Trunks of Ages: The Seven Seals

by Mary Beth Frank

“OK, so do you know what to do?”

  “We’ve been through this a hundred times! I know what I’m doing. Stop being such a pest,” Makayla grumbled under her breath as she and Ethan marched out the door and headed to town. Sometimes girls could be so annoying! Sebastian turned toward Marshall, making sure he had the list of supplies they were assigned to buy. They’d spent the last night coming up with a plan that would work, hopefully one that wouldn’t get them in too much trouble. They were going to tell Alice that they were going to visit their Grandpa and Grandma Marshall (their mom’s parents whom Marshall was named after) in Springfield, Massachusetts for New Years. The kids had Alice buy train tickets that would take them to the station in Springfield. From there, they would take a bus to Boston and finish the trip. After they found whatever it was they were looking for, they would back track to Springfield for a visit with their grandparents. Alice was going to drive them to the train station in Syracuse for the Thursday morning train, thinking they would arrive six hours later safely into their grandparents' keeping. However, Sebastian told Grandma and Grandpa Marshall to expect them on Friday night, giving them a day and a half to get to Boston, find what they needed, and get back to their grandparents. Hopefully, no one would know to call or ask about the difference in plans.

  Today was Tuesday, so they only had two days to get everything they needed. Sebastian and Marshall were on their way to buy the bus tickets. He eagerly looked at Marshall who was wandering around looking for his shoes. Alice had taken Julian and Scotty to the library, so they had the afternoon to themselves, but they had a lot to do. Sebastian reached into his pocket, trying to be patient with his brother, wrapping his fingers around his wallet. Satisfied he hadn’t forgotten his gift card, he went to help Marshall. He was planning on using his Visa for their bus tickets and a day's worth of food, as well as their purchases at The Outfitter’s store. He was counting on his dad's promise to refill the card, as he wouldn't have much left. Fortunately, his dad had given Makayla a card too, with the same promise to put more money on it every month. Finally, the shoe was found. Sebastian and Marshall grabbed their bikes out of the garage and peddled toward downtown.

  Makayla and Ethan were at Book Rack Alley buying books about medieval history, crests, shields, kings, and anything else that might hold clues about the engravings on the box. She also mentioned picking up a travel guide to Boston. They were then going to The Java to book their hotel room online. Sebastian had found his dad's trip rewards points in his study and had given Makayla the codes to reserve a room for free. He knew they would have to explain later, but he figured he would have plenty of time to create a nice story. For once, he was hoping that they wouldn't notice, but he’d come up with a tale just in case. Makayla suggested that she book it somewhere other than at home, in case someone would see the computer’s history and figure out what they were doing. He thought she was being a little paranoid but had agreed.

  Sebastian peddled alongside Marshall, going slower than his normal pace, giving Marshall's shorter legs a break. They were headed toward the Greyhound station on the corner of State and Fulton. They rode in silence, both mulling over the plan, working through all the possible glitches. The thing that worried him the most was what would happen when they got home, not while they were on their trip. He was still very afraid of what they would find once they opened the box. He figured it would likely change his life forever. He ran his fingers through his hair at the thought, not sure he was ready this. He was comfortable with his friends, had become numb to his family situation, and was used to his nonexistent life. He sighed, knowing that he was beyond the point of no return and felt a twinge of sorrow for the life that he had known, knowing he would be parting with it soon.

  They got to the station and purchased their tickets without any problems and jumped back on their bikes. With one more stop to make before heading home, they peddled towards The Outfitter’s store on State to purchase items they might need like rope, a good pocket knife, glow sticks, and anything else they might think to buy. They were also getting some day packs for the trip, hoping to carry their clothes and supplies on their backs. This would eliminate extra time at the train or bus stations, not wanting anyone to notice four unsupervised children hanging around. Sebastian frowned, remembering they were leaving Scotty and Julian at home with Alice. Julian was pretty mad when they told him he had to stay. But someone had to make sure no one got into Makayla's unlocked trunk. Plus, Sebastian thought, he didn't want the hassle of traveling with the younger kids. Pulling up to the bike rack, Marshall and Sebastian locked their chains and headed in. He loved living in this small college town, because it made it very easy for him to be independent even without a driver's license. Most everything he needed was a bike ride away. But, he couldn't wait to be able to drive himself to Syracuse or Interlaken Beach. Ithaca was a great place to be during the summer, being so close to different beaches and lakes. But, with the warmer months, came the tourists looking for summer escapes, tours of the falls, or visits to Cornell. This made life more of nuisance around town, especially when they congested Sebastian’s favorite hangouts.

