“Creamer?”
“Yeah, I’ll get it. I forget you don’t take it black,” I responded. Then opened the fridge door, and rummaged around till I found it pushed behind the orange juice. I shut the door. Then slide it next to her along with a spoon I’d grabbed off the countertop.
“Thanks,” she replied, stirring it into the mug.
We had just sat down and had begun sipping our drinks when we heard a click, click clock. The door to the kitchen from the back opened and in walked Starla.
Chapter 3
(Starla)
“Hey,” I hollered opening the back door. Stepping into the room my eyes fell on my father seated next to my mom at the dining room table. She was distraught. I pushed the door shut behind me. The coffee smell wafted into my nostrils. I grabbed a cup from the cupboard and poured myself some before joining them at the table.
“Mom, you Ok?” I asked, reaching out for her hand. She took it, squeezed, then pulled her hand away.
“Your dad and I were discussing a few things. It would be nice, for Cal and Eva to come over for pancakes soon. Dad mentioned Cal wouldn’t shut up about them. It’s about time they let her loose for a few hours.”
Sipping my black gruel I nodded. “This needs creamer,” I complained. Mom pushed some over to me, and I poured it into my drink. “It’s weird. Today, after Molly and I had our hair styled, my stomach tightened in the realization that Cal wasn’t going to the dance with us. After all, these obstacles that occurred leading up to this moment. I realized if she hadn’t been, taken she’d almost certainly be a part of my crowd. It’s daunting, how I took for granted, what I’ve had. If I’d only known.” I frowned.
“Don’t, Cal will be back. You two will catch up, and reconnect. It’ll take time for sure. Your ties, however, are not forever severed. Focus on tonight,” suggested my father. He gently placed a kiss on my mother’s forehead.
“Alright,” I agreed. Something was definitely, bothering mom. I downed the rest of my coffee and then got up, washing out my mug in the sink.
“No one is going to comment on my purple hair?” I asked, placing my cup in the rack to dry. “Usually, I’d get all kinds of parental sass about being an adult,” I commented turning towards them.
My mother sauntered up to me and placed her hands on my shoulders. “Soon, you’ll have many more responsibilities to bear. For now, I want you to indulge in frivolous fun. Besides, I’m sure Don will do enough ranting once your back at the diner,” she gloated.
“Fudge, I never gave that a second thought.”
My dad chuckled. “Don’t worry, and if he gives you hell just ask him about the time he got beard hair in someone’s scrambled eggs! He started wearing a beard net that looked ridiculous until he finally gave in and shaved it off. I’m sure he has worse things to deal with than a waitress with purple hair,” he acknowledged.
“Thanks, dad,” I said, walking over to him. His arms reached out and pulled me into a hug.
“Always my Star, Starla.”
I pulled away. “Remember dad, I am a grown up,” I said and punched his shoulder.
My mom strolled over to the table, picking up dad’s empty coffee cup. Then put the creamer back into the refrigerator. “You two, come on, play nice. I’m going to pick up Megan at Carol’s. Then I’d like to get pictures of you and your friends before you leave. Is Jensen bringing Molly?”
“He was going to bring Maine and meet Molly and me here. That was until Mr. Fretner decided he needed to meet Maine before the dance,” I said rolling my eyes.
“So you and Jensen want to be her back up?” asked my dad.
“She needs us in case it doesn’t go well. We’re not going to beat him down or push our own ideals on him.
“I’m hopeful that when he sees them together, it will open his heart to accept who his daughter is,” I declared.
“Fair enough, be careful,” my dad advised.
“Mrs. Fretner is rational. As for Mr. Fretner, I’ve never gotten good vibes from that man,” my mother added, as my father neared the kitchen exit.
“Where’s Fritz?”
“Around here somewhere, he’s probably chewing on that bone your sister gave him this morning. Now your father has to go back to do some work for Cavin. Me, I’m going to reclaim your sister.”
“Mom, you realize she and Carol, are attached at the hip. It’s a tween thing,” I sighed.
