Mother of Darkwaters: Book one of the Vessel series

by Tony C. Skye

  “I see that,” Gale says from about twenty feet away. She begins walking with Alexandria and Captain Woods.

  Julianna turns and looks at Gale, “You know them?”

  “Well…”

  “It’s his fault.”

  Julianna looks at Caroline’s pointing finger. She implicates Brian Woods.

  Julianna crosses her arms, “Captain?”

  “Yes ma’am’, the captain gives his explanation, “Ms. Hindsworth, Ms. Hammond, and Ms. Reynolds graduated. I knew they would be coming. I setup their arrival to coincide with Ms. Marshall and Ms. Thompson. They met each other in Texas and then separated to come here.”

  “Hmm,” Julianna answers, “It was really nice of you Captain. This has turned out to be a very good day. Thank you.”

  “Ma’am,” the captain nods one time. He turns and walks back in the direction of the house to give the ladies their space.

  “Yaaaay,” Alexandria golf claps her obvious faked-enthusiasm. When the other women look at her, she slumps her shoulders, “SwimmmmM. Let’s all say it together. SwimmmmM.”

  “Alex, stop that,” Gale halfheartedly scolds.

  Julianna glances to Caroline, Rebecca, and Jennifer. The three friends seem to be amused by the comradery between the two medical students.

  “I should probably show everyone to their rooms,” Julianna replies, “So we can get Alex to the pool before she dries out and withers away. Just remember, this house belongs to all of you as much as it does me. You don’t need my permission to do anything here.”

  “I’m outta here,” Alexandria says while turning towards the house, “I know where my pool is.”

  “Will you please stop?”, Gale begs. She looks at Rebecca, “I told you that we shouldn’t let her do it.”

  Alexandria turns back around to face the other five women, “What? Oh, well let’s kick this off then.”

  The woman having long sandy blond hair stares at Julianna, “They’re so impatient.”

  Julianna notices strange smiles on the rest of her family’s faces. She lifts her left brow slightly.

  Alexandria grins and motions with her head.

  Julianna turns to look. Jennifer towers over her just inches away.

  “It wasn’t her fault,” Jennifer says. She takes a step leftward, “Gazebo twelve, I think is what Captain Woods said it was called.”

  Julianna shields the sun from her eyes with her left hand used as a visor. Off in the distance, she makes out a person with a dark tan and long legs. She lowers her shaky hand and looks at Jennifer with confused eyes.

  “Go,” Jennifer says.

  Julianna turns her attention back towards the gazebo. The figure, slowly, begins walking. Julianna covers her open mouth with trembling hands.

  Alexandria gently pushes on Julianna’s back. She coaches quietly, “Step, spring, dive...” The woman with sandy blond hair lets go when Julianna begins moving forward of her own accord. Alexandria glances around at the other women who are all watching with eyes of anticipation. Julianna’s swim coach turns her attention back to her student, “You’ve got this.”

  Julianna sees a woman walking towards her. She is wearing a dark blue dress. It shimmers against the sun that illuminates it. The high hem rides mid-thigh. The silk material is decorated with black lacing. Its design is one of a kind. Julianna should know. She picked it out. But the last time she seen it was at the farmhouse with...

  “Tam?”, Julianna questions quietly with her unsure step. The woman from Gazebo Twelve continues her approach as Julianna forces her next confusing step. The dress moves within the slight breeze of the day.

  “Tam?”, Julianna’s words whisper though her quivering lips, “Tam?”

  Julianna’s heart begins racing with hope, but her mind tells her struggling feet that everything is an outright lie. Her questioning mind refuses to calculate correctly as she forces another step.

  “Nice place you got here,” a voice calls out from the distance.

  Julianna’s eyes water, “Tamara!”

  She takes off running.

  “Ooomph,” Tamara Hillary Stilliard takes a step back as Julianna jumps up – locking her pale legs around Tamara’s waist. “Heh…hey you.”

