by Sin Ribbon
◊ ◊ ◊
In a fast food parking lot, the young girl devours a turkey sandwich in-between gulps of water. Olivia nibbles on her own sandwich with considerably less fervor.
“How about I call you Meo? It’s the Vietnamese word for cat.” Smiling, she gestures to the tiny, stuffed cat hanging from her rearview mirror.
Without missing a beat, the youngling quips, “I hate cats. They have a bad attitude.”
Olivia bursts into unexpected laughter. “All right. Another name then.” She nibbles her bottom lip, rummaging through her memory. “What about Qiu? It means autumn in Chinese and actually starts with a Q.”
“Chee-you?” She fumbles the pronunciation through full cheeks. “Fall is the best season. I like it.”
“It was the name of a very good person,” Olivia adds, smile waning. She stares out the window, watching cars speed by on the backwater road. A few gas stations and fast food restaurants dot the small country outcrop nestled beside the highway.
After Qiu finishes her meal, Olivia hands her a wet wipe from her glove compartment. The girl promptly wipes her face and hands, but it does little to address the greater issue of cleanliness. She stuffs her trash into the paper bag and exits the car of her own accord, tossing the garbage into a nearby trash bin. Olivia marvels at the child’s surprising sense of etiquette.
“So,” Qiu begins as she hops back into the passenger seat, “you speak Vietnamese and Chinese?”
“Oh, no, though I have some Vietnamese heritage. I’m American, but my parents are from China. Mandarin Chinese was my first language, but I haven’t used it in years.”
“Same for me with Spanish. Not many people speak that around here.”
“Not in Kentucky, no. So where is Qiu from, and where is she going?”
The young girl slouches in her seat and pulls her knees to her chest. “I dunno. I just follow my feelings, and most people have been nice enough to buy me snacks and give me rides along the way.”
“No one’s tried to take you to the police? A shelter?”
“No! And I’m not going back to one! If you try to take me, I’ll run.”
Olivia waves her hand, conceding. “All right, all right, but I can’t just let you wander the streets, living on candy bars. Eventually, someone will try to hurt you. A young girl shouldn’t be out on her own.”
“Foster care is worse,” Qiu protests, huddling her neck into her shoulders. “Trust me.”
Olivia lowers her gaze, empathy softening her chastising expression. She can only imagine the horrors this child has endured. “All right, Qiu.” The girl peeks up at Olivia. “I’ll watch over you for the time-being, okay? But if you’re going to stay with me, I’ll need the full story in the near future.”
Qiu nods, a small smirk growing on her face.
“I’m Olivia by the way.”
“Olivia. That’s a pretty name.”
The woman grins with appreciation. “Thank you.”
“So can I have another sandwich now?”
◊ ◊ ◊
Heading north on Interstate 75, Olivia cruises with half-open windows while Connie Francis sings through the speakers. Next to her, Qiu inhales a second turkey sandwich, carefree as can be. She basks in the sunlight poking out from behind the clouds.
The sandwich soon defeated, the child takes a long inhale as if she had held her breath through the entire meal. Olivia can’t help but chuckle at her candid innocence.
“You know, you really shouldn’t get into cars with strangers. It’s a miracle you haven’t been hurt or taken after four months of wandering around.”
Qiu eyes Olivia for a moment, hesitant to reply. “Well ... whenever someone tries to hurt me, something protects me.”
Olivia stiffens in her seat but maintains her gaze on the road. She reaches for the volume knob to turn off the radio. “Care to elaborate?”
“I don’t think I should.”
“And why is that?”
Qiu sits in silence, expression solemn. Olivia can only hypothesize as to the fears holding back the child’s words.
“Qiu, I’m not going to hurt you, I promise. If you tell me, I might be able to help.”
She thinks for a second. “I want a cupcake. Then I’ll think about it.”
“Ha! That’s the oldest trick in the book, missy, and no, it won’t work on me. Tell you what. If you tell me your secret, I’ll share one of my own.”
Qiu shifts her focus to the world outside. “No deal.”
Olivia frowns but is far from deterred. “That’ll be a hard line to keep once we’re in a bakery.”
