by Ashley Drake
It was Aunt Lucy’s fault really that I took a peek. After all, she did have a hold of my hand. The feeling came before the vision of her thoughts. She had such pride in Jaycee and in her family tree. She also had fear, fear for Jaycee’s safety and fear of what is in store for us.
The thoughts came to me like a slide show. It was speeding by, but I caught glimpses here and there by the style of clothing that the years... wait, decades… no wait, centuries were passing by. Each frame showing basically the same thing: death and defeat, and not for the bad guys either. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with this information. I will have to decipher this later when I have more time to think.
I felt Aunt Lucy give my hand a squeeze and once again our eyes locked. “This is why I never had children.” She let go and started to push herself up from the table. “I’m tired. Jaycee, help me to my room.”
Jaycee hurried to Aunt Lucy’s side so she could hold on to her to steady herself. Before she left, Aunt Lucy turned to Daniel and me one last time. “Remember what I told you,” she hesitated, “and showed you.” She directed that toward me.
So, she had meant for me to see that.
Daniel let out a loud sigh. “Well, that was interesting.”
I laid my head over on his shoulder and inhaled the musky, cedar scent of his skin. “Yes, and isn’t it also interesting that Aunt Lucy never answered Jaycee’s second question about it happening THIS time?”
“I didn’t expect her to. But come on, Stonehenge, how freakin’ awesome is that?”
“I know! I was trying not to freak out when Aunt Lucy said that. Don’t tell Jaycee, her head is big enough as is. I want to tell my dad about it, maybe he can do some research.”
Daniel and I had decided to wait in the car for Jaycee. After sending her a text telling her where we were, I wanted to take this time to just be a girl alone with her boyfriend. I still get goose bumps when I call Daniel that, or when I say his name out loud, or when he puts those magnificent dimples on display. Basically anything having to do with him.
Since we started officially dating on my birthday, we have been together almost two months. Yet, I feel like we have always been. It’s like two puzzle pieces that lock together to make a whole. He accepted me from day one when he read all about my gift from my diary that I had left at my old house. His family bought the house and he had found it in the secret hiding spot in my old closet. Then the night of my birthday party, he trusted me enough to share his deepest most cherished secret with me. My wonderful Daniel Bryant Carver comes from a shape shifter (I’m betting there were more in his family tree that were kept quiet). Over the generations that power has evolved into his ability to communicate with animals and telekinesis.
“Earth to Hannah. Hello?” I turned to look at Daniel, only to see that gorgeous smile and those infamous dimples. See, right there, look, goose bumps!
“I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have you in my life.”
He gave me a shy smile. “I’m the lucky one.”
“No, really Daniel, you are my rock.”
“And you Hannah, are my heart.”
With that he pulled me closer, well as close as you could be in the front of a car with bucket seats, and kissed me. It started out sweet and slow, but with the electric zap that’s always between us when we touch, the kiss heated up pretty quickly. I’m talking toe curling, stomach knotting, heavy breathing heating up. Is it getting hot in here?
The back driver side door opened. “And in this exhibit boys and girls, you will find two teenagers who are about to give into their hormonal urges.”
Daniel rested his forehead on mine. “Jaycee, you have impeccable timing.”
“And style, and hair, and looks.” Jaycee closed the door and snapped in her seat belt. “Hey Han, did you notice how Aunt Lucy totally blew off the question you gave me? That was pretty awesome how you did that by the way, I’m totally impressed.”
“Yeah, I caught that. And thanks, it kinda impressed me too.”
“I did, however, manage to get a name out of her of someone that might be able to help us.”
I had planned on trying to put together the images that Aunt Lucy had given me before I shared it with Daniel and Jaycee, but I was kinda preoccupied with Daniel’s lips, and time had run out. I needed to tell them now while it was still fresh in my mind.
