Court let out his ever so handsome, bellowing laugh. “Maybe this will cure you of being a repeat offender ... let's go, Runaway...”
Coralie took his hand, following him to the east side edge of the park.
She sighed. Coralie knew that she had to talk to her parents. She felt so bad for the way she had left. She shouldn't have done that. She should have, for at least her mother's sake, taken Jacques.
But now, that was neither here nor there.
She couldn't change things in the past. Even the most recent. She couldn't change how she had left. But there was something she could do. She could finally have her parents tell her the truth. The truth about her life. The truth about who she was.
Coralie felt justly and genuinely ready to hear the veracity of her existence. And it was the excitement of this fact that pushed her forward.
* * * * *
As Alex topped the hill of the south pathway, he was startled by a familiar figure standing before him.
“Alexander,” a voice said.
“Yes, Sir...” Alex answered obediently.
“You have taken a grave risk, showing yourself to her.”
“But Cal –”Alex started.
“Alexander, you have an obligation to uphold as a Protector. Not just any Protector, her Protector. This is my daughter we're talking about. You are supposed to protect her, no matter what.”
“I am, Sir – “Alex interjected.
“From afar –” Cal added. “You shouldn't have allowed her to have contact with you...”
“Sir, what if I wanted her to...” Alex said, questioning not only Cal, but centuries of Protector regulations. “... what if I wanted to be seen by her?”
Cal interrupted his words. “It makes no difference. You have a specific and important position to uphold.”
Alex replied. “Yes, Sir, I do ... I am very aware of my position. But honestly, I cannot truly protect your daughter from such a far distance.”
“Why such the sudden change?”
“No sudden changes. I just wish to protect your daughter more closely.”
“Alexander, you must understand, this position is only as permanent as I allow, you could be stripped of your duties.” Cal explained intensely.
“Would that be so bad?” Alex blurted out before he could stop the words from fleeing his lips.
“You don't mean that! I know you, Alexander – I know that being a Warrior means more to you than that. I know that she means more to you than that.”
“She does –” Alex said, with agreeing words. Coralie meant the world to him.
He had been assigned as her Protector for as long as he could remember. Anything beforehand, was meaningless to him. He had watched over her for the most part of the entirety of her existence. He couldn't imagine what it would be like to not see her every day.
Just once, he wished he could be with her without the duty of protection hanging over their heads.
Just once, he wished that he didn't have to follow all of the rules.
Just once, he wished that she could see him for who he is ... not as just some random guy she bumped into in the park. Someone who's real. Not a backdrop.
“Well, you have already crossed a line that can't be uncrossed, Alexander, your stealth cover has been compromised ... this is something you can't fix, you can't take it back ... she has seen you and she knows who you are...” Cal paused, thinking of how harsh his words must sound. He lightened his tone and continued. “What's done is done ... I trusted you, Alexander, I have trusted you with Coralie's life ... there are others out there who would endure anything to be in your position...”
With a hint of disgruntled sarcasm, Alex said, “Yeah, bet I could name one, in particular, right off hand...”
“You cannot allow indifference to get in the way of your duties...” Cal added, nonchalantly to Alex's previous sarcastic comment.
Agreeing, Alex remarked, “You are right, Sir ... but if I may ... yes, your daughter knows me, but not as the real me ... she doesn't know that I am a Warrior, that I am a Protector, that I am her Protector, even ... maybe being a friend to her could bring me closer to her so that my duties –”
“Alexander, no...”
“What's the harm in protecting her a little more closely?”
“What if, say that you continue on this path, hanging out with my daughter, finding her friendship ... what if she finds out that you are a Warrior?”
“So, what if she find out?”
“How would you explain? Don't you think that any relationship you have formed with her will diminish once she finds out? She will feel betrayed.”
“Something you know about firsthand?”
“Alexander, this matter concerns you...”
“Well, then I will just have to explain to her...”
“Forget it, it would never be a possibility ... you can’t mix friendships and your duties as a Warrior.”
“Why not? Were you and Chamm not friends? Were you and my grandfather not friends?”
“Well, of course, we were...”
“What better of a duty than to be a Protector of a close friend?”
“Well, I guess you could be right … it’s not completely unheard of...”
“Exactly, and soon, Coralie will know all about her heritage and lineage...”
“Alexander, we have decided to tell her tonight. Our alternate methods of sheltering her from this life have faded, diminished. Memories are seeping through the cracks.”
“Yes, Sir … it seems as so...”
“We knew that these types of methods could not last forever. We've been expecting it...” He paused to take a deep breath and said in a low voice, “Madame Marisse warned us of this...” He hung his head low with these words, ashamed to speak them. After a moment full of thoughts of his daughter, he sighed deep, then continued in a louder tone, “ ... So, by the morning light, she will know everything ... Coralie will know the truth about who she really is.” Cal concluded.
With a grin spreading across his face, Alex said, “Now, Sir, that is the best news that I've heard all night.”