  As they walked into the store, the clapper hit the small tarnished brass bell hanging over the peeling wooden door, announcing their arrival. The store was in a cozy old store front, retrofitted to become the town's most popular outdoor supply shop. The floors had been stripped down to their original oak and refinished. The walls were painted a warm sage green, but there were a few cracks here and there in the original plaster. Sebastian just thought it added to the quaint feel of the shop.

  “May I help you?” a voice questioned them from behind the counter.

  “Uh, we're just looking.” Sebastian looked up to see a young girl flipping through a magazine, giving them only an obligatory nod.

  “Well, let me know if you need anything.” The girl didn't even look up from her article.

  The two boys made their way to the back, toward the camping gear, and started putting items from their list in a basket. Sebastian heard the bell above the door jingle a couple of times while they were there, listening to the new customers go through the same ceremonious greeting he did. He and Marshall were grabbing the last of their supplies when he heard his name being called from across the aisle.

  “Sebastian? Sebastian Hanks?”

  Sebastian looked up, curious to see who would be so excited to see him. There looking at him from the end of the isle was Gina and a young girl. Gina was wearing the same white jacket she had on at The Java, jeans and black snow boots that came to her knees. Her thick curly hair was pulled back into a tight braid, looking more like a rope than an attractive hairdo.

  “Uh, hi, Gina.” Sebastian barely choked out the words, his cheeks turning a shade of crimson almost immediately. Marshall turned to look at him, holding back his laughter.

  “What are you doing here?” Gina looked curiously at the items in his basket. “Are you going camping? Seems a little cold, don't you think?” Gina was walking toward him, glancing between him and Marshall.

  “Well, uh, we were just going on a little trip and getting some emergency supplies,” he lied.

  Gina pulled her lips in a tight line. “Hmm. I see. Who's this?” She gestured toward Marshall.

  “Oh, this is my younger brother Marshall. Marshall, this is Gina.”

  Marshall held out his hand. “I'm very pleased to meet you. Excuse me, but may I ask how you know my brother?”

  Gina's eyes smiled back, wide with surprise, a reaction not unfamiliar to the Hanks when people meet Marshall for the first time.

  “Well, I just met him a couple of days ago at The Java Board.” Gina looked up to Sebastian again.

  “This is my friend’s sister, Abby. She and I were just looking for some boots before school started.”

  “Well, this is one of the best outdoor stores in town.” Sebastian couldn't think what else to say. Gina started talking ab
out moving to Ithaca, comparing the town to her Hollywood home. He found himself staring at her eyes, expecting to see the sea of blue at any moment. However, he also found himself staring at her mouth. Her lips were perfectly formed, with a fullness to them that seemed too thick for her thin face. She had some kind of shiny lip gloss that shimmered in the fluorescent lighting when she talked. Sebastian was fascinated. He had to quietly chastise himself to pay attention to what she was saying and found the conversation returning to an awkward silence.

  “Well, I guess we should be going. It was nice to see you, Gina.” He started to push Marshall toward the cash register.

  “Sebastian,” Gina called after him, making him turn around and face her. “I just wanted to say be careful on your trip.” A worried expression flashed in her eyes for such a brief moment, he couldn't be sure it was ever there.

  “Uh, OK. Thanks, I guess.” He started again for the front of the store.

  “Sebastian,” she called again.

  “Yeah?” Sebastian turned toward her once more.

  “This is my card. Use it if you get into a jam.” Sebastian took the card, wondering what she could possibly mean and glanced up at her to say thanks. He looked into her eyes and saw them flash, just for an instant, into the deep blue he had been expecting.

  Sebastian shuddered and shoved the card into his pocket, forcing himself to stay in control. He grabbed Marshall and shoved him, once more, toward the cash register.

  “What was that?” Marshall whispered under his breath once they got to the front.

  “I have no idea.” Sebastian was honest in his reply but knew that those eyes would stay with him forever.