“When Aunt Lucy was holding our hands I had a vision. She knowingly gave it to me, actually. I saw centuries pass. Each scene was from a different era. Each era had a different group of kids about our age. But what was the same in every scene was that each group was fighting these three horrible, black, fiery demons. They also all ended the same, with the group defeated. Some of them didn’t make it out alive. I don’t know how or why, but I think, no I feel, that we are the next group.”
“Well,” Jaycee spoke up, “look at you being all cryptic.”
...It was like looking at Jaycee sixty years in the future. Well, it was more like hearing Jaycee sixty years in the future cause Jaycee really doesn’t resemble Aunt Lucy. The personality, however, was dead on. She seemed to be in her right mind and I could feel that she was telling the truth, or the truth as she knew it. So it was like Jaycee came from magical royalty, or something close to that. To top it all off with freakin’ Stonehenge, this amazing, mysterious place that has had theories ranging from being made by gods to being made by aliens! Dad is going to get such a kick out of researching this. Hey! That would explain why fairies are always so tiny in all the stories and folklore. Getting pissed and shrinking their entire lineage sounds just like something an ancestor of Jaycee would do.
Chapter 4
“How did last night go with Mike?”
Jaycee and I were the last two left in the locker room. As soon as the bell rings our group is going to the mall, so you would think I’d be in hurry to get out of here to go Christmas shopping. However, today in gym we had the glorious privilege of playing volleyball, and now my wrist feels like I have been banging it against a brick wall. So I wasn’t moving very fast to get changed, and Jaycee stayed with me until I did. Her wrists were just fine, seeing how she stayed as far away from the ball as possible. She told Coach Stephens that she has just paid good money getting a manicure and it would be a waist if she messed up her nails hitting a ball.
“It went great. We made popcorn, watched a movie, and had a much needed make out session.” Jaycee threw her lip gloss back into her purse. “I’m thinking about telling Mike that I’m a witch. That still sounds so crazy to hear myself say it out loud.”
“Why so soon? I thought you were gonna wait until you got a better grip on your power before you told, or at least until things settle down.”
“Which will be never. I think he feels like I’m keeping something from him. He hasn’t exactly said anything, but I can see it in his eyes when we talk.” She looked through the mirror at me. “You don’t think he will accept the fact that I’m a broom rider do you?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
Jaycee grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. I stopped her before she could turn around to leave.
“Jaycee, you are talking to someone who has tried her entire life to keep her gift a secret. Of course I’m gonna be reluctant to say ‘sure go tell him’. I don’t want to see you get hurt. But if it’s any consolation at all, I think if anyone would be open to it, it would be Mike because he loves you so much. Once you tell him though, nothing will be the same for him ever again.”
“I didn’t think about that.” She paused. “Okay, I will wait at least until after my birthday, when I fully come into my power, before making a decision. I know I need to focus on being able to control it before anything else.”
I went to open the door and Jaycee grabbed my arm. “Eww, you should put some ice on your wrist, it’s gonna leave a bruise.”
“Ya think?” My words dripped with sarcasm.
After getting myself a cappuccino (I actually tried something different this tim
e- raspberry chocolate, and is now my new favorite) we stood in the middle of the mall trying to decide where to go to first. It didn’t escape my attention that Chase was with us. I’m pretty sure Jaycee had Mike invite him to tag along. Probably with the hidden agenda of playing matchmaker for Phoebe. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against the two of them hooking up, I just don’t want them to feel pressured or uncomfortable. I must admit though, ever since my birthday party I’ve thought they would make a cute couple.
Jaycee took her jacket off and tied it around her waist. “Where to first?” She made a face when Mike suggested going to the game room. “We are supposed to be shopping for Christmas gifts.”
Chase spoke up. “The only people I have left to buy for is my mom and sister. I’ve put it off cause I don’t know what they would like.”
“Hey, I bet Phebs could help you out with that. Can’t cha Phoebe?” Way to go Jaycee. Obvious much?
“Sure, I guess.” If looks could kill, Phoebe would be getting arrested right about now.
