The Family: Countdown To A Curse

by Ford, S. M.

  T = 2pi sqrt(l/g) where T and l are known 2pi is constant and so you can compute g.

  “I did this numerous times, took many value recordings of g to avoid external errors, and then took an average. Of course, I did this all in a gravity-free environment that I’ve created in the closet. Would you like to see? It’s fairly simple to explain...” I jumped up, and Rosi and Donna followed. “Nope! No time for that! I’m sure it is totally fascinating AND super easy to understand, but we’ve got a lot to do now that you’ve built this thing! Get some rest Greg! You’re gonna need it!” I dashed towards the little exit door. As we ran down the steep, winding stairs I couldn’t suppress a giggle. “No WAY was I gonna try and have us sit through another of Greg’s ‘simple’ explanations! I mean, I’m SO glad that he’s a brainiac, but I have no idea WHAT he was really talking about...And that was his ‘dumbed-down’ version for us ‘chattering monkeys’!” Elated at these latest turns of events, Rosi, Donna and I headed back to my house for a strategy session. I checked the calendar on my smart phone. “Ladies, today is October 3. The next Apogee is October 11. We need to test the A-Watch on a real vampire thats Showing out of control. I mean, the closet test is good, but we need to be sure. Also, the Blood Moon is on October 27. We don’t have much time to test the watch and make a decision. Do we break the curse? We’ve got all the tools we need to do it. We’re the first generation in over 250 years to have figured out every line of the curse! I mean, we all know what will happen if we break it, right?” Rosi and Donna nodded. Rosi frowned. “Ya, everyone who’s super old is definitely gonna die... Shouldn’t we ask the family what they want? It only seems right... It’s their lives we’d be messing with.” The cold morning air felt good blowing in my face as Donna pulled out of the long driveway. “I know Rosi. But this affects us too. Do you really wanna hafta live forever, and always hafta be careful, eat the right foods, take the right supplements, and worry about Showing every month? And it was our job to break the curse...but I don’t wanna lose any of our family, either. I’ve gotten really fond of the whole motley crew...” Donna finally chimed in after silently listening. “Guys, I’m not part of the family or anything, but I think you have choices now that nobody else ever has had. Look, you’ve got the curse figured out, but you’ve also got the A-Watch now. You’ve got options, and your whole family should know.” I smiled. “You guys are both right. Let’s call a family meeting for October 12. We can test the A-Watch during Apogee on October 11, and then reveal our findings to the family on the twelfth. We’ll get everyone together, tell them everything we’ve discovered, and decide together.”

  Chapter 19

  TICK TOCK

  Mom and Dad were having coffee on the sagging front porch as Donna pulled her little coupe into the driveway. Dad looked surprised. “Wow! You girls are up and about mighty early! You all look doe eyed... What’s happened?” Mom just sipped her coffee and quietly surveyed us over the rim of her cup. I took a deep breath. Rosi, Donna and I perched on the worn out old steps of the porch and told Mom and Dad everything. We started by explaining the meaning of all the lines of the curse, one by one. We had the whole thing memorized by now! Mom’s eyes brimmed with tears of joy, and Dad pretended to sneeze so we couldn’t see his tears. Next we explained about Pellegrino, his true parentage, and the secretive note he had sent Aunt Maia. I hesitated when we got to the part about our late night trip to Whiskey Lake.Then I blurted it out. “I’m really sorry guys. We had to do it! We ... we snuck out to the lake one night after you all went to bed. We didn’t want to, but we had to find the Summer Triangle! The only way to see it from the right angle was to look at it after dark from the spot Pellegrino talked about in his note. That’s how we found the clearing, and the box with his notes!” I realized I’d been rambling on and on, so I stopped talking and waited. Mom and Dad exchanged looks. Mom set her coffee cup down and fixed her gaze on me. “Callidora. Do you really think you’re that clever? Do you think for a moment that you were alone at the lake?” I stuttered “W...well, no. Greg followed us too. He just did it ‘cause he was worried about us, though!” Mom continued her steely gaze. Her eyes were so piercing that it felt like she was looking into my soul! “Callidora, that is exactly why your father and I were there too. We saw you sitting atop the flat rocks. We saw you find the circular clearing. And we saw you threaten to ‘ninja-kick’ Greg into the stratosphere! It was so hard not to laugh out loud at that point, sweetie.” I was dumbstruck. “So, you guys knew all along that we had sneaked out? And not only that, you were there watching us?! And I’m not in trouble?!” Mom returned to sipping her coffee, and Dad took over. “Well, let’s see. Yes, yes, and ... no. The only reason you’re not in trouble is because we knew you had good intentions. Trying to break the curse, and all. Don’t get any crazy ideas about repeating that behavior, though. Cat’s out of the bag now, eh Ellie? She’ll never believe we aren’t watching her now!” Dad chuckled to himself. I couldn’t wait to tell them the rest! “Mom, Dad, we havent told you the biggest part yet...” We took turns filling them in on the A-Watch and our plan to test it during the next Apogee on October 11. And finally we asked them to call an all family meeting for October 12 so the whole family could have a hand in making the decision to end the curse or not. Mom and Dad seemed overwhelmed now. Mom spoke, her voice choking up. “Calli, Rosi, and Donna you too... I am so incredibly proud of you girls. Life is really going to change soon... This is all so surreal! I’m going to get on the phone right now and spread the word about the meeting! Come here you three!” Before we could utter a word we were all three being squeezed in Mom and Dad’s group hug.

