by Imogen Rose
“Ariele, can we stop by your place?” I asked.
She hesitated but nodded. We couldn’t find it; her development didn’t exist.
“What do you think is going on?” I asked Ariele.
She shrugged tearfully, “I don’t know, but I don’t think I want to go back to the high school. I bet we never existed there either.”
She was right, that would be more than we could bear. The high school had been our lives. To not have ever existed.…
Kellan looked at us and sighed, “Let me go and check out the high school. I can go in and find out if you are students there. I can try anyway.”
“That’s a good idea and very sweet of you, thank you,” I said gratefully.
Ariele and I waited in the school car park dumbfounded. She looked at me suspiciously.
“Arizona, have you spoken to your mother yet?”
“No, but I will when I get back. I was kind of hoping to bring Dad back with me for support.”
“There is something very odd going on. How can this be? It’s like we never existed, yet I have all the photographs to prove that we did. We do exist! Let’s bring them along to your Mom. Did Kellan say anything to you?” she asked angrily.
“About what?” I asked
“This situation. Have you guys discussed it recently?
“No, not really. I guess we’ve been too busy with hockey. I suppose I was putting it off until we came here as well. You know, to prove to him that I have a life here. So much for that!”
Ariele looked like she needed to tell me something, but she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Kellan opened the door and climbed back in shaking his head wistfully. We headed back to Manhattan in silence.
I received a call from Harry just before we entered the Lincoln Tunnel.
“The munchkin got the part! She’s here, she wants to tell you herself….” He stopped short as the phone was obviously yanked from his hand and Ella burst into excited babble.
“I made it, I made it! When are you going to be back?”
“Congratulations, little star! We should be there in about twenty minutes and then we’ll go and celebrate.”
“Yay! Hurry,” she shouted as she turned off the phone.
I turned to Kellan and Ariele, “Well, let’s put our happy faces on. Ella needs to celebrate. She deserves us to be happy for her. We’ll have to put this mystery on hold for now.”
The rest of the New York trip was fantastic. We took Ella and Jonas out to Fright Fest at Six Flags in Jackson. At least that hadn’t changed. Ali had recovered enough to join us but stayed off the rides. Ella turned out to be a roller coaster addict and went on every one she was allowed to. It was nice to be able to relax with Kellan, to just laugh and have fun. I was a bit sad when we left for Newark the next day. It had been an enjoyable visit in some ways although I was left hollow by the realization that I had not existed here like I thought I had.
I wasn’t sure what to do next. I knew that I had to talk this over with Mom, who was sure to have some answers. It would have been easier with some proof, though. Then I remembered: Ariele’s photographs.
Olivia checked her watch, she had another couple of hours before she had to head out to the airport. It had been a particularly frustrating two days. Most of Larry’s and her theories were severely flawed. They had worked non stop since their talk with Kellan and his revelations about Arizona. Larry had, as promised, talked to Kellan and shared as much as he could with him. He had kept the details as vague as possible, but Kellan had nonetheless been traumatized. He hadn’t even said good bye to his dad before heading off to Manhattan.
She hoped that he would have the sense to not share what he knew with either Arizona or Harry. Olivia didn’t feel ready to deal with this yet. There were too many inconsistencies without reasonable explanations.
There was a sharp knock on her door and Larry walked through and sat himself down opposite her with his hands clenched in his lap.
“Ollie, Ollie, Ollie,” he murmured somberly as he studied her face. She was his very best friend, his confidante, and since his wife had died, a mother figure to Kellan. He loved her dearly.
“Larry?”
“Ah Ollie, Kellan called. It’s not good news.”
“Everyone’s ok?” she asked, suddenly anxious. She’d spoken to Rupert before they boarded the flight. “I spoke to Rupert before take off, everyone seemed ok…,” she said hopefully.
“Rupert doesn’t know.”
“Doesn’t know what?”
Larry looked worried.
