Inside Willa’s cozy kitchen, she began bustling around to prepare a meal.
“Anything I can do to help?” Tori asked.
“Sure honey, you go down to the cellar and get me a jar of green beans, a jar of tomatoes and a jar of pears.” Willa pointed the way to the cellar, a small door to the side of the kitchen. “Take the lamp.” She pointed to a lamp on a small table by the cellar door.
Tori lit the lamp and walked down the creaky stairs into the darkness of the cellar. Shelving lined the walls with rows upon rows of canned fruit and vegetables. She found the tomatoes first, and was looking for the green beans when Justin came down.
“She sent me for potatoes.” Justin said as he began loading some potatoes in a basket.
“Hey, Tori are you scared of going back?”
“Not really. Why? Are you?”
“No. I was just thinking. What if it sends us somewhere else instead of back to Earth?”
“I hadn’t really though of that, but I am now. Thanks a lot.”
“Sorry.”
“I was just teasing. Thomas seems pretty certain that only this world and Earth are connected. I think we will be okay.”
“You’re probably right.”
Thomas came down the steps a few minute later. “She sent me for onions.”
Tori found the green beans and the peaches. Since she was the one with the lamp she stood waiting for the men. When everyone had their requested items Tori led the way back up the stairs. When she got to the top she could tell that Willa was saying something in a raised voice but she couldn’t quite make it out. She cracked open the door and held Mason say. “Granny, I appreciate what you did for me and I know you worry, but I can’t do that. You know I can’t.”
Tori opened the door and walked the rest of the way into the kitchen. Willa was already stirring something on the stove and Mason was setting out dishes on the table. She deposited her wares on the counter next to the stove and so did the men. “Anything else I can do Willa?”
“No you just sit down this will be ready soon.”
Soon Willa had prepared a quick stew and everyone ate heartily. The talk was light and everyone was in a good mood. Tori helped to do the dishes and soon they were back in the carriage heading to meet Earl the Wizard.”
Willa was sitting up front with Mason this time so Tori was in back with Justin and Thomas. Thomas was getting so excited he was fidgeting. “I can’t believe I am going to be back on Earth soon. I hope to God my Pearl is still alive.”
“I hope so too.” Tori said smiling at him.
Justin, who was sitting beside the old man, put his hand on his shoulder. “I’ll help you find her. You know, you can stay with me for a while if you need to, well, as long as I have a place.”
“Thank you son,” Thomas said. Tori thought that Thomas and Justin had grown rather fond of each other in the short time that they had known each other. She knew a lot could happen in a short time.
Justin and Thomas discussed what there plan of action would be once they got to Earth. Justin explained the internet and how that could help. Tori thought she could see the hope in the old man’s eyes and wondered what it would be like to still be so in love with someone after so many years.
All too soon, the carriage stopped in front of a small cottage in the woods. It was only slightly larger than Willa’s cottage and lacked the feminine touches that Willa had incorporated all around the outside of her cottage. It was obvious that a man lived here.
Everyone got out and Willa led the way to the door. She knocked and there was no reply. She knocked again and still there was nothing.
“Earl, it’s Willa. Get you skinny butt out here I need to talk to you.”
Finally the door was opened by a tall skinny man. He looked quite a few years older than Willa and he had long white hair that was pulled back in a low ponytail and he was rather clean shaven. He wore brown pants, a long white linen shirt, and brown leather sandals. He looked more like an old hippy than a wizard to Tori.
“Willa!” he said immediately hugging her and lifting her off her feet.”
She laughed. “Put me down you old fool.”
He put her down and she made a show of smoothing out her skirts. “What brings you to my neck of the woods?”
“How is your toe?”
Earl wiggled his toe, “good as new, but I know you didn’t come out here to check on a burnt toe.”
“You’d be right. Believe it or not I actually need your help.”
He rubbed his chin. “Is that so?”
“Yes, but don’t get all big headed about it. Do you have a place where we can sit down and talk?”
“Of course I do, it being such a nice day, let’s go sit under that tree.”
Earl led them over to a large oak tree. Everyone sat on the ground. Willa began by introducing everyone and then explained what had happened.
Earl shook his head. “So all you need me to do is cast a circle?”
“That’s it. Do you think you can manage it? And next time you need my services, which seems to be quite frequently, I’ll treat you for free.” Willa said as she rubbed her arms. The suns were going down and Tori was cold too. Earl didn’t say anything at first he just clapped his hands and made a couple gestures Tori didn’t recognize and immediately she felt the air around her warm up.
“Wow,” Tori said. “Did you do that?”
“I did indeed.” Then Earl cocked an eyebrow at Willa, “I can manage it.”
Thomas spoke up. “I believe it will only work after the suns set. You see, the things only come over during the night, so it would make sense that the barrier is thinner then.”
“It makes sense to me.” The wizard said. “And since we have a little time I have a million questions about your world.” He looked at Justin. “Are there wizards in your world?”
“Only in fiction,” Justin answered. “There are magicians, but they just work with illusion.”
