by Ari Harper
“Just some ideas I need to go over with Bones and Jasper.” I stood up and stretched, looking at him. “Do you guys want anything? I feel a snack attack coming on.”
“Sure.” Sully followed me. “Come on, Brie. You’ve had enough time to sulk over it.”
Brie let him lead her down the stairs. She still looked more awkward than alarmed about the incident. When we quizzed her about it more, she turned sullen, tightening her lips and glanced away from us. When Brie was stubborn, there was no changing her. Sully and I thought it was the curse, and we were probably right.
He was rummaging around in the fridge when Mom came into the kitchen. She laughed as she took her gardening gloves off. “That’s what I like about you, Sully.” She smiled at him. “You sure know how to make a cook feel appreciated. If it’s the chocolate cake you are after, it’s in the container on the counter. Pass me that cold juice while you are there, though. I could do with a drink.”
“Looks like you have been working hard today, Mrs. O’Reilly,” he said.
“I have to get the big vegetable pots ready for all those seedlings that are nearly at the transplanting stage,” Mom replied. “I should have started sooner, but I have been a little busy with other things. Jack was hoping to get them planted before the summer solstice, so it’s going to be a bit of a rush. We only have a few weeks to go.”
I was studying my mother while she explained the moon gardening calendar to Sully.
“What happens if you get them in later? Won’t they grow?”
“Not as well, Sully. To get the most out of our vegetables, we need to get them in before the full moon of the summer solstice or we don’t get the full growing time. It’s the only way we can be assured of a good crop. Jack swears by it, so we haven’t ever done it any other way,” she said. “I know how you guys like to raid the peas. Can’t have you missing out on those, can we?”
“That’s not even an option, Mother of mine. Do you need any help?”
“Just say the word, Mrs. O’Reilly,” Sully volunteered. “We have time now that we aren’t at the water hole. What can I do?”
Christ, I thought, Sully is mooning over my mother, Brie is drooling on Jasper. Whatever is happening to my friends? Yuck.
“Sully, you are an angel,” said Mom. “Jack was going to help, but he is probably still talking to Jasper. I really don’t know what those two find to talk about. They see each other nearly every day. Men!”
“Mom, are you okay?” I asked. “You look a little flushed.”
“No, I’m fine. Just been in the garden all day, getting the potting mix ready to plant,” she replied. “A little tired is all.”
Mom always made her own potting mix and compost for both the summer garden and the winter crops that she grew in the glasshouse Dad had built for her.
“Where is the serial pest?” I asked.
“He is next door, darling, helping Mrs. Freeman. He spends so much time there these days. They are good for each other. She has no family left and gets pretty lonely. He enjoys being with her, so they get on well together. I think it’s nice , don’t you?”
“Mm-mm,” I mumbled. “She can use the help in her garden, that’s for sure. She can barely bend over she’s so fat!”
“Nera! That’s not necessary!”
“Sorry, Mom.” I dragged Brie outside to sit in the shade of the big umbrella my mother had set up. While Brie leafed through a magazine, I closed my eyes and let my thoughts drift.
Poor Sully. He really adored my mother. It can’t be just her chocolate cake. It must be the way she made him one of the family and listened to him like she meant it. It was in her nature to nurture anyone around her.
Sully’s folks were so different. Rather cold and standoffish. His dad was hardly ever home, and his mother was too delicate to upset apparently. He obviously loved them both, but something was wrong in that relationship. My family was close and open with one another. I wondered what happened to Sully’s folks that made things go so out of whack. It made me appreciate what I had even more.
You never can pick your family, I mused. It’s funny how your perspective can change overnight. I used to think my family was normal, but there is nothing normal in having an 800-year-old uncle. Most families didn’t have a curse like mine, either.
This has totally changed the way we will live forever. Will we ever feel safe again, even if I managed to break this curse? Would there be others to follow? Or would this free them forever? How would Roman feel with it hanging over his head if he was old enough to understand? How would my mother feel if she knew what our family was really like? Could she handle the truth if it ever comes out?
