Ambrosine

by Noreen Harrison

  “Don’t worry, Mother.” I quickly interrupted. “I can’t sense any danger here. Have you had any visions of something happening?”

  “No.” She grimaced. “But I want you to be cautious, please.”

  I glanced over at Madame Cecilia, sensing she was suspicious of my wanting to leave the compartment. She stood up saying, “I will go with you.”

  “I am not a child!” I bristled. “I think I can go to the dining car by myself.”

  “Alixia!” Mother scolded. “Your grandmother didn’t mean it that way.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m just getting annoyed with the constant hovering over me.” I said looking over at Madame Cecilia. She said stingingly, “I’m not treating you like a child, Alixia. We need to stay close until we determine if any threats exist.”

  “I’ll be okay. I don’t think Charlotte would be so stupid as to cause chaos in front of all these outsiders on the train, do you?” They didn’t answer; they just sat there looking at me. I smiled, knowing I had won the debate. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.” I went toward the door and opened it, making my escape to the dining car.

  When I reached the dining car, I saw that Phillip was not alone. His Uncle Charles was with him.

  Charles stood up and said, “Alixia, why don’t you join us?”

  “Sure.” I sat by Phillip. He was already in my mind, apologizing for his uncle’s being there on our hidden time together.

  “So, Alixia?” Charles asked. “Where are your mother and Madame Cecilia?”

  “They’re back in our private car.”

  “I’m surprised they…ah…” He smiled. “Here they come.” I turned to see them walking toward us.

  Phillip and Charles stood up. Charles said, “Ladies, please join us.”

  Mother was looking at me. I could sense she was wondering why I was sitting with the Gautiers. As they sat down, Madame Cecilia was the first to speak, “We came to check on Alixia.”

  Evidently they ignored my lecture on not needing a chaperone.

  I stared at the both of them rolling my eyes, as they made themselves comfortable.

  Charles clasped his hands. “She just joined us. Frankly, I was surprised to see her by herself.”

  Mother said, “I know. Alixia can be hard to rein in sometimes, very stubborn when it comes to listening.”

  What is going on here? Now, they are talking as if I’m not even in the room!

  “Alixia!” Madame Cecilia said getting my attention.

  “What?”

  “The waiter asked if you want something.”

  “Oh…yes, I’ll have a sweet tea.” He nodded and left. I continued to listen to them talk about me. Finally, they switched topics to Charlotte, which made me feel better. Everyone had their own opinion of what she was up to. Madame Cecilia said she had spoken to Angel in the Southern Realm about Charlotte, but so far, there seemed to be no threat.

  “So, Charles,” Madame Cecilia said, “I don’t think we have to worry about the engagement party with Alixia’s friends.”

  Mother added, “I haven’t seen any danger signs in my readings, either.”

  “Good.” Phillip jumped in. “Then it should be a quiet event, don’t you agree Uncle?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  Madame Cecilia looked my way and said, “But for Alixia, we will still watch over the outsiders. Agreed?”

  They all agreed and I thanked them, hoping they were right; that they would be safe at Libby’s engagement party.

  I sat there, sipping on my tea. I watched as Charles scooted his chair closer to Mother and leaned toward her. I quickly got into his thoughts. He wanted a reading for a guest of his during Mardi Gras. I watched as he talked low and soft to make his request. Mother nodded in approval. I was also amused, watching Madame Cecilia, as she frowned and looked at Charles, obviously wondering what he was up to.

  Phillip reached under the table and took my hand. I pulled away gently. He had a devilish grin on his face. I entered his thoughts to reprimand him.

  Phillip, don’t.

  Why? We are going to be together.

  Phillip, not until I talk to Marcus. You promised you’d give me time.

  Okay.

  He shifted in his chair a little irritated, and turned his attention back to the discussion at the table. Madame Cecilia and Mother were talking about Charlotte.

  “She will probably try something during Mardi Gras.” Mother said. “What do you mean?” I interrupted.

