by S. E. Akers
Freakin’ YouTube “gold”…
After the shock of Charlotte’s new & improved demeanor had subsided, I continued to flip through the pages of the newspaper until found the section I both wanted and hated to read. The Obituaries.
Even though Harper Riverside was featured in an article on the front page, he was mentioned here briefly as well. The next name to follow alphabetically and rightfully so, was Katherine Julia Stowell. I took a deep breath as I started to read the write-up her parents had submitted.
While my eyes traveled over the words in Katie’s tribute, my teardrops fell onto the rough paper, causing the harsh black ink to bleed. It spoke about the life she had lived and went on to list all of her accomplishments throughout her mere seventeen years. Then it detailed her dreams and aspirations: the things she wanted to do in life and all the places she wanted to see. I knew more than anything that Katie didn’t want to stay in Welch to run her family’s store. She had never told her parents anything of the sort, because it would have hurt them deeply. Katie’s passing prevented her worst fear from happening, though her parents ended up broken-hearted anyway. That too, was bittersweet. My bosom friend had told me just last week that, “her body would never see the hallowed grounds of Welch”. I hated that her wish wouldn’t come true.
The obituary closed with a listing of surviving family members. Katie was an only child, but she had several aunts and uncles, as well as a slew of cousins scattered around the country. Most of them were from around the New York City area. I gasped at the next line. An amethyst the size of a house couldn’t dam up the river that was about to flow from my sad blue eyes. It read:
Lastly, she is survived by Shiloh Wallace of
Welch, West Virginia, the best bosom friend,
and closest thing to a real sister she ever had.
Her mom remembered. I’d thought about that just last night. My favorite memory. I never dreamed it would have been on Mrs. Stowell’s mind as well. Funny how the random things we do as children are unknowingly noticed by our parents and treasured in their minds just as much as they are in our own.
Overwhelmed with sorrow, I ripped out Katie’s section and ran upstairs. I didn’t dry my eyes. I decided to wait and let the water from my shower wash away my tears. This bout of grief was going to be just as hard as Daddy’s, maybe harder. I knew what Beatrix had said at the hospital was true. I’d have done the same thing for her, and I wouldn’t have let her stop me either. It was ultimately Katie’s choice. I knew if my bosom friend were here, she would probably smack me for even thinking about crying around the house all day over her. I’ll compromise. Only half the day…and then from there, I’ll just have to play it by ear. I’d shed so many tears I was becoming a pro at it. There were still plenty that needed to fall for my father as well. My “new life” had served as a band-aid, covering my feelings temporarily, but it was time to rip it off. I needed to let the sorrow bleed out naturally. I was going to have to face this head-on. No distractions and no amethyst. If I could get away with it.
I whisked up the bathroom blinds as soon as I hopped out of the shower. The sun was rising, and it looked like it was going to be another picturesque fall day — a cloudless blue sky, a crisp breeze whirling all around, and the last of the colorful leaves falling from the trees. I couldn’t count on many more of them. Winter was just around the corner. This might be the last magical fall day. I couldn’t ignore it and pretend nothing would change. I certainly couldn’t shy away from it or shut it out. I’d taken a lot of things for granted lately. I’d shut Katie out of my life this past week and ignored her friendship, selfishly, just so I wouldn’t have to face my grief. I never dreamed the few last memories of my father would be of him flipping pancakes in the kitchen or in the bed of his truck, gasping for air. I’d even taken a pass on several opportunities with Ty. Daddy had once commented, “I don’t know which saddens fate more? A moment not appreciated or a chance not taken.” I could feel those words being etched in my mind as I stared out the window. I couldn’t take anything else for granted ever again — starting with this day. I didn’t want to miss a second of it.
I won’t, I thought as I dried off and hurried back to my room, determined and raring to greet it.
I had to get moving. I’d left the hospital in such a fit that I’d forgotten to ask Beatrix when she was leaving. I wanted to see her off, and I needed to apologize to Tanner. I was pretty rough on him last night. I’d taken both Ty’s memory loss and Katie’s death out on him. After all, I chose this. The diamond wand knew it and so did I. This “choice” was something I’d promised myself that I would never regret.
