by Jaclyn Weist
We paid for our things and headed back, just as the team showed up at the shop. I sighed. Talking to Eoin would have to wait. I couldn’t do it with everyone there, and if I left for the bus, the team would think I was ditching them again.
I listened to their stories of going up the stairs and almost chickening out of kissing the stone. Brinley was the brave one who’d decided to do it first, and then the others followed after her.
I wandered back through the aisles, waiting for them to finish their shopping and came across a stone in the shape of a cross. It was small and seemed like nothing much, but I was drawn to it. I was hesitant to pick it up because the last time I’d been drawn to an item like this, it had ended up being a locket that was tied to some not-so-nice leprechauns. But Eoin had been in here and hadn’t noticed it, so maybe it was just a simple stone. Right?
“What’s that?” Hannah asked, peeking over my shoulder.
“It’s a stone, but look at its shape.” I held it up for her. There was no price tag that I could find.
Hannah took it from me and studied it. “That’s pretty cool. I saw something like this once in Virginia. They’re called fairy stones, but it’s just a legend.”
“Fairy stones?” Yeah, not coincidental at all.
She shrugged. “That’s what my grandma told me. She believed in all kinds of fairy-tale stories.”
“Cool.” I took the rock back and stared at it.
“You believe in that stuff, don’t you?” she whispered.
I jerked my head up. “What do you mean?”
She laughed. “You’re kidding, right? We all know something’s going on. And for an assignment last year, I had to do a report on something in the news. The girl who supposedly walked on air looks an awful lot like you.”
“Oh, um, that.” Seriously, how could I get out of this? I didn’t want to lie, but I was just about to make a fool of myself. I pulled on my luck, trying to find a way to make her drop it.
Brittany’s eyes widened. “So it was you?”
Come on, luck. Work! “Uh—”
“Okay, girls. Back to the bus.” Coach Peterson’s voice was loud and heavenly. I could’ve hugged him right then.
I hurried over to pay for the stone, leaving a very confused Hannah behind me. I looked up at a gasp from the store clerk.
“Where did you get that?” he asked, eyes wide.
“Over there.” I gestured toward the shelf in the back.
He picked it up and turned it over. “I thought we sold our last. In fact, I remember selling this very one just yesterday.”
“Maybe it was a different one that looks the same?” I asked, hoping for a break. People were staring.
“No. Each rock has distinctive markings, and I remember this one.” He pointed at the center of the cross. “See? You don’t often find a stone with a four-leaf-clover on it.”
I ran my thumb over it, surprised I hadn’t noticed before. I shivered.. “Maybe it was painted to look like that.”
“No. It’s ingrained into it. Usually it’s just swirls, but sometimes you get shapes. We consider those very lucky. The person who bought it yesterday knew it was their lucky day. Judging by the fact that it’s back today, it really wasn’t.” He grinned and rang up the price, and I handed over my cash.
The shop had gone quiet, except for the whispers as the other customers watched me leave. I should’ve just left the stone alone. Mom waited outside and walked to the bus with me.
“You just can’t stay out of trouble, can you?” Mom chuckled.
“What do you mean?” I asked, surprised.
“I went in to find you, and heard what the shopkeeper said. The awed expressions on everyone’s faces also did it.”
I grumbled. “All I wanted was this stupid rock. I didn’t even see the four-leaf clover on it until he pointed it out. Seriously, how does a rock even do that?”
Mom handed me her phone. “I looked up fairy stones while you were still in there. Apparently, they’re fairy tears that hardened. They’re really just staurolite stones that can only be found in a few places in the world. The fact that your rock has a four-leaf clover on it’s just your luck going crazy, as usual.”
“I guess so. I had just pulled on my luck before I went up to pay for it.” I stuck the rock in my bag.
“What happened this time?”
“I was trying to get Hannah to change her mind about asking me questions, and Coach announced it was time to go.” I watched the girls as they climbed on the bus.
