The Equinox

by K. K. Allen

  Trisha scrunches her face in response to his rude exit, then grins. “I’m so happy you’ll be working here with me. Between Roy and Johnny I was going mad surrounded by so much testosterone.”

  “No kidding. Are they like that all the time?”

  Trisha shrugs. “Yes, but Johnny keeps to himself mostly. Too bad.” She winks at me as if she might have a thing for him. “And Roy is really an old teddy bear once you get to know him. You’ll see.”

  I smile at her, thankful for her encouraging words. Her eyes widen as if a brilliant idea just popped into her head. “What are you up to tomorrow? We should hang by the pool. I’m determined to enjoy as much summer as I possibly can before it’s over.”

  The offer is an unsuspecting and welcome surprise. “That sounds perfect,” I say with a smile, secretly wondering if Alec will be at his lifeguard post again. I hope so.

  Her eyes light up as she springs onto her tiptoes. I can’t help but laugh. “Oh good. I can give you all of the Apollo Beach High inside gossip.”

  High School. The thought sends my insides through a grinder. My brief stint of High School didn’t work out so well. I have ignored all thoughts of it purposefully, but looking at Trisha now gives me a glimmer of hope.

  “Excuse me.” Johnny steps past us and as he does I take in his scent; a mixture of warmed skin, salt, and seaweed.

  Trisha tugs on my arm. “Some days he’s moodier than others,” she whispers to me as she pulls me forward. We giggle lightly, and I swear I see Johnny’s back muscles tighten through his shirt, but he pushes through the double doors and into the restaurant.

  * * *

  I exit the Island Grille after a wave to Trisha who stands behind the hostess booth. My bike is still posted up on the side of the rail near the restaurant. Too impatient to unlock it, I get down close, so that no one can see me use my magic, and free the lock. I swiftly wrap it up and stuff it in the small backpack behind the seat, then pedal off to Summer Estates where my guardians await my arrival.

  Charlotte is in my room when I get back to the house—in my closet, to be more precise. She’s flipping through my clothes, examining one item at a time.

  “I’m not snooping,” she says before swiveling around. A giant smile is plastered on her face.

  I take a seat on the ottoman that sits in the middle of my bedroom-sized closet. I still haven’t managed to fill it up yet, but I hope I never do.

  “Then what are you doing? Don’t tell me Rose wants you to take me shopping again.”

  Rose is overly generous with her money, and the discomfort of being on the receiving end of that generosity lingers with me. I don’t suspect that feeling will go away anytime soon.

  Charlotte’s eyes twinkle. “Well no. Not exactly. I’m going to make you something—something fit for a very special occasion.”

  “You’re going to sew something?” The puzzled look on my face must be funny because Charlotte laughs.

  “Come with me and I’ll show you.” She pulls a few items off the rack; a knee length emerald green dress, a sparkly silver polka dotted chiffon scarf, and gray wedges. I can’t remember having worn any of these items.

  I follow Charlotte down the hall to the other corner of the house, to a room I’ve never entered before. She introduces it as her craft room.

  My eyes take in everything around the room in awe. I never knew that Charlotte had a thing for arts and crafts. There are fabrics of all colors and sizes hung up on rolling rods that are bolted into the wall. There are clear plastic bins of pins and needles. I see chalk labeled containers with the words “scissors,” “buttons,” “magazines,” and “pens.” There are fabric boards with drawings all over the wall. Charlotte is talented.

  With a step further into the room I notice a naked black mannequin against the opposite wall and that’s where Charlotte goes next.

  I watch in fascination as she drapes the green silk of my dress over the mannequin’s head. She turns to assess me. “I just need to get your measurements.” She taps her finger to her lip a few times, in full concentration. “Spin.” She gestures to me and makes a circling motion with her hands.

  I do as she asks without hesitation.

  “Good.” She smiles and turns back to the dress. With a single hand motion the dress begins to transform before my eyes.

