Cloaked: Easthaven Crest, Book One

by Justice, A. D.

  “Nana, it’s rude to read other people’s minds, you know.”

  “I don’t have to read your mind to know you’re over there pouting about not going off to college at the end of summer instead of counting the inventory like you’re supposed to do.”

  With a sullen sigh, I turn back to my to-do list and finish my current task. Maybe I am pouting, but I’m still only seventeen. There are so many things I want to do with my life. So many places I want to see that are far away from Aspen Springs.

  Population 3,118.

  “Did you know more than half of all high school graduates attend college?” It’s a rhetorical question—one I’ve only asked her every day for the past several months since my senior year in high school started. She knows.

  My eighteenth birthday is in May. It’s currently February, so it’s only a few months away. It’s a day most teenagers view as our very own independence day. Our first step into adulthood.

  But I don’t feel liberated.

  Instead of excitement over my birthday, I feel trapped in a mediocre life.

  Maybe it’s the small-town atmosphere that makes me struggle with these feelings, especially since I have no plans of ever leaving and no prospects for the fast-paced, exciting life I’ve watched others live out in movies and on TV. I know, I know—my comparisons are based on wildly unrealistic expectations. I’ve been told that sentiment enough times, the mantra should be laser engraved into my brain.

  How could my life ever measure up to the glitz and glam I see online?

  But I don’t understand why I can’t have a multicity college campus tour, like the ones so many other kids my age have been posting about for months now online. Where is my future headed, other than working for my grandmother in her store in our small town? I’m well aware that money doesn’t grow on trees and we can’t conjure it out of thin air, so Ivy League schools were never on my list. The truth is, I just never expected all my studying, maintaining straight As, and graduating as valedictorian of my class would mean so little in the end.

  The grand plans I’ve dreamed of for years aren’t part of my future—and never will be. I’m destined to live in a world of perpetual boredom and servitude.

  “Sara, if you’ve finished sulking, can you bring me a glass of water?”

  “I’ll bring you one even though I still have at least another hour’s worth of sulking in me.”

  Nana’s amused chuckle makes me smile despite my morose attitude. When I hand her the glass of water, she pops two pills in her mouth and swallows them with a big gulp of water.

  “Thank you, sweetheart.”

  “Another headache, Nana?” She nods and purses her lips but doesn’t meet my questioning gaze. “You’ve had several migraines in a row now. Maybe you should go see Dr. Henry and let him check you out. I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave you alone today. I’ll call Kristi and tell her I can’t make it after all.”

  “I’m fine and still strong as an ox. No need to worry about me. Finish the inventory then you can go have fun with your friends. Kristi, Doug, and Phillip will be disappointed if you cancel on them now. It’s only a movie—you won’t be out that long. Besides, you’re too young to worry about me like that.”

  “Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

  “Believe it or not, I’m fully capable of taking care of myself, even at my old age.” Nana raises both of her eyebrows at me, daring me to dispute her words.

  Don’t go, a voice in my head whispers. Or is it my overactive imagination? My conscience?

  The first time I heard something like that, I thought I was going mad. But Nana explained that sometimes our thoughts and feelings take over, convincing us we’ve experienced things that weren’t there. Other times, it could be divine intervention. Still others, it could be malevolent voices. She helped me work through them until I was able to discern them for myself—for the most part.

  Since she has assured me she’s okay, it’s probably my tendency to worry about her health. She’s the only family I have left in the world since my parents died when I was a baby. No brothers or sisters. No other family members still living on either side. Nana and I have faced the world together and made the best of what we’ve earned, through hard work, sweat, and tears. While the more logical part of my seventeen-year-old brain understands she just wants me to be proud of the business she’s built and continue it long after she’s retired, a bigger part of me only wants to leave here and live my life to the fullest.

  Then I feel guilty, because that would leave her all alone.

  I don’t know of a way I can have her by my side and have the world at my feet at the same time. Each scenario boils down to an impossible choice—stay here with the only family member I have or leave her here alone while I chase my dreams.

  What’s a girl to do?

  “Okay, movie night it is.”

  The rest of my afternoon shift flies by with thoughts of spending time with my best friends. We’ve all known one another since kindergarten, and we’ve been inseparable almost as long. They keep me sane and grounded, while also helping me enjoy my crazy and flighty side. Together, we’re the perfect balance of harmony and chaos.

  Kristi is a whiz with anything that runs on any type of computer. She got caught hacking in to the county’s government website and combing through discrepancies in their accounting, but she used the embezzlement evidence she found in exchange for clemency. She vowed only to use her talents for good—to help people rather than hurt them. Now, several agencies identified by initials, and a few that aren’t identified anywhere on paper, have recruited her to join their ranks when she finishes college.

  Doug is a great guy and an all-around jock. He plays a different sport every season, always the captain of whatever team he’s on, and even manages to fit in a few more outside of school just for fun on the weekends. Skilled in football, wrestling, competitive swimming, and baseball—he has his pick of college teams to play for and scholarships to accept. But he has a good head on his shoulders, and he’s taking his time before making a decision. He’s weighing his options for the future and not allowing anyone to pressure him.

