I leaned over and encompassed them both in a huge hug, imparting as much Essence as I could, hoping it would reach their hearts. “I’m sorry for your loss,” I whispered.
Still clutching his little girl, he lifted his head and looked me straight in the eye. “H-how did you know? Y-you were screaming long before the t-truck…”
Uh-oh. This was not good. “Luck. I was trying to get someone’s attention behind you,” I said, directing all my Essence toward his brain, hoping to overwhelm his thoughts.
He shut his eyes, grabbed the bridge of his nose, and shook his head like someone does when having a brain freeze. A moment later, he opened his eyes, and said, “What was I…?”
“Your daughter is safe now, and she’s going to be fine. Don’t worry about anything else.” He nodded and kissed her on the forehead. Maybe I could do more things with my Essence than I knew about. This warranted a little investigation. When I felt certain the man was emotionally stable, I excused myself to help others. Ash teamed up with me, and we assisted where we could. No deaths, but there were several injuries. Many people were in shock, so treating them was easiest. Ash would distract them with conversation and ask questions about whether they were hurt or felt any pain, and meanwhile I’d heal them. I always found it rather odd that the Innocents couldn’t feel any of the energy I was transferring to them. But I was thankful, because otherwise it would have complicated matters.
Eventually, the police arrived and arrested the drunk driver. So frustratingly typical – he suffered no major injuries. A short time later, the final ambulance left en route to the hospital, and a tow truck rolled through the air doors to pull the demolished truck out of the store. Much to the chagrin of the news reporters, we closed the store and shut the big sliding glass doors. Typically, those doors only closed on Christmas, but the store was in no condition to handle customers or media. In fact, from a distance, all the smashed strawberries and scattered tomato sauce made the front entrance look like a crime scene covered in pools of blood.
I helped with clean-up for a bit but was delighted when the maintenance crew showed up. I was even more ecstatic when the owners arrived and insisted most of us other employees go home. I walked out of the store with Jessica, feeling exhausted but at the same time happy with the outcome. We’d made a difference. Ben had left ten minutes ahead of us, and since Ally and Ash weren’t employees, they’d been asked to leave when we’d closed the store. The evening was dark but starry, and the temperature was comfortable, somewhere in the mid-sixties. So much better than those hot Montana nights.
As we walked toward the employee parking lot, I caught my breath when I saw Jason leaning against his truck. Even though the parking lot lights buzzed incessantly, they illuminated his handsome face, and I could see his smile. I waved and quickened my pace. I was even more surprised when I spotted Ash and Madison in the parking lot. Standing a few feet apart, their conversation was anything but quiet and intimate. Her hands flew to her hips, and even from our distance we could hear her huffing, “I’m not going anywhere with you. Especially not like that.” She plugged her nose. “You look like you’ve been in a food fight, and you smell like rancid tomatoes.”
Jessica giggled. “My sister’s got it bad. I’ve never seen her like this. Just the fact that she’s here, tells me she came to check up on him.”
“Ash is infatuated, too,” I said, still mystified at how that was possible. Then again, maybe they were attracted to each other because of their similarities – both ambitious, confident, and independent. They admired and respected those traits, so it only followed they would find them appealing in each other.
A moment later, we were standing next to Jason, and I was gazing into his dancing blue eyes. He whistled. “Wow! Must be Italian night,” he teased.
Jessica and I both smacked him at the same time. “Be nice now, or,” I eyed Jessica and started laughing. I hadn’t really paid much attention, but she was a mess. Her hair was matted together in clumps, her clothes were stained, and she had splotches of marinara stains all over her face. I probably looked even worse than she did.
“Or what?” Jason asked.
I smiled at Jessica and winked. “Or we’ll hug you.” At the same time, she and I wrapped our arms around him, and he squirmed to get away.
“Is our combined Essence too much for you to handle?” Jessica joked.
He laughed. “No, it’s your smell.”
“That’s what I’ve been telling Ash,” Madison said, joining us. “He stinks. And I’m sorry, Jess, but so do you.”