“Hmm, I wonder if magic works at all in your world. Maybe there are just no wizards, but if electricity works there but not here. Maybe electricity is like the magic of your world. Maybe you can have one but not both.” He shook his head as if trying to clear it of the thought. “Did you feel anything when you came over?”
“No, not a thing, I was knocked out.”
“Me too,” Tori interjected.
“Interesting,” the wizard said. “I can’t wait to do it. I hope I get a glimpse of your world! That would be so exciting!”
Earl continued to question Tori, Justin and Thomas about Earth until the suns dropped all the way below the horizon. Tori retreated into her thoughts and let Thomas and Justin answer most of the wizard’s questions. The moon above was only slightly less full than it had been, slowly fading as if it was saying goodbye. Tori was happy to be going home, but she was sad to be leaving. She hated to think what her sister must be going through right now. If the situation was reversed, she would be frantic.
She was drawn to Mason like she had never been drawn to anyone before. She looked over at him, with his ready smile, his deep eyes and his hard body. He and Willa were deep in conversation. They were speaking quietly so Tori couldn’t tell what they were saying.
Thomas stood up and spoke ripping Tori away from her thoughts. “It is full dark now and if everyone is ready. Let’s do it.”
“Don’t be so hasty.” Willa said as she stood. I need to say goodbye to Tori. “Sweetie you come take a walk with me.” Tori followed as Willa led her around the side of Earl’s house. “Are you sure you want to go?”
“I have to go.”
“That’s not what I asked. Look at me and tell me you want to go.”
“I miss my sister and she must be worried about me. I have to go.”
“Uh huh, that’s what I thought.”
“Thank you so much for helping me.”
“Oh honey, it was nothing, I think you may have helped me more than you know. Come here.” Willa wrapped Tori in a warm
motherly hug. “I’m going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you too.”
Mason came around the side of the house while the two women were still embracing. Willa released her and Tori saw the wetness that had built up in Willa’s eyes. “I’m going to go and give you two a chance to say goodbye.” Willa walked as fast as she could around the side of the house.
Chapter Fifteen
The darkness didn’t hide the intense expression on Mason’s face. When Willa left he backed Tori up against the side of the cottage and placed a hand on either side of her pinning her between him and the wall. He was close to Tori. So close she could feel the heat radiating from his skin.
“Don’t go.”
“Mason, I have to.” Maybe he could come with her. The thought had crossed her mind. If he left with her at least no one would think he was dead. She had pushed the thought away because he was the only family his granny had here and he owned the tavern. It seemed selfish to ask him to come with her. If only it wasn’t a one way trip? They could have a long distance relationship. The thought made her chuckle on the inside even though her heart was breaking.
“Please don’t go.” He said again.
She wished she could stay. Hell, at this point she wished she could just spend one more night here. If she could have just one more night with this amazing man, it might be worth the pain of not being with him. The fact that she hadn’t slept with him changed nothing. She was damned if she did and damned if she didn’t. She couldn’t imagine wanting anyone more than she wanted Mason at this moment. She could not be that selfish though. Letting her sister think she was dead would be the most selfish thing she had ever done. Even if she only spent one more night here, that would be an incredibly selfish act. One day could feel like a lifetime when you thought your sister was dead. It was impossible.
“Mason, I…”
Her words were cut short when he covered her mouth with hers. His lips felt like fire. He kissed her hungrily and she kissed him back with the same intense fury. He dropped his hands to the small of her back pulling her even closer to him as she buried her hands in his hair. In that moment she felt more passion, more satisfaction than she had ever felt even when having sex with anyone, ever.
When he pulled his lips away from her, it hurt. Her lips were red and swollen from the passionate kiss and she wanted more. Mason had already taken a step back and she brought her fingers to her lips.
“Stay with me.” He said.
Tori couldn’t find the words or the will to speak she just shook her head no. Mason turned and walked away. Tori backed up against the wall and slid to the ground. Damn it! Damn it all to hell, she thought. Was this someone’s ideal of a cruel joke? She sat there, crying on the ground.
Thomas came around the house. “It’s time.”
Tori wiped her eyes and stood up, following Thomas to the front of the cottage. Mason was standing with Willa away from Earl. There was a glowing globe suspended about seven feet off the ground casting light over most of the wizard’s front yard. She looked back at Mason and he just looked away. He was just out of the glow of the light and she couldn’t see what expression his face held. It was time to go.
Earl was holding a large revolver in his left hand. He sat it on the ground and spoke. “Is everyone ready?”
Justin and Thomas quickly said that they were ready to go. Tori just nodded her head. She wanted to stay and she needed to go. What could she do?
Earl began making some hand gestures. To Tori it looked like he was shaping imaginary pizza dough. She watched closely as a blue glow became visible between his hands. The circle of blue light became larger and more vibrant as he continued the manipulation of the sphere of light. When the sphere was just large enough for all three to stand in he made a downward gesture with his hands and the glowing sphere rested on the ground. The grass could still be seen through the blue glow of the circle, but the glow came about three inches above the blades.
“Okay, now you three. Step inside and hold hands. It’s just a precautionary measure, but I want to make sure you stay together.”
