by Mazhar, S
“Mike,” Kate breathed with relief, before embracing her brother. “Thank Heavens. I was so worried.”
“I’m not the one you should be worrying about,” Michael said. “Everything okay, Kate? So far, I mean?”
Kate nodded. As Michael walked in, Aaron noted the two duffel bags in his hands. His uncle dropped them and walked over to envelop him in a crushing hug.
“How you doing, kiddo?” he asked.
“Fine,” Aaron replied.
Michael moved into the living room. He glanced around before turning to Kate. “Chris?”
“He’s talking to Drake,” Kate replied.
A small smile came to Michael’s face. “Drake. Damn, I’d almost forgotten about him.” He ran a hand through his short hair and sat down with a sigh. “Anyone else here?”
“Not from our crowd,” Kate replied.
“Your crowd?” Aaron asked before he could help it.
Kate looked around at him, pausing slightly before replying, “Old acquaintances.”
Aaron clicked his mouth shut. If he was going to get vague answers, he wasn’t going to bother asking her anything. He would speak to his dad instead.
Kate turned back to her brother. “I trust you took care of everything?”
Michael grimaced. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “It’s done.”
Kate straightened up, but Aaron could see the grief in her features. “Thank you,” she replied tightly.
Michael only nodded before he got to his feet. He walked to the bags in the hall and picked them up. He handed both to Aaron. “Here.”
Aaron took them. “What’s in them?” he asked, feeling their weight.
“Your stuff,” Michael replied. “Clothes and shoes. Your friends’ things are in the other one.”
Aaron snapped his head up to look at him. “You went into their house?”
“I thought they’d like some of their things,” Michael replied. “It’s nothing special, just a few items of clothing and...and a few pictures from their mantel.” He dropped his gaze. “They didn’t get to attend their parents’ funeral. The least I could do is get them their family photos.”
Aaron didn’t say anything. He glanced down at the bags before looking up at him with a frown. “Won’t everyone notice that the Masons are missing?” he asked. “Us too, for that matter?”
Michael looked uncomfortable. He shared a look with Kate, before replying. “As far as that world is concerned, we’re all missing.”
“Missing?” Aaron repeated. “That’s it? We’re missing?” He looked across at his mum. “Sam and Rose have family. Grandparents, aunts, cousins.” His voice rose slightly. “They’re going to be looking for them.”
“They can look,” Kate replied quietly, “but they’ll never find them.”
Aaron’s mouth fell open in shocked disgust. “Mum?”
“I feel for them,” Kate said. “Really, I do. But there are countless people that vanish without a trace, never to be found again.” Her expression stayed the same, coldly indifferent, but her eyes betrayed her turmoil. “Sooner or later, their family will learn to live with it. I don’t like it, but there’s no other choice. Samuel and Rosalyn cannot go back to that world. It’s not safe for them.”
Aaron’s stomach tightened with anger. He didn’t say another word but turned, making his way upstairs, shuffling the heavy bags through the narrow doorway. He was halfway up the stairs, well out of earshot, when Michael turned to his sister.
“Don’t worry,” he placated. “He’ll understand eventually.”
Kate nodded. “Yeah,” she replied, sighing unhappily. “Eventually.”
Michael moved towards her, his eyes dark and mournful. He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a small wooden box. Kate’s eyes widened at the sight.
“Mike,” she gasped. She moved forward and took the box from him. “How’d you...you knew about this?”
Michael nodded. “Chris told me,” he explained. “I couldn’t leave it behind.”
Kate pressed her lips together tightly, to bite back her tears. Her hand caressed the box and, despite her struggle, a stifled sob escaped her. She looked up at her brother and nodded. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Michael wrapped an arm around her, holding his sister close as she cried silently against his shoulder.
