Manitou Springs

by Claudia Hall Christian

  “If only Mom could see us now,” Valerie said.

  “Oh, Val — she’s right here,” Sam said. “Look.”

  He pointed to a dead tree about a hundred feet away.

  “Oh, come on now,” Sam said. “Show yourself.”

  A tiny owl stepped out onto a branch. It seemed to bow before taking off. It circled the raft before landing on a limb of the tree.

  “That owl lives in the evergreen in the Castle backyard,” Blane said. “You know, right where Jake thinks he should make those high-priced condos.”

  “High-priced condos?” Sam asked with a shake of his head.

  “Jake’s going to tear down the Castle?” Valerie asked in a horrified voice.

  Realizing they had no idea what he was talking about, Blane shook his head.

  “No, sorry,” Blane said. “Jake’s not tearing down the Castle. It’s some weird mind worm he’s had since he first started working on the Castle.”

  Unconvinced, Sam and Valerie gave him a similar sideways look, which made Blane laugh.

  “What are you saying, son?” Sam asked.

  “That owl.” Blane pointed to the owl. “It nests in that Blue Spruce on the north side of the Castle backyard.”

  “It does?” Valerie asked. She leaned forward to look at it. “Small, cute.”

  “That’s Celia’s owl,” Sam said with a nod. “She’s been here all along.”

  Valerie kissed her hand and gestured toward the owl. She and Blane were so focused on the owl that they gasped when the raft moved.

  “No time like the present.” Sam used his pushing pole to move the raft.

  Blane put his arm around Valerie, and she pressed against him. They had no idea what they’d do when they got to this dam. If the dam actually existed, that is.

  As they floated past the dead tree, Valerie caught the eye of the Boreal Owl. It gave a hoot to Valerie, and she smiled. Under her breath, she said, “I love you, Mom.” Sam looked at Valerie and grinned.

  “I love her, too,” Sam said.

  “So do I,” Blane said with a nod.

  “Then let’s get this done,” Sam said with a nod. “Just follow the coast. Usually these shelfs last the entire coast. We should be able to use the pole most of the way.”

  He gave the pole to Blane.

  “You can get us there faster,” Sam said.

