~~~
The trek to my home was quiet. Atohi walked beside me in his wolf form, his ears perked up as he listened to the noises around us. I had planned on grabbing a change of clothes and heading to Granny's to meet with Sue. Hopefully my clothing was salvageable from the house, since it seemed like the kitchen had taken the brunt of the damage.
What I hadn't anticipated was that, upon arriving at my grandfather’s house, I’d spot a large crowd of people and workers building scaffolding outside the kitchen walls where the scorch marks were clearly evident.
“What is going on?” I muttered to myself before I knelt down to Atohi. “I'm going to be at Granny's tonight, if you'd like to come. Or maybe I could meet at your home?” Atohi bumped his forehead to mine before turning back the way we had come.
“Hey, there's Alice!” someone shouted as I rounded the corner of the house, having come from the back.
I wanted to hide as the crowd started buzzing with excitement.
“W-what's going on?”
Suzanne popped out from the crowd and grabbed my hand. “Girly, are you sure you're okay? You look a little worse for wear.”
“Sue, what—"
“Ah, there’s my sweetheart.”
His voice made me feel as if someone had poured frigid water over my head. I hadn't had enough time to sort through my feelings about him—and about everything Atohi had told me.
“Get your man.” Suzanne nudged me forward despite me trying to plant my heels in the ground. Would it have been wrong to just shout he wasn’t the person he’d told me he was? Between having a secret son, being the age of my grandfather, and having magic powers, it was hard to believe anything he said to me.
He coiled an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in close so he could whisper into my ear. “I believe you and I need to have a long talk, Alice. For now, let’s smile for the people.”
I bit my cheek to keep myself from snapping at him and causing a scene. I had questions that only he could answer.
“I've organized the townsfolk, and they decided they would be more than happy to help rebuild and get you and your grandfather back on your feet. Thank the lovely people.” He squeezed my arm in an effort to make me speak.
The group stopped what they were doing, all eyes on me in anticipation of my words. I was impressed there were so many in town willing to help.
I cleared my throat. “Thank you all so much. I'm not sure how I could possibly reward you for your kindness. My grandpa has lived here his whole life, and I know this will mean the world to him.”
“I will throw an amazing block party for you all as thanks. Please look forward to it.” Johannes gave them a dazzling smile.
The crowd chattered loudly as they dispersed back to their assigned tasks. They all seemed so happy to be rallying together under Johannes. He really did have a way with people…
“Why are you doing all of this?” I asked him quietly to not draw attention.
“Can't you see how much I care for you? You wished to give new things to your grandfather. I'm providing that for you.” He went to cup my cheek, but I turned my face away. “Oh, don't be like that, Alice. You'll find out soon enough that this town is where you belong.” He kissed my cheek before pulling away. “Don't go too far. I'll be seeing you later.”
Sue cautiously approached after Johannes left, as if she could see the war raging in my mind. “Hey, are you all right? Why don't we grab some of your things and we can head down to the diner for something to eat.”
My stomach rumbled loudly, reminding me it had been some time since I last ate. Though I felt so sick I wasn't sure I would be able to eat.
“And then you can tell me everything that happened.”
I laughed nervously. This wasn't going to be fun. What could I even tell her?
Chapter Eight
I pushed my fork around my plate, knocking sautéed vegetables into each other. Suzanne and I hadn't said anything since back at the house. I just didn't know what I could say that would appease her without making it seem like I was weaving an elaborate tale.
“You know, as a mother of three, I'm pretty used to receiving the silent treatment from one or more of them at any given time, but this is killing me,” Suzanne finally said. She reached across the table and grabbed my hand, then squeezed. She seemed desperate to make me comfortable enough to confide in her. “I don't want to push you, but I'm really worried. Alice, you look like you slept outside. The bags under your eyes could carry groceries.”
I wanted to be comfortable enough to confide in her. But there was just no way she would believe me even if I was able to tell her the true story.
