“Okay.” I sighed, hoping tomorrow would come quickly.
Returning from Father’s grave site, I noticed Madame Cecilia sitting on the porch waiting for us. As we walked up, she got up and hugged me. Then we sat in silence as we looked out toward the horizon and watched the sun set behind the hills.
Mother broke the quietness. “Alixia, tomorrow evening when we go to Libby’s parents’ house—”
“Oh that.” I interrupted. “I forgot to tell you, they’re not having the party at Libby’s home. She called to tell me that they moved it to Maurice’s restaurant here in Baton Rouge.” Mother, are you all right?” I watched her eyes close and she began mumbling. Then she cried out, “That can’t be!” She stood up frantically and began pacing back and forth as if in a trance and then said firmly, “You can’t go there tomorrow night.”
“Why? I have to! I promised Libby. I am not backing out!”
“Alixia, you don’t understand.”
Mother was pale. Madame Cecilia said with uneasiness, “Lucida, what did you see?”
“Two different images.” Mother spoke quietly. “One is of someone trying to help us, but there’s evil connected to it. The second part is something that’s going to happen to a family member, but I don’t know who or when it’s going to take place. I am just not sure.” She shook her head in confusion. “I am still not able to focus fully. Whoever this is, they have been able to block certain parts of my visions.”
“But did you see my friends?” I asked nervously.
I couldn’t stand to have anyone else disappear.
“I can’t say. The visions, as I said, are trying to show me something that is going to happen. They’re just not clear yet.”
“Then we have to go, we have to make sure our friends stay safe.” I said.
Mother lowered her head. “They would probably be safer if we didn’t show up, Alixia.” She said with apprehension.
“No! I have to go. Libby is counting on me. Please, I am not letting Charlotte or whoever—”
I stopped mid-sentence as a flash of car light blinded me for second. It was coming up the drive. It stopped in front of the house and saw Phillip. He got out of the car. “Bonjour, ladies.” He said as he walked up to the porch with a full smile on his face.
Madame Cecilia asked, “What brings you out here, Phillip?”
He took her hand then looked at me and said, “I came to make sure Alixia was okay. I know how impetuous she can be when it comes to warnings.” She eyed me. “You’re right about that; Alixia is arguing right now with Lucida about going to the engagement party.”
He looked quickly at Mother. “Did you see something, Lucida?”
“Yes.” She proceeded to tell him about her vision and how she thought there might be danger.
“I am still going, Mother.”
“Alixia!”
Phillip moved to the porch railing and leaned against it. “Then we will all go together.” He said.
“Wait, I thought you were going back to New Orleans in the morning to help find Marcus?”
“I know that’s what I said, Alixia. However, Uncle Charles and I decided that it would be best if one of us stayed here to keep watch. So ladies, I will be your escort for tomorrow evening, if that’s okay with all of you?”
They nodded, and Mother and Madame Cecilia went into a conversation in French. Phillip looked my way. His deep-blue eyes drew me into him. Our thoughts came together and I read his mind.
Alixia, don’t worry. When we return home, we will work together to find Marcus, I promise.
I hope it’s not too late, Phillip.
It will be okay.
“Let’s go into the house.” Mother said standing up. “Anna’s waiting to serve dinner.”
The Party
The next evening, we were late arriving at the restaurant. Madame Cecilia didn’t join us. She decided to stay behind, just in case there was any news about Marcus or Charlotte. When we entered the restaurant, the maître d’ told us the party was being held in the ballroom. Approaching the ballroom doors, I felt uneasy and hoped nothing would go wrong.
The ballroom was beautifully decorated in yellow and white. A single lily, which was Libby’s favorite flower, was in a vase on every table, garnished with a little baby’s breath.
Mother went directly to Libby’s parents to visit with them. Phillip and I went to find Libby. As we went to the dance floor, I noticed she was talking to Claire. I waved at them and they quickly came over to us. We hugged each other.
“Alixia, you look beautiful tonight. Wait; there is something different about you.” Libby said, holding on to my hands and eyeing me up and down.
I quickly pulled my hand away from her and turned their attention quickly toward Phillip. “Claire, Libby, this is Phillip Gautier. He’s a family friend.”
“Hello, ladies.”
The girls stood there enamored, not able to say a word at first. I smiled as Libby stammered, “Phillip…it’s uh…nice to meet you.”
Claire was still staring into his eyes as Libby awkwardly nudged her. “Hi.” Claire said, as her cheeks blushed red.
I looked around. “Where are Davis and Robert?” I asked, bringing everyone’s attention back to me. I was hoping to distract Libby and Claire. I could sense they had many questions about Phillip.
Libby pointed across the room. “He’s over there, talking to some of his college friends. Robert didn’t come. He drove to New Orleans early this morning to look for Marcus.”
My heart sank.
Why am I here?
Libby took my hand. She could see the anguish in my face. “It will be all right, Alixia. Hopefully Robert will find him.” The girls embraced me and I composed myself before going over to congratulate Davis.
He stood as we approached and said to Libby, “There’s my bride-to-be.” He kissed her lovingly, and then looked over at me. “Alixia, it’s nice to see you again. Libby told me about Marcus. “No word yet?”