***
Aaron knocked on the door, shifting from one foot to the other, his fingers clutched tightly around the straps of the duffel bag. There was no answer but Aaron knew Sam and Rose were inside. With a deep breath, Aaron opened the door. Sam was next to the window while Rose was sitting on the bed, knees drawn to her chest and head resting on them. Aaron paused at the threshold, staring at her tear-soaked face and red-rimmed eyes. His heart twisted.
“Uncle Mike,” he started. “He...um...he brought some of your...stuff.” He held up the bag.
Neither Sam nor Rose moved, or said a single word. They simply stared at either him or the bag. Aaron lowered it gently to the floor and straightened up. His mouth was dry, voice choked. What could he say? How could he even phrase his apology? Sorry I ruined your lives? Even the thought of saying something so utterly useless made Aaron feel sick. No matter what he said, no matter how he said it, it was never going to be enough. Nevertheless, he couldn’t stop himself.
“I’m sorry,” he said, before backing out of the room and closing the door.
He was right. It was not enough. Not by a long shot.
***
“Any idea where I’ll find him?”
Drake glanced at Chris before bringing the bottle to his lips and taking a large gulp. “I already told you, I don’t know,” he replied. “No one knows where Neriah is.” He glared at Chris. “And you’re risking everything to seek him out, you do know that?”
“I do,” Chris replied quietly, “but I have to see him.”
“Chris.” Drake put the bottle down and turned in his seat to face him. “You don’t know what it’s like. It’s ten times worse than before.” His brow creased, heavy with concern. “Raoul is still looking for you. The minute he hears you’re back, he’ll come for you with all he’s got. And with Aaron here...” He paused and took a deep breath. “You need to leave. Take your family, go back to the human realm and stay there – for good.”
Chris sat for long, silent minutes before turning to look at Drake. “I spent fourteen years in the human realm,” he said. “I did what I had to, to keep my family safe, but I wasn’t happy, not for one single day. Neither was Kate and the both of us made Aaron miserable. All for what? In the name of safety?” He shook his head, face twisted with grief. “A lot of good that did. Because of us, because of our war, two innocent kids have lost their family, their parents, their home. All because we happened to live on the same street as them.”
“It’s not your fault–”
“Who you kidding?” Chris asked sharply. “Of course it’s my fault!” He stopped and forced out a breath, fighting to remain calm. He leant back to rest against the sofa. “I should have told Aaron the truth. He would have stayed away from the humans if he knew–”
“It’s done now,” Drake cut in. “Stop worrying about others and focus on what’s going to happen to you.” His tone sharpened. “There’s no knowing what Neriah will do.”
“Neriah can do what he likes,” Chris said quietly. “He’s well within his right.”
“What about your rights?” Drake asked. “You’re not just an average mage, Chris. You’re an Elemental too. You’re just as important as Neriah.”
“That doesn’t matter now,” Chris said.
“Of course it matters!” Drake snapped. “If you want to face Neriah and survive, you’d better change your attitude!” He lapsed into a strained silence, before slowly shaking his head. “For God’s sake, Chris,” he whispered, “what are you doing? Coming back here is like signing your life away. If not Raoul, then Neriah will destroy you.” His dark eyes narrowed, filled with worry. “Please, go from here. Take
your wife and your son and leave. Hide out and live your life. Forget about Neriah and this realm, please. I’m begging you.”
“I tried living like that,” Chris said, before taking a deep, steadying breath. “Neriah will hear me out, I know he will. After I’ve spoken to him, he can do what he likes. I don’t really care.” He looked across at Drake. “But I know Neriah will protect Aaron and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.” His green eyes sharpened. “As for Raoul.” A slight growl underlined the name. “I hope he comes for me. In fact, I’m counting on it.”
Drake looked away, choosing to stare at the door rather than the quietly seething Chris. After a few tense minutes, he spoke. “I heard something about Ragdad,” he said unhappily. “It’s rumoured Neriah was staying there for a while.” He shrugged. “It’s worth a visit.”
Chris nodded. “Thanks.” He paused for a moment, his fingers nervously tapping against a glass bottle. “I was thinking...I want to go home first.”
