.
She rolled her eyes, “Well, yeah, that was the plan,” she muttered.
He looked thoughtful for a moment, and then groaned, covering his face with his hands. “Does this mean no sex for three weeks?”
Ember couldn’t help it, she laughed. “Don’t be daft. I’m just tired tonight ‘cause I hate flying.” She waved a hand at him and he relaxed.
“Good.” He nodded his approval.
She slid under the covers and flipped off her bedside lamp, and Reid did the same. Unsurprisingly, he reached over and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her to him so her back was against his chest. He kissed her lightly on the temple and whispered, “I love you, Firefly.” His voice was soft in the darkness.
She smiled, “I love you, too.” She wondered at how blissful it was to simply lie beside him, and the naïve part of her hoped it would stay this easy for the next three weeks. The dark, fatalistic part of her though, laughed at the very idea. She told that part to shut up, and let the darkness swallow her.
Chapter Two
Sherry awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside the bedroom window. Pushing her hair out of her eyes, she realised exactly what day it was, and grinned to herself. Glancing at Ricky, her handsome sleeping prince, she slid out of the bed, careful not to rouse him.
She swiftly brushed out her hair and nipped into the en-suite to freshen up, before she snuck into the hallway, closing the door behind her.
Giggling, she crept along the hallway on tiptoes to the door of Ember and Reid’s room. She paused to listen, pressing her ear against the door —after all, she didn’t want to walk in on anything she might regret seeing. But it was silent as the grave on the other side of the door. She beamed as she nudged it open and peered in. Much to her surprise —and disappointment — Reid was alone under the duvet, his back to the door, his blond hair spilled out on the pillow. She shook her head fondly. He looked so innocent and vulnerable. Is that what Ember sees in him when they’re alone? she wondered, closing the door again.
She stood in the hall for a moment, wondering where Ember might’ve gotten to. It wasn’t like her to be up this early; it was barely light out. The sudden coo of a dove gave her an idea. She crossed the hall, slipping into the pretty back room, with its lacy white curtains and glass doors. The doors were shut, but through them, she could see Ember curled on the wooden bench, a book in her hands. She looked so peaceful, so content, that Sherry considered turning around to leave her alone. But the temptation to annoy her was just too much.
Opening one of the glass doors, she shivered in her fluffy pyjamas. She took a step out onto the stone steps, feeling the icy coldness against her bare feet. The air smelled of rotting leaves and burning hay —not an unpleasant scent.
Ember looked up at her approach, and smiled. “Hey,” she said softly.
Sherry grinned devilishly at the smaller girl. Ember’s expression shifted, her eyes narrowing; she knew what Sherry was about to say.
“Happy Birthday!” She threw her arms around Ember, who groaned.
“Shh! Keep it down!”
Sherry let go and tried not to laugh at Ember’s less-than-enthusiastic expression. “Why! I thought you’d be shaking Reid awake to command him to be your slave for the day,” she laughed, but Ember just gave her a dark look and pursed her lips. Then Sherry finally realised… She gasped. “You didn’t tell him?” Honestly, she wasn’t surprised. She’d expected it. Ember had begged her not to tell the guys about her birthday, but she hadn’t made her promise.
Ember shook her head. “I told you. I don’t want the fuss and attention.” Sherry bit her lip and looked away guiltily. But Ember hissed and glowered at her, reading her expression. “You didn’t!” she growled, putting down her book on the patio table.
Eyes widening, Sherry held up her hands as if to fend off her best friend. “I know you asked me not to, but come on, Emz! It’s your seventeenth birthday!” She began backing away, across the damp grass.
Ember stole slowly, menacingly toward her. “You told them!” she whined, throwing her hands up.
Sherry beamed, but Ember was shaking her head. “So mean. How could you do this to me, Sherz? It’s bad enough I’m going to have to my parents crooning over me!”
Sherry sighed. “It’s only a dinner at your house. Not so bad. And Reid should know—”
Ember cut her off. “It’s him I’m worried about,” she groaned. Her blue eyes flashed and Sherry squeaked, knowing she should run now, knowing Ember would catch her anyway. She turned and ran, her feet crushing the fragile blades of grass until she hit the rough, freezing stone of the patio.