  As we turned to head inside, Rosi stopped. “So, uhm, Uncle Ed and Aunt Ellie? Do my parents know about our little night trip too?” Mom smiled. “Ooh, sweet Rosi. Of course they do. Steve drove, Thiya brought snacks, and we all rode together!” Rosi looked like she was about to be sick. “Oh, don’t fret sweetie. Your Mom and I were fifteen and trying to break this curse too, once upon a time.” Mom winked at Rosi, and we bolted for the front door.

  The days until October 11 dragged on. Every tick tock of the big grandfather clock in our living room seemed to be in slow motion. Rosi and I tried to occupy ourselves by outlining the final plans for the curse breaking on October 27. We had given it a code name, since it was easier to talk about it without saying ‘when we break the curse’ or ‘the night we break the curse’. We decided to call it Adventus, which Greg said was Latin for ‘the coming’. It seemed appropriate, since with the breaking of the curse would ‘come’ many changes in all our lives, and it was just faster to say!

  We planned every detail of Adventus. Great Sophia would have to be on the shore waiting for us. The family tree would have to be tapped in order to release enough blood sap for the ceremony. Once the blood was drawn we would have to complete the ceremony within one hour in order to fulfill the requirements of the curse, which called for ‘fresh blood’. At least, thats what we understood that line to mean. In our family, which had been so dependent upon blood to survive, blood that had been shed was no longer considered ‘fresh’ after one hour. Rosi and I took Connie and Tobie on a test run from the tree to the shore. Twenty-five minutes during daylight meant it should take no more than 10-15 minutes late at night. The Blood Moon would be in full presentation at seven minutes after midnight, so traffic should not pose an issue. A quick trip to the local hardware store, and we had the sealed jug that would catch the blood sap from the tree and allow us to safely transport it to the shore. Every detail was in place, and had been checked twice. Everyone knew their roles, and we felt sure we hadn’t missed a single thing. October 11 finally came. Greg arrived at the house bright and early, with Rosi sleepily following behind. “Coffee, cuz? Do you have coffee made yet? I’ couldn’t sleep last night. Too excited. Now I’m wiped.” I steered Rosi to the kitchen. “Fresh pot. Help yourself Rosi. I already had two cups!” Rosi looked mildly irritated. “Thanks. No wonder your so stinkin’ bubbly.” We had deci
ded to test the A-Watch on Mom. Rosi had Shown once during the last Apogee, but her system wasn’t fully developed and we weren’t sure if she’d experience it again today. Mom said it might take awhile to Show regularly during Apogee. Sort of like getting your period. When it first comes on, it’s arrival might be sketchy for a couple of months. Rosi grabbed giant mug of coffee and we headed upstairs to Mom and Dad’s room. I knocked on their door. “Hey! Mom! Greg ‘n’ Rosi are here with the A-Watch! Did you Show yet?!” Dad opened the door, yawning. “Hey Muffin... Nothing yet. G’mornin’...Come on in everyone.” Mom was seated on the wooden trunk at the foot of their bed. “Hi all! Good morning! Nothing’s going on yet, so let’s get that little beauty on me!” She held out her wrist and Greg strapped the A-Watch on. “Okay, well, it doesn’t always come on at first light of day you know. How about I let you all know when it happens, or if it happens, I should say! You can’t all just sit and stare at me for 24 hours!” I knew that was true, but felt a bit disappointed. For some reason, I had been thinking that we’d know right away if the A-Watch was working properly. Mom shooed us towards the door. “Nice work, by the way, Greg! I feel sure it’s going to be a winner!” She gave Greg a little pat on the back and closed the door. We were just heading down the stairs when the door reopened. Mom popped out into the hall. “And everything is all set for the big family meeting tomorrow, guys! They’ll all be here after dinner, at 7.”

