Crest (Book #2,Swift Series)

by Heather London

  “You know, this has been the happiest night we’ve had together in a long time.” Aunt Rose smiled at me and then turned to Jack. “I can’t think of anything that could’ve made it any better.”

  That’s when I realized that I’d done what I wanted to. This afternoon with Aunt Rose, and tonight at dinner, as we relived our happy times, remembering and laughing... that was my way of telling them how much they meant to me and how much I’d appreciated them over the years.

  Aunt Rose and Jack understood when I asked to leave shortly after dinner. They knew how much I cared about Roger and how important it was for me to see him before I left. Roger was right on time and I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face when the sound of his car turned on my street. The sound brought back so many memories from the past couple years. I hated thinking that this may be one of the last times I would hear it. There was no way of telling what London had in store for me. In a perfect world, I would go to London and get the help I needed from Jackie, the council would hear me out, and I would be reunited with the Harpers. The thought of tonight being the last night I would spend with Roger, Aunt Rose, and Jack never entered my mind, until now.

  It was hard to understand why, but I was nervous to see Roger. It had been weeks since I’d seen him, and the last time had been the night that Isaac held me in his grasp. I took in a deep breath, told Aunt Rose and Jack goodbye and then headed out the door. As I shut the door and turned around, I saw him leaning against his car—his arms crossed and a large grin on his face. It made me sad to know that he didn’t remember the night we had spent together at his dad’s house, knowing that Abby had made sure he had forgotten everything. I wasn’t sure how many more nights we would have together in the future and I wanted him to remember all of them.

  “Hey, Mer,” he said as I approached.

  “Hey.”

  I was still a couple feet from him when his arms reached out and grabbed me, pulling me towards him. “Man, it seems like forever. It’s been way too long.”

  “I know.” My voice sounded muffled against his chest. “It’s really good to see you.”

  He pushed me back, holding me at arm’s length. “You’ve changed.” He stared at me with a strange expression. “I can’t say what it is, but you’re different.”

  I laughed, already feeling more relaxed. “Like in a bad way?” I questioned.

  “No, just in a different kind of way. You seem,” he hesitated for a moment, “more confident. I guess that’s the right word. I don’t know. It’s hard to describe, but I like it.”

  I smiled, knowing he knew me well enough to know that I had changed, but he could’ve guessed a thousand times and never guessed just how much.

  “Come on,” I said, walking to the passenger side door, “let’s get out of here.”

  We spent the rest of the evening stretched out across the sand at Devereaux Beach, doing the same thing I’d done with Aunt Rose and Jack—reminiscing about old times. We laughed to the point of tears and it made me happy to know that I was able to spend time with all of the important people in my life before I left.

  The drive back to my house was silent and I could sense that Roger felt the same as me. That no matter how much we didn’t want it to happen, our lives were growing apart. He would continue to make amazing memories in college, and more than likely meet a great girl, get married, and have family. That’s all he ever wanted, and I wanted that for him. I on the other hand had no idea of what tomorrow would bring me. There was a part of me that envied him and his normal life. There wasn’t an ounce of me that was angry or regretted finding out about my destiny or the fact that I was a witch. That wasn’t it at all. I guess the thing that confused me the most was that I wasn’t sure what to do with it now that the Harpers weren’t here to guide me.

  “Take care of yourself in that big, bad world out there,” Roger said as we stood on my front lawn, delaying the goodbye we were both dreading. “Whatever it is that has given you this transformation, don’t lose it. Do whatever you can to hold onto it because it looks great on you.”

  “Wow, listen to you, you sound like some sort of poet or something. I guess Harvard is beginning to rub off on you.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Come here, you.” He pulled me in for a long hug and we said our goodbyes. My heart ached as I walked away from him and I hoped that we would see each other again. Maybe, one day, I would even be able to tell him my secret.

  After getting ready for my last night at home, I curled up in my bed hoping that the journey I would begin tomorrow would eventually lead me to what I was looking for.

  We pulled up to the departures area at Boston International. It was difficult for me to hold it together as I hugged Aunt Rose and Jack goodbye. The nerves that were bubbling in my stomach felt like they were about to boil over at any moment. If I was actually going to have a meltdown, I didn’t want to have it in front of them.

  “Please call us if you need anything,” Jack said as he squeezed me tight. “I’m gonna miss you, kid. Don’t forget about us back here in Marblehead.”

  “Don’t worry; that’s not possible,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

  “Geez, Jack, don’t hog her. I want to get in a hug, too,” Aunt Rose joked, trying to fight back the tears that I could see were building in her eyes.

  The second Jack let me go, Aunt Rose wrapped me in a hug, squeezing me even tighter than Jack. There was a moment where I thought I was going to have to ask her to ease up a bit, but she released me just in time. “Don’t forget to call me the second you get settled,” she said, pulling me back in order to look me in the eyes. “And don’t walk alone too late at night, don’t be too trusting of anyone and most important—don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.” She hugged me again, this time even harder than before, but only for a split second. “I’m serious, Meredith; I want to be the first phone call you make if you need anything. I upgraded your phone plan to international, so you should be covered. Call anytime, day or night.” A single tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. “Ok, now get out of here before I start begging you to stay.”