She was only a few feet from the door, and she squealed as Ember caught her arm. And then, the hand was gone, and Ember was cursing under breath. Sherry turned and saw Ember pulling against the strong, pale arms around her waist. Reid laughed, his hair gold in the watery sunlight.
“Now, now, Ember, that’s no way to act on your birthday. You should be more mature,” he chuckled and Ember let out a howl, throwing her hands up.
Sherry laughed, glad she wasn’t about to be ripped apart. Safe for now —providing Ember didn’t start flinging orbs of fire at her.
“Happy Birthday, Firefly,” Reid murmured in Ember’s ear, his voice intimate.
Sherry dropped her gaze, suspecting she should leave before the kissing started, but it turned out she needn’t have worried.
“No! Let me go! I need to throttle her!” Ember thrashed, but Reid’s arms didn’t give. They were steel bands separating the girls and keeping Ember from trying to maul her friend.
“Oh, come now. What’s so wrong with your boyfriend knowing it’s your birthday?” Reid chuckled.
Ember stopped kicking and slumped in his grasp. “Please, please, just…forget about it. It’s just another day of the year,” she grumbled.
Sherry snickered.
Reid whispered something to Ember and shot Sherry a look as Ember blushed. “Run, Sherry,” he instructed and she nodded, grinning.
The last thing she saw as she turned and glanced over her shoulder, walking back into the house —pleased with her work — was the two of them standing there; Reid in just blue pyjama trousers, Ember held to his bare chest, giggling as he whispered rapidly in her ear, possibly in Italian from the expression on Ember’s face. Sherry smirked and left them to it. Just wait, she thought, until she finds out what I got for her.
***
“Happy Birthday, Ember!”
Agh! This is never going to end.
“Not you too, Ricky!” she groaned, Sherry pulling her by the wrist into the living room.
Ricky stood by the sofa, smiling. Reid was lurking behind her somewhere, making sure she wouldn’t try to escape. Ember had the sneaking suspicion that in the next thirty seconds, escaping would be exactly what she wanted to do. Sherry sat her down on the sofa and retreated to a safe distance. Reid was guarding the door.
“Okay, it’s present time,” Sherry announced, confirming Ember’s suspicions.
She whined and threw her hands over her face. “Nooo! I hate you people!” she grumbled.
“Well, after this, you’ll love us,” Sherry insisted.
“Come on, Emz! Look!” Reid pleaded, nudging her arm.
She shook her head. “Don’t want to.”
Sherry’s fingers closed on her wrist. “Please, please, please, Emz!” she begged in a
high, excited voice.
Ember peeled her hands, reluctantly, away from her eyes and opened one eye curiously. Reid sat, cross-legged, in front of her twirling a single flower. But Ember almost gasped, eyes wide, as she recognised the flower he was twirling in his long fingers.
It was almost like an orchid in petal shape, but it had a longer, thin stem, and a number of spindly tentacles spewing forth from the centre of the flower. The tentacles were almost as long as the stem, and whirled like a skirt out over Reid's hand as he spun it lightly in his fingers. And, of course, the flower was entirely black. She couldn't imagine where he'd gotten it, and he handed it to her with a delicate, knowing smile. She took the narrow stem tentatively in her fingertips and traced the shape of the dark petal very lightly. The flower was eerie, creepy, but beautiful. Perfect. Tacca Chantrieri. The bat plant, or the devil's flower.
Ember had never much liked flowers, and never thought she'd particularly like any as a gift, but this was one plant she adored. Unfortunately, it had a rather unpleasant smell...or at least, it should've had. Somehow, it smelled only like rain in a hot forest. She held it her nose and sniffed, perplexed. She really knew nothing about most plants, but she'd read up on this one as a matter of curiosity, and knew it ought to have smelled like carrion. She arched a brow at Reid, who was grinning proudly.
He held up a tiny glass vial of something thick and red, "Magic stuff this. Add a few drops to the plant's water every couple of days, and it lives three times as long as it should, plus it smells a lot nicer.”
She took the vial in her free hand and observed it suspiciously, "Is this what I think it is?” she asked, tilting the little vial.
Reid shrugged. "Only if you think it's witch blood,” he replied calmly.
She smirked a little. I have a bloodthirsty plant. Awesome.
"Now where did you get witch blood?” she enquired, not really caring. She was enamoured with the creepy, beautiful flower, and if witch blood made it live longer, so be it.