“Do you want to show Alixia how to bait a hook?”
“Claire, what are you doing?”
Grabbing my arm, she put the worms into my hand. “Yuck, are you kidding?” I heard Marcus yell, “Yeah, come on over, Alixia.”
Claire turned me around. “Go and learn to fish. Maybe you’ll get lucky and get one of those love bites we’ve talked about.” She said.
“Claire, I don’t know about this.”
“Go!” She and Libby started laughing. I walked toward Marcus, feeling the slimy worms wiggling in my hand.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
“Hi, Marcus.”
He smiled. I opened my hand, showing the worms and said squeamishly, “I really don’t want to learn how to bait a hook.”
“You don’t have to.” He laughed.
I dropped the worms to the ground and shivered. “Good, thank you.”
“So, do you want to fish?”
“Sure,” I said with relief, knowing that I didn’t have to bait a hook. He handed me his pole.
“Okay, I have no clue what I am doing.”
He looked at me with a little smile on his lips and took the pole from me.
“Let me show you.”
I watched him for a while as he cast out and reeled in.
“Okay, I think I have it. Let me try.”
He handed the pole back to me and I put it over my shoulder to cast it out. I watched it sail through the air and plop in middle of the water. “I did it!” I yelled in my excitement at being a quick learner.
Marcus grinned at me like he was enjoying my awkwardness in learning how to fish. We sat on the shore watching the fishing line cut gently through the water, waiting for the first bite.
“How’s Sarah?” I asked in a measured voice, not really caring either way.
“She went back to school up north.”
She’s gone. She’s not with him anymore? I hope he gives me more details.
“Well that has to be hard for you. I thought you two were inseparable.”
He looked at me, puzzled. “We’re only friends, Alixia. She just came back for a visit.”
I could feel my embarrassment as my cheeks started to flush.
“Oh, but on my birthday you looked so close.”
“We did? I guess it’s because we’ve been friends since we were little.”
I couldn’t believe it. They were just friends. But Libby said they were….
“Alixia!” Marcus touched my hand to bring my attention back to him.
“Yes? I’m sorry. What?”
“I was asking you when you are moving to New Orleans.”
“Oh, in a few weeks, but I’m not looking forward—” I felt a jerk on the pole mid-sentence and panicked.
“What do I do? What do I do?” I shrieked.
He chuckled. “Pull up on your pole and reel it in, silly.”
I heard Libby and Claire yelling in the background, “Pull it up. Don’t let it get away, Alixia, it’s your first fish!”
I gave the pole one big jerk. The fish came right at me. I screamed, dropping both the pole and the fish into the water. I didn’t want to look at Marcus’ face. I watched his pole going with the current downstream, with the fish still attached.
Marcus suddenly jumped into the water and everyone broke into laughter as we heard him yell, “I am not letting that fish keep my good pole!” We watched from the shore as he went after the pole, but to no avail. The fish won. He came back out of the water. I wasn’t sure if he was upset or not. He pulled off his shirt, exposing his tan chest. Wringing his shirt out, he came toward me, and looked intently at me with his dark-blue eyes. “Well, there went a good pole. I hope the fish enjoys it.” He said.
“I am so sorry, Marcus.” I tried not to laugh. “I’ll get you a new pole.”
“That’s all right.” He said. Then a sly grin appeared on his face. “I guess it’s my fault, I should have warned you that there might be a fish on the end of your pole when—”
I cut him off, when I realized he was making fun of me. “Very funny!” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. Everyone laughed and teased me as we went back to the car with one less fishing pole. Claire had a blanket in the car, which she gave Marcus to wrap up in for the trip home.
As we were getting into the car, I realized I wasn’t wearing my shoes and went back to get them. I sat on the shore while I put them on and I looked out at the water. I felt a sudden and strange sensation encircling me just like before. It made me anxious.
This can’t be just my imagination.
I got up and walked back to the car, still feeling a little uneasy; wondering what was going on with me.
“Alixia,” Marcus said touching the seat, “I have a spot for you right here.” I smiled and got into the car, putting what had just happened in the back of my mind, not wanting to tell anyone. Besides, I didn’t feel like being teased by my girls right now.
As I sat down, I noticed the seat was wet from Marcus’ clothes, but I didn’t mind. It was nice just being close to him.
We returned to Baton Rouge to drop the boys off. As we pulled up at the ice cream shop, Marcus whispered in my ear, “I’ll call you.” He got out of the car and followed Robert and Davis across the street. Then, he turned and smiled at me before he got into Davis’ car. I watched as they drove off.
“Hey, so tell us,” Libby got my attention by pressing me right away, “what did you and Marcus talk about?”
“We just talked.”
“Did you talk about Sarah?”
“Yes.” I looked at her, wondering where this was going. “He told me that Sarah went back to school. Why are you asking?”
“Because I have been feeling guilty,”
“Guilty about what?”
“Don’t get mad, Alixia, but I found out a couple of days after your birthday that Sarah and Marcus were only friends.”
