The Choice

by Cindy Cipriano

  Calum looked at Hagen and read his thoughts.

  She’s right. At least about Daniel. If he would have stayed there another few weeks he would have received the talents anyway.

  That doesn’t mean now’s the right time, Calum answered.

  “Will you two stop it?” asked Laurel, exasperation in her voice.

  “Sorry,” said Calum. “It seems to be happening all the time even when I don’t try to read thoughts. We’ll get a better handle on it at school.”

  “Great. One more talent you can teach us when you get back,” said Laurel. “But for now let’s do this.”

  When Hagen reached for Laurel’s and Daniel’s hands, Calum accepted he had lost the argument. He had never deliberately disobeyed his parents or his granddad, and Calum felt guilty for what he was about to do. He tried to ignore the feeling as he sat on the grass with his friends and surrendered to Laurel’s wishes.

  “Okay, but remember, it takes Sidhe from three different clans to give the talents,” said Calum. “I’ll represent Aessea, and Hagen Tusatha. Maybe you’re right about Daniel. If so, he can represent Devil’s Peak. It might just work.” Calum secretly hoped it wouldn’t. That way he wouldn’t have to explain his actions to Kenzie and Gus later.

  “If this works, which clan will you choose?” asked Hagen.

  “If this works, it means Daniel already has the talents,” said Laurel. “I choose Devil’s Peak so we will be in the same clan.”

  “Okay then. Here goes nothing,” said Calum. He inhaled deeply, breathing in the lavender. He closed his eyes and, remembering the order of the words he had heard during his dad’s ceremony, began to speak the verse in a low voice. He was repeating it for the third time when his murmurs were cut short by a loud scream.

  “Get…away…from…my…children,” shouted a white-faced Andrea Werner, standing ten feet away.

  Kenzie bolted from the bookstore, a frantic look of worry on her face. She arrived just in time to see Andrea pulling Laurel and Daniel to their feet. “What is it?” Kenzie asked worriedly. “What happened?”

  “Fairies. Fairies took my son,” Andrea screamed in near hysterics. “Do you think I would be okay with this? Your son was…” She clutched her abdomen.

  “Andrea? Are you all right?” asked Kenzie.

  Andrea lurched forward, her hand still on her belly.

  “Mom,” yelled Laurel. “What’s wrong?”

  “The baby,” Andrea groaned. “Something’s happening.” Kenzie eased her to the ground. Andrea looked up and whispered, “I need to see a doctor.”

  “I’m calling for an ambulance.” Kenzie pulled her cell from her back pocket and quickly gave the details to the 911 operator. “They’re on the way.”

  Laurel and Daniel sat on the grass on either side of their mother. Laurel’s face was already soaked with tears.

  Calum’s mind turned toward the funeral dream. Oh please, no. Not this.

  Kenzie tucked her cell back into her pocket. “I just called Rob. He’ll meet you at the hospital,” she said, kneeling in front of her friend.

  Andrea moaned in response.

  Time seemed to both speed up and slow down. Calum hovered behind Andrea, unsure of how to help her, and this time passed quickly. But the time it took for the paramedics to arrive, that time stretched into forever.

  “Just a few more minutes, Andrea,” said Kenzie. “Hang in there.”

  Andrea’s eyes bored into Kenzie’s. “Get away from me and my children.”

  Kenzie stiffened as if stung by Andrea’s words. She stood and pulled Calum and Hagen away from the Werners.

  When the ambulance finally arrived, Andrea insisted Laurel and Daniel ride with her to the hospital. The paramedics relented and they were on their way to the emergency room within ten minutes of Andrea’s collapse. Kenzie drove close behind, with Calum and Hagen in the back seat. Calum replayed the scene over and over in his mind. He wished he had listened to Uilleam.

  Gus, Tullia, and Donnelly were in the waiting room when they arrived.

  “Rob’s with her,” said Gus.

  Hagen sat with Tullia and Donnelly in avocado-green chairs. Calum walked away from the group to stare out the window. Thunder rolled and the ground was quickly saturated with fat raindrops. How had this day gone so horribly wrong? He turned away from the rain when Rob called out to them an hour later.

