Shifting

by Unknown

  “Don’t worry,” said Jae. “We have ways of heating up water.” Another question popped into Colin’s mind.

  “If this is the bathroom, where is the toilet?”

  “Not inside. This is for bathing only.” Jae walked to the end of the hallway and nodded to a small window. The twins peered through the window to a rectangular shack in the backyard.

  “Outhouse,” Jae said, adding smugly, “Just beware.”

  “Beware of what?” asked Colin, not sure he could handle any more bad news.

  “Spiders, real big ugly ones. But they’re perfectly harmless,” he insisted. “They’re like statues.

  You’ll rarely ever see one move.”

  “In the outhouse?” confirmed Meghan.

  Jae nodded yes.

  Both twins secretly took bets on how long they could hold it, before facing the outhouse spiders.

  Jae showed them into the bedroom. Once inside, the twins knew it would not be as bad as they had pictured. Lining the side and back walls were four small curtained rooms. They were surprisingly similar to the rooms the twins were used to: a bunk bed, with a chair and table underneath, a small dresser beside the bed, and about three feet of space between the bed and the curtain.

  “It’s small,” said Mireya, “but comfy.” She closed her curtain, hiding behind it. A number of packages covered in brown paper lined the twins’ beds.

  “Actually, it’s not bad at all, huh Sis,” said Colin, trying to think positively about yet another reminder of home, and their uncle.

  “Yeah,” she answered, hoping she could handle this many roommates. “Should I open these?” asked Meghan, looking at her packages. Mireya’s curtain flew open.

  “Oh, yes,” she exclaimed excitedly. “I can’t wait to see what people brought. Even Banon Blackwell had something delivered. That’s such an honor!”

  It was becoming clear to the twins that they would have even less privacy than they were used to back home.

  “How can we thank everyone for being so nice?” she asked.

  16

  “I wouldn’t worry about it,” said Mireya. “That’s what people do here. No one has real jobs or money anymore, we all share.”

  “No money?” asked Meghan.

  “Not no money,” corrected Jae. “People still have it. It just doesn’t do us much good, living like we do.”

  “So people share everything?” Meghan tried to comprehend. She also didn’t understand why people would be nice enough to give them these things, especially when it was clear they weren’t welcomed.

  “Share, more or less,” explained Jae. “Take the café. It’s always open and you don’t pay to eat.

  We’re not a large enough number to charge each other and make any money. We save our money for what we need from the outside world.”

  As Meghan sat down on her bed, ready to open the first package, she noticed a ladder leading to a small loft.

  “What’s up there?”

  “Not much. A place to sit and study.”

  Meghan wanted to check it out; perhaps it could be a place of solitude.

  Colin climbed a few rungs of the ladder, stopping before he got too high. He noticed a short door on the back of the loft wall. Jae answered his question before he could ask.

  “It’s a crawl space that connects the upstairs rooms. Don’t use it much.”

  “Wow, a secret hiding place in such a small cottage,” Meghan said, impressed. She opened a package, deciding to save Juliska Blackwell’s for last, secretly hoping it would be something that Juliska, herself would wear. The packages held dresses, skirts, tunics, shoes, scarves, hats, under things, and a few of the long-jackets she’d seen some of the Gypsy women wearing. It was everything someone away from home would need. A few of the items Meghan was positive she would not wear, but Mireya showed interest, so she offered them to her. Mireya grinned from ear to ear.

  “Thanks, are you sure? These are really nice.”

  “Yes, definitely sure,” replied Meghan. She decided to open the package delivered from Juliska, changing her mind and leaving another to open after. She took out a black and gold full-length long-jacket, exactly like the ones she had seen Juliska wearing.

  “It’s magnificent. What is it?” asked Meghan.

  Mireya touched the delicate gold and black fabric.

  “It’s a long-jacket, very popular. They are thin, so you can wear them even if it’s warm, or over other clothes if it’s cooler. This is the prettiest one I’ve ever seen, besides the Banon’s of course.”

  Meghan wanted desperately to try it on, but she was too dirty and in need of a bath.

