I trudge into botany ignoring the fact that yet again everyone is staring at me. Do they think you are a different person after being electrocuted? I ignore the eyes watching my every move as I head toward the back and plop down next to Trinity.
She gives me a huge hug. “I heard you were in the hospital. What happened? Did you
really get zapped?”
“Well, let’s see. My father was dying, so I wished for the star Polaris to use its energy to save him. Had a slight miscalculation and got too close to the energy beam. So yes, I got zapped.”
At first her face is blank, then she starts laughing. “Wow, that’s some story. It’s cool if you don’t want to tell me the truth. I’m just glad to have my lab partner back.”
If only she knew I did tell her the truth. “Thanks. The real story is kind of stupid.”
She squeezes my hand. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Mr. Swenson writes our assignment on the board.
Objective: Applying your knowledge of plant form and function to the growth of bedding plants.
Describe: Storage of seeds prior to germination, composition of soil, environmental conditions throughout the process, and periodic evaluation of plants and seeds. You must complete a presentation that includes a detailed report on how knowledge of plant form and function influenced your seed choices. The project is worth fifty points.
Trinity jumps up and down. “How cool. We get to grow shit.”
I laugh. “I think you mean we get to grow stuff in shit.”
She bursts out laughing so loud everyone turns and stares at us. I wave. What else can you do but take it in stride. With his beefy biceps flexed, Mr. Swenson slams the textbook on the desk. “Class, this is an amazing opportunity to study the relationship between seedlings and soil composition, don’t ruin it. Now, will you please sort through the supplies on your desk and get started.”
Trinity holds up a packet of radish seeds. “Can’t we have something more exciting to grow like watermelons? Better yet, some weed.”
I laugh. “You need a lot of space to grow both of them. Don't think they’ll fit in this tiny planter tray they gave us.”
She holds up another packet of seeds. “What about these? How’s a carrot supposed to grow in one?”
She has a point. “Guess the trays are just to start the seedlings.”
Trinity raises her hand. “What are we supposed to do once the plants get too big for the trays?”
Mr. Swenson nods. “Excellent question. You transplant them to a space in your yard at home.”
Trinity sticks out her lower lip revealing a dumbbell-shaped piercing. “What am I supposed to do? I live in a tiny apartment.”
“Transplanting the seeding is part of the lesson. I’m sure your lab partner can help you out. Right, Ms. Warren?”
Great. Which home am I supposed to use? Trinity gives me a shove. “Is it okay if I plant them at your house like the teach said?”
Talk about being put on the spot. I don’t mind having her as a lab mate at school but hanging out with her after hours might not be such a good idea. Dad wouldn’t like me to have a punker as a friend. Despite my apprehensions about Trinity, I can’t treat her the way Courtney treats me. “Sure, no problem.”
The bell rings and I wave goodbye to my lab mate. I race out the door toward the bus stop in front of school. I have to get to Dad and convince him not to marry Ms. Crandy. My life will be a living hell. Not to mention the fact that every time he marries, I become an afterthought. With Jin in hiding, I can’t count on a wish to bail me out of this one. I race down the hall to room B206. Dad greets me with a smile. It’s so good to see him sitting up with his leg no longer in traction. “You look great.”
He smiles. For the first time I don’t see pain in his face. “I know I still look like crap, but it’s nice to finally move my leg even if the cast is up to my crotch.”
We both laugh. So great to have my old dad back. “Hey, is that any way for the principal of Grover High to talk in front of a young lady?”
“Speaking of Grover, what are you doing here? Isn't it lunchtime?”
“Yeah, but I’d much rather see you than eat some horrifying cafeteria food.”
“That’s sweet, Kitten, but you need to keep up your strength.” He motions to his hospital tray. “At least have my yogurt. It has some protein.”
My stomach growls at the mere mention of food. I grab the container and wolf down a couple of bites. “Yum. Has strawberries in the bottom.”
