Chapter 27

Sunlight streamed into Ree's room through a crack in the heavy curtains. She flipped over to her other side and groaned. The clock on the nightstand said it was only nine o'clock – barely five hours of sleep.  Nice. Noticing that her mother’s cell phone was blinking, she picked it up and realized she had missed several calls. The voice mails were from her mother, wanting to know how she was doing. She groaned and sat up when she heard the last message. Agitated because she hadn't heard from Ree, her mom was planning on cutting her trip short to come home.

Quickly, she sent a text message telling her she was fine and hadn't been able to charge the phone because she had lost the cord. Within seconds her phone began to buzz, and she answered it, trying to sound chipper.

“Hey, Mom. Sorry about the cord. Sophie bought me another one when she ran out to get dinner last night.”

“I'm glad you're okay. I was so close to having a panic attack. Don't do that again, you hear me? Just call us from a landline. I'm sure your boss has a phone in that shop.” Her mom’s voice was agitated, and she sounded tired. Ree would bet money she hadn't slept last night and grimaced in regret. She should have known better than to not check in with her parents.

“I'm sorry, Mom. You didn't cancel the rest of your trip, did you? I mean, I'm fine. I didn't want to bother you and Dad on your trip and didn't even realize the cord was missing until last night. The phone was dead so I had to charge it before I could call you.” She gritted her teeth to stop rambling and hoped she was a better liar over the phone than in person.

“No, no. I haven't canceled anything yet. Your dad made me wait until today before I did anything he deemed ‘irrational.’” Ree laughed. That was one of her father’s favorite words. “But I can if you need me. My stuff’s packed and I was just about to go down and withdraw from the seminar today.”

“No, you need to have some fun. Besides, we still have at least another day of work to do before we’re finished.” Ree said it all so quickly she wasn't sure her mother would even understand the words. “I'm kind of glad I’m making this money before school starts back. Means I’ll be able to get some things that I’ve wanted.”

“Oh. Are you sure?” There was disappointment in her mother’s voice.

“Yeah, I'm sure. This will help pay for some of my trip to visit colleges this summer.” Ree was using the big guns now. College was the Holy Grail in her parents’ eyes.

“Yes, that will help, sweetheart. Okay, well, since I’m staying I need to hurry up and get downstairs. They’re having a cake decorating class today.”

Ree smiled in relief and lay back down on her pillow. “Yeah, have fun. I’ll try to call you tonight, okay?”

“Please do. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

After hanging up the phone she realized she wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. She felt restless even though she hadn't slept well. Her dreams had been achingly real, waking her up several times. She was running in the dark, her thin sandals kicking up plumes of dust and dirt as she moved through an alley. At one point she had been holding a long dagger and talking angrily in a language she didn’t understand. No matter what was happening in the dream, a woman in a heavy cloak was always present. The woman felt old and powerful, like she could make your biggest fears materialize before your eyes. She was tall – much taller than Ree, and model thin, but not once had Ree been able to see her face. But she had felt the woman’s eyes following her every movement

Ree shivered and pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders and wriggled into her pillow. Despite all of the weirdness of the last few days, she was still very freaked out by the nightmare. Closing her eyes for a moment, she tried to banish the image of the woman from her mind. When it didn't work, she got out of bed and threw open the curtains to let the sunshine fall on her face.

She stretched for a little while, trying to work some tension out of her body, and decided she was going to get some extra running in this morning. Practice made perfect, and she was far from perfect. Throwing on some yoga pants and a light hoodie, she headed for the kitchen to grab something to eat. Pam, the cook they had seen when they came back to the island, was bustling around the kitchen.Ree’s mouth watered as the smells penetrated her sleepy brain.

“Hey there, sweetie. You're up early, considering how late y’all stay up.” Her thick southern accent warmed the air in the kitchen even more than the food cooking on the gas range. The older woman maneuvered her body around the kitchen like a ballet dancer, warmth and laughter filling her blue eyes.

“Thought I’d do a little running.” Ree grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. “Are there any granola bars?”

