“What’ve you got to feel grumpy about anyway?” asked Nixie.
“I’m not telling you,” said Cordelia.
Nixie pouted and placed her hands on her hips.
Surprised by the lack of verbal response, Cordelia looked up. “There’s no point in telling you anything, you already know everything.”
“Triton and Mazu are right you know, you should concentrate on something else.”
“Let me guess, the diving competition?”
“We just think…”
“What is this? Gang up on Cordelia day?”
“No, but that reminds me, it’s your birthday this month!” squealed Nixie with excitement.
It hadn’t occurred to Cordelia that tomorrow was the 1st of May.
“Sixteen Cordelia!” exclaimed Nixie, “We need to plan a party.”
Cordelia laid on her bed and pulled her pillow over her head in protest.
“You need to snap out of this Cordelia, Meren needs you.”
“Go away,” murmured Cordelia from beneath her pillow.
“Not until you pull yourself together.”
Cordelia sat up straight, her blood boiling. “Will everyone stop telling me what to do! Practise diving, place in the championships, plan a party, go to Meren, find your real father, Meren needs you, pull yourself together, enough!”
Nixie looked startled. “I didn’t mean...”
“Leave me alone!”
Without saying another word Nixie left through the wall. Immediately regretful of her outburst, Cordelia closed her eyes and buried her head in her hands. She didn’t mean to upset Nixie but she did want to be on her own. She felt empty and uncertain. The two people she loved the most were now living and working together away from her. This upset Cordelia far more than she would ever say. How could she? Flynn was Breck’s father. Cordelia was distracted from her train of thought by an itch on her left shoulder blade and reached an arm behind her to scratch it. No matter how much she stretched, she couldn’t quite reach the spot. She picked up a large conch shell that was sitting on display by the fireplace and used it to scratch herself. Then came a knock at the door.
“Cordelia, it’s us, are you in there?” said Lana.
Cordelia took a deep breath and opened the door to find Lana, Masika and Nerissa staring at her with wide eyes and even wider grins.
“Aren’t you going to invite us in?” asked Nerissa, chirpily.
Cordelia stepped aside and her three friends waltzed into her chamber.
“We’re here to plan your birthday,” said Lana, smiling and gesturing to the note book and pen clutched in Masika’s hands.
“You’ve been talking to Nixie, haven’t you?” asked Cordelia.
“Perhaps,” said Lana.
“She was worried about you,” said Masika.
“But that’s not the only reason we’re here,” chirped Nerissa, “we haven’t seen you much lately, we miss you.”
Cordelia finally cracked a smile. “I’m sorry. I haven’t been a very good friend.”
“It’s okay,” said Lana, “we know you’ve had a lot going on.”
“Which is why we want to make your birthday really fun,” said Nerissa, who looked close to bursting with excitement.
“What do people do around here for their birthdays?” asked Cordelia.
“There’s a couple of options,” said Masika, “we can decorate the dining hall or we can plan something in the amphitheatre. Morwen’s rules are usually quite strict on location.”
Cordelia wasn’t thrilled about either of these ideas and certainly wasn’t going to follow Morwen’s stringent rules.
“Is something wrong?” asked Lana.
“I’d like to spend my birthday with family and good friends,” said Cordelia.
“Of course,” said Lana.
“So then we need a venue where all those important to me will be welcome,” said Cordelia.
“Where did you have in mind?” asked Nerissa.
“The tavern in town,” said Cordelia, “I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
“Morwen will never allow it,” said Masika.
“Then it’s settled,” said Cordelia. “I’ll speak with Breck this afternoon.”
“How are things with Breck?” asked Nerissa.
“Good, thank you,” smiled Cordelia.
“There’s something you’re not telling us,” said Lana.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” said Cordelia, returning the conch shell to the fireplace. “Masika, you’d better not be reading my mind.”
Masika sheepishly shook her head.