Drake turned to him with a frown. “Why?” he asked.
With great effort, Chris looked up to meet his eyes. Understanding flooded Drake’s expression and he shook his head. “Chris–”
“I know,” Chris said, nodding as he focused his sight on the half empty bottle and not Drake. “I know but...I just...It’s been fourteen years. I need to see them, both of them.”
“Did you...” Drake faltered. “Did you ever see Alex in the human realm?”
“No,” Chris replied, his eyes sliding shut and his brow furrowing, as if in pain. “I expected to. I went to the usual places, stayed there for hours at a time, hoping to see him passing but...” He trailed off, swallowing heavily.
Drake nodded before taking a longer gulp of his drink. “If you’re staying in this realm, then you need to first go and meet Neriah.” He looked up at him. “Everything else has to wait.” He swallowed heavily, his eyes dark with grief. “Alex and...and Ben, both have to wait.”
Chris closed his eyes, but gave a small, resigned nod. They lapsed into silence, both men lost in their own troubled thoughts.
***
When Chris came back to the cottage, it was well into the night. Aaron was fast asleep, tucked up in the bed Kate had spent a good two hours cleaning. Chris found his wife standing at the bedroom door, her eyes fixed on their sleeping son.
“We’re leaving, aren’t we?” she asked without turning to him.
“Yes,” Chris replied.
She nodded, her blue-eyed gaze still on Aaron. “We’re not taking him with us?”
Chris paused before forcing the word out. “No.”
Kate turned around at last, meeting his eyes. Slowly, she shook her head. “I don’t know if I can leave him,” she whispered. “I haven’t lived a day without him.”
Chris walked over to his wife, holding her gently by the shoulders.
“Have I?” he asked.
Kate moved into his arms and closed her eyes, breathing out a difficult sigh. Chris stared at his sleeping son. He tightened his hold around Kate. “You stay with him,” he said.
Kate pulled back, looking up at him. “You really think I would do that?” she asked. “Let you and Michael face Neriah and take all the blame?”
“Maybe that would be better–”
“Chris.” Kate stopped him. “All of us made that decision,” she said quietly. “All of us will face the consequences.”
Chris leant down, capturing her lips in a soft, gentle kiss. He pulled away and held her close to his chest. “What about Aaron?” he asked.
“He’ll have to understand,” Kate said. “There’s no other choice.”
“He’s going to be so mad at us for leaving,” Chris said with a heavy heart.
Kate closed her eyes, forcing the burning tears to stay back. “I know,” she breathed, “but I would rather have him angry and alive, than fighting for his life.”
***
The morning rays shone brightly into the room, warming Aaron’s face and stirring him gently from his slumber. Aaron groaned and moved his face away, burying it under the duvet. But it was too late; he was already awake. Lifting his head, Aaron squinted in the daylight, looking around the room. Yawning, he got up and out of bed.
He dug through the bag Michael had brought him and found his toothbrush and a set of his own clothes. A quick shower later, Aaron made his way downstairs. He went into the living room, expecting to see his parents whispering suspiciously with each other again. He was surprised to find the room empty. He frowned.
“Mum?” he called. “Dad? Uncle Mike?”
He went back upstairs, to the third and last bedroom. He knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Opening the door, Aaron found the room empty. Frowning, Aaron headed to the front door. Maybe they were having breakfast. Aaron stepped outside into the dazzling sunlight. His sweeping gaze didn’t find his parents at the table. Feeling a sense of dread building, Aaron hurried beyond the fence, looking up and down the street, but he couldn’t spot them anywhere. He noticed Jason Burns walking back to his cottage.
“Mr Burns!” he called. “Hey, wait!” Aaron ran towards him.
“Li’l Adams.” Jason grinned, coming to a stop. “How yeh this mornin’?”
“Yeah, fine. Do you know where my mum and dad are?” Aaron asked. “Or Uncle Mike?”