  “Alixia, remember when I told you that during Mardi Gras we are at our strongest and at our most vulnerable? That’s because we let outsiders in.”

  “But I thought they were all invited guests?”

  Charles abruptly said, “It didn’t stop an outsider like James Cavelier, your father, from getting in!”

  Mother and Madame Cecilia stood up. “Alixia, let’s go!”

  I stood up, and looked toward Philip,

  Sorry.

  We returned to our compartment, Mother was fuming. “How dare he bring up your father!”

  Madame Cecilia sat down and said, “See, Lucida, I told you he was still holding resentment. I don’t think he will ever get over losing you to an outsider.”

  There was a tap on the window of our compartment door. It was Phillip. Opening the door, Madame Cecilia glared at him.

  “What do you want, Phillip?” She asked.

  “I want to apologize for my uncle’s comment toward you, Lucida.” He stepped inside and took Mother’s hand. “I am sorry; I do apologize for my uncle.”

  “Thank you, Phillip, but you’re not responsible for your uncle’s remark.”

  I watched as Phillip tried to make amends for his uncle.

  But Charles was right. Father did go into the Gathering unannounced.

  Phillip looked at me. He was in my head.

  Can you come with me now?

  I don’t know if I can escape these two.

  He spoke up. “Alixia, I was wondering if I could speak to you in private for a moment.” I glanced at Mother and Madame Cecilia. I could sense they were waiting for my response.

  “Sure, Phillip.” I said with a little hesitancy. I got back into his head.

  What are you doing, Phillip? This is kind of a bad time for me to be running off with a Gautier, don’t you think?

  Very amusing, Alixia. Just get up and come toward the door.

  As I stood up, Phillip took my arm and said, “Ladies, I promise I will bring her back shortly.”

  We went down the hall to a vacant private car. He opened the door and took me into his arms and kissed me. “Phillip.” I said a little annoyed. “You’d better have a good reason for taking me away from those two, because I know when I get back, they’ll probably have twenty questions for me to answer.”

  “I do have a good reason. Uncle Charles knows we have been seeing each other.”

  “What?! How?”

  He put his hand up to quiet me. “Alixia, when you left, I criticized him for what he had said, and then he blurted out that I should be careful, too. When I asked him why, he told me that he knew about us…and to stay away from you, that you were dangerous.”

  “I am dangerous? That is ridiculous! Why?” He moved toward me and said, “Because you’re still connected to the outsiders.”

  “That’s stupid.”

  “Alixia, listen. He does have a point. The two worlds should never mix.”

  “Well, he can have all the points he wants. I’m not ready to give up my friends.” Phillip put his arm around me and said, “Well, at least you will be giving up one—Marcus.” I lowered my eyes.

  “Yes, Marcus. I wish…”

  “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say it that way. But you know you will have to let him go and if you want, I can go with you when you talk with him.”

  “No, that’s one thing I will do by myself.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I don’t think you should be there when I tel
l Marcus goodbye, or any of my friends for that matter. I know the way you feel about the outsiders.”

  He looked at me with apprehension. “You’re not going to….” He paused. “Never mind.”

  “What?”

  I just don’t want to lose you to an outsider like my uncle lost your mother. I don’t think he’s ever stopped loving her.

  I inhaled and let it out with sadness. “I’ve made my choice to be with the family, Phillip, and you’re part of that choice. I do care about you, Phillip. I’m just confused right now.”

  He kissed me and said tenderly, “It’s for the best. You want to keep them safe.”

  “Yes I do.”

  He left me at our car door and whispered, “I’ll see you tonight.” I squeezed his hand and he left.

  I reached for the compartment, door taking in a breath. Mother and Madame Cecilia looked up at me. Mother spoke first, “Okay, what is so private that you had to leave the room?” I smiled to myself.

  “Oh, Phillip just wanted to talk to me about Charles and how he still cares about you.” I knew that answer would keep their focus off Phillip and me for a while.

  She stammered, “He what? No!” She went off on a tangent about how wrong it was that he would even mention that to Phillip.

