Conflicted: Keegan's Chronicles

by Julia Crane

  Keegan and Donald had been sitting on the tailgate of Calvron’s truck, chatting with the others. It was the kind of humid Tennessee night that made Keegan want to stay outside forever and the companionship of her friends made her nostalgic for it to never end.

  She squealed when she saw the double glass doors. Calvron had outdone himself, as usual. He had made three distinct setups. One was an old fashioned diner: cooks, waiters and all surrounded by red pleather booths and checkered tablecloths. Another section was a disco center with flashing lights and music that could only be heard when you crossed into the area. The third was a relaxing coffee shop; it even smelled like one.

  Keegan skipped over to give Calvron a hug. “This is perfect!”

  “I’m starving, let’s eat first,” Anna said, heading for the diner.

  The rest of them followed after her. Keegan marveled at the stainless steel area. She ran her hand across the vinyl table and sat down on the red seat. She laughed when it squeaked under her weight.

  The waitress sidled up to the table, dressed in a gray, cotton dress with her name—Pattie—stitched at the breast. Her hair was bright blonde and wrapped up in a high bun. She had on inches of makeup and bright red lipstick.

  “I’ll take the works!” Keegan told her. “Eggs, bacon toast, potatoes with cheese, and some coffee.”

  “Sure thing, sweetie. What about the rest of you?” Her voice was deep and hoarse. She cracked her gum, staring at them.

  “What she said,” Anna answered, handing her menu over to the woman. There was unanimous agreement as everyone ordered the same thing.

  “So, it’s almost time to graduate,” Lauren said with a sigh, adding cream from the pitcher to her coffee.

  “It’s about time,” Sam joked, nudging Spencer, who nodded.

  “I think it’s sad.” Keegan stirred her coffee, watching the sweetener dissolve instead of letting her friends see the tears in her eyes.

  “We’ll stay in touch,” Calvron told her, reaching over to lay a hand on her arm.

  Donald slipped his own arm around her shoulders, squeezing her to the side of his body. “Of course we will.”

  The food was delicious. Keegan ended up having another plate, as did the boys.

  After eating, they decided to go hang out in the disco room. When they walked through the door, their outfits changed. Keegan cracked up laughing. Calvron had a huge afro and the guys had bell bottoms on and long sleeve collared shirts with the buttons undone. The girls, of course, looked hot in their mini skirts and platform shoes.

  They danced beneath the disco lights for what seemed like hours, even though they’d already danced most of the night away at prom. When they were sweaty and tired, they made their way to the coffee shop to rest and relax.

  Dinner had been great, and the disco crazy, but the most enjoyable thing for Keegan was the time they spent over their coffee, reminiscing about old times.

  Chapter 26

  Keegan’s stomach was in knots. She didn’t expect to be this nervous; it was only a high school graduation after all. All she had to do was walk across the stage and smile while she shook the principal’s hand. She smoothed down her gown and reached up to make sure the cap was in place, waiting for her name to be called.

  “Keegan Clarke,” was announced over the loud speaker and her heart skyrocketed.

  Taking a deep breath, she walked forward and prayed she didn’t fall and make a fool of herself. She had worn ballet flats under the gown to reduce the risk.

  She made it across the stage, smiling all the while, and shook the principal’s hand. There was a slight awkward moment when she tried to shake with the wrong hand. She always messed that up because she was left handed. Everyone in the crowd laughed. The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur.

  Once off the stage, she ran over to Anna and Lauren. “Eeek! I can’t believe we graduated.” They wrapped their arms around each other, face to face in a big group hug, and bounced up and down.

  “I know it’s so crazy. We’re going to be at college, out on our own in just a couple of months.” Lauren sighed and smiled.

  “I’m sad high school is over. I don’t think I’m ready to move on to college.” Anna crossed her arms across her chest.

  “You’ll be fine. You are going to an awesome art school and you’ll meet all kinds of cool people.”