“Why don't you have a seat?” He points to the chair in the corner. “Tell me about school.”
“It’s same old same old. AP classes are a snooze fest.”
“I know your teachers, and they are all excellent educators. I’m sure you’re learning a lot of important skills for college.”
“I’d much rather talk about something else.”
“What’s wrong, Kitten? You know you can tell me anything, right?”
“Dad, I think you might be jumping in a bit too fast with Ms. Crandy. Do you really want to get married again?”
He looks like I shot him in the heart. “This from someone who wants to get married at seventeen?”
“You know I’m not going to marry Jin anytime soon.”
“Really? That’s not what he said.”
He has to be pushing my buttons because I don’t approve of his choice for my next mother. Besides, Jin can't marry me. Or can he? What if I make it one of my wishes? This is crazy. I’m too young. Must be still suffering from being electrocuted. Couldn’t possibly be the fact that I’m starting to fall for him. “Look, Dad, I don’t want to have a fight. I’d just like you to take a bit more time before you leap into another marriage. You yourself said you aren’t very good at it.”
“I’m not. But Agnes has been so wonderful to me.”
Agnes. Seems like an appropriate name for an evil stepmother. “You can show your appreciation in another way.”
“Why don't you like her? Isn’t it going to be wonderful to have a sister? You always wanted one when you were little.”
I can't bring myself to tell him how I really feel. He’s still so weak. “I’m almost an adult now. I’m fine being an only child.”
“But what about having a mother? I really wanted you to have someone who would look after you.” He hangs his head. “I’m sorry your mother couldn't do that for you.”
A tear runs down my cheek. He really loves me. “That’s not your fault. Mom made her choice to abandon both of us.”
“Esme, I’m so sorry your parents weren’t better people.”
“But you are a good person. I just want more time alone with you.” I stroke his hand. “Maybe I’m being selfish.”
His eyes grow moist. “No Kitten, not at all. I am. I’ll tell Agnes that we need to have a long engagement so we can bond a bit longer.”
“Can it be two years, like the one I have with Jin?”
He smiles. “Don’t push your luck.”
I practically skip all the way to the bus stop. I’ve bought myself some time and I didn't even need to use a wish. Good thing Dad didn’t check the clock. He’d know I’m going to miss my literature class. I long to stop by and visit Jin too. Funny how much I miss him considering all the trouble he’s caused me. Yet I have to admit I feel a little hole in my heart. We’ve never been apart this long before. But I’ve done enough rule breaking for one day. Good thing I have the monocle. Although I feel a bit nervous using it after what happened when I spied on Courtney. But I really should check on Jin to make sure everything is okay. The last thing I need right now is another fire disaster.
I pull the monocle out of my purse and put it on. The older woman across from me on the bus gives me a weird look. I just smile and say, “I’m into steampunk.” She turns and looks the other way. She probably has no idea what steampunk is. I concentrate on Jin. He’s in my bedroom just like I told him. He’s sitting on my bed looking at something. It’s a photo album. I zoom
in closer. It’s baby pictures of me! Jin runs his hand over a picture of me and my dad at the beach. The wind has blow the hair off my shoulders so you can see the huge smile on my face. I’m wearing a cute pink and white polka dot swimsuit. Must be about five. My dad is building a sandcastle in the background. He has a huge smile on his face too. We both look so happy. It was before Mom took off and ruined everything. Jin runs his finger around my face. “Esme, you have such a beautiful smile.” He closes the album. “You were such a joyful family. I hope you can become one again.”
The bus stops at the school and I’m in a daze. All this time I thought my dad didn’t care that he had a daughter. But the album is proof he never forgot about me. Jin is so sweet to care about us so much. I hope he’s right. Having a happy family again is something I’ve wanted forever.
The bus driver honks his horn. “Grover High, last call.”