  “Mother, calm down, he didn’t tell Phillip that, Phillip just read his thoughts, that’s how he found out.”

  “Well, he shouldn’t be having those thoughts.” She said.

  There was a knock. It was Charles. He slid the door open and came in. I got into his subconscious quickly.

  Don’t tell them about Phillip and me, please.

  He looked at me, astonished that I could get into his mind without touching him.

  Madame Cecilia noticed his startled look and asked, “Are you okay, Charles?”

  “I am fine.” He focused on Mother and said, “I just left Phillip and he told me he apologized for me, which he didn’t have to do. I came to humbly apologize for bringing up an event that happened such a long time ago. Please forgive me.”

  Mother glanced toward Madame Cecilia and me. I read her. He was asking her for forgiveness, something she thought she would never hear. She went up to Charles and kissed his cheek. ”I accept your apology and I am glad we’re friends again.”

  He smiled a little coyly and said, “Me too. All right…I guess I will go back to Phillip.” He stepped out and smiled again at mother, and then left.

  Madame Cecilia’s thoughts about them being friends again weren’t that nice. I heard her callous opinions as she stared at mother. Then, she cautioned, “You’re being foolish.”

  “Mother, enough!” My mother said to her.

  The train finally pulled into Baton Rouge. We were stepping onto the platform when I noticed Robert, but I didn’t see Marcus. I called out to him and waved. He walked toward me with a full, welcoming smile.

  “Alixia.” He kissed my cheek. “How’s my favorite girl?”

  “I am fine. Where’s Marcus?” He looked at me, puzzled, “Isn’t he with you?”

  “No...” I said with concern. “The last time I saw him was at your uncle’s restaurant. He didn’t come home?” Panic ran through my mind. “You haven’t heard from him at all?”

  “Huh, that is strange. No, only when he called to tell me he’d had a good time and had met some family friends of yours. He did tell me he was going to stay a couple more days to see you, and I was to tell our parents he would not be able to make it on Monday. So I just assumed when he didn’t come back at all, he was with you.” He grimaced with worry. “So, you haven’t seen him since that night you two had dinner?”

  “No, Robert. He didn’t get a hold of me at all.” He stepped back with hesitation.

  “Don’t worry, Alixia, he’ll probably show up here today. I know he wouldn’t miss seeing you. He knows you were coming to Libby’s engagement party, right?”

  “Yes of course.” I could sense he was worried, and so was I now. Phillip came up behind me. I turned and introduced him.

  “Robert, this is Phillip.” Robert shook his hand. “Hello.” He said looking intently at Phillip, and then added, “My brother mentioned you to me last time I talked to him. He told me he enjoyed meeting you and a woman…what was her name?”

  “Charlotte.” I said with hesitancy.

  “Yes, that’s it.” I looked over my shoulder, hearing Mother calling out to us. I waved to acknowledge her. ”Robert, I better go.”

  He kissed my cheek. “I will call you if I hear anything from Marcus.” I hugged him and said, “I’ll call you if I hear anything, too.”

  Walking back to the car, Phillip asked, “What’s this about Marcus?

  “He hasn’t returned home.”

  “What?!”

  “What’s going on?” Mother asked as we approached the car seeing the worry on my face. “Marcus is missing.” I said.

  “What do you mean, he’s missing?” She asked.

  “Robert just told me he hadn’t heard from Marcus since the night we had dinner.” I turned to Phillip. “Do you think Charlotte has something to do with this?” He looked over at Mother. “Why would you say that, Alixia?”

  “I just remembered what Madame Cecilia had said to me the day I received his letter that he could be in danger being with me.”

  “Let’s not jump to conclusions.” Mother said.

  “Yes I agree with your mother.” Phillip said putting his arm around me. ”We will find him, Alixia, and do not use your abilities to travel. It could be dangerous.”

  “You’re reading my thoughts, Phillip?”

  “Yes, so don’t be foolish. If she did take him, he could be in the Dark Realm. I’ll go back to New Orleans tomorrow and make some inquiries. Just stay calm.”

