The Xidoran Prophecy

by Elaine Bassett

  Carson went inside the house to talk with Bev. Cynthia was sitting at the kitchen table while Bev was stirring a pot of boiling pasta. Carson kissed her on the cheek and sat down at the table.

  Charles was glad to see Pete when he arrived. Practicing with the basketball together would be more fun and would give him the exercise he needed after his hours of studying. The first thing Pete said when he saw the new basketball goal was, “Sweet!” He ran over and stole the ball from Charles. The two of them played a fast paced game of one on one.

  Cynthia must have had her radar going because not long after Peter arrived she was on the back patio. She yelled back into the house, “They are out here playing!” She jogged over to where they were playing and stood watching.

  Pete winked at her. She rolled her eyes and smiled. He knew she would forgive him for not finding her first.

  The two played hard, and of course Cynthia cheered for Pete. Charles was getting annoyed at her and wished Caroline was there to distract her. Pete was paying more attention to her than to the game.

  Charles yelled, “Oh good grief. Get over it.”

  Pete was now clearly showing off trying to make impossible shots. Charles shook his head. Pete was pretty good at playing the game. They were pretty evenly matched as far as their abilities. As Charles was dribbling the ball trying to keep it away from Pete, he said, “Want to try out with me at school for the basketball team?”

  Pete stood up straight, placed his hands on his hips and asked, “Are you kidding?” All of a sudden the game stopped. Charles looked down at his shoes, then back to Pete and said, “No, I am not kidding. I’m going to the tryouts.”

  Pete shook his head as he turned around and said, “I don’t know Charlie. I will have to think about it. Work keeps me pretty busy.”

  Charles smiled and passed the ball to him. Pete bounced the ball a couple of times and said, “We can play a game and if I win, we won’t try out. If you win we will. Deal?”

  Charles covered his face. He knew Dimitrios would be mad if he didn’t follow through. He crossed his arms. Then he stuck out his hand. “Deal,” he said. It was going to be rough but he figured he had the advantage since Cynthia was distracting Pete. Charles figured Pete more than likely wanted to join the team anyway. If Charles made it on the basketball team, he would be able to see Caroline more often if he could talk her into trying out for the cheerleading squad. Charles nodded over in Cynthia’s direction and whispered in Pete’s ear, “Cheerleader material…” Pete took the shot and missed. Charles laughed.

  It was a hard fought game but in the end Pete lost. Charles figured his pal probably got to thinking about what he had said and decided it was a go. He was glad because he didn’t want to disappoint Dimitrios.

  Bev brought out some sweet tea for them. She smiled, gave the tray to Cynthia and walked over to the goal. Charles handed her the ball and she shot it. The ball rounded the hoop before going in. Bev threw her arms up in the air. Everyone clapped.

  Charles and Pete stayed outside while Cynthia and Bev started to make their way in for dinner. They dribbled the ball, drank the tea and talked about who was on the basketball team last year.

  Pete said, “You know we are going to have to practice hard if we are going to be any good. I don’t even have a basketball goal at my house.”

  Charles smiled and said, “Guess you are going to have to come here then aren’t you?” They smiled at the thought and slugged each other on the arm before going inside for dinner.

  Dinner was good and most of the conversation was about basketball. Cynthia looked over at Pete and asked him if he really was going to be on the basketball team this year.

  He smiled at her and said, “It kind of looks that way. Guess you will have to try out for cheerleading.”

  She smiled at him and said, “No way am I going to do that, no way, no how.” Then she looked at Charles with a smug smile.

  He just smiled back and shook his head. He knew how he was going to make quick work of this to get her to try out. There was an awkward pause. He knew Pete would try to back out if she didn’t go through with it. Charles turned to Pete and whispered, “You know Stacy is going to try out for the cheerleading squad. I overheard her telling her friends outside the market the other day.”