Mom scooted over in her seat to let Shelby’s mom sit next to her. I knew the discussion wasn’t over, but there wasn’t much either of us could do about it. I couldn’t erase memories from Brittany’s mind. One more day, and we’d get to go home. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore . . . I hoped.
The game was a hard one. We’d been warned that Ireland was good, but that was an understatement. They beat us quickly in the first set, only giving us a couple of points. I had expected creatures to show up, since they’d followed us to other countries, but it had been quiet so far. I also had yet to see Ethan or Jakob, and I hoped it would stay that way.
The second set was a lot better, but only because I concentrated on my luck the entire time. It was the only way to get past their blocks. I never applied more than what I normally used. I didn’t want to cheat, but I didn’t squash it down, either.
We lost the third set after a long, hard fight, but managed to grab a win in the fourth. We were now tied, and I felt confident we could win. Or at least, I did until both boys showed up, along with a few fairies and angry-looking leprechauns. Awesome. Why now? Why couldn’t they just leave me alone?
The girls could see the ball going in the wrong direction, but of course, they didn’t know why. All of the leprechauns and clurichauns I’d met on this trip had been willing to help me out, but these creatures seemed bent on making our team lose.
We were up by one for game point, and I was on the front row. The serve went over, and I watched carefully, trying to pay attention both to the game, and to where the creatures were so I could counteract whatever they were doing.
The ball came to our side. Hannah passed it to Shelby, who set it to me. I could hear the angry mutters from the fairies and leprechauns as they raced to mess with my spike. I did what I’d told myself I wouldn’t—I added a little more of the luck I pulled from a leprechaun just as I went up to hit the ball. It somehow went between the hands of the opposing team and sped toward the ground, past where any of the girls could get it. We’d won. It was a very hard win, and it felt good.
We cheered for our team and then for Ireland’s team before congratulating them, then ran back to the bench to change my shoes and grab a drink.
Mom came down from the crowd and grabbed me in a hug. “That was an amazing hit! I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks.” I beamed, but even still she must have caught my worry.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
I shook my head. “Nothing. It’s fine.”
We headed out of the gym, and I heard a low, gruff voice behind me. I waited for everyone else to pass before I went back to where he stood.
“I’ve ’eard of you.” The leprechaun leaned against the gym wall, glowering.
My stomach dropped. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He leaned forward. “Aye, bu’ I think you do. No ’uman can use luck like you jus’ did. Yer tha’ girl who stole the luck from us.”
My jaw dropped. “I didn’t steal anything. I was born with this luck. Who’s been feeding you this garbage? O’Malley?”
“’E didn’t ’ave to. I saw you using it with my own two eyes.”
Oh, this was great. I leaned over and spoke quickly. “This is mine. I have stolen nothing. I only fought all those times because Louie and then O’Malley tried to steal my luck. Now leave me alone.”
I whipped around and left, not looking back. The sooner we could leave the country, the b
etter. I’d loved it here, but I wondered if I’d ever be able to enjoy it without the nuisance of jealous leprechauns.
The bus was loud and full of energy when I got on. I dropped into a seat in the front and stared out at the city. I’d been near here with Jared, Beth, and Adam. I thought back to the events that had taken place a few months before. We’d been trying to get away from the grey man while saving the fairies. It seemed like forever ago. I’d hoped to put all this behind me.
When I noticed Jakob staring at me from across the street, I turned away from the window and listened to the rest of the group. Coach Peterson was letting us take a vote on where we’d stop to eat for the night. I was surprised when we pulled up to the same restaurant where I’d eaten just months ago. At least I knew what to order.
I was quiet as I left the bus, but no one seemed to notice. They were too busy talking about the game and begging the chaperones to let them go dancing again. Even if they did, I was going back to the hotel. Too many memories were flooding back, and the grey man had me spooked.
