Ariel Rising

by A. J. Sparber

  “Do you ever wonder if Dad somehow survived the crash. Do you think he might have been like us?”

  She squeezes her lips into a thin smile. “I’ve wondered about Dad’s heritage for a very long time. I do believe that he was more than human.”

  “He might be alive, Mom. Are you prepared for that eventuality?”

  “He’s been gone so long. If he does come back, he’ll have a lot of explaining to do. But if he is the same man I knew…” She pauses and sighs. “I’ll always love him, Ari. But all I have right now are memories…”

  I don’t know how to respond so I give her a hug. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you, too,” she says. “I think I’ll call Thalia tonight and see if we can get together. Alone. Are you okay with that?”

  “Of course,” I say. “But maybe I should call her first—to let her know you’re in the loop.”

  “Good idea,” she says, as she moves toward the stairs. She climbs halfway up, stops, and then turns. “Ari, there’s a good chance that our only solution will be to leave our world behind. Are you prepared to make that decision?”

  “Actually, I already have.”

  “That’s my girl,” she replies, looking relieved.

  I grab my phone and call Thalia. As I wait to connect, I realize that AT&T has no idea how far its long distance can actually reach. The Olympians run a special network through the portal—effectively allowing intergalactic cell calls. As far as the phone company knows, the calls terminate at the Institute. No clue. No trace. Perfectly secure.

  Thalia picks up on the second ring. “Hello, Ari,” she says cheerfully.”

  “Something has come up,” I say.

  “What’s wrong, dear?”

  “My mom knows. She knows, Thalia. She suspected that I was different and she ran tests.”

  “She didn’t use the hospital lab. Did she?”

  “No. She has a mini-lab in the basement. She ran blood tests, urine tests, and she’s analyzed my DNA.”

  Thalia does not seem very concerned. In fact, she is totally calm.

  “There’s more. She hasn’t aged in over ten years. She doesn’t get sick, and she heals fast. She’s…”

  “She’s an angel,” Thalia says, as if she’s describing Mom’s hair color.

  “Um, you’re not surprised.”

  “I’m not.”

  “You knew?”

  “I had a strong suspicion.”

  “You ran tests. Didn’t you?”

  “Well, I’m sure you know that when your mom gets really engrossed in thought, she has this habit of running her fingers through her hair.”

  “Yeah. Oh. You snagged some hairs, huh?”

  “I did.”

  “Why didn’t you use a scanner?”

  “The readouts are in Olympian.”

  “Oh. But why didn’t you tell me?”

  “She and I have spent a considerable amount of time together. Enough time for me to conclude that she did not know about Olympus. I decided to let her figure things out on her own. I did not want to alarm her. And I did not want to alarm you.”

  “You really should have told me.”

  “In retrospect, you may be right. I’m sorry.”

  “Do you have any idea how this happened? I’m pretty sure an angel couple did not leave her on my grandparent’s doorstep. You know?”

  “I have a few theories. I think that once everything is out in the open, your mom can help us figure things out.”

  “So what now? She wants to talk to you. She wants to meet with you tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow will be perfect. She’s an angel, Ari. And we have become friends. Everything will be fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course. She and I will sort everything out tomorrow. In fact, I think I’ll treat her to lunch at Nagi’s. Do you think she’ll like torik?”

  I sigh. “Yup. And if you want to seal your friendship, make sure you get her to try a slice or two of Death by Chocolate. With the farzberry coulis.”

  She laughs. “I will do that. And do not worry, we will be fine. She will be fine.”

  “Okay. Just try not to shock her.”

  “She will not be shocked, Ari. She’ll be relieved.”

  “And make sure she gets home before I leave for my prom.”

  “I will, dear. Now, you have a relaxing evening and do not worry about a thing.”

  “I’ll try.”

  We end the call and my head is buzzing. What an incredible roller coaster ride it’s been. My mom is an angel. But…

  How did she become an angel? It had to be Dad. He has to be the wild card.

  Oh boy.