I opened my eyes and looked toward the compost patch. Sully was digging away, turning over the mix that my mother had started earlier, his shirt tied around his waist, his body tanned and strong. Mom was standing beside the compost bins. Her hands clasped under her flat belly, a faraway look on her face.
I jumped up. “Mom, what are you doing?”
Mom looked over at me, confused at my outburst. “Nera, I don’t know what you are talking about. I’m not doing anything. I’m just standing here watching Sully and enjoying the sun.”
I shook my head and stormed into the house, unable to tell Mom that I knew what was going on just by looking at her. Brie was right behind me, and she grabbed my arm to stop me.
“Tell me what’s happening here, Nera? Why did you yell at your mom like that? She was just standing there watching Sully dig.”
“She’s pregnant.”
“So what? Your mom and dad love babies.”
“Jasper told me that unborn babies and young children are in more danger from the demons and the curse. I can’t believe she became pregnant now.”
“No,” Brie said, her eyes wide in disbelief. “Are you going to say anything to her?”
“How can I? I shouldn’t know unless she tells me—which she hasn’t. This is so wrong. It could put her in more danger, and we have enough to worry about, don’t you think?” I slammed my hands down on the kitchen table.
“What are you going to do?” Brie looked at me, the question hanging in the air between us.
“What the hell am I supposed to do? I’ll tell Jasper. He can decide.” I started to pace the kitchen. “This is just so damn stupid!” I slid down the cupboard door to sit on the floor, cradling my head in my hands. “We don’t need this,” I whimpered.
Mom walked into the kitchen with Sully on her heels. “Nera, what happened out there? What’s going on?”
“Nothing, Mom, sorry. It’s just been a long day, and I’m still a little shaken up over losing Brie in the bush. Just forget it, okay?”
She pulled me to my feet and wrapped her arms around me, rubbing my back. “Honey, just relax. Brie is fine, and you all probably just need some downtime to relax. After last week, I am not surprised that you are all tense and keyed up. Why don’t you curl up on the lounge and watch a movie since you aren’t going back to Jasper’s until tomorrow. When Dad gets home, he can cook up a batch of chili, and we can have a lazy night. What do you think?”
I squeezed my eyes tight and sighed. It was hard to lead a double life, especially around my mother. “Yeah sure, why not? Thanks, Mom.” I draped my arms around her, breathing in that comforting smell only a mother had. Things seemed so much simpler when I was younger. Hell, things seemed so much easier three weeks ago.
Mom nudged us toward the lounge. “Go pick a movie and chill out you three.” She then left to go back outside.
“Okay, spill it.” Sully gave me a look.
I composed myself and thought of the risk if I told him everything. Bugger it! What did I have to lose? Brie knew. They were pretty much in the picture anyway, just a question of how deep.
“Remember when we discussed the curse with Jasper. Well, he told me last night that unborn babies and children are in more danger than possibly, well…you guys. He said it had something to do with unclaimed souls or something.” Sull
y nodded his head while I spoke. “Well, she is, pregnant, I mean. I don’t think Dad knows either. I can see them in her belly. Yes Brie, I said them. She is having twins. Calm yourself.”
Brie was grinning like an idiot. Why on earth did people get like that over babies? Didn’t they scream all the time and either poo or chuck constantly? Really can’t say why Brie gets all gooey.
I rubbed my eyes before dragging my fingers through my hair, tugging it hard, a sure sign of my mind racing. “We need to speak to Jasper,” I said. “We’ll have to tell him tomorrow.”
“You know we are with you all the way on this, Nera. Anything you need, just ask.” Sully gazed at me with a look that any other girl would die for. I unfortunately didn’t feel that way about Sully, and he knew that.
“Thanks, Sully, I don’t know what I would do without the two of you. Brie, pick a movie before Mom comes back in and has a go at us again, will you? I need to think without her worrying about me.”
