I was having a hard time reconciling the warmth of the interior of the house with its cold ruling occupant. After a few hours, we ended up back in our rooms to dress for dinner. I had no clue what the dress code was, so I settled on a knee length black dress with short sleeves and black silk belt that I tied into a little bow on the side of my waist.
I slipped on a pair of black stilettos and wandered out into the living area. My dad and Serena were sitting reading the newspaper in a companionable silence.
“Hey, where’s Mom?” I asked
Right on cue the door opened to our suite and my mother hurried in the room. “I know. I'm late. Just give me twenty minutes,” she said as she rushed into my parent’s room and shut the door.
“I’m going to check on some investments, looks like we’ll be awhile,” my father said rising from the couch.
“Twenty minutes isn’t that long,” Serena commented
“Twenty minutes is more like forty when it comes to Cecily,” he said smiling as he retreated into the bedroom.
“So who’s going to be at this dinner tonight?" I asked Serena
“Well, your mother’s brother Oliver and his wife Rhoswen...”
“Rhoswen is Fae, right?" I interrupted
“Yes,” she answered. “Also there will be your Uncle Cuthbert, although everyone calls him Cuddy. He is Gussie’s husband and his son Jeremiah, your cousin.”
“What about Gussie?"
Serena fell quiet for several long seconds. “Willa, Gussie was taken by the Rau almost a year ago.”
“What?" I breathed. “What happened?"
“She went into London to do her usual Christmas shopping and ended up staying overnight, much to her Guardian's dismay. Someone must have spotted her at some point, a human servant or a cast out Fae because in the middle of the night a veritable army showed up at the hotel. They killed her Guardians and took her."
“That’s horrible; I don’t even know what to say, her husband and son must be devastated."
“Yes, it was terrible for everyone, unfortunately, it only got worse six months ago."
“What happened six months ago?"
“Her daughter Julia, who was my charge, took off on a rescue mission and never came back." Serena replied wringing her hands.
“Well, I understand. If that were my mother, I would do anything to get her back. It wasn’t your fault Serena...”
“It was,” she interrupted “I was her Guardian, I swore to protect her, and I failed. Julia was more than my ‘assignment’; she was my friend, my sister, and I adored her."
“I’m so sorry, but why did she think she could save her?" I asked curiously
“Julia was a sightseer. She was pretty accurate on seeing the future; that’s what makes it so strange. Why on earth would she go on a suicide mission if she knew she would fail? It makes no sense. She should have told me. I would have gone with her. I would have done anything for her. I was so wrapped up in my own drama...well that’s neither here nor there, suffice it to say, she went, the Rau captured her, and it was my fault."
I stood up from my seat on the couch and walked over to Serena where she was standing by the fire. I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a tight squeeze, which to my surprise she returned.
“Serena, there are no words for me to comfort you. All I can say is that I am so sorry for your loss. Is it weird to say that I feel some grief as well? I lost an aunt and a cousin that I didn’t even know, yet, I feel sad. I guess I’m sad that I will never know them."
“That’s not weird, not at all. I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to meet my sister. Gussie was the most amazingly kind, loving person. My heart hurts.” Cecily said as she walked over to us and joined our little hug fest.
“I’m sorry Mom,” I said as I took in her heartbroken expression.
“Thank you darling. She would have adored you, as I’m sure; I would have loved her daughter."
“Julia was one of a kind,” Serena said with a small smile
“Ladies, I must interrupt, it's time for dinner. So dry your eyes, there are other pressing issues to worry about this evening. The biggest one being is that I will be sitting at a table with Winifred and sharp utensils.” Cormac added
Laughing we all dried our tears and headed down to the dining room together. The massive table, which could easily seat thirty people, was set on one end for seven. Painted rose walls shimmered invitingly in the soft light, and the stone fireplace had high, dancing flames in the hearth.
A tall, redheaded, man immediately descended upon us the minute we arrived. “Cecily, oh Cessie, my baby sister has come home,” he cried as he swept my mom into a bear hug.
“Oliver,” Cecily said tearfully. “I’ve missed you so. How are you? You look dashing as always.”
“Your sight must have deteriorated while you were gone,” he replied with twinkling eyes
“Oh please, you're as handsome as ever. Rhoswen, oh my, you haven’t changed a bit,” Cecily said
A petite woman joined the welcome party; her blonde hair was cut short in a pixie cut and her blue eyes looked huge on her small face. “Cecily, it’s so wonderful to see you and have you home. Oliver and I wanted to come here right away but unfortunately it seemed like every pregnant woman on the island went into birth over the last few days."
“I heard. Mother told me, six births, including one set of twins. Last Winter must have been a cold one." Cecily commented
“This must be Willa,” Oliver said as he reached out to shake my hand warmly.
“Hi Oliver, it’s nice to meet you."
