The tray with the two champagne flutes is balanced on his hand.
“Caleb, before you are the glasses that represent your union, one is filled with barken-beer and the other with white sumach berry wine. One of the glasses is filled with poison, the other is as harmless as a glass of water. Caleb, you’ll be guided by your bride. Jessie, with your hands, bring forth your light and let the light chose.”
What do you want me to do? Caleb thought to me.
It’s a trick, that is what many of these test things are. One of them smelled sweet, that is the berry. I don’t know a lot of white berries to be poisonous, but I’m guessing it is. The pungent one is the barken-beer. I don’t know what barken is, but I’m guessing it isn’t poisonous. I’ll hold my hands over both. I’ll pretend to chose one, and you take the other. Are you ready?
I believe in you. Here goes nothing.
Caleb, don’t die.
Jess, I’ll try.
You’re impossible.
We’re married, I’m supposed to be.
People are staring.
Okay, my Queen.
The sounds of a horses hooves behind us startle everyone out of silence. A pandemonium breaks out, and we turn around to see what’s going on. A stunning blonde woman wearing traditional English riding wear bombarded through the crowd.
“Put that glass down boy. They’re both full of poison, any respectable preacher would know better than to pass that trash to royalty.” She starts clapping her hands together.
Caleb, do you think she’s mad…you know, crazy?
I don’t think it, I know it.
“Oh, how darling. What a lovely gown they’ve made for you. My goodness, what a lovely couple you are. So beautiful, oh to have young love once again. I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Teagan O’Brian, and around these parts I’m known as the Seelie Queen.” She turns her back on Caleb and me to face the crowd. “I am disappointed to find you would go behind my back, and bring forth the supposed Queen of Fairyland and have her marry like a commoner. Why was this hidden from me? Who decided this?”
“I did Teagan, that’s who. Now calm your tail-feather and turn to see their first kiss. Their real magic is about to dazzle us all. Come here friend, we’ll watch together. Caleb and Jessie, the final piece to the puzzle is for Caleb to kiss his bride.”
Beautiful, I’m the luckiest guy on earth and Fairyland. He puts his hand under my chin and steps in closer. Everything around us stops, the melody to my favorite love song from my mom’s playlist. Edwin McCain’s, I’ll Be, is running through my head.
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth.
What is that you’re humming? Caleb asks.
Was I humming? It’s a song my dad would sing to my mom.
We smiled against each other, lost in the moment. No one watching, no one hearing our thoughts. Until we hear….
“Oh for cripes sake, you become royalty and you subject us to a marathon make-out,” Amber teases.
We turn to her and laugh.
“To the people of Fairyland, I introduce you to Caleb and Jessica Baldwin the King and Queen of FAIRYLAND!! Behold the Kingdom of Everlasting Light. All Hail the Light Tamers!” The man who married us announced, very loudly.
“ALL HAIL!” The crowd yells.
Caleb takes my hand. “Are you ready,” he asks.
Don’t let me fall.
Never.
Chapter 23. Equinox
“Mom, stop fussing. We’re going to be late to the airport. She’ll have to get dressed at Caleb’s house,” I fuss. It’s been two weeks since our wedding and nothing, yet everything has changed. We met with the Seelie and Unseelie courts and said we were going to let them to continue ruling the fae. Rumors were spreading at school that Caleb and I got married in a secret wedding because I’m pregnant. Stupid rumors, especially since I have to be a virgin to hold my throne. We felt that rumors are just that, and we wouldn’t admit or deny any accusations. It isn’t like we’re married in the human world.
“Jess, I’ll meet you outside. Is Amber staying over tonight?” Mom asked.
I grab my stuff and rush out to the car with her. “No, she’s going to dance with Thorne. He got those other guys to come and guard Caleb and me. I still don’t know how I’m going to explain the creepy guys that follow us around to Jersey.”
Dad is standing outside at the car, holding the door open for my mom. I haven’t been able to heal him yet. I tried to put my hands on him and see if it helped. He isn’t all the way dark, his desire to steal my light has subsided. Mom and him have been talking on the phone, and have gone to have coffee a few times. I don’t know that they’ll ever be together as a couple again, but I’m okay with the way it is right now.
“I can’t believe you guys let grandma actually chaperone the dance tonight. She’s meeting us at the cemetery, the one that Jersey wants to visit before the dance. She said she wants to get pictures by that creepy arch with the wrought iron gates.”
“She’s always been fascinated with ghosts and cemeteries. She took you walking through one that one time, and you were in hysterics. Do you remember?” Mom laughs at the memory. I can’t lie, her laugh makes me laugh. She sounds like a cartoon character when she laughs.
“It was dark,” I finally say when I catch my breath from laughing.
Mom laughed. “Oh yeah, I guess that wouldn’t be good. I have so much to learn about you Tamers.”
“I’m willing to teach you everything I know,” dad says flirty to mom.
“Are you now?” She flirts back.
“Oh for the love of all things sacred, I’m the kid,” I blurt out. “No flirting.”
“Says the Queen.” They say in unison.