  “I know, but I’m going to miss you guys.” Anna wiped a tear away.

  “Don’t even start crying. This is supposed to be a happy time. If you cry, we’ll all cry.” Keegan said.

  “That’s right, no crying until we board our planes to the new adventures that await us.” Lauren looked at Anna and smiled slightly as she wiped away a tear herself.

  “Let’s go find the boys. That will keep us from being all sappy and emotional.” Lauren encircled her arms with theirs as they headed over to find the guys.

  Donald, Spencer, and Sam were chasing each other around the gymnasium—big surprise there. Keegan smiled as she saw Donald sneak up behind Spencer. Those guys were clowns. She knew it was going to be hard for them to be separated. She didn’t even know where they had decided to go to school. She would have to ask once they finished playing.

  “Okay, well they are occupied. Want to go see if there is anything to eat?” Keegan asked.

  “I did see some cake when we walked in.” Anna grinned.

  On their way to find the food, their parents caught up with them. “You didn’t think you could sneak off without us taking some photos did you?” Anna’s mother shooed them together.

  The girls made funny faces and threw up the peace sign.

  “You guys will miss this,” Lauren’s mother said wistfully.

  “We’re done with the mushy talk, Mom.”

  “Alright, well go have fun with your friends,” Emerald sighed, packing her own camera away. “Don’t forget we have to go to the family dinner tonight.”

  “Thanks for the reminder.” Keegan stuck her tongue out at her mom.

  They found the cake and waited in line. There wasn’t much in the manner of food other than cake, chips, and soda.

  Keegan had her cake up to her mouth when Donald came around and ate it right out of her hand. “Hey! You know, now you have to get in line and get me another piece of cake.”

  “I’ll get you two.” He gave her a big grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling. Keegan leaned forward, giving him a peck on the lips.

  “You guys are sickening.” Lauren rolled her eyes at them.

  “Where are you guys going to college?” Keegan asked Calvron and Spencer after Donald had left for the cake table.

  “We’re going to UCLA. Donald was supposed to go as well, but I hear he might be going to Alaska instead.” Calvron stared intently at her.

  “What, you guys were supposed to go to college together? He never told me that.” Keegan’s mind was racing. Donald was going to give up going to college with his best friends to be closer to her. She really didn’t like that idea at all. She knew she wouldn’t give up her plans for him.

  “I’ll talk to him about it later. I really had no idea.” Keegan pulled at the sleeve of her gown.

  “I didn’t know you guys were going to UCLA. That is where I’m going as well. To study law.” Lauren smiled sweetly at them. “We’ll have to hang out sometimes.”

  “Well, that sucks. You guys are going to be together and Keegan and I are going to be off on our own.” Anna shot Lauren a dirty look.

  “Hey, you guys picked your schools, I had nothing to do with it.”

  “We should make plans to meet up once a month.” Keegan jumped up and down. “Maybe Calvron can set up a magical world there.

  Calvron stroked his chin. “I’m sure I could work something out.”

  Donald strolled back up to group and handed Keegan her cake. “What did I miss?”

  “We were just talking about getting together once a month after we leave for college.” Anna crossed her arms over her chest.

 
“That would be cool.” Donald put his arm around Keegan.

  “Ok guys, this graduation is lame. Any idea of what we can do?” Keegan looked around at the gang.

  “Let’s go play laser tag.” Sam grinned.

  The girls looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. “Sure, why not.”

  They had a blast. The guys were surprised the girls were able to hold their own. Keegan was going to miss days like this.

  Chapter 27

  Donald and Keegan had just walked outside to go swimming in the natural swimming pool at her house. The day was bright and hot, the sun sparkling off the water as they dropped their towels on one of the tables surrounding the pool.

  Keegan turned to stare up into his startling blue eyes. “Donald, why didn’t you tell me that you were supposed to go to college in California with the guys?”

