by Rae Knightly
He took a step back, but Maggie reached out her hand as if to hold him back. “Wait! Please, Ben. Would you mind looking for her? I’m really worried. I haven’t seen her since breakfast.”
“Sure,” he said. He noted her distressed face and added more firmly, “Yes, of course! Don’t worry. I’ll find her and tell her to come home.” He waved and headed down the street.
Maggie shouted after him, “Check the lake! She likes to go there when she needs to be by herself.”
Ben nodded and jogged off with Tike.
The air brushed cold against his skin. The sky was low and grey, reflecting on the fresh, even snow that had fallen that morning. There was no sign of spring, yet. Ben hunched deep into his thick coat, covering his mouth with his scarf, his toque low over his ears. Tike wore a red dog coat, which Kimi had given him for Christmas. They reached the end of an alley and crossed into a large park. It was a bleak, empty landscape, dotted with trees. In the middle stood a small lake bordered by a low hill to the left. In this white world, Ben easily spotted Kimi’s black snow coat from afar. There was no-one else in sight as she slid elegantly over the ice. He read the sign at the edge of the lake: WARNING. THIN ICE. ICE SKATING PROHIBITED.
Ben looked from the warning sign to the girl who paid no heed to it. Kimi wore her usual black snow trousers, knee-length jacket and military-style boots. But for once, she did not have her beanie hat on. Instead, her dark hair fell freely to her waist, straight and shiny. Ben realized he had never seen it loose before. He found himself mesmerized by the way it changed her face. She was no longer hiding behind her long bangs, which she had pulled back behind her ears. He could see her pixie eyes and nose and noted with a blush that she was very pretty.
“What are you waiting for?” Kimi interrupted his thoughts. She half-walked, half-slid to the middle of the lake, though she didn’t get far without ice skates.
Ben glanced at the sign again. He said loudly, “I think you should come off the ice. Your mom sent me to find you. She's worried.”
“Ha!” the girl snorted. “Is she, now? Or did she need somebody to pour her a drink because she can't even stand on her own two feet anymore? Yeah, she drinks, did you know that?” She shot him a glance.
“I…” he began, embarassed, but he could tell she wasn’t even listening to him.
“I’m surprised you didn’t know that. Everybody in town knows the vet lady who drinks! Now you know, too. A regular Canmore citizen, you are!”
Ben, who hadn’t expected this outburst, felt anger swelling as she spoke. “Don’t talk like that!”
“I’ll stop if you come on over. I dare you! Or are you scared?” she taunted.
Ben was so upset by her tone that he stepped onto the ice without thinking. Immediately, Tike jumped before him, barring his teeth.
Danger!
Ben stared at his dog in surprise but came back to his senses. He took his foot off the icy surface.
“Oh, poor dear. He’s soo scared!” Kimi mocked, laughing snidely.
“Knock it off, Kimi! Get off the ice. It’s dangerous!”
She shrugged and ignored him, skating further away.
“Come on, Kimi. Why are you doing this?”
She whirled around, her face flushed with anger. “Do you know why my dad left us?” she yelled.
Ben lifted his arms helplessly, then shook his head, all the while searching the park in the hopes an adult would come by and talk some sense into the girl.
“He married my mom because she is pure-blooded Dakhona. The lazy bastard thought he’d get tax privileges by marrying a First Nation woman and grow stinking rich. Then, when he realized he’d never get his way, he abandoned us,” she retorted. “He left me! My dad left me because I’m First Nation!” She was standing in the middle of the lake, shaking. “He left me because I’m a freak!”
Her words hit home more than Ben cared to admit. “No, you’re not! Don’t say stupid things like that!”
“Look who’s talking!” she yelled at him. “You have the perfect dad, the perfect mom, the perfect family! What would you know about being different?”
A huge lump surged in his throat.
You have no idea!
He almost said it out loud, then gritted his teeth and balled his fists instead. He breathed heavily through his nose several times, then whirled around and stomped off.