“You did, didn’t you?” said Cordelia. “Seriously, stay out of my head.”
“What is it?” asked Lana.
“I think you should tell them,” said Masika, “they’ll find out sooner or later.”
“Tell us what?” asked Nerissa.
“Alright, alright,” said Cordelia, pacing across the chamber. “I found out that Flynn had a son, before he found me.”
“What happened to him?” asked Lana.
“It’s a long story,” said Cordelia.
“Is his son still around?” asked Nerissa.
Cordelia nodded.
“Have you met him?” asked Lana.
Cordelia nodded.
“For the love of God just tell them,” said Masika.
“It’s Breck,” said Cordelia.
“Breck?” gasped Nerissa.
Cordelia nodded.
“Now it all makes sense,” said Lana.
“What d’you mean?” asked Nerissa.
“The energy field around Flynn the day he escaped the island,” said Lana. “Flynn’s an energy carrier too.”
“Did Breck know that Flynn was his father?” asked Nerissa.
“No,” said Cordelia.
“But he does now,” said Masika, “and now they’re living together at the tavern.”
“Where does that leave you and Breck?” asked Lana.
Cordelia shrugged. “Nothing’s changed between us.”
“Does Flynn know about the two of you?” asked Lana.
Cordelia shook her head.
“What d’you think he’ll say when he finds out?” asked Nerissa.
“That’s what I’m worried about,” said Cordelia. “What if I lose both of them?
“You won’t,” said Nerissa.
“What if I already have?”
“Now you’re being ridiculous,” said Lana.
Cordelia raised an eyebrow at Lana.
“What?” said Lana. “We’re friends. If we can’t be truthful with you then no one can.”
“If we’re being truthful,” said Masika, “then I’d like it known I’m not keen on the choice of venue for your birthday.”
“Why not?” asked Cordelia.
“I’m not sure that Morwen would take kindly to us mixing with drunks in a tavern. What if word got out about us?”
“Morwen can think what she likes,” said Cordelia, “it won’t change anything.”
“What if people find out about us?” said Masika. “What then?”
“They’ll only find out if we tell them,” said Cordelia.
“Let’s vote on it,” said Lana, winking at Cordelia. “Those in favour raise your hand.”
Three of the four raised their hands without hesitation.
“Oh alright,” said Masika, “but if anything happens, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“As long as we’re on our best behavior there won’t be a problem,” said Lana.
“Have you thought about what you’ll wear?” beamed Nerissa.
Cordelia shook her head. “Not yet.”
“If you want help deciding, you know where to find us,” said Nerissa.
“Thank you,” said Cordelia.
Later that day Cordelia rode Réalta into town. The weather was glorious and the town was packed with visitors who had flocked to the coast for clean air during the first weekend of May. Cordelia attracted several
disapproving glances as she stopped outside the tavern; a young girl revealing her legs was shocking and unwomanly and to see her straddling a horse outside a drinking house was an affront to Victorian decency. If that wasn’t enough to catch the attention of onlookers then her mane of shimmering grey hair would do the trick. She would certainly be deemed unsuitable marriage material by respectable families of so-called polite society. They whispered and laughed behind her back. There was nothing polite about that. Cordelia knew they were talking about her but she held her head high and walked into the tavern with brazen assurance.
Everything changed when Cordelia entered the tavern; the smell of fresh sea air turned to stale smells of tobacco and ale, the sounds of waves crashing and seagulls squawking turned to glasses clinking and explosive laughter, and the disapproving glances and comments she’d been subjected to outside were exchanged for friendly smiles and a warm welcome.
“Here she comes,” said Flynn, his arms outstretched and his face beaming with pride.
Cordelia walked over to Flynn and hugged him.
“You must be the lovely Cordelia,” said a young man rising from his bar stool. “I’ve heard a lot about you, all good of course.”
Cordelia smiled and subtly raised her eyebrows at Flynn.
“Can I buy you a drink?” asked the man, keenly.
