Chosen One

by Katie Holland

  “So, I guess I answered my own question about the sketchy information on the plane tickets,” he said. “But I still wonder how we’re going to board a flight without a real ticket.”

  “Maybe when we get there the airline people will give us a real one. I mean, we can’t possibly be flying straight to London. We should have a layover, somewhere right?” Alix questioned.

  “Um, I actually have no idea. Adventure Alix, remember the adventure.”

  “Yeah right, I definitely need to keep that in mind. So, on a different topic, my dad won’t be home for a while with the pizza. What do you want to do?”

  Ben thought about it for a minute. “Want to see what’s on TV?”

  “Sure.”

  Ben followed Alix to the living room and sat down on the couch beside her. She started flipping through the guide looking for something good. “Oh look! It’s a Harry Potter marathon weekend. We absolutely have to watch it!”

  Alix was so excited that even Ben couldn’t say no to her.

  “Do you always get this excited for Harry Potter movies?”

  “Well … kind of.” Alix knew she was blushing a little. “But this is the first time I’ll be watching them since I found out I was Nykara. I might have to take notes and see if I can do the same things they can.”

  “You are so silly sometimes,” Ben said to her.

  “I know,” she said with a smile.

  They settled in to watch the movie. Alix was so into it that when her phone went off, she jumped. Ben only grinned at her.

  Shay: What are you doing?

  Alix: Watching Harry Potter with Ben.

  Shay: You and Ben???

  Alix: Yes. You know he won’t leave me by myself, so I invited him to stay for pizza. And we decided to watch TV instead of doing homework.

  Shay: I’m so proud of you!

  Alix: Quit being silly. What are you doing?

  Shay: Packing of course! Now who’s being silly!

  Alix: I should have known. I’ll probably need your help packing this weekend.

  Shay: I’m your girl! Now quit texting me and pay attention to that gorgeous boy sitting next to you.

  Alix: Stop it! Bye.

  Alix had to smile despite herself. Shay always did that to her.

  “Everything okay?” Ben asked.

  “Yep. Shay has started packing already.”

  “Packing already? Seriously?” She could tell Ben didn’t believe her.

  “Oh yeah. She’ll probably have five suitcases. Fashion is her life after all. I hope the plane has enough room for all of her luggage.”

  “You’re being completely serious, aren’t you?”

  “One hundred percent serious.”

  “Wow,” was all he managed to say.

  Her dad got home with the pizza. Ben decided to stay for the next movie as well. About halfway through the second one Alix took Ben to the kitchen.

  “Okay, so I’m sure you’ve probably tried this, but it still makes me excited.”

  “Tried what?”

  “Popping your popcorn with magic.”

  “Um, actually it never even occurred to me.”

  “Really? It was one of the first things I tried after I learned how to use my magic. But it could be because it’s my most favorite snack. Watch.”

  Alix then showed him the same thing she showed her parents just a couple of weeks ago. She put some kernels in each bowl and popped them with her magic. Then melted the butter in the same manner. Ben grinned at her excitement

  When the movie finished, Ben figured he’d better get home. “Thanks for the fun night. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  * * *

  It was Saturday and only two more sleeps until they left for London. After breakfast and a shower, Alix decided to do her laundry. Halfway through her second load Shay walked in the door.

  “Hey Alix,” Shay yelled into the house.

  “I’m in the living room,” Alix yelled back.

  They went to Alix’s room Shay started making piles of clothes all over Alix’s room.

  “Shay, we’re only going to be gone for ten days. I don’t think I need to take all of this.”

  “Oh Alix, you couldn’t be more wrong. You’ll need everyday clothes, dressier clothes, the fancy gown and clothes for just in case. And don’t forget an assortment of shoes of course.”

  “Of course,” Alix said sarcastically.

  “Alix, I don’t think you’re taking this seriously.”

  The look on Shay’s face was too much for Alix and she burst out laughing.