  It’s like I’m watching a fantastic symphony come to life with Charlotte as conductor and the fabric playing the role of her orchestra. The green fabric tugs together at the waist and with a snip of the flying scissors the top of the dress forms a heart-shaped cut. Another piece of chiffon fabric overlays the dress and again, the flying scissors begin to cut through the fabric, creating perfect vertical ruffles every few inches, starting from the top of the waistline down to the bottom, slightly hanging over the silk fabric beneath it. It’s already beautiful.

  I watch the expressions on Charlotte’s face as her magic crescendos beautifully with an energy I’m privileged to witness. Magic really does become her. She lights up as she cuts the scarf into long pieces which then, one-by-one, get stitched to the chest of the dress in diagonal patterns. Shiny embellishments follow.

  With a fluid lift of her hand, the dress elevates up and off the mannequin before landing into Charlotte’s arms. She smiles at me with big hopeful eyes as she holds her masterpiece close to her body. “Do you like it?”

  My eyes are still wide, but I manage to nod. I’m still surprised by what our magic can do. It’s refreshing to see someone using their powers so freely too—it’s inspiring. Rose is the complete opposite. She refuses to use her magic unless absolutely necessary.

  “What is this for?” I ask Charlotte as she lays the dress in my arms.

  “For the Enchanters and Friends event this evening.” Charlotte looks at me like I should know what she’s talking about. “Rose didn’t tell you?”

  I shake my head, confused and now eagerly curious. “We’re going to an Enchanters event? Will there be others? Like us?”

  Charlotte’s face gives away too much. She’s frustrated that I haven’t been told something. I know that her silence means that she’s trying to find her words before she speaks out of turn. Charlotte is the level-headed one of the bunch.

  “We meet once a month—as a community, and every so often we invite others…”

  Charlotte’s voice trails off as Rose walks into the room. I can smell her lavender perfume before she reaches the top of the stairs.

  “There will be Solstice descendants from our community and some neighboring communities as well.” I turn to look at Rose as she speaks. I see that she’s already dressed in a blue sequined gown of her own. “Everyone is curious about the Equinox and the threat that’s been placed on our town. Our friends want to help.”

  As nice as this sounds, I tense up at the mention of the Equinox. We still haven’t discussed the threat of what they can do and now we’re having a community meeting about it?

  “Our friends?”

  Rose looks at Charlotte and then back at me. “You’ll meet them tonight.”

  My emotions get the better of me as I stamp my foot and steam at Rose. “Another secret? Give it up already, Rose. When will you learn that your secrets will only harm me?”

  I watch her flinch as my words obviously send a message to her but she’s as stubborn as they come and won’t give in.

  “I’m doing my best, Katrina.” Her stern voice makes me feel like I’m five years old. “Look,” she says. “I can’t possibly prepare you for everything. You’ll meet everyone tonight and you will learn on your own, just as everyone else does.”

  Rose turns and walks out and I realize something. I pivot to face Charlotte. “Did Rose just walk up the stairs?”

  “Just because I don’t like the stairs, doesn’t mean I can’t walk up them,” she calls from a distance.

  My face feels hot. Sometimes I forget that we all have enhanced senses. Enchanters can hear from a great distance; we just have to focus in on what we want to hear
.

  Charlotte gives me a sympathetic look and ushers me back to my room.

  This is going to be a long night.

  Chapter Two

  Charlotte drives us all to the Enchanters and Friends event. By the sound of it, and with the way that I’m dressed, I half expect to enter an elegant ball. It wouldn’t surprise me, really. After seeing what Rose and Charlotte accomplished at my sixteenth birthday party, I know not to underestimate them, and once again Rose is tight-lipped about what to expect. What I do know is that I’m all done up in this beautiful dress and we’re on our way to discuss the Equinox.

  When we emerge from the car I see that we’ve parked near the tennis courts in the only lot on the island. Rose excuses herself when her phone rings and tells us she’ll catch up when she’s done.

  I look over my shoulder at Rose who speaks in an angry whisper. “This is not a great time.” The terse tone, I recognize, is reserved for those close to her. I know, because she’s used it on Charlotte and me more times than I can count.

  Charlotte tugs me forward forcefully, and I hop to avoid the curb.

  “Come,” she says flatly.