We were seated at a table, and I ordered the lamb stew. The others ordered their food, and we talked and enjoyed the bread while we waited. I tried not to think about how Jared was sitting next to me last time in the booth over in the corner.
I jumped when I realized Eoin was sitting in that exact booth, dipping bread into an old bowl of soup that had been left there. Ew. He had his chin propped up on his hand, and a large tear rolled down his cheek. Poor guy. I wanted to go sit with him, but as it would look like I was sitting by myself … not such a good idea.
I ate quickly and stood up to head toward the door with a quick excuse that I wanted to check my email. I stopped near Eoin’s table and reached out, hoping it wasn’t too obvious. He looked up in surprise and hesitated before taking my hand. We walked outside into the cool summer night, and I waited for other customers to pass before crouching down next to him.
“What’s going on?”
He blew his nose on an old handkerchief. “I miss my da. I keep seeing all these families together, and it makes me miss him more.” He looked up at me. “I’m supposed to be happy here. I can feel that my home is nearby, but I’m all alone.”
“I’m so sorry.” I patted him on the shoulder “We’ll get whoever is doing this. I promise.”
“I guess so.” He sniffled.
The gift shop suddenly came to mind. “Hang on.” I climbed onto the bus and found the vial of gold I’d bought, and jumped when Eoin appeared next to me.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“I figured we could start on your gold stash.” I handed him the vial and watched his face.
His eyes lit up. “This is for me?”
I nodded. “I saw you look at it, and I thought you might want it.”
“This is the best gift I’ve ever been given. Da was supposed to get a cauldron for me, but he never got the chance.” He hugged it tightly to his chest and disappeared, happier than I’d ever seen him.
It was too bad we were so far away from Castlemorris. I knew there was a leprechaun village in that forest because that’s where I’d stopped Louie, and then visited again to save the fairies. It would be unlikely that the leprechauns were trapped in the same place, but maybe one of the leprechauns in the village would know what was going on.
“Hey, I’ll be right back, okay?” I ran inside, and found a small rack of maps, and searched through until I found the one I wanted. Maybe we weren’t heading that way, but it didn’t mean Eoin couldn’t try.
My group came out just as I grabbed the pamphlet, and I stood up straight. “Hey, guys.”
“We wondered where you were.” Coach Peterson said.
“I was out on the bus, but decided to look at some pamphlets while I waited.” Wow—I sounded really lame. Of course, it’s exactly what I was doing, except that there was a leprechaun involved.
Coach Peterson took the pamphlet from me. “Castlemorris, huh? This looks like a great place. Too bad we have to leave so early in the morning. We could go check it out.”
“Yep, too bad. I’ll just use this as a souvenir, I guess.” I turned and headed for the bus. I’d just have to give this to Eoin later.
I was relieved when we pulled into the hotel. The girls had decided they were too exhausted to go out dancing. It wasn’t surprising, after all the traveling we’d been doing. Mom and I took the elevator to our room, and I filled her in on what had been happening with Eoin.
We had to stay quiet in the hallway because Shelby and Hannah were talking outside their room. Hannah gave me a strange look, but didn’t say anything. I wondered if she was thinking about what had happened in the gift shop.
We went inside our room, and I set my bag down before calling out for Eoin. I changed and got ready for bed while I waited. He appeared a few minutes later, still holding his vial of gold.
“Hey, I have to show you something.” I climbed onto my bed and spread the pamphlet. “This place is only a few hours from here, and there was a village of leprechauns about there.” I pointed to a spot off to the side of the walkway.
Eoin studied the map for a second before shaking his head. “I’m not allowed near that place.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, surprised.
Eoin shrugged. “Da just told me to avoid this place. It seems like he made people angry there.”
Right. Louie had been rather evil the last time he’d shown his face there. “But don’t you think they would let you in? Your dad’s not with you.”
Eoin stared at the map. “I guess I could try.”
“It can’t hurt, and maybe you’ll find a friend.”
Eoin brightened. “Maybe. I’ll be back.”