Chase shifted his foot back and forth. “You don’t have to, but I could use the help.”
“I love spending other people’s money. Come on.” They turned to leave and Phebs yelled across her shoulder as they walked away. “Text me when y’all are ready to eat. And Jaycee, we’re not stupid, Chase and I know what you’re up to.”
Chase looked over his shoulder too, but only smiled. That peeked my interest so, of course, I had to take a look. Chase’s mind was very easy to get into. It was just as easy to see that he was attracted to Phoebe and was actually thinking about what it would be like to date her. Unlike Brad-the-Jerk, his intentions were not to just get one thing from her.
I watched them walk away, they were already laughing at something Chase had said. He’s about five inches taller than Phoebe’s 5’4 frame. His dark features made him a great match for her physically. This just might work out.
I glanced over at Jaycee. “Subtle is not in your vocabulary.”
Kayla laughed and spoke up. “I think Jaycee did a nice thing.”
“Yeah,” I said, “it’s an early Christmas miracle.”
Daniel’s eyes twinkled with humor. “I do so enjoy watching this back and forth banter, but do you mind if I take off to the game room with Mike?”
“Whoop-ish.” Jacob flicked his wrist in the air, as if to be slinging a whip.
“Oh please, you’re one to talk about being whipped.” Daniel laughed. “No offense, Kayla.”
“None taken. I think it’s sweet that our boyfriends are so considerate.” Kayla beamed at Jacob.
I could almost actually see Jacob melt at the adoring look on Kayla’s face.
Those two are going to make it.
I couldn’t tell if that came from my own subconscious or if it came from my mysterious mind invader. Either way, I’m sure it was the truth.
“Hannah?” Daniel’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.
“Sorry. No I don’t mind at all. You guys go play.”
Daniel leaned over and whispered in my ear. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. You know how my mind is, it gets a little crowded in there sometimes. If you know what I mean.” Daniels smile was quickly replaced with a worried frown. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. It was surprisingly a good thing. Go play with your friends and have fun.”
“You’re the best girlfriend ever!” He playfully teased, then bent down to kiss my check. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Who knew that three tiny words could have my heart doing somersaults?
“You,” Jaycee poked Mike’s arm, “don’t get off so easy. I expect an extra Christmas gift for ditching me to play games.”
Mike started poking her back. “I love it when you’re bossy.” That got a grin out of Jaycee. “You coming Jacob?”
“Nah, y’all go ahead. I’m going to help Kayla get some names on her list checked off.”
Daniel and Jacob simultaneously made an exaggerated flick in the air. “Whoop-ish!” They both chuckled.
It was nice seeing Daniel have a good time. It seems like ever since we’ve met there has been demons and living impaireds around every corner. Add helping Jaycee discover her heritage, along with the normal school stuff, and you’ve got almost zero free time to just be a teenager. He does all that without complaining.
Jaycee heard my sigh of contentment. “My boyfriend is so cute and dreamy. I wonder if I should let him cop a feel.” She tried to mimic me.
“You so nasty.” I tried giving an attitude by snapping my fingers along with a little neck and hip action. I failed miserably.
Jaycee giggled. “You’re such a nerd. Let’s go pick out our moms something spectacular, but cheap.”
We both picked out pajamas for our moms, but each a different style. I went for feminine in soft pink, while Jaycee went with slutty in lipstick red. I talked her into saving the receipt just in case her mom wants to return it. We went to the juniors department to see if we could find something for Phebs and Kayla.
I found the perfect gift for Phoebe. It was a button up mint green plaid shirt. The best part was that it’s on sale. “Hey, see if you can find this in an extra small for Kayla.” I held up a powder blue oversized sweater.
The woman beside Jaycee gave me a smug grin. She was holding the same sweater, and how much do you wanna bet it was the last extra small.
“I don’t see one, Han.” Jaycee saw the woman walk away with the sweater.
“Yeah, I think she got it.”
“Watch this.” Jaycee closed her eyes and started whispering a chant.
