Summoning Annika_The Viking Witch Trilogies

by Lizzie Vega

  Stefan smiled, “I thought the same thing. I landed in a small farm community with even fewer people than this. She will be fine.”

  Iris put her hand on his arm, “I was thinking, maybe you should follow me back to my house, I have a lot more room and,” she winked at him, “more girl stuff than you do. I think she would be comfortable there. What do you think?”

  “I think I am glad you aren’t mad at me. I think it’s a great idea. I will follow you.”

  “Great,” she replied and kissed him on the cheek.

  Annika just stood there staring at Stefan’s big black Tahoe and Iris’s bright red Jeep parked in front of her. Stefan led her around to the passenger door and got her inside, buckling her seatbelt. Iris laughed as he started up the engine and Annika jumped in surprise. She jumped into her Jeep and swung it around to head out to her development.

  She looked at Stefan and Annika waiting to follow her and then, back at the dark warehouse, “Where the hell is this going?

  Chapter 36

  The drive to her house took them out onto the interstate. It was helpful that there was minimal traffic. Stefan passed a semi with a double load of farm machinery and Annika backed away from the window as he passed by. He had to explain to her that giant painted machines were not weapons, but farm tools instead. She seemed to enjoy the trip and spent most of the time silently looking up at the stars and the tall highway lights.

  Iris swung into her driveway and hit the remote to open the garage doors. Stefan took the cue and pulled in alongside her. They got out of the vehicles and without thinking, Iris hit the button to close the doors, startling Annika. “Sorry, my bad” she said, “I wasn’t thinking.” She opened the door to the house and they walked into her kitchen, turning on the lights. Her cat came out to greet Iris but when she saw the strangers, she turned tail and ran. “Don’t worry, she’s shy at first, but she’ll warm up to you. Her name’s Midnite.”

  She gave them a brief tour before she settled them in the living room. “You guys relax, I’ll be right back.”

  Iris ran upstairs and quickly picked out a pair of pajamas that she thought Annika could wear and laid them out on the bed in the guest room. She turned on the bedside lamp and drew the blinds for privacy. She turned down the bed and fluffed up the pillows. She chuckled at her domestic goddess moment. Visitors, other than a sister a couple of years previous, were rare.

  She went back downstairs and found Stefan surfing through cable channels with Annika. She was glued to the screen. “Annika?” she called from the top of the step, Iris motioned for her to come with her and as she stood up, “Anni, please,” she corrected Iris as the young witch reached out her hand, “Come with me, I’ll get you situated.”

  Annika looked back at her brother but there was no hesitation from her. “Let’s see how we do, just the two of us,” Iris smiled back at Stefan, “I’ll be back down for you in a little while.”

  She showed her the bedroom first and then led her to the guest bathroom. She showed her how to turn the water on and off and how to flush the toilet. But when she turned on the shower, Annika was out of her tunic in seconds and stood in front of Iris, stark naked. “Well, ok, a shower it is. You’ll sleep even better if you’re nice and clean.” She showed her the temperature controls and how to turn the water off when she was done. She laid a couple of fluffy white towels on the vanity for her.

  “There you go, have fun. I am happy you are here.” She turned to leave but Annika called out to her, “Iris,” and Annika reached out and put her arms around her, “Happy.” Iris couldn’t help but giggle a bit, it was weird but sincere. She wrapped her arms around the young woman and hugged her back. She backed her way out of the embrace, “Have fun,” she said as Annika stepped enthusiastically into the shower.

  As she walked down the hallway, she heard two little shrieks from the shower. The first one, ah, too cold, she thought. There was a very brief pause and then a second “Whoo,” that one made Iris laugh out loud, “Ha, too hot. She went downstairs to join Stefan.

  “Well, that was interesting,” she said as she joined him on the sofa, “Just got hugged by your naked sister.”

  Stefan just laughed, “That’s Anni, she is very open, very unfiltered. Always has been. I imagine it has continued in the years since I’ve been gone.”