Jason stuck out his bottom lip and shook his head. “No’ a clue.” He grinned again. “They no’ run off again, ’ave they?”
“Run off?” Aaron asked and his heart skipped a beat. “Again?”
Jason chuckled, his small eyes alight with amusement. “I’m jus’ teasin’.” He laughed. “They’ll be around ’ere somewhere.”
Aaron watched as the man turned and disappeared into his cottage. “Around, somewhere,” he repeated under his breath. “Thanks, that helps,” he grumbled, turning around and almost running into someone. He stumbled back. “Oh, sorry!”
“It’s alright.” Drake smiled back. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” Aaron replied. “I’m just...I was looking for my mum and dad. Have you seen them?” He figured Drake would know where his dad was at the very least. He had spent the entire day with him yesterday.
“Actually, yeah,” Drake replied, looking uncomfortable all of a sudden. “They left, about three hours ago.”
Aaron stared at him. “Excuse me?”
“They left,” Drake replied, his expression morose. “They...they left this for you.” He held out a folded piece of paper.
Feeling like the bottom of his stomach had dropped out, Aaron took it, unfolding the paper quickly. He recognised his mum’s neat writing.
Dear Aaron,
I know this will come as a shock and I apologise for that. I also know you will be very upset with us after reading this letter but unfortunately there is nothing I can do about that. There’s so much we have to tell you – about this realm, about us, about you – but it deserves a proper conversation, not a letter. So you will have to forgive us for leaving you with so little information. Be assured that once we return, we will offer you a full explanation – that is a promise. For now, please accept this brief note.
Aaron, before you were born, your father, uncle and myself had to leave this realm. The reason can’t and shouldn’t be disclosed in a letter. Just understand that the situation was such that we had no choice. But with every decision comes a consequence. We all have to answer for our actions and we can’t do that if you’re with us.
We have left you in the safety of Salvador so no harm can come to you. You are protected as long as you stay in Salvador. If you came with us, your life would be endangered.
We’ve entrusted your care to Drake Logan. He is a good family friend, Aaron. He will look after you until we return. Take care of yourself, and Samuel and Rosalyn. We will see you soon, darling.
We love you.
Mum and Dad
Aaron looked up from the letter, his heart thudding so fast it felt like it was going to beat its way out of his chest.
He looked up at Drake, a stranger he knew nothing about bar his name. He stared at the letter again, trying to come to grips with what had happened.
His parents were gone.
His uncle was gone.
They had left him.
They had left him completely alone in a world he knew nothing about.
6
Bonds of Friendship
Time passed in a slow, dreary manner, with Aaron doing nothing more than sitting at the front door for most of the day. He watched the happenings of the village with quiet, curious eyes. Every morning, he saw the petite blonde, Mary Collins, carry baskets of either eggs or fruit to the Stove. He saw groups of people, some as young as him, bustle in and out of the kitchen. The table was set and breakfast was served. It was at this point that Drake would stand at the table and look around for Aaron, gesturing to him to join them.
Aaron always got up and sat next to Drake to eat in silence. The rest of the people would chatter, glancing surreptitiously at him every so often, but no one spoke to him. Afterwards, Aaron would fill two plates with food and take them into the cottage for Sam and Rose. Wordlessly, Aaron would open the door and put the plates onto the small dresser and leave. He did the same for lunch and dinner, and so far Sam and Rose hadn’t said anything to him, but quietly ate what was brought for them. Aaron would then go back and sit by the front door, watching the people carry baskets of fruit and vegetables from the fields to the cold room, or come back from the lake with nets full of fish. He watched them for three days.
Three days. That’s how long it had been since his parents and uncle left him in Salvador. Aaron still couldn’t believe they had gone. His parents – the same people who couldn’t give him two minutes of privacy. The parents who demanded to know where he was every second of the day. His uncle who doted on him and would always fight on his behalf. The very same people who had been so overly protective of him had left him completely alone.
