The Enchanted Crossroads

by Dora Blume

  “It’s impressive you found her records from that long ago.” I said.

  “Yeah, everything is stored online somewhere. If you’ve used a credit card, there’s a record. I’m really good at finding it.” He added, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

  “I’m going through the records and listing the towns she spent time in. I’m thinking they’ll lead to your other siblings. It’s convenient she stuck around Minnesota. Maybe she knew someday, you’d all have to find each other. She didn’t want you having to traipse all over the US to find each other.”

  “I’m sure she knew. If she was working so hard to keep us hidden, she was doing it for a reason.” I slid onto a stool by the counter. “It makes me wonder how much of all this she knew. Was she hiding us because Morrigans were chasing her or did the Goddess fill her in on who we really were?”

  “Only the Goddess herself can answer you that one, love.”

  “I bet if the Goddess did tell her, she would have confided it to her sister.” I tapped my fingers on the counter as I thought about my mom having a twin. I bet she shared everything with her sister. It’s why she would have stuck around here. I bet they had a close bond.

  Leif strode back into the kitchen. He’d changed into black pants and a dark blue button up. When he slid his leather coat over it, I swooned. He looked damn sexy in his leather coat. I licked my lips and scanned his body from head to toe. He looked to me and a sly smile spread over his mouth.

  “Ready to go?” he asked.

  I jumped off the stool and stumbled. His hand reached out to steady me. “Easy slugger, you okay?” he met my eyes.

  “Yeah, just a little excited that’s all. I haven’t seen my mom in a couple of weeks. I miss her. Plus, I just found out I have an aunt who is the twin of my birth mother. I can’t wait to find out about her.” I bit my lip trying to hold back my excitement. I wondered if it was weird that I was excited about this whole other life and family I didn’t know about before yesterday.

  He narrowed his eyes at me. “Are you sure you’re okay? A lot of things have changed in the last day, and I want to make sure you’re not having some kind of mental breakdown in my kitchen.” He placed his hand below my chin and lifted it until my eyes met his. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, his voice deep and gravelly. Damn, it was hot.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I promise. Now, come on, I have a mother I want to see.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him behind me. He chuckled as I pulled him along.

  CHAPTER 8

  I clenched the door handle as we pulled up in front of my mother’s house. I was excited to see her because I missed her. At the same time, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the questions I needed to ask her. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt Leif’s hand touch mine and my eyes flew open.

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I’m ready.” My eyes met his and he nodded. I opened the door and slid out of the car. He got out, leaning both arms on top of the car and looked at me.

  “I know I said I would twiddle my thumbs in the car, but I don’t think you should do this alone.” His eyes were brimming with concern.

  “Fine, you can come with me. I hope she’ll answer my questions with you there.” I skidded away from the car and toward the door. I knocked, although it felt weird to do so. I had a key on my keyring, so I could just unlock the door and walk in if I wanted to.

  My mom opened the door and smiled. “Hey baby, what are you doing knocking?” she asked. She pulled me into a tight hug. Then she looked over to Leif. “Who’s the looker?”

  “Mom, this is my friend, Leif.” I pointed to Leif.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” Leif bowed his head slightly, took her hand and placed a featherlight kiss on it.

  “Oh, he’s polite, too. Call me Laurie, dear.” My mom swooned. “Come in.” She walked into the house and took a seat in her favorite recliner. I sat on the couch and Leif took a spot next to me.

  I pulled at a loose string on my shirt as I looked to the floor. “Um, mom, I have a few questions to ask you.”

  She leaned forward in her seat. “Oh honey, what’s going on?” She studied me a moment. “You’re nervous. You’re never nervous. Girl, are you pregnant?” She gave Leif a pointed glare before focusing her attention back to me. She reached out and took my hand, pulling it away from the string I was playing with.

  “Mom! No, I’m not pregnant. I have some questions to ask you about my birth.” I said, my voice low. I stared at the ground. I couldn’t meet her eyes.

