Chosen (The Last Guardians Book 1)

by C. V. Gregorchuk

  “I guess I’ll go check,” Mia said after a pause and headed out into the living room. She twitched the gossamer drapes aside and peeked down onto the dark street. “Not yet,” She called just as a fancy black Chrysler pulled up in front of their building. “Wait, never mind. It’s here.” Mia let the curtain fall back into place and headed for the front door, her heels clicking on the hardwoods.

  “Aren’t you taking a jacket?” Her mother asked, joining her in the entrance.

  “We’re not going to be outside,” Mia opened the door and stopped, remembering her phone, still on the bed in her bedroom. Maybe she should go back for it. If Dad’s leaving his at work, then I don’t need mine, she stepped out into the hall.

  Sarah stuffed her own, ancient Razr flip-phone into her purse and slung the faux snakeskin bag over her shoulder. “I guess so,” she followed Mia out of the apartment, leaving her coat hanging on the bifold closet door. Mia waited while Sarah struggled with the sticky deadbolt, smiling when her mother let slip a foul word. Sarah prided herself on seldom using profanity but whenever she did, she delivered it like a pro. Sarah shot Mia a sheepish grin over her shoulder, realizing what she’d said. “Not a word.”

  “My lips are sealed,” Mia said and giggled softly.

  The lock slid to with an audible click and Sarah made a triumphant sound.

  “Good job!” Mia held up her palm, and her mom delivered a powerful high five that left her hand stinging. They laughed together, bumping hips as they swayed down the brightly lit hall, their heels echoing off the porcelain tile.

  The driver held the door open for them; his small, pinched mouth curled up at the corners in a polite smile. He waited for the two women to climb into the spacious back seat and settle themselves into the plush leather before closing the door firmly behind them. Dim LEDs came to life as the engine turned over, lighting the luxurious appointments of the interior. It smelled like cigarette smoke. Mia wrinkled her nose and looked out the window as the car pulled away from the curb. It was still raining, spitting, and she found her eyes drawn to the water droplets racing each other down the tinted glass.

  A cold hand covered hers on the leather seat, and Mia turned to look at her mother. Sarah smiled warmly at her daughter and squeezed her hand. “Your Dad and I are so proud of you baby.” She said with a watery inflection in her voice.

  “Thanks, mom.” Mia smiled past the lump in her throat. As excited as she was about getting into UBC, the thought of spending the next four years without her parents terrified her.

  “I can’t believe what a beautiful young woman you’ve become. You are so smart-”

  “Oh, mom!” Mia pulled away with a face, “Please stop!”

  “I’m sorry,” Sarah said sniffing loudly, “it’s just-”

  “I know,” Mia said, her guts twisting. “It’s going to be hard for me too.” Sarah reached for Mia and pulled her across the seat into an awkward hug. Her own eyes stung with tears when she pulled back. “Ugh,” Mia groaned and cleared her throat. She blinked hard, “Let’s try and save the waterworks for now. We’re going to wreck our makeup.”

  Sarah laughed and pulled a tissue out of her purse. Mia shook her head when it was offered to her and returned her attention to the city sliding past outside the vehicle. The rivers of water had a mesmerizing effect on the neon lights of traffic and shops, blending the bright myriad of colors together. There was something about the rain that made everything appear crisp and bright. Perhaps it was because of the accompanying darkness of the clouds. Or maybe it was just a feeling. The water seemed to pick out every minute detail, whether it was a delicate curl in an iron fence or a single blade of grass. Mia loved it, whatever it was that made rain so beautiful.

  “So what is this place like?” Mia asked. She tore her eyes away from the window and focused on her mother’s delicate profile. With her small nose, slightly turned up at the tip and the sharp angles of her cheekbones, Sarah could be mistaken for a fairy or some other ethereal being. Mia wished she looked more like her mom; to be petite and blonde was to be carefree in a world that idolized the look.

  “I have no idea,” Mrs. Astor admitted, eagerly picking up the new topic of conversation. “It’s supposed to be very fancy though.”

  “You know, funnily enough, I figured that out for myself,” Mia said going heavy on the sarcasm. Her lips twitched when her mother leveled an unimpressed, blue-eyed look in her direction.

