“Dan, you know, you can say it,” she said, turning towards me.
“Having sex?” I gulped.
“No,” she stated, opening the door. I closed it behind us.
“Then we’re doing pretty good. You have had the talk right?”
“With Starla, yes. Megan is just becoming interested. I’ve frequently thought about leaving that one to our other daughter.”
“You're kidding!”
“No, Starla’s pretty smart. Plus I told her how I ended up pregnant. That’s usually the best warning, there is.”
I put my arm around my wife as we sauntered along.
“So how about that slushy? Can I buy you one, love? It’ll ruin our teeth, though,” I joked.
A grin formed on her lips, slowly the cute dimple on her face I loved appeared. “That sounds good, but only if you buy me a chocolate chip cookie.”
“You got it, babe,” I replied.
“Kind of like old times,” commented Tri. She was too choked up to continue. I could see the tears starting to form in her eyes. I stopped where we were.
“I realize, you, don’t want to be rescued. But, we are going to be OK.”
A tear slid down the side of her cheek.
“I’m happy, but in-between knowing how to feel.”
I cautiously placed my arm around her shoulders.”We’ve got each other and our girls. It’s not about me protecting you. We protect each other,” I said.
She nodded at me somberly. After that, we continued on our way, to buy slushies.
Chapter 35
(Starla)
Maine remained silent and played with her bracelets on her arm. “It’s a lot to take in. No wonder you freaked out at the dance.”
“I have to ask you to keep it under wraps. I don’t want my dad finding out you know. He'd flip. Besides that, this group the Crusaders. They aren’t keen on the human public having knowledge of our existence. We’re this myth only a few people are aware of. It keeps us safe.”
Molly took Maine’s hand. She looked back at the rest of us. Then again, at Maine. “We trust you. Starla and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. She doesn’t like keeping things from people.”
“It’s a weakness,” I acknowledged.
“I’d call being open a strength,” said Jenson.
“It can be, but it can hurt those around you. We can’t let anyone else in our circle. It’s closed for now. Maine, will this be a problem?” Owl asked. He shot me a stern look.
“No, I’m not popular. I was a long time ago. It changed real fast. I woke up one day to how fake they were. I caught them gossiping about me behind my back. I'd thought they accepted me. I was wrong,” she replied.
I turned towards Maine, “When you choose to be yourself it happens. I've dabbled in things others don't always understand. I’m interested in Wicca. I’ve, used spells a few times. They held, but I thought they’d tank.”
“You already have the gift. It takes practice. That’s what the book I’m reading says. It’s trickier to practice without a coven. Um, but we shouldn’t discuss it here. We’ll make plans to meet up.”
“I’m not sure when I can. My training with Nayla is going to pick up real rapidly. She hasn’t given me a timeline for how long it will last. Then there’s the trial. I have to be present for that.”
“Let me know. Other than classes my schedule is open,” Maine offered.
“Sure, if it doesn’t interfere with whatever you and Molly have planned,” I replied.
“Same for you and your man,” she winked, pointing to Jenson who blushed.
The waitress dropped off the bill. Before I could pick it up, Jenson grabbed it. Molly pulled Maine towards her. She whispered something in her ear.
“Maybe you could heal me,” Maine giggled.
Molly laid her head on her shoulder. “That would depend on the type of healing. I'm all for helping with physical ailments. I haven't learned how to ease emotional ones. If I could do that I'd get my dad to understand us,” Molly said, shrugging her shoulders. “He’s tolerating the situation, seeing as he doesn’t want mom to leave him.”
Maine put her arm around Molly. “I'm sorry he's being, a jerk. I haven't had to go through that with my folks.” She looked down at her watch, “It’s two O’clock. I don't think I can eat another bite,” she announced patting her stomach.
I smiled at my friends while Jenson pulled me into a hug. I sunk into him. I loved being surrounded by people I cared for. Owl wore a smirk on his face.
“You guys are disgustingly adorable! Why don’t we take a walk? There’s a park not too far from here,” he suggested.