  Pete smiled and looked at Charles. He couldn’t believe his friend was actually going to push the issue and get his sister to do what he wanted. He could feel the daggers coming from Cynthia’s direction. Pete knew Stacy and Cynthia didn’t get along and Stacy had had a crush on him since second grade. He couldn’t help but participate in this just a little. Even though he had no interest in Stacy, Cynthia didn’t know that. So he smiled. Nodding his head, he said, “You overheard her say that? Really?” He looked over at Cynthia waiting for a hand to slug him.

  Her face was red and her eyes were glaring. He knew now that she was in fact going to be trying out for the squad. Charles was going to pay, and pay dearly for this. She would make sure of it.

  Cynthia turned away and tried to change the subject. “Pete, do you want to practice at the range tomorrow?”

  “Sure I do.

  Then he thought about how much fun they were having with her and he wasn’t quite ready to let her off the hook. He turned to Charles and said, “Do you think her friends are going to try out too?”

  Charles was enjoying baiting his sister. He kept it going. “I think they said they were going to practice together at Michelle’s.” There that should do it, he thought.

  She was so jealous now he knew she would be calling all her friends to come over to their house to practice. Mom would love it. She liked Cynthia to have her friends over so she could join in the fun. It was perfect. Pete knew not to push it any further and changed the subject.

  Cynthia sat quietly for the rest of the meal. When they finished she took their plates to the sink.

  Charles said, “Hey Pete, let’s go shoot some more hoops.” He was half way out the door.

  “All right, I’ll be right there.”

  Pete paused to whisper in her ear, “You’ll be the prettiest cheerleader I have ever seen. I’d love for you to cheer me on. I bet I’ll make more baskets if you are there.” She smiled and nodded. He continued, “So you’ll do it?”

  She said she would. He gave her a kiss before heading outside. She thought: Well, if he’d just done that in the first place my answer would have been yes. She laughed to herself as she washed the dishes thinking of all the ways she was going to make Charles pay for getting her into this. While the boys were outside she called her mom and told her she was going to be trying out for the cheerleading squad. Molly was thrilled. The two of them started to make plans.

  The boys stayed outside and played basketball until the sun began to go down. It was time for Pete to go home. It wouldn’t be long until his parents arrived. He taunted Charles with the next game.

  Then he ran inside to find Cynthia. She said, “Ewwww. You are all sweaty.”

  He laughed as she got up to get him a drink. As she walked by him she made it known for him to stay away. He looked around; as she was walking by he grabbed her and gave her a big kiss. She placed her hands on his chest in a weak attempt to get free.

  As he let her go she opened her eyes and said, “Not too bad.” He followed her into the kitchen tickling her.

  “What is that for?”

  “For not coming out and cheering for me. Your brother beat me out there.”

  “You deserve it after agreeing to his hare brain idea! Better practice so you can beat him next time.”

  “Next time you’ll be cheering for me.” He wrung his hands in anticipation.

  “Don’t count on it.”

  “Oh, but I am. I’m looking forward to seeing you in your cheerleading outfit.”

  She handed him a drink.

  Charles came in the kitchen. “Where’s mine?”

  Cynthia rolled her eyes and said, “Fix it yourself.”

  Charles mocked her,
went over and poured himself a drink. They sat and bantered back and forth until it was time for Pete to go. Charles and Pete said goodbye. Cynthia walked Pete outside.

  When Pete’s dad pulled up, he got out of the car. He looked at his son and said, “Looks like you had a workout, Son.”

  Bev came out and talked to Pete’s dad before they left. Pete walked Cynthia to the other side of the car and asked if she wanted to come to his house the next afternoon for target practice. She said she did.

  Charles called Caroline as soon as everyone left the kitchen. Finally, some privacy, he thought. He was glad that she answered the phone. They talked for a long time about their day. He asked her if she was going to come over tomorrow. She said she thought her grandma was bringing her over. Charles smiled. He was looking forward to seeing her. Cynthia walked in the kitchen and started to make kissing noises. He pushed her away. “Well, I had better go. I need to teach Cynthia a lesson on phone manners.”

  Caroline laughed. “See you tomorrow.”