Tori took one more glance back at Mason. His face was still obscured in the shadows so all she saw was his dark form on the porch. Justin took her right hand and Thomas took her left hand. Together they stepped into the glow of the circle. She felt a tingle as she crossed the blue barrier. It was nothing compared to what she had felt when Mason kissed her. She could run out of the circle. She could tell Justin or Thomas to tell her sister she was okay. Would she believe a stranger? She could see it now. Your sister is not dead, she is living happily ever after in a land with three suns, with a handsome man. She was brought over because sometimes things that are left on the ground like trash just wind up there. Anyway, she fell in love with a man she met only a couple days ago and decided to stay with him, but she wanted me to tell you that she is okay so you wouldn’t be worried. Oh and I know all this because I was there, but I decided to go back to Earth when the wizard shot the gun into the magic circle. Thank you for your time. Have a great day.
Yeah, right! Tori knew her sister. The one who did her the favor of telling Kathy would be the prime suspect in her murder case. Tori wouldn’t believe it if she were in Kathy’s place. She wouldn’t rest until she was found. She just couldn’t pout her sister through that.
Time slowed down. Tori saw Thomas take Justin’s hand. Her heart was racing. Earl picked up the gun and cocked it. He stood at the edge of the circle and pointed the gun at the edge. He pulled the trigger. Bang!
She felt the tingle that was just at her ankles when she first entered the circle as it began to creep up her legs. It moved slowly, almost caressing her. It brought with it an enveloping warmth like standing in a bath tub as it is being filled with warm water. She was facing in the direction of the porch and she could see Mason now. He had stepped in the light, almost to the edge of the circle. Willa stood beside him and she could see her crying. Mason had his arm around her like he was comforting her. He had such a kind heart, but she had seen him be a genuine bad ass when he needed to be.
The warm tingling sensation had made its way up to her knees now. Hot tears were falling from her eyes. She shut her eyes, if she looked at him any more she would simply step out of the circle. Thomas squeezed her hand. Was he trying to give her strength? It wasn’t working. The circle began to rise faster and soon it was up to her navel, then her chest.
To hell with it she thought as she tried to step out of the circle. To her horror she found she was unable to move. She opened her eyes and all she could see was the blue shimmering light all around her. She tried to scream Masons name but she couldn’t make the words come out. She couldn’t even move her lips. She had made up her mind too late. Oh God it was too late. Pain and anger tore at her heart.
The blue light turned to blackness and nothing could be seen, absolutely nothing. She felt nothing below her feet for a second. All she felt was the pressure of Thomas and Justin holding her hands. The she felt solid ground again and was staring into the night.
Chapter Sixteen
The three stood their still holding hands. The night was cool and crisp. They were in a forest. It looked very similar to the forest surrounding Earl’s cottage but the cottage was gone. Tears fell from Tori’s arms and the unspoken scream came out of her mouth in a whisper. “Mason.”
“I think we made it.” Thomas said releasing her hand. He walked around in circles for a moment. “Oh my God, I think I am back on Earth.” He noticed Tori and walked over to her. “Tori, are you okay? Did it hurt?”
She was still crying and her heart felt like it was it had been ripped from her chest. She collapsed to the ground and pulled her knees into her chest. Thomas and Justin both knelt down beside her. “Tori, say you are okay.” Justin pleaded.
She took several deep breaths and tried to calm herself. She wiped the tears away with the back of her hands. “I’m okay. It didn’t hurt.” Not physically at least. The pain she was feelin
g now was unquantifiable and untreatable.
“Well, let’s get moving. You will feel better once you see your family.” Justin said as he tried to make her feel better. He took her hand and helped her to stand. He didn’t let go of her hand and she was thankful for the support. She didn’t feel anything for him, maybe just like a good friend, but the reassurance of his hand gave her strength.
“I see a path over there.” Thomas said heading toward the north.
She allowed Justin to lead her behind Thomas. She wasn’t sure she could move on her own. They were just in a little patch of forest and within a couple of minutes Thomas had led them to a concrete path. They walked on the smooth surface and Tori saw a sign that stated Taylor Memorial Bike Path Mile 1.
“That’s odd.” Thomas said. “My last name is Taylor.”
“You don’t think it is named after you?” Justin asked.
“Nah, that would just be too weird.”
The bike path was flanked by trees on either side but was more than wide enough for the party to walk side by side. Justin didn’t let go of her hand and he walked beside Thomas. She could breathe again, but she still didn’t want Justin to let go of her hand. They came to the end of the path and it opened onto a suburban street that was apparently in a nice neighborhood. To the left of the path was a large home with a gate around it.
“All the lights are on in that home. Maybe we can go see if they will let us use the phone.” Justin said.
“We need to say something other than we just magically appeared from another world.” Thomas said.
Tori took a deep breath. “I’ll say we are stranded. It might work. All I know is that I don’t want to walk any more.”
Together they walked up to the massive black iron gate that was at the foot of the driveway. There was a little call button, so Tori pressed it.
“Yes,” a male voice from the speaker said.
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