Controlling the Elements (The Manipulator Series Book 1)

by N. R. Spratlin

  Curiosity getting the better of me, I follow him and watch as he rips the sheet away. What I see freezes me to me spot.

  "Oh shit," I mumble. My hand automatically comes up, running a hand through my hair. I try to catch his gaze but he will not look at me, just keeps staring, still breathing heavily. I step closer to it, admiring it. It’s a surf board.

  Looking at it, I can see the love and time he has put into it. I’m taken aback from what I am seeing. I keep opening then closing my mouth trying to find the right words to say.

  I’m such an idiot. Guilt starts to swamp me. All this time he has been doing this?

  "It's perfect." I tell him and meaning it.

  "You think?" it seems the anger has sizzled out of him with my reaction.

  "Yeah, I am sure." I cannot take my eyes off from it. The attention to detail is what makes it come alive. "He is going to love it" I turn to him and put my hand on his shoulder, hoping there are no hard feelings.

  "Do you think they will understand?" He asks me, still looking towards the board. I turn my gaze back to it observing his hard work again. I cannot help but get mesmerized by the art. The attention to detail is amazing, especially on a surf board. I cannot help but get caught up in.

  "Oh yeah, I think they will. Look, brother, I am sorry—" This time he cuts me off.

  “–No, don’t I deserve it. You are right it's time to be a man and step up to my responsibilities." He turns to finally look at me, a determination shine through his eyes. I can’t help but feel guilty when I see the area I hit him.

  "Well there is no time like the present," I tell him. He nods his head in agreement and moves to cover the board back up. As I watch the man before me, still broken yet on the mend, taking care of things, I am thankful to have him back. I knew he was in there all along; he just needed a push in the right direction. Like my mother always taught me, when you love someone you urge them to be at their full potential. When they have it set in their mind that they can achieve what they want then you are able to watch them flourish. That woman has always been right; everyone has a right to their feelings.

  Feelings are the one thing in the world that nobody can rob from you. Right then as I start pitching in to help him finish cleaning up, I allow myself to feel the happiness over the fact things seems like they are falling into place. Zephyr is going to be okay. We are all going to be okay. We would all get through this and whatever life throws at us together. None of us have to be alone. I am thankful for my family.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  “We need to talk.” - Zephyr

  Dillon

  I step out of the back door, going down a small step, my one foot landing on the grass when my ears suddenly get assaulted with high pitch squealing and laughter. I stiffen.

  Only two more hours and they are gone.

  It takes all I have to not cover my ears up and plaster on my polite smile as I bring another bowl of chips to the table. I really can’t wait to just chill and have a nice big glass of wine.

  “This looks like it’s quite the hit!” Tucker appears from behind me as Everett moves in to stand next to him.

  “Yeah, I agree, seems like Connor was right and I had nothing to worry about.” I smile, touching his arm briefly. With Tucker I find that I can’t help but touch him. The past week I’ve had to physically stop myself from reaching out by sitting on my hands when the urge had come about, not understanding what was going on. I didn’t want him to think I’m a touchy, feely weirdo. I’ve always felt the urge with the others and been able to control it, be it a lot of willpower, but with Tucker its more. When I asked Everett, two days ago, why it feels like I have to be inconstant contact, he told me it’s because Tucker is my trace elemental counterpart and my essence is seeking out the alliance. It makes me feel bad now that I understand what’s going on because I have yet to break through that wall. I can’t help but think that if what I’m feeling is this strong then what Tucker is feeling must to be downright unbearable. When I come in contact with his skin, a warm comfort washes over me. I notice his body eases a bit too. That was also another tip from Everett. He had spent about a day looking into ways to help alleviate the tension and demand; it seems that touch is the best option. It’s moments like this where I’m glad my counterpart is Tucker and not Everett or Flint; it would be awkward having sexual feelings every time I touch someone. So now instead of worrying how I may come across, I try to touch him briefly but regularly.

