Outside, there was a crispness to the spring night. No hum of passing vehicles, but instead the chittering of insects. Everything was still, quiet, and peaceful, with only the street lamps and occasional window casting any light. The twin moons must've been covered by clouds, which was fine by Samantha. They were too bright at times.
She and Joby walked down the dirt road. Even their footsteps sounded muted on the soft soil.
Somewhere in the distance was the call of an animal. Samantha wasn't sure which one. Maybe a bird? Or howling?
"Heh, look at that." Stopping, Joby pointed at a small house. In the front yard were animal sculptures: owls, cats, and frogs. Two owls were huddled together in an equally ceramic nest, while a nearby cat stretched lazily.
"That's really cute." Samantha smiled. "I'd love to have a yard like that."
"Yeah. Reminds me of my mom's. She got those statues in her garden."
"Oh yeah. I remember them. Those little kids and puppies."
Joby chuckled. "Yeah. She likes collecting them."
"I'd do dragons."
"Dragons? I thought you'd want kitties."
"Well, some cats too. But dragons are badass."
Joby laughed. "I'd get some tigers. Put one right next to the front door."
"Heh heh. Tigers are also cool. Oh, and leopards."
"We should have our own yard full of sculptures. That'd be gnarly."
"Yeah, that would be." She stopped. "Would be...gnar-uh-lee."
Joby laughed again. "See? Toldja I'd make it back in style again! Now I got you saying it!"
"Gosh, no." She paused, actually thinking about what they'd just said. Chances were, she and Joby wouldn't have the same yard. They'd have their own houses. But maybe if they were neighbors, they could work something out. The idea sounded fun, at least.
As they neared the end of the sleepy town, Samantha and Joby came across an empty stretch of grass, eventually disappearing under the shadowy pine trees. The grass looked fluffy and inviting, and to Samantha, the stars overheard were beckoning.
"Feel like stargazing for awhile?" she asked.
"Just looking at the stars, ya mean?"
"Yeah, it's fun." Walking into the grass, she looked back at Joby before sitting down and flopping onto her back. The grass felt as thick as a nice carpet. "C'mon!"
Joby came over and got down beside her, still moving a little slowly.
"What?"
"Well...I can't remember any of the constellations."
"Huh?" Then she got it. "Oh, that's okay. You don't need to know everything about the stars to stargaze. Just look at them. See what you want to see. See how beautiful and mysterious they are."
They both lied there on their backs, staring up at the blinking stars and the glowing, wispy clouds which drifted by like sea foam. Silence, except for the sounds of nature's violinists, the crickets.
Samantha felt her heart beating. With each throb, she remembered yet another reason to be glad she was alive. The world was amazing and full of beauty and places to see.
"I never really done this before." Joby was still gazing up. "I mean, I've looked at the stars, but I guess I never really looked at them."
"Evan and I used to do it a lot. It's incredible, if you think about it. What we're looking at might not even be there anymore. By the time the light travels this distance, they could be gone."
"So it's like we're looking at the past?"
"Yeah."
"Wow... That's really cool."
"Gnarly even."
He chuckled. "Yeah, that too."
"Hm hm." Her eyes traced a row of stars. "And if we were on one of them now, we'd be seeing the past of Areth."
"Wow..." Staring up, Joby's eyes were wide and his mouth hung open slightly. It made Samantha proud to see him react this way to learning something new. Maybe he'd realize how fascinating science could be?
Several more minutes went by.
Samantha was trying to find her fifth constellation when Joby spoke. "Hey, Samantha... Can I ask ya something?"
Something about his tone made her turn to him. "Yeah?"
He paused, avoiding her and still facing upward to the stars. "Ya know, you guys already got everything planned out. For your lives. ...I'm not really sure what I want anymore."
She sat up on her side. "You'll figure it out."
"Yeah, I guess... But some things, I gotta figure out now, while I can. Because, you know..." He shrugged.
"Life is long. You don't have to hurry."