“A change of heart you will have,
you think that sweater is kinda drab,
lay it down for me to grab.”
At first I didn’t think it was going to work, but after about the sixth or seventh time Jaycee repeated her rhyme I saw the woman stop. She held the sweater up to examine it. She hesitated, yet she eventually laid down the sweater and headed toward the checkout.
Jaycee did a little dance and ran over to retrieve it. “I can’t believe that worked.”
Guilt laid heavily in my stomach. “Jaycee, that’s not right. That sweater could have been for her daughter who might have asked for it specifically.”
“It’s no big deal.” Oblivious to my moral meter, she put her cappuccino down on a shelf and held the sweater up to her in front of a mirror. “Damn, Kayla’s skinny.”
“Next time it will be something bigger, then something meaner, before you realize it, it turns evil.”
Jaycee laughed. “Over a sweater I’m gonna turn evil? I don’t think so. Let’s pay for this and go look for our dads something.” She handed me the sweater. “Oh wait, I forgot my cappuccino.” She grabbed her drink, took a step and ended up tripping over her own feet, and she fell on the floor. The cappuccino went airborne, eventually landing all over the front of her shirt. “Shit!”
I helped her up and dug some tissues out of my purse to help wipe off her shirt. The best she could do was take off the jacket, from around her waist, and put it on to hide the stain.
Once she was settled I laid my hand on her shoulder. “I think that was one of those consequences Daniels was talking about. We should find that woman and give the sweater back before you break a leg or something.”
“You suck. I hate it when you’re right.”
After giving the woman the sweater, and leaving her a bit confused, we ended up crossing off everyone’s name off my list with the exception of Jaycee and Daniel. I will have to get theirs later. Maybe I can talk Mom into going with me one day next week. Finally, after miles worth of walking, Jaycee and I meet up with everyone at the food court.
Daniel saw that I was struggling with all the shopping bags I was carrying. “Here, let me get those for you.” He grabbed the bags in one hand with ease. “I ordered your usual, I hope that’s okay.” He sat the bags down beside the chair he pulled out for me.
He got it right; waffle fries, chicken sandwich an
d a diet drink. “It’s exactly what I was gonna get, thanks.” He really is pretty dreamy.
We listened to Mike tell us all about him kicking Daniel’s butt at some fighting game. Everyone gave the usual loser insults and Daniel took it like a champ, laughing at each one.
“What’s everyone doing tomorrow night?” Phoebe question was to us all, but I had a feeling she was really fishing to see what Chase would say.
Kayla was the first to answer. “I will be at church helping the kids practice for the Christmas play and Jacob volunteered to help me. Afterwards we are going out to eat, my treat to thank him.”
“I told you that you don’t have to do that. I want to help.” Jacob stole an onion ring off of Kayla’s plate. “Besides, it gives me an excuse to be with you.”
“You’re seriously gonna give me a cavity with all that sweetness. Or worse, some of it might actually rub off on me.” Jaycee faked a shiver. “What about you Han?”
“I get to spend the evening with Megan working on our English project. Don’t be jealous.”
“Oh yes, can’t you see me turning green with envy? I will be thinking about you while Mike and I are ice skating. I got lucky with my project partner. Sara is a control freak and asked to do it all by herself. I pretended to struggle with her proposal before telling her to have at it.”
“What about you Daniel?” Phoebe has never been so interested in our plans. She is totally up to something.
“Since Hannah is gonna be busy with Megan, I put my name down to help out at the animal shelter for tomorrow night.”
“Well crap. I was hoping someone would be free to hang out with.” Phebs sighed.
Chase spoke up. “I don’t have any plans. Do you want to catch a movie or something?”
Phoebe acted a little shocked. Emphasis on acted. “Okay, sure. I will even let you pick out the movie.”
I knew it! I was impressed, she played that perfectly. I cut my eyes over to Jaycee, who was already looking at me with a smug little smile on her face.