  “Get in the car, Alixia.” Mother said getting in first. Phillip and I followed.

  Charles looked at us and said, “What is it, Phillip?” He sensed something when Phillip sat by him.

  Phillip explained about Marcus being missing and that he was planning on going back to New Orleans in the morning to retrace some of Marcus’ steps.

  “I am coming with you, Phillip.” Charles said without hesitation. “This is not good. Damn outsiders.” He said, looking over at me as I took in their thoughts. Suddenly I realized they were all moving in the same direction. “No! I yelled. “She has him!”

  “Alixia!” Mother took hold of me. “Calm down, we’re not sure yet. Let Phillip and Charles find out if there is need for concern.” She said something in French to them. Charles said, “You’re right.” He turned to me. “Just be patient.” He said.

  I went on to listen to him as he tried to ease my fears, but I knew Marcus was in grave danger and no one could tell me any differently.

  We dropped Phillip and Charles off at their hotel. As Phillip got out of the car, I heard the thoughts in his head.

  Don’t do anything reckless please…

  I blocked him out. He frowned at me and shut the door. We drove on to our country home, which I missed terribly. I secretly wished and hoped Marcus would be there waiting for me on my front porch. But as we drove up, there was no sign of him. I should have been happy to be home again, but all I could think about was getting back to New Orleans to help find Marcus.

  As we stepped out of the car, Anna and the staff greeted us. I inhaled the air around me. I missed the smells of my home and the serenity it offered. The phone rang as we entered the house. I ran to answer it, hoping it was Marcus. “Hello?”

  “Alixia, you’re finally home.” Libby answered back. My heart sank, thinking it was him. “Yes, we just walked in.”

  “I can’t wait to see you! I have so much to tell you.”

  “Me, too. I can’t wait either. Tomorrow night, right? Are you excited about your party?”

  “Oh, I haven’t had time to be excited; I’ve been so busy finishing up last-minute preparations.”

  “Do you need help with anything?”

  “I can’t think of anyt
hing right now, but thank you. Oh…the reason I’ve been trying to reach you is we moved the engagement party to Maurice’s restaurant near the college.”

  “Why are you having it there? The last time we spoke, the party was going to be at your home.”

  “Yes and I blame that on Davis; he invited a lot more of his college friends. My parents thought it would be better to have the party in town with that many people coming. Of course, Davis was happy with the change of location. His favorite band will be playing tomorrow night.”

  I laughed. “Well, we all know Davis loves to dance. I’ll be there. What time again?”

  “Seven, Alixia. Did Marcus come back with you?” I went quiet. “Alixia, are you okay?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry. Marcus didn’t come home with me.” I told her about seeing Robert at the train station and what he had said about not hearing from Marcus since our dinner at their uncle’s restaurant.

  “What?! You haven’t seen Marcus since then?”

  “No.” My heart sank with a sudden fear.

  What if Charlotte comes after the rest of my friends?

  “I can’t believe this, Alixia.”

  “I know. I can’t either. I am worried about him, Libby. After your engagement party, I’m going back to New Orleans in case he tries to get a hold of me.”

  “I understand, Alixia. I will see you tomorrow night.”

  “Okay, Libby, but if you hear anything…”

  “Don’t worry I will call you right away.”

  “Thank you.”

  I hung up the phone and went to my room. My old bedroom was just like I had left it. I sat on my bed, overwhelmed with worry about Marcus. I heard a knock on my door. It was Mother. She came in and sat beside me.

  “We will find him.”

  “Tomorrow, I am leaving right after Libby’s party.”

  “I expected that so I made the arrangements for us already.” I hugged her. I felt terrified inside. “What if she killed him?” She wrapped her arms around me tighter. She was quiet for a minute then said, “Everyone in the family is looking for him, and we even contacted Angel again to let her know of the situation. So for now, we just have to wait.” She pulled me off the bed. “Come on, let’s go out to the orchard to visit your father before the sun sets.”