  “Clothes are never a laughing matter Alix,” Shay said sternly, which only made Alix laugh harder.

  About an hour later, Shay declared that they were done.

  “How can we be done?” Alix asked. “There’s not even one thing in a suitcase?”

  “We’re done figuring out what you have and what you need.”

  “What do you mean what I need? There’s no way I could need more.”

  “Oh Alix, I see I still have a lot to teach you. You have lots of casual clothes but not really anything very dressy for meeting with the council. So that means more shopping. I’ll borrow mom’s car and we’ll go to Bozeman tomorrow.”

  “Fine,” Alix conceded.

  Shay lightly smacked Alix on the arm. “So, what should we do?” Shay asked.

  “Well, since it’s Halloween on Monday and we won’t get to do our annual movie fest why don’t we do that tonight? I think there’s a Halloween movie marathon on.”

  Sure enough, they found a bunch of Halloween movies to watch, and not the scary horror kind that Alix hated. The girls had a great night. They watched movies, ate popcorn, and at one point even made some silly snacks that were Halloween themed. They felt like little kids again and it was great.

  Chapter 5

  The next morning the girls got up and got ready. They went to Shay’s, so she could change and get the car. Then they headed to Bozeman. Shay put on her favorite driving radio station and Alix just sat back and relaxed.

  They arrived in Bozeman before the mall was open, so they found a coffee place and ordered caramel lattes. They finished their coffees and went to the mall. True to her word, Shay helped Alix find the perfect dressy yet age appropriate outfits.

  “That actually wasn’t too bad,” Alix said, as they got onto the highway that led back to Sunset Creek.

  She was expecting Shay to say, “I told you so” but Shay didn’t even seem to hear her.

  “Shay, are you listening to me?” Alix asked and looked at Shay. She seemed to be looking in her rear-view mirror. “Shay, hello? What are you looking at?”

  “I think we’re being followed?”

  “What?” Alix looked behind her and saw a truck a little ways behind them. “I doubt we’re being followed Shay, this is a highway after all, and there aren’t that many main roads around here. They’re probably just going the same way we are.”

  “I don’t think so, Alix. I saw that same truck when we left the parking lot at the mall. I only noticed it because I liked the color blue it was. And, they’re still behind us and it’s been fifteen-minutes. What should we do?”

  Alix thought for a minute. “Turn at the next road you see and let’s see if they follow.”

  Shay made a right turn at the next country road. She drove down the road slowly waiting to see if the truck would turn as well. It didn’t. Shay pulled to the side of the road and stopped.

  “See Shay, it was all in your imagination.”

  “I guess, but something still doesn’t feel right. Should I just turn around and go back to the highway?”

  “Yeah, I’m ready to get home and finish packing.”

  Shay turned the car around and went back to the highway. She was breathing a little easier until they passed the same truck stopped on the side of the road.

  “Maybe they’re lost?” Alix said skeptically.

&n
bsp; Shay looked in her rear-view mirror. She saw them pull back out on the highway. “They’re behind us again Alix. I really think they’re following us.”

  “Okay, you might be right.”

  “I’m starting to freak out here Alix.”

  “Just stay calm. We don’t want to crash. I’m going to call Rick.” Alix said. She found Rick’s number and hit send. “It’s ringing,” she told Shay and put it on speaker.

  “Hello?’

  “Rick, this is Alix.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Actually no. Shay and I are driving back from Bozeman right now and we think we’re being followed.”

  “Tell me exactly what happened.”

  Alix told him about leaving the mall, the truck, and turning off the highway. “And they’re behind us again. We’re starting to get a little scared.”

  “Where are you now?”

  Alix gave him their approximate location.

  “Okay, whatever you girls do you have to stay calm. I don’t want you coming back to Sunset Creek in case you lead them to your houses.”

  “What should we do?” Shay asked. “I can’t keep driving all day.”

