Grasping at Eternity (The Kindrily)

by Karen Amanda Hooper

  I sat in the chair across the desk from her, and glanced around at the towering shelves of books. “Such a big house for only a few people.”

  “Well, it used to be much more crowded, but things change.”

  Sweat dripped down my back. Two of her own kids had just moved out. Why would she want a runt like me hanging around?

  She took off her glasses and cleaned them with her sleeve. “You’d have a lot of privacy if you lived here.”

  My heart pounded so hard I thought the desk between us was shaking. “I wouldn’t want to disrupt your life.”

  “You are the furthest thing from a disruption. You are eternally welcome in this home and in our hearts.”

  Louise was probably trying to be polite. She didn’t want to make me feel unwanted, so she gave politically correct responses. She folded her hands on top of the desk. “However, I won’t force you to live with us. You must decide which path is right for you.”

  I nodded and pressed my fingers into the arms of my chair. They were clammy and squeaked across the polished wood.

  Louise leaned closer. “I spoke to the local high school and classes start next week. If you stay, you could start the year on time.”

  My head spun trying to process it all. She’d made preparations for my arrival? Maybe she really did want me to live with her.

  “Maryah, I understand the emotional torment you’re going through, but please know that I love you more than you can imagine. We want nothing more than for you to stay with us.”

  That settled it. Krista was pushing me away, and Louise was inviting me in. Decision made. I choked on my words. “If you’re sure you want me…I’d like to live with you.”

  She squealed, springing up and running around the desk to hug me. “You have no idea how happy this makes me—how happy this will make everyone!”

  Not everyone. My happiness died on our boat dock that night when a monster told me my family was gone.

  I fake-smiled at Louise and motioned toward the living room. “Mind if I watch TV?”

  “Go right ahead. I’ll be in here working if you need anything.”

  I wasn’t ready to talk to Krista yet, so I watched reruns of old sitcoms by myself for a while. Around midnight, Louise passed through the living room.

  “Still up?” she asked.

  “I’m not tired yet.” I also wasn’t in the mood to share a bed with Krista.

  “Well, I’m turning in for the night. Herbal teas are in the pantry if you need help relaxing.”

  “Thanks. Goodnight, Louise.”

  “Sweet dreams, dear. I’m so glad you decided to stay with us.”

  Even as I watched TV, I stressed about telling my aunt and uncle that I wasn’t going back to Maryland. Relaxation sounded good, so I raided the pantry and found a glass jar of tea with “Tranquil Sleep” written on the label. I brewed myself a cup and curled up on the couch. The tea worked better than expected.

  In my dream I was still on the Lunas’ sofa. My movie-star angel of death was walking away from me. I’d know his strong, broad back anywhere. Could he take me to wherever my parents and Mikey were?

  I called out to him, but my voice came out weak. “Take me—” with you. Only the first half of my groggy thought surfaced.

  He turned, his lean muscles bulging underneath of his t-shirt. They looked effortless, which made sense because angels didn’t seem like the gym-obsessed type. His eyes were cold and guarded, but he stepped closer then handed me my tea. Would an angel of death poison my tea? Brutal attack, raging fire, tea: one of these didn’t belong.

  I took a few sips while we stared at each other. I wanted to ask him what death was like, and if he knew where my parents and brother were, but talking required so much effort that I couldn’t seem to muster.

  “Does it hurt?” I whispered. That one question took every ounce of energy I had.

  He winced then glanced around the room. “Does what hurt?”

  Dying. I thought, but I couldn’t say it out loud.

  “Do you know who I am?” he asked.

  I tried nodding, but my head only nestled further into my pillow. My eyelids were heavy and my muscles had melted away. He got up and walked down the bedroom hallway. I wanted to follow him, but I couldn’t. So much for talking to angels.

  I woke up, startled by a bang. The television flashed like a strobe light as a late night infomercial played.

  “Maryah.” Carson poked my shoulder. “Wake up.”

  I rubbed my eyes. “What time is it?”

  “Two a.m.”