  Julianna’s hands cup Tamara’s cheeks as she pecks kisses on the woman’s thin lips. Her eyes freely release their water. She can feel Tamara holding her with wrapped arms. Julianna pauses to search Tamara’s brown eyes, but the view is too much for her to grasp. She tightly wraps her arms around the woman, buries her face on Tamara’s right shoulder, and weeps.

  “I thought you were dead,” Julianna cries into Tamara’s shoulder, “They told me you were dead.”

  “I know - I know. Shhh….it’s okay. I wanted to tell you, but they said it would place you into danger. I couldn’t bear the thought of you getting hurt. I am sooo, soooo sorry.”

  Julianna is unable to speak. She squeezes tighter as she lets out more sobbing tears.

  “Stupid lesbos.”

  Rebecca looks at Jennifer after hearing the quiet words. Tamara’s bff is wiping her eyes and cheeks. She catches Rebecca watching her.

  “What?”

  Rebecca smiles while wiping water from her own blue eyes.

  “Pffft,” Jennifer gives Rebecca a look as though she is misjudging the situation. She turns her attention back towards Tamara in hopes that Rebecca will just let it go.

  “Awww,” Caroline coos, “This is so beautiful.”

  Rebecca observes Jennifer act as though there is something horrible in her mouth. The blond with long curly hair rolls her eyes.

  “Not in this life,” Rebecca says while turning her watchful gaze upon Tamara and Julianna, “Nice try, Jen.”

  Julianna forces her head back up. Tamara’s left hand begins wiping the tears from her right cheek. The tall woman adores Julianna with her watery brown eyes.

  “I love you…Julianna.”

  Julianna lets out a single laugh while gazing into Tamara’s wonderful eyes.

  “Caroline was sort of a bitch about letting me come here,” Tamara confesses quietly, “I had to make promises and everything. She was worse than those CIA people.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  “No, you should be the one that’s angry. Not me.”

  Julianna shakes her head as her eyes begin stinging once again. She feels Tamara’s legs become shaky. Julianna removes her legs from the woman’s waistline and lands her bare feet onto the grass below. Tamara looks down at her with the most beautiful smile she has ever seen in her entire life. Julianna’s lips quiver as her stinging eyes release more water.

  “It’s all over now.”

  Julianna sniffles while wiping her green eyes clear. Tamara patiently waits as Julianna calms herself. She watches the woman with red side-bangs stagger in a few breaths before, finally, taking one long inhale. Julianna exhales a slow steady breath while staring into Tamara’s eyes.

  “What happened?”, Julianna questions with a semi-hoarse throat.

  “That sick idiot was a hacker,” Tamara explains, “He hacked into CIA computers, but they couldn’t prove anything. But then when he stabbed me, it gave them enough to put him away for good.”

  Tamara notices Julianna glance at her left side.

  “It’s not that bad,” Tamara lies about the scar beneath Julianna’s little dress.

  Julianna looks up with sad eyes.

  “As I understand it, you have people called Network that protect your secret.”

  Julianna nods.

  “I didn’t know it then, but whenever Caroline started explaining everything, I put it all together.”

  Tamara continues, “The hospital I was sent to is Network, but it’s not all Network. Or at least, that’s how Caroline’s mom explained it. Someone outside of Network realized that I was related to David Snow in one form or another. Two stabbing victims within the same timeframe I suppose. David was sent to a public hospital, so the police was immediately notified.”


  “Someone at the hospital you were at contacted the CIA?”

  “No. They contacted the local police. But then the police contacted them. David Snow was on a watch list. But by the time local police got to the hospital where he was at, he had escaped. That’s when CIA took over and lied about my surgery.”

  “But we have Network surgeons there.”

  “I guess they weren’t the ones working on me, because I woke up somewhere else. After that, I didn’t really have a choice. The CIA is kinda persuasive when they want something. They wouldn’t let me have my phone or make any calls.”

  “I just don’t understand how my guys couldn’t know anything. We have people everywhere – including CIA. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “It does make sense if David Snow is still on the loose. Contacting me would place you into danger if he intended on finishing the job. Caroline’s mom said Network can do whatever they see fit if they believe your life is in danger. But you do know he hung himself after they caught him, don’t you?”