Jenson let go of me. He stood up and shimmied out of the booth. “I’m going to pay our bill,” he said grabbing his coat. He put it on. Then strolled to the front counter.
I pushed my hands into my jean pocket, taking out five bucks. “That should do it unless anyone else wants to chip in.”
“Sure,” said Maine. She laid down three dollars. “The food rocks here,” she smiled. “I mean it. Thanks guys for inviting me.”
“Come on girls,” said Owl, putting on his coat. I peered out the window to see tiny snowflakes flying around. It had gotten warmer. The snow kept trying to take over what would soon be spring. I shook my head in annoyance.
“Everything alright?” asked Owl.
“Yeah, I’m waiting, for the sun to arrive. I miss L.A. The palm trees, the sun,” I grumbled. Then stood up, placing my hand on one side of the booth. Molly and Maine were now leaning against it. They grasped each other’s hands, waiting for us to make our exit.
“Ready?” asked Jenson, making his way back to us.
“Yeah, let’s go,” I announced, letting my hand linger on the booth for a second. Leisurely we headed to the exit. The waitress behind the counter waved to us. I waved back and managed a smile. “Thanks, the food was amazing.” Turning back to my friends, I asked. “Does this park, have a swing set?”
“My kid at heart,” acknowledged Jenson, holding the door open for us.
“A whole playground, and it’s not the school you’re thinking of,” answered Owl. The cafe door banged shut behind us.
“Um, so is there room for me in the truck?” I asked Owl glancing at the parking lot.
“If you want sure! Molly and Maine can follow us. It’s not far from here.” I nodded, trying to keep up with Owl and Jenson.
Maine and Molly zig-zagged towards her car. “Sounds good, so we’ll be there in what, ten minutes?” she asked.
“Yeah, we have an hour to fool around. Cavin and your dad won’t be happy if we arrive late. Then tomorrow we have classes.”
“We’ll meet in the cafe for coffee?”
“Sure, but I have to work before class.” I rolled my eyes.
“You know you love Denny’s,” chided Jenson.
“Well, Marla and Gina make it bearable. Who wants to hit the books with me after Myth class? Toss them around a bit,” I joked.
Molly side bumped me pointing to Maine’s vehicle. “ See ya when we get there?”
“Yeah, oh wait-a Sec.” I grabbed the sleeve of her coat. “We’re going to work on Jone’s assignment together right?”
“We’ll need to do some major digging for this,” she acknowledged.
“I’m considering something regarding wolves,” I admitted letting go of her sleeve.
“OK, well, Maine is waiting, so are the boys.” Molly pointed to Jenson resting against the truck waiting for me.
“OK, see ya.” I skipped to the truck catching myself when my foot slipped on the ice. I grasped the handle on the door and pulled it open. Then looked up to see Owl in the driver’s seat. Owl turned the ignition. The engine of the truck roared to life.
“Go ahead, crawl over me. That way you won’t slip again. They should put some salt on this asphalt.”
Awkwardly, I did as he’d asked, positioning myself between Owl and Jenson.
“Here, let me help you with you
r seat belt,” Jenson offered, pulling it out of the cushion it was stuck in. He helped me adjust it. Once buckled up, I laid my head on his shoulder.
“Are we ready to go?” Owl asked.
“Yep,” I answered.
Jenson slightly nodded at Owl. He pulled out of the parking lot. I noticed him, keeping an eye out for Maine and Molly in his rear-view mirror. Then felt myself drift off for a bit.
Jenson and I skipped along the track surrounding the playground stopping near the jungle gym. I picked up the first snowball-flinging it at him. After a few more he grabbed me around the middle tackling me to the ground.
“Prepare to be tickled,” he roared.
“It’s not going to work with this jacket on buddy,” I warned him lightheartedly pushing him aside. I got up, dusting the snow off of my jeans. Boy, it was cold!
“So, should we try the ice rink? Maine and Molly seem to be fairing well,” he said.
“Yeah, Maine’s fallen how many times?” I quipped.
