The Witch's Spark

by Melania Tolan

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He nodded. “Your mother seems a little intense, no?”

  “Just a little.” I pulled on his arm. “Please forgive me for unceremoniously shoving you in here with my mop and broom.”

  “No need to apologize. But why did you not want your mother to know I was here?” He closed the closet door behind him.

  “She’s very nervous about me living alone, and if she saw you here, she would either freak out and make a scene, or freak out and want to know everything about you.” I pulled the collar of the robe closer around my neck. “I’m not ready for either. Sorry, it was selfish of me.” My gaze dropped to the ground.

  “I don’t think so.” Traian took my chin with his hand and tilted my head back. His lips met mine for a second. “I will meet your family when you are ready.”

  “Okay.” I drew a quick breath.

  “Let’s eat. I had an adventure planned, but what if we went to the cemetery and you showed me where you saw this symbol?” His other hand touched the paper. “Also, I will take you to class tonight.”

  “Okay.” I nodded, completely unaware I still had my symbol paper in my hand. I couldn’t believe what was about to come out of my mouth. “I’m skipping class tonight.”

  Traian jerked his head. “Again?”

  I nodded.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I want to spend as much time as we can together before you leave for the weekend.”

  He held my gaze and then gave a quick nod. “Fine, but for the record, I don’t condone missing lectures.” He brought his palms together in a soft clap. “With that said, let’s eat, and then go make some memories.”

  We sat down at the kitchen bar. Traian poured hot water into our teacups. I had chosen a rooibos blend tea, and he’d picked peppermint. The hash browns and bacon had cooled off with all the interruptions, but everything still tasted good.

  “I’m gonna keep you around,” I said between bites. “You can cook.”

  “Nothing would give me more pleasure than to provide nourishment for you every day.” When he talked like that, he sounded so old.

  I still couldn’t believe my lucky stars had landed me this gorgeous hunk of a guy, but a part of me knew that he could be gone just as quickly as he had come into my life. I shoved that little voice in the closet like I had Traian earlier. Tomorrow I would let it talk, but not today while he still sat, flesh and blood in my kitchen.

  We finished breakfast with some leftover cheesecake that Butcher had sent home with me yesterday. I took a quick shower and got dressed while Traian washed the dishes and cleaned up. I’d told him I would do it later, but he insisted, saying that arguing wasn’t an option. Even Storm stayed out of our way, sleeping in her pink bed.

  I chose a pair of jeans and a white sweater. Wool socks were in order, too, because though we had entered the first week of March, temperatures had dropped to the low-forties. I got cold easily, and if we were planning on going to the cemetery, I would need to stay warm. I found the down coat I wore when temperatures dropped below fifty degrees, and stuffed a hat and gloves into my purse. I speculated on what kind of adventure Traian had planned for me afterwards. Downstairs, he led me to a parked black truck with tinted windows.

  “When did you get this?”

  Traian shook his head. “Borrowing it for the day.” He opened the passenger door and helped me with the seat belt.

  “I can buckle myself in,” I protested.

  His lips brushed my ear. “I know.”

  I shivered as his cool breath caressed my neck. And then Traian was gone. A moment later, the driver’s door opened, and he slipped into the seat next to me. He looked odd sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Why, I didn’t know. Maybe he wasn’t used to driving a truck. But the way he started the engine and shifted into drive showed the confidence of someone who’d driven one all their life.

  Twenty minutes later, he turned the truck into Lake View Cemetery. “Tell me where.”

  “Up the hill and to the right. By that big aspen tree.” I wanted to see Grandma first. She was the most important family member I wanted to introduce Traian to.

  He parked the truck near the row of gravestones where Grandma’s stood. I zipped the front of my coat all the way up as a cool breeze rustled through the cemetery, and then I took Traian’s hand and led him to Grandma’s grave.

  “This is where you saw the symbol?” He gave me a questioning look.