  Nodding, Blane took the pole and moved them rapidly along the coastline.

  ~~~~~~~~

  Friday afternoon — 5:45 p.m.

  Tanesha set down her pencil and glanced at Fin. He leaned back and winked at her.

  “Pencils down,” the professor said from the front of the room.

  The test monitors walked through the room.

  “Pass your tests to your closest aisle,” the professor said.

  Tanesha watched her last Scantron form for the year slide from hand to hand until it was somewhere in a pile. The test monitor counted them and then checked the names. He pointed to each individual. When he pointed to Tanesha, she nodded her last nod of the year. When he was sure he had them all, he went to the next row.

  She looked at Fin. He was grinning his satisfaction.

  “How did you do?” Tanesha asked.

  “I will never understand why we must have this conversation after every test,” Fin said. “I say . . .”

  “I did fantastic,” Tanesha mimicked him. “I am a prince after all. Everything I do is fantastic.”

  “And you say . . .” Fin said. Before she could respond, “I don’t know. I’m a fairy princess, but I refuse to be what I am. So I’m a wash of insecurity and doubt. Oh, life! How can you be so cruel?”

  She gave him a dark look, and he laughed. They spent a few minutes packing up their personal items and waiting for the traffic jam of students at the door to pass. She looked at Fin, and he was drinking a full cup of warm black coffee from a coffee cup. Tanesha scowled. She knew better than to ask where the coffee came from.

  “Yes, I do know that only psychopaths drink black coffee,” Fin said. “My sister, Aife, tells me this fact almost every time I see her.”

  “How is she doing?” Tanesha asked.

  “Good,” Fin said. “She clear and stronger. She’s still obsessed with your friend, her twin, and her husband, but that’s simply not going away.”

  Tanesha nodded.

  “If you check your mug, you have one of those margaritas you enjoy,” Fin said. “I removed that ridiculous tea. When will you stop drinking it?”

  “Never,” Tanesha said as she reached for her travel mug.

  Fin shook his head with dismay and looked away. Two students were arguing near the middle of the room. The usual “beg the teacher not to fail them” crowd was standing near the front.

  “Are we going to the Castle after this?” Fin asked.

  “I don’t think you can be there,” Tanesha said, as she took the top off her travel mug. “No fairies.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” Fin said. “My sister Edie and many of the Fairy Corps are there taking care of the children.”

  Tanesha grinned at her joke, and he scowled. She held up the mug of margarita to Fin, and they toasted their victory. She took a sip and put the cup away.

  “I’m driving,” Tanesha said. “Why haven’t you had your baby?”

  “It’s mother,” Fin said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “She’s being irrational. After we save Jake, we will go home and set this right.”

  “Maybe it’s better to stay away,” Tanesha said. “Jake told us about what your mother is like when she’s crazy and angry. Not a pretty sight.”

  “This is true,” Fin said. “Abi is singing with those native peoples. Gilfand is drumming.”

  “That can’t hurt,” Tanesha said.

  “Yes,” Fin said. “It was just enough to give Blane the power to rescue Jacob. Your friend is now safe and sound.”

  “That’s good news,” Tanesha said. “I’m surprised Jill didn’t call.”

  “He isn’t here yet,” Fin said.

  “What?” Tanesha asked.

  She gestured toward the door. Most of the students had left the room. They got up and made their way to the door.

  “He is rescued but not all the way back yet,” Fin said. “He still needs these native people’s magic to bring him all the way.”

  “And his family?” Tanesha asked.

  “It’s my understanding that they are on another quest,” Fin said with a nod. “Noble people — Sam and his family.”

  Tanesha looked at him, but his mind was somewhere else. They stepped through the door and Tanesha sighed.

  “I’ve visualized this moment for . . . years,” Tanesha said. “And here I . . . what the . . .?”

  She pointed to the bodyguards standing in front of the door. Fin raised an eyebrow to her.

  “Mommy!” Like a dream, Jabari ran to her, screaming her name. “Mommy!!”

  She picked him up and kissed his cheek. The child threw his arms around Tanesha’s neck. When she looked ahead again, the bodyguards had stepped aside to show Jeraine. He was holding a bottle of expensive champagne and a few dozen red roses. He took two quick steps across the hall to her.

  “I don’t want to interfere,” Jeraine said. “I just wanted to be here to celebrate.”

  Tanesha felt like she was floating. She looked at Fin, who smiled at her. He plucked Jabari off her chest to make room for Jeraine to hug her. Jeraine kissed her cheek and gave her the roses. Tanesha felt her eyes well with tears.