“I’m just glad she hasn’t got a boyfriend yet. For now, it’s only you and Jensen I need to be concerned about,” she retorted.
“Bye Mom, Dad,” I said, waving them off. After they had shut the door behind them, I turned to the hallway to head upstairs.
I shut the door to my room, letting my hand fall on the grainy door. My eyes caught sight of the poster above my bed of a red fox. Mom had bought it for me soon after the mission. She’d said it looked a lot like me. I wasn’t sure, but it did make me feel akin to my clan. I crawled over to my bed and pulled myself up onto it. Afterward, I sat cross-legged in meditation form. Maybe I could conjure up my spirit guide fox. If not, perhaps speak to Cal. I closed my eyes, imagining the field of wild corn, or hay, desiring escape. Not once had I been permitted to transform since the mission. Drifting off into my own mental world, I ran, in my desired body.
I’d gone pretty far out into the nothingness until out of the air a fox jumped in front of me. At first, I thought it was her, Amare my spirit guide. No, Nayla. She paced around me in a circle not allowing me to pass into the next field beyond.
“You’re not supposed to be here,” she warned.
“I can’t take it anymore. I have to adjust. Plus, you never told me not to meditate. You can’t expect me to hide this part of myself til you’re ready to use it,” I nagged.
Nayla nudged me, “It’s not about controlling you. In a few weeks, you’ll be training. When you illuminate yourself here, you’re vulnerable to other entities. You could open a portal for them to enter into. If you’re not careful, they could invade this sacred place.”
“What? People and creatures can just enter my mind!” I exclaimed.
“Shh, settle,” she whispered soothing me. “You just need to be taught how to keep them out. Guard your thoughts when you’re meditating. If you’re calling for someone, you must be able to identify them on the cusp of their entrance. You have to know how to lure the approved spirits into your space. That’s all. Now I need you to go back. Get ready for the dance. Enjoy yourself Starla. Let Jensen sweep you off your feet. Just be, for once relax! Cal is fine,” she ordered.
“You knew, about my thoughts, my feelings today?” I cowered back, ready not merely to run, but to open my eyes. I expected that here I could feel tranquility before the butterflies in my chest, Jensen at my side, and Molly. It would be the first time I met Maine.
“Hey. It will be, fine. I’m only cautioning you. It’s my job to shield you from harm. After tonight, if you yearn to run in fox form come see me. OK? We’ll start training. Just get me a schedule to work around. You were supposed to have downtime,” she instructed me.
“I have to keep advancing into this role. Simply put, I cannot just disengage from what you’ve taught me so far. These few weeks I’ve been running in the park, concentrating on Jone’s class, finishing up my math and lit class. My brain feels like this growing orb about ready to burst!”
“So have fun tonight. Besides, Dan told me you still have a few weeks left of classes.”
She was right. One week each of Math and lit, then I had to make it till May 1st for Jones, really retiring from college.
“No, don’t give Tri something else to hold over my head Starla, not now. Please,” Nayla pleaded. I could hear in her voice the desire for pity.
“I never meant to place you in the middle. This static situation with your mom is making it difficult. Currently, we’re trying to gain back her trust. That’s all I can convey to you for now. Please let us take care of you. Now go,” she hissed.
My eyes flu
ttered open. I rubbed my sweaty palms on the bedspread. Ah, still a human. Strange, that had not gone over as I’d expected. Heck, I hadn’t planned on meeting Nayla there. Jumping up from my bed, I slide onto the floor towards the dresser. Once I reached it, I proceeded to pull out my nylons to go with my dress. I laid them on my bed. Then pulled my princess attire for the evening out of my closet. I slammed it shut, and stood in front of the mirror admiring myself with my dress held up against me. For a second, I was in awe imagining Jensen’s face light up as he saw me in it.
Chapter 4
(Dan)
The training grounds appeared barren. This is where he wanted us to meet, wasn’t it? I checked my watch and discovered it wasn’t quite three O’clock. Starla would already be primping for the dance. It almost felt like she was going to prom all over again, not that I had been there. Missed moments in Starla’s life now swept over me like a rain cloud. Had I been a good father? Was I protecting her? Had it been worth it?