Jessica let go of Jason, turned, and embraced Madison. “Thanks, sis. I love you too.”
“Oh, Jessica! Really? Get away from me.”
“Ash, you can hug her now,” Jessica called out. “Because now she’s dirty just like you.”
As the three of them got into a friendly battle, I focused on Jason. I was still holding him tight, and he smelled wonderful – clean. “What are you doing here this late?” I asked quietly, resting my head against his chest.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“You knew I would be.”
“I know.” He breathed deeply. “I just needed to see you.”
I pulled away and held him at arm’s length. “And now that you have?”
He laughed. “Well, despite everything, I still think you’re pretty darn cute.” He pointed to my cheek, and I rubbed a crusted patch of marinara sauce that had dried there. “In fact, I think I love you even more than I did the last time I saw you. But,” he paused and crinkled his nose, “I highly recommend a shower.”
I sighed and let go. “Yeah. I suppose I should go home and clean up. I’ll see you tomorrow, though, right?”
“Alex, I was thinking I could come over and hang out for a while. If you don’t mind…”
I smiled. “Mind? I’d love it.” We might not be able to hold hands or curl up next to each other on the couch, but at least we could be together a little easier here at home. Jason insisted on driving me home, claiming I wasn’t fit to drive and might dirty up my little white sports car. I think it was an excuse so we didn’t have to be separated, not even for a few minutes. Ever since we’d come home from Montana, we’d found all kinds of reasons to be together. We would not be separated, and that meant we were prepared to abandon the Guardian Network if it came down to it. But I didn’t think we’d have to resort to such drastic measures. If we couldn’t find a way to remain in Bellingham, I figured I’d play my trump card and we’d end up in Bangor together.
As we left the parking lot, I noticed Ash and Madison still standing together. Madison’s wild hand gestures were a telling sign of their conversation. I wondered if they’d argue for a while and then leave together or go their separate ways.
Jason must have been thinking similar thoughts, because he said, “I hope they stop fighting long enough to explore their feelings for each other. I want Madison to find happiness – to understand how incredible it is to love and be loved back.”
I leaned over and rested my hand against the back of his neck. “You are one incredible guy, Jason Walker. Now, take me home and love me forever.”
“I wish I could.”
“Well, how about making me a piece of peanut butter and jelly toast while I take a shower?”
He laughed. “As long as it doesn’t involve tomatoes, I’ll cook you anything you want, sweetheart.”
CHAPTER 10 – A NEW SOLUTION
Max called an impromptu meeting, asking Ash, Madison, Jason, and myself to meet him for lunch at The Bagelry. Rarely did Max instigate any kind of gathering, so we figured he must have important matters to discuss. Since I had a 1:30 p.m. appointment at the Law Offices of Crompton & Keats, and I knew The Bagelry would be screaming busy with the lunch rush, I suggested we gather at Woods Coffee in Boulevard Park instead.
Gorgeously located because of its proximity and stunning views of Bellingham Bay, this Woods Coffee location grabbed customers from the boardwalk. Res
embling a wood cabin with large beams and river rocks, the atmosphere at Woods was always comfortable and inviting. During the winter, customers with laptops packed the coffee shop, while college students settled in for long hours of studying. Whether for pleasure or work, the view was inspirational. On a hot summer day like this one, most people either opted for outdoor seating or just took their lattes and iced drinks to go. Even though it was a picture-perfect day, we needed privacy and decided to stay inside. Delighted to have the entire loft area to ourselves, we settled in with our lunches. Max refused to discuss the reason for our meeting until we were all present. Munching away on his Panini sandwich, he held firm as Madison poked and pestered him for some hints.
Jason leaned over and whispered, “This has to be about us moving.”
I nodded. “After his recent blowup with you, I’d sure think so,” I whispered back. Looking through the railing to the counter below, I wished the baristas would hurry up and get to Ash. A girl sporting multi-colored knee-high socks and a tight yellow sundress which accentuated her fat rolls, was reading her order from a list that looked a mile long.
