After trying the coffee, Pearl decided she didn’t like the acrid taste. Ben had ordered one of each type of drink. She tried the tea and liked it even more when Ben added sugar into her cup.
‘It’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted,’ she said after guzzling half of it.
‘I can’t believe you don’t have tea or coffee where you’re from.’ He cleared his throat. ‘I’m sorry, I forgot what town you said.’
‘I didn’t,’ she said.
‘Oh.’
‘When is the Harvest Festival?’ she asked, grabbing on to his arm. Blood raced through her body, and she had a tough time concentrating.
‘It doesn’t start for another hour or so,’ Ben said. ‘Do you want to see if they need help setting up?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Don’t you have to work today?’
He hesitated, and Pearl thought she’d said the wrong thing. ‘I took the day off.’
Pearl almost tripped over a curb, and Ben grabbed her arm to keep her from falling. ‘I think we need to lay off the sugar.’
‘Is that why the world is vibrating?’ she asked.
Ben laughed; the sound warmed her.
They walked to the green together. ‘This is my favorite time of the year,’ Ben said.
Pearl pulled the front of her coat tighter around her. The leftover heat from the cup warmed her hands. ‘Why?’
‘The crispness of the air. There are possibilities for change.’
‘What are you going to change?’
‘I said possibilities. I can’t change much as my life has already been written for me.’
‘Can’t you?’ Pearl asked.
‘What would you change?’ he asked.
‘Nothing,’ she said, even though it wasn’t the truth. If anything were possible, she’d change a lot. But there was no point in thinking of impossibilities.
‘See, it’s not easy, right?’
‘It’s not.’
When they reached the larger green where the festival would take place, Pearl stopped walking to admire the view.
Fabric was draped across thin metal poles, creating small, yet open rooms all around. Glittering jewelry hung from several, reflecting the sun as they twirled with the gentle breeze.
‘What are those?’ Around Ben, she was unafraid to ask questions about her surroundings. He never pressed her about why she didn’t know human things, which made it easier on her.
‘Tents,’ he said. ‘Crafters from all around New England come down and sell their art. As much as my mother has expensive taste, she loves to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces at these festivals.’
Leaves cascaded across the tops and sides of the tents. As Pearl took a closer look, she thought they were almost too perfect to be natural. Upon further inspection, she realized they weren’t real.
‘There’s a dance later,’ Ben said.
‘A dance?’
He unclenched his hands, and they draped at his sides. ‘There’s a live band and dancing. There is loads of food too. Do you, um, want to come with me?’
‘Yes,’ she said.
Ben smirked. ‘Great.’
‘Are you going to stare at the decorations all day, or do you two want to make use of yourself?’ a woman asked.
Pearl turned to see Mrs. Jones. ‘Hello.’
‘Hello, there,’ Mrs. Jones said with a smile. ‘Looks like you’ve fit into this town nicely.’
‘Yes, I have,’ Pearl said.
Mrs. Jones lifted her eyebrows at Ben. ‘Seems like you’ve made a new friend.’
‘How can we help?’ Ben asked.
‘Nothing too glamorous, but you could empty the trash cans. You can use that cart over there to collect what’s left and put new bags in.’
Ben rubbed his hands together. ‘Seems easy enough.’
‘It’s always good to see you, Ben,’ Mrs. Jones said. ‘I don’t recall the last time I saw you smile.’
‘Mrs. Jones, you always know when to pry,’ Ben said.
Mrs. Jones cackled and shuffled toward one of the tents.
‘You know her?’ Pearl asked.
‘Everyone knows everyone around here.’
Pearl knew the feeling.
‘It’s not so bad,’ he said. ‘I can rely on anyone to help me when I need it. There’s a camaraderie, a sense of safety and warmth when I stop to think about it.’
‘I can only rely on my sister,’ Pearl said.
‘You haven’t told me much about her.’
Pearl said nothing as Ben pulled a black bag from one of the wooden trash cans set up around the park.