“Larry, come on. Just tell me!” She demanded frustrated. “I’m sorry, Larry. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” She very rarely did, without Rupert by her side. They were almost never apart, their nights were spent in each other’s arms as should be and it was almost unbearable to lay in bed alone. So, she had watched the bedside clock turn 3 AM, 4 AM and so forth.
“Kellan called me late last night. It was an awkward conversation. We didn’t part on good terms, as you know. Arizona and Ariele planned to head over to see Dillard while they were over there. Kellan found out and insisted on accompanying them even though he and Ariele are at odds with each other.”
Olivia stiffened; it didn’t take her by complete surprise. After all, she had feared that Arizona would try to pull something like this. It was only natural. All the same, the fact that she actually had could present frightening consequences.
Larry continued, “Kellan hired a limo to take them down to New Brunswick first where they found no signs of Dillard ever having existed. They similarly found no signs of their own past when they visited the house and school.”
Olivia nodded. That was no surprise to her or to Larry, but must have been a momentous revelation for the kids.
“How did the kids react? Are they devastated?”
Larry shrugged, “Kellan had been sort of pre warned, although he had not taken this permutation into consideration, but I think he was able to deal with it knowing some of the background. Arizona and Ariele, on the other hand, are confounded. Neither of them ‘freaked’ out to the extent that they could have. They didn’t have it out with Rupert. They didn’t even mention it to him. They’ve apparently decided to wait and have it out with you.”
“Perfect!” Olivia said, shuddering.
“Are you going to tell Arizona that her dad’s living in Leeds with his wife and four children?” Larry asked.
Olivia rolled her eyes, “He’s moved on. He left her a while ago. Didn’t I mention it?”
Larry shrugged, “You may have, I can’t remember. In any case, you could, if you wanted to, put her in touch with Dillard.”
“Yes, but he wouldn’t know her. It would be painful for her. She would be so much better off letting this go. Larry, how much did you tell Kellan? What was his reaction?”
“Not a lot. I did tell him about the portal and how we had transported you back to Rupert and then reunited you with your daughters. I was very vague but upfront and I admitted to him that I had no idea what was going on at the moment. I told him that we would work on it while he was in New York and I would try to make sense of it. He was furious about the portal. I didn’t tell him that we’d come through as well….”
Olivia looked thoughtful.
“I can’t even begin to think of how I am going to explain this to Arizona, even less to Harry.”
Larry got up, “I’d better go. Can you bring Kellan home? I have some things I have to take care of here. We do need to talk again soon.”
He turned toward her again as he was about to head out the door. He stared at her hesitatingly.
“Ollie, I didn’t want to mention this and add more things for you to worry about but.…”
“Larry, just spill. I can handle it… I think.”
“Ollie, the energy source for the portal is diminishing, we have to close it earlier than planned. It’s set to close on the 20th now.”
He paused and ran his fingers through his h
air.
“Ollie, I am fairly sure someone has tampered with it.”
“Who? Why?”
“I don’t know yet, but I’m running all the security data. It’s going to take some time to figure out, though. Kevin is doing the same at the other end.
Olivia turned cold at the thought. Who in their small, trusted group would tamper with the data and put them all in peril? Or could it be an outsider? Someone who had gained access? The potential consequences were terrifying.
The iPhone rang waking me up from my post-hockey slumber. I scrambled around trying to find it. It stopped ringing before I managed to track it down. Where was it? I sat up in bed and looked under the sheets, under my pillow. I found it lying under the bed. I checked “recent calls” to see if anyone worthwhile needed to be called back. It was Kellan. Since he definitely counted as “worthwhile,” I pressed callback and waited.
“Hey, Shrimp, did I wake you?”
“Yes,” I drawled lazily, “Geez, who has hockey practice at six on a Sunday morning, it’s insane!”
He laughed, “Get used to it, it’s a regular practice session, bright and early every Sunday. You get to see me first thing!”
I guess that’s something, I thought to myself.
“Why did you get me up, Kellan? I’m tired,” I said grumpily.