"But you don't get it. I could lose my chance. Or waste my time."
"Well...just do what feels right."
He sighed.
"Something in particular bothering you?" she asked.
"Well, I guess just...er..."
"You can talk to me about it. My name means listener, after all."
He chuckled some. "Well, I guess the main thing is... It's you."
"Me?"
"I know you're gonna marry a smart guy someday. Someone who works hard and is gonna make the big bucks. And I know that's what ya deserve. But...I can't help it. I'm gonna hate when that happens, because you won't have time for me anymore."
"What?" Samantha had to stare. "Joby, I'm not... What makes you think that?"
"Oh, come on. I see the way you drool over scientists. You need someone smart."
"Okay, okay." She held her hands up. "Who says I'm marrying a scientist? Who says I'm even getting married? I'm not really wife material... I hate kids, and traditional 'wifey' roles aggravate me."
At least he laughed at this. "So, ya wanna live alone?"
"No, I just... I'm not really sure what I want." She laughed nervously. "Just not kids."
"It's okay. I don't know either." He paused for a minute. "I do know... That time, when I looked in that wish stone? I saw you. And ya know...I don't really care what type of job I get. If you're with me, I'd be happy."
"You really saw me in that wish stone?"
He shrugged. "Yeah."
"That's depressing. You need a hobby."
He chuckled. "Well, how about you help me with that after all this?"
"Sure. Hope you like to use your brain."
"Heh, thanks, Samantha." Leaning over, his lips brushed her forehead in a quick kiss.
Then the two of them scooted closer and went back to admiring the never-ending majesty of the universe.
Chapter 21
It was morning, and Professor Lemmings still hadn't returned.
Evan had been the first one up and when he realized this, it took everything he had not to run in circles in the middle of the bunk beds, shouting until the others woke up.
Something must've happened to the professor. He just knew it. It hadn't been a good idea to go off exploring after a long day of walking. What if he stumbled off a cliff? Or was attacked by a cougar or bear?
Evan forced himself to sit down and eat a Pop-Tart for breakfast. When he finished and the others were still snoring away, he grabbed a second just to keep himself busy. Of all days for everyone to be oversleeping...!
After he was done, he got up and paced the area, occasionally clearing his throat and coughing. He risked a peek at the others. Joby was lying face down in the upper bunk, looking very much like road kill. Across the room from him was Samantha, buried alive in what was left of her own mane, and down a level Isis, who was half off the bed.
Walking over, Evan ever so slightly reached out and took a corner of Isis's bed sheet. He gave a light pull...and she tumbled to the floor.
"Ow! Damn!" As Isis stumbled to her feet, Samantha and Joby both glanced down with squinty eyes.
"What's wrong?" Samantha asked.
"Fell outta bed. Gerh." Isis rubbed her elbow.
Three, two, one...
"Hey, guys," Evan said. "The professor still isn't back yet."
"Who?" Joby fought back a yawn.
"Professor Lemmings!"
"Sleepy..." Samantha disappeared.
"Sam, he
y!" Evan tossed the box of Pop-Tarts up into the bunk. "And you call me lazy! This is important!"
"All this shouting in the morning," Isis said.
"He could be in trouble!"
Joby was drooping over the side of the bed. "Who again?"
"Gah!" Evan threw his hands up.
After breakfast, there was then a long line for the bathroom and a chance to get changed. Evan was about ready to throw some people out the door by this point.
Joby needed to get his hair gelled just right and brush his teeth.
Isis spent forever choosing which shirt to wear, and then which jeans to wear, only to brush her long hair afterwards.
At least Samantha did things her usual way: throw on the first thing she saw and run a hand through her hair. She just seemed to be moving slowly today.
Once all four were set, they gathered to discuss their options.
"I'm going to call him first." Isis fished up a piece of paper. "Got his number right here. He could just have gotten lost or distracted."
"But he would have called last night," Evan said.
"Maybe his phone's battery went." At her brother's look, Samantha said, "He does seem pretty scatterbrained to me."