  “How is she?” asked Kenzie, rising from her chair. “How’s the baby?”

  “They’re both fine,” said Rob, eyeing her with suspicion.

  Calum felt a stab of guilt as Rob’s gaze settled on him. Gus was suddenly at Calum’s side, with Donnelly right behind him.

  Rob’s words came out in a choked rage. “How – could – you? You know what we’ve been through with Daniel. How could you do this?”

  Calum recoiled at his words.

  “Rob, calm down,” said Gus. “This won’t help matters.”

  “Calm down? You’re joking, right?” Rob raked his fingers through his hair. “This is me being calm. But if you all don’t clear out of here I don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay this way.”

  “Watch it, Rob,” Donnelly advised. “We know this is a tremendous shock to you, but we mean you no harm.”

  “Whether or not you meant it, harm has been done. Your kind abducted our son and held him hostage for almost seven years. Today, my wife almost lost our baby when she saw your kids putting some kind of spell on our children. Let me be clear. I am not in shock. I am enraged. Get out of here and stay away from me and my family. All of you.” His last comment was directed at Calum and Hagen. Rob glared at Donnelly and Gus before turning his back on them to rejoin his family.

  Calum couldn’t think straight. How could he have done this? The ride home was silent. Gus drove while Kenzie sat in the front seat crying. Calum could never have imagined a worse feeling than this. His mother was so disappointed she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. He had driven away one of his closest friends and almost caused her mother…No. He wouldn’t allow himself to think of what could have happened. Rob said she and the baby were going to be all right.

  Calum was not surprised to find his grandfather waiting for them in the family room. Uilleam stood as they opened the front door and held his arms wide for Kenzie, who flung herself at her father.

  “Hush, MecKenzie. Andrea’s fine, and so is the baby.

  A few moments later, Kenzie freed herself from Uilleam, saying she could use some strong tea. Gus followed her into the kitchen, leaving Calum alone with his too tall granddad.

  “Calum?” asked Uilleam, again holding his arms wide. Calum couldn’t hold it in any longer. He burst into tears and ran for his granddad’s arms, thankful Kenzie had just vacated the spot. Calum didn’t care if he was too big to cry, or too big to be held by his granddad.

  “I expect you’re not only upset about what has happened, but also about what’s yet to come?” Uilleam asked in a soothing tone.

  “Yes,” said Calum. “Mr. Werner doesn’t want any of us to be around his family anymore. And Mrs. Werner…the baby…” Calum was horrified by what his actions had almost caused. His breath came in quick snatches of air.

  “Hush, son. Everything will be all right,” said Uilleam. “You’ll see. It will.” He walked with Calum to the nearby couch where they both sat down. “Once Laurel’s parents realize you didn’t give her or Daniel the talents, things will get better.”

  “You don’t think it worked?” Calum asked hopefully.

  “How could it?” asked Uilleam.

  Calum studied his grandfather’s face curiously.

  “A duine daonna has to be at least thirteen to receive talents,” said Uilleam.

  “That’s why you said it wasn’t the right time,” said Calum.

  “That’s one of the reasons.”

  “Why didn’t I listen to you? I can’t believe how stupid I am,” said Calum.

  “You are my grandson, and my grandson is not stupid,” Uilleam s
aid in a firm tone. “Young and careless? Sure. Stupid? No. This whole thing reminds me of a time when your mother defied my wishes. She was a little younger than you are now.”

  Calum looked at him in amazement. “Mom disobeyed you?”

  “Yes, of course,” said Uilleam. “Many times. Disobedience is almost a requirement of growing up. Over the years, I’ve come to realize everyone has a little imp in them.” He smiled. “Everything turned out all right then and it will turn out all right now.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because I believe you and Laurel did not meet by chance,” said Uilleam. “There is a balance in the world between good and evil, and good and evil deeds. You helped to undo the evil that was done to her family. She found you at the right time, just in time to save Daniel. That was no coincidence. And if I’m correct, I believe she will repay the favor.”