  Lunch time came, and still no news from Mom and Dad. I listened acutely for signs of Mom’s Showing, but the house was silent. I had to remind myself that this was good. After all, we wanted Mom NOT to Show, after all. The waiting was unbearable. Finally, just before dinner time, Mom popped into the kitchen. I smiled when I saw her. It looked like the A-Watch was working! This was phenomenal! Maybe we would actually be able to offer the family a choice tomorrow! Then Mom smiled back at us, a bit of a sad smile, though. Her fangs were in full Showing. My heart fell. Rosi gasped. Greg lowered his head in defeat. “Now, now, kids. Don’t be too disappointed. The watch was a great idea, and really shows what a brilliant mind you have, Greg! Don’t be sad. We still have the curse to break... Adventus, I believe you called it? Tomorrow we’ll meet with the family and share the great news!” I had no words at that moment. Greg and Rosi looked as though they were about to cry. Mom patted Greg on the shoulder, gave Rosi a squeeze, and started moving around the kitchen, gathering pots and pans to begin dinner prep. Greg reached out and grabbed Mom’s hand. He carefully removed the A-Watch, and looked up at her. “I’m really sorry Auntie... I thought it would work, for sure. I... I tested it over and over. I just don’t understand. There must’ve been an error in my calibrations...I’m sorry.” Mom put down the roast she was holding and gave Greg a hug. He began to sob, and quickly turned away. With the A-Watch in hand he walked slowly out of the kitchen, into the yard, and disappeared up the road. “Mom, don’t count me in for dinner tonight. I’m just not hungry.” As Mom started to try and console us, Rosi and I followed Greg out the door. The only thing left was for us to meet the family tomorrow evening, tell them we had solved the riddle of the curse, and ... remind them that if we broke it on October 27, Adventus, many of them would probably die. We hopped on our Mopeds and headed for the solace of Whiskey Lake.

  Chapter 20

  THE END

  Seven o’clock on October 12 came too quickly. Rosi and I had been dreading the arrival of the family. The news that we had to share was a dichotomy, in the truest sense of the word. One singular thing that was both good and bad. I had never fully understood the real meaning of the word until today, and I was sure I would never forget it now.

