A Banshee's Tale

by Veronica Breville

  “Fine! But I don’t have to be happy about it. Can you come tomorrow night? Will and I have plans in the morning and afternoon.” I pouted as I waited for her to decide on a time. Just because I had to agree to him coming over didn’t mean I needed to be happy about it.

  “That’s fine. We’ll be ‘round about seven, okay?”

  “Okay. Love you, Aunt Lucie.” I leaned in and gave her a hug. Her arms held me a beat longer than they normally would and I tightened mine. “Thank you for everything.”

  Pulling back, she smiled and kissed my forehead. “You’re welcome, Catherine.”

  I watched her walk out of my room and thought about the fear I felt now that I knew the Tourist’s name. I kept turning her name over in my head: Lois Stallings, Lois Stallings. I hoped fervently that I would do her living body and her soul justice and help her pass peacefully as she was meant to.

  My thoughts were the same upon waking as they had been falling asleep the night before... Lois Stallings. Now that I knew her name, and my impending involvement in her passing, I felt sick with anticipation. The feelings I had about being prepared and ready for this first challenge had all but left me. I was as helpless as I had been the day I learned my fate. I would tackle this hurdle, too. For now, I would occupy myself with the task of getting Will to understand the changes he had seen in me, and be okay with them.

  I waited anxiously by the phone for him to call, but in normal Will fashion, he showed up right on time for our big family breakfast. I was beginning to think he might have the gift of an exceptional nose as well as being able to talk to his dead grandmother.

  “Well, good morning, sunshine!” he yelled, bypassing the sitting room and heading straight for the kitchen. He gave my mom a big hug before stealing a piece of bacon from the plate next to her.

  “Good morning to you, too. Nice of you to call first.”

  “You look like crap.” He smirked.

  Well, I never! Does he really think telling me I look bad isn’t going to get him kicked in the rear?

  “Can’t say you look much better.” He was wearing dusty jeans and his T-shirt was wrinkled so badly I wondered if he’d pulled it from the bottom of his laundry. Lowering my eyes, I decided to stop all the fussing and just cut to the chase. Being on edge and sleepy didn’t suit me. “I need to talk to you in private before breakfast, okay?” I whispered close to his ear so that the rest of my family didn’t know what I was up to. I was pretty sure someone would try to talk some “sense” into me otherwise.

  “All right.” He gave me a quizzical look before stepping back into the kitchen to grab a biscuit.

  He nibbled his pre-breakfast treat as we walked silently to my favorite thinking spot. I gnawed on my bottom lip as we sat down on the bench, and the look on my face must have made him forget about the food in his hand as he turned his focus to me. Will suddenly stopped chewing and scrunched up his eyebrows like he was trying to read my thoughts. “What’s wrong, Cat? I could tell something was bothering you last night, but I didn’t want to ruin the fun by getting into it.”

  “Here’s the deal, Will; I need you to look at me, really look at me and tell me what you see, okay?” I pleaded.

  “Whoa! This isn’t some delayed reaction to me having a girlfriend, is it? I can’t choose between the two of you, and if you are truly my friend, you won’t ask me to.” I felt the giggle growing as I listened to him and couldn’t contain it. “What? Stop laughing. I’m trying to be as mature as I can about this. Jeez, Cat!” He was babbling and turning red all at once.

  “No, Will, gross! It’s not that. I need you to remember what I looked like a year ago and compare it to what I look like now. I’m trying to explain something to you, you idiot!” I was still trying to contain my laughter so I didn’t hurt his feelings any more than I already had.

  “Oh! Well, now I just feel stupid.” He shifted in his seat. “Okay, let’s see.” He cocked his head to the left and then the right while analyzing my face and body. “You look older, but we all do. I suppose you seem a little more grown up. Okay... maybe a lot more grown up than you did last year. Hey, come to think of it, you did change a lot.” Scratching his chin, he made a few undecipherable noises. “Hmm, I wonder why I didn’t notice that before.” He was lost in thought when I pulled off the hat I was wearing. Because it was a sunny morning, I figured my hair might help get my point across faster. Right away, he noticed why I had always kept my hair hidden, but because the effects weren’t as uncontrolled as they once were, I had to work to make it look as if it were on fire. Since being upset or mad worked, all I had to do was imagine Mr. LaLame’s face.