  “It seems that Connor is having just as much fun as the kids.” Tucker says smirking, I out right laugh at that because it does seem that way. Once the party started, it was like he let his inner child loose. He tied on one of the capes we bought in theme for Lyon’s super hero party and then began chasing the kids around. At the moment, he’s chasing Lyon and majority of his teammates up on the inflatable slide.

  “Ten bucks says he will pass out tonight, just like Lyon.” Everett says, which shocks me and makes Tucker burst out laughing, spraying us both in soda that he just drank. I jump up back quickly, but got some on my arm. Everett wasn’t so lucky. He takes off his glasses and wipes them on his top before putting them back on to glare at him. Tucker just gives us a sheepish smile and apologizes. It’s rare to hear Everett make a joke. This is, maybe, my second time hearing him do it. I just shake my head at them both and check my watch. Tucker must have picked up on me being antsy because he places his palm on my wrist blocking the face of my watch and pushes my hand back down.

  “Don’t worry; they will be here on time.” I nod, trying to look confident but I can tell I don’t fool him. “Flint said they would be here when it was time to open the presents, and they will be here. Plus, tomorrow Flint and Con are going on one of their annual trips so I know Flint won’t miss the chance to see the birthday boy.” I know it’s true, Flint is a man of his word, but he is completely missing the point of what I’m nervous about. Flint and Zephyr are coming to the party together, and although that makes me a little nervous, it isn’t why I truly am. It’s more due to the fact of a text message I had received last night.

  When I had finished making sure the decorations were in order and about exhausted myself in trying help Connor make Lyon’s cake, I, all but fell into bed last night. I had been getting solid nightmare free sleep since the guys had entered my life, and last night I was very much looking forward to it. That is until I received a text from Zephyr. It was short, but the words impacted me so much I stayed up late fretting over them for hours.

  ‘We need to talk.’

  That was it. But it was more than that. I kept reading it over and over; unable to keep my thoughts from the train wreck they were heading towards. I kept reliving the last time he asked to talk to me, the same night that he broke my heart. Even though I am sure it is just my paranoia setting it, I can’t help to think of what was to come of those words. Nothing good I am sure. Still, even now after a sleepless night I am curious to know what he has to say. We’ve both grown up and moved on so he obviously is not harboring any feelings for me in the way I did for him in high school so at least I know that won’t be a conversation we will ever have. I’m just trying to keep my hopes up that he will at least like to be here for Lyon again and pick back up our friendship. It has been hard doing this alone. I’ve been finding it hard to talk to Lyon about his parents and us growing up to only be asked where Uncle Zip is as well. I admit it’s hard to act as a single parent; I have complete respect for other parents in this situation. Even though it is hard, I still wake up every day and do it because I have to, and because I would rather it me then some stranger. I’ve been so mad at Zep for so long that I guess channeling my anger on him disappearing has really covered up the true issue at heart.

  I am lonely.

  I am a twin missing my other half.

  I am missing my best friend.

  “Earth to Dillon.” I snap out of my mindless wondering, blinking up at Tucker as he waves his hand back and forth in front of my face. He must have t
ried to grasp my attention several times now.

  “Yeah here, sorry.” I shake my shoulders a bit hoping to shake away the lingering funk and get back into the present.

  “Welcome back!” Everett proudly proclaims, pointing to my back as he says it. He gives me a brilliant breathtaking smile.

  I roll my eyes, “Woah, don’t go crazy! I think you already reached your joke quota for the day.” I tease him and watch as his eyes dance with humor. There is so much to that man that I’m dying to figure out.

  “As I was saying, it’s time to go get the cake. I just received a text from Flint and he said they are parking and would be right in.” Tucker says, looking down at his phone.

  Ah right, cake time.

  “Okay got it; I will be back in a second.” I turn to walk to the house to pick up the cake from fridge.

  “Do you need any help?” Tucker offers and makes a step in my direction like he is going to come if I don’t answer fast enough.