  Mom and Thalia will be okay. Mom will be in good hands. I have to believe that. I have to. If not, I’ll be a hot mess and I’ll blow my last chance to be a carefree human girl.

  Carefree. That’s my mantra. I chant it to myself as my thoughts drift to the prom and I smile, wistfully. I’m ready to be a happy-go-lucky human girl for the last time. I’m ready to be swept off my feet by my handsome Warrior.

  I park on the sofa, turn up the sound on the TV, and wait for Ella to arrive.

  What could possibly go wrong?

  Chapter 17

  Ella arrives at seven, and we camp out in the family room with a huge bowl of our favorite homemade snack mix: popcorn, cheese puffs, and honey-roasted peanuts.

  “You know, we shouldn’t be eating this the night before we have to squeeze into prom dresses, sweetie.”

  “We’ll be fine as long as we don’t refill the bowl,” I say, grinning.

  We spend most of the evening talking about Davin and Tal. Ella knows nothing about Olympus, so I have to be very careful not to slip. As far as she’s concerned, Tal and Davin are graduate students at the Institute. A couple of ordinary human college guys—who happen to be totally extraordinary in every way.

  “You’re in love with him, aren’t you, sweetie?”

  I don’t hesitate. “Yes.”

  “Have you told him?” She tilts her head and looks at me expectantly.

  “Not exactly.” I sigh. “But I think he knows.”

  “Not exactly? What does that mean?”

  I haven’t the foggiest idea. “I don’t know. I guess I act like I’m in love with him. I tell him things…”

  “Things? He’s a guy, sweetie. Males lack the intuition gene, ya know? They need things spelled out. If you’re sure you love him, you need to tell him.” She props her chin up on her fists and stares at me with pursed lips.

  She is relentless.

  “I’ve never loved a guy before. I’m not sure what to say.”

  “How about, ‘I Love you, Davin’?”

  “Hmm. I guess that would work.”

  “I think you’re afraid he won’t tell you he loves you. Are you afraid?”

  “Of course not. Well, maybe a little.”

  “Sweetie, if he doesn’t tell you, it doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t love you. It just means he’s not ready—or willing—to admit it. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, the way he strokes your hair. That guy is in love with you. I’d stake my life on it.”

  “So you think I should tell him?”

  “If you don’t, I will,” she says, grinning mischievously.

  “You would?”

  “Uh-huh. It would be a public service. You two belong together, like coffee and cream.”

  “You drink your coffee black,” I say with a smirk.

  She narrows her eyes and glares at me. “You know what I mean.”

  I want to tell him. I’m just waiting for the right time. The perfect moment. “Then I guess I’ll have to tell him,” I say with a contented smile.

  “That’s more like it,” she says.

  “So, how do you feel about Tal?” I ask, holding my breath.

  Ella gazes up at the ceiling. “It’s kind of evolving. There’s a spark between us. A really hot spark. But he’s a little weird about things sometimes. I mean, we�
��ll have this passionate make-out session, and then he’ll just stop and be a Boy Scout the rest of the night. It’s a little infuriating. He’s got enough hot to heat a small city—but something is a little off. Ya know?”

  I hate lying to her, but I have no choice. “I’m sure he’s just a little shy. Maybe a bit old-fashioned. I think everything will work out.”

  The fact is, Warriors are extremely honorable. Tal is simply being cautious. He’s being a Warrior. He also knows that if Ella finds out he’s immortal, things could get really, really complicated.

  “Yeah,” she says through a yawn, “I’m going to go with the flow and see where it takes me. He is a mighty unique guy.”

  “He is. Do you love him?”

  “I think I could fall in love with him, but I’m not there yet. Maybe tomorrow will be our breakthrough. I’ll let you know.”

  “You do that. So, I assume you broke things off with Tom?”

  “I did. Interestingly, he understood. I think he felt as uncomfortable with me as I did with him. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.”

  “Yeah. I’m glad Tom’s okay. He wasn’t a good fit for you, but he is a nice guy,” I say, as we head into the kitchen to clean up.

  Ella sighs and nods.