With a huff, the young girl folds her arms and scowls at Olivia from her peripheral vision. “You’re not playing fair.”
“Neither are you.”
She pouts. A moment passes. “Olivia ... do you think magic exists?”
“In what way?”
“I mean people, you know, with special powers.” She turns to Olivia, eager for affirmation. “There are people out there like that, right?”
The woman pauses. A sympathetic smile crests her lips. “Indeed there are.”
Qiu mirrors her smile, comforted. “Cupcake or not, you’re heading north, and that’s where I’m supposed to go.”
“You aren’t tagging along for the food?”
“That’s a bonus.”
Olivia shakes her head, sighing with amusement. “So why do you need to go north?”
“Just following my feeling. I’ve been heading there since I’ve been on my own.”
“And where is there, exactly?”
“I dunno the name.” Qiu closes her eyes. “If I feel for it, it’s ... that way!” She points off to the right, northeast. “What’s in that direction?”
“Well, a lot.” She blows the air from her cheeks. “Right now, most of Ohio, also Pennsylvania, New York, and a large portion of Canada.”
“Hmm.” Qiu presses her lips together in thought. “I dunno which place it is, but I need to go that way.” She traces her finger in a circle on the glass, gaze introspective as though she has a pressing obligation to keep.
“We’ll see. At the moment, we’re heading towards Cincinnati. It’s across the Ohio River. We’ll stop and get some fresh produce since you clearly need the nutrients, then we’ll talk. I’d like the full story, young lady.”
She sulks. “Do you promise not to take me to a shelter?”
“For the time being, yes, but if I change my mind, I promise to tell you. No tricks. Fair enough?”
Qiu narrows her eyes, skepticism exaggerated by a crinkled nose and flexing chin. “Fine, but I’ll only follow you as long as I like you.”
The woman chokes a laugh, delightfully surprised. “I see! Guess I’ll have to watch myself then.”
Qiu flashes a playful smirk. She’s astute for a child and seems capable, but Olivia is more interested in what lies beneath the mask of childlike wonder, the secret to her survival.
“So why are you heading north?”
She snaps back to reality. “Oh, I’m researching my next book. I’m a journalist. A writer.”
The girl shifts forward, eyes widening with curiosity. “What do you write about?”
“History mostly.” Olivia’s expression sobers. “Things a girl like you doesn’t need to learn about yet.”
“I can handle it.”
She sighs with a sarcastic groan. “All right, do you know what World War II is?”
“Um ... No, but I know lots of people die in wars.”
“Exactly, which is why you’re too young for the details. End of discussion.”
Qiu scoffs with disappointment. “So that’s what your next book is about, huh?”
“No. I’ve ... drifted away from that subject. My next book is different. I’m researching people with special abilities.”
The young girl raises her eyebrows, expression widening with genuine intrigue. “Really? You’re not lying?”
“No,” Olivia chuckles. “I guess you
could say I’m following a feeling too. Who knows. Maybe it’s the same one you have.”
~ THIRTEEN ~
Allister
Two muscular arms reach skyward as a toned physique stretches for relief. Allister rolls his broad shoulders backwards then pulls his neck side to side. Sebastian and his new crush hop off the bus behind him. The elder Brit shakes out his limbs as they exit the Greyhound bus station in Pittsburgh.
Rain puddles litter the sidewalks and streets, the remnants of the clouds that drift by overhead. The wet, spring petrichor fills Allister’s lungs. Glimpses of sunlight peek through, shining a brief ray of light on his blond head. He takes a moment to appreciate the generous warmth as the people pour out from downtown office buildings into the local cafés for their lunch breaks. Beyond this small cluster of skyscrapers, the surrounding neighborhoods have an alluring quaintness not unlike the suburbs back home.
“Where to now?” his brother asks.
“Food.” Allister treks ahead without regard for the lovebirds. He can hear Sebastian groaning behind him as he and the young woman rush to catch up. “So I guess you’re tagging along now, missy?”
“It’s Riya, and sure, as long as you’re entertaining.”