  Julianna looks away, “Yeah, I heard something about that.”

  “By the time he offed himself,” Tamara continues, “The school year was almost over and my parents begged me to finish out the year at my own high school. Until then, it was all home school. I don’t see how anyone can do it. I almost went insane.”

  “It was really hard to say no. My parents were the only ones allowed to know anything from the beginning. They went through the whole ordeal with me. And then when I told them I was a lesbian, I sorta sealed the deal about graduating with Becca, Jenny, and Caroline. I just couldn’t take off and leave like that.”

  Julianna looks at Tamara, “You told your parents?”

  Tamara smiles, “Yes, I told them.”

  “But why didn’t any of you call me when he hung himself? I thought you were dead, Tamara. Do you know how badly that hurt me? I felt like I was going to die and none of you bothered to even text me. I know Network wouldn’t stop you once they thought I was safe.”

  “That’s my fault,” Tamara confesses, “I wouldn’t let them. Caroline, Becca, and Jen took care of those guys that seem to be at their beck and call. I suppose your orders to do whatever they say is followed to a tee. I just didn’t know what to say to you.”

  “How about I’m alive?”

  “You’re right, I should have done that. But then the days turned into weeks, and then months. And before long, I got it in my head that you would hate me for waiting for so long. I got scared. I couldn’t handle the idea of you hating me.”

  “I could never hate you,” Julianna says sadly, “I love you so badly it hurts. Didn’t you understand that?”

  Tamara’s eyes water, “I’m sorry. I truly am. Believe me, I wish I could go back and make that call soon as he killed himself. I can’t. But I’m here now. And if you can forgive me, I will never scare you like that again. I don’t care what anyone tries to tell me. It won’t happen…”

  Tamara pauses. She adores Julianna with eyes she can barely see out of, “…Even if I have to kick somebody’s ass, I’ll make that call.”

  Julianna embraces Tamara with a hug. She feels the woman kiss the top of her head.

  “There’s nothing to forgive. I love you, Tam. I always have.”

  Jennifer watches as her bff nudges Julianna’s chin upward. They part each other’s lips. Jennifer sticks her right pointer finger in her mouth and makes a gagging sound.

  “You said it sister,” Alexandria agrees.

  “You two need to grow up,” Gale chastises.

  Caroline looks at Jennifer, “You’ve been excited about this for three months.”

  “Doesn’t mean I wanted to watch that,” Jennifer counters with a wrinkled nose.

  “I think they look good together,” Rebecca replies.

  Caroline and Jennifer turn their stares towards Rebecca.

  “What the hell are you two looking at?”, Rebecca becomes huffy. She shrugs her shoulders, “I thought they looked cute at the party. Who cares if they’re both women? I’m with Gale, there’s too many children around here.”

  Rebecca looks down at her tight pink shirt before glancing up at Jennifer, “Besides, you didn’t seem to mind at the blood…”

  “Stop!”, Jennifer demands while closing her ears with both hands.

  Becca and Jenny…sittin’ in a tree…

  Jennifer glares at Caroline while lowering her hands.

  “Demons don’t count,” Jennifer gives her answer. Black ink darts across her left eye.

  “Hmm,” Caroline ponders, “I wonder if that’s…bullshit?”

  Rebecca laughs.

  Jennifer looks in the direction of Gazebo Twelve.

  “Hey!”, Jennifer hollers out, “You two lesbos can take that crap inside. You’re about to cause Caroline’s death. And I am not joking!”

  She rolls her eyes as Julianna and Tamara both exchange their kiss for laughter. The two women turn with their arms around each other and begin walking towards the house. Jennifer gives Caroline a daring stare.

  “Reeear,” Caroline makes a cat sound while pawing at the air with her right hand, “Fffft-fffft.”

  Rebecca laughs – as normally, that is her move.

  Jennifer shakes her head within her frustration and makes eye contact with Alexandria. The woman holds up both palms in a defensive stance.

  “No need on my account,” Alexandria teases.

  Jennifer angrily looks back at Rebecca. Her eyes drift down to the hot pink tee shirt. She covers her mouth and gags.