  I shook my head. “No, but I wanted you to meet my grandmother.” I turned to the reddish stone. “Hi, Grandma. I brought a special person today… I wish you could meet him in real life. This is Traian.”

  Traian stared at me for a moment and then turned to the stone. “Eh, hello.”

  To dispel the awkwardness, I kissed his cheek. “I come here and talk to her a lot.”

  “Were you close before she died?”

  “Not really. I mean, I feel close to her, but she died the day I was born.”

  “That’s right, you mentioned that before.” Traian nodded.

  He probably thought I was crazy.

  “I know it’s weird I come and talk to the gravestone of someone I never met, but I wish I’d met her in real life. She seemed like such an interesting person.”

  “Your mother didn’t think so.”

  “Ah, yeah, you heard the whole conversation.”

  Traian squeezed my hand in reassurance.

  I led him to Eva’s grave next. When we stood in front of her tombstone, I pulled out the piece of paper I’d done the rubbing on and held it near the spot where the symbol had been.

  “I swear to God, I did the rubbing right here, but this design is gone. How is that possible?”

  Traian released my hand and stepped toward the gravestone. He crouched down and examined the surface of the stone before walking around to the other side. I realized in that moment he was just as interested in my little story as I was. That should have been odd but it only added to the intrigue.

  “The stone doesn’t appear to be tampered with.” He patted the top of the stone. “Someone could have replaced it while you were in the hospital.”

  “Which makes me question my sanity.”

  “I don’t think so.” Traian shook his head and ran a hand over the spot I’d seen the symbol.

  His curiosity over this puzzled me. It was as if he’d seen the symbol before. Maybe he’d been here too—he lived in the neighborhood.

  “Where do you live?” I asked him.

  He never looked up from the stone, but raised his right arm and pointed north toward a tree. I was pretty sure he didn’t live in a tree, but perhaps he meant one of the houses past the tall hedge encompassing the entire cemetery.

  “Can we stop by your place?” I asked him.

  Traian stood up and turned. “My home is under construction, but we can drive by. Then I would like to take you somewhere. A special place.”

  I looked at the gravestone one more time and caught a glimpse of red at the top of the hill, near the grave of a famous Asian martial artist. The woman from the train stood watching us.

  Chapter 21

  My blood froze. Who was this woman and why did she keep following me?

  Traian stepped forward and blocked my view of her.

  “Stay calm. You are safe,” he said in a voice so low it was almost a whisper. “Take my hand, and we’ll go to the truck together.”

  I did as he asked. His hand gripped mine tightly as he led me back to the driver’s side.

  “Is this a joke?” I asked under my breath.

  “Do as I say,” he whispered. “Get in the truck and act like you’ve done this a million times.”

  I got inside and Traian was in the passenger seat moments later.

  “The lower lever on the side of the seat will move it forward,” he instructed me. “Buckle your seat belt.” He handed me the key when I’d completed the tasks. “You know how to start a car, no?”

  “Yes.” I’d se
en Mom and Stella do it.

  “Put your foot on the brake, the pedal in the middle. Gas is on the right. Pull this lever down until you see the ‘D’ on the screen there.” He pointed to the dashboard.

  Everything inside me wanted to scream, “Hold up! What the hell is going on?” but instead, I followed his commands like a pre-programed robot.

  “Ease off the brake, I got the wheel. Now slowly press on the gas.”

  “Oh my god,” I muttered as the truck jerked forward.

  Traian guided the truck around the loop while I scanned the cemetery, looking for the woman. She was gone.

  “She’s not gone,” Traian said. “We will discuss her when we’re a safe distance from this place. And never come here again if you want to stay alive.”

  I was about to say something, but his other hand covered my mouth. “Shh.”

  We exited the cemetery slowly, my heart racing like lightning. I didn’t have a license, or even a permit to drive. He guided me onto the northbound freeway, and several exits later, we got off and switched seats.

  “Now?” I asked as I collapsed against the passenger door. Black spots peppered my vision.