  I wash out the snack bowl, dry it, then grab a couple of cold water bottles from the fridge. “Let’s go upstairs and get some sleep. Maybe we’ll have sweet dreams,” I say.

  “Sounds like a plan, sweetie.”

  Bright lights. Sunshine. Eyes hurting. I look at my phone. It’s almost noon.

  Across the room, there is a snoring lump on my sofa. Ella. I decide to let her sleep.

  I grab my robe and tiptoe to the bathroom.

  Stepping into the shower, I close my eyes and let the water gently massage me. My mind wanders. I’m an angel. Will I be strong enough to play the hand I was dealt? Am I really in love with Davin? Or am I using him to stay grounded?

  I towel off and run a comb through my hair as I stare at the new and improved Ari in the mirror. Since my awakening, I’ve noticed subtle changes in my appearance. Smooth and unblemished skin. Softer, healthier, and blacker hair. Gray eyes that now sparkle like jewels. Arms, legs, and abs that are more defined. Breasts that seem fuller. I’ve always considered myself pretty, but the girl in the mirror is different. She’s a woman—a very beautiful woman. And there’s only one reason it matters. I want to be beautiful for Davin. Only for Davin. I’m still the same old Ari inside. My smile spreads to my eyes as I realize that I do love him, I love him with all my heart. There will never be anyone else. Only Davin.

  And tonight I will tell him.

  I walk back out into the bedroom. Ella is starting to stir. “Wake up, sleepy head,” I urge, while nudging her gently. Ella could sleep through a hurricane. One eye pops open. Then the other. “Let’s get some breakfast. Okay?”

  She stretches and yawns. “You go ahead, sweetie. I’m going to clean up. Meet you in fifteen. Okay?”

  “Don’t go back to sleep,” I nag, as I get dressed.

  She stands on wobbly legs. “I won’t.”

  “See you in the kitchen,” I say on my way out.

  The house is quiet. No sign of Mom.

  Is she with Thalia?

  I find a note in the center of the kitchen table. It’s wedged between the salt and pepper shakers.

  Ari,

  Spending the day with Thalia – at the Institute. It’s all good. See you tonight in time for pictures and hugs. Love you—Mom

  I picture Mom and Thalia sitting in Nagi’s restaurant, chatting casually, about angels, and space portals. And I smile, because what else can I do?

  Davin, Tal, Mom, and Thalia arrive together at six-thirty. Mom runs to fetch her good camera, while Tal and Davin stare at Ella and me as if we’re prey. Our dresses are, in a word—hot. Ella’s white strapless gown has a form-fitting skirt with a thigh-high slit. Mine is black and features a scooped tunic bodice over a curve-hugging, floor-length, double-slit skirt.

  “You are the two most beautiful creatures I’ve ever seen,” observes Tal, looking as if he is about to drool all over his exquisite black tux. “Don’t you agree?” he asks Davin.

  Davin looks like he’s trying really hard to say something, but his mouth seems a little stuck. “Davin, you look very handsome.”

  No response.

  “Davin?”

  He walks across the foyer, takes my hands in his, and finally finds his voice. “Ari, the dress is stunning. You are…you look like a goddess.”

  The poor fella looks awestricken, and I’m liking it, a lot. “Thank you, Davin,” I say, as a camera flash makes me blink.

  Mom and Thalia are snapping away. Then they get serious, making us pose for what seems like a hundred photos. They are really enjoying themselves—and I feel like royalty.

  I don’t get a chance to talk with Mom and Thalia about their meeting, but I do get an opportunity to give them each a questioning look—to which Mom responds with a wink, and Thalia a thumbs-up. So their meeting was good. I flash a big smile and give each of them a little nod. The details will have to wait, but I have a feeling it will be all good.

  We finally manage to sneak out the door, while our personal paparazzi keep snapping pictures until the four of us are seated inside Tal’s black Porsche SUV.

  “Ella,” Mom calls out from the doorway, “Say ‘hi’ to your mom and tell her I’ll be posting a bunch of pictures on Facebook.”

  Ella’s mom, a teacher at our high school, will be a prom chaperone tonight.

