by Mona Hanna
Who could he tell?
And would they believe him?
***
Erica hurried into the large dining room where her family was having breakfast, holding Gareth’s hand and pulling him along beside her. The room was bustling with the large number of guests sitting at long tables, eating and making plans for the day. Erica and Gareth weaved their way past the waitresses and furniture until they reached the table where her family was sitting.
Mother and Father looked up when they arrived. “I was wondering where you two were,” Mother said. “Sit down. I ordered breakfast for both of you.”
Erica looked at Gareth, standing to her right, then gazed back at her mother. She was full of butterflies at the prospect of telling everyone the news. Would they be happy? Or would they say it was too soon? “Mother, Father, I—we—have news,” Erica said, her voice breathy. She gulped loudly, then held out her left hand.
“Oh!” Mother cried, leaping up from her chair and hurrying over to Erica. “Darling, does this… does this mean…?”
Erica nodded. “Gareth just proposed.” Before she could get another word out, Mother enveloped her in a huge hug. Erica giggled and released Gareth’s hand so she could hug her back. She was relieved Mother was happy, but she still had to deal with Father. She let go of her mother, looking at him. He was still sitting at the table, not speaking. She swallowed again, then walked over to him. “Father? What do you think?”
He stood and looked down at her. “Is this what you really want?”
She nodded. “Yes. More than anything.”
“And you both truly love each other?”
“Yes! As much as you and Mother love each other.”
Father smiled, but then his expression changed and he paled considerably. He looked as if he was about to be ill. “You haven’t—I mean, you don’t… Erica Michaelson, you haven’t been….”
Erica stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “You have nothing to be concerned about. But, Father, we are to be married….”
Father grimaced, then nodded. “I understand. Married, eh? Well, I must say, I’m glad you two took your time. No need to rush into these things.”
Erica frowned. “Took our time?”
“Yes. Why, two weeks had barely passed before I asked your mother….” Father abruptly cleared his throat. “That is to say, things were different in my day, and… uh… Ariel?”
“What your father means is, we’re both very pleased,” Mother said, moving to stand by his side. She took his hand and smiled at him. “We know you’ll both be very happy, and I can’t wait until we start planning your wedding!”
“Oh, yes, me too!” Erica said. She looked over at Gareth, then walked back over to him and they held hands once more. Erica felt much better now that breaking the news was over. Her parents were hugging—Erica could hear whispering and felt Mother was reassuring Father’s nervousness and concern. Her brothers were sitting quietly at the table, and she wondered how they were handling things.
“Erica, does this mean you’re leaving us?” Ethan asked.
Erica looked at him in surprise. She’d thought the first person to speak would be Elliot. She looked fondly at her youngest brother. “Eventually, yes, but it won’t be for a while. But I’ll be nearby, and you know I’ll visit often. I’ll be around all the time, I promise.”
Ethan nodded, then went back to eating his breakfast.
“Congratulations, Erica,” Elliot said. “And let me be the first to say I get your room.”
Ethan looked at Elliot. “She has more bookshelves.”
“You can have the shelves. Her room’s bigger.”
“But…,” Ethan began.
“Boys, there’ll be time to talk about things like this later,” Mother said. “Hallie will be ecstatic to hear the news, Erica! But we must all finish eating. We have a long day ahead of us. Sit down and eat up.”
Everyone sat, and Erica began eating her almost cold bacon and eggs. She was so happy to be engaged, but a little saddened and scared at the thought of leaving her family. She wasn’t sure if she would move in with Gareth or if they would find a new place of their own. A lot of things were going to change, but she couldn’t wait. Gareth was right: soon enough she’d likely fall pregnant. Not only was she so excited to marry him, it was also the best thing to do for their future. But it was mostly about love.
Chapter 3
“James, what’s wrong?”
James looked over at his brother. Caeden had arrived home a little while ago and sat in the front room near his twin, where James hadn’t said a word. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.”
Caeden nodded. “Got it. So, what’s wrong?”
James groaned, leaning his head on his hand. “Nothing.”
“I completely understand. Hey, James?”
“What?”
“What’s wrong?”
James picked up a cushion and tossed it at Caeden’s head. “For the last time—”
“You see,” Caeden interrupted, “you look like someone’s threatened to kill you. I know your expressions, and I’ve never seen this one before. So, out with it. Who do I need to save you from?”
James looked at his brother in exasperation. He was almost tempted to tell Caeden what had happened, but he’d likely laugh in his face for not being able to defend himself against two women. Plus he would probably think the whole thing was a joke. But James knew something strange had happened, and he didn’t know who to turn to. Mother would become hysterical, Father didn’t know much about magic, and James wasn’t close to anyone else. Well, there was Erica and her family—Erica, in fact, was the only person he thought he could talk to about this. He’d have to get her alone and explain the situation to her, what little of it he understood. Maybe he was overreacting. Maybe those two women were just playing a trick on him.
But he didn’t think so.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“It’s nothing! I just—I’m just upset about Gwen.”