  “Say something,” Jeraine said in a soft tone.

  “It’s good to see you,” Tanesha said.

  “There’s a mess at the Castle,” Jeraine said. “I knew if I wanted even a moment with you, I should come here.”

  She leaned back and kissed his lips.

  “It’s all arranged,” Jeraine said. “I’m staying with you in the little basement room. Fantastic, by the way. Jabari’s staying with my parents. My mom’s mad that she hasn’t seen him in
a while.”

  “Grandparents’ rights,” Jeraine and Tanesha said in unison and laughed.

  “Blane’s not here,” Tanesha said.

  “But I am,” Jeraine said. “I haven’t cooked in a good while.”

  “What about Jake?” Tanesha asked.

  “I was just about to say that,” Jeraine said. “We stopped there on our way into town. I made some marinade for the chicken. We got a list of what was needed, and a couple of my guys have gone to pick it up.”

  Jeraine grinned at her dumbfounded look.

  “I feel better,” Jeraine said with a shrug. “I was like this before . . .”

  “Before the drugs?” Tanesha asked.

  “The women, the booze, the rough living,” Jeraine said. “I’m really happy you’re here.”

  “I’m going to need time to recover from all of . . .” She gestured to the school they were standing in.

  “I know,” Jeraine said. “I just wanted to be here when you were done. To welcome you home, to us, again.”

  Tanesha smiled. Jeraine put his arm around her shoulder, and the entire entourage moved down the hall to the elevator. Fin was deep in conversation with one of the bodyguards as they got on the elevator. Tanesha was wondering if she should worry about what he was saying when Jeraine pulled on her.

  “Let’s let them go ahead,” Jeraine said.

  The elevator door closed and Jeraine hugged her. He held her for a long time.

  “I’ve missed this,” Jeraine said.

  “You used to go years at a time without it,” Tanesha said.

  “I’ve always missed it,” Jeraine said. “And you.”

  He kissed her lips.

  “You want to make out?” Jeraine asked.

  Tanesha laughed. He took her bag from her and put it over his shoulder.

  “You know there are paparazzi out there,” Tanesha said. “They can’t get in the building but they wait for me every day. I guess someday I’ll tell them what they want to hear.”

  “What’s that?” Jeraine asked.

  “Fuck if I know,” Tanesha said with a laugh. “Where’s Mom? Dad?”

  “We dropped her at her house,” Jeraine said. “Your Dad was there.”

  “He’s been drumming,” Tanesha said.

  “He wanted some time with his wife alone,” Jeraine said. “I can understand that.”

  Tanesha winced.

  “I have responsibilities to . . .” Tanesha started.

  “I know,” Jeraine said. “I get it. They’ve been there every day for all of your life. They’ve been there for you and our family when we’ve needed them. Jake needs everyone now. It’s important.”

  Surprised by his understanding, Tanesha could only nod.

  “That doesn’t stop us from making out,” Jeraine said.

  “Hey! Get a room,” said a male student standing behind them on the elevator landing.

  Jeraine turned to look at the man.

  “Oh, it’s you,” the man said. “Jeraine. Sorry. I didn’t know it was you.”

  Tanesha laughed.

  Chapter Four Hundred and Sixteen

  Checking in

  Friday afternoon — 6:15 p.m.

  “Tink?” Ivy asked.

  Tink turned around in the SUV to look at Ivy. Ivy was sitting in the far back next to Noelle. Ivy didn’t say anything else.

  “Are you okay?” Tink asked.

  Ivy nodded.

  “You just said my name,” Tink said.

  “Oh,” Ivy said. She wrinkled her upper lip. “Sorry.”

  Tink reached her hand over the seat, and Ivy took her hand. Ivy hated it when anything changed. She’d been like this when they were living outdoors. They were now driving to Wanda’s parents’ house to spend the weekend. Ivy had wanted to stay home, but, the younger girl had been a ball of anxiety since the Native American ceremony had started.

  “I think it will be good for us to get away,” Tink said. “Too much weird energy. Especially for you.”

  Tink tried to give Ivy a confident smile, like Charlie used to give her. Charlie was the only one who could calm Ivy when she was anxious.

  “Are you okay?” Tink asked.

  Ivy nodded. She smiled, and Tink let go of her hand. Noelle leaned over to speak in Ivy’s ear.

  “It’s hard to be around the older kids,” Noelle said in a soft voice.

  Ivy nodded.

  “I get kind of forgotten,” Ivy said.

  “Sure,” Noelle said. She took Ivy’s hand. “Let’s make sure not to forget each other.”

  Ivy nodded and squeezed Noelle’s hand.

  “Have you done this before?” Ivy asked Noelle in a soft voice.

  Noelle shook her head.

  “Usually Sissy is with us,” Noelle said.

  “Charlie,” Ivy said. She looked sad. “I miss him. Sissy, too.”

  Noelle nodded.

  “I have permission to call them tonight,” Noelle said in Ivy’s ear. “Tink doesn’t know. We get to call over the computer so we can see them.”