In the midst of rushing to get dressed, I almost tripped on the legs of my jeans. I passed on all of my college sweatshirts and opted for a taupe, fitted shirt that was a little more feminine. I did pause to throw on a little make-up. Katie would approve of that. She never left her house without it. I pulled my hair back into my trusty ponytail as I glanced down at the little pouch lying on my vanity. I picked up the bag and rolled the velvet fabric around in my hand for a moment as I stared at my reflection.
Katie hated my ponytail. Maybe I need to give it a rest? I removed my hair-band and gave my tresses a quick shake. I smiled and mused, Yeah . . . She would like that, too. I started to open the pouch when I heard the loud rolling engine of a motorcycle approaching the house. I placed the tiny velvet bag back on my vanity.
Tanner.
My smile widened as I slipped on my sneakers and headed out to meet him, with my humility in tow.
I spun back around in my doorway.
Crap! The wand! I’d almost forgotten it. Tanner had stressed the importance of keeping it on me at all times. I could just imagine the scowl on his face if I came bouncing outside without it.
When I pulled the wand out from under my bed, I happened to notice the transparent part of the platinum hilt that housed the diamond was glowing vehemently. Yeah, it’s still in there. I didn’t want to run out of the house waving it around in my hand, so I shoved it in the back pocket of my jeans. It was rather snug. I probably need to get some kind of holster for this thing…
A strange feeling came over me, so instinctively I reached back under my bed and grabbed my new moonstone. I can’t forget this either, I thought as I gave the shimmery stone a quick toss and then tucked it inside my front pocket. But that damn lapis lazuli can stay the Hell over in the corner where I threw it last night for all I care!
Though I flew down the stairs, I opted for a more casual amble once I’d opened the front door. I strolled out onto the front porch to find Tanner leaning against his Harley, all healed from his injuries and not surprisingly looking as fine as ever. I trotted down the steps and straightaway attempted my most sincere apology.
“Tanner, I’m so sor—”
He interrupted me. “That’s not necessary, Shiloh. You were dealing with a lot yesterday.”
Still embarrassed by my behavior, I shyly smiled back at him.
“Anyway,” Tanner continued, “I didn’t help matters by snapping at you the way I did…all day. You’ve handled yourself so well this past week…It’s easy to forget that all this is new to you, and that you still have a lot to learn. For that, I’m truly sorry.”
I’m sure my beaming smile expressed how relieved I felt. I noticed the leather saddlebags attached to the sides of his motorcycle seemed fuller, and there was a small duffle bag strapped down behind his seat.
“Are you going somewhere?” I questioned, hoping for any answer other than the obvious one.
“To Yardley, of course. I do have to get back to my classes.” He laughed and added, “Though I’m sure my students wouldn’t mind if I took a few more weeks off.”
“So you’re really leaving? This soon?” I tried to hide my disappointment as best I could.
He nodded freely.
I could feel myself getting flustered. “But…don’t I need more training? It’s not like I can run down to the library and check out
a book on any of this stuff,” I blurted.
Tanner seemed amused by my crestfallen state. “Yes. You do need more training. A lot of it. That’s why Bea’s staying in town. There’s no need for her to leave…now that the mine isn’t being sold, and that Lazarus has…hopped a train out of town, so to speak.” He smiled and added, “That reminds me. She wants you to come by today and help her unpack her things, since you already know where they go.” Tanner nudged me. “Don’t worry. The time will fly by. You won’t be preoccupied with a hidden agenda this time.” Tanner started rubbing one of his eyes, attempting to make a joke.
I flashed him a half-hearted smile. I couldn’t help but think of Ty. Being over at Bea’s today would certainly force me to think about him — THE ENTIRE TIME.
Mental note to self: Take the damn amethyst…just in case.
Tanner’s radar picked up on my sorrow. He stepped closer and wrapped his arm around me. I didn’t resist.