  “Okay,” he said calmly, staring at my head. “Don’t be scared, but I think there’s something wrong with your hair.”

  I caught his hand just as he was getting ready to swat at the imagined flames. “This is part of what I am desperately trying to help you understand. It’s part of who I am, rather who I’m fated to be.”

  “To use one of your favorite lines... Okay, Ms. Cryptic! So you have crazy, flame-glow hair. I’m sure it’s just some genetic anomaly, nothing too weird, right?” He rationalized, pulling his wrist from my hand. “Oh, who am I kidding?” Will sighed. “Cat, I know you’re not like me, and I’ve always known it.”

  “What? You mean you’ve always thought something was off and didn’t think to talk to me about it?”

  “Didn’t seem important. You were nice and our friendship was just something I never questioned. I didn’t care if you were different, although I never expected that.” He pointed to my head, shaking his own back and forth repeatedly as if he was trying to shake the image of my fiery head out of his thoughts. I knew that feeling all too well.

  “Well, if you think you can handle it, I will explain to you what I am. Will you promise to be open-minded and not freak out? Will you promise to keep this one secret so close to your heart that you won’t even tell Emma?”

  Will moved forward and opened his mouth, but in my haste I cut him off and continued, “It’s very important that you and only you know about this, do you understand? There are no exceptions.” I tried to sound as serious and stern as I could.

  “I promise. You can trust me. I know you better than your mom—most of the time, anyway.”

  I took a deep breath. “In my family, one person out of each generation is chosen for a special and hugely important job. I’m that person in this generation. My aunt Lucie was for her generation. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I actually look more like her than I do anyone else I’m related to.” He nodded and I continued after a big breath, “So, she and I have special abilities...”

  It took a bit longer to get everything out with all the questions Will had—and he had plenty—but I finally finished. Ten tension-laced minutes passed as he absorbed my confession. I began to fidget and squirm like a child waiting quietly in their Sunday best when all they wanted to do was run out and jump in the nearest rain puddle.

  “I suppose that explains why my gran has never really liked the idea of you and I being so close,” he finally said.

  “What? You mean your dead grandmother... your invisible friend?” I stammered. This took me by surprise, although I wasn’t completely sure why. Our conversations about his grandmother were always on the surface. Come to think of it, he never mentioned even telling her we were friends.

  “She always wrinkles her nose and gets this sort of wild look when I mention you. You think she’s stuck here because those Badbeh demon whatevers, convinced her she wouldn’t see us anymore?” A light seemed to go on behind his eyes, as if he had finally put the remaining piece of the puzzle in place.

  “I’m not completely sure, Will, but it’s a possibility.” I shrugged.

  “Cat, do you think you can help her? I hate seeing her stuck here where she can never truly be happy.” His face was torn as he looked pleadi
ngly into my eyes. I knew I had to try to help her or find someone that could.

  “I’m not sure I can help someone who has already died, but my aunt may know if there is anything we can do for her, okay?” I tried my best to sound hopeful and gave him the tightest hug I could manage. “Are you okay with all of this? I don’t want to lose my best friend, but this is who I am, so there is no choice to be made. It’s either like me despite this or we have to go our own ways.” I took a more serious tone again, so that he understood this wasn’t something I could compromise on.

  “I love you regardless of who you are destined to be. Besides the hair, you’re still my friend, Cat. Nothing else has changed.” It was his turn to give the reassuring hug. At that moment, the weight of the last year that had been tugging on my heart lifted. I felt whole and normal, as normal as I ever was. At least I didn’t have to pretend in front of my best friend anymore; that part of my life was just made easier.

  “Thanks, Will. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I am so glad you chose me on the playground all those years ago.” With that I began to cry a little until he broke in.