  “That’s a special occasion long-jacket,” said Mireya, still in awe of the piece.

  “It could possibly be the nicest piece of clothing I’ve ever owned.” The last package included a long sleeved sweater, with a jumper looking item. It had one button in the front to hold it together, and then the rest was open.

  “It’s kind of a stylish apron,” said Mireya. “Not many Svoda women like them. They prefer the front to be closed, then they don’t have to wear skirts or pants underneath.” 17

  Meghan loved it. As she put her new things away, Colin dove into his own packages.

  “How old are you?” Meghan asked Mireya, trying to think up conversation.

  “Eleven and a half.” Meghan was not sure what to talk about with a giggly eleven-year-old.

  Meghan had never been one to enjoy giggling. Mireya continued explaining the clothes.

  “Those long shirts, with ties down the sides, they help keep things clean and out of the way, which is good, ‘cause sometimes magic can be messy,” she twittered.

  “I won’t be practicing any magic in them, but thanks.” Meghan decided she needed a bath.

  Mireya showed her how the bath worked and had Jae do the water-heating spell.

  Before Mireya and Jae left her to bathe, Colin slumped around the corner. Meghan did her best not to break out laughing, although the urge bubbled up easily in her stressed-out mind.

  Finally, she gave up and laughed, forcefully. Colin was dressed in a long man’s coat; it was thin and maroon in color, with long sleeves. It was also so big on him that it hit the floor, and then some.

  “It’s not funny,” he sighed, looking downhearted.

  “Sorry,” replied Meghan, biting her lip.

  “I think it looks wonderful, Colin,” said Mireya, trying to be nice. “I do hope you will help him,” she chirped to her brother, leaving the bath room.

  Colin scowled.

  “I look stupid, don’t I?”

  “Don’t worry. My mother can fix it. All the boys’ suits come extra long, so we can grow into them.”

  “Oh,” answered Colin, taking off the coat.

  “I’ll give it to my mother later,” said Jae, peeking out of the bath room to see if they were alone. He closed the door, rolling his eyes. “I’ve been dying for a moment that we could talk privately. What happened at the Viancourt?”

  The twins described what had taken place.

  “They didn’t bring up you using magic, did they?” he asked Colin.

  “No, not at all. I don’t think they saw anything.”

  “That’s such a relief. I was afraid you’d be in there for hours.” Meghan got up the courage to confirm her and Colin’s worst fear.

  “So, we really are stuck here, aren’t we?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid there’s no way, not until the next blue moon. I’m sorry. This time it’s my fault, plus you’ll be stuck away from home much longer than I was,” said Jae, his voice apologetic. “If there were any way of finding out anything, even if it broke a hundred rules, I’d tell you in an instant.”

  “We have no option, then,” said Colin, beginning to come to grips with their plight.

  Jae shook his head.

  The twins knew he spoke the truth, and that it was time to accept it.

  “We may be stuck here, Jae, but it’s in no way your fault,” cons
oled Meghan. “We made the choice not to heed your warning.”

  “Still…”

  She cut him off.

  18

  “Nope! Won’t hear it, Jae. We’re here. There is nothing that can change that now!” She put on a brave face. Colin could sense her fear underneath, ready to overtake the braveness.

  “Since we are stuck here,” said Colin, “tell us about this place. How does it work exactly? An entire village inside a wagon.”

  “Kind of like the wagon back in Cobbscott, only on a much larger scale. We collect energy to create this place. Although the village has actually shrunk a great deal in recent years, as we find our magic getting weaker the longer we travel.”

  Colin took out Magicante and thumbed through it.

  “There is one thing I don’t understand.”

  “What’s that, Col?” asked Meghan curiously, not having sensed this in her brother’s mind.

  “Do you remember, after we got Jae’s father through, when Uncle Arnon showed up?”

  “Yeah, I recall,” she said snidely. As if she could’ve forgotten!

  “Well, do you remember when we left the trailer that night that I did not have the Magicante?”

  Meghan’s eyes widened.

  “I do,” answered Jae. “I remember asking you where it was.”