  “What about your birth?” Her voice changed. I could tell she was more guarded.

  My eyes snapped up to hers. “How about the fact that you didn’t give birth to me.” The words flew out of my mouth and I clapped my hand over my mouth. Seeing the shock in her eyes, I instantly regretted what I’d said.

  “How did you find out?” she asked.

  “That’s all you have to say. How did you keep that from me for my whole life?” I realized I sounded like a whiny teenager. I huffed out a breath.

  “Calm down, Kaira. I will tell you everything.” She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and sat back.

  I rubbed my hands on my pants and sat back. “Yes, please explain.”

  She clasped her hands together in her lap. “I met your mother in back of the emergency room. She begged me to help her. She told me there were people after her and her baby. You needed to be born in secret. I helped her to an empty room. I’d been present for enough births that I was able to help her deliver you.

  She was so scared and I couldn’t leave her. After you were born, she begged me to keep you. She explained that if the people who were after her found you, they would kill you. I couldn’t put you in that kind of danger. I saw the fear in her eyes. I knew she was telling the truth, so I agreed.

  I promised to raise you as my own daughter. She was relieved. She should have stayed in the hospital longer. I could only get her to stay until the end of my shift. She slept while I completed your birth certificate and filed it. We were slow that night, so no one noticed. Most were enjoying catching up on their own work. When it was time for me to go, she hugged me. She told me I was a rare soul to take in a child who wasn’t mine. I promised I would protect you and love you.

  I remember the way she cupped my cheek as a tear slid down her face. I could tell it was agony for her to give you up. She had no choice. I didn’t want to tell you because I was afraid you would go searching for her. I thought it was too dangerous for you. If you found her, the sacrifice she made for you would have been for nothing. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you baby, but I had my reasons.” She reached her hand out to rub my knee. I let her.

  I stared at my senior picture in the frame across the room. I wasn’t sure what to think about what she’d told me. Staring at the picture, I realized how much my life had changed. I should be in shock. I wasn’t sure what to say.

  Leif cut through the silence. “Did you know anything about her? Did she tell you anything to pass on to Kaira? If she knew the danger, you’d think she’d say something to help her in the future.”

  “She gave me a crystal to give to you when you learned the truth. She always knew you would find out about her, but she wanted you to be protected as a child. I have it stashed away in my bedroom. I don’t know how she knew you would find out, but she did.”

  My mom stood and went to her bedroom. When she came back in the room, she held a amethyst gemstone in her hand. She handed it over to me. “I don’t know why that was so important, but I kept it for you. I knew this day would come.” She sighed as she sat back in her chair.

  I took the stone and examined it closely. “Why would this be so important?” I asked.

  “Can I see it?” Leif asked. I handed the stone over to him. He looked at it closely. “It’s a memory stone. It can hold memories infused into it. I can’t release the memory here. I would need a few things from my place. We’ll check it out after we’re done here.”
He pocketed the stone. I furrowed my brow at him.

  “Excuse me, that’s my stone.” I said.

  “Don’t worry, I’m just holding onto it for you. I promise to give it back as soon as we see the memory it holds.” He smiled at me. I let out a breath and looked back to my mom. She was peering at me with a peculiar expression on her face.

  She gave me a knowing look and smiled. “So, tell me how you two met?”

  “He drove me home from the bar.” I said, nonplussed.

  “What?” my mom said, exacerbated.

  “I’m a Lyft driver. We met Friday night. I drove her home from a brewery where Trampled by Turtles was playing.” He explained softly. I could tell he was concerned about what my mom thought about him. It warmed my heart.

  “It wasn’t Trampled by Turtles; it was one of the guys from Trampled. I was out with Angie, but she ditched me for another guy. I ended up going home early.” I shrugged. I didn’t want to tell her about the attack at my apartment and how he had saved my life. She didn’t need to worry about me. She was probably already wondering how it was I knew about my birth mother.

