“It’s all right. You’ll be there, right?”
“Of course he will.” Darius cut in before I could say yes myself. “And he’s encouraged to bring a date.”
I tried to make light of the situation and made myself laugh. “Again—not who I want it to be.”
“We understand.” Jaylyn said. “But having another visual will help your parents see just how right Cadence is for you.”
“Then I’ll definitely be bringing someone home tomorrow. Is right after school okay?”
“Sounds reasonable but make sure you keep track of her. There’ll be a lot of people here. I don’t want to have to explain that to hysterical parents.”
“Deal. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Seth.”
I took a slow walk up to my room but along the way, I decided to see Dirk and apologize for making him so uncomfortable at dinner that he had to leave. I went into his room but it was too late. He was out cold, sprawled out across his bed and I knew my reason wasn’t a good enough one to wake him so I left.
Bryce was standing next to me when I closed the door and I wasn’t expecting it.
“Sorry.” He said, trying to ease the sudden fright. “The parents weren’t too hard on you, I hope.”
“No. It was fine. It’s not like it was my own parents. They didn’t yell at me or anything like that.”
“Good. I hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries but today seemed to help. You’re talking more.”
“I’ve always been okay, Bryce. It’s just talking leads to things I don’t want to talk about.”
“I know there’s nothing I can do to help you with grieving Rift but maybe there’s something else I can do. Would you like to say goodnight to her?”
Cadence’s face came to mind and I felt myself relax. “I would if it’s not too much trouble.”
“It never is. Come on.”
I turned with him towards my room and we went inside. I got myself ready for bed while he waited by and he approached my side when I settled myself.
“Close your eyes.” He whispered.
Lanterns were dimmed and my eyes closed, not wanting to open. I felt Bryce’s hand touch my arm only for a moment and I was taken on a journey across the world and right through Cadence’s window. I watched her face in a peaceful sleep. She was so beautiful. I missed her.
“Reach for her.” Bryce whispered.
I don’t know why but I was hesitant to at first. I didn’t know what was going to happen or I just didn’t want to be disappointed when nothing did but I braved up and reached out.
I felt the warmth of her cheek as if she were here next to me and her eyes opened, her own hand reaching for the same cheek.
“Can she feel it?” I asked.
“I think so.”
“Cadence?”
“Seth?”
I heard her call to me and I just couldn’t believe it. “I can hear her!”
“This can’t hold forever.” Bryce said. “Try something else.”
I held my hand around her more sharply to get her attention. “Cadence, can you hear me?”
She was looking around but I wasn’t sure if she could hear me or not. “Seth, is that you?”
“I wish I was there.” I said to Bryce, hoping that maybe someday I could be.
“I wish you were here too.” Cadence said.
I felt Bryce’s grasp on me tighten like he couldn’t even believe it.
“You can hear me?” I asked.
“How is this happening? Why can’t I see you?”
“Bryce is helping me. We’ll get to that at some point, hopefully. I want you to see me.”
“I miss you so much. Wait. Can he hear us too?”
I smiled and looked around. I couldn’t see Bryce but I knew he was here. He had to see this for me to at all. It’s how it worked.
“Yes but don’t worry. He’s cool.”
“Thank you, Bryce, for doing this.”
“You’re welcome but maybe you should just ignore that I’m here for the time. I don’t know how much longer it can be.”
“Oh, Seth! This is so incredible! It’s better than letters!”
“I’m just happy you’re happy.”
“Cadence!” The loud shouting even jumped me when her mother came into the room. “Who are you talking to? Is that boy here?”
“No mother. Do you see anyone? It’s just me.”
“Don’t take me as a fool. I know very well what everyone in that family is capable of. Seth, if you’re watching, please leave. This isn’t good for anyone, Cadence especially. Don’t make me tell your parents about this.”
I felt Bryce tugging at my arm but I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to leave Cadence yet.
“This isn’t her training year.” I said. “She doesn’t have to be fully focused just yet.”
“But we would like it if she were. This is very important to all of us.”
“Seth, it’s okay.” Cadence said. “Maybe you should; just for now.”
I still didn’t want to but I respected that she didn’t want me to get in trouble. “For now then. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
The image of her and her mother faded until I was back in my room.
“I’m sorry.” Bryce said.
“No. Don’t be. You did well. I needed to see her.”
“I know but not like that.”
“I’m okay for the night but I want to check back in tomorrow morning to apologize if that’s okay.”
“Sure it is. I’ll come by after I get dressed.”
“Thank you. Goodnight, Bryce.”
“Goodnight. Have sweet dreams.”
He said it jokingly just to make me smile and it worked. “I will.”
“Bye.”
He left and I laid back to try and get some sleep until I would get to see her again tomorrow. I was grateful for the progress we’ve made and I hoped soon she would be able to see me and we could really be together.
I dreamt about her that night. Her body was nestled in my arms and we were just together; we didn’t need to say anything. It was peaceful. I needed to have that again and I was ready to when I woke up.