There are only minutes to spare as I dart out of the bus. I race across the quad to get to my government class on time. When I enter the door to my class, heads turn once again. I barely notice as I grab a seat in the back row. Nothing could kill the buzz I have from my little victory. I have no doubt Dad will marry Ms. Crandy. He just can’t seem to live without a woman for very long. But instead of the spring wedding she has planned, I think I’ve managed to push it back at least until fall.
Settling into my seat, I listen to the teacher rant about the fact that America has moved into a new era of democracy where people are spied on and not nurtured by their government. Politics is the last thing on my mind. I need to figure out what to do about Jin. Courtney will surely be on the warpath now that she has me as a sister. She’ll try to destroy me through the only thing she knows I care about—Jin.
A knock at the door startles the teacher. One of the girls from the administration office hands him a note. He reads the paper and then looks up at the class. “Ms. Warren, you’re wanted in the principals office.”
An audible rumble of voices fills the air. I want to run out of the room as everyone is staring at me. Instead I get up, look straight ahead, and walk steadily toward the door. From the murmurings from my fellow students, the overall consensus is that I’m going to be expelled. Fine by me. Then I realize that means I’ll be stuck at the Crandy’s twenty-four-seven. I cross my fingers and head toward the office. Life sure has thrown a lot of crap my way. But I think I can handle whatever it has in mind after surviving being electrocuted.
My opinion changes when I enter the principal’s office. There’s a strange man sitting in the chair. My dad’s been replaced by a short, bald stranger. Dad’s office shows no sign of his existence. They’ve even taken down his diplomas and pictures. A lump forms in my throat. This is what it would have been like if Dad had died. My arms prickle when I notice the vice principal isn't the only one in the office. A man dressed head to toe in black with a badge on a chain around his neck sits next to him. The vice principal waves me over to the empty chair in front of the desk. “Ms. Warren, do you know a man named Jin Eastman from England?”
My genie has a last name? “Yes.”
“Do you know that he is in the country illegally?”
So this is Courtney’s big surprise. “Who told you that? It’s not true.”
The man with the badge glares at me. “The INS received an anonymous tip that the Englishman has no legal right to be in the United States.”
“I know Courtney Crandy made the call. Sorry, she’s wasting your time. Jin has a green card.” A chill runs up my neck. I surprise myself how skilled a liar I’ve become.
The agent smirks. “We have no record of one.”
Crap. My heart races. “He got it in the UK. I’m sure they have a record.”
“If that’s true then he’ll have no problem producing the proof I need.”
OMG what have I done? “Ah…I’d be happy to help you, but I don't know where he is.”
The vice principal chimes in. “Ms. Warren, the situation is quite serious. You are facing suspension from school.”
“The principal is right.” The agent shoves his badge in my face. “This is a federal offense. I’m authorized to do whatever it takes to find Mr. Eastman. You could face serious prison time and pay major fines for aiding and abetting an undocumented immigrant. You need to tell me where he is immediately!”
Chapter 5
Green Card, Anyone?
I lead the INS agent to the front door of Dad’s house hoping that Jin isn’t there. Thanks to him, lying has become second nature. Now I’ve added breaking federal law. What’s next, the FBI’s most wanted list?
I put the key in the door and make a big deal of scraping off my feet on the welcome mat. Hope Jin can figure out it’s my signal for him to hide.
The agent taps my shoulder impatiently. “Stop fooling around.”
Afraid to stall any longer, I push open the door. In a loud voice I say, “Here you go, Agent Sanderson. Feel free to look around. I don't think you’ll find Jin here though.” All I can do is hope my tactic worked. I cross my fingers behind my back as the INS agent scours every corner of the house. I hear him shout from my dad’s bedroom. “I found him!”
Terrific. Jin is going to be deported and I’m headed to prison. Just what Courtney wanted. Maybe I can come up with some over-the-top lie to save us. I race to the room. The agent is knee-deep in clothes in my father’s closet. He digs around the floor but comes up empty. “Ms. Warren, if I find out you have tipped Mr. Eastman off in any way. I will be certain to press charges.”