“A few, but it is fun.”
“I suppose, I could use a little of that.”
“Where’s Owl?” I asked, looking around.
“He’ll be back. He ran into a friend from his tribe. Come on,” he said, taking my hand, leading me over to a small building.
“Skates, two of them please?” he asked.
“Sizes, please,” asked Taylor.
“Ten, and..?”
“Eight,” I answered.
Taylor handed Jenson the skates. “The first hour is free, after that, it’s about two bucks an hour. It’s pretty cheap. It helps us keep the park up,” he explained.
“It’s nice, thank you,” I told him.
“Yeah, thanks,” said Jenson.
We walked over to some benches and sat down. Man, I was going to freeze. I put my skates, on. Too bad, Jenson wasn’t aware I had a handful of lessons. Nothing major, just skating at the Y back in L.A.
“Are you all set?” he asked after he’d laced up his skates.
“I’m good.”
We left our shoes sitting on the bench. I hoped Springville was an honest city. Jenson took my hand, and we skated onto the rink.
Chapter 36
(Dan)
The cold cherry-drink slid down my throat. I took a bite of the chocolate cookie. “This is too good! Now, I know why our daughters are obsessed with this place,” I commented.
“Don’t go getting used to it. I’ll be paying your dentist bills soon too.” Tri slapped my back lightly.
We sat at a small table in the store. This place had everything. I’d never stopped here. I always hit up this pizza joint on, fifth street. Tri pushed her strawberry blonde hair behind her ears. Then let her hands lay flat on the red table. I watched her take a drink of her frozen concoction.
“Ugh! Brain freeze,” she said, pushing the drink aside.
I chuckled. “Will it function for the meeting tonight?”
“It’s going to be,” she paused. “Odd, strange, awkward.”
She threw the words out at me. “Maybe it won’t. It could end up similar to an old friendship. You may pick back up, where you left off. I don’t see anyone upset or trying to punish you for leaving. They understand.”
“Star’s one person I haven’t thought of in ages. Starla, I wonder if she’s still interested in Wicca? If so, she’d be the go-to-girl.”
“She told me you banned her from those books. In place of them, she viewed documentaries. How was she able to watch them? You never allowed the girls cable-television.”
“The library, I couldn’t deny her anything with educational value. She got wrapped up in the Salem witch trial era for a bit. It relieved me when she started watching Buffy instead,” laughed Tri.
I touched her hand gently. She squeezed mine back.
“Sorry about today. I’m, I do want to be with you. Tonight, OK. Privately,” she said, raising an eyebrow. A smile gradually spread a crossed her lips.
“We’ll both probably..”
“Don’t say need it,” she interrupted me. Then gave me an evil stare. “It’s about Love.”
I picked up my Cherry drink and crumpled up my napkin. “It’s almost time to head out. We can go to the cabin first if you want. Nuria and Cal should be there. It’s only two-thirty.”
“I ought to talk to Nayla. I haven’t seen her in ages. Since she is training our daughter, it’s important for me to recognize what’s happening. Earlier, you said, you can’t discuss anything til the meeting tonight. My guess is that wolf came to visit you,” she whispered standing up.
I pushed my chair back, almost falling over. Did Tri have ESP?
“It’s not back, not yet,” she admitted. “I’ve had a few, Deja Vu' moments.” She pushed the chair underneath the table. “Let’s get out of here. I can’t drink any more of this. It’s too cold for frozen drinks. See what nostalgia does to us?”
“Yeah, but you've got to admit it was a great, idea.”
Tri trudged through the snow up to Nuria’s porch. Then peered into the window on the left. She waved at whoever was inside.
“Eva’s here! I don’t see Nuria or Cal, though,” she commented, standing back from the window.
I made my way up the stairs and stood beside my wife. The door swung open. “Hey you two, I wasn’t expecting to see you til this evening. Come in,” she offered.
“Thanks, how are you, Cal?” I asked.
Eva shut the door behind us. She took our coats and hung them up. Then led us over to the dining room table. “I made a pot of coffee if you want some,” she offered.