  “Okay, so are you going to tell me what’s really going on and how you found out about your birth mother? I’m not naive you know. I can see the stress you’re holding in. It isn’t good for you to hold onto so much stress, darling.” She stood. “I’ll go make us some tea and you can tell me all about it.” She walked to the kitchen and I turned to Leif.

  “Thanks for not telling my mom about the attack.” I said, relieved.

  “It’s your story to tell, not mine.” he blinked.

  “Still, thank you.”

  “No sweat, so are you going to tell her everything that’s going on? She seems like she might already know.” he said, flicking his eyes back to the kitchen.

  “I’m not going to tell her everything. I’m not sure about the rules on telling others about ourselves. Are there rules?” I asked, uncertain.

  “Yes, there are rules but we have certain trusted humans in our world. Besides, she’s your mother. You can’t keep everything from her. Especially, if you want to keep her in your life.” His eyes met mine and I nodded. I couldn’t imagine not having my mom in my life, despite recent developments. She had lied to me, but she had a good reason to do it. I suspect mothers have to make decisions like that all the time. They will always do what’s best for their child. I couldn’t fault her for that. She was my mom in every way that mattered.

  “I know, she’s my mom, of course she’s going to be in my life.” I wiped my sweaty hand on my jeans again. I was nervous about telling my mom I was a mage. What would she think of me? I wasn’t really her daughter, so she could shun me from her life for being different. I didn’t think she would do that. My mom was an amazingly loving woman. She’d never shun me for anything I’d done. I let out a heavy breath.

  “I’m going to tell her I’m a mage. I don’t want to tell her about the Goddess and the decision I have to make. I don’t want her to sway my decision. I love her too much and would heed her advice more than I’m willing to admit.” I looked up to him. His smile was warm and inviting.

  He stroked my cheek with his thumb. “You’re an amazing woman, you know that.”

  My mouth dropped at his sudden declaration. I tried to look down, embarrassed by his sudden show of affection. He raised my chin so I met his eyes.

  “I’m serious. You are taking everything so well, even calculating how your decision could affect others. It shows your strength and intelligence. I admire you for that.”

  His voice was gravelly and deep. It made my cheeks flush at the sound. I felt a lick of desire course through my body as his thumb continued to stroke my face. My eyes dropped to his lips and I wanted to taste them. He drew in a breath and moved back. I noticed a slight blush on his cheeks and smiled. Maybe I wasn’t the only one having these feelings. His mouth hung open in surprise and he looked away.

  My mom floated back into the room, tray in hand. She knelt and set it on the coffee table in front of us. Three teacups and a kettle sat atop it. She poured out the tea and sat back in her chair. Leif cleared his throat and reached for a cup.

  “Thank you, Laurie.” he said. I narrowed an eye and smirked at him. I knew he felt something for me, but I held my tongue.

  “So, dear are you going to tell me how you know about your mother?”

  “I suppose I should.” I let out a breath before gathering the courage to speak. My eyes flicked to Leif and he gave me a subtle nod. “I’m a mage.” I blurted out still looking at Leif. He swallowed hard and I could tell he was trying not to spit out his tea. I turned my attention back to her. “It’s like a good witch. There are evil witches trying to kill me. I found out on Friday, which is the day my birth mother died.” I looked to the floor. I wasn’t sure what she was going to think about all this, but I couldn’t meet her eyes.

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. She was such a nice woman.” She said as if oblivious to everything else I had said. I blinked, waiting for the onslaught. I had freaked out when I found out. She was acting like we were having an everyday conversation.

  I figured I might as well tell her the rest. She was taking everything so well. “I was not born as just any mage, but am a descendent. Apparently, I have the ability to take out a major God. But I have to find my birth mother’s other children to do it.” I leaned forward and took a cup. I sipped the tea slowly as I waited for her to respond.