“Ah, the elusive Gwen,” Caeden said, leaning back. “She is quite good-looking. Not as good as Jennifer, but not bad. I can see why you fall apart when she goes near you. Look, you have to deal with girls the way I do. Just don’t be afraid. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“Intense humiliation?”
“Exactly. That’s not so bad. Better than whatever’s really bothering you, which I’ll get out of you before the day’s up. I bet two gold coins.”
“Where are you going to get two gold coins?”
“I didn’t say they’d be my gold coins. Do we have a bet?”
“Fine! Just shut up and leave me alone, alright?”
Caeden stood. “Whatever you say. What’s for dinner?”
He walked off in the direction of the kitchen, and James breathed a big sigh of relief. Finally. It was like his twin had his heart set on annoying him every time they were together. Why couldn’t he just leave him be?
Well, at least he had one good thing to look forward to today: winning two gold coins. James smiled to himself, wondering how he’d spend the money. Then he felt a buzzing in his ears. He shook his head, but the sound remained—not from outside, but inside his head. The sound grew until James had to shut his eyes to deal with the intensity. There was a flash of white light behind his eyes, and he lost consciousness….
***
James regained consciousness with a start. He looked around him in bewilderment. He was sitting at the kitchen table with his family. His parents and Caeden were finishing their dinner. He glanced and his nearly empty plate.
What in the world had just happened? Last thing he remembered, he was in the front room, so how did he get to the kitchen and eat a meal while not being awake? Had he talked while he was in the strange state? Had anyone realized something was wrong?
He abruptly stood and fled to his bedroom. He sat on his bed, put his head in his hands, and tried to make sense of everything. They must have done something to hi
m, the women who captured him. Was that it? Or had he somehow fallen asleep and sleepwalked to the kitchen and had dinner? He’d heard of such things happening to people. Was that it? Or was he losing his mind?
“Honey, what’s the matter?”
James looked up to see Mother standing in the doorway. He frowned. “Nothing, I just felt… ill.”
“In what way? Is it your stomach?”
I can’t talk to you about this. “It’s nothing—I’m fine. I just….” He sighed. “Mother, did everything seem… alright at dinner?”
Mother walked to the bed and sat beside him. “Of course. You were quiet, but you often are. Did you and Caeden have a fight? What’s bothering you, sweetie?”
James looked out of the window, knowing he couldn’t say any more. He couldn’t confide in his family, but he also couldn’t figure this out on his own. He just had to wait for Erica to arrive, and then he’d ask her. He didn’t trust anyone else not to either laugh at him or become upset. “I’d like to get some sleep. I think it is my stomach. I’ll be fine, I promise.” James smiled at his mother, but he worried she would see right through it.
She did indeed look at him for a long while, but finally stood. “Okay. I’ll tell Caeden to be quiet when he goes to bed later. Come get me if you need me.” She patted his shoulder, then turned and left.
Breathing a sigh of relief, James kicked off his shoes and got under the covers. He put his glasses on the bedside table and shut his eyes, thinking maybe sleep would be the best answer. He had to cope until the day after tomorrow.
He hoped nothing would go wrong until then.
***
The next day, James was sitting at the desk in his bedroom, attempting to read, although he was too distracted. Thankfully Caeden and Father were out, and Mother was busy cleaning the house, so he could be alone. Alone with too many thoughts and a great deal of anxiety—but while he was in that state, he’d rather not talk to anyone.
He shut his book, thinking he should attempt to tidy his room for their guests, when he heard the buzzing in his ears again. He began to panic—How do I stop this?—but it was too late. There was the flash of white light, and then he slipped away—only to be startled awake what seemed like a moment later, but now he was standing in the front room with Mother. She was sweeping the floor, not looking at him. He didn’t know how much time had passed or what he’d said and done.
He fled, this time out of the house so Mother wouldn’t ask him what was bothering him. He walked quickly down the street, then stopped, taking huge breaths. Stop panicking! He had to calm down. There was no use acting like a madman in the middle of the street. He took off his glasses and shut his eyes for a moment, willing himself to relax. It didn’t work very well, but he did manage to start breathing normally again.
This was too much. He had to tell someone. He needed help. He was worried he was in serious danger.
James resolved to avoid everyone for the rest of the day and night, desperately hoping the strange occurrences wouldn’t happen again. He hoped he would be able to explain everything to Erica and stop whatever it was before it struck once more.
***
The following morning, their guests were due to arrive. Everyone gathered in the front room while they waited, but James was too anxious to sit still. He paced the room over and over, until Caeden yelled at him in frustration.
“Would you sit down? It’s not like we haven’t seen these people before.”
James frowned at him, but caught Father looking at him as if he was behaving oddly. He sat, trying to keep still and not appear so nervous. He wasn’t very successful, however, as he yelped when there was a loud knock at the door.
Mother hurried to the door, pulled it open, and exclaimed in delight. “Ariel!” she cried, rushing forward and hugging her. “Brayden, children, come in!”
Erica’s parents came inside, followed by Elliot and Ethan, and then Erica and Gareth. James was so pleased to see everyone—he’d missed them. To his surprise Elliot had grown a fair bit taller, although he still wasn’t as tall as he and Caeden. The group settled around the settees and chairs, with Mother and Ariel seated beside each other.