  “You know that diner you girls took Ben to? Go there and we’ll meet you. Just drive like you normally would, but keep an eye on them. Try to act as normal as possible. Alix I’m going to have Ben call you and stay on the phone with you until you get to the diner. Okay?”

  “Okay Rick, thank you.”

  “Anytime Alix, just stay safe,” he said and hung up.

  “Okay,” Alix started, “now we just wait for Ben to call. I’m sorry Shay.”

  “What are you sorry for? This isn’t your fault.”

  “But it kind of is. I think those people are following us because of me.”

  “They probably are, but it’s still not your fault. And before you say another word I’m not going to change my mind. Now let’s just focus on getting to the diner and hope that they don’t do anything before that.”

  Alix sat back and let Shay drive. She thought about using her magic but what if they weren’t Grynn in the truck? And if they were, they would probably fight back. Two against one was never good odds in her mind. And what if Shay got hurt? Her phone ringing brought her out of her thoughts. It was Ben.

  “Hey Ben.”

  “My dad filled me in on what’s happening. Are you two still doing okay?”

  “Yeah, I guess so. I’ll admit that this is a little scary though.”

  “It’ll be okay Alix. We’re on the way to the diner right now and we’ll have back up with us. I’ll stay on the phone with you until you get to the diner. I’m sure we’ll be there before you, dad’s driving a little fast. So, tell me what you girls were doing in Bozeman.”

  Alix knew he was trying to get her mind off of what was going on, so she played along. She told him about their yummy coffee and their shopping trip. They talked about a few other things as well.

  “We’re here,” Ben told her. “Where are you girls?”

  Alix was surprised Ben was at the diner already. “We just passed the turn for Sunset Creek,” Alix answered.

  “Okay, good. Are they still behind you?”

  Alix turned around to see. “Yes, but they’re closer now. Do you think they know we know they’re following us?”

  “It’s hard to say, Alix. Just keep calm. You’re not that far from the diner.”

  “Are you alright Shay?” Alix asked.

  “I’m okay, but I’ll be a whole lot better when we get there.”

  The girls kept driving and before long they could see the diner.

  “Ben, we are almost there. What should we do?”

  “Just walk in like it was your destination the whole time. Act like you’re really excited to be there. When you walk in and see us pretend like you haven’t seen us in a long time. Okay?”

  “Yeah, okay. See you in a minute,” Alix said and hung up.

  Shay pulled into the diner’s parking lot and found a spot to park. The girls got out and put on a show about being there. They walked into the diner, saw Ben and Rick in a corner booth, and went to sit with them. Ben got up and gave both of them big hugs. Rick did the same. They all sat down, and Alix wasn’t sure what to do next.

  “Shay,” Rick said, “did the truck follow you into the parking lot?”

  “Yes. It’s that blue one at the end of the second row with the two people sitting in it.”

  Ben and Rick casually looked over their shoulders to get a look at it. Rick was about to say something when the waitress came over to their table.”

  “What can I get you to drink?” she asked them.

  “I want a root beer milkshake,” Shay said. Alix gave her a funny look. “What, it was a stressful drive and I need some sugar.”

  “I’ll have a coffee,” Rick said trying to get them back on track.

  “A milkshake sounds good to me,” Ben said. “I think I’ll have a chocolate one.”

  “And for you Miss?” the waitress said looking at Alix.

  “Um … I guess I’ll have a coconut one please.”

  The waitress left to place their orders. They knew they had a few minutes until the shakes were ready.

  “So, what do we do now?” Alix whispered.

  “First, I need to make a call.” Rick told her. He pulled out his cell. “It’s Rick. The blue truck at the end of the second row.” Then he listened to whoever was on the other end. “Okay, sounds good. See you in a few.”

  “Who was that?” Alix asked him.

  “It was Kris. He’s out there keeping an eye on the men that were following you?”

  “Are they human or Grynn? Can he tell from where he is?” Shay asked.

  “Yes, he can,” Rick said. “They’re Grynn.”

  “So, they’re after me,” Alix said.