  “Keegan, I want to be with you. If you are going to Alaska, that is where I want to be.” He looked down at her sincerely as he took her hands.

  “I think you should go to UCLA. It’s not good to change your plans like that. We can take turns visiting each other once or twice a month. Plus, I’m going to be so busy with school, I wouldn’t have much time for you anyway.”

  “Are you saying you don’t want me to go?” Donald pulled his hands away from her, his lips pressing into a thin line.

  “It’s not that I don’t want you around, you know I do. It’s just, I think you should be with your friends. We can make it work. Besides, what if I hate Alaska and you are stuck there finishing up your program?”

  “I could always switch, same as you.”

  “I’m asking you to do this for me, Donald. Please, just go to UCLA. I promise I will visit you a lot. I feel horrible taking you away from your plans.”

  “But, it’s what I want. I want to be with you. I don’t care where it is. I love you.”

  Keegan was starting to get mad. She wrapped her arms around herself and rubbed her arms, taking a few deep breaths.

  Donald noticed and said. “Ok, Keegan if that is really what you want. But, I want to see you every weekend not just two times a month.”

  “We can try.” She smiled and threw her arms around him. “Thank you. I feel so much better now. It has been eating away at me.”

  “Let’s spend as much time as we can together for the rest of the summer.” Keegan laid her head against his chest, relieved. She wasn’t sure why it bothered her so much that he was willing to give everything up for her.

  ***

  Later that day, Anna showed up. “Hey is Thaddeus around? I have to ask him something about the Xbox.”

  “You want to see my brother?” Keegan looked at her in disbelief. “I thought you came to hang out with me.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, of course I did. I just have to see him for a second.”

  “Well, he’s in his room.”

  Anna walked up the stairs with a smile on her face, still tickled by the cloak and dagger stuff. She knocked on the door and Thaddeus yelled, “Come in, Anna.”

  “Hey, how did you know? Oh right never mind.” She gave him a sheepish grin.

  “Well, part one is over. I’ve been feeding him dreams and if he’s going to give her the ring, he would have decided by now. But, we didn’t think of the tricky part.”

  “What’s that?” Thad looked up from his game, pausing it.

  “We need to get a hold of the ring.”

  “Ah, yes that is tricky. Well, we can ask his father for it,” Thaddeus remarked.

  “Wouldn’t that be a little strange? Hey, do you happen to have a ruby ring we could spell?” Anna put her hand on her hip and raised an eyebrow.

  “Just leave it to me. I’ll get you the ring. When do you need it by?”

  “Well, summer is almost over. I need it before I leave for college, because I’m not sure I’ll be back here again before her birthday.”

  “Okay, I’ll get it to you by this weekend. I’ll figure something out. Where there is magic, there is always a way.” He gave her one of his impish grins.

  “If Keegan asks, I was asking you about a zombie game.”

  “Okay, get out of here. Don’t forget to shut the door.”

  Once the door was closed, Thaddeus sat back in his chair to think. How could he get the ring? He could use magic, of course, but maybe he didn’t have to. He picked up his phone and called Rourk’s dad. He didn’t have to say much to get him to agree to help out. He wanted Rourk to be happy and didn’t care how that happened.

  ***

  Anna and Keegan were watching sappy chick flicks and eating popcorn.

  Keegan told Anna about talking Donald into going to school in California.

  “I think that’s a good idea. It’s a little strange he wanted to follow you to Alaska. Even as much as I love you, I have no desire to follow you to Alaska.” They both laughed.

  Summer passed by in a blur. They all spent as much time together as possible, but it was rapidly coming to an end.

  ***

  They decided to have one big party before they all went their separate ways. Calvron held it at his house since his family had so much room.

  The girls came through the door and were shocked at how many people were there. There had to be over two hundred kids dancing and yelling. They made their way over to the guys.

  “Calvron, did you use magic to pull this together?” Keegan wondered aloud.

  “Nope, my parents don’t let me use magic at home.”