“Hey, Ben!” Kimi shouted. “What…”
Her voice turned into a shriek as the ice broke. It made a horrible cracking sound through the lake. By the time Ben turned to face her again, she was already submerged, her hand sticking out like a final farewell.
“KIMI!” he screamed.
He ran back to the edge of the lake, placing a foot on the ice, but it went right through, filling his boot with icy water. He gasped and pulled back. He went up and down the lake, desperately searching for a way to reach his friend, but all he could see were round ripples on the surface where the ice had broken.
Over here!
Tike had scampered to the right of the lake and was carefully testing the ice. The dog lifted his head, his tongue lolling. It was more than instinct that told Ben his dog had found a safe spot to cross. Sure enough, this time the ice felt firm, for it did not crack or wobble under his feet.
Kimi resurfaced with a loud gasp. Her arms flailed in panic, searching in vain for something to hold on to. But the ice crumbled and Ben could picture her big army boots dragging her down.
“Kimi!” Ben yelled urgently. “Hang on! I’m coming!”
Just as he threw his thick jacket off his shoulders, Mesmo appeared on the opposite side of the lake, the part bordered by the small hill. Ben hadn’t reached the middle yet when Kimi sank again.
“No!” he shouted, tearing at his scarf. The freezing wind pierced through his sweater, but he took no notice. His panicked breath came up in steam before his eyes as he reached the broken ice and stared into the dark water.
Mesmo had already recognized the situation. He walked straight into the lake, plunging his hands into it. Then he stared at Ben and nodded urgently.
Ben understood.
I have to go in!
Without a second thought for his own safety, Ben took a big gulp of air and dove into the water. He yelled behind his closed mouth, expecting a heart-stopping cold. Darkness submerged him, yet as his skin tingled at the contact with the water, he realized he did not freeze up like he had expected to. He let himself float under the lake, blinking his eyes open, while bubbles lifted around him.
His senses told him that the water was comfortably warm. He could see some feet before him; an eerie blue light filtered to the depth. His heartbeat slowed, and he became confident that he could search for Kimi safely. He swam up, breaking the surface, and gasped for breath. The freezing air entered his lungs and droplets of water froze in his hair, yet his immersed body remained warm.
After taking another deep breath of air and checking that Mesmo was still there, Ben plunged down again. He swam in semi-darkness, white ice hanging ominously above him and rays of soft blue light illuminating the bottom. His lungs were about to burst when he spotted Kimi some way ahead, her boots dragging her down, her arms reaching upwards, her long hair spread like a fan around her head; her eyes were closed as if she were sleeping peacefully.
He had to go up for air again, then immediately swam with all his strength towards her. He reached out for her hand and pulled with all his might. She was heavier than he expected because of her layers of clothing, but he would not give up. He could see the broken ice above him. If only he could pull her up to catch a breath. Her hand slipped and she started to sink again. He shouted in panic behind his closed mouth, then swam to catch her again. This time he grabbed her under the armpits and kicked upwards.
The surface was so close now. His throat burst with pain as he fought not to open his mouth just yet. He reached out his hand and his fingers closed onto the edge of the ice. It was enough to help him heave both of them up. They b
roke the surface and he opened his mouth to let in a gulp of freezing air, which cut through his throat and lungs. He gasped in pain, swallowing water in the process. Struggling to hang on to the slippery ice, he spluttered and fought to keep Kimi’s head up and out.
He blinked the moisture out of his eyes, strove to catch his bearings, and spotted Tike running up-and-down the side of the broken ice. Ben followed him, pulling himself by holding on to the crumbling side, trying to ignore the contrast in temperature above and below the ice.
Painstakingly, he made it to the shore, to the exact spot where he had been standing moments ago. In a last, exhausting effort, he dragged himself and Kimi out, their clothes heavy with water.
A heartwrenching cry came from behind him. He turned to find a woman entering the park. His legs gave way in numbness and he tumbled to the ground as Maggie and Mesmo rushed up to them.
“Kimi!” Maggie yelled in anguish. She threw herself on the ground next to her daughter, patting her on the cheek. “She’s not breathing! Oh no! She’s not breathing!”