“What, you ain't gonna eat some of the food I've been slavin' over?” Pam placed a hand on her hip and pointed a finger in Ree's direction. “You need to eat, child. They got you doing a whole lot, and you need food to keep up your energy. Sit down.” She pointed at a stool at the island and Ree sat down without thinking about it. This woman was not a person to ignore. It was obvious that when she said ‘hop,’ she expected you to ask how high.

“What do you like on your waffles?”

“Um, waffles?”

“Yes, homemade waffles. Butter and syrup? Or would you prefer some fresh fruit? I have strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and caramel apples.”

“Syrup and butter. Maybe some strawberries on the side?” Ree watched as the woman started arranging things on a plate and setting stuff in front of her.

“Bacon or sausage? Don't tell me you’re one of those girls that don't eat meat,” she said when Ree hesitated.

“No, it's just that I was going to go running.” She tried to explain but the woman waved a hand over her shoulder and interrupted her.

“There’ll still be time for that, child. Right now, you need to eat.” She set a plate in front of her, piled with waffles that smelled divine. Another plate held four strips of bacon, a large helping of hash browns, and a fried egg. Her mouth started to water and she picked up her fork and dove in with gusto.

“There, I knew you’d want more than one of those ol’ breakfast bars,” Pam said, making air quotes around the word breakfast. Ree nodded because her mouth was too full to speak.

“So, you're the one, huh? You're so little to carry such a big weight.” The woman sat on a stool across from her and set her chin in her hand while she examined Ree. Not sure what to say, Ree just shrugged. “It’s always that way I guess. A mortal obligated to protect the world, while the gods hide away and let you do the hard work.” She sighed and pushed the bacon at Ree, who grabbed a piece and quickly took a bite. Her eyes closed in pleasure as she chewed.

After swallowing, Ree took a drink of water and looked at the other woman. “How many of us have you met?”

“Oh, you're the first. But I've heard the stories and the rules. Still seems unfair to put such a task on such a young pair of shoulders.” She picked up the rag that was next to her and wiped the counter. “But I guess it ain't my call to make. At least I can get you some good food while you're here.”

“It is good. The food I mean, it’s delicious.”

“Thanks, sugar. Go ahead and finish up. I’m just gonna finish working on the rest of this for the others. The more they get accustomed to their new life, the more fuel they’ll need.” She smiled at Ree, then got up and hummed while working around the kitchen. It was actually pretty peaceful to sit there and listen to her work. Ree took a little longer to finish her food than it would have normally taken just so she could relax a little longer.

Eventually she made herself get up and cleaned up her dishes. She told Pam thanks and headed outside to run. The sun was out and the air had lost a little of its chill. Ree grinned when she heard a couple of birds singing in the trees.  Maybe this was a better way to start the day than I thought. I needed to spend some time in the sun. She turned her face up and enjoyed the warm rays that washed over her.

Smiling to herself, she stretched and then headed out on the trail for a little while. It was quiet, except for the wind and the chirping of birds and bugs. There was something brilliant about being alone, even if it was only for a little while. Ree hadn't thought about it much because she had been so very busy, but the only time she had truly been alone in the last few days was when she was in the shower. It was exhilarating to have the beautiful island to herself, even it was only for an hour or so.

When she got to the giant tree with the large, low branches, Ree stopped to catch her breath and rest. Sitting on one of the huge roots peeking from under the dirt, Ree stretched her legs out in front of her to work out the kinks. She had been pleasantly surprised by how far she had gotten before her legs felt the strain. It seemed her body was finally starting to accept the torture she had been putting it through. She tilted her head and looked up at the tree that towered over her. A breeze rustled through the leaves and washed over her skin. The chilled air caused goose bumps to erupt along her arms where she had pushed up her sleeves. She tugged the arms of her jacket down and pulled the zipper up higher.