Allister smirks to himself. “Country of three hundred million people, and the Englishman falls for the Indian girl. Color me shocked.”
“Would you stop it already?!” A dismayed Sebastian shoves him from behind.
The blond chuckles with delight and fishes for his pack of cigarettes in his jeans pocket, only to remember Sebastian tossed it earlier. He sighs.
“I’m blaming your bad attitude on withdrawal,” his brother adds.
“Yeah, you do that. I’m grabbing a sandwich and some crisps.” Allister veers into a nearby café to wait in line. He notices Sebastian and Riya exchange a few words outside before following.
Behind the counter, a teenage girl fumbles to take his order and attempts to avert her lingering gaze from the attractive man standing before her. The blond is used to the treatment, believing it to be something he’s earned from years of dedication to diet and exercise.
“Will that complete your order?” she asks with flushed cheeks.
He leans onto the counter. “Most definitely.” His sultry tone and inviting grin beguiles the poor girl in an instant. She jolts with an involuntary squeak. Sebastian rolls his eyes.
“Please, stop subjecting us to this.” He pushes Allister down the line to make room at the register.
Once their food is ready, the three sit down with their lunches—sandwiches, salads, and black tea. To no one’s surprise, Allister digs into a steak sandwich, a robust salad, and a bag of chips almost at once. They converse about their journey—the expansive but boring Pennsylvanian landscape, the array of New American restaurants in Pittsburgh, and possible hotel choices for the evening.
Within moments, Sebastian and Riya diverge into a two-way conversation with one another, complete with flirtatious giggles. An exasperated Allister occupies himself with the details of his sleeve tattoo. The words with agony, but strong are etched into his inner forearm, just below a black brushstroke. He contemplates if bringing Sebastian was the best decision. While his junior counterpart seems happy in the moment, Allister knows their father won’t let his heir go without a fight. A feeling of trepidation wells within the elder Brit. Some form of retaliation is on the horizon, and cancelling their credit cards will only be the start.
As he wallows in his dread, Riya stiffens. Her eyes break away from Sebastian to glance at Allister, a look of distress about her.
“You all right?” Sebastian probes.
She whips back to him with a smile. “Yeah, sorry. Go on.”
Allister cocks an eyebrow, bemused by the implication that Riya somehow detected his unnerving emotions.
The trio finish their meals and exit the café. Outside, the lunch rush is dying down, and the clouds have permitted more sunbeams to break through. Riya and Sebastian continue to talk amongst themselves while Allister scans the area, wondering which direction to pursue next. As he feels for his phantom pack of cigarettes once again, he senses eyes on him.
Half a block down the road, Allister spots a tall, dark-haired man propped against a building wall with crossed arms, his ominous gaze fixated on them. He’s most distinguishable by his tattoos—interlocking black lines down his neck and left arm, plus two above his eyebrows. Though leaner, he sports a muscular physique and tenacious confidence that rivals Allister’s. He has a dark intensity about him, something beyond his bronze skin and black clothing, with no aversion to staring Allister down.
The Brit ignores the glaring set of eyes and turns his attention back to the kids. Oblivious, Sebastian swipes through his smartphone looking for local hotspots.
“Oh, there’s some historic parks in the area! One’s just a couple miles away. We could catch a bus—”
“No buses!” Allister cuts him off. “My back is killing me, and sitting on your arse for twelve hours should inspire some exercise, don’t you think? I’m renting a bloody car next time.”
Sebastian throws up his hands. “Fine, fine. I thought it’d be adventurous, but you’re not wrong. I barely have a spine left after it was crushed by that seat.” He scrolls through his phone as Riya chimes in with a quip at Allister’s expense—something about a flat butt equating to poor back support—but the elder Brit is too distracted for banter. Nagging him like an itch, he turns to meet the mysterious man’s firm gaze once again.
“Who is that?” Riya asks. The man’s unique aura makes him difficult to overlook.
Allister stares, eyes narrowing. “Probably no one. Let’s go.”
The blond sets off with a puzzled Riya and Sebastian in tow. The younger Brit returns to his internet search of nearby attractions.
