by J. J. Melvin
“I think, I think— I feel— excited. I know you think I’m crazy. You think I’m too young to know what’s best for me, but for the first time in so long I feel I may have a future. I feel my life has meaning, that there is a place for me in this world and in that place I’ll finally find myself.”
“Erika, I do think you’re too young and you’ve been through so much. I’m just not sure England is the right place for you.”
“Mom, please I’ll die here. I’m already dying here. My whole life I’ve thought I was a freak. All of Riverton thinks I’m a freak. I need to get out of here. I need to be in a place where I can start over, where no one knows who Erika Melvin is. Please mom! I can redefine myself there, please.”
My mom was silent, her eyes glossy, her face petrified.
“Erika, you know our little family is all we have. You, me, Kai, and Alyssa, that’s it. It’s only us. We can’t break up our family. If we all stick together, I know we’ll be okay.”
“Mom, Alyssa is going to college soon. Why is it okay for her to leave and not me? My leaving isn’t breaking up our family, it’s me doing something for me for once. It’s me trying to have a future. I won’t graduate if I stay. I’ll drop out of Riverton— is that what you want?” I dared to hint at dropping out of school, a manipulative move that I hoped would work. Not graduating high school was unfathomable to my mom and was never to be thought of by any of her children— let alone brought up with words.
“Erika you’re just so young and you’re not like Alyssa. Alyssa knows how to take care of herself, you on the other hand, you don’t. I figured maybe I can help you go to community college here or you can go to a trade school. I just don’t understand why you think that you can do well at Oxford of all places when you’re not even doing well at Riverton High.”
“Mom, you think I’m stupid, is that it? Poor, stupid Erika. The only reason Oxford could ever want me is because of the shooting, right? Because they want something from me? How could anyone think I’m smart, even if my SAT and ACT scores are much higher than average, even if my school wanted me to skip a grade level. All you ever see is what you want to see. Just because I am different does not make me stupid! I may not be like Alyssa, but I am not fucking stupid. All you have ever done my whole life is put me down, why? WHY MOM?”
I stood pounding my fist on the table demanding an answer. Flashes of memories flowed through my mind, like the time my mom ripped all the poems and songs that I had written and hung up off my bedroom walls. All the times she yelled at my constant dancing or singing. All the times she was embarrassed of the things I would blurt out. All the conferences she had with my teachers telling them they were mistaken, I did not have potential, I was a hopeless cause and it was best to leave me alone.
“Mom, I know you hate to admit it, but I am different, different than this town, different than you or Alyssa. Mom, please give me a chance to find my way, to find out who I am, to be at a place where differences are accepted, maybe even celebrated?”
I fell back into the chair refusing to do what I always did— run. This was too important. I refused to leave. Wiping away my tears, willing my breathing to steady, I waited for my mom to reply. My mom got up and walked away from me without saying a word, she returned to the sink leaving me staring at her back. I thought that was the end of our conversation, deflated I started to rise from my chair but settled back in when I heard my mom’s shaky voice pierce through my escaping sobs. My mom’s voice quivered and I watched her hands disappear from her side, bending at her elbows to do what I could only guess was wipe away her tears.
“Erika… I have never thought you were stupid and I’ve always known you were different. I thought I was doing the right thing by trying to make you be, well be— normal. Maybe I was wrong. You know, Mr. Blithe says Oxford is offering you a full scholarship: housing, tuition, a food program… a complete free ride and with your current grades, I don’t think we can get a better offer.”
“So, Mom, are you saying that I can go?” A bubble of excitement brewed in the pit of my stomach threatening to come out as a scream.
My mom turned to face me. Walking back to the table her eyes puffier and redder than when she left, she sat back down.
“I don’t know. I know it’s a great opportunity, but you’re so young. Plus, I think things can be different now. Maybe things can be different for you and me. Your interviews brought in a good amount of money. We can buy a house. Maybe we can move out of Riverton. We can get you help.” My mom smiled at me and I wondered if her regrets, her desire to make things right would make things worse. Would I have to leave without my mom’s blessing? Would I have to run away? If it came down to that, I would do it.