  Finley, thought Calum.

  “And so you see, I do not think you will be apart for very long.”

  Calum grasped at the hope Uilleam offered. Could this be true?

  “I’m sure of it,” said Uilleam. “Rob and Andrea just need a little time. Trust me.”

  And Calum did. There was something about Uilleam. He was never surprised by anything. Calum knew if his granddad said everything would be all right, it would be. He felt a sense of peace about his separation from Laurel and believed it would be a temporary one.

  Uilleam sat with Calum a while before he decided to return to his home in Tusatha Mound. Calum felt he was being abandoned as he followed his granddad into the kitchen.

  “It’s the parent’s job to punish,” said Uilleam. He looked at Kenzie with an expression that encouraged temperance. “And it’s the grandparent’s job to make it all better.” He gave Calum one last hug. “I’ll see you after school tomorrow.” Uilleam walked through the invisible threshold and disappeared.

  What followed next was a long and pointed discussion about the importance of obeying your parents and grandparents, during which Calum must have apologized at least a dozen times. Just when he thought his parents would let it go, they switched gears and began a new discussion on peer pressure.

  An hour had passed when Kenzie and Gus finally decided there was nothing else to say. Calum’s punishment was to go straight to bed right after supper. His parents couldn’t bring themselves to do anything more, not when he would be leaving the next morning for Sidhe School. They also knew the loss of his friendship with Laurel and Daniel was punishment enough.

  Calum didn’t sleep well that night, and when he dreamed as he did most nights about the funeral, it had a new twist. In the latest version, Laurel lifted her head from Daniel’s chest and her blue eyes cut through Calum. Her expression gave a thousand reasons why she knew Finley’s disappearance was entirely Calum’s fault.

  Calum awoke the next morning to find his comforter had been cast to the floor, the sheets of his bed twisted in both of his hands. He hated leaving Laurel this way, but he hoped the time apart would soothe Andrea’s anger and when he returned to Emerald Lake, things would be back to normal.

  Calum dressed and joined his parents in the kitchen. His mother quickly snatched a book from the table. But she wasn’t fast enough.

  “What’s that?” Calum asked.

  Kenzie glanced at Gus then handed the book to Calum.

  “A Broken Accord,” he said, reading the book’s spine. “Isn’t this the copy you gave Laurel?”

  “Yes,” said Kenzie. “But I don’t think she had time to read it.” She took the book from him and slid it into a drawer on the side of the table.

  “Was Laurel here?” asked Calum, eager hopefulness in his voice.

  “I don’t think so,” said Kenzie. “Your dad found the book on the front porch when he picked up the newspaper.”

  “Things will get better,” said Gus. “Just give them a cooling-off period.”

  Calum didn’t respond, wondering instead about when he might see Laurel again.

  “Seriously, son, you’ll have to stay away from them for now,” said Kenzie. “If you don’t give Andrea some space, this situation may become permanent.”

  “I guess it’s good Hagen and I will be gone for a while.”

  “Maybe, for the Werners,” said Kenzie. “But it’s not good for me and your dad. We’re going to miss you.” And then she was hugging him and kissing his face as if nothing had happened.

  “Cut it out, Kenzie. A little help, Gus?” Calum asked as he tried to wriggle out of her grasp.

  “There’s no one who can help you when your mother’s got a hold of you.” Gus chuckled.

  Calum secretly enjoyed his mother’s affections, but when he broke away from her, he frantically rubbed his cheeks in fear of lipstick smudges. He glanced down at the table and saw several glasses of juice. “For the Dunbars?” he asked.

  “Yep,” Gus answered. “We wanted to have one last meal together before you all go off to school.”

  A knock at the door announced the Dunbars had arrived. The two families enjoyed their breakfast of biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, and fruit. Brytes talked excitedly about finally being able to leave Level Three and the horrible stench of the Reason Room. Will listened carefully to his sister, occasionally responding with his limited and garbled vocabulary. Hagen was reserved, probably due to yesterday’s events, but he opened up after his second helping of eggs.