  “So was that what was bothering you last night? I could have sworn it had something to do with that guy your dad works with. What’s his name, Dane, Blaine?”

  “That’s a story for after breakfast. I’m starving, and I know Mom has it all ready for everyone.” I knew this would throw him off track long enough for me to decide how to tell him I would now have what was essentially a bodyguard.

  I prayed—while stuffing my face—that Will would just drop the conversation regarding Zane so that we could relax and enjoy the remainder of our day together. We rarely got to spend time alone anymore, and there were days when that truly bothered me. I was always kicking myself when I remembered how much he had put up with just to be my friend. I shouldn’t be annoyed that he wanted to spend more time with his very sweet girlfriend after all of that.

  After breakfast, I quickly noted that my prayers that Will would forget his questions about Zane had gone unanswered; he began quizzing me as soon as we bounded up the stairs to my room. “So, don’t keep me guessing. Was I right? Were you upset about that guy or something?” Now I was beginning to wish our alone time included Emma today.

  “Yes and his name is Zane Laroche. Arrogant, absurd jerk!” I continued my little tirade muttering under my breath.

  Will shook his head and seemed to be fighting a smile. “Methinks thou dost protest too much, Catherine.”

  “Methinks you’re a jerk.” I stuck my tongue out and giggled before finishing the rest of my explanation about my overly emotional state the night before and what Zane was going to mean to my life. At least what I thought he was going to mean to my life, which was a constant annoying, unwanted presence. “There, you are up to date on absolutely everything. Damn, not everything, there’s the dream. Do you remember the dream we both had?”

  “I still have it occasionally. Did you find out what it means?” By now, Will was so caught up in the drama that was my life he latched onto everything and sucked all the intrigue up without inhaling.

  “Aunt Lucie thinks it has to do with a child, a girl like me, over a hundred years ago. Her father’s family was made up of Guides and her mother’s family consisted of Caomhnóirs. Neither of them knew this prior to getting married, and they weren’t even made aware of the issue until after her disappearance. You see, because of her combined families, when she came of age she would have been more talented than anyone could imagine. Those in the know think she was taken by the Badbeh. No one’s exactly sure what happened to her, but it’s likely the Badbeh are still holding her because as long as she is with them she doesn’t pose a threat. Aunt Lucie said if she were ever freed and trained properly she could damage the Badbeh to the point of near extinction. No one’s sure if they can be killed off, though. I don’t know any more than that except that Aunt Lucie thinks you were having the dream because we are so close and because of your other talent.” I was getting extremely tired of talking; I knew as soon as the words left my mouth, that my last statement would raise some more questions. If only I could keep my mouth shut with him sometimes.

  “You told Lucie about my grandmother? She probably thinks I’m a nut case now.” He snorted.

  “Are you serious? Think about that statement, Will. Do you really think my aunt and I are in a position to think anyone is crazier than us?”

  The relief I had felt earlier for being able to include my friend in my new life quickly turned to anguish. I again realized the real danger our connection might mean for him. Would Zane protect him, too? Could I protect him? I had no answers and was completely lost for a way to find them. I twisted my fingers together, hoping the slight pain it caused would hold the tears at bay for just a few minutes more.

  “Cat, I’m sorry. I didn’t think about what I was saying. It’s just that you are the only person that knows I can do what I can do... Even Emma doesn’t know. It’s kinda nice knowing there is another person who gets me, I guess.” Will’s voice drifted off. We sat for a while in silence, both lost in our own thoughts. I had no way of knowing what was going through his mind. Unless of course I looked into his eyes, but now that he knew all of my secrets, including my gifts, I couldn’t just stare him down.

  My head was alive with pain, the kind that tears at your stomach until you think you’ll vomit and then grabs hold of your lungs so that you can’t breathe. Before I understood what was happening, I began to sob with a ferocity I didn’t know I possessed. The feeling ripped through my body in breathless waves.

  All I could feel was the terrible throbbing and stinging inside my chest, my head, and consuming every part of me. Then there was a hint of warmth. It started at my shoulders and continued to my waist. I opened my eyes and felt Will hugging me with an intensity that matched my sobs.