“Mom, you know Alyssa loves Riverton. She is going to be valedictorian. You can’t take her out of school during her senior year. What about all the colleges she’s applying to… and what about all of Kai’s friends?”
“I know, I know. I thought of all that, I just want us all to be together.” My mom’s fingers rubbed hard against her forehead. I stared at the wrinkling thin skin on the back of her hands knowing that her hard work and multiple jobs were the reason they looked so aged.
We continued to discuss the pros and cons of going to a college so far away and leaving at such a young age. In the end, we agreed that the pros far outweighed the cons. The only con either of us could come up with was that I would not be with my family.
Today was the most my mom and I had ever talked. It was weird. I think we said more at that table than we had the whole past three years combined.
Our talk was interrupted by a knock at the door.
“They’re heee-ere,” my mom said, doing her best Poltergeist impression. Her mood was changed now and I think it delighted her to be able to do something for me that would make me happy.
Alyssa ran out of her room while Kai followed from his.
My mom opened the door, welcoming our visitors. “Morning Mr. Blithe, Liam. Please come in.You know Erika and Kai. This is Alyssa.”
“Hi.” Alyssa shook both of their hands, looking them in the eye while carrying the air of confidence that I always admired.
“Oxford… I never thought about applying to Oxford. Yale yes, Brown yes, perhaps Princeton, Penn, or Cornell… but maybe if Erika’s going to be there, I’ll put Oxford on my list.”
“Oxford would be very lucky to have you,” Mr. Blithe said, indulging Alyssa’s already inflated ego. Alyssa smiled widely, her beautiful white teeth glistening against her shiny pink lip gloss.
“My daughter Alyssa will most likely be valedictorian this year. She can probably get accepted anywhere.”
My mom loved to brag about Alyssa’s accomplishments. Whenever she and her friends got together they liked to play the game, Whose kid is better? It was sickening.
“Please have a seat here, we can talk at the kitchen table. Excuse the non-matching chair, but you guys know what happened to the last one.” My mom led Mr. Blithe and Liam towards the kitchen.
“You know, we’re going to be moving soon. I can’t keep the kids in a place where someone broke in. It’s just not safe here. I’m looking into buying a brand new house with an unlisted address.” My mom’s eyes beamed. She had waited so long for an opportunity to move us all out of an apartment and back into a house.
“Congratulations, Ms. Melvin,” Mr. Blithe said, smiling.
“Erika, Alyssa, why don’t you guys watch TV with Kai in the living room?” My mom motioned for us to leave.
“Liam, do you want to come with us?” Alyssa asked as she gave me a coy look.
“Sure, thanks.”
Alyssa let Liam walk into the living room first, whispering to me a little too loudly, “Oh my god Erika, he is so hot.”
“Excuse me, did you say something?” Liam turned around to confront us both.
My complexion burned hot. Please don’t let me be red!
Alyssa calmly replied, “I was just saying it’s hot in here. Don’t you
think?”
I was horrified!
“No, I’m okay.” Liam turned back around.
He seemed oblivious to Alyssa’s not-so-subtle behavior. Thank god.
“Hey Kai, where’s the remote?” Alyssa asked as she plopped down on a recliner in the living room.
“No Alyssa, you can’t change it, I’m watching this!” Kai stomped, protesting loudly.
“Kai, please, you’ve seen this Pokémon episode like five times. Plus, we have a guest. Shouldn’t we watch what he wants to watch?”
Kai’s eyes filled with tears.
“I want to watch Pokémon! I love this episode.” Liam sat down making himself comfortable on the couch, his gaze glued to the TV.
Kai wiped the liquid away from his eyes while letting out a joyful “Yay,” before jumping back on the couch and sitting next to Liam. Kai and Liam were quickly sucked into TV land. Alyssa and I relented watching along.
