She began to make a mental list of the questions she wanted answered. How did she meet the Relics? How did she know Lyssa was born with a gift? She knew from Ms. Shelby the gift didn’t always run in families. Had she been spying on her all this time? Had they ever talked when Lyssa was a young child? Is that why her voice seemed slightly familiar? Did the gift run anywhere in her family? Where had her mother been all of this time? What had made her decide to find her now? Was it because of the newscast? Having loved her father so much, she hadn’t given much thought to who her biological father might be, but she needed to know that now; who he was and whether or not he was still alive. She took a step back wondering if she had made a mistake coming here. Everyone wants something. Her mother had contacted her, not the other way around. What does she want? She turned to leave, deciding that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
“Hi,” her mother said from three steps below her. She held up the bag she was holding. “Sorry, I wasn’t here. I needed a few things from the store.” She looked around, her dark, gray-streaked braid, moving with her, “Are you alone?”
Lyssa nodded, “Yes, I’m alone.”
“Is everything…okay?” she asked as she pulled her key out.
Lyssa nodded, “Yes. I just wanted to,” she paused, “finish our conversation.”
Her mother unlocked and opened the door and reached inside to turn on the lights. She seemed to be having a hard time finding the switch, “There it is!” she said finally.
Lyssa followed her inside.
Her mother walked into the kitchen and set her small shopping bag down. She pulled a half gallon of milk from it and opened the fridge door.
Lyssa noticed how empty the small fridge was.
Her mother shut it and pulled out some coffee filters. She opened the first cabinet, the second, and then the third. “Do you drink coffee?” she asked as she pulled a small can out of the third cabinet.
“It’s almost as if she doesn’t know her own apartment,” Lyssa thought. “Um, no, not really.”
“I just took up the habit myself,” she said as she scooped coffee into the coffee maker and started it. “I know it’s bad for me, but lately my energy has just been so low. So, go ahead,” she walked around the counter and took a seat across from Lyssa, “What do you want to know?”
Lyssa took a breath, “I just, well what was my father’s name? Is he alive? Did he know I was put up for adoption?”
Her mother glanced at the TV.
Lyssa noticed the pink pig figurine that sat on top of it. She turned back to her mother.
“Your father is dead.” She shook her head, “He died before you were born, so no, he didn’t know about your adoption.”
“What was his name?”
“Samuel.”
“Samuel?” Lyssa repeated.
Her mother nodded, “I see that someone changed the news broadcast.” She looked towards the TV again.
“Yeah,” Lyssa shrugged, “They did it; the council.”
“So, you’ve been to the island?” her mother adjusted the pillow behind her.
“Yes, a couple of times now.”
She smiled, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The way it appears is crazy. Have you been there a lot?”
“Yes,” her mother smiled, “When I was younger; before my incident.”
“What exactly happened?”
Her mother looked away from her and then slowly back, “I’d rather not say, if you don’t mind. Not just yet, anyway.”
Lyssa nodded, taken aback by her mother’s paranoia. She decided to go on with the reason she came here, maybe if she opened up to her, her mother might be more open to sharing all the things Lyssa wanted to know. “What do you think about the Clutch?”
“The Clutch!?!” she said in a slightly startled voice.
“Yes, what’s your opinion on them; what they do and what they stand for?”
“I’m not really sure what you mean. For me, they are bad. In general, they are good. Why?”
“I’m thinking of joining.”
“Joining!?!”
“Yes, I’m kind of stuck with only two options since I exposed myself. I can join the Clutch and be protected or I can tell this old rich guy my story and he will pay off the house and give me a bunch of money to start over.”
“Who is the old rich guy?”
Lyssa shook her head, “I have no idea. Dana set it up”
“Dana?”
“Yeah,” Lyssa blew out a breath, “she’s my stepmom. My dad met her a couple of years ago and they got married.”
“You don’t like her?”
Lyssa looked up, “Not really. She did keep me after dad…,” she paused, working to keep the pain down, “but, she is real controlling and I don’t think she really likes me. I think she just wants some money. I think that’s why she talked me into exposing myself.”
“So that’s why you did it? Because of your stepmother?”
“That and the house.”
“So, you’re not going to try and save the house now?”
Lyssa bit her lip, “I want to save it, joining the Clutch is one way to do that,” she shook her head frustrated.
Her mother seemed to sense her frustration, “What do you know about our history, about those born of the Element?”
“What do you mean?”
“I just want to know what all you know so I can help you understand, something I always worried about after I,” she paused, “gave you to the Relics. I knew they would not be able to help you with that aspect of your life.”
“How did you know I had the gift for sure?”
“I came to check on you from time to time. I wanted to make sure you were okay. After I saw they had assigned a Keeper to you I knew that you would have help with your gift, but I also knew I had to keep my distance. Your Keeper might tell the Clutch where I was or realize that you were my daughter. I am sure she did not know you were my child. She surely would have reported it to them and they would have tried to find me and lock me up.” Tears appeared in her blue eyes.
Lyssa sat forward, “My Keeper’s name was Shelby,” she choked slightly. “She died. She was killed.”