‘I miss her,’ Pearl said finally. ‘She’s the only one who understands me.’
‘Sounds like you two have a good relationship. That’s nice.’
Ben and Harry didn’t have that type of relationship. If Pearl didn’t, then she wasn’t sure she’d ever return home. The thought stopped her.
Returning home wasn’t merely a possibility. She had to.
Or did she?
*
The festival came together quickly. Ben and Pearl spent the afternoon stopping at every single tent and looking at the crafts. The talent among the humans was unlike anything she’d ever seen before. At her home, their simple focus was survival. Even with a longer lifespan than humans, they didn’t produce anything to leave behind. But the humans, they left tangible things: books, trinkets, photographs. After Pearl died, she’d leave nothing other than Syrene, and offspring. The thought made her chest pinch with wanting. Was it so wrong to want more for her life? On land, she could learn an instrument, take photographs with her children, and create a life worth remembering.
Music floated across the green. A voice boomed through a microphone as the band started playing.
Pearl swayed her hips to the rhythm as her fingers played with her necklace. Syrene would have liked the sound. She hoped her sister would experience it during her ceremony.
‘Who gave that to you?’ Ben asked, pointing at her necklace.
‘It’s a part of my family lineage,’ she said.
‘It’s beautiful,’ he said.
Pearl wanted to tell him it seemed to tighten around her neck with each day she stayed on land. It was a reminder of where she came from, and what she’d have to do to get back there.
Had Daryah experienced the same reaction during her ceremony? She had returned to the cove, knowing her fate.
Pearl shivered at the consequences of that decision.
‘Do you want to dance?’ They’d made their way to the last tent and Pearl wasn’t buying anything, even though she had Mrs. Jones’s money.
‘I don’t know how,’ Pearl said.
‘I don’t believe that.’
She laughed, shaking her head. ‘You should.’
‘Do you want to watch for a little while?’
‘Can we?’
‘They’re setting up the food now, but I can get us something to drink. You tell me when you’re ready.’
In the time Ben was gone, Pearl studied the women. Most surprising was how close the men and women moved together. And they were fast. Ben must have expected her to touch his hands and move her feet with his. At least if she tripped, he’d have a hold on her. She wondered how long that would last until he gave up completely, wishing he had invited someone else.
Ben came back a few minutes later, apologizing. ‘The line is always long when the music starts. Everyone rushes to get over here.’
Pearl sipped the fizzy liquid from the plastic cup, keeping her eyes on the dancers. Soda was the word for this drink, and she loved it.
‘We can wait for a slow one,’ Ben said. The corners of his eyes crinkled as if Pearl amused him.
‘Is that easier?’
‘It’s slower.’
As if the band overheard their conversation, when the song ended, the next moved at a languid pace.
‘Are you ready?’ Ben asked.
‘Yes,’ she said, placing her cup on the table next to her.<
br />
Ben did the same and opened his hand to hers. In the brief time they had known each other, Pearl had been in close contact with Ben like this only once before when she’d desperately tried to move the boat away from the break wall and Syrene. Now, without her sister nearby and no lies between them on why she had acted so erratically, her shoulders relaxed. She was free to enjoy their proximity. At least for one song.
Heat rolled off Ben’s body, and Pearl had the urge to move closer. Her arms stiffened as he found a spot on the dance floor. His hand smoothed over her lower back and with gentle pressure, guided her against him.
‘It’s easier if we’re closer,’ he said. ‘I can lead a little better.’
Under the lights of the tent, Ben’s eyes sparkled. He wanted to be near her, and she wanted to be near him.
They swayed together. Pearl didn’t have any trouble mimicking his movements. They inched closer until her chest was against his.
‘You’re not doing so bad,’ he said.
‘It’s easier than I thought.’
‘There was no one at home you were ever interested in dancing with?’ His eyes were hopeful as if her answer would make him eternally happy or sad. She wanted him to be happy, much more than she ever thought.
‘No. Never.’