“What? You knew?! Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Listen! I would have, Alixia, except Davis thought—”
“Davis! He knows how I feel about Marcus? Are you kidding?”
Claire then jumped into the conversation. “Robert knows, too.” She snickered.
I can’t believe they all knew and didn’t tell me.
“I’m sorry.” Libby elaborated, “Alixia, please. You see, when Davis heard about the mix-up in communication about Sarah, he wanted to plan another outing. He had Robert set it up so you and Marcus could get together again.” She paused for a second and continued, “Robert told us that Marcus had a question he wanted to ask you. So, did he ask you?”
“Ask me what?” I was getting frustrated with them. They looked at each other. “Just tell me!” I shouted.
“Okay! Geez, calm down!” Claire snapped, “He wants to ask you to the Mardi Gras Masked Ball this coming year.”
I was dumbfounded. I just stared at them. “Are you kidding? He didn’t mention it at all.”
“I can’t believe he didn’t ask you.” Libby said with concern in her voice. “Well, don’t worry. I’m sure he will.”
“I’m not worried.” I said smiling.
****
When we returned home, supper was waiting for us. The girls wasted no time in telling Mother about my fishing fiasco. I just sat and hoped that they wouldn’t bring up Marcus. They did, but just the part about Marcus wanting to ask me to the Masked Ball for Mardi Gras. Mother enjoyed the idea of me going to my first ball. “Alixia, we will have to look for a dress when we move to New Orleans.”
I shook my head. “Mother, don’t you think we better wait until he asks me?”
“Yes, you’re right.” She blushed. “I guess I’m getting a little ahead of myself.” I leaned over and gave her hug and smiled. “But, we can still go shopping.” I said.
“Alixia!” She laughed.
We finished our meal and the girls and I decided to go out to the porch for dessert. Mother told us she would join us later.
The evening
was quiet and the night sky was full of stars. The flowers in Mother’s garden perfumed the air around us with their scents. We were talking about the fun we’d had today when Libby unexpectedly blurted out,
“I can’t wait anymore! I have another secret.”
“About Marcus?” I impulsively asked.
“No, silly! My secret is about Davis and me.”
Claire and I looked at each other. “Did he propose?!” We both shouted out.
“Yes! About two weeks ago!”
Claire and I jumped up and wrapped our arms around her. We fell to the ground. As we all comically tried to get back up together, I asked, “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?
“Davis made me promise.” she said apologetically.
“Why?”
“He wanted us to wait until we could officially announce it.”
“Did he really think you could keep that secret from us?” She laughed. “Probably not.”
“So, where did he ask you?” Claire asked. Excitement was evident in her voice. Libby’s cheeks reddened. “At the gulf shore, near Morgan City.”
Claire and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, “On the beach.”
“Yes.”
“More details,” Claire said making herself comfortable again.
“Okay, remember when I went on that short vacation with his family? That’s where he asked me. Davis wanted to take a walk along the beach. It was perfect. The sun had just set for the evening as we walked on the beach. The sand was still warm from the day, like a silver blanket laid out, just for us. Then he got down on one knee, took my hand in his, and said, ‘Libby, I love you with all my heart, please be my wife. Marry me.’ He looked up at me with his beautiful eyes and I just fell to my knees and whispered, ‘Yes,’ and then we kissed to seal our love forever.”
“Libby,” I said, “it’s the perfect love story.”
Claire sighed. “Someday I hope to find a love like you and Davis have.”
Libby looked at us with tears in her eyes. “Now, it’s not official yet. We are going to announce it next week, so please keep my secret.”
“We promise!” Claire and I exclaimed simultaneously.
We visited for a while longer, until Libby decided that it was getting late and that they should get going. We hugged goodbye and I watched them drive off, waving until they were out of sight.
I went inside to find Mother. She was in the library, packing books she would need while we were in New Orleans. Most of the books were for my French lessons. I noticed the black book on the table. I picked it up and thumbed through it, only glancing at the pages.
“Mother?” I said. “I have something to ask you.”
Before I could even finish she said, “Yes, I’m sure he will ask you.”
“How did you know I was going to ask you about Marcus?”
“I have my abilities.” She smiled.
“Do you know what I am thinking all the time?”
“No, I can’t read your mind. I see your future, that’s why I know he will ask you.”
I was amazed. “Can you tell me more about my future?”
“You’re holding it.”
“I’m holding it?” I looked down at the black journal. “Yes, that small book holds your destiny and your abilities. Tomorrow, we will start our first lesson on the history of the Ambrosines. But right now, it is time for bed.” She kissed my cheek. “Goodnight.” I looked down at the book and as I slowly opened it, I said under my breath, “I should have paid more attention to my French lessons.”
Lineage
I didn’t sleep well again. Those strange dreams kept me tossing and turning all night. Usually I had breakfast with mother, but lately, I just couldn’t get myself out of bed in the mornings.
I hurried through breakfast and then I went into the library to meet her. She was waiting for me. “Good morning, sleepyhead. It’s about time. Are you ready for your first lesson?”