  “What are you doing up?”

  “Apparently, I couldn’t sleep, so I came out to get a drink and the TV was on.” His words sounded forced like he was reciting a speech.

  I stood, but had to steady myself on the end table while a wicked headrush flowed through me.

  “Any weird dreams?”

  My jaw almost dropped, stunned that he was concerned if I was okay, and that he asked about my dreams. Yes Carson, I had a tea party with my angel of death. He’d believe that—if we lived in the Twilight Zone.

  “None that I remember,” I lied.

  Carson hit the off button on the remote.

  “Thanks for checking on me,” I whispered, walking close behind him down the hallway.

  He raised his hand in an almost-wave as he closed his bedroom door.

  Krista was still awake and reading when I went to our room. On the nightstand, she had set out a framed photo of my parents, Mikey, and me. I slumped onto the floor, hugging their picture to my chest.

  “You okay, Pudding?”

  I looked at the ceiling, fighting back tears, but something new hung beside the dream catcher.

  “What’s that?” I asked her.

  She slid down onto the floor and leaned against me. “It’s a little narcissistic, but I hung up a photo of me. I figure that way, I’ll still be here watching over you.”

  And then I did cry. How could I be mad at her after doing something so sweet? More importantly, how was I going to survive living so far away from her?

  She hugged me and I sobbed into her shoulder. “What will happen to us, Kris?”

  “Nothing,” she whispered. “Miles can’t separate hearts and souls. We’ll be apart less than a year. Then we’ll graduate and I’ll move here too.”

  I pulled back, shocked. “You will?”

  She smiled and wiped my cheeks. “Absolutely. I love this place, and all these people. I know staying here is what’s best for you, but you’re my best friend. I’ll miss you more than chocolate.”

  Our private saying should’ve made me smile, but my lips—and heart—felt like quicksand. I hugged her with all the strength I had, which wasn’t much due to the tea. “Saying goodbye to you tomorrow is going to shatter my heart to pieces.”

  “Mine too. But I’ve got enough miracle glue to put us back together again.”

  CHASING THE TRUTH

  Nathaniel

  Bloody hell, I had become a stalker.

  I paced my room, debating whether or not to traverse back to Colorado. Anthony and Louise wouldn’t let anything happen to Maryah. I didn’t need to stand guard over her like an overprotective Neanderthal.

  Or did I?

  Dedrick had gone to great lengths to find Maryah and kill anyone who got in his way. I wouldn’t let history repeat itself. I’d be damned if I’d let those fiends get to Maryah—or any member of our kindrily.

  My door opened and Carson stepped inside.

  “She’s in her room. She didn’t remember dreaming anything. I’m going to bed.”

  “Wait,” I grabbed his arm. “She didn’t mention seeing me at all? Maybe she knew I was real.”

  He sighed heavily. “Look, the girl doesn’t seem too bright, but don’t you think she would’ve said something if she saw a stranger in our house—especially in the middle of the night?”

  “But she spoke to me. She’s never been one to talk in her sleep. Travel, yes. Talk, no.”


  He pressed his palm against his forehead. “Nate, you’re driving me insane. Either stop stalking her and introduce yourself so we can end these secret rendezvous, or stay away from her. Two options. Pick one. I’m tired of being your undercover wingman.”

  He made introducing myself sound so simple.

  “Pick one,” he demanded, “right now, or I’m telling Mom what’s going on.”

  That made me chuckle. Members of our kindrily had changed roles many times. The first time a member was born as a relative was hard to accept, but after many lifetimes of switching from brother, cousin, uncle, son, neighbor, etcetera, label or age stopped carrying any significance. Being born to family or friends made it easier for us to stay connected.

  Three lifetimes ago Louise had been my youngest sister, so Carson’s “Mom” references reminded me just how inexperienced he was.

  “Get some sleep, Carson. I promise not to wake you again tonight.”

  He cocked his jaw and murmured, “mm-hmm,” before leaving.