“Ah contemplating the good father card again, I suppose,” said Kaya strolling out of the dining hut. “We were just finishing a late lunch. Have you eaten?” she asked, taking my arm.
“I had coffee with Tri. I guess I could eat if it’s not too much trouble. Wasn’t Cavin supposed to meet me here? Is everything alright?”
“Let’s go into the dining hall. We’ll discuss the issues boggling our minds at this point. Nayla is trying to stall them so that Starla Ariana can finish up her math and lit classes.”
I nodded. We continued on our way to the building. Kaya opened the door for me, and I followed. We passed the meditation room, hall of pictures, and entered the dining room. Cavin, Lance, Shellena, and Nayla sat at a round table with a few plates of food left. It appeared as if the rest had been cleaned up.
“Are the kits gone for the day?” Kaya inquired as we took our seats.
“They left to go hunting. Eva and Star are with them currently,” Cavin stated.
“Help yourself to something to eat Dan,” said Kaya, pushing over a plate with a few turkey sandwiches on it.
I took two of them, and then filled a glass with some water from a pitcher on the table. “How are things with our prisoners? Are they behaving themselves?” I began to munch on the sandwich in front of me and tried not to eat too quickly.
Nayla hopped up onto the chair beside me, “Gavin keeps trying to harm himself. Sika is a mess. He’s been attempting spells that have only backfired, causing himself harm. We’ve made sure there is nothing in their cells. The Gladiator, he’s not saying or doing much. Odd, since he’s the toughest one of the group. Minder has been staying with Nuria and Cal. She’s been helpful at keeping the lot of them from destroying our current hold setup.”
“Has anyone heard anything from Rascal? This trial to take place is about his son,” I stated, setting down my water glass now empty.
“He’s been by to see Nuria a few times. He hasn’t had any contact with the bandits concerning Martin. We thought it best not to rile up the captives til the actual trial. He’s pretty much in agreement with this decision,” answered Cavin.
“Good idea,” Lance spoke up.
“You’ve both been awfully quiet on this matter. What are your concerns?” Kaya directed, at Lance and Shellena.
“Once on trial how are we going to get them to talk? We can’t force them by implementing spells. It’s against the code unless we’re in battle,” Shellena noted.
“Bargaining often works, If they give up who killed Martin they’ll receive immunity from death and banishment,” Nayla suggested.
“That’s way too simple and easy,” shouted Shellena. “You cannot let them off the hook without giving them a sentence. Wake up, River Rogue! All that they did to Star’s family, our ancestors. We can’t let them live!”
“Shellena, we do not execute. If we did, we’d be bringing ourselves to their level,” Cavin interjected. “The dilemma we're facing is what should we do after the hearing.”
“We cannot keep them as our prisoners. Starla suggested she wanted to go after these scientists. Perhaps they would be of some help with that. If so, they may be useful to keep around,” Nayla admitted.
“These creatures are not exactly the agreeable type. Shellena and Lance. You have the ability to control others. Manipulation is it something you’d consider doing,” I questioned.
Shellena let out a long sigh, “It’s not an ability we mess with given that it’s easy to get caught up in the vanity of it.”
“What she means is we’re sometimes driven, by needs. It can easily be misused. I’d consider it only if there are no other options,” Lance muttered.
“So, Cavin, who do you, have in mind from our tribe, or neighboring clan to handle the questioning? You know we do need a lawyer,” I blurted.
Kaya took Cavin’s hand, and they both directed their eyes at me.
“Oh no, I am no lawyer. I’m an investigator or better yet a detective, not an attorney,” I affirmed.
“It may be, but I cannot see Mike questioning these monsters. The wolves across the way may be able to sit in as a jury. I don’t expect you’d want to involve the human community. Tri is reluctant still to join us?” Cavin inquired.
I ran my hands over the table cloth smoothing it out a bit and exhaled. “Tri is hesitant to re-connect with us. Cavin, what am I suppose to do? I just want to go home and be with my family.” I struggled to keep the tears away. Nayla nudged my hand, and I gently pushed her nose away from me.