Ben rolled over in shock, coming face to face with Kimi. The girl’s lips turned blue, her skin was as pale as a ghost, and not a hint of a heartbeat appeared on her skin.
“Kimi! Kimi!” Maggie cried, shaking her by the shoulders. She frantically performed CPR, pressing with the knuckles of her hands on the girl’s chest, then applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. She did this several times but was so distraught that she lost energy fast. She sobbed in despair. “Kimimela! My butterfly! Come back to me!” Her pleading eyes found Ben’s own. “Please, help me!”
Ben hadn’t realized that he was sobbing. His chin quivered with cold, his wet clothes covered his body with an icy layer, and he could not feel his hands. Yet all he noticed was the heavy feeling in the pit of his stomach.
This can’t be happening!
His eyes fell on Mesmo, begging the alien wordlessly.
Mesmo stared from Ben to Kimi with calm interest. He leaned forward, frowning, then placed his hands two inches above the girl. A faint, bluish light emanated from them, causing Maggie to catch her breath. As the alien’s hands floated above Kimi’s chest, he said, “I will try to extract the water. But I can’t guarantee anything.” He gazed at Ben as if sending him a silent message.
“What are you doing? Leave her alone!” Maggie gasped.
“It’s ok-kay! T-trust h-him,” Ben stuttered through shivering lips.
Slowly, Mesmo’s hands moved upwards from Kimi’s stomach to her chest, then up to her throat and her mouth. A stream of water appeared at the corner of Kimi’s lips like a snake. It flowed to the ground before turning into a small geyser as the warm liquid was drawn from her body.
Maggie grabbed her daughter by the shoulder and shook her. “Kimi! Come back to me! Kimi!”
The girl made a gurgling sound, then suddenly her body heaved to the side as she coughed up more liquid.
Maggie cried in jubilation, while Ben fell back into the snow, an immense sense of relief washing over him. Kimi’s eyes fluttered open and she blinked in confusion. Maggie brushed away her hair which was littered with icy droplets.
The girl caught her bearings. “Iná…” she began, her face crumpling. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” she sobbed, unable to finish the phrase.
Her mother shushed her as she held her in her arms.
When she could speak again, Kimi whispered with an emotion-filled voice, “Iná, are you going to abandon me, too?”
Maggie’s eyes widened. She took her daughter’s face in her hands, then placed her forehead on the girl’s own. With great determination, she answered, “Never!” She looked deep into Kimi's eyes. “I know I am lost, Kimimela, but I will find my way back to you! I promise!” She spoke words in a language Ben could not understand as mother and daughter hugged each other.
“Benjamin!” Mesmo whispered urgently.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ben saw the alien disappear, while outside the park, two ambulances pulled up, followed closely by a police car. Paramedics swiftly pulled out stretchers from the back, then rushed over to them.
Ben reacted too late. He tried to get up, but his legs wouldn’t cooperate. One paramedic covered him with a blanket, then a second one arrived, and they heaved him up with the intent of placing him on the stretcher.
“N-n-o!” Ben protested, realizing at the same time that he was paralyzed with cold. “N-no hosp-pital!” he stuttered as he struggled to roll off the stretcher. He could see the police officers getting out of their car and heading his way.
The first paramedic flashed a small light in his eyes. “What’s your name, son?”
“B-Benjamin A-Archer,” Ben said automatically, then caught himself. “A-Anderson! I mean B-ben And-derson!” He tried to get off the stretcher again.
The paramedic eyed him worriedly, then took his arm and gave him a swift injection. “You’re in shock,” he said calmly. “You’re suffering from hypothermia, son. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just try to relax, okay?”
Ben saw Kimi being taken away on the second stretcher. “No b-blood s-sample!” he managed to utter as he grabbed on to the paramedic's coat. But his fingers had lost their strength and his head swam as he felt himself fall into an induced slumber.
A freak! They’ll find out I’m a freak!
