I smile as Flint bends down and scoops him up in a hug goodbye. As he walks back past me to the little foot trail that leads back to his car I say, “Thank you Flint.”
“Anything for you Dillon,” He gives me one last glance and walks away. I turn back towards the graves and walk to where Lyon is sitting.
“Care if I join you?” I ask and Lyon stops talking to look up at me with a smile.
“No, come sit!” He pats the damp grass next to him, “I was just telling dada how close I am to breaking his record of holding his breath!” I chuckle at him and place the bag of things in my lap.
“Thank you for bringing them, look dada, Uncle Zip finally restocked your favorite board wax! I didn’t know if they have any of it in heaven so I brought some for you just in case.” He places the small blue ball of wax that’s in cellophane next to a picture of Deacon and Lyon surfing. Then he proceeds to pull each individual item out of the bag and tell them the reason why he brought it. I start to laugh with him as he shares what has been happening. I just sat back in amazement. I can’t stop looking at Lyon, here in a place that should be devastating to him, only to find him smiling instead. I must be doing something right.
***
The time we spent at the grave that day further solidified that each one of us has a way of healing. There is no set time for it and it should never be rushed. Grief is an individual thing. Tears will be shed and it’s okay to miss the ones you’ve lost, but time waits for no one. Although it’s hard and sometimes damn right unbearable, you have to move on for your sake and for the sake of your loved ones that are left behind.
My name is Dillon Danvers, I have no control over my life; but that’s okay. I’m learning to take life as it comes, day by day. Enjoying the happy moments and dealing with the struggles as they come. Life is a learning process, one that everyone is going through. For the first time in a long time I am back on track. I am happy and so is Lyon and there is nothing in the world I want more than that.
EPILOGUE
Tucker
I rub my eyes with my thumb and forefinger, taking a deep breath, while wishing I could exhale every sight I have been forced to take in over the past few days. When Zephyr said we were needed and it was an emergency, I never once thought it would be this bad. The horrors we have seen over the past couple of days would now be taking residence in my dreams, along with my own reoccurring nightmares.
I lay my head against the steering wheel hoping the guys would hurry up so we can go back to the hotel. I wrinkle my nose; I can barely stand to smell myself much longer. At this point I can’t tell if the smell is actually coming from me, or from searching the houses for bodies. Death, once someone smells it, it seems impossible to keep the smell of decay out from under your nose or to forget it altogether.
I had to leave after what Everett and I discovered in the last house. No one should have to die like that, no one. I squeeze my eyes shut tighter, hoping to dispel the image of pulling the tiny body out from a fallen beam. My hands tremble in my lap just from thinking of it. When I looked at the poor, innocent child, my mind automatically thought, ‘Thank the Spirits that Dillon and Lyon aren’t here to witness this.’ I swallow down a lump that has been stuck in the back of my throat since we came here. The others can’t see it, but it’s as if the whole area has been covered in a grey mist only it’s not mist. With all the death, spirits have been hanging around, coming to me confused and upset needing to be guided onwards. Some have out right refused to go, not knowing where their loves ones are and if they survived or not.
I can’t say I blame them; I’d be the same. This whole place feels like its drowning in despair, it’s thick and heavily oppressed. My chest feels to damn tight.
If we don’t leave soon I might….
“–Come on, let’s go.” Everett’s timbered voice rumbles through the cab of our rental SUV, making me jump. He hops into the passenger’s seat. He looks disheveled, unkempt, and there is a lingering sadness in his eyes that he can’t hide. I’m sure if I was to look in the mirror right now, I would discover that I look just as bad.
“What about Zep?” I question as I sit upright in my seat and reach a trembling hand to grab my seatbelt.
“There has been another storm cell that our weather radar has picked up. He and a few other air Mikro’s are on their way in hopes of keeping it a bay.” He states as he clicks his own seatbelt across his body and then sits back and closes his eyes.
“How are you hanging in there?” He asks without moving.
I bristle a bit knowing he thinks this will eventually push me back to my dark place, yet I know he is just looking out for me so I try and reign in my temper as I reply, “I’m okay, I promise I will let you know if things change. I’m just glad we are leaving though. I’m keeping my mind open to them at this point.”
“Ok, I just wanted to hear you say you’re coping. It must be overwhelming.” I grunt and start the engine.