"I bet a Tranlude found him," Joby said.
It wasn't everyday that Evan found himself agreeing with Joseph McDee, but this was one of them. "I think you're right, Joby. I think it was a Tranlude."
Isis rolled her eyes. "So prejudice... Now calling." She walked into the bathroom, shutting the door after herself.
Evan waited. After a bit, he could hear Isis pressing more buttons.
"He ain't picking up," Joby said.
Samantha crossed her arms loosely. "I'm starting to think this whole thing wasn't a good idea."
"See? I knew it before we even left," Evan said. "Bee-Bee was right about one thing: these moonstones are causing all our problems."
"Oh, c'mon." Joby held his up, gazing down fondly at it. "They're pretty cool."
"And a source of power! Power always attracts greed and violence!"
"But they also let us defend ourselves," Samantha said. "I mean, I like having mine. I feel stronger with it." She shrugged. "I feel sorta weak without it."
"Yeah," Joby said. "Ya are a scrawny little thing. Even for a girl."
"What about all your brain over brawn talk?" Evan had to ask.
"If someone grabs you, brain power isn't going to help much." Samantha laughed sheepishly.
"Eh, I don't think you're that weak." Evan snatched her arm. When she started yelping, he said, "Okay, so maybe you are." He let her go. "But what if someone took the stone from you? That wouldn't be too hard to do. If they catch you off-guard, anyway."
"All of us?" Joby grinned.
"Isis has one too?"
"Yep!"
Evan let out a sigh. "I feel so useless."
"Tell me about it." Crossing her arms, Samantha leaned against him. "You guys always used to make me feel this way."
"Well, go befriend a group of sickly girls! That should make you feel macho and powerful."
Joby burst out laughing. "I gotta record you guys sometime and put ya up on YouTube or something."
Isis came back into the room, a frown on her face. "Okay, he's not picking up. We're going to have to go and look for him."
Joby started laughing before even getting a word out. "Think it's safe for...for Evan to come too?"
Samantha giggled.
"Yes." Isis kept a perfectly straight face. "Only if he promises to wear his bra this time. Can't stand the boob physics."
As Joby and Samantha howled in laughter over this, Evan elbowed them both. His life was such a joke.
Just up an inclined trail was the town of Stonecreek, named for its neighboring creek which was known for its vast variety of rocks. The town reminded Evan of Woodlane with its simple, wood-and-dirt style. However, the creek and its mother lake were a shimmering blue in a world of dirt and grass. Located right against the steep side of the mountain, the lake looked like something straight out of a postcard.
"I love these towns!" Samantha was wringing her hands. "Fayville and Crestview look so gray and ugly now!"
"Yeah, it is pretty." Joby eyed the buildings. "But where do ya spray paint out here? On the wood signs?"
"Stay on task, people," Isis said. "We need to find the professor."
"Think he went to the lake...?" Samantha took a few steps in its direction. "Wait, is that a cabin? Ooh, a cabin near a lake...!"
Isis scowled.
"Sam, plan your dream home later," Evan said. "The professor could be in trouble right now."
"Let's split up and look for him," Isis said. "Assuming he made it here, he'd probably wait for us."
"Unless something got him," Evan mumbled.
Isis headed off in a direction.
Just as he was about to do the same, Evan heard Professor Lemmings' voice: "Wait, hold on, everyone! Here I am, here I am!"
The professor himself rushed out, his brown coat fluttering after him like a medieval hero's cape. "Over here!"
Evan, Samantha, Joby, and Isis all backtracked.
"What happened?" Isis asked him. "You didn't call last night or return my call earlier."
"Well, about that..." Roger Lemmings laughed, scratching his head. "I didn't realize until last night. I forgot to bring my phone! I'm sorry! I hope I didn't worry you all too much."
Evan slapped his forehead. "No...not that much."
Samantha nudged him and mouthed, Knew it was the phone.
