Tale of Life (Essence Series #2)

by Todd, E. L.

  “But we already established that they could see the essence inside us,” Breccan said, leaning over the table. “They will immediately know if we are human.”

  “It’s likely but we still might have a chance,” she said. “There could be people who live on that plane that have an essence—we aren’t sure.”

  “It’s possible, “Calloway said. “But I find it unlikely.”

  “Well, a cloak is better than no cloak,” she said. “We may as well try.”

  Calloway nodded. “Okay.”

  “I guess,” Breccan said.

  “And we have to stay together—always—we do not separate for any reason,” Easton said. “If one person stays behind we all stay behind.”

  Calloway, who never would abandon one of his friends, disagreed with that statement. “No,” he said. “We don’t know what’s going to happen, nor do we understand their interest in me. If I am captured, you are to return without me. I mean it, Easton. I don’t want you to risk your life.”

  Easton stared at him. “We stay together,” she said firmly.

  “Then I’m not going,” Calloway said. “Promise me, or the deal is off. I will travel through the portal alone, at a time that you are completely unaware of, and do the mission on my own if I must.”

  Easton stared at him. “We can’t abandon you.”

  “If it comes down to it, you will. It’s better if you return to this plane and notify the White Wing. They are more likely to successfully rescue me than the two of you—no offense.”

  “I don’t know,” she said apprehensively.

  “Promise me,” he said.

  Easton and Breccan looked at each other for a moment, silently communicating with each other. It was evident that the Hara-Kirs were interested in Calloway in a unique way, but the Hara-Kirs would kill them without hesitation. Also, Calloway was stronger than both of them, and therefore, more likely to survive on his own.

  Calloway waited for their vow, their word that they wouldn’t stay behind if something happened to him. He couldn’t travel to the other side without this knowledge, that his friends wouldn’t risk their lives and immortality for him.

  Easton sighed. “We promise.”

  Heartbreak

  Calloway was annoyed he had to spend so much money on a single outfit, one suit that he would only wear again to his wedding and funeral, if it still fit, but he pushed the thought to the back of his mind. That is what Beatrice wanted and he would give that to her—he wanted to make her happy. Yes, it would be easier if what made her happy was something simple—like a rented suit—but that wasn’t realistic. Beatrice knew what she wanted and Calloway wanted to be the one to give it to her.

  When he walked into the building the next morning, he headed to his classroom down the hall and halted immediately when he saw Beatrice standing outside the room—holding hands with Hawk. They were whispering together while they stood very close to one another, practically kissing. Hawk continued to play with her fingers with a smile on his face.

  When Calloway marched over to them, Beatrice pulled her hand away, spotting his sudden approach. Hawk smiled at him triumphantly, delighted to see the despair and pain covering Calloway’s face, who was completely encumbered by the weight of his grief.

  The bell rang, signaling the commencement of morning classes, and Hawk stepped away from Beatrice. “I’ll see you later.”

  Calloway instantly turned on her. “What’s going on?”

  Beatrice avoided his gaze. “We have class.”

  Against his will, he grabbed her by the arm and held her next to him. When he realized what he was doing, he dropped his hand to his side, ashamed that he would use his physical superiority over her. “Are you with him again?”

  Beatrice walked into the classroom with the other students. “We’ll talk later.”

  Calloway followed her inside then passed Mr. Avey’s desk without looking at his teacher, sitting in his usual seat in the back row. He stared at Beatrice’s back and felt the anger and despair wash over him. He tried to control his rage, realizing this could be a big misunderstanding. Beatrice wouldn’t leave him for Hawk—it wouldn’t make any sense if she did, especially after the way that jerk treated her. And Calloway proved his commitment to her by spending a ludicrous amount of money on the prom, doing anything to make her happy. He was missing something—it couldn’t be what it seemed.

  When the bell rang, he was the first one out of the classroom, and when Beatrice made her exit he immediately questioned her.

  “What’s going on?” he asked in a frantic voice. He tried to retain his composure but he was losing his control over his calm demeanor. Beatrice returning to Hawk was the worst thing that could happen to him because his friends would be right about her, and after everything he said in her defense he couldn’t let that happen—he refused to believe that. Beatrice wouldn’t hurt him—she wouldn’t. “Beatrice?”

  She stepped away from him and clutched her binder to her chest, just like she always did when she was nervous or afraid. Calloway leaned in to kiss her but she moved away again. She didn’t look at him.

  “What did I do?” he whispered. “I don’t understand.”

  “Can’t you take a hint?” Hawk shouted as he approached him. His sinister smile was back on his lips and the arrogance had returned to his gait. He wrapped his arm around Beatrice but she didn’t move away. “She doesn’t want you, Poverty Boy #2.”

  Calloway stared at Beatrice, waiting for her to deny this claim, but she was silent, avoiding his gaze completely. He swallowed the lump in his throat and kept the tears from rising to his eyes. It wasn’t just the fact that she was dumping him—but who she was dumping him for. After everything they had been through together, she went back to her previous ways, letting Hawk mock and tease Calloway for being poor. The thought was too much to bear.

  “She’s going to prom with me.” Hawk smiled. “Who wants to go with trash?” He laughed at his own joke.