  Phillip is a musical genius. He’s in our high school band, of course, but he also has his own band. His parents started him in music lessons early, and no instrument has proven to be out of his league. As if that talent isn’t enough, he’s also a phenomenal singer. He has the voice of an angel and the range of an opera singer. He’s going places with all his talents, without a doubt. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on a world tour, with screaming fans all jockeying for his attention.

  I’ve been blessed with amazing friends, all talented in their own right. All fantastic people, regardless of what their gifts are. While I’ve never been jealous of them, only thrilled with their accomplishments, I have often wondered how I fit in with this group of overachievers. Aside from my good grades, there’s nothing outwardly remarkable or extraordinary about me. Unlike my friends, I don’t have any hidden talents that’ll make me the next superstar. I can operate a computer, but I have no clue how to break in to a secure system and find anything of value. Somehow, I lack the coordination needed for almost any competitive sport, outside of running. I couldn’t catch a baseball if my life depended on it, and I sure couldn’t throw one to someone else. Let’s not forget that music—both playing and singing—doesn’t come naturally to me. In fact, most people cover their ears when I sing, and understandably so.

  I haven’t figured out where and how I fit in life in general yet.

  Our little town is far too small to support a movie theater, so we have to drive more than an hour to the next larger town. On the ride over, Kristi, Doug, and Phillip all talk excitedly about what they’re doing after high school graduation.

  “I’m not going on a senior trip like the rest of the class. My parents have been saving money my entire life for my graduation present, so I’m returning the favor and we’re all three going on a two-week trip to Europe with part
of the money.”

  “That sounds awesome, Kristi! I’m headed to New York City with my parents. We’re taking in a couple of Broadway plays and a concert at Carnegie Hall. I’m sure we’ll hit all the usual tourist spots while we’re there, too.” Phillip beams with pride.

  “We’re all too much alike. My dad and I are doing an MLB game circuit across several states. My mom will join us after a couple weeks for a beach vacation. It’s so hard to believe I won’t be with you guys every day anymore after graduation. After the baseball game trip and time at the beach, it’ll be time to start my own training at college.” Doug’s revelation startles me. I didn’t expect to lose any of them so soon.

  While I’m excited for all three of them and so proud of what they’ve planned for their futures, I can’t help but feel left out. What do I have to share?

  Oh, I’m staying here, in Aspen Springs, and helping Nana run her gardening business. Forever. We’re not going anywhere on vacation over the summer because that’s our busiest retail season.

  That doesn’t exactly fit with the theme of the evening, and I feel like a complete buzzkill for even thinking it. So, I keep quiet about my lack of plans and nonexistent future and focus on theirs instead. If I can’t live it myself, at least I’ll live vicariously through them.

  “Doug, I can’t imagine not seeing you again for months on end after graduation. That just doesn’t seem right at all. We’ve spent our whole lives together. What am I supposed to do without you?” I gently elbow him in the side, knowing there’s no other option, but not liking it, nonetheless.

  “You’ll just have to come to my games and watch me play.” He cuts his eyes over at me and grins.

  “You picked one and signed?” I grab his arm, waiting for him to spill the details. I’m surprised he hasn’t already shared this with us before now.

  “Just made a commitment today. I’m moving to Tuscaloosa, my friends. I’m starting as a fullback with the University of Alabama football team. I’ll be at football camp the day after our beach vacation ends.”

  We all congratulate Doug, noting that celebrations are in order. But I already feel the twinge of loss in my chest from knowing that day will be here much faster than I’d like.

  After the show, the drive back to Aspen Springs is spent dissecting the plot and comparing it to the book. We’ve yet to find a movie that was actually better than the book, but this one was at least very close. There are some things that simply shouldn’t be messed with—and taking liberties with changing the script from what actually happened in the original story is one of them.

  Kristi had picked Doug and Phillip up at the school since they were both at practice, one at football and the other at band, so I jump out of the car too.

  “I can walk to Nana’s shop from here, Kristi. Save you a trip out of your way. I had a great time tonight. Thanks for driving us. I’ll talk to you cats tomorrow.”

  “Just be careful, Sara. I don’t mind driving you up there. It’s not like it’s too far or anything.”

  “Come on. Nothing ever happens in this sleepy little town. I’ll be fine. Be careful driving home—watch for deer crossing the road.”

  So much for famous last words, right?

  On the stroll to the shop, my mind was on everything my future didn’t include while I watched all my friends as they left me behind. One by one, they’d all be gone by summer’s end.

  I had no idea that when I reached the front of Nana’s store, my entire perspective on life would change, and I’d be focused instead on Nana disappearing…then on my own unusual disappearance.

  Chapter 3

  Present Day

  My head is on a swivel as I push up from the ground to my knees, looking all around me to get my bearings and try to figure out what the hell just happened. Nothing seems familiar at all, and the anxiety builds in my chest until a strangled cry escapes my throat. Out of instinct, I cover my mouth with my cupped hand to muffle the sound. Growing up in dangerous animal territory taught me to always know my surroundings. But I don’t know anything here. Terror grips me in a way I’ve never experienced before.