“I'll take a cup. Tri?”
“It would warm me up after that slushie. I’m pretty full, though,” Tri answered.
“It was your idea, a bit nostalgic I suppose,” I added.
“Maybe later then. Did you have a reason for stopping by?”
“Has Cal seen, the black wolf?” I asked.
Eva poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down. “No, she told me Starla saw one during their first session. Nayla is trying to find out if it’s related to the case.”
“Have you pulled out the cards yet, consulted them? Tri asked.
“Cavin, he’s not that cool about it,” she admitted
I nodded, “playing with the future. It worries him.”
“Yeah, but it’s necessary. Had we known Martin Du-Vance was in danger all this could have been avoided,” Eva added.
“Do you feel the same way about River Rogue?” I asked.
Eva’s hands trembled. “Dan, the cards don’t always hold the correct answers.”
“It helps right. We can plan based on the prediction. We have to be cautious of course,” Tri responded.
“Hmm,” Eva took a sip of her drink. “Yes, I usually don’t go against Cavin’s advice unless Kaya supports it,” she stated.
“What happened to my girl. The one who defied authority,” my wife joked.
“Steve left. I haven’t told Cal. She assumes he disappeared. It happened before, she vanished.”
“When we went to his office, he was gone. Maybe that’s why I... I’ve let the men push me a bit. Let them handle conflicts and problems. Steve always had to solve things, to be right. He didn’t like it when I had the upper hand in our relationship. We’re supposed to mate for life. So much for that,” she stressed.
“You don’t have to stick to it. It’s such an old-fashioned rule. Dan here has been teasing me about it.” Tri rolled her eyes at me.
“I’m glad he’s gotten you this far,” admitted Eva. She winked at him.
I blushed, “She has me ensnared.” I quickly changed the subject, “Please don’t pull out the Tarot cards. Not unless we have to. That black wolf. If I’m right, it’s a spirit. The other night it came to me with a warning. We cannot attempt to locate the scientists. It demanded that we don’t,” I stammered.
“Now I want to pull out the cards! Where did it come from, and why did it wait to reveal itself?” questioned Tri.
“Could it have been searching for Martin’s soul? I thought. Maybe it needed to find him before we could get the information we needed. I shrugged it off. “I’m sure we’ll uncover it soon enough. Jumping to conclusions isn’t going to help. It may make matter’s worse. Better to heed the warning, go on with the trial, and then go from there,” I suggested. My eyes shifted to the clock on the wall. “We need to get going. Eva, do you want a ride?”
“OK, let me turn off the coffee pot. Then I’ll get our coats,” she answered.
I turned away, allowing them a brief moment of privacy. I watched them embrace. Tri held Eva close to her. Most likely, comforting her for her loss. Steve, had left her? Where had I been? Looking into cases, for Cavin probably. It had been years. Eva? Strong, beautiful, loving. I shook my head. What a mess. He didn’t know what he’d lost.
Chapter 37
(Starla)
(The Reflection room)
“Where did you drop Jenson off to,” prodded Nayla.
I stood at the door. I’d just walked in and wasn't ready for an interrogation. Cal must be on her way. I glanced down the hallway, then back at Nayla.
“He’s with my dad in the dining hall. They’re discussing the trial Blah, blah blah. Sorry, I’d like to get it over with its dragging,” I admitted. Then, stepped into the room.
“Anymore black wolf sightings?”
“Once, on the way home. It seemed to be protecting me. It smiled, and put its paw up to its mouth.”
“An omen. Be careful who you trust. Also, what you say to whom,” said Nayla.
“I’ve wanted to try to contact it. Figured I’d discuss it with you first.” I lowered myself to the floor sitting down.
“Thank you, once Cal gets here, it’s an option. You’ll turn today. Cal’s seen you in fox form. You haven’t seen...”
“I’ve never seen her change.”
“No. You’ll need to, she’s doing better. We worked yesterday at the cabin. She’s coming along well.”
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 16