As we pull out of the parking space neither of us make a move to turn on any music.
“Do you have the direction to the hotel from here?” Everett asks as he sits up straighter looking in my direction.
“Yeah I do, they are on my phone. It’s up on the dash.” I nod in its direction and he picks it up. A few minutes later the only sound coming from the speakers is that of the GPS app leading us back to our home away from home.
RING RING.
Lost in thought I jump a mile out of my seat and Ev picks up the phone, showing me the screen.
Unknown Caller.
“Pick it up, it could be an emergency.” I ask him and he slides his finger along the screen to accept the call.
“Hello?” I ask while trying to focus on the road. Since the sun has set and electricity is still out, it’s getting harder to see where I need to go.
“Hello Tucker.” A deep male voice comes from the other line, it’s a familiar one, but I can’t seem to place a face to it.
“Yes, who may I ask is calling?” I question as I take a left hand turn on a road I almost miss because of a fallen tree.
“Aw,” the voice turns patronizing causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.
It can’t be…
“You do not recognize your own father’s voice?” I swerve off the road, barely missing an over turned mailbox as I throw the car in park. I look over to Everett, panicking, his eyes narrow on the phone.
I swallow a few times before I get out, “How did you get this number?” I demand, not particularly in the mood to play his games at the moment. His voice automatically gives me flash backs of my childhood.
“That is not relevant. I want to know if you like the present I gave you?” He laughs a sound that’s more malice than humor. Goosebumps appear on my arms. I look to Ev for help but he just continues to stare, his eyebrows furrowed.
If Ev looks worried then this can’t be good.
I take a few deep breaths before I reply, “Like I said, father, I don’t have time for your games. I’m currently working for the Mikro, cleaning up after a natural disaster at the moment. So cut the shit. What do you want?” I ask through gritted teeth, my hands trembling even more. A particular flash back sticks in my mind. I shake my head trying to dislodge it. It’s bad enough having the feeling of despair cling to me from all the spirits; I don’t need this crap not now.
“Exactly,” he sounds delighted like I have caught on to his meaning, “Look around you. Do you like it? I did all this for you!” He laughs manically. My eyes widen in realization then narrow.
“What are you trying to say? You caused all of this to happen?” I scoff at the idea.
“That’s impossible, right?”
I ask Everett through the alliance, he just shakes his head, not looking at me. Color has drained from his cheeks. He grips the edge of his seat tightly until his knuckles show white, his jaw locked.
My heart starts to pound furiously, I nearly miss what my father says, “Yes I did.” He states proudly
. I blink.
“What? How?” I whisper, barely making out a response.
“I will tell you when I see you.” He announces almost gleefully.
“I refuse to see you—" I all but growl, but he interrupts me.
“–Fine, if you will not come see me, then I will not tell you. It is time to come home to take your rightful place. I have allowed you to go off and have your little tantrum, quite generously over the years. Now that stops. If you come home, I will make sure to stop what I have planned.” I swallow hard, staring ahead.
If my dad is truly the one behind this, then I see no way around other than to comply with his demands. You can’t fight a crazy person. They have nothing to lose.
To Be Continued…
Play List for Controlling the Elements:
- Run Baby Run- The Rigs
- Ordinary World- Joy Williams
- Kung Fu Fighting- Carl Douglas
- Electric Feel- MGMT
- Another Brick in the Wall Pt 1, 2, 3- Korn
- Pictures of You- The Cure
- Can’t Stop- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Feeling Alright- Rebelution
- Welcome Home- Coheed and Cambria
- Sittin’ At a Bar- Rehab
- Stop the Rock- Apollo 440 Mix
- Swimming Pools (Drank)- Kendrick Lamar
- Got You (Where I Want You)- The Flys
- Warning- Incubus
- The Noose- A Perfect Circle
- Swing Life Away- Rise Against
- Letters to You- Flinch
- Brand New Colony- The Postal Service
- Sunshine Superman- Donovan
- Closer to the Sun- Slightly Stoopid
- Good Vibrations- The Beach Boys
- Ordinary Girl- Rebelution
- Nightmare- Avenged Sevenfold
- The Scientist- Coldplay
- That Lucky Old Sun- Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson
Click HERE for the Spotify Playlist!