“Hey dad, I meant to tell you this. Miss Raine had told us she had a girl coming out to talk to us. Her name is Chrissy, and she can heal animals. I guess she can actually talk telepathy with them, and they tell her what is wrong. I’ve been looking forward to her coming to the class, but she had to cancel. There is some type of Olympic games that are taking place in Ireland. I heard Miss Raine say something about a wolf got hurt. I don’t know what kind of Olympic sport has wolves, but I thought that was interesting.”
“We’ll have to check Google,” mom says.
The convention center is decorated with fall themed decorations. We’d eaten cupcakes and hotdogs and tried a few Light Tamer tricks. Amber looked cute in a sassy purple dress with feathers on the hem. No matter how much Thorne tried to deny his feelings for her, the look on his face was obvious.
The DJ called the last dance, and I heard the familiar melody to I’ll Be. Caleb held out his hand to me, and I walked with him to the dance floor.
“Mrs. Baldwin?”
“Yes, Mr Baldwin?”
“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Oh yeah? You look pretty snazzy too.”
He leans over and kisses the tip of my nose.
“What’s next?”
“Happily ever after,” he whispers in my ear.
“We have to find a way to close the portal,” I say. I lean my head against his chest and hear and feel our hearts beating as one.
“It’s our destiny, close the portal and stand with these other creatures. We have our first Council meeting next weekend. It’s time to bring forth a united front.”
“Did I tell you that Mrs Ward had Amber go to her office and told her that her DNA has the code they’re hoping will help with the four elements.”
Jessie, be quiet about school and stress, let me feel your body dancing next to mine.
Who am I to deny my King? I close my eyes and sway to the music in his arms.
A hand on my shoulder breaks me out of my daydream. “Jess, Caleb, we have trouble. Amber’s missing. She went to the bathroom but never came out. I’d been standing on the o
utside of the door. I didn’t hear anything. I went in when she didn’t answer me. In red lipstick the name Nyx was written across the mirror,” Thorne exclaimed.
Epilogue
My bags are all packed, and everything I feel is necessary is in a suitcase or a box labeled Jessie. “Grandma, I don’t understand why we have to move to Fairyland. I can’t find Amber from there. What if they hurt her or worse, kill her?”
“They would have killed her, and left her for you to find, if that was their motto. It isn’t. They want your attention, and they’ve got it. Time travels different on the other side of the shimmer. We can get you and Caleb trained to seal off the Underworld. It gives you more training days.”
“I’m not sealing anything if Amber is in the Underworld. I find her first, dead or alive,” I choke as the words come out of my mouth.
“You might not have a choice.”
Jessie, we’ll find her and bring her home safe.
We can’t fail.
Not an option, Caleb says and pulls me closer to him as we ride in the carriage back into the shimmer.
I watched Thorne as he sat quietly lost in his own thoughts as we raced through the forest. He cares more for her than he admits. I can’t help but wonder what we’re going up against and what sacrifices will be made. I pray she isn’t scared. I pray she doesn’t get herself into more trouble with that mouth of hers. I smile at the thought of her sassy attitude.
We were able to get Jersey back to New York without her asking too many questions. It was hard trying to reminisce about the Bronx when it isn’t all that appealing to me anymore. My home is New Bern. I changed over the summer, and she is still the same. I knew it was the last time I’d see my childhood friend, and close that chapter of my life. After all, I am a Queen.
~~~~~
Acknowledgements and stalking info after this teaser. As you know, bullies come in all shapes and sizes, races and ages. My friend, award winning author Crystal Cattabriga, has written the book, Torn Souls. It is the type of book everyone that has been ridiculed or taunted should read. Please take a moment and read the following introduction to her book. If you or someone you know is being bullied, take a stand for them. National Suicide Hotline is toll free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433 DEAF HOTLINE IS 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
http://us.reachout.com/bullying
All Rights Reserved
This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, businesses, and incidents are from the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual places, people, or events is purely coincidental. Any trademarks mentioned herein are not authorized by the trademark owners and do not in any way mean the work is sponsored by or associated with the trademark owners. Any trademarks used are specifically in a descriptive capacity.
This is a work of fiction. Any name, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
ISBN-13:978-1470010676
ISBN-10:1470010674
Copyright October 2012
By Crystal Cattabriga
Editor
Joyce Warrick Epps
***
Graphic Designer
Regina Wamba
MaeIDesign and Photography
***
Bragging Rights
Joy Tontillo-Stroube
Torn Souls
By Crystal Cattabriga
Acknowledgments
This book is dedicated to all the children who have lost their lives from being bullied and the ones who will find the strength and courage to continue on.....
The unspeakable acts of bulling can destroy a life. So many children are affected in the world and together we can make a difference. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.
Matthew Shepard
12/1/1976 – 10/12/1998
John Gettle
02/21/1988 – 04/16/2002
Ryan Patrick Halligan
12/18/1989 – 10/07/2003
Eric. P. “Twiggy” Mohat
03/16/1990 – 03/29/2007
Jaheem Herrera
07/5/1997 – 04/06/2009
Phoebe Prince
11/24/1994 – 01/14/2010
Ty Field Smalley
06/16/1998 – 05/13/2010
Tyler Clementi
12/19/1991 – 09/22/2010
Asher Brown
01/03/1997 – 09/23/2010
Nicholas Kelo Jr.