  “Why would Uncle Arnon bring Magicante to me? I can see throwing it at me, to get me out of the way, but why did he bring it?” Colin fought off tears, but he was too weak to hide it from Meghan.

  “It wasn’t your fault, Colin,” she tried to assure him.

  “But if I hadn’t forgotten my book, or hadn’t gone at all, Uncle Arnon might still be safe. Why would he risk his life to bring me Magicante? It’s a handy book, but worth giving up his life for?”

  “Colin, I think it’s vital that we try and put this out of our minds, for now. We should focus on surviving the next three years. I think I’d rather curl up and die, than sit and worry.”

  “I’ll try,” he murmured.

  Footsteps shuffled up the staircase.

  “I think its best,” warned Jae, “to keep all of this to ourselves; using magic, the book… and Meghan, I wouldn’t tell anyone about your run in with the Catawitch, either. Those things could easily change the Viancourt’s minds about you staying here.” It was Mireya who had come up the stairs. As Colin departed the bath, Jae spun around.

  “I forgot. The other room,” he pointed to the room across from the staircase, “that belongs to Ivan. He was with me the day I ran into you guys and dropped all my packages. He just turned seventeen. Busy all the time. We don’t see him much. My parents took him in a few years back after his grandfather passed on.”

  “That’s nice of your family to do that,” said Meghan from the bathroom door, recalling the rude boy. She hurriedly bathed, allowing Colin time to clean up, too. After, they had dinner.

  During the meal, another package arrived from Banon Blackwell, this time for Colin.

  “I already got mine, its beautiful,” said Meghan.

  Colin opened his. It was a black jacket, with a hint of gold fringe.

  “That’s what all the men wear to fancy type occasions,” said Jae. Colin tried it on over his clothes. Again, it fell to his ankles.

  19

  “Another item to grow into?” Colin asked hopefully.

  “I can fix that, along with your other one,” said Sheila. “Leave it on the couch over there, but in the box. We must keep it nice. It’s a real honor to get a gift from Banon Blackwell.”

  “Is there some event we need to have these outfits ready for? We were told there may be occasions we cannot attend.”

  “We do have lots of fancy affairs. Best to always be ready,” Sheila smiled. They ate quietly and immediately after, Meghan announced she was ready for bed.

  “I realize it’s early, but I’m spent.”

  “I’m pretty beat myself, probably won’t be too far behind,” replied her brother.

  “I think that’s a splendid idea all around,” announced Sheila. “I’m going to make a quick trip to see your father and when I get back, bed time.”

  No one argued. The dinner meal had filled their bellies, causing the immensity of their gloomy tiredness to kick in.

  “Night everyone,” yawned Meghan, as she wound her way up the staircase. A chorus of sleepy goodnights swept through the house.

  The boys and Mireya decided to stay up until Jae’s mother had returned from seeing Irving Mochrie at the hospital.

  Meghan’s head hit her pillow, all thoughts left her mind, and exhaustion took over. She did not awaken until the next morning.

  3

  It took a few groggy minutes for Meghan to remember where she was. She sensed in her mind for Colin.

  “You’re finally awake,” he said, catching her thought. “Hurry and get up. Jae’s practicing magic.”

  “K, gotta get dressed,” she mumbled, hurrying to make herself presentable. As she departed the bedroom, a door opened beside her. A handsome, dark haired young man dressed in a sport coat bounced out, surprised to see her.

  “You must be Meghan,” he said dryly.

  “Yes, I am.” Before she could say more, he raced down the stairs. She followed him, recalling their first encounter back in Cobbscott. She wondered again, Is it really possible to know you hate someone, so instantaneously? Ivan Crane ran out the back door, yelling hello and goodbye.

  Irving Mochrie had returned home late the night before and was sitting in the back yard, clearly impressed with the boy.

  20

  “Look at that, already off to work. Never an idle moment, that one!” Off to the side, Jae balanced many items stacked atop each other; his hand balanced the items, but did not touch them. Irving Mochrie, still heavily bandaged, noticed Meghan arrive.