“I think there's something weird about Cole,” I finally said, the words coming out slowly.
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I just… It’s hard to explain.” At least in a way that wouldn’t make Sue want me committed.
“Did Cole hurt you? I will find him and—”
“He didn’t hurt me, Sue…”
“Then the mayor—"
“What? No, that's not it at all. I mean, things are strained between us right now—” not to mention he was apparently almost a hundred years old and also a ghoul— "but he wouldn't do that.” As much as I was irritated with him, I didn't want her to have the wrong idea. “I just went for a run in the woods is all. To get Cole off my mind.”
“Is that why there is a twig in your hair?”
I plucked it from my hair and resisted the burning itch inside of me to throw it across the restaurant.
She stared at me for a moment longer, sighing, apparently realizing I wasn't going to offer more information. “Fine, I'll drop it for now. Also, quit playing with your food and eat it.”
~~~
After driving me back to Grandpa’s house so I could pack a bag of clothing, Sue walked with me to up to Granny’s Inn, which was near the center of town. The building was a single story with rustic wood siding. Even from the outside you could smell what Granny was cooking. I had yet to try it, but Grandpa said her fish fry was the best he’d ever had.
“I'm really sorry I can't just have you stay at our place,” she said. “Mark's parents are in town from their home in New York for a few days before they fly out to Florida for three months, and they’re using the spare bedroom.” She leaned in to add, “But between you and me, I'd much rather have you there. I can only take so many stories about white sand beaches while I'm stuck here with brown dirt.”
“Do they have room for me in their luggage?”
I smiled softly at her, trying my best to not show Sue how broken I was feeling at the moment. Ever since moving to town, it felt like a plan for me had been set into motion that I didn’t get to know anything about. It was silly of me to even entertain the idea that everything would be normal and I could live a cookie-cutter life with Johannes. But, if I’m being honest with myself, was that even what I wanted now?
On a tall ladder pressed against the inn was an old man with short black curls and sweat beading along the dark skin of his brow.
“Joe,” Sue called. “You better not hurt yourself again.”
He startled and turned to look at her best he could on the ladder. “Scare me like that again, and I just might.” Joe laughed. “That our new resident with you?”
“Yup, this is Alice. Alice, this is Granny’s husband, Joe,” Sue introduced.
“Hello,” I greeted with a small wave.
“I’d come down and shake your hand, but my wife is gonna kill me if I don’t get these gutters cleaned before the first snowfall.”
We waved goodbye to him with smiles.
As we walked in, I noticed an elderly Asian woman with short, graying black hair asleep at the counter, cheek resting on her fist and her bright red glasses askew. Grandpa had spoken about her, Edna, a few times when he spun his tales about Grandma Maggie and the shenanigans she was usually up to in her youth. Edna, or Granny as most called her, had taken my grandma in for a wh
ile when she’d first moved to town. Her heart was apparently as huge as her need to over-stuff people on her cooking.
“Granny...” Sue shook her shoulder a little bit, trying to wake her but not startle her.
She snorted before opening her eyes. It took her a moment or two to come back to reality.
“Suzanne! How are you and your babies?” She hurried from around the counter to hug Sue tightly.
“They're fine, always up to something.” Sue rolled her eyes. “Anyway, this is Alice. I called last night about getting a room set up for her.”
“Of course. Nice to meet you, Alice, though I wish it was under better circumstance. How is your grandpa doing?”
“They’ve got him stabilized, so I’m grateful for that.” I smiled at her.
“Well, I hope everything turns out fine. I still remember when Carlyle was just a young thing strutting around for Maggie's attention.” She laughed before reaching out for my hand. “Come now, I had Joe set up a room for you.”