“How are you all?” Mother asked.
“Fine,” Ariel said. “It’s been such a long trip, but I’m so happy to be here. Could we bother you for a cup of tea before we get started?”
“Of course, no bother.”
Mother walked towards the kitchen, then returned in a bit with a large tray, a pot of tea, and mugs. Erica’s parents began talking about their travels and how they had been doing since James’s family had last saw them. Mother and Father asked a lot of questions, and James’s mind drifted. He wondered if it was wise to tell Erica what had happened to him. He was desperate for help, but didn’t want to worry or stress her. He glanced over at her, sitting on a chair, holding Gareth’s hand. James was probably going to ruin her holiday.
He was startled out of his reverie by Mother jumping up from her seat.
“Oh, that’s so wonderful, Erica!” she exclaimed. “Is there a ring?”
James raised his eyebrows. He looked over at Caeden, who appeared mildly bored. A ring? Were Erica and Gareth engaged? Wishing he’d been paying attention, James finally focused.
Erica held out her hand for Mother to look at her new jewelry. So they were getting married. And so young! That does it, James thought. What with all the wedding talk that’s about to happen, I won’t be able to speak to Erica alone for days. He felt disappointed but couldn’t begrudge her. He was happy for her. He’d just have to cope on his own, at least for a while.
***
Miranda sat in her home, twisting a length of her long, dark red hair around her finger. It was late afternoon, the day sunny and warm, but she was full of nerves. She’d actually done it. After all her preparation, she’d actually managed to do it—twice, no less. James didn’t seem to have any idea what was going on. How could he? It was rare, dangerous, risky.
She and Leona had been observing James Cornwall for months. She’d had to learn everything about him to make her plan work. Who were the people in his life? How did he interact with them? What were his mannerisms? How did he speak? She had to know him, completely, all of him. He was the key to it all. This plan had to work—they couldn’t fail now. This was years in the making.
Chapter 4
Erica snuggled up on one of the settees with Gareth when their parents went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. Elliot and Caeden sat on the other settee, while James and Ethan remained on chairs. Erica looked at Caeden and waited for him to tease her.
“So, engaged, eh,” Caeden began. “Soon you’ll have a pile of children. Then you’ll drag them here. Then… don’t ask me to watch them. Babies are annoying.”
“I hardly think I’d leave my children alone with you,” Erica said, giggling. “Although we haven’t really talked about… I mean….”
Gareth kissed her on the cheek, his arm around her. “There’s plenty of time to talk. We both know you’ll be a wonderful mother.”
Erica blushed. She was a little scared by the prospect of children, but she did want them, and pregnancy would be inevitable at some point. She loved Gareth and knew he’d be a great father. She had to make sure to tell him so. “What do you think about us being engaged, James?” she asked, noticing he’d been very quiet.
He looked at her, and Erica thought she saw a faint hint of worry in his eyes. Worry about what? For her? That didn’t seem right. But then the expression was gone, and he smiled a little.
“I think it’s nice,” he said. “Julia’s going to be ecstatic. Or jealous that you’ll be getting married before her.”
“No!” Erica grinned at James. “More likely she’ll try to be involved in every step of organizing the wedding. I know Mother will be involved too. I hope they let me have a say.”
“Hardly,” the twins said in unison.
Erica frowned at them, then shook her head. “You two. Tell me what’s b
een going on with you.”
Caeden leaned back. “I met a girl named Jennifer. She’s perfect. Don’t tell my parents, though, or they’ll say they have to meet her.”
“How are you keeping it a secret?” Erica asked. “Where do they think you are when you see her?”
“I don’t know. I just say I’ve been with my friends if they ask. It’s fine. I can handle it. The person who’s really keeping secrets here is James.”
Erica glanced at James and saw he’d gone pale.
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You’ve looked ill these last two days, and you act scared, like someone’s going to jump from behind a door and stab you. I told you before I knew something was wrong, but you refused to tell me. Then you avoided everyone completely, depriving me of the chance to win our bet. But I didn’t lose—I couldn’t even talk to you. Out with it. I’m serious.”
Erica was surprised at Caeden’s tone. He seemed worried but also angry that his brother was hiding something. But it was his concern causing the anger, she thought. She looked at James and found he was looking at her with a desperateness in his eyes.
“James, what is it!” she exclaimed. “What’s wrong? Please tell us.”
“I don’t…,” he began, wringing his hands. “I can’t….”
“Please, sweetie,” Erica said. “I want to help you.”
He furrowed his brow, then put his head in his hands. Finally he spoke. “I’ve been having blackouts. I’ll be sitting there and I’ll lose consciousness, and then the next moment, I’m in another room and some time has passed. It’s happened twice, and it horrifies me. It’s been happening ever since… the women captured me.”
Everyone sat in a stunned silence.
“The who did what?” Caeden exclaimed. “You were captured and you didn’t tell me?”
“Shut up!” James hissed. “Do you want Mother to run in here asking questions?”