  After he hung up the phone, Charles chased Cynthia around the house until he caught her. They sat on the porch step to talk.

  “What is your problem with trying out to be a cheerleader?”

  “I just don’t like cheerleaders. They are so shallow.”

  He laughed and said, “Well in that case, I think you’ll be the best cheerleader in the history of our school.” She slugged him.

  “Actually, you’ll be great.”

  They walked into the living room and Charles noticed Carson was gone. Cynthia plopped down on the couch next to Bev. Charles talked to them a moment before heading upstairs to take a shower. When he finished dressing, he headed out to the office.

  As he walked in, Carson looked up and said, “Thanks for taking a shower.”

  Charles laughed. He found his appointment book and looked it over to check what Cassia had written for his schedule. He made note of the appointments and the supplies he would need for the meetings. He had a meeting with Dimitrios and Natalie tomorrow. Later in the week he had to meet with Nathaniel. Charles didn’t have time to study and figure out what he was going to do with the money for an investment. He rubbed his temples and sat down.

  Airabelle flew over to where he was sitting and dropped a piece of paper in his lap. “Carson and I already discussed the investment. We came up with several options. You can pick and choose from them, or decide on something for yourself.” He thanked them and looked over the paper. It had many options to choose from. It gave a detailed explanation as to why each option was a good choice.

  Carson turned around in his chair and said, “Charles, we will go over the investments together before your meeting with Nathaniel. If you believe the investments will work in your portfolio, feel free to take the paper to your meeting and discuss it with Nathaniel.”

  Airabelle said, “I’m sure he would like it, if you asked him for his advice.” Charles thought that was a good idea and agreed. He thanked them once again for helping him, took the paper over to his satchel and put it inside. Then he went to see what they were working on. Carson showed him the research.

  “I am ready to go with you again.”

  Carson said, “You are going to meet with Dimitrios and Natalie tomorrow, remember?”

  Charles told Carson that Cassia had requested he bring comfortable workout clothes and tennis shoes tomorrow.

  Carson nodded and said, “Well, it should be interesting meeting at the gym this time.”

  Charles thought to himself: I hope it is going to be fun and not all work.

  After a couple of hours working Charles rubbed his eyes and told everyone goodnight. He headed for the house.

  It was a warm summer evening and Carson could feel Airasten’s need to escape his surroundings. Carson opened the door and stood to the side. “All clear for takeoff.” Airasten looked at Airabelle. Airabelle told Carson that they would listen for the chime signaling them it was time to come back. Carson nodded. The two birds took flight. They raced each other around the grounds. Airabelle showed Airasten around the farm. It was beautiful to see the two blue lights mingle in the night sky. Carson stood and watched them for as long as he could see them.

  Then he closed the door to the office and went back to work. For the first time he actually felt lonely sitting in his office by himself. He brushed the thought away as he began to busy himself. He had plenty of work to do.

  CHAPTER 49

  Airabelle and Airasten had a great time chasing after each other. It had been decades since Airasten felt so alive and free. He enjoyed seeing all the places his mate had been since they were separated. He wished he had been able to enjoy them with her. He suddenly stopped and perched on the wooden fence by the barn.

  Airabelle circled around and landed beside him. “I’m so happy we found you. We have all of eternity to be together now.” She wasn’t one to sit still while they were free. Time was wasting and she needed to get Airasten cheered up. She perked up and said, “Follow me!” He took off after her. It was easy for him to catch up to her. Once they flew around the farm again, they headed to the pond where they spotted Esmond and Raine watching them.

  Esmond croaked, “I thought you’d never spot us from way up there.”

  Airabelle landed and Airasten circled above them. It felt good to him to be free and the cool breeze was refreshing. Airabelle and Esmond talked. Airabelle offered Esmond and Raine a ride. Raine was a little nervous about being off the ground, but Esmond had told her about flying. She was easily convinced to join in the adventure. Airasten swooped down and landed so she could jump on his back. Once Esmond was sure she was on safely, he hopped on Airabelle’s back and off they went into the star-filled night.