“Did she give you any demands? Wives usually ask for things or make suggestions. What did she say, when you spoke?” asked Kaya.
“She wants you to let Cal and Eva (Kristine) out of their seclusion so they can join us for pancakes,” I admitted.
Shellena laughed, “Is that all?”
“It’s about earning her trust again. That’s all I could gather from our conversation. I’m not sure what she’s afraid. The bandits are in our custody. Step by step she’s letting me in, but the floodgates have yet to open,” I replied.
“What do you mean by that?” Lance complained.
“She’s not in one-hundred percent. Not with the clan, nor with our relationship. I can tell she’d like to be, but as I said she’s afraid of something. One is of losing Starla, to being a guardian. I’ve had to reassure her that she’s safe here.”
“That’s logical,” Cavin commented.
“Well, I should go get the hunters. Star and Eva could use a break. Nuria, Minder, and Cal are off at her cabin if you want to stop by there. I’m sure Cal will be thrilled to get out of hibernating for a day,” Kaya remarked.
“Where’s Eva staying? Cal and her, they aren’t, connecting?” I countered.
“No one is feuding. Cal’s lived with Nuria for a long time now. Eva understands, and they’re getting on well. Now go!” Kaya ordered him.
I got up from my seat and noticed Shellena and Lance clearing off the table. “We’ll see you later, Dan. You did get enough to eat?” asked Shellena.
“Yes. Thank you,” I replied, stuffing my hands in my pockets.
I strolled back to my car from the training area. I hadn’t been planning on a trip out to Nuria’s today. I’d hoped to get to see Starla all dressed up. Jensen! I put my hand up to my forehead. He should have been present for our meeting.
I’d have to fill him in later. I’d told the boy he would be aiding with the trial. Now I wasn’t sure it had been the best idea. It seemed like a good plan at the time. We’d just captured the bandits; Tri was finally starting to see me as part of our family again. Megan was optimistic about her mother and our future together. It was her eyes that gave it all away, beaming every time I showed up or stepped into the room. Tri I sensed wanted us together, but was conflicted by her own issues regarding the clan, or was it me? I shook it off, reminding myself that she allowed my affections towards her this afternoon.
My car was the last one left in the parking lot. Earlier, after I’d arrived, I’d seen a few people pi
cnicking. I guess they supposed it was safe during the day. I unlocked my car door, opened it, and sat down. If I timed it right, I could make it back by six. That would be just in time to see Starla and her friends head out to the dance. If not, Tri would take pictures. I’d yet to see those of her prom. I turned the key in the ignition. Then flipped on the radio to the oldies pulling out of the parkway. Should I have phoned them first? Did they even have a cell phone? I shrugged it off. I’d better just get.
Chapter 5
(Starla)
The door to my room creaked open. “Starla,” my sister said, peering in.
“Hey, how was your day with Carol?” I picked up my purse off of the dresser. Then turned to face her leaning against my bureau.
“It was OK. We scoped out some new items at the mall. I found a cute pair of earrings at Claire’s. Then we hit up the food court. Let me tell you, a few of the boys hanging out by Taco Bell were pretty adorable. Eighth graders,” she added, then grinned. She reminded me of the Cheshire cat from Alice in wonderland.
“Do you suppose any of them are worth getting to know?” I asked, standing up straight. I walked over to the bed and sat down.
“Maybe, I’d hang out with one or two of them first.”
“What about that boy, Chaz? The one I met at the Great Expectations film. Do you still like him?”
Megan flopped down beside me on the bed. “He’s decided to go out with this chic, Shell. I’m not sure how long they’ll last, though.” Megan rolled her eyes. “She’s been playing him. He gives her gifts, takes her out on the town, and treats her to the movies. Everyone sees it but him.” She confirmed, “It’s OK, I have Carol. We’re considering joining the drama club next year anyhow. It could be fun. Plus, I’d get to know some pretty sweet guys.”
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 2