“Alexander, I trust you as her Protector ... my daughter is very important to me...”
“She is important to me as well, Sir –”
“Don't mess this up ... and don't forget your position –” Cal stated in a respecting, demanding tone, one of which only a leader could get away with.
“I won't, Sir –” Alex obliged.
“Alexander, one other thing ... I know how you feel about her,” Cal said, reading him, “but please know, that she has feelings for Courtland Cumberlin...”
“I am aware of this, Sir –” Alex confirmed, trying to hide his indignant.
“This is not the time to try to complicate things any further ... do not try to confuse her – know your place, know your position. You are here to protect her ... her protection is your only concern. Do you understand?” Cal's demeanor displayed harsh petition, respectfully. A trait that he had received from his father. Coralie had this same trait. This thought made him smile inside, underneath the hard layers.
“Yes, Sir –” Alex answered respectfully, “Coralie is and will always be my only concern.”
“Very good, Alexander,” Cal said, turning to walk in the direction from which he had come.
“Yes, Sir.” Alex said, as Cal walked away.
Then he turned back just in time to watch the sole purpose for his existence walk in the opposite direction with someone other than himself. His chest felt heavy. He wanted to be next to her. But instead, he waited.
Alex waited until he was certain that Coralie could longer see him, and then he started in their direction.
Chapter 24
“Mom? ... Dad? I'm home...” Coralie called out, as she entered the front door, Court trailing close behind her.
“Coralie?” Katelyn answered, running toward her daughter from the family room. “Coralie, here, honey, I'm right here.”
; “Where is Dad?” Coralie asked nervously in his absence.
“Your Dad will be back soon,” Katelyn paused to glance at Courtland. “He had to check on a situation.” Katelyn hugged her daughter tight in her arms, then she quickly spoke again, distracting Coralie from previous words. “Oh, honey, I was so worried.”
“I know, Mom ... I am so sorry that I ran out like I did … I was wrong, so wrong ... “ Coralie said, returning her mother's hug.
“No, honey ... it's not your fault...” Katelyn said, admittedly.
“Yes, Mom, it is ... I shouldn't have gotten so angry ... it's just that –”
“We know...” her father's voice said, coming from the open door behind them. The sound caused the three of them to turn in his direction.
“Dad –” Coralie started.
Cal continued. “We know that you have been experiencing some things that have been questionable in your eyes. And yes, you have every right to question, as well as every right to be upset with us.” Then he paused, taking a deep breath, as if it pained him to say the words that were about to come from his mouth. “Please take these words that I am about say with forgiveness in your heart. And especially for your mother's sake, I wish you would take our motives into consideration...”
This last statement left Coralie standing in a confused state.
“I think this would be my cue to leave,” Court spoke up, excusing himself politely.
“No … please stay!” Coralie expressed desperately. She could not bear the thought of him not being by her side. Especially now. She needed his provision. She needed his encouragement. She needed him.
Coralie could feel the truth coming. Finally. Something that had been long awaited. Though she had longed for this moment – this time of truth – she feared it, as well.
Court looked to Cal and Katelyn for their granting. “You are welcome to stay, Courtland, if you wish...” Cal said, with an uneasy, sternness to his voice.
Court knew he would be able to listen to the conversation through his connection with Coralie, but to be present would at least give her peace and ease of mind. That's what he cared about most. So he nodded in agreement, and took hold of Coralie's hand, giving it a slight squeeze, relaying comfort.
Cal and Katelyn made their way into the family den, exchanging but mere glances. Not daring to say a word, most in part because of Coralie’s questioning eyes. Court and Coralie followed them in silence.
Once the four of them were in the room, Cal was the first to speak. “Coralie, there are some things that you should know...” He paused for a moment. Long enough to give his wife a quick glance for reassurance. When she nodded, he continued. “Cor, I almost don't know where to start. Imagine that … me, Cal Collier, at a loss for words.”
“Dad, just spill it. If there's something that I need to know - I mean, if there's something that you need to say ... Please Dad, just –” Coralie cut her words off before she lost her composure, then continued as her equanimity resumed. “Just tell me...”
She felt the slight pressure of a squeeze of her hand. She knew the comforting gesture came from Court. But she couldn't turn her eyes away from the faces of her parents.
Coralie acknowledged that whatever this was – whatever the announcement, whatever the outcome, whatever the truth – she had to know. She had to know the truth.
“Cor – maybe we should start from the beginning...”
Coralie sat in silence, awaiting the truth that had for so long been hers to hold.
* * * * *
Buzz. Buzz.
Xavier looked all around himself. He retrieved the buzzing phone from his pocket, and he answered. “Hello?”
“Xavier, I must have a word with you...” a familiar voice said.
“I can't talk now.”
“But we need to discuss some things –”
“I do not have the time.”
“Well, then you must make time!” The voice snapped on the other end of the line.