I was impatient and antsy, partly because I was anxious about my upcoming appointment with Mr. Crompton, but mostly because I had a feeling Max wanted to give us a lecture. A couple days before, Jason had informed him we were considering leaving the Guardian Network. Max did not view that as an option and had lost his, normally perfectly intact, composure. Apparently, he’d turned a dark shade of crimson, formed fists, and gotten right up in Jason’s face. Bitterly, he’d fired off a series of questions like, “Are you crazy? What do you think your life in Bellingham would be like after that? What about Madison? Who will she link with? Or you? What about your family? Or your dad’s position as a Senior Council Member? Or Lexi’s for that matter?”
Those were just a few of his rapid-fire inquiries. According to Jason, the onslaught continued for several minutes. Deciding to be passive rather than reactive, Jason had taken it in stride, maintained his self-control, and allowed Max to blow off some steam. But Max’s temper had never simmered, and they’d parted ways on less than friendly terms. Understandably, Jason was shaken up afterwards. He knew Max had some valid points. He’d hoped Max would cool off after a couple days so they could discuss it civilly. That hadn’t happened until now. And here we were.
Jason figured the idea of us leaving the Network hit too close to home for Max. He didn’t want to see his sister or his friends suffer like his parents had when they’d been kicked out of the Network. The hostility and ostracism had been more difficult to live with than either of them had anticipated. And even now, years after they’d been allowed back in and had proven their loyalty time and time again, there were still plenty of people who treated them with indifference. For the most part, Max, Madison, and especially Jessica – an Amethyst – were not regarded with the same disdain. In the Guardian Network, the general belief seemed to be that the sins of the parents should not be passed on to the children. But since his parents were often treated with indifference, Max took it personally. He was bitter about the stigma attached to his family. And right now, he certainly didn’t want history repeating itself, nor did he want his sister or his friends to become outcasts, making matters edgier.
Finally, Ash plopped down into his seat, bringing with him, as always, an obscene amount of food.
“Really? Is it necessary, or healthy even, to eat,” I surveyed his lunch, “three sandwiches, two apples, a bag of trail mix, and a monster cookie all in one sitting?” I asked.
He beamed and raised his giant milkshake in the air. “Absolutely.” Then aloud he said, “Sorry to keep you all waiting, but the girl in front of me had an enormous order.”
Madison’s eyes rounded and she looked appalled. “And you didn’t?” She turned and tugged on Max. “Anyways, spill it. I’m tired of waiting.”
For the next ten minutes, Max voiced his thoughts as well as a new idea. I’d been right, in a way; he did want to discuss the whole “moving” mess. But instead of slamming us for even considering leaving the Guardian organization, he’d come up with a possible solution. “I propose you request a meeting with the Canadian Senior Council of Guardians,” Max said, his words instigating a round of gasps. “I think you should ask permission to become members of their Network.”
This was a crazy but one that could allow the four of us to stay in Bellingham and stay in the Network. Well, not the U.S. Network, but the Canadian Network. The day before, he’d spent time with Christian, the Senior member of the B.C. Circle, discussing the idea. Christian, who was also eternally grateful for all the support we’d given them over the last year, thought it was a great idea and one that might fly with his Council.
“Seriously?” Madison asked.
“Yes. There’s nothing to lose,” Max replied. “Christian figured there was a good possibility you could be members of the B.C. Circle but still live in Bellingham.” Situated so close to the border, our cities were only 50 miles apart – much closer than the 90 miles that stretched between Bellingham and Seattle. Max said it was rare for members of one country’s Network to ask for a transfer to another country’s; although, that was because the request was almost always rejected. Networks wanted to maintain good relations and not piss each other off; that was particularly true for neighbors like the U.S. and Canada. But, once in a blue moon, a request to transfer was made and even granted. The funny thing about the whole process was that the home country had no say in the decision. The Senior Council of the other country either approved or rejected the proposal by majority vote.