Cordelia hesitated.
“Forgive me,” he said, holding out a hand “I haven’t introduced myself, I’m Tom, Thomas Keane.”
Cordelia shook the man’s hand.
“So can I get you that drink?”
“Oh, no, it’s alright, I’m fine thank you.”
Cordelia’s eyes scanned the tavern, then she turned to Flynn, “Where’s Breck?”
“He’s in the cellar changing a barrel. See if he needs a hand will you?”
Cordelia didn’t need to be asked twice. She scarpered out the back and down to the cellar where Breck was taking a breather from hauling barrels of ale up the stairs. Breck smiled when he saw Cordelia and she walked over to where he was sitting on a barrel and stood between his legs. She placed her hands on his thighs and he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in closer.
“Why the long face?” asked Breck.
Cordelia shrugged. “I miss you. I miss you both.”
“Don’t be daft,” said Breck. “You can see us whenever you want.”
“What if I lived here too?” asked Cordelia.
Breck loosened his grip from around Cordelia’s waist. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“So you want him to yourself now, is that it?”
“No, that’s not it at all,” said Breck, somewhat bemused.
“I’m worried that I’ll lose you both,” she said.
“Think about it. If you move in here then we’ve more risk of being found out. Besides, you need to be with your own kind.”
Cordelia stepped back from Breck, “You still want to be with me, don’t you?”
“Of course,” said Breck.
“Good, because I was hoping you could help me plan my birthday.”
Breck was not really accustomed to the working of women’s minds and tried his best to keep up with Cordelia’s many trails of thought.
“I was thinking of having a party here, what do you think?”
“I think that’s a great idea,” said Breck. “Will your friends from the lighthouse be coming?”
“Just three of them,” replied Cordelia reaching an arm behind to scratch her back. “Would you mind?” she asked, turning her back to Breck. “It’s been bothering me all day. Breck rubbed his fingertips over Cordelia’s back.
“Up a bit,” she said. “Across my shoulder blades.”
“How’s it going down there?” called Flynn from the top of the stairs.
“Almost done!” called Breck.
Back upstairs Flynn asked, “So, what did you think of Tom?”
“He seemed nice enough,” said Cordelia.
“He had to get back to work, he’s taken a shine to you though,” said Flynn.
Breck and Cordelia exchanged sideways glances.
“I can’t date him if that’s what you’re thinking,” said Cordelia under her breath.
“What’s wrong with him?” asked Flynn, genuinely disappointed. “Seems decent enough to me.”
“I’m part fish,” whispered Cordelia. “I imagine he likes to eat fish, not date them.”
“I’m sorry Cordelia,” said Flynn. “I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“No harm done,” said Cordelia.
“Cordelia was telling me her ideas for her birthday,” said Breck, changing the subject.
“Oh really?”
“I was thinking about having a party here. Just a few friends, nothing elaborate,” said Cordelia.
“That sounds like a great idea,” said Flynn, placing an arm around Cordelia’s shoulders. “I can’t believe you’re turning sixteen already.” Then he pulled Breck into their group hug, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for yours, for any of your birthdays for that matter. I’ll make it up to you lad, I promise. I’m just pleased we’re all together now, a proper family.”
“Are you happy here?” asked Cordelia. “It’s much busier than what you’re used to.”
“There’s not many get a second chance at life,” said Flynn. “Trust me, I’m happier here surrounded by all these people than stuck out there waiting for, well, you know.”
“They’re gone now,” said Breck.
“For now. Besides, I want to spend time with you now that Cordelia’s found herself a hobby,” said Flynn, winking.
“What hobby might this be then?” asked a large, round man whose face had flushed crimson.
“Sea bathing,” said Cordelia, “it’s great for the circulation.”
“After what happened to Mr Kelly and his boys?” said the man, slurring his words.
“Even Flynn here went missing for weeks. You’re mad, the sea’s full of monsters waiting to bite your toes.”
