Chapter Ninety Five
Once my brother realized the fact that I didn’t try to drive the car anywhere, he doubled over and started panting. I thought he might actually pass out. Rave, Celeste and Boo-bear had brought the truck over and they waited to see Tray’s reaction.
The original plan was for Willow to drive it over to our house. That plan was cancelled because she spent ‘Tray’s-day-of-worry-freedom’ with him. He would get really suspicious if she asked him to drop her off at Sunridge after the day they spent together. I also didn’t want to ruin the magical love-filled relationship mood created by Stupid Cupid – well, I hoped that little winged sucker created that kind of mood because after all, I had just provided him with a tremendous amount of assistance. That’s the very least he could do…
So I had to formulate a new truck delivery plan. During my scheming, I somehow remembered my promise to Willow. I vowed to not invite anyone over for Tray’s birthday. This meant I had to figure out a ‘creative-Emberism’ to justify my decision. We certainly had no reason to swing by Sunridge before school since Willow was at our house. I would burst though if I had to wait until after school to surprise him.
I didn’t realize Willow had already planned to tell him she ‘forgot something’ at her aunt and uncle’s house. She didn’t look too shocked by the fact that I had figured out a way to get the truck here without her assistance. I pulled her aside because I didn’t want her to think I betrayed her. So I quietly, but effectively, explained my rationales.
“I didn’t break my word to you at all, my Willow, and you need to know that. Although I did promise that I wouldn’t invite anyone over to our house for my brother’s birthday, technically I didn’t invite Rave, Celeste and Boo-bear to come over this morning to celebrate the day. They were just delivering his gift and moving the station wagon into our old barn for me.
“Now you might be thinking that I could’ve just asked Rave to come over alone because Tray could’ve dropped him off in his new truck. But it’s not like I could ask Rave to leave the love of his life at home without him because that would be wrong for a whole bunch of reasons. Since I couldn’t ask him to abandon Celeste to the winds of fate to deliver something for me, they had to bring my little Boo-bear too. They couldn’t just leave him home all alone, now could they??
“So you can very well see that they were just delivering a gift, kind of like FedEx does and not invited over by me on Tray’s birthday at all. I know I vowed that I wouldn’t give my brother a ‘surprise birthday party’ of any kind, but then Celeste suggested that we celebrate at Sunridge this afternoon. That makes Tray’s party her idea and not mine. Then, I had to help select a few things for it because I was there after all and Tray is my only brother. But all I did is pick out the party stuff and tell her what kind of cake to order. That could only be considered helpful on my part and not considered ‘planning a party…’
“Plus, it would be impolite to not allow Rave and Celeste the opportunity to celebrate Tray’s birthday with him. Considering they were the FedEx drivers, they should have the chance to give him a party – sort of like their paycheck for gift package delivery. Also since the whole ‘Celeste’s birthday party for Tray’ is gonna happen at Sunridge then, I kept my word because I didn’t invite them here and you know all about their unplanned party, so it’s not a surprise. It also won’t be a surprise to him, either because I’m gonna tell him or you can. Oh yeah, I didn’t tell Krista anything about the unplanned party, so she and Greg won’t be there unless Celeste invited them.
“Now, you understand that ‘in reality’ I didn’t truly invite anyone, anywhere for Tray’s birthday just like I promised…” I informed her in perfect ‘Ember-psychotic’ speak.
She stared at me in wide-eyed wonder during the entire explanation. Willow hugged me because I think I ‘creatively rambled’ her into mutative submission.
I got the lecture from Tray about what the money was supposed to be used for, but I had already planned for this contingency. I told him it was safer than the car and has some kind of super good safety rating thingie. This was a justification my brother could relate to. I wanted him to just relax and enjoy his new toy without panicking over the purchase. He seemed satisfied with that justification although we both realized it was a large ‘creative-Emberism.’ The station wagon was perfectly safe too or else he wouldn’t drive us around in it.
Tray checked out every square inch of his new truck before he took us off-roading. I’ve never seen him look quite so happy. At 5:00 we went to Sunridge for my brother’s non-existent party. After dinner, Rave and Celeste gave him their birthday gift. Tray opened the box and found a heavy duty wench that mounts on the front of his truck. He thanked them both for everything and gave Celeste a hug. Willow had bought him a truck bed toolbox that had a security lock. I held my breath and waited for him to finally kiss her, but I eventually had to inhale because it didn’t happen. He hugged her and whispered ‘it’s perfect, I love it’ in her ear, but then he crouched down to check out his new gift.
Although they did exchange a look that I thought might convey the start of a deep relationship, I urgently needed them to kiss or say something to indicate it. I really stink at reading people. After ten minutes and no romantic actions, I decided that Stupid Cupid clearly needs more than one day and a little assistance.
Me and that little winged cherub sucker are gonna have words because I thought we had a deal…
I told Tray to take Willow on a ride because I needed to go to the Arboretum and practice. I had a ‘word of prayer’ with Cupid as they drove off into the proverbial sunset. Still not wanting to leave their destiny up to fate or chance, I struck another deal with that winged sucker. I would give him some additional help because I need this to happen. I planned to force Tray and Willow to be alone together daily. Then, he needed to do his part and shoot them with an arrow.
The days flew by as Krista and I worked on our schemes to assist Stupid Cupid. I spent hours at the Arboretum, studying with my best friend and any other excuse I could come up with so he could spend time alone with Willow. I hoped my brother didn’t realize that the only times I needed the extra help with channeling or helping Krista were the times when he was off work.
I was getting very skilled at controlling my spirit light. Even Boo-bear could safely play in the general vicinity while I streamed it. I didn’t wander off while I was inside the sacred Arboretum because Celeste or Rave carefully watched me. Krista had a knack for keeping me focused too. This meant Tray felt comfortable enough to spend a few hours each day alone with Willow. My Ay’sha dance lessons with her were always finished by the time Tray got off work.
Celeste has been teaching me how to focus my mind when the essences try to distract me. They are so beautiful and can be hypnotic. She explained how important it was not to channel any power if I’m not focused or if I’m overwhelmed by emotion.
My inner fire still burns at a very comfortable level, most days. It only blazes into an intolerable furnace if I get frustrated or upset about something. Now that I had gained more control of my spirit light and channels, that didn’t happen too often.
The resulting popularity of my ‘gypsy misadventure date avoidance fiasco’ remains a proverbial monkey on my back. It seems like half the high school male population still approaches me about going on a date and their actions are ridiculously predictable. They constantly flirt with me and act like total morons. Tray still has to use his obliteration skill on a daily basis.
It was already the first week of May before I knew it. Things in my life had finally calmed down for the most part. Elizabeth and I started planning a Sweet Sixteen party for Krista in June. It’s not a surprise so my best friend is providing her input. We also had plenty of time for gossip sessions and scheming.
Tray adores his new truck. I also know he’s in love with Willow and she loves him as well. Plus they’re getting to go on date
s and spend time alone together. They are finally having their middle stuff. My bargain with Stupid Cupid seems to be going along nicely too.
Everything was as close to perfect as anyone could expect…then…the unexpected…
Ember Rising Light (Book One) Page 99