“You have been through a lot, haven’t you?”
Lyssa felt a wave carrying all that she had been through rise up inside her, forming a hard ball in her throat. She nodded not able to speak.
Her mother stood and grabbed a tissue from the counter and gave it to her.
Lyssa looked up and took it. “Did you ever talk to me when I was young, when you checked on me?”
“Once, you were in kindergarten and it was at your bus stop.” She paused “I helped you with your backpack strap.”
Lyssa let out a breath faintly remembering the stranger who helped her fix her backpack strap when it came apart.
Her mother sat back down across from her, “So this, Shelby, she taught you everything, all the history…“
Lyssa nodded, “Yes. She told me when I was younger that there are people who are born with a powerful connection to the earth. She told me we are called Elementris. She told me the story about the First Five, and about the island. Element Island.”
“It’s been so long since I heard the story of the First Five, would you tell it to me?”
Lyssa was sort of surprised, “Yeah, sure,” she sat back, “Let me think, it was so long ago that she told it to me.” Shelby’s voice seemed so real in her memory. She remembered the day they had sat together on the edge of the lake, Zack on one side and Lyssa in the middle. At the time it had seemed like a distant story, completely disconnected from them. Shelby’s voice was low and soothing as she held Lyssa’s small hand.
“It went like this, I think.” Lyssa began, “Long, long ago, before you were born, before any of us alive today were born, a ship, Quintessence, embarked on a journey. In the night a storm came as those on board slept. The ship rocked back an
d forth dangerously and then the waves sent it all the way over. Chaos overtook the ship, people were screaming and by the morning only five survivors were left. Five women, all different ages, woke up on a white sandy beach. After searching the island, the five women decided it was empty. They built a shelter and collected food. A few weeks after their arrival they all began to get sick. All five of them were pregnant, even one who was only fourteen. They all gave birth on the same day at the same time and each of their children possessed an affinity for an element.” Lyssa paused, lost in her own story, “then they all returned to the island when they were eighteen and accepted their gifts under the full moon. That’s where the magic comes from.” She looked up at her mother.
“I remember when I was told that story. My grandmother told me years ago. I am sorry, Lyssa.”
“For what?”
“For everything. For not being there. I can see it has made you strong, though.”
Lyssa looked up, not sure how to respond, “How did you meet the Relics?”
“I found them. A good friend of mine told me they were a good family, a private family, too. I knew even if they found out your secret they would keep it hidden. Did they ever find out?”
“Not that I know of,” Lyssa said, “I was careful. Dana only found out because I was going through some stuff so I wasn’t as careful.” She stood up, “Where have you been? Have you lived here all this time?”
Her mother lifted her chin, “No. I have lived many places. I came back here for you.”
Lyssa walked to the window and peeked out, feeling the threat of tears. The morning sun was beginning to rise. She knew Thomas was probably already looking for her and that her mother would freak if he showed up here. “What should I do?” she asked.
Her mother rose and walked towards her, “I think you have to do what your heart tells you. No one else can tell you what you truly want.”
Lyssa smiled.
Her mother held out her arms.
Lyssa slowly stepped closer to her and hugged her awkwardly.
Her mother whispered in her ear, “Whatever happens in this life, know that it’s supposed to be. Know that even if I have done or do bad things, it is, or was, for what’s best.”
Lyssa pulled back; surprised by what she’d said. “I, uh, I better go.”
“Will you come back before you leave for the island?”
Lyssa paused, “Why? Do you think that I’m going to choose to join the Clutch?”
Her mother tilted her head, her blue eyes intent, “I can see your need to help others. You’re like him. You’re like your father. He had a soft heart, too.”
Lyssa smiled.
Her mother’s expression hardened, “A soft heart is not always a good thing. Don’t forget that, Lyssa.”
Lyssa didn’t know how to react to the sudden change in her mother. “Okay,” she said as she pulled the door open, wondering what kind of person her mother really was. She seemed to change from one minute to the next. She waved over her shoulder and shut the door behind her.
She scanned the parking lot as she descended the stairs and got on the bike. A small orange cat, just like the one at the house, stood at the corner of the apartment building. Its big yellow eyes locked on her. Lyssa stared back at it. “Could that be the same cat from the house?” The cat scurried away. Lyssa shook her head “Couldn’t be,” she thought and took off on the bike.
Chapter Ten…The Curse
…Ava…
Brea was looking at the stage area in front of the Brooden, “I think we’ll put the band over there. There are going to be a lot of people here, right?”
“Yeah,” Ava said trying to get into the spirit. “Hey, Brea?”
“Yeah,” Brea walked down the stage and sat next to her.
Ava felt her hands shake as she looked over at Brea, “What if I told you that I think I might have caused the curse to affect someone?”
“What!?!” Brea’s eyes widened, “You, Ms. Perfect? Who, Ava?” Brea shook her head, “Wait a minute, why? You love Alec. There are not many guys hotter than Alec.”
Ava’s lips trembled, “I know. I wasn’t attracted to him. Not like that. I love Alec. I think it’s because he’s in love with me. I don’t really understand it myself.”