10/01/1997 – 02/23/2011
Jamey Rodemeyer
03/21/1997 – 09/18/2011
James Hubley
1996 – 10/15/2011
Marjorie Raymond
1996 – 11/28/2011
Celina Okwuone, Kimberly Linzeski, Brandon Bitner, Samantha Kelly, Caleb Nolt, Jamarcos Bell, Ashley Rogers, Alexandria Moore, Harrison Brown, Justin Aaberg, Edward Collier, Cassidy Joy Andel, Alexis Pilkington, Christian Taylor, Cody Barker, Felix Sacco, Scott Wala, Jesse Buchsbaum, Jorndan Binion, Zach Harrington.
These are just some of the kids who have lost their lives from being bullied. Today marks a new day. These are the days where we’ll stand as one and be strong for each other.
Today I pledge to no longer stand and do nothing.
Today I pledge to be a voice for others.
Today I pledge to always have your back.
Today I will take this pledge and make a change in the world.
Prologue
I’ve waited a long time for this, but then again so have so many other people in the world. I’m so nervous, yet so excited. Today marks a moment in the world where history will be made. As I sit on my bed, I stare out my window. The sky is bluer than I’ve ever seen it. The sun is shining bright. I know I have to get moving, but yet I want to take it all in, so I get up off my bed and walk over to my window opening it up. While sticking my head out, I breathe in the warm summer air. Within seconds, my emotions take over hitting me like a ton of bricks, and I can feel tears start to fall. These are happy tears, so I don’t care. I let them fall all the way down touching my chin before wiping them away.
Just as I’m about to shut my window and find something casual, yet sophisticated to wear, I hear my mother calling me from down stairs, “Julia, honey, time to get up.”
I open my bedroom door so I don’t have to yell, letting her know that I’m up.
“Are you going to eat breakfast first or get dressed?” She asks in her sweet mom voice.
“I’m going to get dressed first, and then I’ll be down. Is that okay or did you already make my breakfast?” I asked just to make sure she didn’t already have my breakfast made. I hate eating breakfast when it’s cold.
“No, dear, you’re fine. By the time you come down it should be done. Oh, and remember we need to be out of the house and on the road in an hour, Julia.”
“Okay,” Mom, I’ll be ready.”
After closing my bedroom door to get dressed, I walk over to my closet looking for the perfect outfit. I’m not sure what to wear seeing I have so many clothes to choose from. Ever since I was born both of my parents have seemed to do a good job spoiling me. I’m pretty sure the reason why they continue to spoil me is because it’s their way of saying “Sorry you’re an only child.” I remember when I was younger I would ask my parents if they would give me a brother or sister so I wouldn’t grow up alone. Unfortunately, the only thing they gave me was a lame excuse by saying “We’re sorry honey, but with both of us working we don’t have time to raise another child.”
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the finer things in life like any teenage girl, but I’ve never been a popular kid, so I’ve always been on my own. It’s taken me a long time to be comfortable with myself.
Moving my hangers back and forth I finally make a decision. I decide to grab my red and black plaid skirt with my
red blouse from the closet and lay them on my bed. Now comes the hardest part, deciding which way to wear my hair. If I put it in a ponytail, I’d look too much like a childish school girl, so I decide leave it down. After brushing all the knots out of my hair, I change into my outfit. I chose to wear flats rather than a heel knowing I’ve never been good at walking in them. I don’t want to take a chance of falling flat on my face. This will be the day that will define who I am as a person and help define so many others. Everything has to be just perfect.
Turning to look at my alarm clock, I realize I only have half an hour before we have to leave. Quickly sliding my shoes on, I put on my gold earrings that my dad bought me on my thirteenth birthday and my silver charm bracelet that Alex bought me especially for this occasion. I take one quick glance in my vanity mirror to make sure I look okay and then head on downstairs to the kitchen to eat breakfast. While waiting for Mom to finish making pancakes, Dad begins to read an article from the newspaper to me about city pollution. Even though some of the articles Dad reads to me I find a bit boring, I always take the time to listen. I’ve always admired both of my parents for who they are and for the careers they have. My mom works as a criminal lawyer for a huge law firm and my dad’s a state’s attorney. Growing up they’ve taught me to stand up for what I believe in and always be true to myself.
I’ve been blessed with such loving parents and I’ve tried to apply everything they’ve taught me into my life, but as a teenager it’s hard. When I was younger, the only thing I had to worry about was eating all my vegetables, getting good grades, and remembering to brush my teeth twice a day. Now that I’m fifteen and in high school it’s a lot harder.
“Okay, guys, time to eat,” Mom says while she slides the plate with the stack of pancakes on the table.
Even though my mom works all kinds of crazy hours, she still finds time to do things with me. At least once a week, she takes me out for lunch and then we hit the mall to do a little shopping. If I need help with school work she stops what she’s doing just to help me. And when she’s not doing stuff with work or me, she’s cooking, cleaning, and trying to spend time with my dad. I truly admire her.
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