“Just wanted to check in and ask if it was ok to pick you up at seven?” he asked warily.
I gave myself a shake. Why was I being so awful? He was just being his usual nice self.
“Kellan, it’s only two o’clock.… I miss you though. Can you come over and hang out for a while?”
“You sure, Shrimp? You don’t need to go back to bed and work on your temper for a while longer?”
“Sorry Kellan, I’m sure. I’d love to go for a bike ride. That will wake me up. A ride to Starbucks and I’ll be all set!” I begged.
He laughed, “Pick you up in twenty minutes?”
“Perfect!”
I hurried out of bed and threw on a pair of jeans and a hoodie and checked myself in the mirror to make sure I was drool free. My face was flushed, there was not much I could do about that, but I added some lip gloss and combed out the tangles. I added a scarf to my hair, grabbed my iPhone and bag and headed downstairs to wait for Kellan. The house was quiet; everyone must be out. I vaguely remembered Rupert saying something about lunch at Grandma’s. I must have slept right through that. I needed to make some time and head down to see Grandma. I missed her. It was so awesome to have her back in my life, but I wondered if she was real or a ghost. Maybe Kellan and I could head over and see her right now. He should know where she lived.
I felt excited when I heard Kellan’s bike drive up and I ran out to him. He looked super hot in his leathers. I melted. He came over and kissed me.
“Got over the sleepy time grumps?” he chuckled.
I smiled, embarrassed, “I’m sorry, Kellan. I’m a terrible morning person so I worry Sundays may be particularly bad for you, just ignore me.”
He sighed, “Come on, let’s get you some coffee. Where do you want to head to?”
I took the helmet he was holding out and started putting it on.
“I’m not sure, Kellan. I was thinking about Grandma earlier. I haven’t seen her much. Do you know where she lives?”
He laughed, “I’ve just come from there. The whole gang’s there, yours and mine. We just ate lunch. Ella said she tried to wake you, but you weren’t budging so they left you home to sleep. I’m happy to drive you over.”
“No, I sort of want to spend some quality time with her alone. Maybe we could go over after school one day this week?” I suggested.
“Sure, but she did say that she was coming over to see you in your dress this evening. She wants to take some photographs before the dance.”
I had totally forgotten about the dance! And I certainly hadn’t considered pictures. I better make myself presentable then. “Maybe just a short ride to the nearest coffeehouse?” I suggested.
I climbed on the bike and he brought it to life. As we roared out of the driveway, I tried to figure out what I liked better, the close proximity to Kellan as I clung on to him like a monkey or the thrill of the speed. Either way, the combination was exhilarating.
After my first Espresso, my thoughts collided in my mind as I started to revive. There was so much I needed to talk to Kellan about. However, this was probably the wrong time for heavy conversation. We both had to get ready for the main fall event at school, the Orionid Ball. If anything, I needed to quiz him about that so I didn’t make a total idiot of myself tonight.
“Kellan, tell me about the Ball. What happens?”
“You Juliet, me Romeo,” he laughed.
“We’re a Shakespearean tragedy?” I teased.
“No, the greatest romance of all time…,” he responded.
“Stop messing, Kellan, what happens?”
He looked at me with mock seriousness and continued, “It’s like a junior prom but with a meteor shower thrown in.”
“Kellan, I need more information. Like, is there food there or do I need to eat before we head off? Is it indoors or outdoors? Will I have to dance? What kind of music?”
“Shrimp, don’t worry about stuff like that. Just come and enjoy it. Some of it will be outdoors but you’ll have me to keep you warm. We normally go as a group so we have a stretch limo picking us up. Tonight, I get picked up first, then you and Harry and finally Maria and Ariele. Ali will be going in the basketball limo, but she’ll meet us there and hang with us a bit.”
I smiled at him, “I’m looking forward to it. Just one last question, will Simla and Justin be there?”