“We are happy to meet you Willa. My wife Rhoswen and I are, well, intrigued, to say the least. Since we are healers on the island, as well, as a childless Gypsy- Fae couple, your arrival gives us much hope." he said
“Oliver you’ll scare the poor girl. She probably thinks we are going to treat her like mad scientists. Hello Willa, I’m Rhoswen, it’s nice to meet you,” Rhoswen said
“It’s nice to meet both of you.” I replied, not sure what to say. Was I welcomed as a niece or lab rat?
“Cormac you old dog, it’s about goddamn time you brought Cessie home,” a loud booming voice said. I turned and saw a tall, large man come barreling over to us from across the room.
“Cuddy, you son of a bitch, it’s great to see you.” Cormac sputtered as Cuddy gave him a bone shaking pat on the back.
“Cecily, my goodness you haven’t changed a bit, come here and give me a hug,” he ordered as he swept my mom off her feet in a bear hug. I tensed slightly as he turned his attention to me.
“Well, so this is Willa, you're quite the looker aren't ya? Your all Cecily but with your father’s fairy eyes. I don’t know why you got Winifred all hot and bothered. You seem like a nice girl. So have you decided which side you will pick? Fae may live longer, but Gypsies are a lot more fun,” he said with a wink.
“Sides? Uh, I have to be honest Cuddy. I’ll choose whatever side you're on,” I answered
“Why’s that? And it’s Uncle Cuddy to you."
“Why? Because you're fucking huge, so any side you're on, I’m going with, Uncle Cuddy."
The room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Apparently dropping the F-bomb in the dining room was not done, I surmised.
Then Cuddy started laughing and soon the others joined in with a chuckle.
“By the Gods this one is a keeper!" he said loudly
“So sorry I am late everyone." Winifred said as she hurried in the room. “Cecily and I got caught up earlier and ...what’s going on? It seems I missed the joke."
“Our newest addition is quite the firecracker. Willa is going to be a lot of fun to have around; as I’m sure you have figured out Winnie.” Cuddy answered
“Yes, she is indeed,” she said dismissively. “Come let us all sit."
I scurried to the table, choosing a place far away from Winifred, who sat at the head. As dinner was served I took a backseat to the conversations around me. Fo
r once I observed instead of diving right in the conversation. I was astonished to see Winifred relax and seemingly enjoy the company of her family.
I was happy to meet my cousin Jeremiah, Cuddy and Gussie’s son. He came in soon after Winifred and sat down opposite me. Jeremiah was only a few years older than me and had wavy blonde hair and brown chestnut colored eyes.
Everyone, except my father and I, who she pretty much ignored, were on the receiving end of smiles from the Queen. The more I watched, the more introverted I became. I couldn’t decide what I was more saddened by, the fact that these wonderful people had been missing all of my life or the fact that I desperately wanted, just once, to have my grandmother look at me with a fondness that she so effortless gave Jeremiah as he teased her.
I decided at least to attempt an effort after a pointed look from my mother and looked up at Jeremiah, who sat across from me. “So Jeremiah, what is it that you do?"
“I oversee the Library and Island Archives. Not the most glamorous job but one I enjoy immensely,” he answered with a grin
“I think that sounds interesting. I would love to come and see it sometime."
“Of course, you’re welcome to come day or night. I’m sure you would find the archives to be most enlightening."
“I’m sure I would,” I agreed. “I’m pretty certain my mom gave me the cliff notes version in her quick explanation of the history of the island and the Gypsies, but I would love to delve deeper."
“If you want to delve into something you should come to my store Willa.” Cuddy said.
“What sort of store do you own Uncle Cuddy?" I asked in interest
“Cuddy’s Menagerie of Curiosities. I sell everything but the kitchen sink.”
“Actually Dad, I think you have an old copper sink for sale somewhere in that mess,” Jeremiah said
“Hmmm,” Cuddy said thoughtfully as he stroked his chin. “You may be right. Correction Willa, I sell everything and the kitchen sink."
I couldn’t help but smile at this man. “Well, you have peaked my curiosity. I would love to come and take a look around."
“I’m sure I have some things you would like. Have you decided on which flat here you’ll use?"
“No, I haven’t." I said noncommittally. When Serena had given my dad and me a tour she had showed us a few flats, but none of them had caught my eye. Besides I had no desire to live here. It was beautiful, yes, but I needed my own space, preferably, one far away from the Ice Queen.
“Well when you do come in and take a look, I also design and decorate spaces, as well,” he added
“Really? Since when Cuddy?" asked my father surprised
“Now don’t go looking at me like that Cormac, I know what you are thinking but I’m like an onion, peel a layer.” Cuddy said gruffly
“I think that’s wonderful Cuddy,” my mother said warmly
I smiled as everyone around the table jumped in to tease Cuddy, which seemed to go all the way up to the dessert. I dived right into the chocolate lava cake served with a scoop of delicious vanilla ice cream and a dollop of real whipped cream. I caught snippets of the conversation that flowed around me, but didn’t offer any other comments.