  “Nah, I got it; though you might want to start rounding up the kids to get them ready.” I suggest.

  “And Connor?” He asks.

  “Like I said the kids.” I wink at him and go inside the house.

  No matter how childish Connor can act, he is a serious genius in the kitchen. He could cook all sorts of delicious things, but I can tell his specialty lies in baking. I crouch down to lift the tin foil back a bit to get another glimpse of the cake. I have to be very careful in doing so, because Connor will kill me if I messed up any of the frosting on top. That is another thing if I want Connor be serious for once, all I have to do is stick him in kitchen to make a cake. He unleashes his controlling side, the only thing he let me do was mix the batter up and that was only because he put it in my stand-up mixer.

  “Seriously if you care for me at all, you will back away from the cake!” I jump, Connor’s voice startling me. I almost smack my hand down upon his master piece.

  “Well, if you wouldn’t sneak up on me like that then there would have been no risk at your cake being messed up, I was just coming in to get it and take it out.” I snap a bit at him when I stand back up right.

  “I know and I thank you for that, but I got it. That way if something happens with it between this fridge and the table outside, it will be completely on me.” He moves past me and reaches in to grab it out. I roll my eyes when his back is turned, because in all honesty, I think he is taking it a little too far.

  “Would you get the door for me?” Connor turns around balancing it along his arms like he is holding a delicate silk; he nods his head in the general direction of the door. I turn and open it, stepping outside only to freeze in my tracks. I hear Connor let loose a curse behind me.

  “Warning, break lights, give me something before you stop short like that girl! I just nearly avoided that collision.” Connor chastises me as he scoots around, picking the safest route between the rambunctious kids to the table. I, on the other hand, cannot move from my spot.

  Are my eyes deceiving me?

  I look down, blink a few times, and even rub them for good measure before I look back up.

  Nope, they aren’t.

  Zephyr is standing next to the present and cake table. A force not of my choosing starts to move my feet forward as I stop looking at the present and then focus on the man standing next to it. The last time I saw him, his eyes looked hallow, carrying heavy shadows, and he looked like he lost a lot of weight. The man standing across the lawn from me now seems to have vibrancy in life that sucks me in. His eyes are alight with life. It has been a while since I have seen him smile that big. Pure joy looks to be leaking out of him everywhere. Although still thinner than what I’m used to, it also looks like he’s also put some back on.

  He must have felt my eyes on him because the next thing I know we are locked in an intense gaze. My stomach flutters when I see a spark ignite in his eyes which heats a part of me that has been dormant for quite some time. Feelings, more specifically my feelings for him. I break eye contact as soon as I feel the hot flush rise to my cheeks.

  “Alright then kiddos, let’s move to the table, it’s time for cake and presents!” Connor shouts after making it to the table in one piece, looking extremely excited. I shake my head. After making my way over to them, I stand next to Lyon, as the kids finish running up to the table. I need to shake off the influx of crazy that just rushed in and get this show on the road. It’s the birthday boy’s day, so I could figure everything with Zep out later.

  I make a brief speech about how amazing Lyon is, and then everyone busts out in an off key, weird, overlapped version of Happy Birthday. Lyon giggles and laughs through it all, especially when Flint does a ‘magic trick’ for the kids to light his candles. He blows them out with vigor and then Connor starts cutting the cake as I pull up a chair to have Lyon sit and open his presents. Lyon is an unusual kid, instead of tearing into each gift with vigor just to get to his loot inside; he takes his time, carefully peeling back, or sliding his finger under each bit of tape like he is afraid to ruin what is inside. He received so many toys from the other kids; I’m going to have to make sure he goes through his current toys to clear some out to make room. It will be a great time to teach him about donations to children who are not as fortunate as him and would love them.

  Hmm…I wonder if Tucker knows some less fortunate children who would like them, maybe from single parent families who can’t afford much or some great charity organizations. I’ll file the thought away for later.