  I can’t speak. I can’t breathe. I can’t even move. I’m frozen still, staring in disbelief, contemplating curling up in a fetal position until I wake up back at home. Safe, with Nana looking after my every need.

  After I don’t even know how long, I manage to pull my faculties together long enough to force my legs to cooperate. I dust the grass and dirt off my pants as I stand. Nana’s consistent admonition to never give up won’t allow me to keep feeling sorry for myself. Sticking my head in the sand and pretending won’t save me from my circumstances.

  This is really happening. Regardless of how much I want someone else to take care of me right now, there’s no one else around. My survival is solely on me right now.

  The trees surrounding the large clearing I’m in are enormous—much taller and broader than the ones I’m used to seeing. Green grass and soft moss cover the ground under my feet. Wildflowers in a vast array of colors grow in large clumps where the warm sun streams through the canopy high above. I stand still and strain my ears for sounds of life anywhere nearby. The only sound I can make out is flowing water, just down the hill from where I’m standing.

  Not knowing where I am or where the closest civilization may be, I decide to make my way to the water. That’s one substance I’ll need sooner rather than later. I can live without food for a while, but I won’t make it long without water. Whatever animals lurk in the dense forest have the same natural instinct, so I’m taking a calculated risk by making this choice. Not knowing what kinds of wildlife I’ll encounter makes my gamble significantly more dangerous.

  By walking as lightly as possible, I hope to keep my presence unknown for as long as I can. It’s taking all my knowledge of living in the wild, rugged countryside to keep my wits about me. Black and brown bears, moose, and mountain lions are territorial and deadly animals at home. With the similar foliage and landscape in this forest, I’m only guessing there are also similar creatures here. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but sometimes it can also be fatal.

  The ground under my feet starts shaking, and I quickly realize what I thought was a low roar in the distance is actually stampeding horses racing toward me. When I whirl around and look up the hill, I can’t believe my eyes. An army of men wearing matching metal battle helmets and body armor are charging toward me. The swords they wield have electricity flowing through them. They zap and hum noisily before making a loud crack when the arcs of light slice through the air, jutting out ten feet in front of them to kill anything in their path.

  They’re riding hard toward me with their swords drawn and pointed right at me. Even as far as I am from them, I can feel the anger flowing from their eyes and the current charging the air, ready to strike me at any time. Their livid rants echo in my mind, flowing from theirs as clearly as if they were standing next to me and screaming in my ear.

  I’ve violated their sacred land somehow. I’m not allowed to be here—they think I’ve crossed the border to their forest without permission, and they’re apparently not a forgiving mob. My reflexes take over, and I break out in a sprint down the hill. Not that I think I can outrun their horses by any means, but I can only hope to somehow get across the unknown border before they reach me. My heart is beating so hard, it’s likely to jump right out of my chest. Sheer panic makes my legs run faster than I realized I could. This situation is growing more and more perilous with every passing second.

  Since the trees are incredibly close together, there’s no way the horses can gallop at full speed toward me, so I dart to the right, straight into the dense forest, and continue my mad dash to reach the river. Behind me, I hear limbs breaking and twigs snapping, but the thunderous stomping has all but ceased since most of the angry crowd tries to follow me through the woods.

  If all else fails, I’ll dive in and swim downstream underwater to try to elude them. That’s the last resort option, though, since
I don’t know what lives in the water any more than I understand why my presence on their land is so offensive.

  When I look over my shoulder to gauge their proximity, I get a good look at one of the men chasing me. He’s removed his helmet, giving me a full glimpse of his face. He’s strikingly handsome, with sharp, angular features. All perfectly balanced and symmetrical. His hair extends down his back to his waist. It’s board-straight and platinum blond, making his sky-blue eyes stand out.

  Unless my eyes deceive me, his ears are pointed.

  Like an elf.

  Only he’s tall—very tall—and he’s sitting atop an enormous horse while staring at me with murderous intent.

  The three seconds of catching my breath and considering an alternative plan are over. I have to make my feet and legs move, regardless of how badly they’re burning from the exertion. When I reach the water at the bottom of the hill, I see another group of people riding horses toward me, talking and laughing among themselves. At first glance, they look like ordinary people. They’re also not brandishing weapons and screaming at me like crazed banshees. At least, not yet…maybe that’s because I’m not on their land.

  The commotion behind me gets louder again, and I look for a way to cross the river without just diving in. One of the riders ahead notices me and lifts her hand, pointing in my direction and drawing the others’ attention to my predicament. They take off at full gallop toward me, several drawing strange-looking guns from their sides.

  I’m caught between two angry hordes, unsure of what move to make.

  “Jump! Jump across the river! Hurry!” I barely make out the shouts over the sound of hooves hitting the ground mixed with the water rushing by. One of the women riding with the pack motions for me to come toward her.

  I hope this isn’t a cruel trap.

  But their clothes are similar to mine, so I make the decision to trust them. Plus, they’re not actively trying to kill me, unlike the furious horde of battle-dressed men still yelling angrily.