Tanner’s violet eyes softened. “Shiloh, you have many years ahead of you. The loss of a love, especially your first, is tough.” He gave me a tight squeeze. “He fell in love with you once. If it’s truly meant to be…he’ll do it again.”
I flashed him a lackluster smile. “Yeah. You’re right. It only took him eighteen years to do it the first time,” I countered cynically.
“Well, for some it happens instantly…but eighteen years is just a moment of time in our world.”
I let his comment roll around in my head for a bit. I needed to change the subject to something other than Ty. His statement did prompt a burning question of mine.
“Speaking of that…Are you ever going to tell me how old you are? You might as well fess up. After all, I know you predate the destruction of Pompeii, so you’re at least pushing 2000,” I replied as I batted my eyes knowingly.
Tanner grinned and shook his head. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you, but not today.” He let out a laugh. “See, that’s what I’ll miss…all of your intriguing questions.”
Just then, the front door swung open abruptly. Charlotte stepped onto the porch smiling, sporting an apron around her waist and waving a spatula in the air. I couldn’t help but giggle. At that moment, if someone were to have gilded her in gold, she would have looked like an ornamental topper on a “Mother-of-the-Year” trophy.
“Shiloh, sweetie,” Charlotte called out. “Brunch is about ready. Oh, you can invite your friend in, if you’d like.” She smiled and swiftly headed back into the house.
I turned to Tanner. “How long is that going to last?”
Tanner grinned and lowered his head. “About a week. Two, if you’re lucky.”
We laughed for a moment, but even Charlotte’s amusing situation couldn’t distract me from the fact that Tanner was leaving.
“When will I see you again?” I asked somewhat anxiously.
“Soon,” he assured.
“So, can I call you…on the stone?” I grinned.
Tanner looked away, trying to hide his amusement. He straightened his face. “Yes. That was a good one by the way,” he replied.
I gestured a bow. “Thank you.” Still downhearted about not seeing him everyday, my tone turned serious. “And you’ll answer me…Whenever I call?”
“I promise. I’ll answer all of your calls.” Tanner laughed. “Hey, I’m just glad you can’t text on it. You would drive me nuts.”
“A stone that made you feel better, ridded your body from toxins, let you talk telepathically…and let you text. Now that would be impressive,” I teased.
As our laughter dwindled down, we found ourselves in the midst of an awkward haze of silence. Tanner’s eyes popped open abruptly, and then he reached into the pocket of his black leather jacket.
“I have something for you,” he announced with a crafty gleam in his eye.
My smile widened, utterly intrigued.
“Close your eyes and hold out your right hand,” Tanner instructed as his hand remained inside his jacket.
I hesitated.
“Come on, come on. All little girls like surprises.”
“Not when you put it like that they don’t,” I snapped as I caved to his request. I waited with my eyes closed and my hand extended. Unexpectedly, he flipped my right hand around. The next thing I knew, something was being slid onto my ring finger. It had a strange, but familiar feel to it.
“Open them up,” Tanner said softly.
Dumbfounded, I opened my eyes to find my Welch High School class ring that I thought I’d misplaced. But something about it struck me as odd. For some reason, the clear acrylic stone looked different. Curiously, I rubbed my finger over its face. A vibrant light began to dance within the stone. It even emitted the same raw and robust energy as the diamond wand. Tanner had replaced my fake gem with a real one — a charged diamond. I was speechless.
“I saw it lying on your nightstand when I carried you home from the cave that night. I couldn’t stomach the thought of a Talisman walking around with a tacky hunk of synthetic crap on their finger. I hope you don’t mind. I started to use the diamond you gave me, but then I found that one when I went back to clean up your mess on the railroad tracks last night. I couldn’t resist. You must have dropped it. I cut and polished it myself. It was a diamond from Adamas, himself. The one Caiden wore around his neck. It was your father’s.”
I remained silent, still awestruck. I thought I’d lost it forever.
“Shiloh, what’s wrong?” Tanner inquired. “Isn’t it big enough?”