  “Haw, haw,” Sarah said and shook her head.

  “What’s the name of it again?”

  “Something like Mulan, or Malay…”Sarah answered and frowned, trying to remember the correct pronunciation.

  “Sounds pretty fancy,” Mia smirked and received a light tap on the knee for her teasing. She enjoyed bugging her mom, Sarah gave such a good reaction.

  Twenty minutes later the car pulled up against the curb beneath a blue neon sign and stopped. Mia peered out of the tinted window, searching the crowded sidewalk for some sign of her father. He was easy to spot, as were the two men standing with him. All three of them made rather imposing figures, each one standing at least a head taller than most of the people passing around them, like water around solid rock. Mia turned to her mother, an accusation on her lips.

  “I wanted it to be a surprise,” Sarah said before her daughter got a word out. “Honey, they’re practically family,” she said in defense when Mia kept glaring at her.

  Chapter 10

  Mia breathed through her nose and closed her eyes, praying for patience. She wasn’t mad exactly, just caught off guard and a bit irritated that her mother had put her in this position. “A little warning would have been nice.” She grumbled, opening her eyes. Mia shook her head and let herself out of the car, beating the chauffeur to his duties.

  The short little man with his silver goatee stood back to let her pass; Mia was oblivious to his indignant look. Her eyes fixed on Jake’s tall frame standing next to her dad and Stephen. She stamped out the sudden fluttering that exploded in her belly and averted her gaze, staring hard at the pavement as she waited for her mother to extract herself from the car.

  The two of them approached the men. Dad noticed them first and stepped around Jake to greet his women. He reached Mia first; grabbing her around the waist, he proceeded to squeeze the life out of her. “Hi daddy,” she giggled and planted a kiss on his clean-shaven cheek, inhaling the pleasant smell of his aftershave.

  “Congratulations baby,” said Tom Astor and lowered her down to the pavement, “I’m proud of you.”

  Mia stumbled when he let her go and barely recovered before getting swept into another tight embrace. “Congrats kiddo,” Stephen Barnes said, giving her a little shake so her ankles clacked together. “Your dad told us all about it. Good on ya for spreading your wings.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Steve,” Mia hugged Jake’s father back.

  “Okay dad, come on,” Jake said sounding amused if a little exasperated.

  “Ya ya, wait your turn son,” Stephen said, “it’s not every day I get to squeeze a beautiful girl.”

  Mia laughed and patted him on the shoulder, “Well it’s your lucky day cause you get two tonight.” That made him laugh, and he squeezed a little tighter before setting her back on her feet. Mia looked up into his face and was struck again by how much he and Jake looked alike. Stephen had crinkles at the corners of his bright blue eyes and deep creases on either side of his full mouth, but besides that, he and his son could almost pass for brothers.

  “My turn,” Jake pulled her against his solid chest. He smelled delicious, of soap, boy, and his own distinct Jake smell. Mia registered the light brush of his lips against her temple and shivered, her skin exploding in goosebumps.

  “I was going to tell you tomorrow,” Mia said into his ear.

  “It’s okay Mee.” He said in a low voice and held her away from him. He smiled at her, but there was something off about it. Something Mia couldn’t quite put her finger on. “I told you you’d get
in.” He murmured.

  It started to rain in earnest as she tried to find something witty to say back.

  “Come on you guys,” said Mr. Astor, sheltering his wife under one arm. “We have a reservation.”

  “How long have you been waiting for us?” Mia asked, falling into step next to Jake. Her mom and dad led the way toward the restaurant entrance with Stephen behind them. Mia and Jake brought up the rear. The adults were engaged in their conversation, the two of them forgotten for the time being.

  “Not long,” Jake answered and casually slipped a long arm around her waist. He leaned down, “you look gorgeous by the way.”

  “Thanks,” Mia blushed unable to keep her mouth from twisting into a pleased grin. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” She said as they squeezed through the narrow door into the restaurant.

  “Oh, you noticed,” Jake said, and Mia didn’t have to look to know that he was smirking at her. She said nothing, didn’t have to. They could joke, but he did look good in a pair of black dress pants and a fitted blazer over a white, button-down shirt.