  “Good morning. It is nice to meet you, properly, although I wish it were under different circumstances,” he added.

  “I can’t believe you’re home already, after what those Scratchers did to you!” said Meghan.

  “Yes, that was some ugly business. But the wounds will heal! We all have a price to pay for this lifestyle we lead. I’ve already spoken with your brother, but I must thank you personally for your assistance, and, I am deeply sorry about your uncle. He would be proud of your bravery, I am sure!”

  “Thanks,” she said, growing agitated that so many believed her uncle to be dead.

  “Pay attention, Jae.” Irving then scolded harshly. “You’ve got a month’s worth of work to catch up on.” Jae looked tired. Meghan wondered if he’d slept at all, and had a twinge of guilt for having such a restful night. Colin watched Jae intently. Irving shifted in his chair, wincing as Sheila Mochrie joined them.

  “Can you believe Ivan, Sheila? Off to work again, already.”

  Jae lost his concentration and the stack of items plummeted to the ground. Irving glanced in Jae’s direction, huffing.

  “Keep trying. Always keep trying, Jae.”

  “Yes, Dad.” He began picking up the items to try again.

  Irving went back to his conversation with Sheila. Meghan grabbed a meat pie that Sheila had stacked in front of her, trying not to listen, but could not help it.

  “Not nice, Sis,” Colin sent.

  “They’re not exactly keeping it down,” she shot back.

  “We cannot judge the Banon,” Irving said. “Has she ever led us astray?”

  “No, she hasn’t. I was wrong to even think it!” Sheila disappeared into the cottage, followed by Irving a moment later.

  “What was that about?” wondered Colin.

  “It’s okay to listen in on other’s conversations now is it?”

  “I got curious,” he shrugged. The twins twitched uncomfortably, believing they were not as welcomed into the Mochrie house as they had been led to believe. Maybe they should take up Billie’s offer and move in with her. Meghan got up the courage to ask.

  “Jae. It’s not a problem is it, us staying with your fam
ily?”

  “Problem? No. People are just a little slow to warm up to strangers is all. It’ll take some time, but they’ll come around.”

  He wasn’t as reassuring as the twins had hoped.

  “What’s there to do around here?” Meghan then asked. Jae finished cleaning up his mess before answering.

  “There’s always Grimble, otherwise, not much. I should warn you that tomorrow I’ll be back in school. I haven’t heard any word as to what they’re going to have the two of you doing.” Meghan frowned. The way he said it was as if they needed to be kept busy.

  “There’s school in the summer here?” she questioned, distraught at the thought.

  21

  “School is sort of always in session around here.”

  “How awful,” she replied.

  “She hates school, or learning, period,” Colin explained.

  “Is Ivan still in school?” she asked.

  “No, Ivan graduated when he was sixteen, already been working near a year. Youngest to graduate ever! Usually we don’t get to graduate level until about age sixteen or seventeen.” Jae sounded like he was trying to be proud of Ivan, but it came across as more of a sore subject.

  “How about today?” asked Colin. “Are you busy?”

  “Maybe I can talk my dad into letting me take you into Grimble.” Jae ran into the house and came back out, smiling. “I can’t believe it, he said yes. Guess he figures getting you two acquainted with Grimble is as important as magic practice.” They departed immediately. The twins felt a nagging desire to keep their minds busy.

  “What’s Grimble like?” asked Meghan. Jae thought about it, unsure of how to explain. She added, “Let me guess, another one of those ‘we have to see to understand’ things?”

  “Sorry, kind of.”

  “I’m sorry, Jae, but I’m a little confused,” admitted Meghan as they walked. “Why don’t you stay here permanently? It’s safe here, right? You’re not that large of a group.” Jae laughed.

  “I forget how little you know about us. We are only one of nine groups.”

  “Nine?” repeated Colin. “When do you see the other groups?”

  “We don’t. That’s why we are working so hard to get back home, for good. We all have friends and family in the other groups. It was done that way on purpose, so that if one group was wiped out, the whole family wouldn’t be lost.”