This tone took caught Xavier's attention. “You've got exactly sixty seconds … Go...”
“Now that's no way to speak to –”
“Fifty-Five...”
“Well, you will be very pleased at the information that I hold for you. Are you certain that sixty seconds is all you have to spare?” the voice questioned, trying to entice his desire to listen closely to his following words.
“Thirty–seven...”
“Okay, if you insist … I'll keep it short. Plans have changed. But only just slightly.”
“What has changed?”
“Well, you may have to stick around awhile ... but only a short while.”
“I had no intention of leaving. Not until another move is made. It's like the game of chess, Sir. As soon as they make their move, I will then make mine ... but not until...”
“Very good … I will notify you if I have any further information.”
“That won't be necessary.” Xavier said with confidence.
There was a huff in amusement. “You may not think as much, but you need me more than you think you do, young man.” Another huff escaped him. This time irritation was mixed in with his fading amusement. “You remind me of someone I once knew...”
“Is that so?” Xavier said, allowing a huff of his own to escape his breath. “Maybe you should introduce us sometime...”
“Oh, young Xavier ... though I admire that impeccably, brilliant wit of yours, I must say, you need to be more observant to those around you –”
“What are you mumbling about?” Xavier asked, becoming more irritated by the moment.
“Funny thing, young Xavier...” the voice said with just a hint of amusement.
“What's that?” Xavier questioned, keeping his sarcastic tone.
“How small this big, big world is ... You see, we find ourselves crossing paths with those around us, but never really seem to take notice ... you will have specific instructions very soon –” the voice said, this time in a more unyielding manner.
“Can't wait –” Xavier said under his breath, just low enough to ensure difficulty in hearing by the common ear.
“Oh … and young Xavier?”
“Yes?” Xavier answered, trying to hide his irritation.
“You may want to pack an overnight bag, along with some of your personal things.”
“For what reason?”
With amusement still underlying in his tone, the voice on the other end of the line spoke. “I have a grand feeling that you may be taking a trip very soon...”
“But you just said that plans have changed –”
“Yes, as of now … but sometimes change is good. Especially this kind of change in plans...”
“And what kind of change in plans are we talking about?”
The voice allowed a muffled laugh to escape him, but for only a moment. “The kind that guarantees to play out in our favor...”
Taking a deep breath, Xavier backed down from his previous assured arrogance. Without another word he knew what was coming. Maybe it was lacking in details, but the big picture was crystal clear. It would not be long before he had his chance. A chance to prove himself – his true self ... something that he would not allow himself to fail at ... even when, especially when, he would be face to face with those who caused all of this.
This was something that he could not let go ... The reasoning nor the excuses mattered.
“Do you understand?” the voice of the man on the other end of the line asked him, sternly.
“I do, Sir...” Xavier said, allowing his voice to sound defeated.
“Very well, then – I will contact you soon.”
This was the last thing Xavier heard before the call ended and the line was silent. Xavier suddenly realized how alone he was, in the dark night. He sighed and shoved the phone in his pocket. Then turned in the direction of his next destination and began to walk pushing through a few muscle aches due to a recent encounter with an adversary.
* * * * *
“Okay, so ... where do we start?” Cal began, hesitantly searching for words. He took a deep breath, just before allowing words to escape his lips. “Coralie, honey, you know that your mom and I ... we love you ... you do know that, don't you?”
Unable to muster up the words, Coralie just shook her head. Fear, questions, and confusion hovered in the air.
“Let me just get this out in the open ... we never meant to hurt you or lie to you...” Cal continued. “We were only trying to protect you...”
“By lying to me...” Coralie said, quietly. Her chest felt heavy with hurt.
“Protecting you...” Cal reiterated, with a calming tone of voice, hoping to comfort his daughter. “There's just so much that you do not know ... and it's our fault entirely. But it is time ... Both your mom and I know that it is time to let you in on the real you ... to let you know who you really are...”
“Who am I, Dad? I know that I am different ... and I want the truth ... Please tell me ... who am I really?” Coralie pleaded to her parents.
“Let's start with the family tree –” Cal started, “Coralie, do you know how you got your name?”
“My name?” Coralie questioned. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Cal had made his way over to a set of large bookshelves that lined the wall of the family room. He pulled a book from one of the many shelves of the bookcase. It was tan and tattered, like it had been passed down through centuries. “Yes, you are right ... it is very old, passed down from our ancestors.” Cal said, answering his daughter's unspoken question, without looking her in the eyes, as if he’d just read her mind. “Coralie, you are very special ... there are things, things about our heritage, that you just don't know.”
“We were afraid that you wouldn't understand...” Katelyn added.
“So, what's so different than what I already know,” Coralie asked, “... what about us, about me, is so dissimilar and special?”
“Coralie, a long time ago ... generations and generations have passed ... There was once a man … a very strong, loyal, and great man … his name was Corus. Corus Collier.”
Empyreal: Awaken - Book One Page 14