I got myself ready and waited for Bryce.
“Sorry I’m late.” He said.
“It’s okay. Let’s be quick about it before we have to go.”
He nodded and we sat on the edge of the bed, him touching my shoulder.
I closed my eyes. I was more than ready for this but something was wrong. We got to her room but it was empty and not empty like it just didn’t have anyone in it. It was empty in the sense that even all the furniture was gone and her belongings too.
“Bryce, what is this?”
“I’m not sure. I’m seeing it too.” We looked through the rest of the house and everything and everyone was gone; she was gone.
“Cadence? Where is she?!”
“Seth, it should be obvious. Her mother.”
The reality of her mother hiding her away from me felt like someone punched a hole in my chest. It was hard to breathe. I didn’t want to believe this was happening.
“No!”
No one was there but I still looked for her. This couldn’t be the end, not like this.
“Seth, stop. She’s not here.”
“But she has to be somewhere.” I was seeing him pull his vision away and I wasn’t ready. “Bryce! Don’t!”
His hand lifted off me and I was back in my room.
“It would be impossible to find her without knowing where. I’m sorry.”
“But we have to try.”
“So her mother can just move her again? Seth, don’t put her through that. She’s probably having a hard enough time because we went last night.”
“Please go.” I turned away. I was too emotional to want to see anyone or have anyone see me like this.
He said nothing else but I could feel when he was gone and I collapsed to the floor. Cadence was gone from me and this
wasn’t even her training year. I couldn’t handle being away for that but this; there was no reason for this.
“Seth?”
I looked up and my mother was slowly stepping into my room with a look of sorrow. My cheeks were wet from these tears I couldn’t keep back and I ran to her. “Mother!”
I hugged her and she was surprised but she hugged me too. “It’s all right, darling. Everything will be okay.”
“No it won’t! She’s gone! I can’t fine her!”
“You’ll see her again, don’t worry.”
“I will?” I backed away so I could watch her eyes while she answered.
“Yes. Cadence is yours and I’m sorry that I even thought to take her away from you.”
I hugged her again. It was easier for me to talk this way when I didn’t see her. “Then why can’t I see her? She doesn’t have to be so focused just yet.”
“I’m afraid that’s never been my decision to make. Her mother has rights to her actions until she’s fifteen.”
“Then what happens?”
“Well, she’s going to train to be an Assassin and those rights will be signed over to her teacher, me, until she’s sixteen then she’ll answer to your grandfather.”
“And her mother won’t get a say then?”
“I’m sure she’ll still say things but Cadence won’t be obligated to obey. She’ll be an adult and will make her own decisions but don’t get too excited. Her father will always have rights over her.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means he has the right to back out of the engagement if he feels it’s necessary.”
“But it won’t ever be. I’ll make sure of that.”
“I know, sweetheart. You’re a very determined young man. I don’t know if you get that from me or your father.”
“I think it’s the combination of both. That’s why it’s so strong.”
She smiled and kissed my forehead. “Maybe. Just remember that she is yours and no other boy can get in the way. I don’t want you to worry about that when you can’t see her.”
“Is she worried about me? I’ve already—”
“I know but I’m sure she wouldn’t feel threatened. Boys and girls have different needs. Girls like Cadence hang on to things like passion and romance. She’d never let anyone replace you.”
“Thank you, mother. This has helped.”
“That’s what I’m here for and I am sorry about everything. I wanted to be here for you when we lost Rift.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry too. I guess I just didn’t want to see anyone if I couldn’t see her.”
“You will again. Remember that.”
“I will.”
“Dirk and Bryce are already at breakfast. Why don’t you join them so you can head off to school together?”
“Yeah. I guess I could use the distraction.”
“I know and tonight make sure you’re home on time.”
“Father’s birthday. I was reminded last night.”
“Good. I’ll see you then.” She kissed my head and left but not to go downstairs, she went in the other direction.
I felt better after talking to her and I really was sorry about the distance between us lately. We both apologized for it so I guess everything was fine now; almost everything. I was still without Cadence and would be for some time. I couldn’t even check in on her anymore, not knowing where she had gone but it was something that I just needed to accept. It would be better for everyone who would come in contact with me if I did.
I tried but even Dirk gave me sympathy at breakfast. It wasn’t words but it didn’t need to be. His eyes said everything he wanted to.
“Shut up.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You were thinking it.”
“What are you, Trever now?”
A reply wasn’t necessary. I just looked at him, my eyes expressing everything I wanted to say like he just did to me.
“All right. Take a breath would you? Here.” He put a glass in front of me. “From Bryce. Cut fresh. Literally.”
“Fine.” I started drinking it and everyone was looking at me.
“Try not to need that tonight.” My father said. “We don’t need people to know about that aspect of your gift.”
“I know, father and it’s usually a morning thing.”
“Don’t worry.” Dirk said, tapping my shoulder. “We’ll make sure he takes care of that evening thing before the party so he doesn’t come off as stressed.”
I picked up his sarcasm for the moment. “You going to make me, are you?”