After a few minutes, she stood up and ran her hands along the rough bark of the tree. Hopping from tree root to tree root, she circled the giant oak, trailing her fingertips over its mass. She was drawn to this tree, content to be shaded by its large limbs. It felt like an island in the middle of a storm. She climbed up onto the low branch and swung her legs beneath her. Ree let her thoughts wander for a few minutes, then leaned against the trunk. Unfortunately, it was farther away than Ree had accounted for, and she slipped over the branch. Her hands desperately caught at the rough bark, leaving her hanging above the ground. She gasped and tried to tighten her fingers, but she couldn’t support her weight and dropped to the earth. She cringed, expecting pain to lance through her body, but instead she was filled with the power. She cracked open one eye and realized she was hovering inches above the ground. Shock made the power slip from her grasp and she hit the ground with an audible oof.

Ree lay there for a moment trying to catch her breath before sitting up and looking at her hands. Her gaze automatically shot to the branch far over her head and then back to her hands. What the…? Had she really managed to catch herself with the power? Was that something all Alastrianas could do? Sophie hadn’t mentioned anything of the sort. She stood up and brushed the dirt off of her clothes.

She wondered if the others had sensed her mishap and looked around her. Not seeing anyone rounding the corner she smiled in relief and continued her jog down the path.

As the trees thinned and the breeze picked up, she could hear sea gulls and the crashing of waves. When she reached the top of a large dune, she tilted her face toward the sun, letting it bathe her in its slight warmth. Walking along the surf and letting her mind wander, she lost track of time. It wasn't until she saw the silhouette of someone walking toward her that she realized she must have been gone for hours. She wondered who had been sent to find her, and, despite the wish that it wasn't Paden, her heart hurt when she realized it was Melanie. She waved and plastered a fake smile on her face as her friend neared her.

“Oh, give it up! I know you wish it wasn't me.” Melanie laughed. Ree sighed and looked away for a moment before smiling grimly.

“Stupid. I don't even really want to see him.”

“Come on, you know that isn't true. And if it makes you feel any better, Paden was freaking out when he realized you weren't in the house. He asked me to come find you.”

“I needed some air.” Ree sighed. They headed back to an opening in the dunes where Ree had entered the beach. “Why didn't he just come to find me himself?”

Melanie just shook her head. “I don't know. What happened between you two? And don't give me some mess about Roland upsetting you. There was too much tension in that kitchen for him to have verbally stepped on your toes.” Mel gave her a knowing look.

Ree wasn't sure how much she really wanted to say, wasn't even really sure what, exactly, had happened. Mel didn't push for an immediate answer, but continued walking beside her as they wound their way onto the trail toward the house.

“He kissed me,” she finally admitted.

“Ooooh. Which he?” Melanie asked.

“What do you mean which he? Paden kissed me.” Ree stuttered, embarrassed. Her cheeks deepened to a red hue when she added, “And Roland apparently got jealous.”

“Whoa,” Mel put a hand on her shoulder to stop their movement. “You mean to tell me Paden finally kissed you. Your very first kiss, ever, and Roland walked in during it? And got upset? What did he do?”

“Did Paden tell you about Sophie and Roland?” Ree asked.

“He said Sophie lets him feed from her.” Melanie's jaw clenched. “It's disgusting, but smart. What does that have to do with Paden kissing you?”

“Did he tell you Dark Ones can make you want to be their victim?”

“No, he didn't say anything about that,” Mel replied.

“Well, Roland demonstrated on me.” Ree blushed again, remembering how much she had wanted him to touch her.

“Oh, I bet that didn't sit well with Paden.” Melanie whistled. “Was this before your kiss?”

“Yeah. When Roland walked in on us, he accused Paden of taking advantage of what he started.” Ree bit her lip.

“Holy crap! He did not!”

“He did. And you saw the result for yourself.”

“So, you threw up a barrier before they could get to each other? No wonder you needed some alone time.” Melanie threw her arm around Ree's waist and hugged her as they walked.

“So, was it any good?” her friend asked.

“What?”

“The kiss! After ages of waiting Paden finally gets up the nerve to kiss you, so I’m asking if it was worth the wait.” Melanie laughed.

“It really was.” Ree sighed. “Right up until we got interrupted and he refused to talk to me anymore.”

“Boys are so stupid.” Mel shook her head.

“Yeah, they really are.” Ree smiled at her friend.