“Not yet.” I said.
“He will probably show up.”
“I just can’t believe he is missing.”
Phillip took my hand. “Oh, Davis. This Is Phillip Gautier, a family friend of ours.”
“Nice to meet you.” Davis said.
“Same here.”
They shook hands and we all sat down. The rest of the evening was spent dancing, toasting their engagement and talking about their upcoming wedding. Marcus was still on my mind as Phillip and I were secretly watching for any outside threats.
Toward the end of the evening, Mother came up behind us, and touched my shoulder. “Alixia and Phillip, I think it’s time to go. We have an early train out in the morning.”
“You’re right. It is getting late.” I said. Phillip stood up and pulled my chair out. The girls walked with us to the ballroom door. We hugged and said our goodbyes. Then Libby turned to Phillip and said, “It was very nice to meet you, Phillip.”
“Yes, it sure was.” Claire blurted out. “I hope we get to see you again…” She eyed me. “I…mean you and Alixia.”
Smiling, Phillip took Claire’s hand and said, “We probably will. Remember, there’s Libby’s wedding.” He released her hand, as she let out a school-girl sigh. I smiled and shook my head at Claire’s infatuation with him. We hugged each other one more time before we left.
I relaxed as we stood outside the restaurant waiting for our car. I was thankful that the evening went well. Phillip squeezed my hand and got into my mind.
Maybe we will be talking about marriage one of these days. What do you think?
I think we should first tell Mother and Madame Cecilia about us, before we start making wedding plans. Knowing them, they might have other prospects for me.
He grimaced.
I better be one of their prospects.
“Phillip!” I felt a sudden coldness run through me. “Do you sense something?”
“Yes, it’s out there.”
We put Mother between us. “What is it?” She
asked, not sensing the threat.
“I don’t know. It’s some type of presence trying to keep its distance from us, but observing us right now.” I paused, trying to locate it. Then it faded. “It’s gone. I don’t sense it anymore.”
“She is right, it’s gone.” Phillip said stepping back from the curb as the car arrived. He opened the door and we hurried Mother into the car. She turned back before getting in and asked, “Did you get a sense of who it was?” I shook my head in reply. “Not really.” I said getting in behind her. “It was dark, but familiar. I didn’t sense it was here to harm us.” Phillip interjected. “At least for now, anyway.”
I looked over at Mother, knowing she was half-right with her premonition about tonight.
I better stay away from my friends until we find out what’s going on.
Rebellion
We arrived back in New Orleans later than intended after missing the morning train. Getting off, the rain was coming down in sheets with lightning and wind surrounding us. I decided to stay in town with Phillip so we could both look for him. Mother and Madame Cecilia went on to the mansion to check there for any news. Charles was at the station to pick up Phillip. We ran through the rain and hurried to get inside his car. Charles had a look of puzzlement on his face. He wasn’t expecting me to be with Phillip.
“Phillip, is it necessary to have Alixia with you? I think we’re capable of—”
I didn’t let him finish. “Charles, either I go with you or I go alone, but I’m not leaving. I will help find Marcus, do you understand?”
Phillip got into my thoughts.
Alixia, calm down. You’re not going anywhere.
“Uncle, she has a right to be here, and we can use her abilities to help us find Charlotte, to see if she has Marcus.”
Charles was quiet for a second. “We will see.” He said with skepticism. “But we do have another problem. The Blondeau Family has gone to the police to report Marcus missing.”
Phillip shifted nervously. “I figured they would do that, so you know we have to be more careful. It’s going make it harder to search for him now that the police are involved. And for Charlotte, I don’t think she will show herself here in the city because if she has been seen with him, they will probably be looking for her, too.” He said.
“Alixia.” Charles cleared his throat and looked at me intently. “In all probability you will be questioned since you were the last one to see him before he went missing. So be mindful of what you say.”
“I will. Hopefully we can find out where he is before I talk to the police.”
“That is our hope.” Charles replied. “The less family member involvement, the better. I have already been retracing their steps throughout New Orleans and the train station here was the last place they were seen.”
I gazed out the window through the rain and saw a bolt of lightning flash across the sky which lit up the train station. I opened the door and asked, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go talk to the ticket agent in that booth over there.”
Phillip grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the car, close to him. “Alixia, wait until the storm is over.”
“Phillip, we’re immortal. I don’t think a little rain is going to hurt us.” I tried to wiggle out of his arms.
“Alixia, you can’t just….”
“Phillip.”
Charles spoke up sharply, “Stop it, you two! We’re waiting here until the storm ends.”
Phillip scowled at his uncle as I jump into his head.
I will wait, Phillip. But as soon as this storm is over, I am not going to be stopped. Understood?
Yes, Alixia. Just have some patience, though, please.
Fine.
Phillip got into a conversation with his uncle in French. I looked out the window, thinking how ridiculous this was—waiting for a storm to get over with. We weren’t going to melt.
“Alixia.” Charles said in a condescending tone. “You know we have to be cautious. You shouldn’t be running around asking questions on your own. I think the best thing for you to do is go home.”