  Traian gave me a sideways glance and turned his attention to the road. “You are not feeling well, I should take you to a hospital.”

  I closed my eyes. “I’m fine, just that whole thing was a bit much.” I would be okay. Maybe.

  He reached over and felt my limp wrist, looking for my pulse. “Your heart rate is irregular. I’m taking you in.”

  I gathered up all the strength I could muster and sat up. “No. I will be okay. Just give me a moment to rest, and my heart will regulate itself.” I leaned back against the headrest.

  “Fine… I will drive around for five more minutes… if your pulse doesn’t change by then, I’m taking you in.”

  “Fine.” I didn’t have enough energy to argue. “Who was that woman?”

  “An enemy.”

  “Of yours?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why is she following me?”

  “You’ve seen her before?” I could hear the tension in Traian’s voice tighten.

  “This is the third or possibly fourth time.”

  “Blasted dragon’s dung,” Traian muttered.

  I opened my eyes halfway and peeked at him. He massaged his chin with one hand, while the other had a death grip on the wheel.

  “Why is she an enemy?”

  “Long story.”

  “I’ve got time.”

  Traian shook his head.

  “This is bullshit,” I muttered, but inside I wanted to explode. I just didn’t have enough energy to do so. “I invited you into my home, let you sleep in my bed, and answered your questions about my life, but I know nothing about you. It’s not fair.”

  Traian reached over to take my hand, but I pulled away.

  “This is good,” he decided. “It will make saying goodbye easier.”

  My head came up off the headrest. “You’re leaving me?”

  “I am trouble and I have brought trouble upon you because of my selfish desire to know you better. For that, I am most regretful.”

  “Of course, you are.” I looked out the passenger window, but didn’t pay attention to where we were. “Figures. Silly me for thinking otherwise.”

  “My little doe, it’s not because I want to. If I had a choice, I would choose you. Every time.”

  The truck stopped.

  We were at the top of a hill, overlooking downtown Seattle. The black spots had faded from my vision, allowing me to see clearly again.

  “Why are you leaving?”

  “Because I have to.” Traian cut the engine and turned to me. “I have to leave tomorrow, but the choice is yours if you want me to come back.”

  “I want you to come back. But only if, you promise not to be an ass.”

  He crossed his heart. “Promise.”

  “Now we should report the woman to the police.”

  “No, that will only get you and other innocent people killed. The police can’t do anything.” He rubbed his chin again.

  “Okay, the FBI then?”

  He laughed. “The FBI can’t do a damn thing. Let me check your pulse again.” He held out his hand.

  I reluctantly placed my arm in Traian’s palm. He gently touched the inside of my wrist with his cool fingers. When he was satisfied, he kissed the spot where his fingers had been, letting his lips linger.

  “Am I going to be okay?” I had to catch my breath, as heat radiated down my arm.

  “For now. Let’s get you home. You need rest.”

  I wanted to argue, but Traian was right. My body felt depleted of energy, and my warm bed and a hot cup of tea sounded like heaven.

  “‘Blasted dragon’s dung,’ eh?” I mused as he turned on the truck and pulled out into the street.

  He winked at me.

  Why do I feel he didn’t get that phrase from playing D and D? When he winked, I noticed a scar above his left eye I hadn’t before.

  “What happened there?” I pointed.

  “Old battle wound.” He smiled and squeezed my hand. “A story for another day.”

  Chapter 22

  I woke up alone in my bed Friday morning, but a rose and a note rested where Traian’s head had been. I instantly missed his presence. Two nights in a row, I’d slept so deeply with him near me. Yesterday, we’d come home, and he’d made tea as soon as we arrived. Later, I woke up from a nap to homemade soup and toast in bed.

  We’d had the evening to ourselves. I did text Stella to let her know I was home and fine around the time I would have gotten home from class.