‘I’m glad to be your first.’
‘You had a lot of girls after you to dance?’
‘When I was younger,’ he said. ‘My mother forced me into dance lessons. She said it would make me more of a gentleman.’
‘You are a gentleman.’
‘No kid cares about that. I met my first girlfriend in class.’
‘Oh.’
His breath tickled her face. ‘We were eight.’
Ben tightened his grip on her hand and pushed her away from him. She almost tripped over herself before his arm swung around. She followed the circular movement, excitedly shrieking when he held her against him again.
‘That was fun,’ she said.
‘If you think that was fun,’ he said, cradling her neck in his hands as he swooped her backward.
Even though she felt out of control, his grip grounded her in place. They stayed there for several moments. His gaze dipped to her mouth and back up again. Pearl knew what he wanted, but like dancing, her experience didn’t match his.
Ben’s body tensed, and she wondered what she had done wrong. But he no longer looked at her.
‘Dad?’ Ben lifted Pearl to her feet and moved in front of her.
Peter stalked toward them, reminding her of a hungry shark about to take a deadly bite from its prey.
Chapter 16
‘Where have you been all day, Benjamin?’ Peter stood in the center of the dancing area, staring down his son. The other humans around them surrounded them while still moving at their slower pace.
Pearl had an idea their conversation wouldn’t go unnoticed for too long.
Ben glanced around at the others. ‘I’ve been here, with Pearl.’
Peter looked her up and down. ‘That’s what Harry said, but I didn’t believe him.’
‘Well, I’m here.’
‘I told you we have the Michaelsons meeting on Monday. You were supposed to prepare. I called Stewart, and he said you hadn’t been in the office all day.’
‘Dad, it’s prepared. I told you I could handle it.’
‘Like hell, you can. This ridiculous festival is for the frivolous women in town, not working men. You’re going to the office right now to pull an all-nighter.’
Ben’s gaze slid to Pearl’s. ‘Dad, no.’
Peter sputtered. ‘What do you mean, no?’
‘I’ll come into the office tomorrow morning.’
‘Is she leaving before that?’ Peter hooked a thumb at Pearl but he didn’t bother to look her in the eyes.
‘What does Pearl have to do with anything?’
‘Last week, you were ready to sign the contracts. One pretty girl comes to town, and you’ve changed your life path. Get her out of your system, and you’ll see where you need to be.’
The other humans who danced around them moved away, yet they stared at Ben and Peter, hanging on to their every word.
Pearl did the same. Even though she didn’t know much about their working relationship, she’d gleaned enough from their conversations. It probably wasn’t a pleasant one.
Ben reached for her. ‘Let’s go, Pearl. I’m hungry.’
Pearl took his hand.
‘You have one more chance, Benjamin,’ Peter said. ‘I can take all of this away from you in an instant.’
‘Do it, Dad. See if I care.’
Peter’s lips twisted unpleasantly. With one last look, Pearl and Ben fled the dance floor.
They walked over to the other end of the tent. Those who were close enough to overhear the conversation between Peter and Ben returned to dancing. Ben’s jaw set and Pearl had no idea what to say to make him feel better.
‘He always does this,’ Ben finally said.
Pearl lifted a plate from the table, following Ben’s lead. There weren’t many people in front of them, but it seemed as if everyone had heard the fight.
Peter was already gone, leaving an angry Ben in his wake.
‘Do you want to leave?’ she asked.
‘No,’ Ben said. ‘I asked you to be here with me. I want to stay.’
‘Are you sure? I don’t mind.’
His hand covered hers. ‘I do.’
Even though Ben insisted he wanted to stay after the confrontation with Peter, Ben didn’t do much other than stare off toward the dance floor with a faraway look in his eyes. Pearl ate her food, but Ben barely touched his. It was her last night – at least she hoped it was – and she wasn’t going to end her time this way. Ben’s smile was the only brightness in her life. She had to do something to bring it back.
‘Show me how to dance to the fast songs,’ Pearl said, dragging Ben to the dance floor.