“No.” I stared at Phillip. “Is that what you two were just talking about?”
“Alixia, we are just trying to protect you.”
“I’m staying here to help find Marcus. I’m not leaving.”
Charles said something to Phillip in French again. I did pick up on the word “outsider” and something else. I tried to get into their thoughts but they ended their conversation quickly, as if they knew that would be my next move.
“What was that about outsiders?” I snapped.
Charles had a self-satisfied look on his face and gazed over at me.
“Alixia, I was just making a comment about the outsiders, how they cause chaos when we get involved with them.”
“Do you feel that way too, Phillip?” He didn’t answer, but nodded in agreement with his uncle. I moved away from him. I glared at both of them. “You said you would help me find him. Marcus is an innocent victim. You can’t blame him for bringing this chaos to the families. If Charlotte has him, she is the one who chose to bring this all on us, not Marcus. I don’t understand why you can’t see that!”
Phillip tried reaching for my hand. But I pulled away from him and opened the car door. I got out and ran toward the ticket booth. The wind pelted me with rain as I reached the platform. Phillip grabbed me from behind and pulled me close to him. “Alixia, I am sorry. Try to understand, we were raised in two different worlds and sometimes the outsiders do pose a threat to our family Realms.”
“I don’t really care, Phillip. I said, drenched with rain. “I am not giving up my friends that easily, just to avoid the chaos.”
“That’s not fair, Alixia. All we were trying to say is—”
I shifted as I saw a flash in my head. “Be quiet, Phillip! I am seeing images. It’s Marcus with Charlotte!”
“What?! Where?”
“Here. They were together.”
“What are you seeing?”
“They were standing by the ticket booth.” I pointed to the booth. I took in a sharp breath as I tried to fight the overwhelming thought that was now running through my mind. I saw that he had gotten on the train with her. Frantically, I cried out, “He went on the train with her! Why would he do that, Phillip?”
“I don’t know. Let’s go over and see if the conductor remembers them.”
We walked to the ticket booth. The conductor had his back to us. I tapped on the window and he turned and said, “The next train won’t leave until the storm is over.”
“Sir.” I said impatiently leaning in the window. “I am not here to buy a ticket. I just need some information, that’s all.” He looked at me attentively as he asked, “What kind of information?”
“Uh…do you recall selling tickets a week or so ago to a blonde-haired woman with striking blue eyes, and a young man, about six-two with dark hair?”
“Why, yes. The woman I would never forget, she was beautiful. They bought tickets.” He paused and looked perplexed. “What’s with that couple? The police were here asking questions about them, too.”
I swallowed hard.
They’re not a couple. She must have tricked him into following her.
Phillip leaned closer and asked, “Do you remember where they were going?”
The conductor didn’t hesitate. “They were going to Baton Rouge.”
I froze.
He went home, Phillip? So where is he then?
We will find him, don’t worry. Don’t ask any more questions; just say thank you.
“Thank you.” I said to the man.
We started walking away, but then Phillip stopped. “Wait!” He turned back to the ticket agent and asked, “Sir, do you have a train schedule from New Orleans to Baton Rouge?”
“Yes.” He handed it to Phillip who looked at it as we walked back to the car.
“Phillip, what’s with the schedule?”
“I was thinking about taking the train tom
orrow and getting off at each stop to see if anyone saw them.”
I kissed him. “Thank you, Phillip, but will you be in trouble with your uncle?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
He opened the car door for me and I slid into the seat. “So, what happened?” Charles asked Phillip as he slid in next to me. “They were here. Alixia saw them in a vision.
“You had a vision?” Charles asked.
“I don’t know if it was a true vision. They were just flashes. I need to go home and talk to Mother about it.”
“Well let’s go.” He said.
Phillip told the driver to take us to the Ambrosine mansion. I looked out the window and noticed the rain was beginning to slack off as we left New Orleans. Phillip put his arm around me and brought me close into him.
It was quiet on the drive home until Charles interrogatingly asked, “So, Alixia, your mother doesn’t know about you and Phillip yet?”
“No, and I prefer you don’t say anything until I get a chance to tell her.” He looked toward the window for a second. I read his thoughts.
This could be a perfect way to end their relationship.
“Uncle, what the hell?” Phillip must have been reading his thoughts, too.
Charles looked at me; he knew I heard too. “I apologize, Alixia. I just think you mother should know. And for you and Phillip, I just worry since you are still involved with that outsider, I don’t want to see my nephew hurt as I was with you mother.”
“I understand. You don’t have to say anything else.” He smiled at me with appreciation. “Thank you.” He said.
The car pulled up to the front of the mansion, I didn’t even wait for the driver to open the door. I got out and rushed to find Mother. She was in the den. “Alixia, you’re home.” She looked up from her book. “Mother, have you had any visions of Charlotte or Marcus?”
”No, I haven’t had any, why?” My heart dropped. “I had one.”
She stood up. “You’re having visions, Alixia?”
“I don’t know if they are true, but I had flashes of Marcus and Charlotte boarding the train together. What do you think it means?” She didn’t answer me right away. I could sense she was nervous about something. “Mother, tell me—”
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