“I provide the nudge, you the will and whatever necessary fantasy, although I’m sure we can all guess what that is.”
He was becoming much too open about how he spoke these days. I did not appreciate it.
“We’re going to be late, aren’t we?” Bryce asked.
He was trying to get away from the topic for me and I went with it while getting up. “Very late.”
“Take your horse today so you’re home at a reasonable hour.” My father said.
“Fine.”
“And don’t forget about your dates.” Jaylyn smiled.
Bryce’s eyes rolled before I could tell her we wouldn’t forget and he turned away the fastest. “Mother, don’t embarrass me.”
“I won’t, sweetie. I just want to meet her.”
“That qualifies as embarrassment. Besides, it’s not serious. Meeting the parents is completely unnecessary.”
Dirk sighed too while getting up to leave with us. “Yeah. Janie still won’t get off my case about that.”
I laughed. “Then you know who you don’t want to bring.”
“I’ve already made that decision days ago.”
“Well, whoever you’re bringing, make sure you do.” Ruby said.
“We won’t forget, mother.”
“Have a good day.” My father said.
We waved and headed out to get our horses.
School was interesting. Becca was hanging off me every moment she could and I guess it was because I was with her last night. I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to go that far but I couldn’t shake the feeling once we started kissing but it really only made me feel worse because Dirk was right. It was dark in the tunnels and I don’t think I thought of Becca once while we were together. It was just weird to have her so attached to me now where I could see her and know for sure that she wasn’t Cadence. It almost felt like cheating except Cadence and I weren’t really together yet. Even Bryce could see my awkwardness about the day but he didn’t openly discuss it like Dirk would have. He was busy with his own problems.
It was sealed that I was bringing Becca tonight and Bryce was bringing Kari so clearly it was talked about today but I didn’t miss Janie’s face when Dirk never asked her and started towards the palace with Lynn. Maybe he didn’t notice or it just didn’t bother him but she was pissed, almost in a killing kind of mood, though I didn’t really know if Janie had it in her. She just proved many times that she wanted to be with Dirk solely but he was still enjoying doubling up on his dates with zero commitments to worry about.
I almost started to think he was lucky. I couldn’t believe it myself but today started to get me to believe that somehow Becca and I were together now. What was I supposed to say? I guess I was too nice towards girls to ever tell them no. I’ve never really heard Dirk tell Janie no. It was like he could just ignore it completely but I wasn’t so cold. Becca was a nice girl. She was pretty, fun to be around so I guess it’s why I didn’t reject it so much. I couldn’t seclude myself for years until I saw Cadence again. It would have been too much of a growing pain. I still needed things that same part of my mind was telling me I couldn’t ignore. Maybe having one steady girlfriend for now beat having many. I wouldn’t feel so guilty then and to me it was always only going to be temporary. I still loved Cadence and that’s where my heart would always be.
Chapter 40
Dirk
I almost hated
myself.
Why was I so happy to have Lynn meet my parents when I said I never wanted Janie to because that meant I was in some kind of commitment? It scared me a little but I quickly fought with myself and came to the conclusion that Lynn was never clingy like Janie. I met her father and since, she’s never assumed that we were together. She knew I was physically with Janie too but it’s not like we ever had a fight about it.
I felt calmer after walking her into the palace but my mother really didn’t help keep me that way. She had that almost baby tone about her voice. “Hello, sweetie. How was your day?”
“Mother? It was fine. As usual.”
“Who’s this?”
I looked next to me and Lynn seemed really nervous to be in front of my mother.
“This is Lynn. She’s my date for the night.”
“Welcome, Lynn. We’re all glad you could come.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry if this is too formal but it’s such an honor to meet you.”
“Of course not. Your honor is appreciated. I’ve heard nothing but nice things about you.”
“Thank you.”
“Ruby! Can you not be all night about it?!” Adele and Jaylyn were coming down the stairs and Adele stopped rather suddenly when she saw us. “Oh, I’m sorry. Dirk, who’s your friend?”
“This is Lynn.” My mother said. “She’s his date.”
“Awe. Dirk, you didn’t tell us how pretty she is.” Jaylyn said.
My eyes rolled. They couldn’t have been more embarrassing. “Lynn this is Jaylyn and the Queen, Adele. Adele, Jaylyn, this is Lynn and we’re leaving.”
She still had my arm and all I had to do was walk for her to follow.
“Dirk, wait.” My mother said, catching up to us.
“Yes?”
“Why don’t you show Lynn to my room and she can pick out a gown to wear.”
“Oh, are you serious?” Lynn said with excitement.
“Well, of course. No offense but that’s hardly party attire.”
“None taken. School uniform. Not exactly ballroom appropriate.”
“Take her upstairs, Dirk. All of my dresses from younger years will probably be best. They’re towards the back and don’t worry, Lynn, if it doesn’t fit we can have Adele fix it right up for you.”
“Wow. Thank you, my Lady.”
Blooming Life (Fate's Intent Book 10) Page 23