  I sat on my bed, replaying my interaction with Maryah. She had said take me. What did that mean? The testosterone-filled teenage side of me hoped she meant in a physical sense. As in, I can’t resist my intense attraction to you, so take me and have your way with me. Blood rushed to a certain body part just thinking about it, but the wise, logical side of me reasoned that she probably wanted me to take her somewhere. Where? And who did she think I was? Why would she ask a supposed stranger to take her anywhere?

  She also asked if it hurt. Did what hurt? Losing her? No, she couldn’t know we had a past together. And her ring. Seeing her wearing it made me feel like a small shard of my shattered universe had been put back into place.

  The distinctive soft slapping of Louise’s bare feet neared my door. I’d heard her walk the floors of this house many nights for over a decade.

  Carson, the little git, had actually told on me.

  She tapped on the door just before I opened it. Her reading glasses sat atop her head, and her pajamas didn’t look wrinkled or slept-in. “I’m glad you’re here. I planned to call you in the morning, but when Carson told me you were visiting I figured best to talk now.

  “Louise, I don’t want to discuss—”

  “No.” She waved her hand and closed the door quietly behind her. “My old friend Marcus spotted Dedrick in Liverpool.”

  The hairs on the back of my neck rose. Maryah and I had lived in Liverpool for quite some time. Dedrick was still trying to track her down.

  “Marcus tailed him around town for hours and ended up at Empire Theater. He waited outside awhile, but Dedrick didn’t come out. Marcus tried to go in and look for him, but the place was locked. It’s not much, but it’s a start.”

  In my mind, I was already standing on the cobblestone street outside of the theater, searching, hunting with unstoppable determination. “When? What time did Marcus last see him?”

  “That’s the strange part. He followed him out of a pub at closing. By the time he tried to get into the theater it was almost five a.m. No theater is open at that time of day.”

  I calculated the time difference and wanted to punch something. “That was two hours ago! Why didn’t he ring you right away?”

  “He did as soon as he could. He despises cell phones and doesn’t carry one.”

  That I could understand, but we had lost two hours of precious time. Dedrick could be anywhere.

  “Edgar and Helen are still in Venice?”

  Louise nodded.

  “I’m going to Liverpool.” I stiffened, preparing to traverse, but Louise grabbed my arm.

  “Wait. Marcus said you could traverse to his flat.”

  “I’ve never met him, or been to his flat.”

  “I know.” She reached into her book and pulled out a photograph. “Here.”

  I studied his stern face, focusing on the history and unique identifying markers in his eyes. “He’s ancient.”

  “Even older than Edgar. Dylan and Amber are flying out any minute. They’ll pick up Edgar and Helen then contact you as soon as they land.”

  I nodded then streamlined my body. The electrifying tingle of traversing grew more intense. Picturing Marcus’s eyes, I dissolved from my room.

  Louise’s last words faded away. “Don’t do anything rash.”

  I heard the crackling fireplace before the smell of tobacco flooded my nose. I opened my eyes to see Marcus in a plaid smoking jacket, sitting in a Wingback chair, looking much older—physically—than his photo had suggested.

  He lowered his pipe. “An entrance such as that requires no introduction.” His thick accent made me miss my jolly old England days.

  “Hello, Marcus.” I shook his hand. “Thank you for calling us about Dedrick, and for allowing me to traverse here.”

  He looked me up and down then squinted at his photo still clutched in my hand. “By George, you’re wearing clothes, and you’ve even brought a photograph.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve met one other Traverser in my lives and when she traveled, she’d come out the other side without a stitch of clothing. She certainly couldn’t carry additional items with her. How do you do it?”

  Before I mastered the ability to take objects with me, I had ended up in many dreadful predicaments. Traveling without a wallet or clothes isn’t for the faint of heart.

  “Evolution,” I answered.

  “Evolution—my, how I know about that. Can you take people with you?”

  “No, only inanimate objects, and even those have limits. I still haven’t been able to keep a car attached to me.”

  “A car?” He poured himself a Scotch. “What happened when you tried?” He tilted an empty glass, offering to make me a drink.