Before she knew it, her skin was flushed, and she was out of breath. A smile never left her face as Ben’s hands moved over her body. The music held on to her and allowed everything else to fall away.
Another slower song brought them closer together, but the echo of the conversation with Peter cast a cloud over them. Pearl didn’t have anywhere else to be, but the magical evening shifted quickly. ‘I’m tired.’
At least if she went back to Uncle Greg’s place, Ben could figure out what was on his mind. Pearl had a lot to think about with her last full day on land. Leaving Ben was for the best. Somehow, she’d have to find a sacrifice and go back home. It was her only choice. She couldn’t stay on land with humans even though the thought had crossed her mind more than once. This was her chance to say goodbye to Ben before choosing a human.
‘I’ll take you home.’ Ben and tossed their plates into the trash cans. Pearl wished they could have gone back to earlier that day when everything seemed a little simpler.
*
It wasn’t too late by the time they reached Uncle Greg’s house. Pearl had acclimated to how time on land worked. By the clock in Ben’s car, it was only half after six. She had learned humans went to bed usually after nine or ten at night.
Ben unlocked the front door for her and stood aside while she walked in. He rubbed the back of his neck, leaving a red mark in its wake. ‘I’m sorry about my father. What he said – he just likes to push my buttons. I don’t know how to stop it, or if it’s even possible with him.’
As much as she wanted Ben to figure everything out, her time on land lessened by the second. ‘Do you want to come in for a little while?’
‘I would,’ he said.
They stood in the entryway, and she clasped her hands together, unsure of what to do with them. Even though the house wasn’t small, the walls closed in around her. Pearl remembered the first time she was inside a car. It was the same feeling, yet when Ben turned around and looked at her, she wanted nothing more than to let the world collapse around them. Instead of the metal door locking her int
o place, it was the depths of his eyes – the same ones that had prevented her from taking him under the water when they’d met.
‘I wanted tonight to be special for you,’ Ben said. ‘I know a lot of things are different for you here. I thought we, um …’ He pulled his hands through his hair and laughed. ‘Wow, I thought I had this all figured out. It was the only thing, but now I can’t say it.’
‘What is it?’
Ben released a breath and took her hands in his. ‘I’ve never done anything like this before. But you woke something inside of me. That day at the beach, I was going to sign a contract with the company. I went to the water to sort of say goodbye to my life. Then you showed up and reminded me of more. It was like a sign from the ocean itself.’
Pearl swallowed. He had no idea how close he was to the truth.
‘Dad and I never really saw eye-to-eye when it came to business. That day, when I returned to the office, he was ready for me to take over. I told him no. It’s why we’ve been arguing a lot lately. Tonight, I think he figured out why.’
‘Because it doesn’t make you happy.’
Ben touched a strand of her hair, tugging at the ends. Her insides fluttered as if a thousand birds fought for escape. ‘No, it’s because of you, Pearl. There’s something about you that makes me a better person. You’re so different, and beautiful, and nothing about you screams The Burrow, yet you fit in so well here. And here.’ He touched two fingers to his chest.
‘I don’t know what to say.’
‘I want you to stay, Pearl.’
‘I can’t.’
‘Because you have to go home?’
‘Yes,’ she said, wishing she had more than one day left.
‘I see.’
Pearl’s hands moved without her thinking. She stepped closer and twined her fingers with his.
Ben drew them up to his chest. Their breath mingled together.
‘We have tonight,’ she said.
Ben lifted her hands and pressed his lips against them. Electricity pulsed through her as he replaced her hands with her mouth. She’d seen other humans profess their liking for one another through kissing, but it wasn’t something she’d ever experienced firsthand.
She allowed Ben to lead as he had on the dance floor. Pearl slid her arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer. The room spiraled, and she closed her eyes, experiencing him even more deeply. Her pulse spiked with each movement of his lips, and soon, they found their rhythm.
The Sisters' Secrets: Pearl Page 10