Once Max finished talking and asked for our thoughts on the matter, Ash and Madison were all over it. Fervently, they voiced their opinions, bouncing the pros and cons off each other like they were in a tennis match. My thoughts were racing a mile a minute, and I wondered what Jason was thinking as he munched pensively on his dill pickle. I looked at my turkey croissant sandwich but couldn’t take a bite. Despite my growling stomach, I was too distracted. And intrigued.
How would I feel about being a member of the Canadian Network? Would it be weird being a U.S. citizen while being a Canadian Guardian? Seemed kind of traitorous. And how would Guardians of the U.S. Circles react after we ditched them? Like if we went to Chicago, would we be treated like outcasts or black sheep? What about events like the New Year’s Eve Party at Towhead or the Guardian games at the Ranch? Would we even be allowed to attend? I tugged rapidly at my blouse, trying to cool myself down. I wasn’t sure if I was perspiring because it was hot in the loft or because the reality of our situation was painfully real and a decision was imminent. A wave of gritty espresso beans wafted up from below, and I held a finger to my nose. Smelled like burnt coffee – nauseating. Whenever I was stressed, my sense of smell seemed to intensify. I needed time to process this new possibility.
Impulsively, I leaned toward Jason, rested my head against his shoulder, and inhaled. Mmm…much better – piney and outdoorsy. Reassuring.
He ran a hand through my hair and whispered, “What are you thinking?”
“Not sure.”
“Could be a perfect solution.” I nodded, and he added, “You should eat something. Big day ahead.”
“I know. I will,” I said. Sitting back up, I noted he was watching me, so I took a sip of my berry smoothie. He smiled and turned his attention to Madison, who was expressing favorable opinions toward this new idea. I had to keep in mind this wasn’t solely my decision. I wanted to do what was right for all four of us. A blender cranked into high-speed, and I sat up a little taller. Poking at my sandwich, I tried convincing myself I should take a bite.
“What do you think of Max’s idea? You look shell-shocked.”
I glanced at Ash, who was evaluating me with a curious expression. “I’m thinking it’s a better option than leaving the Network all together.”
Ash nodded. “Me too. I want you to know that I’m with you,” he paused, grinned, and nodded his head toward Madison, “and he
r, in whatever you decide in the end. You know I don’t have any family ties here except you, and I am more than willing to move anywhere. Honestly, I don’t care which Network we belong to. Not afraid to roll with the dice. Always do.”
I nodded once, a show of my appreciation. “Thanks, Ash. You’re always here for me, and it means a lot.”
“Right back at you.” He grinned, winked, and took a bite of his apple.
“On the positive side,” Madison was saying, “we’d all be able to stay in Bellingham with our families.”
“True,” Jason added. He turned in his chair and gazed at me. “But I don’t see any reason Alex and Ash would need to leave the U.S. Network. Madison and I could ask permission to join the Canadians, and Alex and Ash could just choose to stay in Bellingham. That way she’d still be a member of the Senior Council here, which I think is important. As a member, not only will she have insight into what issues are up for discussion, but she’ll also have a say. And in a way, her presence might keep some of those crooked members in check.”
Max set down his coffee cup. “Good point, Jason. We did consider that, but Christian doesn’t think the Canadian Council would accept just you and Madison. However, if the request was coming from…”
“A Dentelle,” Ash interjected. “They’d be crazy to turn her down. And really, what do they care if Lexi wants to bring a few friends with her? Or if she wants to live in Bellingham and continue at Western? Sounds like a great package deal for them.”
“I wouldn’t stop there, either,” Madison added, looking straight at me, her eyes alight with excitement. “You could cite all the restrictions that have been placed on you here, and tell them you need the freedom to make some of your own choices,” she paused and looked at Jason, “especially when it comes to your personal relationships.” She narrowed one eye and tapped her index finger against her chin, indicating her cunning brain was hard at work.
Dentelle #3 Guardian series Page 18