  I raised a declining hand. “I’d be honored to exchange stories, but first we must find Dedrick.”

  “We? Nathaniel, this body is too old and knackered for me to play Sherlock Holmes with you. I’ll tell you what I know, but then you’re on your own.”

  “That’s fine. I’ve grown accustomed to being alone.”

  He puffed on his pipe. “I’ve heard your story. My condolences.” Rain pelted the windows. The flames of the hearth dimly lit Marcus’s face. “Louise believes your lady will recover. She says she’s too powerful to perish.”

  My voice was flat. “She used to be powerful.”

  He leaned forward, looking like he sensed that I had no hope left. “Perhaps you should plan an extended stay with me. I could teach you a thing or two about love and life.”

  I almost declined, anxious to stop chatting and start hunting, but then I remembered Marcus’s true age. I had the utmost respect for elderly wisdom and couldn’t turn away such a gift. Besides, it would take some time to track down Dedrick.

  I bowed with respect. “I’ll stay however long it takes.”

  MAKING AN IMPRESSION

  Maryah

  Within a matter of days my whole world had changed—again.

  Dragonflies—way worse than butterflies—flitted in my stomach as I stared out of the living room windows, dreading my first day of school.

  The front door opened and Faith yelled a cheerful hello as she sashayed around the corner. Talk about making yourself at home. We’d hung out every day since Krista left, but still, I couldn’t ever remember any of Mikey’s friends walking into our house without knocking.

  She skipped over and pinched me. She was like a sparkler that never fizzled out. “First day at your new school! Who’s excited?”

  “I give up, who?”

  “Aw, you’ll love it. Let’s go. We’re late.”

  I grabbed my book bag and headed for the car.

  The ride was a blur of stoplights, other cars, and Faith singing. I was so nervous that it took everything I had to keep my cereal from coming back up.

  When we pulled into the school parking lot, I gawked at all the nice cars. Jaguar Boy’s was among them. He pounded on the roof of a Lexus and laughed while talking to the flawless girl ins
ide. I didn’t stand a chance of fitting in.

  Faith and Harmony were in my first and last period classes, but I didn’t have any with Shiloh. Carson and Dakota were Juniors, so no surprise that we didn’t have classes together. The majority of my days would be spent alone, and I was good with that.

  After a non-eventful homeroom with a bunch of strangers, I followed my map to English. Nametags were on each desk. Really? Nametags? Were we in kindergarten?

  “Looks like she alphabetized us.” Faith pouted. “You’re in the back row and I’m way up there.”

  “I’m grateful to be a Woodsen. A seat in the back makes it easy to hide.”

  “Oh, stop. Maybe she’ll let us move seats once she gets to know everyone.”

  I sat down in a wobbly legged chair. If I could go unnoticed everything would be fine. The bell rang and students scurried to their seats. A tall woman with auburn hair stood at the front of the room.

  “Good morning, and welcome to the first day of your senior year! Isn’t this exciting?”

  Why did everyone think today was so exciting? It was the beginning of another school year—long and painful like the others.

  “What a monumental time in your lives!” The teacher made exaggerated hand gestures as she spoke. “My name is Ms. Barby, and I just moved here from Ohio.” Her smile never floundered. I’d have to drink six cups of coffee to have her energy.

  Faith had a big grin on her face as she watched the teacher walk the aisles and continue with her perky introduction. Faith obviously liked Ms. Barby and I could understand why. Happy hyper people always like other happy hyper people.

  Ms. Barby proceeded to ask each of us to stand and introduce ourselves, throwing a huge wrench in my “go unnoticed” plan.

  Most kids stated their name and how they’d lived here forever, if they played a sport, and what college they were hoping to attend. I hadn’t noticed Jaguar Boy sitting beside me until he gave his introduction. He stood up and leaned against my desk before talking. I scooted back, trying to get some distance from his uncomfortable closeness, but my chair almost toppled over. Luckily, he had the full attention of the class.