  My phone had been full of text messages from Mindy, Mom, Jen, and Stella, but I’d ignored them all and focused my attention on Traian. We did nothing but sit and talk the evening away, but that time felt magical and perfect. Even Storm curled up with us on the futon. I’d fallen asleep in his arms, not knowing anything more about the crazy woman I needed to avoid.

  Now I picked up the pink rose and read the note while Storm nuzzled up against my shoulder and purred.

  My dearest Everly,

  I regret leaving without saying goodbye. I simply couldn’t bring myself to wake you up, as you were sleeping soundly. I promise to tell you everything when I return Sunday evening. While I will only be gone two days, it will feel like two centuries, being away from you. You have stolen my heart. I will return soon.

  Yours forever,

  Traian

  P.S. Whatever you do, don’t take off your grandmother’s cross.

  P.P.S. I saved Butcher’s number in your phone. Call him if you see the woman again.

  P.P.P.S. Have I mentioned you’ve stolen my heart?

  I sighed. Everything inside me ached to feel his cool hands on my skin again. He’d only been in my life a short time, yet I didn’t know how I could manage a day without him.

  Obsessed much?

  I got up, taking Storm with me. Today was my first day back at work, and it would be a full eight-hour shift, possibly longer depending on how many orders had come in overnight—a perfect distraction.

  Downstairs, I discovered a banana nut muffin on the counter. I heated water for tea while I showered. Instead of tying my hair back in a knot, I pulled out the old hairdryer. After working my red locks for a good twenty minutes, I had a few waves in my hair with more body than usual. I decided I would wear it down. Why not?

  I scarfed down the muffin on my way to work, while constantly scanning my surroundings for any signs of the woman in red.

  “Hi!” Mindy threw her arms around me when I arrived. “Why haven’t you been answering my texts and calls? Or are you too busy for your best friend now?”

  I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling my cheeks warm up. “I’m so sorry.” I glanced around the room and lowered my voice. “I was on a date.”

  Mindy gasped. “Another one? Do tell.”

  “Girls, we’ve got lots of work to do,” Carol called from the back
room.

  No ‘welcome back, Everly’ from her…

  “Later.” I hugged Mindy back. “I missed you, girlfriend.”

  “Good to see you again.” She gave me another squeeze. “And you need to spill the beans.”

  The truth was, I didn’t realize how much I’d missed her until I saw her. Mindy was my best friend, although I hadn’t been treating her like that, ignoring her texts. While we got busy on the orders, she told me about her last-minute trip to California, and I told her about the time after my hospitalization and all that had gone down.

  But I didn’t tell her the truth about Traian—I didn’t know how I felt about him yet. He was very new to me, and there were still too many secrets on his end. I wasn’t sure how my friends would handle the relationship.

  My mom would freak out if she knew. The previous morning had been a close call. Who knows what she would do when she found out? She might invite him over for dinner. Probably invite him to church, too. My sister would probably pepper him with twenty million questions or share too many embarrassing stories of my childhood.

  Traian was my little secret for now, and I wanted to keep it that way. I didn’t know who he was, so I needed to know him better before I told all my family and friends about him. It might not be the wisest thing, but I didn’t care. When he came back on Sunday and we’d had our chat, then I would introduce him to the rest of the people in my life.

  The spring dance at the local middle school was happening on Saturday, so orders were pouring in for boutonnières and corsages. This kept Mindy and I quite busy, besides our usual orders for birthdays, thank you's, and other occasions.

  At lunch, I took twenty minutes to scarf down a sandwich that my mom had made me two days ago. Then I busted butt all afternoon. Eventually, closing time arrived.

  Mindy turned up the stereo, blaring a classic rock song, while I swept the floor. We’d finished the last corsage and boutonnière. All in all, not a horrible way to spend a Friday night. I dumped the day’s cuttings into a basket and went out back to deposit the compost in the receptacle. As I closed the lid, I realized I wasn’t alone.

  The woman in red stood on the other side of the compost bin.