“Perhaps you’d rather I stayed home and darned socks?” suggested Cordelia sarcastically.
“That sounds much more fitting,” said the man.
“That won’t be necessary,” said Flynn.
“You want to watch her,” said the man, “she’s a fiery one.”
Just before dusk, when most of the visitors had returned to their salt lodges for the evening, Cordelia returned to the mirror pool. She nimbly made her way across the rocks then anxiously edged closer to the pool. It had been a while since she was last here, she hadn’t called upon the mirror pool since Flynn was held prisoner on the island. Feeling uncertain about her future, she was nervous about what it might show. Cordelia stepped down onto a rocky ledge at the edge of the pool. It sheltered her from the evening breeze and kept her hidden from prying eyes. She couldn’t be certain that she was alone now with so many people in town. Soon enough white mist crept over the rocks, in and out of every nook and cranny, gliding its way to the mirror pool and surrounding Cordelia like a bird in a cloud. Holding her knees into her chest, Cordelia waited on tenterhooks for an image to appear on the water. Then it came, a vision of a beautiful woman with sleek blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She smiled at Cordelia, then turned and walked away as a pair of large white wings unfolded from her back.
SEVENTEEN
Bitter Sweet Sixteen
The weeks leading up to Cordelia’s birthday flew by. Cordelia had kept herself busy with her studies and diving practise, visiting the tavern every other evening. Amongst other things, this helped to keep potential gossip at bay. It was one thing for Cordelia to be living elsewhere while Flynn was missing but now that he was back as a solid fixture in the community, people might question where she was. Living in such a town meant nobody’s business was their own, not really. The downside, or the upside depending on how you look at it was that since Flynn had moved in with Breck, Cordelia found herself eating two evening meals on the days she visited the ta
vern. She couldn’t be sure if it was the extra diving practise or what but she was ravenous and found herself eating at the lighthouse as well as the tavern.
The eve of Cordelia’s sixteenth birthday was no different, not to begin with. Having finished her diving practise, Cordelia ate in the dining hall with her friends before making her way to the tavern where she tucked into her second evening meal of the day. The only difference was that after eating at the tavern she felt famished; she felt so hungry she could have eaten her own arm. Even Breck had passed comment on the speed at which Cordelia had eaten.
“Slow down,” he said, “you’ll give yourself indigestion.”
Cordelia’s face flushed red and she soon said her goodbyes and left.
She was in an odd frame of mind, distant, slightly agitated but she couldn’t put her finger on the reason why. Keen to get to a food source, Cordelia walked with Réalta in the darkness, through the alley ways and across the beach but all she could find was rotting seaweed and small periwinkles.
She whispered to Réalta, “Go home.”
Without a second thought, Cordelia walked into the water in search of something to satisfy her appetite. She hunted through the night, devouring each tasty morsel as though it were her last. Once her hunger was satiated, she hauled herself onto the rocks of the amphitheatre and in the light of the almost full moon she watched the great waves of the Atlantic rolling towards her in wild, white fury.
The next day was Saturday 21st May 1853, the day Cordelia turned sixteen. A constant itching in her shoulder blades had kept her awake for most of the night and a sense of unease stirred deep within her soul. Cordelia had only been asleep for a couple of hours when footsteps and talking in the tunnel outside her chamber caused her to wake. Realising she’d overslept, Cordelia swept the hair from across her face but as she did so, strands of hair came loose and rested between her finger tips. Surprised, Cordelia ran her fingers through her hair again and more strands came loose. She put it down to changes in the weather and threw the loose strands in the fire. Her hair fizzed and crackled as it burned and silver sparks jumped out of the fire and onto the floor. Cordelia watched with interest and once they fizzled out she climbed into the bath tub. Her shoulder blades were red raw from all the scratching and she winced as she lowered her body into the cool, salt water.
ELEMENTS: Acquiesce Page 23