"But I have a lot to tell you!" Professor Lemmings beamed. "I ran into a Tranlude researcher. She was also out here studying the moonstones. So we got to talking and exchanging ideas." He turned to the mountain side. "The moonstones are washed down the side of that hill. Right into the lake most of the time. The higher up the mountain you go, the more moonstones you'll find. This seems to be a common spot for meteor showers."
"Are we still going to the summit?" Isis asked.
"If it's necessary. But I'm beginning to believe we might have luck around here too."
"Want us to collect moonstones then?" Samantha asked.
"Yes, exactly. And then..." The professor seemed to finally notice her hair. "Oh, you got a haircut!"
As Evan, Isis, and Joby all sneaked looks at one another, Samantha laughed. "Yes, sir. Isis did it."
"I like it!" Professor Lemmings smiled. "Matches your spunk."
"Moonstones," Isis prompted.
"Oh, right, right!" He shook his head. "Anyway, can I ask you four to collect moonstones for me? You remember the look: clear, with a misty color on the inside? Any doubt, just grab it."
"Okay," Evan said. "Anything in particular you're looking for?"
"Just something new. I would enjoy getting the chance to study them more in depth. Perhaps we'll even find yours!"
Joby grinned. "What color would a lame stone have?"
Evan jabbed him.
"Pink and white, of course," Isis said.
"Floating smiley faces," Samantha said, all smiles herself.
"Gah!" Evan shook his hands. "Stop picking on me!"
The day was spent gathering moonstones for the professor. The four friends had the most luck searching in the lake and stream, although there were a few scattered on the nearby shores as well. After filling a bag, they'd each drop it off with Professor Lemmings, who was at work identifying every stone.
Evan had no idea what moonstones looked like, outside of the vague description. The first clear "rock" he brought the professor ended up being a rounded chunk of glass. But how would he know? It wasn't like he had his own to carry around with him every day, like the others did.
He was sure he didn't have a stone of his own.
Around sun fall, Evan was taking a break next to the lakeside cabin. The air was definitely crisper and more fresh out here. He felt healthier just breathing it. And watching the slight ripples on the lake's surface made him feel almost meditative. If nothing els
e, being out here made him feel spiritually renewed in a way. It gave him time to think. Even if it was while digging through dirt and mud.
He was still gazing at the lake when Samantha joined him. "It's beautiful out here, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Nice to be away from class work for a change."
"Yeah... Can we talk?"
"Well, that's what we're doing now."
"No, I mean..." She glanced around. "Alone? Where someone won't walk over any second?"
He shrugged. "Okay. Lead the way."
Evan wasn't sure why the secrecy, but he followed Samantha into the neighboring woods anyway. The dark trees blocked out any remaining light from the sky, leaving them in a murky blue haze. As they headed out a bit deeper, Evan began to feel uneasy, but didn't voice this. He didn't want her to think he was a chicken.
Finally she came to a stop.
"Let me guess," Evan said. "Last night, you got knocked up by Joby, and now you're worried about a baby."
Even in the dark, he could sense her narrowing her eyes. "Uh, no. I'm not stupid. But..."
"But?"
"This is about Joby."
He knew she and their friend had been spending more and more time together recently. What was the secret?
"Would you be okay if he stayed with us, when we get our own place after grad school?" She fiddled with her newly-cut hair. "I'd feel bad leaving him on his own."
"Joby? He doesn't even have a job now. Who's to say he won't continue to mooch off us?"
"He isn't mooching."
"Oh, he's just always borrowing money. Our financial aid money too, at that."
"He's going through a confusing time. I'm sure he'll pay us back when he can."
"Eh..." Evan ran his hand through his hair. "I don't know."
"Why not?"
"I don't mind sharing a place with you, but Joby's always causing something. Oliver's great, but he sometimes gets annoying too. I was looking forward to less people and more space."
"I was too. But Joby... You know how he is. If he's on his own, I think he's going to have problems. He might meet the wrong people and start doing worse than just leaving graffiti. At least if he's with us―"
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