  I just nodded, in fear that if I tried to speak at that moment, tears would come out as well. I turned to walk away and in that moment, I knew this was really happening. That I was really going to London to meet my long-lost aunt, who was also a witch and who may not be as loving and caring as the aunt I was walking away from.

  When I was seated and buckled in, I leaned my head back and focused on my plan, trying to think positive thoughts. This wasn’t only a crazy, desperate choice I had made in going to London… this was my only choice. My entire plan rested on whether or not my aunt would help me. From what Ms. Donaldson had told me, it made me nervous. I was worried that she would turn me away and not even hear me out. It was hard to face that this was it. If for some reason this plan didn’t work, I didn’t have a plan B.

  Overall, the flight wasn’t as bad as I had expected. The in-flight movie helped pass the time and keep my mind off what I would have to do when I landed. As I fought my way through the crowd towards the baggage claim in the Heathrow Airport, I took a deep breath in and blew it out, hoping to ease the anxiety that was lingering in me. This was, by far, the craziest thing I had ever done and I had to admit that my nerves were on edge… actually that wouldn’t even come close to describing how I was feeling right now. My stomach was such a mess on the last few hours of the flight that I could hardly eat the food the flight attendant placed in front of me.

  From what I had found on the internet before I left my house, the address Ms. Donaldson had given me was only a short cab ride from the airport. My nerves were high as I looked out the window of the cab and saw the vision of the large, unfamiliar city of London flash before me. If I had said that it was overwhelming, that would’ve been the understatement of the year. The expansive city was a far cry from the small town of Marblehead. My heart hammered against my chest and I wondered, now more tha
n ever, if I had made the right choice in coming here.

  After the shortest twenty minutes of my life, the cab pulled up to a two story, Tudor-style home. The white stone house was covered with ivy that grew all the way up to the grey, slate roof. I sat there staring at it, motionless—not able to take my eyes off of it. The doubt in my decision of coming here was at its peak. Was this the right choice? Or should I have found another way to contact the council? Or maybe I should’ve just stayed in Marblehead and waited for the Harpers to come for me?

  “Miss, we’re here. This is the address you gave me.” The cab driver’s voice was impatient as he craned his neck to look at me.

  “Oh, sorry.” I pulled out my credit card and handed it over to him.

  “Enjoy your time in London,” he said robotically as he handed me my receipt.

  “Thanks.” I got out of the cab and pulled my suitcase out after me.

  He drove off and I stood there in the middle of the street, feeling like a complete fool. I was too scared to turn around and face the house, let alone walk towards it. Come on, Meredith. You can do this. This should be simple compared to what you’ve gone through over the last few weeks. This doesn’t even come close to crossing time, fighting off dark magic, or being separated from the ones you love. This should be a piece of cake. Somehow, without even knowing it, my courage took over my frantic mind and I found myself standing at the door, knocking.

  A few moments passed with no answer. It wouldn’t be the most disappointing thing in the world if she didn’t answer, I thought to myself. It would give me a reason to not have to face her, without me chickening out. I glanced around and noticed the manicured flower bed to my right and a small gnome statue on my left. It was still hard to believe that this was my mother’s house growing up. Just knowing that made me feel a little more at ease because, without even trying, I could sense the energy from within the house. It was a powerful feeling, one that I had never felt before.

  Then I heard a muffled noise from behind the door and before I knew it, it was opened. The lady that stood before me looked nothing like my mother. Her hair was more of a strawberry blonde, nothing like mine and my mother’s dark brown and her deep blue eyes were a huge contrast to our green ones. I wondered for a moment if I had the right house.

  “Hello, Meredith. I’ve been expecting you.”

  I guess I did.

  It was strange. I couldn’t move or speak. Maybe it was shock. Maybe it was fear. Whatever it was, my mind went completely blank.

  “You don’t have to be afraid of me,” the woman said. “You’ve been traveling for a while now. You must be exhausted. Why don’t you come in?” She pulled the door open a little farther, gesturing me inside.

  “Thank you,” I somehow mumbled. Shouldn’t have I been saying something like, ‘how did you know I was coming’? Or, ‘it’s nice to meet you; you must be my mom’s sister, Jackie.’ Yet, nothing else came out of my mouth as I made my way across the living room, set my things down on the floor and took a seat on the couch.

  “Don’t look so alarmed. Patricia called and told me you were coming.”

  I looked over to her. My confused expression must have said it all.

  “Patricia Donaldson from Marblehead?” she continued. For a moment, she looked to be as confused as I was as she walked over and took a seat in the chair across from me.