Acknowledgements
I just need to say it takes a whole herd to write a book, not just one person. So, excuse me if I am long winded, but there are some very special people that I want to thank.
Madre’ and Daddy- Thank you for cultivating my imagination. I would not be where I am today if you had not fed into the crazy little world inside my head. Thank you both for being such an amazing example of strong, dedicated hard working people. Mostly, thank you for the love you have bestowed upon me through every aspect in my life. This book is for you! (PS- Daddy you were right! I did it!) Thank you for believing in me.
Nichole (Sissy)- Thank you first and foremost for praying me into existence, I am so glad God answered the prayers of a little kid. No, not just because I was born, but because I also was given my best friend. Thank you for your constant encouragement and love for me. Without you I would have fallen apart and given up so many times in life. I love you more than you will ever know and I will always look up to you. This book is for you!
Kaylee- My beautiful little girl, I hope when you read this (when you are much older) you will realize that dreams do come true. I hope that I will be able to lead by example of following your passions and making the most out of your life. Anything you want in this world you can have, you just need to work for it. (Yes, Papa did tell me that) Thank you for saving my life. The best thing that has ever happened to me was becoming your mother. I love you! This book is for you!
Hunter- I hope that by you seeing me go through the process of doing this; it will also show you that you can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t set limits on yourself; you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Ever since you have entered my life you have brought so much joy and life to my world. Please know I will always be here for you. You may not be my biological son, but you will always be the son of my heart! This book is for you!
Sean- You, my handsome man, deserve a medal for dealing with me. I still do not know how I got so lucky, but I am not complaining. Thank you for being my best friend, constant supporter, and shoulder to cry on through life. I feel like I never tell you enough, but I love you and appreciate everything you do. You continue to show me what happens when you set your mind to something. Your determination is something I admire and try to model myself after. I fall in love with you more each passing minute and I am truly blessed to be doing life with you. This book is for you!
Ceri- This book would have never happened without everything you’ve done. You were my backbone through it all and the one who made me believe in my writing. You made me believe that I might actually be able to achieve my dreams! Thank you for your unyielding faith in me. I am blessed to have your friendship in my life. Remember senile and grey woman! This book is for you!
Kadee- Thank you for being the one who encouraged me to write again! Without that first push, CTE would have never made it past that first chapter. Thank you for taking a chance on me way back when and showing me the aspect of a loving friendship. I can’t express enough how much everything means to me and I am lucky to have you in my life Hotstepper! This book is for you!
Nicole (Sookie) - Thank you for doing my cover for me. It has been absolutely amazing watching you grow with things you are passionate about. Thank you also for your constant encouragement and friendship. For me you were my instant, the one who is a kindred soul, and I cherish it. I would not have made it through this entire process without everything you’ve done for me! This book is for you!
Samantha (Oh, Sammy) - Thank you for the encouragement and running through this crazy cycle with me. I can tell you one thing; if not for you I would have been crying about seventy percent of the time. Thank you for being a constant bright spot. I feed off of your positivity for life. I hold you close to my heart and consider myself lucky to have you as my friend. This book is for you!
Jamie-You became family instantly, and it has blown my mind. Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes for me. I really struck gold in the PA department. Our morning motivational calls have quickly become my favorite way to start my days. Thank you for your patience and filling in the moments my brain shuts off. I appreciate everything you’ve done, and like I have said….you’re stuck with me. This book is for you!
Last but not least, thank you to everyone who is reading this. This book is a long time in the making and my dreams would not be coming true if it weren’t for each and every one of you! I appreciate you guys more than you know! #ThankYouReaders! This book is for you!
About the Author
N.R. Spratlin lives close to the Alabama and Florida line on the coast with her family. She loves to be on the water and you can usually find her out on a boat with her family on the weekends. She has always wanted to be a writer, but it just took a little bit to get there. She considers the best thing in life is to make other people smile. Her hobbies are writing, reading, music, photography, and painting. Her daily goal is to create one thing before she goes to bed at night. She also hopes one day to convince the head of the Disney Corporation that she is worthy to move into Cinderella’s castle permanently. If you want to learn more about N.R., her books, and all of her upcoming releases follow her here:
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Table of Contents
Controlling The Elements
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
> CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
EPILOGUE
Controlling the Elements Page 26