  When it comes time for the guy’s presents to be opened, I can see each of them getting nervous as Lyon picks them up one by one and opens them. It’s endearing to think they are worried that he won’t like what they picked out. They should know better, because adores each of the guys.

  Flint gave him a collectable Batman action figure doll and a complete first season of Superman comics. Connor got him the new Lego Batman game for his system as well as a new controller to match. Everett gave him matching Batman luggage and comforter set for his bed. I laugh quietly to myself when he opens his last gift from him to find a Rubix cube.

  “If you need help with it, let me know.” Lyon nods at Everett.

  “What do you say Lyon?” I ask. He runs up to Everett giving him a big hug.

  “Thank you so much Evy. Really can’t wait to play it!” He fists pumps the air with his tiny hand before running back to the present table.

  “You are very welcome.” Everett shouts after him. I smile.

  ***

  Tucker got him a new Kindle, since Lyon has just busted the screen on his old one a few weeks back. He even made sure everything was on there and got a super hero case for protection this time. When it came time for Zep to give him his present, he deferred his time for a bit. He said he wanted Lyon to open his gift with just the three of us. A little baffled why, I didn’t hesitate long for Lyon’s sake. The smallest bag, and the only bag left on the table is what I have got him. I crouch down in front of him as I hand it over; I want to see his expression.

  “What?!” He screeches and launches his small body into me after he sees what it is. “We are going to Lego Land and Disney World?” His face is one of pure joy and it fills me with so much warmth that the feeling is truly indescribable.

  “Look closer at everything for me.” I grab the papers out of his hand and point towards the specific words I want him to see.

  “What are annual passes?” He asks a bit confused, as the kids who over hears and understands what annual means start to express how cool it is.

  “Well Ly what all this stuff means is yes, we are going to both places, but not just once, we can go as many times as we want to for a whole year!” I proudly explain. As the words leave my mouth he launches himself into me once more, this time knocking me off balance and we go tumbling backwards. I wrap my arms around him tight and start giggling as he proclaims, “Best birthday ever.”

  After about ten minutes of Lyon sharing all of his presents with the other kids Zep calls us o
ver.

  “Can we go inside so I can give you your present?” He squats down on Lyon’s level and asks.

  “Sure, Uncle Zip!” He replies, grabbing my hand, and starts dragging me towards the doors. I can’t help but laugh at him. I look over my shoulder and see Zep doing the same and shaking his head.

  “I guess we will see you inside then, “I call out to him and he smiles brighter.

  Once the three of us get seated in the living room, with the guys promising Zep they keep everyone outside for a bit, he begins to explain things.

  “Okay Lyon, I am sorry I have been gone lately, but I had a really important project I had to do.” I prickle a bit at hearing that excuse he has been using for over a month to stay away. I narrow my gaze at him when he looks my way and I see him take a reflexive gulp.

  “The project had to do with you, Munchkin.” Lyon looks at him perplexed, and well I do too.

  “You see,” he starts and rubs his hand along the back of his neck. A gesture I know he does when he is dealing with a tough or emotional situation. Instinctively I grab Lyon’s hand and start rubbing small circles on the back of it; bracing myself for what is about to come out of his mouth. “This time last year your dad approached me with something he wanted to make you. He was so proud on how you were taking to the water and tandem surfing with him that he thought you would be ready for this present this year.” A light bulb flickers on in my head, connecting all the puzzle pieces before he goes on to confirm them. “Well, we started this project together the day after your birthday; we didn’t get too far into it because of how busy things were during the holiday season. I knew how much he wanted you to have this Lyon, so for the past month I have been finishing it for you. So, I want you to open your present now.” A little hesitant, Lyon stands up from the couch, letting go of my hand to walk to where a cloth wrapped present with a bow on top is perched against the side of Zep’s chair. By the shape I know what it is. Just like his other presents, he takes his time unwrapping it, and gasps when he sees it.