  “Oh, umm... Ms. Donaldson. Sorry, I didn’t know her first name.” That thought made me sad. The woman had helped me in so many ways and I didn’t even know her first name. “Sorry. It’s just—I didn’t know what I was going to say to you when I first saw you, and then, when you opened the door and said you were expecting me, it totally threw me off.”

  She smiled gently. “Well, I guess Patricia thought about it and didn’t want me to be surprised when you showed up on the doorstep. I guess she thought I would slam the door in your face or something.” She rolled her eyes. “She never liked me much; that woman. Your mother was always her favorite.”

  I swallowed hard at the mention of my mother, not knowing quite how to respond.

  “I’m Jackie, by the way. It’s nice to finally meet you, Meredith. I have always wondered if the day would come when we would meet.”

  It was the first time my ears actually noticed her strong British accent. My mind must have been too distracted before now. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” I fidgeted in the seat, crossing my legs to the right and then back over to the left.

  “Can I get you something to eat or drink? You must be starving or tired from the trip. Or we can talk; whatever you’d like?”

  “Um, something to drink would be great.” Anything to help quench the dryness in my throat, I thought to myself.

  She nodded and then led me into the next room where she asked me to take a seat at the dining room table while she prepared some tea.

  As she left, my eyes wandered around the room, seeing a few pictures on the hutch behind me, but not knowing anyone that was in them. I’d noticed that most of her furniture was old, as if it had been passed down for generations. Then I wondered... had my mother once sat at this table, on that couch in the living room, or in that old rocking chair in the corner?

  It was just a few minutes later when Jackie came back with a pot of tea and some cheese and crackers. “So, Patricia wouldn’t give me the details on why you made the trip,” she admitted, setting down a cup of tea in front of me. “She said that you should be the one to explain it all.”

  Oh great, I hadn’t thought about that part. My mind had been too preoccupied on our introduction. “Well, I have a situation and I’m hoping... Well, Ms. Donaldson thought you may be able to help me, or maybe know of a way to help me,” I mumbled and then took a sip of tea.

  “Really? I’m intrigued.” She sat back farther in her chair, looking perplexed. “I’m shocked that Patricia would recommend you coming to me for anything.”

  “She’s just trying to help me and thought you were the person I should ask.”

  “Well, let’s not drag this out any longer than we have to. Tell me, what is it that you need?”

  I took in a deep breath, hoping I had enough courage to get the next few words out. “I need to contact the council.”

  She began to laugh, a little at first and then, before I knew it, she was in hysterics. “I’m sorry, give me just a minute.” She spoke through her laughter.

  This was not the reaction I was expecting or hoping for. Being curious or maybe even an outright refusal, sure, I had been prepared for those, but this was not even close to the outcome I had imagined.

  After a long minute, she had composed herself enough to speak coherently. “Okay, I’m sorry. Really, I am. It’s just, that was such a bold statement and you said it with such confidence. We don’t contact the council. The council contacts us, if they need us. I’m not saying that it can’t be done, it’s just that I’ve never done it and I’m not sure I could, even if I tried.”

  I sat there, not knowing what to say. Deep down, I feared that this would ultimately be the response I would get, but I also had hope that my deepest fear would be wrong.

  “Would you like to tell me why you need to contact the council? If I was able to find a way to help you, I would want to know the reasoning behind it.” She looked at me expectantly, awaiting my response. It was a question that I knew would eventually come, and understandably so, but I still wasn’t sure what to say.

  I exhaled loudly, not even realizing I’d been holding my breath. “Well, my reasons are private for now and I’ll understand if you can’t help me because of that.” There were just too many things that I would have to explain if I told her my reason for wanting to contact the council, and I was still not sure how much I could trust the stranger in front of me, aunt or not.

  Jackie cleared her throat and sipped her tea, looking me up and down, almost as if she were examining me. “I can sense the power in you—a great power, I might add—but it also feels young and not fully developed. This te
lls me you have chosen your destiny. Now, let me ask you, are you ready to own it forever, or give it up after a few years, like your mother?”

  That felt like a slap in the face and if I was being honest, I wanted to slap her across her face. She was speaking about my mother in a negative way and I didn’t appreciate it. My mother had her own reasons for giving up her powers and wanting a life outside of magic. It was her choice and I felt like she shouldn’t be judged for it, especially since she wasn’t here to defend herself. In fact, after seeing what magic was capable of, I completely understood my mother’s choices. Magic brought a lot of great things, but it also brought a lot of danger and evil, as well. I sat there for a moment, contemplating on how to respond, but before I could think of what to say, Jackie spoke up.

  “I’m sorry to be so harsh. You’ll have to excuse me. Sometimes I say things I shouldn’t. The last thing I want to do is get off on the wrong foot with you. Your mother and I never saw eye to eye on things, but those things went far beyond magic. We tried to get along over the years, but eventually, we just agreed to disagree, realizing that we would never be close and loving sisters. After she left, I just couldn’t have a relationship with someone who was willing to give up on their destiny. However, it would give me no greater pleasure than to have a relationship with you.”