  Calloway ignored him, focusing his gaze on Beatrice even though she didn’t grace him with a simple look, focusing her sight on the carpet below their feet. “At least tell me why,” he whispered. “Why?”

  “Don’t act like you don’t know,” she said. “You’ve never committed to me—won’t even kiss me—and don’t get me started on Easton. I’m tired of waiting, Calloway.”

  “I don’t have feelings for Easton!” he hissed. “How many times do I have to tell you this? You are the only one!”

  “Let’s go, Hawk,” she said.

  “My pleasure.” He smiled.

  “You’re making the same mistake, Beatrice—twice,” Calloway said. “I did everything for you and you never once cared for me! My friends were right about you—I feel so stupid now.”

  Beatrice acted like she hadn’t heard him.

  “You should,” Hawk said, directing Beatrice down the hallway away from Calloway. “And stay away from my girl.”

  Calloway was rooted to the spot, so overcome with emotion and pain that he couldn’t walk or move. He heard the door open behind him but he didn’t notice the sound. Students talked as they walked down the hallway, laughing together or discussing their plans for prom, but Calloway just stood there like a person with no substance—a ghost.

  Mr. Avey clapped him on the shoulder. “It will be alright, Calloway.”

  Calloway didn’t respond to him, too emotional to even listen to his words. He took a deep breath and walked to his next class, moving like he had no purpose or form, and sat down in his seat without blinking. The morning classes were spent in a haze, a constant battle for control over his emotions, and he felt the formation of tears when the feelings became too intense. The betrayal was too much to comprehend—he still couldn’t believe it happened. It was like a bad dream that you were thankful wasn’t real—only it was.

  When he walked into the library, he plummeted in his chair and said nothing, running his hands through his hair while he stared at the surface of the table. His tw
o friends didn’t speak as they continued their regular activities. Breccan was eating, as usual, and Easton was finishing math homework. Several minutes went by in silence until Easton spoke.

  “Where’s your lovely girlfriend?”

  “She isn’t my girlfriend anymore,” Calloway said quietly.

  “What?” Breccan said.

  “Are you being serious?” Easton said.

  Calloway sighed. “Do you see her anywhere?”

  Easton stared at him for a moment, processing the truthfulness of his words. When she realized it was real, that Calloway was being honest, she came to his side of the table and sat next to him. “What happened?” she asked quietly.

  “She left me for Hawk—they are together again. That sums it up.”

  Breccan stopped eating, putting his food off to the side, and stared at his cousin in shock.

  Easton grabbed Calloway and hugged him tightly. He returned her embrace and buried his face in her shoulder, letting himself feel safe for just a moment in time, knowing he had his friends no matter what happened. Breccan rose from his seat and patted Calloway on the shoulder, silently assuring him that he was there for comfort.

  Calloway pulled away and took a deep breath, breathing through the pain. “I feel so stupid.”

  Easton rubbed his arm. “It’s her loss, Calloway.”

  “She may be beautiful but she’s incredibly dull,” Breccan said. “She brings cookies—that’s all she’s good for.”

  Calloway smiled. “Thanks.”

  “I’m sorry, Calloway,” Easton said.

  He looked at her. There was no look of gloating or arrogance—she really meant it. “I know.”

  “At least you are six hundred dollars richer,” Breccan said.

  “Or just six hundred dollars less in debt,” Calloway said.

  Easton grabbed his hand. “Now you can rent a suit and look just as good in it.”

  Calloway shook his head. “I’m not going.”

  “Yes, you are,” Breccan interjected. “If I have to go, then so do you. And you wouldn’t want to disappoint Mom and Dad. Remember how happy they were about your acceptance? Don’t ruin their high now.”

  “You just don’t want to go alone,” Calloway said with a smile.

  “I’m not,” he said. “I’m going with Easton.”

  She glared at him. “I haven’t decided that yet.”

  “But you already said yes.”

  “And then I said no,” she said.

  Breccan sighed. “So, I have to ask you again?”

  “Yes,” she said. “As many times as it takes to get it right.”

  “Great.” Calloway sighed. “Going to senior prom stag after my girlfriend dumped me. I’m going to be the hit of the party.”

  “You aren’t going alone,” Easton said. “Go with Weston.”

  “No,” Calloway said quickly. “I’m not going with her.”

  “Why?” Easton asked. “She won’t mind. She had a great time with you.”

  “This was before she realized she couldn’t trust me,” he said. “I’m certain she wants nothing to do with me. We haven’t spoken in months.”

  “She’s still your friend, Calloway,” Easton said.

  “Is she?” he asked seriously.

  “Don’t be like that,” she said.

  “I’m not taking Weston,” he said. “And I don’t want to.”

  Easton sighed. “Let’s talk to her after school.”

  “No,” Calloway snapped. “I don’t want to see her. I want nothing to do with her.”

  Easton released his hand. “So, do you hate my sister now? Just because she’s doing what’s best for her organization? Don’t be so petty, Calloway.”

  Calloway ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t hate her—never could.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “I—I just don’t want to,” he whispered.