CHAPTER 11 The War of the Kins
Laura Archer’s forehead creased with worry over her tired, green eyes as she stared at her sleeping son. Her ash-brown hair was tied in a quick bun, and she bit her lip as she waited for Ben to show signs of waking. She stroked his hair away from his forehead. The boy did not stir but remained in a deep, repairing sleep. She followed the contour of his young face, which had lost its toddler roundness and showed hints of what he would look like as a man. It was only a matter of time before he would be taller than her.
“Laura,” someone called softly behind her.
She turned to find Thomas in the doorway. He held the door open to let in a doctor of lanky stature and military-short, grey hair.
Thomas presented him. “This is Dr. Paul Hughes. He is President and CEO of the Canmore General Hospital.” Then he added meaningfully, “He is also a faithful Canmore Air client.”
Dr. Hughes and Laura shook hands. “That’s right,” the former said, smiling. “Thomas regularly flies me to conferences and remote locations across the province. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
Thomas took over. “Dr. Hughes was kind enough to offer to check up on Ben himself.”
Dr. Hughes held Laura’s gaze, then said with sincerity, “I came to reassure you that Ben’s welfare is our greatest concern, Ms. Anderson. The Canmore General Hospital will do everything to make his stay comfortable. But I must warn you that your son’s heroic act may already have spread like wildfire. We will contain this story as best we can. I have instructed my staff personally to turn away any curious reporters. As a minor, Ben has the right to privacy and his name may not be shared without your strict consent.”
Laura felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders. “Thank you. We don’t want to become tabloid gossip. I really appreciate your discretion.”
Dr. Hughes nodded. “You can count on it. Ben only suffers from mild hypothermia, which is quite astounding considering the time he spent in that freezing lake. I could dismiss him now, but encourage you to stay the night so we can monitor him. Physically, he will be back to his old self by tomorrow, though, emotionally, he may be a little shook up.” He took out a card from an inside pocket and handed it to Laura. “Here’s my card. Call me any time if you notice anything unusual. It will be my pleasure to help out a local hero. You can be proud of him!”
Laura gave him a weak smile as they shook hands again. As soon as the doctor left, Laura glanced at Thomas. “What do you think?” she asked in a low voice.
Thomas pursed his lips. “I think we should wait. We’ll know by tomorrow if the media caught wind of this.” He paused, before adding tensely, “But if t
hey do, it could mean trouble...”
* * *
v
Laura dozed off in an uncomfortable armchair by Ben’s bed. She half-sat, half-lay with her head resting on her arm, her legs folded against her. She felt a soft whisp of air on her cheeks and blinked, only to find Mesmo kneeling before her, studying her face. She breathed deeply through her nose and stretched her cramped muscles.
“How long have you been here?” she asked, yawning. She checked that Ben was still sleeping.
“A while,” he replied, still staring at her. He pointed at Ben. “How is he?”
“The doctor says he’ll be fine by morning,” Laura said. She noticed his olive-coloured skin. “You look better,” she observed.
Mesmo stared at his hands, then said, “I’m eating.” He looked at her with his deep honey-brown eyes again, then added with a small smile, “At least, I am trying to.”
Laura reached for his face, then followed the contour of his cheek with her hand. She marvelled at how real he looked from so close up. She could see every strand of hair of his brow, the texture of his skin, the detail of his iris. The thought that he was only an illusion when he seemed to be standing before her in flesh and bone was excruciating. She pulled her hand away and held on to the jacket that she had covered herself with to keep warm, never taking her eyes off him. After a silence, she said, “Tell me about your wife.”
Mesmo sat on the floor next to her, leaning his arms on his bent knees. “Her name was Sila,” he said. “She was beautiful and strong. She was highly regarded in her skill—one of the best. She insisted on keeping her hair short. She said it made it easier for her to shift.” He smiled. “She would toy with me and change into amazing beings, but I would always find her in the crowd. It was her expression, you see. No matter who she shifted into, her mouth always made a funny smile, like this…” One corner of his mouth twisted upwards slightly.
Laura frowned as he spoke. “Wait a minute,” she interrupted. “You said she could shift. Do you mean shapeshift? Like Bordock?”