  In the sleek, well-appointed reception area they waited as a tall girl with cinnamon skin checked the computer for their reservation. “Astor?” She asked, looking up from the screen with vivid amber eyes, almost yellow in the light.

  “That’s us,” Dad confirmed and was rewarded with an alarmingly white flash of teeth.

  “Right this way,” the girl said, sashaying out from behind the tall desk on six-inch heels. She flicked her waist-length chestnut hair over one shoulder and proceeded to lead their group through the crowded dining area, somehow managing to appear graceful in those ridiculous shoes she wore. The girl stopped at a rounded table set for five and waited patiently while they seated themselves. Jake pulled out a chair for Mia, and she took it, mumbling her thanks as she sank into the cushioned seat, keenly aware of her mother and the waitress’s eyes on her.

  “Quite the gentleman you’ve got there,” the willowy girl remarked with a gleam in her eye.

  He’s not mine. Mia smiled awkwardly and let the girl make what assumptions she would.

  “Greg will be your server tonight. He should be with you in a few minutes.” Her name tag read Brea and Mia thought the name suited her perfectly. “Enjoy.” She flashed her perfect teeth and turned on her heel, swaying her thin body from side to side as she made her way back through the restaurant.

  “So Mia,” Stephen addressed her and Mia tore her eyes away from the impressive selection of wine bottles dominating one entire wall.

  “Hmm?” She hummed, giving Jake’s dad her full attention.

  “What makes this UBC place so special?” Prepared for this question, Mia exchanged a look with her mom and launched into a detailed explanation of everything the Okanagan campus had to offer. “Sheesh!” Stephen said, his eyebrows shooting up into his greying hairline, “Looks like you picked the wrong school Jakey.” He directed this at Jake who laughed good-naturedly. Something beneath it made Mia instantly regret going on and on about her future school.

  “Who knows dad,” Jake said, “maybe I’ll have to get a transfer.”

  Mia couldn’t stop herself, “Don’t tell me you’d actually drop everything here and leave?” She asked incredulously, “You love New York.”

  “Why not?” Jake asked and turned his full attention on her, “You are. Why can’t I?”

  Because it would defeat the purpose of going to Canada for me. Mia didn’t say it, but it was what she thought as she stared back at him without an answer. He was watching her, a metallic glint in his blue eyes.

  “But you’re doing so well here at NYU,” It was her father-surprisingly- who came to her rescue. “Mia told us about your latest marks; your GPA must be high enough to get you on the Dean’s list, no?”

  “And you can’t leave your poor dad here by himself,” Sarah added with a strained laugh, looking nervously between Mia and Jake.

  “Ah, Jakey’s just worried she’s gonna forget all about him when she’s gone.” Stephen laughed, oblivious to the tense set of his son’s shoulders. There was a long uncomfortable silence then Jake scoffed.

  “Dad’s right,” he said to the table and shrugged his shoulders. “I’m going to miss you,” his face softened as he stared into Mia’s eyes and a small, sad smile curled his lips.

  “I’m going to miss you too,” Mia said and found his knee beneath the table. After a second, his hand covered hers and gave a light squeeze.

  “It’ll be a big change, that’s for sure,” Steve said, clapping Mia’s father on the shoulder.

  “And she’s off to Africa right away too,” Dad said with a proud look, “in two or three weeks?”

  “Two,” Jake answered for her and held on to her hand when she tried to retract it. “Remember I told you Dad? Mee’s gonna go build houses for people in Zambia.”

  “That’s right,” Steve readjusted himself and smiled broadly, “she’s a very impressive young lady,” he said this with a wink in Mia’s direction.

  “Yes, she is.” Her dad agreed, “We’re very proud of her.” Tom smiled at his daughter warmly from across the table.

  “Thanks, daddy,” Mia murmured, smiling down at her empty plate.