  Does Charlotte know who called Rose? My guess is, yes, since she’s dragging me away.

  We approach a tan colonial building with dark brown pillars.

  I watch Charlotte as her narrowed blue eyes sparkle bright, her lips pucker slightly, and she points her chin down—a very telling sign that she’s performing magic. She’s proud of what she is, and like Rose, she takes it very seriously.

  The door opens for us but there’s no one on the other side. I give Charlotte a questioning look and she smiles in a way that only she can. My eyes lift as we make our way through the entrance. And as the doors close securely behind us, an invisible curtain lifts before me, revealing the sight and sound of dozens of elegantly dressed guests mingling about.

  I gasp. Charlotte laughs joyously at my surprise. “It’s a cloaking spell, Kat. Only descendants can see what goes on in the meeting house—for our protection of course.

  Groups of familiar faces and strangers crowd the entry way, extending down the hallway which leads into a forum—or reception. I don’t know yet, because we barely take two steps before an exuberant Darla French approaches.

  “Kat, you’re here!” She pulls me in for a warm embrace and kisses my right cheek. Her friendliness is just the same as I remember but this time I’m not frightened by her. I smile back, grateful to see a familiar face in the crowd.

  “Hi Darla,” I laugh lightly. “It’s good to see you again.”

  At the same moment, Charlotte gets called over by a group down the hallway and walks off.

  The last time I saw Darla and her husband Darryl was at my sixteenth birthday party and they were covered in glitter, masks, and wore funky costumes. This time, she is much more sophisticated, wearing a royal blue blouse and a black skirt.

  “I’m so glad you could finally make it to one of our events.”

  I tilt my head. “Don’t you have these once a month? I think I’ve only missed one, but Rose thought that I was too new for a Solstice meeting.”

  Darla chuckles. “Oh Rose is just overprotective of you. Today’s event is a rare one actually. We usually have monthly Enchanters meetings and weekly committee meetings. Everyone is invited to the weekly committee meetings—Normals and all.”

  The word Normals triggers my sour face but Darla doesn’t notice. I don’t like the sound of that—as if what we are is superior to everyone else, but I guess magic isn’t exactly normal.

  It’s a bold move on my part but I press myself through the crowded hallway, like a sausage being squeezed through its packaging. I find a pocket of space in the corner of the room and release all of the air that I’ve been saving. Nerves still get the better of me, but not for long. I relax my shoulders and look around to find some sort of escape. There are so many people here.

  I can’t imagine everyone in this building being an Enchanter like me. Did everyone else find out who they were at their sixteenth birthday party? Did they too escape their former life in a blink of an eye?

  I recall the freak-out episode I had when Rose, Charlotte, and I were finally alone on my sixteenth birthday. Rose revealed the knowledge of our magical nature, and I was certain she belonged in a mental institution. I was angry. I was curious. So many emotions invaded me. It wasn’t until the next morning that I finally began to take in what she was telling me and could see for myself that it was all real.

  My eyes take in as much as they can around the room as I’m interested to see how others carry themselves amid such chaos. All I see is confidence in everything about these people, from their clothing and demeanor, to their body language, even their most subtle of gestures.

  I witness graciousness as couples separate and greet new faces. I see kindness as refreshments and appetizers are offered to guests. I recognize genuine smiles and laughter that light up the entire room. This is what makes Enchanters magical; it’s not in the power we possess or the strength of that magic, but the people we are within. We are confident, graceful, giving, and kind. Now, I smile.

  Something in the opposite corner of the room catches my eye. Or rather, some ones. There are six girls, I count; each one a stunning beauty. I can’t help but stare. All of them have long wavy flowing locks down to their waist. Their hair colors differ, but I wonder if they are sisters.

  The red haired goddess of the bunch catches my eye and I almost blush. She smiles before I can look away in embarrassment. She is looking at me too, after all. I am surprised when she makes her way over to me, and even more surprised when her maybe-sisters follow.

  She steps in front of me and I try my best to appear as confident as everyone else. It’s not as hard as I imagined.