  Calum felt anxious, in a good way, to get on with their trip to Tusatha. He looked forward to going to the Tusatha Public House because that was the only time he was around other Sidhe. He knew Hagen enjoyed Sidhe School as well, even if he’d never admit to it. Calum was going to make the most of his summer session. And when they weren’t in school, well, he wasn’t going to think about that right now with all the adults probably listening in on his thoughts.

  “You guys are on your own for supper tonight,” said Kenzie. “Tullia and I have lots of shopping to do in Tusatha after we drop the kids’ things at their grandparents’.”

  “No problem,” said Gus. “We’re going to do a little hiking at Devil’s Peak.”

  Calum knew that was code for trying to find clues about Finley. His mind flashed to Finley’s parents. He wondered if he’d run into them in Tusatha.

  “Yes, you will,” said Kenzie. “Liam wants to see you. He’ll be at Dad’s house today after school.”

  Calum shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

  “There’s no reason to be nervous,” said Gus. “Since you saw what happened to Finley, he wants to hear the story from you. You can understand that, can’t you?” He tried to reassure Calum by patting him on the shoulder.

  “Will Dara be there?” Calum didn’t think he could face Finley’s mother.

  “I don’t think so,” said Tullia. She quickly added, “Dara’s not angry with you. She just isn’t up to hearing the details yet.” Tullia wished her sister would try to show some concern for Calum’s feelings. It really wasn’t his fault.

  “She’ll come around,” said Kenzie. She glanced at her watch. “Let’s get going or you’ll be late for your first day.”

  Hugs were exchanged all around and then eight people became two. The greater number passed through the threshold in Calum’s kitchen, leaving a puzzled Wrecks staring at the spot with his head cocked to one side.

  Calum felt exhilarated at his return to the Otherworld. The colors were always more vibrant than in the Realm of Man, but they were especially showy in the middle of summer. Thick trees with bright green leaves waved in welcome as Calum emerged from the polder. He followed Hagen down the wide, dusty path that led through the mound and ended at the Tusatha Public House.

  Calum walked into the entrance hall, which was covered by heavy oak panels. Intricate carvings told the story of each clan member. He looked at Finley’s story; it was unchanged since Calum had last seen it. They continued down the hall, pausing when they reached three interconnected circles on the floor. Ahead lay a large circular room, which was
simply called The Circle. Several long wooden tables were loaded with freshly cut flowers and the entire room smelled faintly of honey.

  They walked through The Circle and up flights of stairs. Each floor greeted them with the scent of the talent acquired on that level: buttery vanilla, baby pine, and the foul-smelling Reason Room on Level Three. Calum noticed the odor wasn’t as bad as the last time he was there, but he still wrinkled his nose and quickly climbed the next flight of stairs.

  “The smell will go away completely,” said Kenzie. “The more time you spend in the Otherworld, making good choices, the less pungent the odor will be to you. Eventually, it will change to something only you will recognize.”

  “It’s just taking longer because you didn’t take classes in the Reason Room,” said Tullia.

  When they reached Level Four, Brytes gave Hagen an awkward hug. Seeing her worried expression, he hugged her back.

  “I’ll see you at Aine’s later,” he said, giving Brytes an encouraging smile.

  She smiled back half-heartedly before following Tullia into the Intentions Room. She paused just outside the door and smiled. “Cinnamon.”

  “That’s it,” said Tullia. “Now, let’s get you inside so you’re not late.”

  Calum headed toward the only other door on level four, the one that led to the Astronomy class he and Hagen had taken last session. Calum glanced back at Kenzie, unsure of where else they could go. He took a deep breath and turned to put his hand on the doorknob when a light fragrance filled his nostrils. The one word he thought best described the scent was clean.

  “Do you smell that?” asked Hagen.

  Calum knew at once. “Stars,” he said. “That’s what stars smell like. We got it. The scent of the Astronomy Room.” He gave Hagen a high five. “We passed the level.”