  “Both of them?” Ivy whispered back.

  “They’re waiting for us,” Noelle said in Ivy’s ear.

  Smiling, Ivy gave Noelle a thumbs-up, and Noelle put her finger to her lip. Ivy nodded.

  “I was thinking Netflix and snacks,” Wanda’s father Erik said from the driver’s seat. “Is there something else you want to do?”

  “Help Wanda pick out a dog,” Ivy said.

  The words jumped out of Ivy’s mouth. She felt instantly embarrassed. She sunk down in her seat.

  “What?” Wanda asked. “We’re getting a dog?”

  “How did you . . .?” Erik asked.

  Erik looked at Ivy through the rearview mirror. Seeing her large, terrified eyes, he gave her a warm smile. Ivy blushed and looked away.

  “Now, Wanda, nothing’s been decided,” Wanda’s mom, Edith, said from the passenger seat of the SUV.

  “I love dogs!” Tink said. “I know Heather and Blane wouldn’t mind if I get one. I’ll call Heather right now.”

  “Dogs are the best!” Noelle said. “Buster’s been my best friend through losing my mom and my broken cheekbone and . . .”

  Noelle rattled off all of the difficult situations that Buster had helped her get through. When Erik’s attention turned back to the road, Ivy watched Wanda’s father in the rearview mirror. He had an eye on her now — not in a bad way, but not necessarily in a good way. After this outburst, Ivy couldn’t pretend to be normal around him anymore. As if he’d heard her thoughts, Wanda’s father gave Ivy a kind nod. She couldn’t help but smile. Maybe she was wrong.

  Wanda’s father pulled into the big parking lot on Colorado Boulevard.

  “Anything else. girls?” Wanda’s mother asked.

  The girls shook their heads.

  “Really?” Wanda’s mother asked.

  “Just the snacks and some ice cream,” Wanda said. “You’re getting the pizza, Dad?”

  “Pizza and salad coming up!” Erik said and got out of the SUV.

  Wanda’s mother gave the girls another long look before getting out of the SUV. She leaned back in.

  “No funny business, girls,” Edith said.

  The girls didn’t say a word until Wanda’s parents had walked away from the SUV.

  “I’m so excited!” Wanda said. She turned to look at Ivy and asked, “What are you getting?”

  “Getting?” Ivy asked.

  “I’m sure Ms. Delphie would let you have a dog or a cat or a bunny or . . .?” Noelle asked.

  “Really?” Ivy looked flabbergasted at the idea. “Who would pay for it?”

  “Wanda’s dad will pay for now,” Noelle said with a nod. Knowing Sissy, Noelle knew how important it was to figure out these details beforehand. “But he’ll be reimbursed by Ms. Delphie or my mom or my dad or Ms. Valerie or Mr. Sam — he’s a big animal lover — or Mr. Mike, or . . .” Noelle started.

  “Really?” Ivy asked again.

  “I’
ve known Delphie a long, long time — most of my life really — and I can say that she would love any animal,” Noelle said. Tink gave a cheer into the phone. “Especially if you feel connected to it. You should call her.”

  “Call her?” Ivy asked. “How?”

  “With your cell phone,” Noelle said.

  “Oh, I always forget about that,” Ivy blushed. “It’s just all new, and I . . .”

  Noelle hugged Ivy. They listened to Tink saying her good-byes to Heather.

  “I took care of it,” Tink said.

  “You’re getting a dog?” Ivy tried to be excited for her friend, but her own mixture of anticipation and assumed disappointment was too great. She sounded disappointed.

  “No, silly,” Tink said. “Heather was standing next to Delphie. She asked Delphie for you.”

  “What did she say?” Ivy asked, her voice laced with hope.

  “She said listen to your heart,” Tink said. “If there’s an animal, any animal, for you, you will know it. But be sure it’s your animal. It’s a place with lots of animals who would all like to come home with you.”

  “How will I know?” Ivy asked.

  “She said that you’ve been working on it,” Tink said. Ivy looked off for a moment before nodding. “But for the rest of us, she said that we should listen to our hearts. I thought that was good advice for all of us.”

  Tink turned around to look at Ivy.

  “Before you ask how you’re going to pay for it,” Tink said.

  “She already did,” Noelle said with a nod.

  Tink grabbed Ivy’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

  “Delphie said to remember that you have a credit card,” Tink said.

  “I do?” Ivy asked.

  “I’ve seen it,” Noelle said. “I have one too. It’s prepaid in case we need money but won’t mess everything up if we lose it.”

  Ivy looked in her tiny Mexican hand woven purse — a gift from Valerie — for the card. Finding it, she looked up at Tink and nodded.

  “One good thing,” Wanda said with a giant grin on her face. “If we get them together, they’ll all get along!”

  Noelle clapped her hands. Tink beamed, and Wanda gave a little cheer. Overwhelmed, Ivy didn’t say anything. Noelle touched her leg.

  “If I get an animal then . . .” Ivy said and stopped. “I mean that’s me adding to . . .”