“Agent Sanderson, I swear I don’t know where he is.”
He moves to the sliding glass doors in the family room. “I’m going to check the backyard.”
Great. What if Jin is hiding behind the shed? I follow him outside. He stops by the picnic bench when he sees me. “You need to go back in the house. Now.”
Instead of following his command, I turn and head down the side yard. I better find Jin before he does. The hedges are an obvious place for him to hide but there’s no bowler hat in sight.
The agent catches me standing by the back door. “I told you to stay in the house. If I were you, I’d tell Mr. Eastman the authorities are on to him and he needs to turn himself in.”
“I understand, Agent Sanderson.”
“Good.”
I watch the agent leave out the front door. From the corner of my eye I see someone speed by the kitchen window—Jin. I run to the side door and pull him inside. I whisper, “Go hide under my bed, now.”
Jin doesn’t question me. In a flash he’s gone. I wipe the sweat dripping down my cheek. That was a close one. I watch as the agent heads back to his car. I don’t move until I see him pull away and drive down the street. Then I head straight for my bedroom. I pull up the bed skirt to find Jin huddled against the wall. “It’s okay. You can come out now. He’s gone.”
Jin crawls out from under the bed. His hair is tousled almost covering his eyes. He looks so darn cute. I want to hug him but the agent might be back with reinforcements. We need to act quickly.
He sneezes and dusts himself off. “One would hope that a principal of an academic institution would be more fastidious or have a house maid.”
I laugh. “I couldn’t care less about the dust, we need to find a place for you to hide.”
“You could make a wish for me to vanish from the premises.” His shoulders slump. “Or it is within your power to banish me to the vase.”
“I can't do that. I’d be as mean as the magician. Let me think a minute.”
“Mistress, I must apologize for making the situation untenable.”
I don't hear a thing he’s saying. Instead I dart into my dad’s room. I remember seeing him stash some money in the bottom dresser drawer. Sure enough, buried under the mismatched pairs of socks is a metal tin. I pop the lid and a bunch of twenty-dollar bills fall out. I race back to Jin. “This will get you a place to stay for at least a couple days.”
Jin frowns. “I will not be a part of your skulld
uggery.”
“Skull-duga what?”
“Esme, you are a better person than to steal funds from your own father. Would not it be more prudent for me to return to the vase or implement a wish?”
“I will not waste another wish because of Courtney’s big mouth. Besides, I only have four left. Dad will understand when I tell him what I needed the money for.”
“I will defer to your judgment.”
He doesn't sound very pleased but at least he’s willing to play along. “Great. Grab some things and let’s sneak out the back.”
Jin tosses a few of my dad’s clothes into a backpack. Funny, I was kind of weirded out when I first saw him wearing Dad’s clothes. Yet, somehow he transformed them. Dad’s jeans and shirts never looked better.
I slowly open the sliding door. “You wait here until I give you the signal.” I wave my hand like a pageant queen.
“Yes, I remember.”
I creep out the door and peek around the side of the house. “I’m going to check and make sure Agent Sanderson is gone.”
I take the monocle out of my pocket and put it over my eye. Jin rushes next to me. “Mistress, I did not loan you the device for this purpose. It was only so that you could see how your father was doing when you could not visit him at the hospital. Please tell me you have not used it for any other purpose.”
I take it off and drop it into his outstretched hand. “No, of course not. I just wanted to make sure we were safe from the INS agent. Is that so wrong?”
He tucks the monocle in his pocket. “The monocle is not a toy. It can reveal things you would rather not see.”
Boy, don’t I know it. “Yes, I was shocked when I saw how sick Dad was. But now when I see him I won’t be surprised. So thank you.”
“I’m glad.”
Jin In Time Boxed Set 1-3: A Young Adult Time Travel Romance (The Time is Forever Series) Page 11