My mom was in the next room with Mr. Blithe hammering out all the Oxford details: where I would stay, the curriculum for the high school program, and when I could come home for visits. After about an hour of my mom interrogating Mr. Blithe, she called us back into the kitchen.
“Erika, I do think this is a great opportunity for you, but Mr. Blithe says you have to leave in a couple days or the funding may go to another potential student. I am not comfortable with you leaving that soon. You’ve never been away from home. So, before I can say yes to this, Mr. Blithe needs to get me more information. I am not comfortable sending my youngest daughter to England alone with two men.”
“Please, Mom, I have to go!” I was embarrassed to be resorting to whining and begging in front of Liam, but that’s what I found myself doing.
“Your mom is not saying no, Erika, she would just like some more information. I am going to put her in contact with Sofia, your guide and one of your future roommates. Sofia is a university sophomore at Oxford and is also under my care. She’s been there since she was a freshman in high school.” Mr. Blithe looked confident that my mom would agree.
“Erika, after I talk to this girl Sofia and do more research, then I will make my decision. But are you sure this is what you really want?”
“Yes, I do. I do want to do this, Mom. I have to get out of Riverton.”
“Mom, she’s right. I don’t want her to go, but the rumors at the school, all the shi… I mean crap-talking, it’s not a good place for Erika to be. Plus, with the break-in… Mom, you have to let her go.” Alyssa stood with her arms crossed, her brow furrowed.
“Alyssa, what about you? Are the kids at school mean to you?”
“No Mom, are you kidding me? They know better— but I am also not the hero of Riverton.”
“No Mom, no! You can’t let Erika go!” Kai screamed, suddenly holding on to my waist.
I looked down at his little figure. “Kai, I will FaceTime you every day, and maybe I’ll get an Xbox and we can do multiplayer Minecraft. You can teach me how to play and take me to your world,” I said, trying to convince my little brother that my move would be a good thing.
“Okay. Okay, that’s a deal,” Kai responded with two big thumbs up. “Let me start showing you how to play now. Come on, Erika, come on.” Kai was pulling my arm, oblivious to guest etiquette.
“Okay Kai, you go first and give me ten minutes. Then I’ll come and play. You set everything up, okay?”
“Okay!” Kai screamed with excitement as he ran towards his game console.
Mr. Blithe and Liam walked towards the door.
“I’ll walk you guys out,” I said.
My mom placed her hand in Mr. Blithe’s. “Mr. Blithe, please have Sofia call me as soon as she can.” Her firm handshake declared that she meant business.
I walked Mr. Blithe and Liam down the stairs to the visitor’s lot.
“Erika, I look forward to getting to know you better,” Liam said while wearing his charismatic grin.
“What if my mom says no?”
“She won’t. I can see the future. I’m the Seer, and the Seer says you’re coming with me— I mean, us.” Liam’s grin turned into an alluring smile.
That was the first time Liam announced he was the Seer. His actions had given him away long before, but that was the first time I heard him say it.
“Erika, we have much to tell you and much to do. We will leave soon and you and your family will be safe. We will continue to have them monitored in your absence.” Mr. Blithe was opening his car door. I noticed that the windows had been fixed. I looked at Liam when Mr. Blithe was turned away and grimaced, motioning at the windows. Liam chuckled.
“Erika, meet us at the library. Tomorrow at 9 am.” Mr. Blithe was looking at Liam and me strangely, noticing the private conversation we were having with our eyes.
“Mr. Blithe, I can’t. I have school.”
“No, you don’t. Your mom is letting you stay home. Her decision is all but made up. The next few days are for packing and preparing. We have a lot to fill you in on.”
“I can help with that,” Liam said.
I couldn’t help but smile a stupid smitten girl smile. “Okay, I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
I ran inside. I was actually feeling enthusiastic about playing Minecraft with my brother.