  “There were five of you?” She looked to the sky, contemplating. “She did seem experienced at giving birth, but I didn’t think she’d done the same thing with so many. I hope they are all okay.” She said with sincerity in her voice.

  “That’s it? You don’t have anything to say about me being a witch?” I asked.

  “Why would I? You’re still my daughter. I don’t care what you are, I’ll love you the same regardless. Also, can you please stop referring to her as your birth mother. She has a name.” My mother spoke in an irritated tone. It was the one she used anytime I was being rude or out of line. I huffed out a relieved breath. I knew she loved me, but a part of me was still worried.

  “Thanks, mom.” I breathed.

  “Oh honey, what did you expect? I raised you. Despite how you came into my life I still loved you as though you were my daughter. I wasn’t lying when I told her I would love you as my own. You are my daughter.” Her voice was strong as she spoke. “There’s more to being a mother than just giving birth. I was there for all of it, and I will continue to be there, loving you.” She moved next to me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. God, I loved her even more. I squeezed her tight only letting go when she inched away. She must have known I needed that hug.

  “I love you, mom.” I whispered against her neck.

  “I love you too, baby.” she whispered back. She held me at arm’s length then moved back to her chair. “So, what’s the plan? I know you have one. My daughter is one smart cookie. These evil guys have nothing on my baby’s intelligence.” She smiled and looked over to Leif.

  “Catherine had a twin sister. I’m going to talk to her today. I’m hoping she has some answers about where my other siblings are. To be able to defeat this guy, we all have to be together. She’s the only connection I have to finding them.” I chewed the inside of my lip.

  “Oh honey, they are of the same blood. I know you’ll find them.” She patted my leg and took another sip of her tea. Her eyes focused on Leif. “So, you’re a Lyft driver. What else do you do?” she asked. I wasn’t sure what my mom’s sudden interest was in Leif.

  “I’m the head of the mages here in Minneapolis. Having a job as a driver gives me access to all parts of the city. No one questions me, since I can say I’m just picking somebody up. It has its advantages in our world.” He explained.

  I blanched; I didn’t know he was the head of anything. He certainly hadn’t acted like it. On the other hand, I’d only known him a little over a day. “You’re the head of the area. You didn�
�t mention that.” I questioned, my eyes narrowing on him.

  “It didn’t come up.” He shrugged.

  “Oh, well then. I guess next time I’ll ask every possible thing about you.” I rolled my eyes and looked back to my mom. She had a sly smile on her face and blinked before taking another sip of her tea.

  “I’m not sharing everything about myself.” He gave me a dark smile.

  “We should probably get going. I want to find out what’s on the stone. I also want to find out about Catherine’s twin, Caroline. We know where she lives and she might have information to help find my siblings.” I stood. I wasn’t sure about the way my mom was looking between Leif and me.

  “So soon?” my mom asked. “You just got here. I haven’t even gotten to ask you how work is going. I know you’ve been working hard on the case against the pharmaceutical companies.” She stood and cupped my cheeks. “My little warrior. You will always fight for others. Have I told you how proud I am of my baby girl.”

  My cheeks flushed. I couldn’t believe she was doing this in front of Leif. “Mom, do you mind?” I rolled my eyes at her.

  “Oh baby, I’m always going to let everyone know how proud I am of you.” She brushed back a lock of my hair and looked into my eyes. “I always knew you were special. Now I know you are even more special than I ever imagined.” She kissed my cheek and wrapped her arms around me. She held me in a tight embrace and I let out a breath and held her.

  “I love you, mom.” I said with my arms still wrapped around her. My mom had always been the rock in my life. She worked hard to give me a great life. I was grateful for everything she’d done for me. Now, I know she did more for me than I had ever realized. She raised me and loved me as though I were her own daughter. Her kindness was unparalleled. She helped a woman who she didn’t even know. She hid my birth and raised me. I had even more respect and love for her knowing all she’d done.