“Yes, Justin’s taking Simla, but don’t worry, this is one night when everyone just wants to relax and have fun. Just take the usual precautions and don’t go off on your own at anytime.”
I reached over for his hands and squeezed them, “Kellan, we have to talk about what happened in New Jersey. My mom’s taking the day off tomorrow. She’s coming to the game and promised to answer my questions after that. I have so many questions and I need to clear my mind to sort out the most important ones so I can hit her with those first. I’m going to bring Ariele’s photographs as proof that I’ve not lost my mind.”
Kellan’s lips parted as if he was about to say something, but he decided against it and looked at me quietly.
“Kellan?” I asked, looking at him for a response.
“You’re right. We do have to talk but not now, not this evening. I just want to take my girlfriend out and show her off to the world. Is that ok?”
I smiled and kissed him as we got up and headed back home.
Ella was sitting perched on my bed as I exited the shower. It was just after five, time to start getting ready and she was here to help I, assumed.
“Do you want me to get the dress?” she offered.
I was not quite sure what she meant. I’d been planning to go through my wardrobe and find something suitable. I had noticed a selection of long dresses in one corner but had run out of time. I decided to go with the flow. Ella obviously knew what she was talking about.
“That would be very kind of you. Thanks, Ella.”
She rubbed her hands in glee and dove into my closet and came back out grasping a red garment bag. She laid it across the bed and went back into the closet and retrieved four boxes. I had no idea what they contained.
She turned around and looked at me studiously, “You are putting your hair up like we talked about? Jane will be here any minute.”
I nodded wondering who Jane was and what I’d agreed to. There was a rap at the door and a blonde girl walked in.
“Hi, Jane,” said Ella excitedly.
“Hey, Ella, Arizona! Ready for me to do your hair and nails, Arizona? Let’s start with the nails. Did you decide on a color?” she asked looking at me.
I looked down at my nails in confusion, but recovered quickly turning to Ella.
“Ella, will you pick some
thing that will go with the dress while I dry myself?”
She nodded happily and went over and opened Jane’s make up case and started going through the colors while I dried off and sat down on a chair. Jane came over and began filing down my toenails and reached for the nail polish Ella was holding out. Black, surprise, surprise! It seemed to be the uniform color at Mountain View High. Thankfully my fingernails were spared from the black monstrosity and simply tipped white. I glanced down at them, they looked so fresh and clean.
Jane then got started on my hair. She removed my turban and blow-dried it straight using several lotions and potions. She then started pulling it all back, spraying so it was super smooth and secured it in a ballerina bun. She proceeded to carefully detach some strands from the bun and curled them, allowing them to settle at the back. I noticed Ella opening one of the boxes and bringing out a small tiara (good grief!!), which Jane fitted around the bun. Wow! I felt like a poodle.
“Arizona, I’m thinking that you want to keep your makeup quite light?” Jane suggested.
I nodded, relieved. Light sounded good! She brought over her color pallet and started working on my face. She was done in no time. The hardest bit was keeping my eyelids steady while she prodded at them applying eyeliner and mascara. Jane took a step back, studied my face and beckoned to Ella.
“What do you think?” she asked her.
Ella sighed and whispered, “You look like Princess Aurora. Just the most beautiful princess in the world.”
Perfect! It’s always been the main aim of my life to be just like Princess Aurora, whoever that was!
“Do you want me stay and help you with your dress?” Jane asked as Ella shook her head.
“I’ll do that, but thank you Jane, you did a great job. Mom’s waiting for you down in the kitchen,” she added.
As soon as Jane left, Ella came over and felt my nail polish, it was dry, but she had me sit still for a bit longer just to make sure. She went over to the bed and carefully unzipped the garment bag and pulled the dress out. I was surprised. I had expected an elaborate princess gown with puffy sleeves and full skirt in a hideous shimmering material. This gown was incredibly simple. It was a silver gray, straight, long dress with spaghetti straps. The fabric was jersey like, it flowed beautifully and had just a hint of a shimmer.