We curled up together on the floor in front of the movie and blobbed out.
After a big meal of Dad’s chili, Mom opted to do the washing up while Dad and I sat out in the garden with Roman asleep on Dad’s knee.
Brie and Sully had gone home before it got too dark with the promise to come over to Jasper’s tomorrow.
***
Mom sat brushing her hair in her bedroom. Dad came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her belly. He felt her back stiffen and met her eyes in the mirror.
“When were you going to tell me, Hannah?”
“Oh, Jack.” She turned to face him. “I didn’t plan this, honestly. But I’m really happy, and I’m sure you will be too once you get used to the idea. Just give it some time, please.”
“I thought we agreed,” he replied, his voice raised. “We would wait until Roman was older so we could give him the time that we gave Nera.”
“Please don’t be like this.” Tears ran down her cheeks. “We both agreed that we would have another child someday.”
“Yes, we did,” he yelled, “but not now! It’s the wrong time, don’t you see?”
“No, I don’t,” she yelled back, getting as loud as Dad. “I really don’t know what your problem is, Jack. It’s not like we can’t afford it or we don’t love the kids we have. It won’t hurt Roman to have a little brother or sister now rather than later. We’ve always said the baby chooses the time to be born, not us.”
She threw her hairbrush down on her vanity and turned back toward the bed.
“I’m not happy about it, Hannah,” Dad said. The frustration was clearly showing on his face. He dragged his fingers through his hair, a habit he shared with me. “I just think it’s the wrong time, and I thought you respected me enough not to go and do this without discussing it with me.”
“It has nothing to do with respect. You know I respect you more than any other. It’s all about this child wanting to be born now. We both believe that things happen for a reason, so I don’t see your reason for going off.”
“I just wish we had discussed it more,” he said.
“You mean argued more,” was her reply. “I don’t get it. You’ve changed lately. We used to be so close, but it’s like you would rather not be around me. Have I done something to you?”
“No, my love, nothing like that.” Dad grabbed her and pulled her close. “I really don’t know why I’ve changed. I can feel it too. It feels like I’ve grown old all of a sudden. It’s a strange feeling, and it has put me out of sorts, I guess.”
He tipped her head back to gaze into her warm, brown eyes as he drew his finger down her cheek. Her skin was so soft and smelled just right. He could lose himself in her so easily.
“We will get through this, that I promise you,” he said. “Just be patient with me, my love that is all I ask.”
They wrapped their arms around each other, holding tight.
Down the hall, I breathed a sigh of relief. I must make sure that Jasper doesn’t find out that I used my powers to invade their space. He had told me not to, but I was so worried about them that I gave in to temptation, and I felt bad about it. It was too late now.
Well, this is just peachy. I lay back, staring at the ceiling, my arms crossed behind my head. There was stillness in the house. The only sound was the wind softly blowing through the trees in the backyard.
I rolled over in my bed and tried to sleep. My mind had other ideas as usual. What was it that had attacked Brie? It didn’t make sense. There was no mud there as Brie had insisted. So what had dragged her under, suffocating her? That part was very real for both of us. And who was the person that she insisted was there with her?
I couldn’t see who it was, and Brie hadn’t seen them. The other kids from school hadn’t seen any stranger around, either. Could it have been the Others? Jasper did say that we were all in danger. How would we know if it was that, or just Brie being a drama queen? No, that couldn’t be it, she wouldn’t do that, and the feelings I got were real. Never mind, I thought. I snuggled down under my blanket and slept.
***
When I woke the next morning, Hugo had his wet nose on my face, and his big brown eyes were focused on me. “Yuck, Hugo. Get away,” I said, throwing my blankets off. I sat up and stretched my body before my feet hit the ground. After brushing my teeth, I pulled on running clothes and headed downstairs.
My parents were both out in front with a cup of tea.
“Hi, guys.” I leaned in to give them both a kiss. “Hugo and I are off for our run.”
The smell of pancakes drifted my way as I ran into the house on my return.