Once Eoin had disappeared, I put away the map. When I stood back up, I caught Mom smiling at me.
“What?”
“Nothing. You were just really sweet with him.” She pulled out one of her books and sat back on her bed.
I shrugged. “I feel sorry for him. It’s my fault his parents are gone.”
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“Mom, come on. They’re missing. Henry’s missing. I have two creepy guys following me. What else could it be?” I flopped on my bed with my phone.
“Good point.” Mom dropped her book to the bed. “Ugh, I give up. Homework will wait until tomorrow.”
I laughed. “I know that feeling. Night, Mom.”
MEGAN
I opened my eyes and smiled. One more night in a hotel, and I’d be done. I could go home and put all this behind me. Okay, not really, but it was nice to pretend.
Mom was in the bathroom, so I rolled back over to try to get a little more sleep. Unfortunately, the alarm went off only a few minutes later, shattering that idea. I got up and packed everything. This was one thing I wouldn’t miss¬—¬I hated living out of suitcases. Even if they were brand-new ones from France. I smiled at the thought and changed into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt to travel in.
The bathroom door opened, and Mom came out, drying her hair with a towel. “Oh, you’re up. Coach wants to leave a little sooner. He said the airport is supposed to be busy because of Midsummer’s Eve or something.”
“Okay, I’m almost packed anyway.” I grabbed my brush and went in to pull my hair up and put in my contacts.
I zipped up my bag just as I heard the other girls talking loudly in the hallway. Mom and I did one last check around the room before we headed out. We met the team downstairs for breakfast, and I picked at the eggs and sausage on my plate. It was excellent food, but I was distracted by wondering where Eoin was. I jumped when Mom nudged me.
“What?” I followed her gaze to find Jakob standing outside the hotel restaurant. Dang it. I’d hoped he would leave me alone. He and Ethan hadn’t even tried to talk to me at the game, so what was he doing here? “I can just ignore him, right?”
“I would say yes. Getting around him to get to the bus might be a problem, though.”
I grinned. “Unle
ss I’m lucky. I just need a distraction …”
Except … what would distract a fairy? I pulled out my phone and searched around online for something that could help. Chimes? No, that would attract him, and that was the last thing I needed. A fairy house wouldn’t work either. They were tiny, and Jakob was definitely not.
Mom leaned forward. “How good are you with weather?”
“Huh? Oh, I can only make something happen if it’s about to anyway. Why?”
“Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream mentioned that Oberon and Titania’s arguments change the weather. Jakob said something to you about being the next queen. What if he’s the king? If he hears thunder or it starts raining …” She trailed off and nodded toward the window.
Rain clouds. Lots of them. Perfect. “He would think the queen is mad and take off.”
“That’s the idea. Think you can do that?” Mom asked.
“Only one way to find out.” I concentrated hard on the clouds and coaxed the rain to fall. Small drops spattered against the windows, and I pulled harder. A sudden burst of rain came down and dumped on everyone below. Jakob looked up at the clouds and glanced at me one more time before disappearing. Whoa. My heart was beating rapidly from the exertion, but I’d done it. I’d helped it rain!
“That was awesome.” Mom patted my hand. “My daughter, the weather girl.”
“Only if it’s going to do it on its own. It’s not like I can cause a blizzard for the heck of it.” I stood and grabbed my bag, then ran out to the bus. Sure, I could make it rain, but I had no idea how to stop it. I was absolutely drenched. I squeezed the water out of my shirt and hair, then found a place to sit.
The trip to the airport was blurry as I watched through the rain-spattered windows. I wondered if Eoin had made it to the leprechaun village, and if they’d been able to help out. I wished I could’ve seen the village myself. I could picture the houses made out of hollowed trees, and leprechauns walking down the pathways. Of course, that also brought to mind having to fight Louie and dealing with Bryce after he’d become a demon. So … maybe it was good that I couldn’t go back there.