Out of Darkness
Page 21
Epilogue
“Mom! Dad! I’m home!”
Lily’s voice echoed through the hallway into the living room. The saucy dark haired teen poked her head in the doorway to find her mother cuddled against her husband’s side with her legs curled beneath her. She looked more like Emma every day although much taller. She’d be more likely pass for Emma’s sister rather than her teenage daughter.
Emma sighed. It wouldn’t happen right away but it was bound to happen. Sooner or later someone would start asking questions. Kai and Emma didn’t age and they were healthier than anyone had a right to expect. Even Lily had never had a visible bump or bruise. She’d inherited a superior healing ability. Only Kai and Emma worried about what that might mean.
If necessary, the family would relocate. Emma always knew that at some point relocation would be inevitable. As it was, until Lily was twelve, Emma had homeschooled her. She’d loved spending that time with her daughter, building memories to sustain her through the years ahead if need be. Parents shouldn’t outlive their kids but with Lily… It was too early to know if she would inherit immortality from her parents and neither were eager to find out. It was unknown if her aging process would slow to a stop or continue until its normal conclusion? Her situation was unique. Someday they’d have to deal with Lily’s mortality. But not now. Lily was a beautiful, normal teenager with her whole life ahead of her. How long that life would be was a mystery. Emma squashed her fear of the unknown before it could start and concentrated on her family.
“How was school today?” Kai asked. He scooted over to make room for their daughter between them.
“Awful. We got a new teacher today and she sucks!"
“Lily. You don’t even know her. How can you say she sucks?” Emma chided.
“It was her first day, and she handed out at least six detentions. We don’t even have rules about chewing gum in class, but she still gave out detentions for it.”
“Did you get a detention?”Kai asked. Emma worried her husband was ready to go down to Lily’s school that minute and straighten the teacher out before he had the facts. Kai would do anything when it came to protecting the two women in his life.
“Yes, but it wasn’t for gum.” She looked a little sheepish. “During archery in gym class… um, my arrow went a little astray and kinda hit the mascot.” Lily’s jaw tightened like her father’s often did when he was irritated and she got defensive. “I mean what was he doing there in the first place? Why on earth would they be holding a practice outside on the same field we’re learning archery?”
“Was he hurt?” Emma asked a little afraid of the answer. Surely the school would have phoned if someone had gotten hurt.
“No, he was alright thankfully. Our mascot is a dorky alligator with a big tail. It missed the guy.
Both Kai and Emma burst into laughter. Emma imagined the foam alligator mascot jumping up and down with arrows stuck in his large behind. “It’s not funny! It wasn’t my fault. I shouldn’t be penalized because I was only doing what I was supposed to.”
“We’re not laughing at you, honey. I’m just picturing it in my head. You’ve got to admit that it sounds pretty funny.” Emma tried and failed to suppress her grin.
A tiny smile cracked the stern line of Lily's mouth. “I guess it kinda does, but I shouldn’t get a detention for it!” She wailed.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. Your mother and I will talk to the school tomorrow. We’ll see what we can work out. This weekend I’ll take you out and teach you how to use a bow and arrow properly. Alright? You’re my daughter for goodness sake. It’s long past time I taught you anyway.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Come on,” Emma said struggling to get off the oversized couch. Their furniture had to be big to accommodate her husband. Kai took pity on her and helped her to her feet. “Let’s go make supper, and you can tell us all about what happened.” Kai stooped to kiss Emma before taking her hand and following Lily to the kitchen.
Emma heart swelled watching the ordinary homey family scene. Kai teasing Lily as the two rummaged in the refrigerator, Lily teasing him back. Emma had once despaired of ever having a family or a home of her own filled with love and laughter. Now, she had all she’d ever dreamed of and more.
The End
Dear Reader. Reviews mean everything to an author. They determine the placement of the book, and thus how many potential readers will see the book. I will be so grateful if you will take a minute of your time and return to the site where you purchased this book to leave a review, even just a two line review. It doesn’t matter how long just that the book is reviewed and rated.
Thank you so much, Billie Turner
Billie spent her early life on Vancouver Island and parts of the United States before settling permanently in Alberta in her teens. She’s always had a passion for reading, writing and arts. For the last 20 years, she’s worked in both care settings and medical offices, often drawing and reading in her spare time. Over the past eight years she began writing seriously and wrote her first novel Out of Darkness. She plans to continue with this passion.