  Iris nodded sympathetically, “I imagine you have missed her. But we need to talk about …about the other night. I’ll be honest, I am having trouble processing almost all of this.”

  Stefan nodded, “I understand, and you have more resources than most to grasp what is happening, imagine how the others must feel.” He caught himself, “I’m sorry, Iris, I know this isn’t about them right now.”

  “I’m not so sure,” she shrugged, “As of tonight, this got a lot bigger than all of us. And you know I don’t like to sound like a selfish bi..”

  “Stop,” he said sharply but then he reached and took her hand softly in his, “I’m confused as well, I don’t know what is going to happen soon, but I do know this.”

  “My feelings for you are real, what I told you about me, other than the exact cause of my accident, was the absolute truth. Whatever I omitted, was to protect you, but after tonight, I want you to know everything about me.”

  He sat back into the sofa with a huff, “Damn, you have an amazing effect on me.”

  Iris smiled back at him demurely, “Thank you Stef, that makes me feel better. As to the effect I have on you? I think I can say you have the same result with me.”

  “I do?” he asked, and then it dawned on him, “so if I were to retell the story of my scars...”

  “Yeah,” she said as she stood and pulled him to his feet, “It would be a good thing. I have no doubt about that,” and she led him down the hallway and up the stairs.

  He protested with a grin on his face, “I don’t have pajamas.” Iris snorted, “You’re not going to need them.”

  “Oh,” he said quietly, “I see. I don’t have a toothbrush either,” but he didn’t get it all out before he snickered. Iris just looked at him, “Really? You’re gonna be like this, now?”

  They approached Annika’s door, it was open just a bit. Iris peeked into the darkened room. Annika was sleeping soundly. Iris’s cat was curled up at the foot of the bed. Iris frowned, “Traitor,” she said and closed the door again, leaving it open just a little.

  “I’ll bet that shower felt good,” Stefan mused as they entered Iris’ bedroom. She turned to him, “Yes, I’ll bet it did. Such a good idea.” She walked around the corner and turned on the shower jets in the master bath and lit several candles along the vanity. She returned to him, grabbing for his belt and pulling him toward her, “It’s getting all steamy in there, come and play with me?”

  “Love to.” he said as he pulled his shirt up over his head. Iris reached to remove her sweatshirt, “No, let me do that,” he said and collected the hem of the colored top that Iris was wearing and pulled it ever so slowly over her head.

  Chapter 37

  Parker pulled up to their apartment building and the four of them piled out of the Subaru. Collectively worn out from the evening’s events, they quietly made their way to their respective apartments. Katie made a beeline for her door and Parker did the same.

  Michael stood briefly in the hallway with Samantha. He had been quiet on the drive home. Sam could sense that he was tired. She hugged him tightly, then kissed him on the cheek, “You need to get some sleep.”

  Michael chuckled weakly, “No way I’m gonna sleep after this.”

  Samantha smiled, but then thought otherwise, “You’re exhausted. Tomorrow is another day.” She kissed him firmly on the lips, “You were so brave tonight. Golden dreams.” She pointed to his door down the hall, “It’s late. Off you go.”

  Michael settled into bed, replayed the evening in his head and quickly drifted off. His dreams came quickly…

  At the urging of his father, Michael had joined the baseball team at absolutely the last
minute. The rest of the team immediately singled him out as a special case and they would tease him openly.

  He had his chances, but it always seemed as though the other boys were just a bit older and more experienced than he was. There was always pressure, plus eleven and twelve year-old boys could really be mean.

  This day was memorable from the start. Hot and, with it being the middle of a dry summer, the field was hard and dry. Dust would kick up as the players ran the bases or kicked their cleats in the dirt.

  In the final inning with two outs, Michael’s team was down by two runs and he was on deck as the next batter. His play so far had been unproductive with a ground out and a strike out. Just enough to set the other players on edge.