His jab about the diamond’s size snapped me out of my daze. “No, no. I’m just…floored, that’s all.” Not only was I bowled over by the grandeur of the gift, I was equally impressed with the thoughtfulness behind it. I forced back a tear that was starting to form. I smiled and gently squeezed his hand.
“Thank you, Tanner. It’s perfect.”
My touch must have triggered his emotional radar again. His normally cocky and playful demeanor took a serious turn as he held on to my hand.
“I know you’ve made your choice, but it’s normal to struggle with your destiny. It takes time for anyone to accept something wholeheartedly, especially when its been thrust upon them. With every day that passes, you’ll come to terms with what the future holds. I have faith in you,” he vowed.
My ears welcomed his words, however it still prompted the same old nagging question.
“Tanner, I still don’t know, why me? And, I’m not sure why the moonstone Talisman turned her eyes on me last night. I’m nothing to her. I’m just getting used to the diamond’s powers and now I have a lapis lazuli to deal with — that I didn’t want, and a moonstone from a strange Talisman who saved my life — oh, and not to mention, constantly having to worry about other Talismans out there trying to kill me. Quite frankly, it’s overwhelming…especially not knowing when a horrible memory will pop out of them,” I added fearfully as I thought about my new lapis lazuli. “I know I accepted this gift into my life, but I hope I have some control over how it unfolds. I’m worried that instead of these stones being a part of my life, they’ll force me to become a pawn in theirs.”
“Yes. When you claim another Talisman’s stone, their memories are a part you can’t fully control, but you must accept them. But they’re not always a burden, Shiloh. You can learn from them. They only reveal their memories when they sense you’re ready. Stones are like life…They never throw anything that you can’t handle, no matter how unbearable it may seem at the time. As far as the wand goes, just remember to trust its wisdom and above all, respect it. When the time is right, it will lead you on your path. But Shiloh, you won’t ever be alone on your journey. The Onyx will always be watching you. Now that he knows you reign over the wand completely, and that Seraphina has given you a moonstone, his attempts will be less frequent…but far more calculated I’m afraid. The Onyx has many faithful followers who will do his bidding, so you must always be cautious. And don’t forget…Ferrol is still out there somewhere with a hunger and taste for your scent. Always remem
ber that trouble is but a stone’s throw away.”
I gave Tanner a firm nod. I heard and understood everything he’d said, loud and clear.
“Now, listen to me and do exactly what I’m about to say. Keep your wand on you at all times. Do you have it on you?” Tanner questioned skeptically.
I turned around to flaunt the base of the wand’s hilt that was sticking out of the back pocket of my jeans and gave my rear a firm pat.
“Nice…” he replied playfully.
I wasn’t quite sure if he was referring to the clever place I’d stashed it or my ass?
“Only draw the wand when you’re prepared to use it. Its sole purpose for protecting the diamond’s power is to kill — not to intimidate — and it should only be used as a last resort. As long as you claim its power, you’re the only one who can summon the wand to emerge from its hilt. It’s imperative that you protect the wand from your enemies.” Tanner stressed, “Always be on guard and keep your identity a secret. As you’ve unfortunately already witnessed, it will end up complicating matters and could be detrimental to your existence.” Tanner added adamantly, “And don’t hand out your diamonds to just anybody.” He pointed his finger sternly. “And never, ever SELL THEM! You can’t afford for them to indirectly fall into the wrong hands. Your enemies would love to get their hands on them. Then you would become your own worst threat.”
The thought of selling them had never popped into my mind until he’d just mentioned it. However, what he said rang true. It was out of the question.
“I understand,” I pledged whole-heartedly.
“I hope you do,” he stated with a firm nod of his head. Tanner opened one of his saddlebags and pulled out what appeared to be a folder of some sort.
“There’s something else,” Tanner announced as he handed me the ivy green folder. There was an elaborate, golden embossed design on its cover that framed a cursive, capital “Y”. “Here. Sign this,” he ordered.
“What is it?” I asked as I opened the folder.