“Mom, save me some.” I headed up the stairs. “Be back down in a minute.”
I jumped in the shower and then quickly pulled on some old shorts and a T-shirt before running back down to the kitchen.
“Slow down, Nera,” Mom said. “You are always on the go at a million miles an hour. How many pancakes for you?”
“Four, please.” I ruffled Roman’s hair.
“No, no, Nera. Leave me,” he complained.
“Come on, squirt, chill out. Just playing.”
“Not fun. I don’t like it.”
“Well, looks who’s touchy this morning,” I said. “You get out of bed on the wrong side, Roman?”
“Leave him be. He’s in a huff,” Mom said. “He wants to go next door already, and it’s just too early, and he’s not happy he has to wait.”
“Don’t worry, mate.” I laughed. “Old people like to sleep in. She’ll be up soon and then you can drive her nuts.”
“Do not!” Roman snapped.
“Nera, leave him be,” Dad insisted. “Are you going over to Jasper’s today? I’m helping him move some stuff in one of the storage rooms downstairs, so you can come with me if you like. I just need to help your mother in the glasshouse for a bit first, and then we can leave.”
“Sure, Dad. I’ll keep an eye on the serial pest for awhile if you like. Hey, squirt, want to help me do the dishes?”
“Can I wash, Nera? Can I?” He clapped his hands with excitement.
“Sure can, but you clean up the bubbles if you get them all over the floor this time.” I stacked the plates and took them to the sink.
“Thanks, honey,” Dad said. “You know how much he loves doing stuff with you. I know little brothers can be a pain, but we do appreciate it.”
“We will be out in the garden, Roman,” Mom told him. “When you are finished here, we will see if Mrs. Freeman is up and needing your help.”
I watched them go into the garden, hand in hand.
I’m so glad she told him herself. It’s not something that should have come from me.
I filled the sink with water while Roman squirted in way too much detergent as usual. “Look at all the bubbles I made, Nera.”
“Yeah, great, champ. Now let’s get cleaning and then you can go next door while I go learn some more magic.” No sooner were the words out of my mouth than I mentally kicked myself for letting that slip.
“Magic,” Roman copied me. “Nera’s going to go and learn magic.” He smiled up at me, his bright eyes so much like our mother’s, it pulled at my heart.
After we had finished the dishes, I cleaned up and helped Roman into his wellington boots and took him outside.
Dad was cleaning off the spade, and Mom was sorting out her seedlings from the glasshouse that Dad had built last year. Mom’s garden was one of her favorite pastimes, and both Roman and I had grown up with a deep respect for gardening and nature. We grow a lot of our own food and flowers. It had always been that way.
Part of the hippy culture, I mused to myself. I watched my parents with Roman sorting out seedlings for planting. Roman was going to grow up to be just like our mother, I was sure of it. He had the same earnest, gentle soul that she had. Nothing was ever too much trouble to either of them. Not that I was unlike my mother, but I tended to be more stubborn like my father. I wanted to wrap Roman in a big protective blanket, but this big sister mustn’t show too much emotion toward her little brother, even though I would die for him. Jasper’s words came back to me.
“Don’t change anything you do.”
I’ll just have to keep at him the way I normally do. When this was over, things would change. You can be sure of that. Never again would I take anything for granted. Not family, nor friends. Brie could take anything she wanted from my closet, not a big deal. To lose any of them would be just too hard to bear.
CHAPTER SEVEN
I looked over at the big tree in the back yard beside Roman’s sandpit. The leaves were heavy now that its branches and flowers were in full bloom. Spring had been good this year, and I could still smell the freshness in the garden with the rain on it. I imagined dumping the dew that clung to the leaves in a heap in the sand, making my own waterfall. I saw it in my mind and called it into being. The breeze picked up and swirled around the tree, making its way up the trunk. I smiled as the drops rained down to form puddles in Roman’s tracks.
I sensed eyes on me and looked up to see my father watching me with a confused smile on his face.