  “After school we are going to talk to her,” Easton said. “If my sister says no, then problem solved. You don’t have to take her. If she says yes, then you’re going with her. Hawk is going to torture you if you come without a date. And we have to make Beatrice regret her idiotic decision—make her realize what she’s missing.”

  “I have no desire for revenge,” Calloway said. “It doesn’t change anything.”

  “It changes everything,” Breccan said. “Don’t you want to make her feel as bad as you do? Make her want you back?”

  “No,” Calloway said. “I’m not interested in that. And if she did pursue me, I would never take her back. I may forgive her but that would be the end of it.”

  “Of course you would,” Breccan said sarcastically.

  “Since I’m your ride home we’re stopping by Weston’s after school,” Easton said. “No arguments.”

  “She’s just going to say no,” Calloway said. “You are only going to make her uncomfortable.”

  Easton laughed. “My sister doesn’t get uncomfortable. She’ll tell you exactly what she’s thinking and when she thinks it. That’s what I love about her.”

  “I thought you hated that about her?” Breccan said. “How she is always making fun of you—speaking her mind?”

  “Well, it’s a love-hate relationship,” Easton said.

  When the end of the school day arrived, Calloway walked to Mr. Avey’s classroom, wanting to apologize for ignoring him earlier that day. He was so delusional with pain that he couldn’t think appropriately at the time.

  Mr. Avey was sitting at his desk when Calloway walked in, reading the essays they had submitted that afternoon. He looked up when his student entered the room. He stared at him for a moment but didn’t speak.

  Calloway moved further inside and sat in his desk. There were no jokes or pleasantries between them—the room was quiet and still.

  “How are you doing?” Mr. Avey asked.

  “It hurts.”

  Mr. Avey nodded. “Heartbreak is the backbone of aging—you can’t get away from it.”

  “I suppose.” Calloway stared at the whiteboard ahead. “I wish it could be avoided though.”

  “Don’t we all?”

  “Is that why you are a bachelor?”

  Mr. Avey nodded. “And among other reasons.”

  “It sounds like you know what you’re doing.”

  “It may seem that way, but I can guarantee that is far from the truth.”

  Calloway leaned back in his chair. “I just feel stupid,” he said. “I should have just listened to my friends and not given Beatrice another chance—she didn’t deserve it.”

  “You took a risk,” Mr. Avey said. “You can’t win a race if you don’t compete, right?”

  Calloway nodded.

  “And you shouldn’t regret giving her that chance. You’re very gifted and you don’t even realize it.”

  “Or just stupid—as my friends will tell you,” Calloway said.

  Mr. Avey laughed. “You see the good in people when others don’t. You are very rare.”

  “But it does me no good. I’ve been wrong every single time.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Calloway shook his head. “Beatrice dumped me for that loser who treats her with disrespect, scaring her into submission. She really is evil.”

  “Or is she a good person that just does evil things?”

  Calloway looked at his teacher. “The first one,” he said.

  “I think you should take another look.”

  “No,” Calloway said. “I’m done.”

  Mr. Avey sighed. “I sincerely hope you don’t lose yourself over this, Calloway. You are one of the greatest people that I know. I, along with the rest of the world, wouldn’t want you to ever change.”

  Calloway sighed. “That’s because people take advantage of me—walk all over me.”

  “No,” he said. “You are wrong about that. You give people a chance when no one will. You convince people that they are worth something—if they try.”

  Calloway met his
gaze. He knew Mr. Avey was talking about himself. Every other teacher in the school thought he was a poor student with no academic ability, but Mr. Avey spotted him for who he really was, and without his help and support, he never would have been accepted into college. “You’re right.”

  “I’m always right.” Mr. Avey smiled.

  “Oh no,” Calloway said. “I fed the ego.” He opened his backpack and took out his college admission notices then he rose to his feet, setting them on his teacher’s desk.

  Mr. Avey opened the letters and skimmed through them. A smile stretched across his face. He didn’t speak or look at Calloway when he was done. He just grabbed Calloway and hugged him tightly. “Congratulations.”

  Calloway returned his embrace before he pulled away. “Thank you.”

  Mr. Avey smiled. “You empowered yourself to learn and grow. I really did nothing but let you go where you wanted without a predetermined answer.”

  Calloway laughed. “It didn’t seem that way most of the time. I distinctly recall you paying for the exam and driving me there, in addition to forcing me to sit in study hall and prepare for the SAT. It was pretty clear what you wanted me to do.”

  “But I didn’t make you get that outstanding score,” Mr. Avey said. “You did that all on your own. You picked the colleges you wanted to go to. I just sat back and watched.”

  “I still think you deserve more credit.”

  Mr. Avey shrugged. “Perhaps,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. “So, have you decided?”

  Calloway nodded. “Fresno University.”

  Mr. Avey stared at him for a moment. “And why is that?”

  “It’s a good college,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”

  Mr. Avey nodded but didn’t speak.

  “You are wondering why I didn’t choose Dartmouth?”

  He shrugged. “The thought crossed my mind.”

  “What do you think I should do?”

  “That is for you to decide. But if you do reject the most prestigious school in the country, it better be for a good reason.”

  Calloway smiled. “It is.”