  “Most likely,” Rick told her. “But don’t panic Alix, we have a plan. Rick called some of his old military buddies that live in the area. When they get here they’re going to find a way to get them to follow them instead of you I think.”

  Their milkshakes came, and it was hard to enjoy them when they were scared.

  A few minutes later Kris came out of the kitchen and pulled up a chair to sit with them. There was a petite woman standing near the kitchen door.

  “We have a plan,” he said to them. “Alix did you learn to camouflage yourself?”

  “Yes, but how is that going to help?” she asked.

  “I brought a friend with me that is roughly your size and has long dark hair like yours. See her over by the kitchen? That’s Sonya.”

  They all nodded.

  “What we’re going to do is have her and Shay get into Shay’s car and drive the opposite direction of Sunset Creek. When you leave Shay take off as fast as you can. They’ll follow you because it’ll look like Alix and Shay are running away, trying to shake them. When they leave, Alix you’ll make yourself appear invisible, go out the back, and get into Rick’s SUV and they’ll take you to their house.”

  “No,” Alix almost yelled. “I’m not going to put Shay at risk like that.”

  “She won’t be at risk. We have a trap set a few miles down the road. After Shay and Sonya drive through a certain spot we’ll be ready for the Grynn. I have men stationed there waiting now. Sonya will make sure Shay gets home safe and I’ll go question the Grynn. I’ll make sure that after we get what we need they’ll never go back to the Grynn alive.”

  Alix gasped. “You’re going to kill them? But you can’t do that. It’s not right.”

  “It’s something that’s necessary in order to protect you Alix. I think you still don’t quite understand the darkness that can be involved. The Grynn want you so they can kill you, Alix. You’re lucky that Victor had an ego the size of Texas and thought he’d beat you with no trouble at all. If it had been another Grynn, they probably would have just killed you as soon as they knew who you were.
”

  Alix hadn’t considered that possibility. It made her shudder. “Still, is it necessary for them to die, doesn’t that make us just like them?”

  It was Rick who spoke next. “Kris, what if we compromise a little. After you have them can you call the Council and see what they have to say? Make it their decision?”

  “I can do that. I’m sorry this is getting messy, Alix. I’d hoped this wouldn’t happen for quite a while yet. So, in order to do the swap Alix, you’re going to need to go into the women’s restroom and switch clothes with Sonya. She will come back out and go with Shay. Shay, are you ready to do this?”

  “Yep, anything for my Alix,” Shay said, as she squeezed Alix’s arm.

  “Okay Alix, go to the restroom now. We don’t want them coming in the diner. I’m going to leave now as well. Good luck everyone.”

  After Kris left Alix got up and went to the restroom. Sonya was waiting for her.

  “Hi.” was all Alix could say.

  “Hello Kaelneth, it’s an honor to meet you.”

  “Uh thanks.” Alix had no idea how to respond.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll take excellent care of your friend. You’ll be seeing her before you know it. Let’s switch clothing now.”

  They each went into a stall and handed over each other’s clothes.

  “Wait two minutes then make yourself invisible and head out the back way,” Sonya told her.

  “Okay, thank you. Be careful.”

  “I always am. Goodbye Kaelneth. It’s a pleasure to serve you,” Sonya said and left the restroom.

  She still wasn’t used to people talking to her like that. Alix got out her phone and set her timer for two minutes. About one minute later she heard a car peel out of the driveway and onto the highway. That must be Shay she thought. Alix was nervous. Her timer went off and she made herself invisible and carefully opened the restroom door. She had to be very careful about not bumping into anyone as she made her way to the kitchen door. Luckily most people were talking about the crazy driver that just left the parking lot. She slowly got through the kitchen. One of the cooks almost ran into, it’s a good thing she was paying attention. She didn’t want to scare the poor man to death. She finally made it out the back door. It had taken her longer than she thought. Ben was waiting for her outside. It looked like he was on the phone.