  “Hi,” I say to them with a smile. I hold out my hand. “Katrina Summer.”

  “Arabella,” speaks the red head.

  She looks like an Arabella. I examine her flawless features up close now. A speckle of light dots cover each side of her nose. Her cheeks are naturally rosy. Her hair is a fiery red color that brings out the greenish-gold of her eyes.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  Arabella looks to the girls who surround her now; they appear to be a bit older than me. My guess is that they are in college.

  The darkest haired beauty speaks up next. “I’m Latuana. This is Dennity, Marabella, Sophania, and Zanna. We’re sisters. Not sextuplets, so please don’t ask.”

  Their names are almost as beautiful as their looks. “Where are you girls from?”

  Arabella speaks up again. “We’re from a town on the coast, just north of Tampa.”

  “Have you heard of Weeki Wachee Springs?” cuts in the blonde goddess to my left. Marabella. Thank goodness for my great memory.

  I shake my head. “No. I haven’t” Weeki Wachee. What a strange name for a town. It doesn’t sound Greek. Maybe it’s another Solstice settlement

  She says nothing in response, so I feel like I need to explain myself. “I’m pretty new to Florida. I haven’t been too far away from Apollo Beach since moving here.” If I come across as disappointed by this fact, I am.

  I’m about to ask them if Weeki Wachee is a settlement when I follow their line of sight focusing on something behind me.

  Before I turn, I hear Rose speak. “My favorite Valli sisters.” Rose is smiling wide as she embraces each of them one-by-one.

  She pulls away and wraps an arm around me. “How are you, my darlings?” The syrupy sweetness that Rose pours on now is genuine. She seems to be fond of these girls.

  “Oh Rose, we’re keeping out of trouble, but we’re here to listen and help. Whatever you need us for, just let us know.”

  As Marabella speaks to Rose, I notice that she has a tattoo on her neck, between her ear and her collarbone. It’s all black and looks like a cross with an overlapping U-shape. It’s hard to make out exactly.

  Rose squeezes Marabella’s hand. “I appreciate you all coming
. Tell your father hello for me, please. I owe him a meeting the next time he comes to town.”

  Latuana flips a lock of hair over her shoulder without touching it. “We will. He asked us to apologize for his absence. He had some issues back home to tend to.”

  Rose smiles back tenderly, forgiving without effort. “Of course. I’ll be in touch with him.”

  I feel the grasp around my shoulders tighten but it’s the security of Rose’s hold that I am comforted by. Rose has definitely grown on me this past month. She may be an old stubborn woman, but she’s done well for herself and for our family over the years. It’s hard to not feel proud to be her granddaughter.

  “Let’s all go inside now, shall we?” Rose speaks warmly to us all.

  Charlotte finds us just as we’re entering the large double doors that empty into a larger room. From above, the glinting sign informs us that it is the Grand Ballroom.

  We stand off to the side of the entrance as Rose greets all who enter with a shake of the hand, a hug, or a kiss. The formality of it all fascinates me.

  The hallways have emptied and an older gentleman with dark, beautiful skin, white hair, and a kind smile steps into the room. “Rose, I’m locking the doors now. Everyone is here.”

  Rose gives him a simple nod and turns to me. “Your first Solstice meeting.” Her cheeks lift tightly, as if she’s suppressing a smile. I can tell that she’s excited about the fact that I’ve finally joined her.

  “Enchanters and Friends meeting, Rose.” I correct her with a teasing smile.

  The heavy wooden door shuts and locks behind us, becoming a barrier to the real world, as if the invisible cloaking spell wasn’t enough. A current runs through me, anxious for what is due to happen next.

  As packed as the hallways were, I had no true concept of numbers, but now, as Enchanters fill the large circular clothed dinner tables that fill the massive Grand Ballroom, I’m finally getting an idea for how many of us there are.

  Loud chatter and laughter spreads through the air. There are hats, books, and scarves, flying playfully across the room as Enchanters find any excuse to use their magic. Levitating pitchers of water tip to fill drink cups and bread baskets soar around the room until they are plucked from the air. It all appears to come naturally to everyone in the room.