  “Well, it looks amazing.” Anna said as she glanced around the large open room.

  “We have a pool out back and some pool tables if you guys want to go back there.”

  “Sure sounds fun. We didn’t bring swim suits though.” Lauren shrugged.

  “Who said you needed suits.” Calvron winked.

  “Gross, you wish.” Lauren swatted at him.

  “There are actually a bunch of suits out there. My parents keep lots on hands for guest.”

  They had a great time. No one mentioned it was the last time they would hang out like that for a while, even though Keegan figured it was on everyone’s mind.

  ***

  The ring shimmered on Anna’s altar under the glow of the circle of candles surrounding her. Her heartbeat was a quick pulse in her throat as she touched a single fingertip to it, closing her eyes and searching for the power inside it. It made her skin tingle.

  Taking a deep breath, she released it, imagining a brilliant white light surrounding her body as she rested her hands back in her lap. She let everything else fade away—everything that had bugged her during the day melted under the positive energy. She took a couple of breaths to center herself before she began.

  The picture she had of Keegan was a great one. Anna had captured it while she wasn’t looking. It was her profile, with her auburn hair tucked behind one ear and dangling on the other side. The sun was behind her, making her hair a halo of fire. A small smirk was on her lips. Anna couldn’t remember what she was looking at in the photo, but it had amused her.

  Anna put the photo on top of her stone pentacle on the altar, face up. She lifted the ring, eyeing it once more in the candlelight before sitting it on the picture.

  She began folding the corners of the picture in one by one, taking her time to make them meet in the center, while she chanted,

  “In the name of my lady and her consort,

  And by the law of three times three,

  Let this ring draw Keegan to wear it,

  So from darkness she shall be free.”

  She repeated the chant three times, securing the picture-made envelope that held the ring with a black ribbon. When it was ready, she placed it purposefully back on top of her pentacle.

  The candle holder was an antique Anna had pulled from the attic. It was gold but had lost its shine a long time before. Its greatest aspect was the hollow base, which allowed her to position the holder over her pentacle and the talisman.

  The pale pink pillar candle she had al
ready anointed with Cinnamon oil. The smell was divine and made her want cookies. She fit it in the shallow dish of the holder and lit the candle.

  Lighting her sage bundle, she blew gently on it to make it smolder and smoke, then wafted it around her altar in the shape of a heart three times. She put it in the censor dish on her altar to burn out. Clapping her hands once to signal the end of the ritual, she declared, “Blessed be.”

  She would burn the candle for 13 minutes every night after sunset for 13 days to push the spell. Raising an eyebrow at her handiwork, she smiled and felt pride. “Now, to see if it works.”

  ***

  Keegan’s mother wanted them to get to Alaska a few days early so they could set up her new room. She had decided to get an apartment right outside of the college instead of staying in the dorms. For some reason, her father was very relived by this. She might get a roommate just so she didn’t have to be alone. At the very least she was getting a dog. She still couldn’t believe she was going to be so far from home.

  “Keegan, are you ready to go?” her mother yelled up the stairs.

  “No, I’m not ready.”

  “Well, we have to leave in a few minutes or we will miss the plane.”

  Keegan glanced around her childhood room and wanted to crawl back in the bed and stay there. She was actually scared to be going to a strange place all by herself. She didn’t want to tell her parents that, though. Taking a deep breath, she picked up her bags and headed out the door.

  “Hurry up!”

  “I’m coming, stop rushing me!” Keegan ran down the stairs.

  Her father and Thaddeus, who were going to drop them off at the airport, were waiting at the door. Thaddeus grabbed her bags from her which surprised her.

  Once they got to the airport, her father hugged her for a long time. Keegan wiped tears from her eyes.

  “Stop crying, Keegan, you will be back next month for your birthday. After that, for Thanksgiving and Christmas.” Thaddeus looked down at his feet.

  “You know you are going to miss me, little brother.”