I nodded, sleepily. She was holding the journal. “Alixia, this black book I am holding is all about you. I started writing in it the day you were born, and as long I can see your future, I will keep writing it down.”
“Mother,” I said with a half-smile on my face, “I was just wondering, if you’re going to keep a journal on me, couldn’t you maybe write it in English?”
The expression on her face was of exasperation. “I will think about it. Now, have a seat and we will begin.”
I sat down. I was still half asleep, so I was hopeful I could stay focused on what she had to say.
She moved in front of me. “Alixia, I want to start by saying, the Ambrosines’ origins began in the West Indies, but our family lineage resides in western France now.”
I thought back to the recent conversation we’d had in the library.
“So, that’s why you were talking about going to France?”
“Yes.” She placed the journal on the table. “But there are certain things you must know before we leave.”
“Like what?”
“Well to start, heads of the families that live there are called the High Dominion.”
“High Dominion?”
“Yes, they’re the ones we answer to.”
“Are we going to France to meet with them?”
She seemed to enjoy my curiosity. She smiled at me as she sat down. “Yes; however, we are not the only ones who will make the trip. There will be other families coming with us.”
“Wait a minute, there’s more like your family?” This was way too bizarre.
“Of course. We’re not the only ones.” She moved her hair back over her shoulder. “They may have different names, but they are all part of the Ambrosine symbol.”
“Symbol?”
She pulled out the diamond pendent she always wore around her neck. “Yes. This diamond is our symbol. Each point holds a direction to each of the main families: East, West, North and South.” She eyed me. “Alixia, one thing you do have to know is that not all of the families are good. There are families who are dark, too.” Her face took on an anxious expression. “These families are malicious and evil toward our families and the outside world. Their only design is to destroy. So you must be wary of their presence.”
Okay, this is unnerving. I wonder if the dreams I’ve been having lately are part of that evil she is talking about.
“Mother, now I’m getting a little freaked out here. How am I going to know if they’re around me?”
“You’ll know.” She said with certainty. “You’ll feel their presence.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t understand how I’m going to do that.” I stared at her like she really was losing it.
“Alixia, it’s simple.” She sat up straighter in her chair. “You will sense everything around you. You bear the mark of Ambrosine; your abilities will even surpass mine.” Before I could ask what she meant, she pointed to my shoulder. “Your birthmark on your shoulder is the mark of Ambrosine, and there are only a few in our family who bear that symbol.”
I stood up, went to the mirror on the wall and pulled my blouse over my shoulder. There it was. I guess I’d never looked at it that way before. It was the diamond symbol with marks on each point. I gazed back at Mother. She was looking at me with admiration in her eyes.
“Do you have this symbol?” I asked, as I looked again at it again in the mirror.
“No, I don’t bear the symbol. There only a few in our family, like I said. The other families’ realms bear different symbols and they have different powers.”
I walked back over and sat in the chair.
“This is unbelievable.”
Mother reached over and took my hand. “Now, I want you to know, with your gifts, be aware of everything and everyone who enters your destiny. Being an Ambrosine, you will have enemies who will try to trick you or harm you for the powers you hold. So, you must protect yourself. Do you understand me?”
”Yes… I guess so.”
What is she trying to do n
ow, scare me?
She could sense my uncertainty. Mother said with concern, “For now, though, until your powers do surface, the family will watch over you and keep you safe.” She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “All right, enough on this subject.” Mother tried to sound cheerful. “Let’s continue on the history of the family.” She went on with her lesson.
Mother continued talking about the family lineage, what regions they were from and other things that really didn’t keep my attention. I was half-listening to her, drifting to the symbol and wondering why only certain members of the family are born with it.
“Alixia!” Mother got my attention. “Do you understand the regions and why it’s important for you to keep up with French lessons?”
“Yes.”
I have no idea what she was just been talking about.
I stood up to stretch out. “Why don’t you bear this symbol, Mother?”
She closed the journal. “Because only certain generations are honored with this power, and you are one of the chosen.”
“I’m one of the chosen?” I mocked. “Mother, really? Are you serious?” Her lips pressed together. I could tell she was trying to remain calm. “I know you have doubts and probably fears about what’s going on, but you have to trust me. All this will come together soon, I promise.” She stood up and walked to the door. “I think we should end our lesson for now.”
“But I have one more question.”
“What is it?”
“Do you always live in secrecy?”
She closed her eyes, like she was seeking the answer within herself. Then, her emerald-green eyes opened and she looked right at me. “Alixia, try not to think of it as being secretive, but rather as being protective of the Ambrosines and the other families. It is something that you will learn, that we have to do. ” She put her arm around me. “Come on; let’s take a walk in the gardens before lunch is served.”
Sitting down on the garden bench, I was taken back by the beauty of all the different flowers. The yellows, oranges and reds all blended together in the gentle breeze. I glanced over at Mother. It seemed that she was in deep thought. I interrupted her meditation with a touch to her shoulder, and said, “Mother, are we going to be okay?”
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