Passing the slabs of red brick that make up the clustered buildings of Carlow University, Allister basks in the scenery of Pittsburgh. Lush trees and small patches of grass sprinkle the charming, urban landscape. The Steel City has its appeal—undulating hills, a thriving community, and plenty of comfort food—but in his mind, few cities can match the spirit of London. Its elegant architecture, unrivaled craft cocktails, and the view of the River Thames from the top of the London Eye are enough to seduce any tourist.
He groans. Much as Allister tries to lose himself in nostalgia, a certain pair of eyes continues to burrow into the back of his head, tensing his shoulders together. He spins to confront the piercing stare hovering behind them. Down the block, the black-clad man halts. He makes no attempt to hide; instead, he stands and waits with unapologetic candor.
Noticing, Riya and Sebastian pause. “Is that that same guy?” Riya asks.
“It would seem so.” The elder Brit’s words hiss with sarcasm.
The kids exchange confused expressions while the dark-haired man keeps his gaze on Allister. Irritation flaring, the blond starts down the block towards him.
Sebastian stiffens. “Oh no.”
Riya crosses her arms. “What? Let the gym rat go. He’ll probably eat him for protein after he beats him into a pulp.”
Defensive, the younger Brit changes his tone. “Much as I enjoy your taking my brother down a notch, he’s not like that. No one’s ever had my back more than him. He’s the strongest man I’ve ever known.” He strides after Allister. “Perhaps a bit thick-headed though!”
Riya slumps between her shoulders, moaning with shame.
Allister marches towards the man who doesn’t budge an inch even as he approaches. “Got something to say? You’re staring like I owe you money.”
The man smirks, a small chuckle escaping. “Just enjoying the show.” His tone is dry, unflinching.
Allister takes a long inhale, nostrils flaring. “So it would seem. Mind fucking off then, mate?”
The dark-haired man straightens, bearing a couple inches over Allister’s six feet of height. “Sorry, but I’m supposed to keep an eye on you apparently.”
The
blond scoffs. “Right, you must be off your meds.”
The man pauses as if something just occurred to him. He grins, seemingly genuine.
“Something funny?” Allister growls.
“Yeah, actually. Just realized I was standing in your shoes a few days ago. It’s not easy when you’re the one who has to tell the idiot something they won’t believe.”
Allister shifts his weight abruptly and fakes a swing to prompt a reaction, but the black-clad remains still. Intrigued, the Brit tilts his head back, blue eyes sizing the man up.
“Allister! Come on!” Sebastian trots up and immediately freezes when he sees the intense staring contest. His meager five-feet-nine-inches of height seems dwarfed by their towering presence.
The blond doesn’t break eye contact. “You’re fucking with me.”
The man smirks. “A little.”
Allister relaxes. He fights back the urge to smile at a man whose sense of sarcasm is almost as good as his own. “Whatever shrink you’re seeing, I suggest you give him a call.” The blond whirls on his heels, leaving the man and his brother in the dust.
Sebastian hesitates, locking eyes with the mysterious man who bears down on him with a sullen gaze. The young Brit laughs nervously and waves an awkward good-bye before rushing after Allister.
The brothers reunite with Riya who waits gawking on the sidewalk, eager for an explanation. “Just some nut,” Allister chimes.
Sebastian takes a breath. “Is everyone that ostentatious when they reach their thirties or is it just you?”
Allister elbows his brother’s ribs, causing Sebastian to recoil. “Don’t be so recalcitrant, Sebo.” The younger brother rubs his side, eyes rueful. “So, some park is next on the agenda?” the blond continues, disregarding his brother’s plight.
“Yeah,” Riya begins with a sigh. “We want to see Schenley Park. It has a beautiful view of the skyline, and it’s free. Don’t want money to be a concern.”
The blond leers at her momentarily before shrugging. “Works for me. Coming, Sebo?”
Sebastian remains silent, captivated by a sight down the street. The black-clad man now stands beside a beautiful young brunette. Both observe the trio while steeped in conversation. The woman giggles as she glimpses at them, radiating with a bright joy.