When I rose to leave I was given a huge bear hug by Cuddy and exchanged pleasantries with Jeremiah, Oliver and Rhoswen. Feeling slightly overwhelmed and stuffed to the gills I walked up to our suite of rooms by myself. My mind was replaying the dinner and its attendants over and over again.
I was so involved in my thoughts I didn’t notice that Mathias had followed me up to my room nor did I realize how his face was lined with concern as he waited in the shadows. I had stripped off my heels and clothes before I pulled on a pair of gray cropped yoga pants and a loose fitting white V-neck t-shirt. Giving my hair and teeth a quick brush I pulled the curtains tightly closed and plopped down on my bed.
I stayed there for the next three days.
Chapter Thirteen
Depression is a serious word and diagnosis. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was depressed. I would call it being lost, emotionally detached, and unsure of my place in the world. After the family dinner, my body and mind just seemed to shut down. I couldn’t nor did I want to figure out what was next because I wasn’t ready for it yet.
So I retreated into my little bedroom alternating between sleeping and watching movies. My parents and Serena would bring my meals to me, at first trying to coax me into coming out of my nest, to eventually shooting me looks of worry. I was still in the same pajamas that I put on three days ago, and while part of me shouted ‘Eww gross,' a bigger part of me didn’t care.
I had just woken up from another short nap when my mother poked her head into my door.
“Willa, we’re going down to dinner. Are you sure you won’t come?" she asked anxiously
“No, I’m good, thanks. Just send me up a plate please,” I answered, barely looking up at her.
When the door finally closed I let out a deep breath that I was holding. I was suddenly disgusted with myself. I threw my iPad down and eased myself out of bed. Maybe if I take a bath they’ll get off my back, I thought grumpily as I headed into the bathroom.
Thirty minutes later, I came out a new woman. I had not only scrubbed away the dirt and odor that had built up the last few days, but also the sense of uselessness that had taken over my brain. After pulling on another set of pajamas, I started perusing my video library for an upbeat movie when a knock came at the door.
“Come in,” I said not taking my eyes off my device. So intent on my newfound goal, I didn’t even register the fact that someone was still standing in my room.
“Willa,” Mathias’s deep voice instantly shot shivers down my body. My head shot up, and I took in his appearance. Again he was dressed in head to toe black, from his turtleneck sweater to his pressed slacks. He looked dangerous and breathtaking.
“What are you doing?" he asked
“Looking for a movie,” I held up my iPad. “Why?"
“That’s not what I mean." he said as he came into the room and set down a large tray on the dresser.
“You asked what I was doing, I told you and so now we’re done,” I said rolling my eyes
“So is this what you plan on doing? Lying in bed, watching movies, hiding from the world?"
“I’m not hiding. I’m catching up on some sleep and John Hughes movies from the eighties."
“Worthwhile as that may be, how long do you intend on wallowing in your misery?"
“I may have turned a corner. I now have gone from wallowing to accepting. So I think I’m looking at, three, maybe four more days before I integrate back into society."
“This isn’t you,” he said shaking his head.
“You don’t know me so don’t pretend to judge me Mathias.”
“Oh, I think I’ve gotten to know you pretty well. Give me something, a spark, a smart ass comment, anything. Because looking at you right now, is like looking at a shell."
I racked my brain for an insult, but I just couldn’t bring myself even to care. I held back tears that pooled in my eyes and looked away from him. I was almost embarrassed that Mathias, of all people, was seeing me this way, but then again he was the only one I think I would have allowed.
“Mathias, please, just leave,” I said dejectedly
“Not until you get off your ass and rejoin the living. Christ sakes get some fresh air. Take a walk, go explore your new home, do something. Holed up in the castle boohooing about your life is about as unproductive as it gets. Get your head out of your ass and realize your life is not that bad compared to a lot of other unfortunate people in this world, people that don’t have a comfy bed to lie around in all day or their own personal video store at their fingertips."
“You had your life turned upside and uprooted but it’s done, now get the fuck on with It,” he finished
“Wow, have you ever thought about motivational speaking? You would sell out a stadium in a heartbeat."
He smiled. “There she is."
“You came about forty minutes too late Doctor Wolfie. I pretty much had already told myself all those things in the shower a little while ago. I appreciate your concern but honestly, I’m ok; I just needed a little vacay from reality."
“Everyone’s worried that it may be permanent."
“You included?" I asked
“No, I knew that you wouldn’t be able to sit in your own pile of shit for too long. I came because I'm annoyed at hearing everyone talking about you. I have a job to do and listening to your family go on and on about ‘Poor Willa’ makes it more difficult."
The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* Page 17
