Ascension

by Natasha Brown

  “She’s my daughter—I want to see her too,” Melissa said. She edged around her sister and pulled Ana into a big hug.

  A warm, wet tongue licked Ana’s wrist. “Oh! Hi Daisy!”

  “She’s grown a lot, hasn’t she?” Eva asked from the couch.

  Ana answered, “She’s not the only one. Check you out, looking all mature. Get over here.”

  Eva laughed and scrambled off the sofa. Melissa stepped out of the way so her girls could embrace.

  “You’re catching up to me,” Ana said. “In another couple months we’ll be eye to eye.” She gave her sister a squeeze. “Are you the one responsible for all of these awesome smells? I am so hungry—I could eat it all!”

  Aunt Tera put her hands on her hips. “She and I took an afternoon to plan a week’s worth of meals while you’re here. My aim is to put a couple pounds on those ridiculously little hips of yours and to make you think back fondly to the delicious meals at home so you come back to stay.”

  Uncle Jace shrugged. “One can hope.”

  “Chance, I assume you’re staying for dinner?” Aunt Tera asked.

  Ana noticed Melissa remained quiet while she watched Chance stand near the door. The softened smile she normally wore while he was around was nowhere to be seen.

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to head home. My parents are expecting me, but you’ll be around over the next few days? I’ll be back first thing in the morning if it’s okay with Melissa.”

  “Darn,” Jace said, looking crestfallen.

  “You stop by whenever you want, Chance. It’s family week—that’s why I took time off work to be with my girls. I’m sure Jace and Tera will be stopping in again while you’re around.” Melissa placed herself between Ana and Eva and put her arms over their shoulders. Her friendly words didn’t match her body language.

  Chance nodded and appeared to notice Melissa’s guarded attitude toward him. He walked over to Ana with his head down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll call you later.”

  “Good luck—love you,” Ana whispered.

  “I’ll go grab your things out of the back of the van. Nice seeing all of you and I look forward to visiting while I’m here.” Chance kept his eyes on the floor while he spoke and hurried to the door.

  Uncle Jace hollered, “I’ll help you with the bags.”

  Both of them walked outside and Aunt Tera left to go to the kitchen. Annoyed with her mother’s less than welcoming behavior, Ana glared at her.

  “What? Did I do something wrong already?” Melissa asked with a wave of her hand.

  “Mom, don’t be like that. What is the deal? Why are you treating Chance all weird? I thought you liked him.”

  Eva made a funny face and mumbled something about helping their aunt in the kitchen and beelined out of the room.

  Melissa pinched the bridge of her nose. “Listen, the last thing I knew you were here looking like someone died saying you and Chance weren’t together anymore. Sorry if I can’t keep up with everything. Then Chance came through here asking where you were. The way he was behaving, it made me think it was a good thing he didn’t know your whereabouts. I’m your mama bear and I always will be, baby.”

  Awesome. How am I going to break the news to her that we’re getting married now that she’s being all protective?

  Ana sighed and took her mother’s hand in hers. “I’m eighteen now, almost nineteen. I don’t share everything that’s happening with me, so I guess I can see your confusion, but there’s no reason you should feel protective about me being with Chance. He has always put me above everything else, even his own safety. I won’t lie—he’s gone through a really hard time recently. It really messed with him losing his grandfather. We were able to come together to deal with those problems. We’re good, Mom, really. We love each other. Can you please make him feel more welcome?”

  Uncle Jace walked inside with Ana’s bags and said, “I like him. A little quiet, but there’s nothing wrong with that, I say. He said he’ll call you later.”

  Melissa pursed her lips together and rolled her head to the side. “Okay, I’m sorry. I always liked him before. If it means that much to you, then I’ll give him a second chance.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Say, where’s your dog? I thought you’d bring her with you.”

  Ana chuckled. “Riiight, Lifen. I found a new home for her and she’s very happy there.”

  “I think Daisy will be happy not to share her bowl—she acted so strangely after you guys left last time.”

  Ana ignored her mom’s last comment and looked around the living room. The Christmas tree was up; large colorful lights hung from the boughs, including all of the ornaments from her childhood. Paper, cutout in the shape of a star, had her first grade picture pasted at its center. Her toothy grin and embarrassingly bad hairdo made her laugh.

  “The tree looks good. I see you put all of the ornaments up.” Ana sighed.

  Melissa walked to the fireplace, which was lit, rested her hand on the mantle and stared wistfully at the Douglas fir. “It reminds me of when Tera and I were kids.”

  Aunt Tera’s voice came from the kitchen. “Just like old times, Mel. This’ll be great!”

  The smell of apple cider, the appearance of the tree and seeing her family milling through the house brought her joy. She only wished Chance were there to share in the moment with her.

  The thunderous engine echoed through the forest as the van climbed the mountain road. Chance’s driveway branched to the right and he downshifted to first gear, creeping cautiously onto the snowy crushed gravel. Small lights glimmered between the trees. As he got closer to the house he saw the edge of the roof trimmed with Christmas lights. Only last year he’d helped his dad put them up while Niyol watched from the walkway.