  “Okay, Doc. Will do,” Ella replies.

  Tal pulls up to the main entrance of the Sandhaven Hotel. Built in the 1920s, the Sandhaven is the Valley’s showpiece, having hosted Presidents, royalty, and captains of industry in grand style. It’s a storybook setting for a prom.

  The valet hands Tal a claim check and then opens the doors for us. Davin tracks the Cayenne as the valet drives it away.

  “What are you looking at?” I ask.

  “Our car. I want to see where he parks it—in case we need to find it.”

  I nod. The guys probably have spare keys in their pockets. I have a lot to learn about strategy and tactics.

  “Hey, y’all,” comes the grating voice of Jen Hilliard. She’s Edgewood’s head cheerleader and the shallowest person I’ve ever known.

  Her ample assets are in danger of popping out of her gown, and I’m hoping it won’t happen in front of me. She’s a pretty girl, but it’s obvious that’s all she has going for her. Life after high school might easily prove to be a rude awakening. I feel sorry for her. Maybe she’ll find herself at college.

  “Where’d you get the pretty fellas?” Jen asks, as she checks out the guys. She certainly isn’t shy about it, either.

  Ella glares at her. “They were selling them down the road. Did you miss the kiosk? They came with a Porsche. All for one low price. We just need to get them back before midnight or they’ll turn into garden gnomes,” she says with narrowed eyes.

  Jen’s date walks up just in time to rescue her.

  As we walk inside, Davin leans in close, and whispers, “She would make a great Warrior.”

  I smile in silent agreement. Indeed she would.

  The grand ballroom is immense. A posh dining area rings a polished wood dance floor. The room has to be two hundred feet long, half as wide, and about forty feet high. The décor is early twentieth century and totally gorgeous. I love everything about it. It would make a great setting for an old movie—and it probably has.

  The ballroom ends in a solid glass wall, which opens onto a large ornate balcony—perched high above the Valley.

  We find our table and are quickly greeted by a server, who brings us water and takes our dinner orders.

  After dinner, the DJ switches from mood to dance music, and Ella looks ready to party.

  “Alright y’all. We have to dance the first dance. Follow me,” she says. She stands and waits for Tal to take her arm.


  I’m a little less forward and wait for Davin to ask me.

  As we make our way onto the dance floor, my cheeks flush as I realize how many girls are ogling Davin. It’s almost indecent the way some of them gawk. I lean close and whisper, “I think you have some fans here.”

  He looks around. “In case you haven’t noticed, almost every guy in this room is staring at you. I guess we make a nice couple,” he says, looking happy and relaxed.

  Davin holds me close as we dance. Every nerve in my body is on high alert and I’m oblivious to anyone or anything, except him. The side of my face finds a cozy nest on the left side of his chest. It’s a perfect fit.

  “You’re a very graceful dancer,” I say.

  “Thalia worked with me. We watched videos.”

  “How cute,” I say, imagining them practicing. “Thank you for coming to the prom with me.”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

  He’s being sweet, because I’m pretty sure being surrounded by a bunch of human teenagers is not his idea of a fun evening. “Thank you. It does mean a lot to me.”

  I look up just as an adorable smile begins to form on his lips.

  “I know that your human heritage is important to you. This dance is important to you. I want you to be happy.”

  “I’m happy whenever I’m with you, Davin,” I say, as I softly knead the nape of his neck.

  “Mmm, if I kissed you now would you get into trouble?”

  “I don’t care, because if you don’t kiss me now I just might explode into little pieces all over your nice tuxedo.”

  So he kisses me. It’s a wonderful kiss, a kiss that might never have ended had the music not come to a scratching, screeching halt.

  Our blissful interlude shattered, we stare up at the stage. A large man is standing behind the DJ, holding a gun to his head.

  This can’t be happening.

  The man grabs the mike and announces in a perfectly clear voice, “Boys and girls, may I have your attention please? Please give me your undivided attention.”

  He gets what he asked for, because everyone stops talking and looks at him. It’s then that I realize how grotesque he looks.