  They were joined then by a young man who introduced himself as Greg, their server for the evening. He passed out menus with the word Mulei stamped into the leather and took their drink orders, promising to return shortly. Mia found herself looking in her parents’ direction as the topic of conversation changed and changed again throughout the proceedings of dinner. Her heart warmed at the obvious affection they had for one another. She could see it in the casual way her father draped his arm around Sarah’s narrow shoulders and tilted his head to hear her better. They made a gorgeous couple, Tom, tall and muscular with his head of thick dark curls that tended to fall forward into his deep brown eyes and her petite mother with her pale skin and vibrant blue eyes. They were opposites in both looks and personality, but after twenty years of marriage, they still looked at one another with that smarmy, lovey gaze. They were so cute it made Mia sick.

  She took a sip of her ice water, washing down the lingering taste of parmesan from her pasta and thought back to the way Jake had kissed her head outside and the hand holding under the table. It wasn’t exactly out of the ordinary for them, but for some reason, it felt different tonight. Throughout the meal she caught him looking at her when he thought she wouldn’t notice. He lavished her with compliments and went out of his way to touch her. A bump of his knee against hers here, a light brush of his fingers against her arm there. It was weird and a bit uncomfortable. If it weren’t for the grave, almost earnest look in his eyes, Mia would have believed he was doing it to bug her.

  Mia was aware of her mother’s perceptive eyes on them throughout dinner. Sarah was missing none of it and would have lots to talk about with her daughter when they got home. Mia wasn’t complaining exactly, she was quite enjoying the attention, but the logical part of her was curious.

  “Thank you for dinner, Mr. Astor,” Jake said when the last of the plates were cleared away and the bill paid for. Mia’s dad had insisted on paying for the meal despite Stephen’s protests. “It was amazing.”

  “Yes,” Mia chimed in, “really delicious, thanks, dad.” She was stuffed, near exploding after the generous helping of pasta and cheesecake, she’d scarfed down like someone close to starvation.

  “It was my pleasure,” Mr. Astor said and nodded humbly in acknowledgment. Mrs. Astor rested a small hand on her husband’s suit jacket, smiling sweetly.

  “Well,” said Jake’s dad as he got to his feet with a regretful shake of his head, “I don’t know about you folks, but it’s getting pretty late for this old timer.” With sounds of agreement, everyone pushed back from the table and made preparations to leave. Outside on the sidewalk, the rain had stopped, and the air was fresh and clear with the smell of wet pavement. “Thanks again Tom,” Stephen said and grasped his friend by the hand. �
��I appreciate you inviting us along to celebrate our girl.” He winked at Mia. “Jake?”

  “Actually dad,” Jake said, ignoring the obvious cue, “I think Mee and I are gonna take off for a bit.”

  “Really?” She said in surprise. This was news to her. “Where are we going?”

  He kept his eyes on their parents while he answered her question. “A friend of ours from high school is having a get together at her place on 91st. I thought it might be fun to go.”

  “Bella?” Mia asked, recognizing the address.

  “Bella Abelson?” Mrs. Astor asked with a frown. Bella was one of the few girls Mia actually considered a friend and still occasionally made contact with. She came from a wealthy Upper East Side family, why she’d attended school in Hell’s Kitchen remained a mystery to them all.

  “That’s the one,” Jake confirmed readily.

  “I don’t know,” Mia started to say, the idea of going to a party on the Upper East Side wasn’t all that appealing.

  “Come on Mee,” Jake said and took her hand in his. He turned his beautiful blue-eyed gaze on her; “We’re already dressed for it, why not?”

  She should say no but the way he was looking at her, almost desperately, made Mia rethink her reasons for not wanting to go. “I guess it could be fun.” She said caving in. With a sheepish look, she met her mother’s concerned gaze. “Can I go, mom?”

  “A party on a Thursday night?” Sarah Astor said in a tone of voice hinting that she didn’t care much for the idea.

  “Why not?” Mia asked, throwing her lot in with Jake who squeezed her fingers in encouragement. “I don’t work tomorrow.”

  “I’m fine with it if you guys are,” Stephen added and grinned at the kids indulgently.

  “Honey?” Sarah looked at her husband for the final verdict.

  Tom regarded his daughter and her friend for a long, serious moment meant to make them sweat. Mia knew better. The twinkle in her father’s brown eyes, her eyes, gave him away long before he shrugged his shoulders and gave his approval with a chuckle. “But make sure you’re home by curfew young lady.”