Chapter 12
The 4 C’s
As I approached Riverton Library, my breath caught in my throat when I saw only Liam. I swallowed hard, willing my legs to move forward. Everyone else disappeared as I focused on the handsome young man with his thumbs hooked in their customary place, the pockets of his faded jeans. This, I came to know, was Liam’s signature stance. I climbed up the concrete stairs seeing a large smile appear on Liam’s face as he noticed my arrival. I watched his perfect form walking down to meet me. His tousled hair looked like fall leaves in the sunlight with auburn and rust-colored tinges. Liam’s blue V-neck accentuated his eyes as they fittingly sparkled like diamonds. Everything about him was perfectly breathtaking.
A wave of insecurity swept over me as I thought about my own outfit. I had never paid much attention to the way I looked before, but I was making more of an effort these days. I hoped it made a difference. Before meeting in the middle of the stairs, I caught Liam’s scent. It was the same cologne I had smelled the first day we met, warm spices with an enticing hint of firewood. I pulled my hair out of my ponytail and was instantly aware that now I was trying too hard.
“Hey,” I said. “Where’s Mr. Blithe?”
“He’s doing research. I figured we could take a walk by the river and I could tell you more about us, more about you.”
Tucking my hair behind my ears I replied, “Okay.”
We walked side by side, crossing the street, a shiver ran through my body when Liam’s hand brushed mine before he placed it on the small of my back. We dodged through morning traffic, Liam’s touch nudging me forward. He removed his hand only when we were safely across and into Riverton Park. Liam picked up rocks as we walked. When we got to the river Liam skipped the stones on the water and began his lesson. I stood by Liam’s side, watching the stones jump across the water while listening mesmerized by not only his words, but his perfectness.
“Mr. Blithe is our guide. He’s our Watcher. This is a time-honored job passed down for thousands of years from one generation to the next. Watchers are the keepers of our secrets. It’s their duty to find the Four Points and know the whereabouts of all Diamonds.”
“Why?” Taking my eyes off Liam’s impressive stone-skipping, I looked at him. He kept his eyes on the river.
“Because if the black diamonds are ever unearthed and the evil that lives within them is unleashed, the Four Points have to be prepared.”
“Is that why Mr. Blithe was so desperate to find me? Because the evil’s already been unleashed?”
“Yes, exactly. The other Points: Sofia, Jayson, and I were already with him. He found us years ago, but you… you’ve been hard to find. The rest of us have been training since we were all around thirteen yea
rs old, training to understand how to use our powers to help people. We never expected the black diamonds to be found and the Collectors set free— however, four months ago they were found, and now we are all in danger. The Earth’s in danger. Luckily, we found you in time, and now we can return the evil back to the diamonds where they will be trapped, hopefully forever. You see, the black diamonds hold the souls of the Collectors, and since the Collectors are evil they have a connection to the underworld. If we don’t stop these two, they will go on killing. If they wipe out enough Diamonds the balance of good and evil is disturbed, allowing more evil to enter into this world and corrupt the good.”
“How does Mr. Blithe know for sure he has the right people, the right four?”
Liam turned to me, dropping the stones he had left in his hand. “Turn around, Erika.”
“Why?”
“Just turn around, trust me.” Liam lifted up my hair, tracing his finger over the strawberry diamond mark that I had ignored since my birth.
“Your birthmark, Erika. You’re marked.”
I turned back around to face Liam.
“But a hundred Diamonds are born every century, Liam. We all have the mark. Couldn’t I just be a Diamond and not a Point?”
“Erika, when will you start believing in yourself? What will it take?”
I didn’t have an answer. I put my head down. Liam placed his hand on my chin and gently lifted my head up. My eyes met his.
“It is you, Erika. You are the Reader.”
I knew he was right. I knew I had these powers that set me apart from other Diamonds. But the weight of what was being asked of me was too much. How can I be the person the world and Liam need me to be? I felt dizzy, I walked towards a bench to sit down.
Liam sat next to me. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable… I didn’t mean to.”
“No, you didn’t, it’s not that. This is just all new; a lot is expected of me— of us.”
“Erika, I know this is hard, and I would go slower if we had time, but we don’t. I’m sorry we couldn’t find you sooner to give you more time to process all of this. Did you want to stop our lesson for now?”