  He was angry and frustrated. Mad, that his father was running late from a work issue and had yet to arrive and frustrated that the potential outcome would likely bring another round of teasing from his teammates. As he walked to the plate, all he could hear was ‘coaches pet’ coming from the dugout. It just made the situation worse.

  He settled into the box like his dad had taught him and took a deep breath. With runners now on first and second, he represented the winning run. All he wanted was just to connect. A few more minutes and it would be over.

  The first pitch came in low and he swung too late. Strike one. The second pitch was inside but it caught the inside corner for another strike. A chorus of groans could be heard from the dugout.

  Michael took a deep breath and settled in again. The pitcher wound up and let it fly.

  It was low and away but better than the last one. He took his bottled up anger, stepped into the pitch and swung away.

  Michael stood outside the fence watching the other team celebrate the win. They had come so close. Michaels’ double should have tied the game, but the second base runner got tangled up coming around third and was thrown out at home plate.

  He had done his best, but in the end, it meant nothing. The rest of the team ignored him as usual.

  Dumb game, he thought, I should have never joined this team in the first place.

  He listed of a series of excuses in his head, none of which had anything to do with why he was angry. Hot tears ran down his dust covered cheeks.

  He felt a pair of hands land softly on his shoulders and give them a little familiar squeeze.

  “Good hit, Mike, you had good legs today. You never gave up. I got here just in time to see you.”

  Michael closed his eyes in relief.

  He tried to be strong but, “Thanks, Pops,” came out as a choked sob. He turned around and his dad hugged him and Michael just melted into his arms.

  Chapter 38

  Sam had been watching Michael all afternoon. She knew the stress of the recent events had every right to weigh heavily on him, but there was something extra in play. She reached over and touched his arm lightly, “Do you feel alright?” she asked pensively.

  Michael’s reaction to the question surprised her. He looked mildly startled, “Did I just say something out loud?” he asked. “No,” she grinned,” but I sense there is something you want to talk about. Its’ a beautiful day, let’s take a walk, if you like.”

  “Yes, Sam,” he sighed, “I would like that.”

  They stepped out of the warehouse and into the sunshine. They walked for a block or so without a word. Michael seemed content with the silence, but Samantha knew it wouldn’t help. She took hold of his hand, “You seem down.” Her voice was soft and loving.

  “It’s nothing, really,” he replied but tone of his voice said otherwise. They walked a little while longer and Sam realized they were barely moving.

  “Michael,” she offered softly, and they stopped walking. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. His expression was one she had never seen from him. She realized she would have to draw him out, “I can tell that something is bothering you. Open up to me,” she said, “you know you can trust me, right?” She gave him a quick peck on his cheek.

  He nodded his head and sighed heavily, “I’m a little embarrassed actually, it’s just a dumb thought I had.”

  Sam just smiled, “I doubt it.” She reached over and touched his arm gently. For a moment she felt drawn in toward him and her sense of his mood washed over her. Something was not right so she pressed forward.

  “I know you pretty well, you don’t have dumb thoughts. Tell me about it.” There was a note of pleading in her voice, “I’ll tell you if it’s dumb or not.” She elbowed him in the ribs as she smiled, trying to keep the conversation light.

  “I feel so childish,” he said, “I guess I just read more into something Mr. Goodmund said at the antique shop when this all started. He said I could realize my wildest dreams and I took that to mean something completely different than any of this summoning stuff that is happening.” His voice had a quiet hint of resignation to it. She squeezed his hand, “Tell me Michael, what did you want to have hap..” His hand tightened around hers and she stopped in mid-sentence and watched as tears welled up in his eyes.

  She had only ever seen him cry once before, long ago. “Oh my God,” she said as his feelings poured into her, her breath caught, “Your father?” she whispered.

  He nodded, “When the lights came down from the ceiling, I thought there was a chance that it would be my dad and all I just wanted to just say goodbye,” he sniffed as she wiped a tear off his cheek, “I feel like an idiot.”