“Who is it?”
Ava looked up, feeling shame, “Blake.”
“Blake?” Brea stood up, paced a moment, and sat back down, “Blake Sanders, the A-hole who snuck onto the island and tried to take pictures? Have you lost your mind?”
“I told you. It’s not like I want him or anything. None of us knows how the curse really works. I’m not even sure if he has been cursed.” Ava said, looking down at her feet. “I can’t even stand the thought of it.”
“What are you trying to tell me, Ava? You’re not making any sense. Everyone is saying that Blake is crazy. He probably is crazy, so what are you worried about?”
“The curse,” Ava said flatly. “Blake was acting really weird when he was here. He kept asking if he would see me again and he seemed so sad when I told him he probably wouldn’t. He didn’t even seem to care about exposing the island after I told him that. What if he is in love with me? If the curse is real, that would mean he is in serious danger and I don’t know how to help him...”
Brea sat beside her again, “Oh Ava, now I get it. You think he’s gonna die now. You think he’s gonna die some horrific death.”
“Yeah…”
“So,” Brea turned, “problem solved.”
“Brea!” Ava exclaimed, “How can you say such a thing? I wouldn’t wish my worst enemy a horrible death.”
“You shouldn’t care what happens to him. If he exposes you, what do you think will happen, Ava? Your people will be hunted and no telling what else. Lots of you could be killed. I can’t imagine what the world would do. Some people are savages. They might try to use your abilities in wars and no telling what else. So Blake Sanders trying to expose you is worse than me wishing him dead? I’m sorry, but I don’t think so. If he dies, it’s Karma.” She shrugged. You’re too nice sometimes.”
Ava thought about what it would be like if the world found out about those born of the Element and Element Island. She felt her chest tighten. It was her responsibility to keep everyone safe by ensuring that their secret remained hidden. If they were exposed, there was no way she could protect them.
Brea stood up, “Are you mad that I said that?”
“No,” Ava said. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Well, look,” Brea picked up her notebook, “Let me handle the First Summer Moon Festival and after-party for your birthday. It will give me something to do and it will be one less thing you have to deal with.”
“Okay,” Ava said.
Brea smiled widely, “Really? I get to decide everything?”
Ava smiled back, “Yes, Brea. Just don’t go crazy.”
Brea cocked her head, “Who, me?” She touched her chest, “I would never go overboard.” She smiled wider, “Now I just have to figure out what to get you for your birthday.”
Ava shook her head, “You don’t have to get me anything.”
“Don’t talk crazy. Of course I’m getting you something.” Brea stepped down, “Come on, let’s go find some food.”
“Okay,” Ava said following her. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you. Did you get the guts up to tell Shawn you like him yet?”
“I don’t.”
“Don’t lie,” Ava said. “You know you have the hots for him. You should tell him when they get back.”
“I’m not sure yet. Besides, I don’t want to pin myself down to one guy. There are a lot of hot Clutch guards and I’ll be going back to school in a few weeks anyway. What’s the point?”
Ava looked at her, “You’re crazy.” She walked into the dining hall. A group of Greens sat together in the back corner. The counter up front was lined with a beautiful spread of salads and different meats and sides.
Brea scooped up a pl
ate and started piling salad onto it.
Ava grabbed her plate and followed behind her. Cook appeared from the back and looked at the two Greens working the line, “You two don’t forget that trash in the kitchen.” He looked up at Ava, “Hi there, Queen Vangeretta,” he smiled.
Ava smiled back, “Hello, Cook. How are you?” Cook’s real name was Geoffrey, but no one ever used it.
“Good, good,” he straightened the plates at the start of the line. “How about you?”
“Good,” Ava moved down behind Brea.
Cook tilted his head, “Thank you,” he said.
Ava paused with the dressing ladle in her hand, “For what?”
He looked at her square on, “For allowing me to stay on the island.”
Ava was surprised, “Of course I would.”
He nodded “After you released all the prisoners and sent them back home, I wasn’t sure you would let me stay on. I just wanted to make sure you knew that I appreciated that you did.”
“You’re welcome, Cook. We would all starve to death without you.” She smiled and continued down the line behind Brea.
Cook grinned and returned to the kitchen.
“What was that about?” Brea whispered as they walked towards a table.
Ava shrugged, “I don’t know. I guess he just wanted to say thanks.”
“Everyone thinks you’re a good leader, Ava.”
“I don’t know that I am. I feel like I’m always making mistakes and I’m never sure I’m making the right decisions.”
“Quit worrying, Ava. You’re doing fine.”
“I hope you’re right.” They took their seats and just as Ava started to take her first bite, Nisca approached their table. “Here,” she said handing Ava a folded piece of paper.
“What is it?” Ava asked as she began to unfold it.
“It’s your speech,” Nisca answered as she sat down. “Vincent told me to make sure you got it and that you practice it.” She rolled her eyes, “He also said to be sure I didn’t lose it. I never lose anything.”
Elementris, Exposure, Eruption Box set: The Vangeretta Curse Series Page 44