We ended up in a room at the end of a long hallway. She handed me a key with a small green plastic square emblazoned with golden script reading “Granny's Inn” and the room number. She pushed the door open, revealing a room that was open and had a warm, rustic vibe. There was a double bed pushed up against a wall with a thick plaid quilt and two pillows. A nightstand and lamp were next to it, along with a black alarm clock. On the other side of the room was a small table and chairs, a dresser next to them.
“Bathroom is that door there, and the TV gets local channels. Breakfast is at eight in the morning, every morning if that interests you.” She pursed her lips as she looked around the room. “If you need something, don't hesitate to ask me. Unless you find a spider, then you can call my husband, Joe.”
“How much do I owe you? I don't have cash on me now, but I can run to the bank later.” I was already trying to calculate the number in my mind that I could spare.
“Don't you worry about it.”
“That's not—”
“You're Maggie's flesh and blood. If I wouldn't charge her, I'm not gonna charge you.”
“But...” The look in her eyes stopped my protest. She meant business. “Fine, but you have to let me help around the inn, then.”
“If that'll make you feel better.” She smiled and hugged me before leaving.
Sue lingered for a moment longer. She seemed to be holding something back.
I filled in the gap for her. “Thanks for everything, Sue.”
“Of course. Please call me if you need anything. I'll see you later, girly.”
After a long hot shower and a change of clothes, I felt a lot better. No more random twigs to be found in my hair, no more dirt beneath my nails, and a brief moment to let my body relax.
After an hour or two of lazing around, I dragged myself from the comfortable spot I had flopped into on the bed. The sheets were scented with whatever detergent Granny used, and it reminded me of back home… with Dad. My heart clenched tightly in my chest. Everything was so complicated right now. My father had tried calling me once the next day, but I’d been so angry, I ignored the call. I didn’t feel ready to talk to him yet.
I dragged on a pair of black jeans and boots as well as a tank top and red floral pullover. I didn't normally go anywhere in my sweatshirts, but if I was going to have to fight or flee, it was probably best not to be in a ruffled blouse and skirt.
After bidding Granny, who was still manning the front desk, a farewell, I headed to the hospital to check on my grandfather. With any luck, he'd be awake. Now to just come up with a way to break the news about the fire to him.
When I rounded the corner and saw his room, I spotted him sitting up and talking to someone, though he still looked weary. My heart leapt with joy that he was at least a little better. Maybe not everything was going sour.
The smile on my face lasted until I realized who he was conversing with: Johannes, who sat in one of the chairs beside the bed. His shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows and his jacket was slung over one arm. I marveled at his ability to act as if nothing strange had happened in the last twenty-four hours.
“Alice!” Grandpa's eyes lit up when he saw me. “Johannes here was telling me that people from town are helping with the house.”
“They are.” I hiccupped on my words even as I fought against the tears that immediately stung my eyes. “I'm really sorry, Grandpa. It’s all my fault.” I grasped his hand. My fingers were practically buzzing as soon as our skin touched.
“Now, now, none of that. Everything will be all right. The kitchen needed new paint anyway.” He smiled at me, his eyes sparkling despite this situation that affected him so intensely. “Johannes says he wants to pay for everything.”
“What?” I whipped my head to look at him. “You don't have to do that, Johannes. I'll figure out some way to pay for it.” Maybe I could see if the diner would hire me for weekends… Even if not, I’d figure something out. Paper route, tutoring, anything to make sure the bill was paid.
“Nonsense, let me do this for you, Alice.” He pressed one of his large hands against the small of my back. I tried to ignore how foreign his hands felt, and how my hands seemed to tingle more in earnest.
“No, it's too much.” Johannes’s offer seemed sincere, but this would be too much even if last night hadn’t happened.
Grandpa's heart rate increased and his grip tightened on my hand, which caused me to look back at him. “It's okay to get help sometimes,” he whispered.
I hugged him, trying to be mindful of the IV still attached to his arm. Through all of it, I could feel Johannes's gaze crawling along my body. I did my best ignore it. It was hard to believe he truly wanted to be helpful after locking me in his room. With what he had done to Atohi…
“Just no more cobbler, okay?”