  He pulled up beside his mom’s car and stopped. With a flick of his wrist he switched the engine shutoff and held the car keys in his grasp. His eyes went to the rear-view mirror so he could stare at his reflection. His grandfather’s voice whispered through his thoughts, Be who you are. Believe in yourself and be proud.

  Chance’s breath held while he tried to savor the moment. While he sat in silence, he heard another noise—the front door open and shut. Two forms stood on the porch, staring out at the van on the driveway.

  He reached for the door handle and stepped onto the thin layer of snow. Mounds of white powder lined the driveway. Clearly his father had been out with the snowplow, something that had probably taken him an hour to do. Chance walked around the vehicle and went down the pathway.

  “Chance?” Aiyana’s voice cut through the silence.

  He took a breath before greeting her. “Hi, Mom.”

  Chance’s dad stood with his arm around Aiyana. They both wore thick sweaters and still appeared freezing, shaking slightly. Behind his glasses, Ben’s eyes crinkled while he squinted at him. His mother’s long hair was braided and hung over her shoulder. She was just as beautiful as he remembered her.

  He paused at the base of the steps, his head hanging low. Only wearing a thin, long-sleeved shirt and jeans, he was plenty warm, his body generated the amount of heat he needed at any given time.

  “You must be cold—come on in,” Ben said and turned to open the front door.

  Aiyana held her arms out to him while he climbed the steps. Her hands grabbed his shoulders and she pulled him into a hug. With her body so close to his, he realized the only thing he felt was love. No voice compelled him to hurt her or take her power.

  “What’s that face for?” she asked.

  Chance shrugged. “Just sorry I’ve been gone so long.”

  “Me too.” Aiyana guided him into the house with Ben just behind them.

  Everything was just as it had been since the last time he’d visited, except for the ten-foot tall noble fir that rose toward the ceiling in the living room. The house smelled like chili and he saw that the table had been laid out with four place settings.

  “Ana’s not with you?” B
en asked a little stiffly.

  “I just dropped her home. Maybe I’ll bring her by tomorrow after she visits with her family a bit.”

  Aiyana started for the kitchen doorway and said, “We got your message but weren’t sure when you’d get here. Have you eaten?”

  “Nope, not since lunch.”

  She disappeared and Chance was left with his father, who was frowning at him. Ben sat down at the head of the table and Chance went to his seat, adjacent to him. As soon as they were settled, his father removed his glasses and began cleaning them. This wouldn’t be good—Chance braced himself for questioning.

  “So, tell me,” Ben said. “Why haven’t we heard from you except for a message once a month and why—would you come home and not even wait to see us and leave only a note? Do you know how your absence has affected your mom? You know her. She doesn’t talk about her feelings, but it’s obvious when she’s upset—she gets quiet. Like you.”

  Chance stared at his placemat and the intricate woven pattern in the cloth. He slowly raised his gaze to meet his father’s, who was once again wearing his glasses and an agitated glare.

  “I know,” Chance muttered.

  “You know what?”

  “I know I’ve been selfish and I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to upset Mom or you. I’ve been different since grandfather died.”

  Ben’s expression softened. “I understand, Chance. It’s changed your mom as well. As much as I’m annoyed by your actions, I’m glad you’re home, son. It would have been rough going through the holidays without you around either.”

  Chance swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. He knew it would be hard going home, but he was glad he was there too. He was actually relieved.

  Aiyana breezed through the doorway balancing three bowls in her hands. Chance jumped up to help her.

  “Nope, I’ve got it. But if you want to grab the bread and butter, they’re sitting on the counter.”

  After he returned from the kitchen, he sat opposite his mom. She reached across the table to hold his hand and said, “I missed you. It was so quiet with you gone. I didn’t realize you’d be away so long when you left, but I hope you had a good trip. Did you find what you were looking for?”

  Aiyana studied him the way Niyol would when he was looking deeper than the surface. She always seemed to perceive what he was going through.

  “I guess so. I found Grandmother’s relatives.”

  She let go of his hand and instead, grabbed her spoon. Even though her attention had appeared to change, he knew she was just as focused on him as she was before. A frown touched her brow and then it disappeared.

  “Really? That’s interesting.” She took a bite of food. “Nothing else?”

  If only he could divulge everything that had happened to him. It would be so much easier to simply let them in on his secret. But would it be? Niyol had purposely kept this world from them. Chance thought about the amount of times they’d nearly died since he’d met Ana and knew that his grandfather had been right. This world was dangerous.

  “I learned a lot about myself,” Chance said, not wanting to keep her waiting too long.

  She appeared mildly satisfied with the answer, enough for her to move on to other subjects which they did for the duration of dinner. He learned of his father’s success during the holiday season, although jewelry sales always seemed to do well during that time of year. The hospital always kept her busy, but his mom pointed out that she’d requested some time off during his stay.

  While they washed the dishes together, she asked Chance, “So, what are your plans?”

  “I’m not staying, if that’s what you’re asking. Ana and I have jobs at a ski lodge near Banff that we need to return to.” Chance loaded the last of the bowls in the dishwasher and closed it.