  He continued to hold me until I quieted and then began to murmur softly in my ear. “Cat, everything is going to be fine. I know you, and I know that you aren’t upset about what is happening to you. You’re worried about everyone else, and you don’t need to be. We’ll all be fine, I’ll be fine. Even if you didn’t have that Zane guy to protect you, I would. I may love Emma, but you are my best friend, and our love for one another goes to a deep place, a different place. Please don’t worry about me. Okay?” He leaned back and stared into my watery eyes, and I could hear his thoughts. He wasn’t afraid to be my friend and welcomed the adventures that he could be part of. My brave, true Will. It would take a thousand lifetimes to repay him for everything he had given me.

  “ ’K, but don’t go trying to put yourself in front of a bullet with my name on it, that’s Zane Laroche’s job!” Mercifully, I found the strength to laugh, and I continued to laugh, as did Will for a good ten minutes without any real reason for it. The soft tap at my door pulled us from our laughter, and we both straightened when my mom pushed the door open.

  “Catherine, Aunt Lucie and Mr. Laroche are waiting downstairs for you. Will, I have a ton of leftovers from last night. Would you like to take some home with you?” Mom almost sounded like she was pleading, and I’m sure that’s exactly what it was. Our poor little fridge had to be bursting at the seams with food.

  “Sure, Mrs. Dalry. My mom would love an excuse not to cook two nights in a row,” he replied. Will jumped up and grabbed my hand to help me up, too. He waited for my mother to retreat down the stairs before turning his attention to me. “As for you... if you don’t want everyone to know you had a psychotic break, then you might want to wash up before you head downstairs. You look like hell.” He held my hand tighter. “Love ya, Cat, please don’t forget that.”

  “Thanks for the advice; I promise to always remember that. I love you, too!” I said before he raced down the stairs, and I made my way to the bathroom to wash my face.

  There wasn’t much I could do about the bloodshot eyes, but maybe I could
pass them off as tears of joy. Highly unlikely, but I hoped no one would think to ask.

  “Glad to see you could join us, kid,” Zane cleared his throat. “I mean Catherine.” He smiled when I landed on the last step.

  Insufferable ass!

  “Thanks, jerk. Oops, I mean Zane.” He raised his brow. This was going to be very difficult.

  “Okay, enough! I am not here to baby-sit. I’m here to teach. Play nicely or there will be hell to pay!” Aunt Lucie demanded, and because I knew her so well, I complied. Zane decided on an altogether different angle. I don’t think he took her seriously.

  “She started it.” His tone was serious, but the words and slight smile on his face were not.

  Aunt Lucie rolled her eyes. “Thank you for proving my point. Now, if you’ve nothing of benefit to say then kindly shut it,” she chided. I snickered but only until I got “the look” from my aunt, and I decided I should be all business.

  This had all served as a nice diversion from my earlier conversation, which had left me a watery mess. I was thankful for that at least, if I could find nothing else to be thankful for in my present company, Aunt Lucie excluded.

  “Catherine, you will need to formulate a plan to help Ms. Stallings. It seems all Guides have a different way of helping their charges, and when the time comes for you to complete your first cross over, it will likely be driven by instinct. In any case, it’s good to be prepared and know as much as you can about the person you are helping. Remember that keeping eye contact and using a soft, kind voice will get you further with your Tourist than anything else. We’ve practiced regression, wherein you recall the happy moments in their lives. It’s literally having their life pass before their eyes, only focusing on the positive. It works best for me, but it didn’t really work at all for my teacher. My only other suggestion is to use your strengths and refrain, for now, from using your thought seed talent, at least on any grand scale. I still think that if you can see someone’s thoughts through their eyes, perhaps you can help them see their true path through yours. We do not know enough about your abilities, however, to say whether that would work. We will continue to train and sharpen those two things for some time now. Do you have any idea how to approach your charge or have any questions about what you need to do?” Aunt Lucie asked.