  Caroline and Rebecca back up. Jennifer turns and runs about ten feet before dropping to her knees. She vomits.

  “It wasn’t that bad,” Rebecca sounds slightly hurt.

  “Don’t take it personal,” Gale says while watching Jennifer puke. She continues staring as though she has no care in the world, “Some try it and hop on over.”

  Gale looks at Rebecca, “Some do it and regret it forever. Others never consider it. And everyone else is in denial. It’s just how it is.”

  Rebecca looks at Jennifer. Her nose crinkles as Jennifer’s stomach releases all of her breakfast.

  “Personally, I prefer the added company with a guy,” Gale confesses, “It livens things up.”

  Alexandria stares at her bff, “You did not just say that.”

  Gale grins, “Justin likes it. You know how guys are.”

  “That doesn’t mean you have to give in, Gale. I can’t believe you just said that.”

  “Who said Justin had to ask more than once?”

  “Wow,” Alexandria replies, “You think you know somebody.”

  “I would have invited you, but…”

  “Don’t finish that sentence,” Alexandria warns, “I mean it. I love you, but we are not having this conversation…ever. And we’re going to have some new rules, roomie.”

  “Do all guys want that?”, an innocent sounding voice questions.

  Alexandria looks over at Caroline, “Unfortunately, most of them do, yeah. Guys can be disgusting. But you don’t have to give into that. Boys are just morons at times. I’m a Johnson girl through and through. And have never regretted it.”

  Alexandria, slowly, turns her head and looks at Gale, “Ever.”

  “I want a hug,” Gale pouts with her arms extended, “I’m sad.”

  “I’ll drown you, hoe,” Alexandria threatens.

  Gale lowers her arms, “My bff hates me.”

  “No, I love you. But I’m not playing along. Forget it.”

  Gale looks over at Caroline and winks. Alexandria pretends to be horrified and runs over to Caroline. She spreads her arms outward to make a solid shield between Gale and Caroline.

  “Nooooo,” Alexandria panics, “You can’t have her. She’s on my team.”

  Caroline blushes. Alexandria grins.

  “Who’s team?”, Tamara questions as she approaches the conversation. She looks over at Jennifer who remains on all fours, “What’s wrong with her?”

&nbs
p; Alexandria lowers her arms and turns around to face Julianna and Tamara.

  “Identity crisis.”

  Jennifer’s stomach convulses again as Alexandria’s words replay images of a pink tee shirt.

  “Huh?”

  “We were having a medical discussion about sexuality,” Gale says.

  Tamara’s brows narrow as she observes Jennifer spitting, “So why’s she throwing up like that?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Rebecca sounds highly agitated, “She’s being Jennifer. What do you expect?”

  “Whoa,” Tamara holds out her left palm, “Sorry. Didn’t mean to set you off.”

  Tamara looks at Julianna, “I think we’re going to go inside.”

  The girl looks back at Rebecca, “You all can do whatever it is you were doing. It’s none of my business. Sorry we interrupted ya.”

  Rebecca shakes her head while rolling her eyes. She turns and walks towards the rear door of the house.

  “I’m going swimming,” Alexandria says while turning to look at Caroline, “You coming with? Someone needs to protect you.”

  Gale pokes out her tongue as Alexandria gives her a teasing glare.

  “You alright, Jennifer?”

  Jennifer, through her dry-heaves, uses her left hand to wave off Julianna’s question.

  Julianna looks at Gale, “Could you help them get acquainted with the house? They’ve never been here before.”

  “I got it. You two go have fun.”

  Gale notices a nervous look on Julianna’s face, but decides to keep her mouth shut.

  “Becca might be lost by the time you get in there,” Julianna speaks to Gale.

  “It’s Becca.”

  Julianna looks at her cousin. She momentarily thinks about the statement before agreeing with a single shoulder shrug. Long fingers trace down her spine. Julianna grins.

  “Ready?”, Tamara quietly questions in Julianna’s left ear.

  Julianna fights against her speeding heart rate with a nod. She staggers in a breath and begins walking – her palms sweating profusely.