  Aiyana dried her hands off on a towel and leaned against the counter. “That’s good to know. More than I’ve known over the last few months. I had to hear from Melissa that Ana came home without you and without news of where you were. You’ve been troubled. I can see that. I’m glad you found your way home.”

  He sensed she didn’t mean the house surrounding them, but something more, a deeper meaning.

  She continued, “I’ve always seen this side to you—a strong-willed soul, who resists being told anything. You need to venture on your own to find what you’re looking for. Although, I’m not sure if you even know what that is. I’m not saying this as a judgment—it’s actually the opposite. I want to support you like your grandfather always did. You should know that your grandfather wanted you to run his ranch. If you have any interest in it, it can be yours.”

  A torrent of emotion overtook him and he tensed his muscles to brace himself against it. Neither he nor his mother were ones for displaying emotion. Something they’d learned from Niyol.

  “Those are big shoes to fill,” Chance whispered. “I don’t think I’ll ever be the kind of man grandfather was.”

  “The only thing father treasured more than family was his land. He trusted George, but he wanted us back on the property—our feet on the soil, walking with the animals in the open air. He trusted you like no other. When you were a child and we’d visit there, do you remember how he’d go off with you, leave us behind so he could share his knowledge about the best ways to care for the cattle, goats, and birds? To show you how everything worked?”

  There was no way to forget it. The amount of information Niyol had given him was immense. He didn’t think he could remember it all; there was too much. His grandfather knew how important the balance was between the land, plants and animals. He could spot weather moving in and knew the most humane way to take a cow’s life, to always show respect and gratitude toward the creatures. It was the fact that he knew just how important the land was to Niyol that made him afraid. He’d mess it up somehow.

  “Well, just know that you have a place in Montana if you want it. George would be able to guide you and teach you everything you need to know.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Chance rubbed his nose. “You know, there is something of Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s that I hoped to have.”

  His mother’s voice came out in a soft undertone. “Their rings.”

  Chance nodded, keeping a cautious eye on Aiyana, not sure how she’d react to his news. A smile spread across her face as she said, “I saw a change in you since you met Ana. She may be the only one who could tame a wild heart like yours. I am happy for you. Have you proposed yet?”

  He felt awkward talking about this with her. He wasn’t the wedding type anyway. He’d never imagined himself settling down with anyone, especially after his powers emerged.

  “Yeah, we’re engaged, but she doesn’t have a ring. I thought I’d give it to her for Christmas if it was around. If you’d let me.”

  “Of course! Does Melissa know yet?”

  Chance swallowed after his throat went dry. He doubted Ana would have told her mom yet, especially after the semi-cold reception he’d received at her house. Maybe he wouldn’t need the ring after all. If Melissa wasn’t on board, he didn’t know what would happen.

  “What’s wrong?” Aiyana placed her hand on his.

  He shrugged and brushed his hair from his face. “I doubt Ana’s told her yet. I’m not sure if she’ll be okay with it. As you and Dad both pointed out, I haven’t been all that reliable over the last few months. I think Melissa may have noticed.”

  “What was it that Father used to say? Patience.” She reached around his waist and gave him a squeeze. “I believe in you and so does Ana. Believe in yourself and show the world who you really are.”

  Chance muttered, “That’d mean I’d have to know who I really am.”

  Aiyana looked up into his eyes. “You do. It’s just time to accept it.”

  After getting his things from the van, he went up to his room to unpack. Chance sat on his bed and pulled out the pendants from beneath his shirt. The bear heartline and jade jaguar were warm to the touch. He’d been withou
t these talismans while he’d been infected by the sickness. Ana had kept them safe and returned them to him after he was cured. They both symbolized his connection with his ancestors and mentors.

  A small black box sat on his nightstand. He flipped open the lid to see a thick silver band with a pattern pounded into its surface, and a second silver band encrusted with small, round turquoise stones and a diamond at its center. Grandfather and Grandmother’s rings. Chance imagined it on Ana’s hand and his heart filled with love.

  He slipped his grandfather’s ring into his bag and then put the box in his drawer. He tried getting comfortable under his sheets, but couldn’t. It wasn’t the same sleeping in his room. It felt different. The last time he’d lived here he was young, his parents’ child. Since then, he’d grown up and had truly found his home. He’d often thought of Ana as his home, but now, it was real. She’d been there for him over the last weeks as he tried to recover from his experience. Her energy and love soothed him when he couldn’t sleep. Her caress made his skin practically vibrate with excitement.

  Just as he reached for his phone on the side table, something bumped against his window. Then something tapped. He jumped out from beneath his sheets in his boxers and T-shirt and opened his blinds. A dark shape with wings was weaving in front of the glass. Its beak rapped again.

  “Ana? I didn’t know you had horned owl form.”

  He flung open his window and the owl came inside. It landed on his bed and shook off white snowflakes onto his comforter. Then it burrowed beneath his sheets out of sight. Empty space grew into a human shape and her head poked out from beneath his covers.

  “Something I learned from you. I thought it would be fun to come to you for once. For old time’s sake,” Ana said, her hair all rustled around her face.

  Chance crossed his arms. “How’d you know I was missing you?”

  “Because I was missing you.”

  Ana drew up the sheets around her and asked, “Could I trouble you for some clothes?”