  The family began to arrive early. By 7 o’clock everyone was gathered in our gigantic living room. Mom and Thiya had, of course, set out trays of snacks and a couple of drink tables. Coffee, tea, wine, beer, water, sodas, and something brown that was probably whiskey. I looked out at the sea of faces that had become so dear to me in such a short time. To think that one year ago I didn’t even know they existed. And today they were all so much a part of my life. And now I had to tell them that many of them might die. I felt sick. Tears stung the corners of my eyes. Mom took her place on the landing of the stairs, just above the crowd. She motioned for me and Rosi to come up. Rosi looked sick, too. We linked arms, and headed up to the landing. “Mom, I don’t know what to say... How can I tell them?” Mom smiled a small smile and stood behind Rosi and me, with one hand on each of our shoulders. “Go ahead girls. Tell them.” Directly ahead of us, at the front of the crowd, stood Great Sophia. She was looking directly at us, her eyes unwavering. She seemed to know already. I tapped the little karaoke microphone. How funny, the first day I had met everyone, I remember Aunt Iezabel trying to find this thing so she could introduce me to everyone. I had been scared stiff then, too. But this was different now. Now these people were my family. I started to speak, and saw Aunt Iezabel and Uncle Zane, holding the twins and giving us a thumbs up. Tears filled my eyes. “Welcome everyone. Rosi and I have some news for you all...” My voice cracked and the tears started to flow. Rosi stepped forward. “Hello everyone. We want to announce to you all tonight that Calli and I, along with my brother Greg and our new friend Donna, have solved the curse.” The room was silent for a moment, and then a raucous roar filled the room. Hats were thrown up into the air, babies were bounced high, and glasses were raised in toast. I put my hand on Rosi’s shoulder. “Thanks Cuz. Now it’s my turn, I guess...” I stepped forward, and the crowd quieted somewhat. “Dear family, it’s true. We have broken the riddle of the curse, and the family will finally be free of our centuries old burden during the next Blood Moon, just past midnight on October 27. We call this monumentous event ‘Adventus’. However, there is a dark side... We believe that if we are to break the curse, some of our dear family members will not survive.” A hush fell over the room. Someone shouted out. “What do you mean?!” There hush grew to a murmur, and then to a roar. Everyone was talking at once, and no one was listening. I turned to Mom, panic all over my face. Rosi backed up slowly till she was behind Mom. Then, suddenly, Great Sophia was on the landing in front of us. She raised both her arms. The silence was immediate. When she spoke, I was shocked by her words. “Dear children. Please be silent. We have tasked generation after generation to solve the riddle of the curse, and free our family from it’s bonds. These young vampiri believe they have done so. The first in more than 250 years. Were you blind to not see the inevitable? How would a centuries old curse be broken without those who are centuries old perishing? Please. I have known in my heart that this would be so. Tell me you have not all considered this fact as well? Do not blame these clever children, but thank them. Nay, let us congratulate them, and bow our heads to them in gratitude. Any less would be vile and unconscionable.” The crowd lowered their heads and words of thanks and praise echoed throughout the living room. I moved forward again, and stood elbow to elbow with Great Sophia. “We ... we thought it would be best to allow the family to make this decision. After all, it will affect us all, and some even more than others.” Great Sophia turned to me. “Child, you and Ambrosia have possibly achieved an insurmountable task. I am forever indebted to you, if you are correct in your assessment of the curse’s meaning and the steps required in order to break it. There shall be no vote. I am the matriarch of this family. It is my own fault that this anomaly of nature has occurred, The curse shall be broken, and those of us who have lived beyond our time shall move into the next phase of existence. It is done.” Great Sophia reached inside the high, frilled collar of her blouse. She pulled a long, golden gilt necklace from around her neck. Suspended at the end of the chain was an oval locket. With shaking fingers she opened the locket. Inside was a glass panel. Behind the panel there was what appeared to be a lock of dark hair. She pulled Rosi’s hand forward, and did the same to mine. Great Sophia placed the locket in our hands together, and placed her hands over ours. “My children, this is the single most precious possession I own. It is a mourning
necklace. On the day my true love was brutally and viciously taken from me, I returned to his home. There, as you know, I found his lifeless body. I knelt over him and cut away a piece of his hair ... so that I would never, ever be without him. In this locket I placed that piece of hair, the only remnant of my truest love. I will leave this earthly home and my spirit will move on. I will have no means with which to hold this near my heart any longer. Take this gift from me, girls. Share it amongst yourselves. It is my most prized possession. Let it be a reminder of me always.” Rosi and I looked down at the piece of jewelry. Of course, the first thing that popped into my head was the first thing I blurted out. “Uhm, thats ... really sweet Great Sophia... I’ve heard of Mourning Jewelry where people put some part of their deceased loved one in a locket or picture frame ... but I thought they only did that during the Victorian Era in the 1800s, like almost 100 years after you ... after the curse was cast?” Great Sophia looked mildly annoyed for a fleeting moment. Then she swatted my cheek with her glove. This was becoming a bit of a regular occurrence with us it seemed. “Such a brilliant child you are, Callidora. Have I told you that you remind me of myself at your age? But never mind that... Yes, dear. These were quite popular during the Victorian age. Mainly because Queen Victoria saw my locket at her Inaugural Ball in 1837, and was entranced. She said she simply MUST have one herself! As a matter of fact, she was quite peevish when she found out that she had to wait until someone died to get one! It became all the rage after that!” Great Sophia turned to the crowd, to her family, and raised her arms. “My children, let us celebrate! Eat, and drink, and dance the night away! For thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die, passing though nature to eternity.” Great Sophia turned away from the microphone. “That is from Hamlet, by William Shakespeare. His illegitimate great grandson was once my lover you know! Oh, and should your efforts to repeal the curse fail... I shall require the return of my locket.” She smiled coyly, and stepped down from the landing into the crowd of the family. Rosi looked at the locket in disgust. “Ugh. So bizarre. That one’s all yours, Cuz. Creepy!” Rosi pushed the locket into my hands and stepped down from the landing into the swell of loved ones below. I looked at the locket. So sweet, I thought. Great Sophia had really loved this guy. I pulled the necklace over my head and tucked the locket safely down inside my tee shirt.