  Charles was fast asleep in his bed. He was dreaming of the cuckoo clock. The cuckoo bird, once she emerged from the clock, spoke to him, “A weary traveler needs your assistance. Would you be persuaded to lend a hand?”

  Charles inquired, “Who is the traveler?”

  Before she could answer, she disappeared back into the clock and the door slammed shut. Bewildered by the disappearance of the bird Charles leapt for the closed door and began pounding. He tried to open the large door. It couldn’t be budged. He strained to try to get his hands in a crevice so that he could pry it open. He pounded on the door shouting, “I know you are in there! Come out and talk to me!” Charles’ dream was interrupted by Airabelle’s words of warning.

  He tossed and turned, wrapping and twisting himself in his quilt. He woke up sweaty and wrestled to free himself from being bound. Charles opened his eyes and lay in bed looking out the window. The curtain was moving just enough for him to catch glimpses of the moon. He squinted as two flashes of pulsing blue light approached his window. They were becoming brighter and brighter until the birds came in the window and landed on his bed. The frogs jumped down onto the bed.

  Charles sat up and said, “It is a nice night to be out for a flight.”

  Airabelle didn’t waste any time. She scolded Charles because she knew he was tempted to somehow find a way to take the cuckoo up on her request. “It is too dangerous. How ridiculous listening to a cuckoo of all things, utterly preposterous! That is why they are called cuckoo…”

  They all turned and looked at Charles, who folded his arms and nodded in agreement. “I think you are absolutely correct.” He knew it was crazy to even think about it. What in the world did he think he could possibly do to be of assistance to this stranger? Airabelle had a point. “I agree with you wholeheartedly.”

  “Good, I am glad you have come to your senses.” Now that it was settled, Airabelle felt better. They visited for a moment before saying goodbye. The friends left Charles to try to get back to sleep.

  Charles settled back under the covers and closed his eyes. He knew the morning would come soon. He had an appointment with Dimitrios and Natalie at the gym so he guessed they would be doing something that would require him to have physical stamina. He rolled over onto his side and drifted of
f back to sleep.

  The wind chime sounded too soon for Airasten who was saddened to have to return to the stuffy office. He and Airabelle returned Esmond and Raine to the pond. Raine had never experienced anything quite as exhilarating in her entire life. She was sad to be back on the ground, but thanked Airasten for the ride. He told her he was sad to have to depart. Hopefully they would fly again soon. Once Airabelle and Esmond ended their conversation, they headed back.

  The two birds met Carson at the office door and flew inside. Airabelle was chattering nonstop. He held up his hand to try to slow her down so he could understand. The only words he caught in the whole string of words were: “Charles and cuckoo.”

  He shook his head and laughed. “Airabelle, please start over. I didn’t understand a word of what you just said.”

  She sighed and did her best to start over. As Airabelle was chattering about Charles’ dream, Carson walked over to the cuckoo.

  He stared at it and asked aloud, “What are you up to?” He rubbed his chin studying the door where the cuckoo would eventually peek out. He shook his head and glanced at Airabelle.

  She shook her head. “No, it is folly to listen to her! Why should we care about a weary traveler? What business is it of ours anyway? Have you lost your mind too? The bird’s a cuckoo.” She looked at Airasten. Then back at Carson. “Well, I’ll be! I think you have both lost your marbles.”

  Airasten spoke, “Awww, come on now Airabelle. Don’t you think you are being too hard on Carson?”

  She laughed and said, “Count me out of this scheme. Who knows where this unknown dimension leads? Haward was the only one who understood the clock, and most of his notes and journals are gone! Wait until Charles is the Prime Minister and can unlock them.”

  Carson thoughtfully stared at her and said, “A cuckoo that is a guide to another alternative dimension… hmmm.” He turned back to the clock.

  Airasten flew to the top of the clock and perched, as if waiting to pounce on the cuckoo as soon as the door opened and she emerged. “We could ambush her and make her talk!”