  With her own eyes spilling over she put her arms around him and drew him in tightly against her as he cried. They stood there for several moments slowly rocking back and forth without saying a word.

  Sam played back the time when she had seen him at his father’s funeral. She had felt it then and been terrified by the depth of his anguish. She had felt what he was feeling but didn’t understand why he would project such anger at her. Now, feeling the same powerful emotions from him, she understood. She took a deep breath and accepted his pain. She hugged him tighter.

  “I understand, Michael, that’s why you stepped into the circle,” she whispered in his ear, “Thank you for sharing that with me.”

  She felt his shoulders rise and he straightened. His chest rose as he took a deep breath and she began to feel a change overtake him. Michael reached and put his arm around her. He drew away from her and looked at her tear-streaked face, “No, Samantha, thank you for letting me say it.” He blinked away another tear, “It was easier than I thought it would be. I have thought about it for a long time and it’s built up as a weird barrier or something.” He reached up and touched the tip of her nose, “You made it easier.” He smiled at her, his blue eyes shining but his inquisitive expression gave away his next question.

  “How did you know?” he asked.

  “I’ve only seen you cry once before, Michael, at your dad’s funeral. Your expression, just now, was the same as it was then. I just, sort of connected the two, and, for the record, it wasn’t a dumb thought.”

  He smiled again. She could almost feel him getting stronger, the negative emotions were fading quickly, being replaced by something entirely different, “So, we seem to be connecting in all sorts of ways lately,” he said as he turned to face her, his arm now around her waist, “I like that.”

  “I like that, too, Michael. I want it to continue,” she said without a hint of filter or hesitation.

  “Yes, I’d like that too.” A soft breeze enveloped them and it blew Sam’s long hair away from her face. He saw the bright blue sky reflected in her eyes and he smiled.

  He pulled her close again and kissed her.

  They walked back to the warehouse holding hands the whole way, “Sam, don’t mention the thing about my father to any of the others, ok? I can only imagine what Parker would say.”

  Sam nodded her head, “I understand, Michael, but you realize it doesn’t matter what any of them think, right?”

  He gave her hand a little squeeze, “True, and about the crying thing as well, ok?”

  Sam just stared back at him, “Oh my, Michael, yo
u are such a boy, you opened up to me on an incredibly painful subject. Don’t apologize for showing me how you feel,” she squeezed his hand back as he reached for the warehouse door, “in my eyes, it only makes you a stronger man.”

  They walked into the warehouse in a considerably more exuberant way than when they left. Michael peeled away to go to the bathroom, while Sam made her way over to where Iris was sitting.

  Iris looked at Sam and noticed a little bit of puffiness around her eyes, “We all good?” she asked as she pointed to the corner of her own eye, alerting Sam to the issue. “Oh, yes, Iris, we are very good,” then she paused and looked toward the bathroom door, Sam leaned toward Iris and whispered in a hushed voice, “You and I need to have a conversation, anywhere but here. And soon.”

  Chapter 39

  They arranged to meet at Atomic Coffee by the University. Iris looked calmly at the young woman. It was clear Sam was processing something important in her mind, she nervously tapped her foot on the floor. From the furrowed brow, Iris knew it was serious.

  Iris sought to diffuse the worry, “What’s up Buttercup?” she asked with a jaunty tone. Samantha grinned but her foot continued it cadence. Her shoulders heaved up in a big sigh. Given the implied secrecy of her request, it could only be about one thing, “Michael?” she asked, knowing the answer.

  Sam nodded and bit her lip, “He told me not to tell anyone, but this is something that only you can hear, Ok? A couple of things are going on actually, one with him and one with me.”

  Iris agreed with her, “I have noticed he’s been a little off in the last few days, not his usual cute, nerdy self. What’s going on?” Then she frowned, “But you said everything was good with the two of you, right?”