I laughed, a few tears slipping down my cheeks. There would definitely be no more attempts. One ruined kitchen was enough for me to learn my lesson.
“I'm feelin’ real tired. Why don't you two go for coffee or something and come back later?” He yawned wide, laid back, and started to snore within seconds.
“Let's be off, shall we?” Johannes rose from his chair and guided me out.
“Please don't touch me right now, Johannes.” I said it low, trying to avoid the eyes of the nurses in the hall.
He hesitated, but eventually withdrew his hand.
“You know you don't have to do any of this. I can take care of it.”
“How do you plan to do that, Alice? You've told me before that you and your grandfather are struggling financially, and I have the resources to help you.”
“I didn't tell you that so you would do this. I don't want your help anyway, Johannes. You hide things from me. Important things.” I pointed an accusatory finger in his direction.
Johannes hesitated for a moment, seemingly trying to carefully word his response. “I won’t deny that, but I have my reasons.”
“I want you to be truthful with me, Johannes. Are you just doing this to have something to lord over me?” I put my hands on my hips.
“I didn’t want it to be like this between us.” He frowned.
“It’s too late for that. Now, answer my question.”
“I don’t want to do it so you’ll owe me, Alice.” He raked a hand through his perfectly combed hair. “Is it so hard for you to believe that I genuinely care for you?”
I ignored the way my chest clenched at his words. “Stop playing this game with me. Please.”
“Alice, I’m not—” He cut himself off and sighed. “I want to do this for you and him. I have the means. You’ll owe me nothing at all.”
Johannes moved to grab my arm, but stopped himself short when I flinched away.
“Fine, but only for Grandpa’s peace of mind.”
“Great. Rain check on coffee, my love. I’m afraid I should’ve been to the office ten minutes ago.” He left looking considerably happier than when our conversation started.
I looke
d around to make sure no one was nearby before I groaned loudly. I need to know more about the Magi and Zella.
The cool air felt amazing against my heated cheeks as soon as I walked out of the hospital. I sat on one of the metal benches near the entrance to the hospital and pulled my phone from my sweater pocket.
My nails clicked against the screen of my phone as I typed Magus into the search engine. I clicked the first result and was bombarded by gaudy flashing headlines and graphics that seemed like clip-art. This seems totally legit…
Find yourself at the mercy of a Magi? Demon? Beast of Unknown Origin? We’ll teach you how to defend yourself in three easy steps!
Was it wrong for me to be tempted to click the link? Just a quick peek couldn’t hurt…
~~~
Site after site stressed using salt to keep away any sort of negative paranormal energy. I could do that. Nothing weird about buying a giant container of salt, right? I sighed before setting out with my large university tote in hand. The grocery store was only a fifteen-minute walk away, but my body was still so stiff from running through the woods the day before.
I tossed my bag to the passenger seat and settled in. I could've cried shortly after as I tried to turn on the car and it only made a pathetic whine in response. Okay, weird, maybe she just needs a moment. I tried again only for it to make the noise again before it stopped making any sound entirely.
“This can't be happening. This is all just a bad dream, right?”
I couldn’t keep my frustration in. Grandpa’s home, Johannes’s lies, Atohi bring trapped. It was too much! I screamed and started hitting the steering wheel. Everything was just one giant continuous nightmare that I couldn't wake up from. By the time I stopped, my chest heaved.
A knock on the window nearly made me jump out of my skin.
Joe muttered an apology as he opened my door. “You having issues, hun?”
I pressed a hand to my face to try to hide the blush burning across my cheeks. “It's not starting.”
“Come on out. I'll see if I can help ya.”
After a few tries, it was easy to tell it wasn't going to start. Joe was bent over the engine, feet nearly off the ground because of his short stature.
Eyes Like Autumn (Seasons of the Magi Book 1) Page 10
