“Oh, I see. So it’s not good then?” He wraps his arms around me. Like a new reflex, his touch makes me feel safe. Comforted.
“We don’t know yet, but Gram and Dru have a bad feeling about it.” Hunter and I turn to look at their glum faces through the window.
“Would you like me to stay with you until you find out? I can visit Trevor a little later.”
“Really?” I squeeze my arms around him. “I’d like that.”
“Anything for you, Miss Chloe.” He rubs my back, holding me with so much tenderness.
“You know, a girl could get used to this. I feel so safe with you.” I place my head over his heart. The slow, rhythmic thud soothes me.
“That’s because I protect people for a living.” He squeezes me, chuckling like a little boy. How cute.
“No. It’s because of you.”
He pushes me back at arm’s length, staring me in the eyes. “Thank you. That means a lot.” He brushes the side of my face with the back of his fingertips. “Let’s go back in. Your family needs you right now.”
When we turn around, we realize they’re all watching us. My face heats up as we walk back in the room. Why do they insist on doing that? Gees.
Ash and Aidan smirk as they stare. I guess momentary distraction isn’t so bad. But why does it always have to be at my expense? I know, I know. Penance!
With Hunter’s face as red as mine feels, we take a seat at the oak table while we wait.
Just as we sit, Dr. Gaslightwala walks in. “Good evening, everyone.” He smiles, but his non-responsive eyes make it seem forced. Oh, no. This can’t be good.
We say “good evening” in return.
“I’m afraid I don’t have good news. Something happened today with Samuel.” His hand with the clipboard falls to his side. “We can’t be sure if it’s from the pressure on his brain, from the tumor growing, or from a lesion, but he’s taken a turn for the worst. There’s really no other way to say this, other than Samuel is brain dead. The tests we did thirty minutes ago show no brain activity of any kind. I’m so sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do for him. This was completely unexpected.” His glassy eyes look down.
What?
This can’t be happening. Oh, my god, no!
My heart races out of control. “I don’t understand. He was doing so well.”
“We knew the risks before we performed the surgery. His tumor was in a delicate area of the brain. It’s still a surprise to me, too, but there was no way to predict what would happen or how he’d react.” He looks around the room at our shocked faces, not knowing what to say. He walks over to Gram and pulls a chair up to sit beside her.
Dr. Gaslightwala places his hand on her knee. “We need to discuss what you’d like to do, Aurora. Samuel discussed his wishes with me many times. But once we turn off the machines, you need to realize he’ll be gone.”
She looks up, a numb expression crossing her face. “Can we take him home? If it’s truly his time, I know he’d prefer it if his last moments are in our home with just the family.”
“Absolutely, Aurora. We can take care of whatever you need. Just let us know when you’d like us to make the arrangements.”
She turns her head, looking around the room at the solemn faces soon to be devastated, then turns back to Dr. Gaslightwala. “Tomorrow. Let’s bring him home tomorrow.”
“Consider it done. If there’s anything you or your family need, please don’t hesitate to ask.” He manages a polite smile, reaching for her hand. “He was a wonderful man, Aurora. I’m so sorry there wasn’t more we could do.”
“Thank you, doctor.” She lets go of his hand and reaches across the bed to hold onto Pap’s.
Hunter moves his chair closer, wrapping his strong arm around me. I lean into him in return but don’t say anything. No one does. How much more can this family handle in one day? It’s one thing to find out about the Russo’s—but this is something altogether different.
Gram turns to face us. “This isn’t over. I’m not giving up.” Then she walks out of the room with her head held high.
We look around the room at each other, nervous expressions etched across everyone’s suspecting faces. Like everyone else, I’m sure we know what she has in mind: she’s planning some sort of major spell.
Has she figured out a way to bring someone back from the dead? Oh my god, I hope not. That’s not something to screw around with. I stiffen at the thought of it. Pap would never want her going to such extremes, but once she makes her mind up, no one can change it. We’re all stubborn like that.
Aunt Morgan gets up to follow Gram, but the rest of us stay seated. I don’t have the first clue of what I should do. Everyone knows how I handle this sort of thing. But no matter what, I have to be strong. If I flake again on my family, they’ll never forgive me. Nor should they.
Hunter whispers in my ear, “Is there anything I can do?”
The only answer I can give him is, “Thanks Hunter, I guess the only thing left to do at this point, is pray.”
“Would you like me to leave you alone with your family?”
God, no! But I should talk to them about Gram. “Not really. But maybe now would be a good time for you to visit Trevor.”
“Okay. I can do that. If you need me, though...for anything...just text me. Or come down the hall to find me, okay?” He has that vacant look in his eyes men get when they feel helpless.
“I will. I promise.” I kiss him goodbye.
As he stands to leave, I grab his hand. “Thank you for being here, Hunter. It means more than you know.”
He smiles, the affection resting there, warms my heart to its core.
Once Hunter’s out of sight, I speak up about my suspicions. “Gram’s up to something.” I turn to Dru and Dhelia. “Has she come up with some sort of ‘raising the dead’ spell?”
They look back and forth between each other, shaking their heads.
“Not that I know of, but then again, she doesn’t usually share her spells with us.” Dru’s drawn expression proves he’s just as concerned as I am.
“You don’t really think she’d do something crazy like that, do you?” Dhelia looks to Dru for reassurance. He shrugs.
But what if Gram can? I mean, technically Pap isn’t “dead”, so maybe there is something she can do. Magic is capable of powerful things.
As sudden pangs of hope go coursing through my veins, I realize how free we are with our discussion in front of Ash and Aidan.
I turn to see their wide-eyed faces locked on us. “Oh crap. We must have you guys freaked out right now.” I wait for a sign that they’re confused—or afraid.
“Actually,” Aidan tilts his head to the side, “we know a lot more than anyone realizes. We have for quite some time now.” He gives a sly smirk as he delivers this juicy little tidbit.
“Oh, really?” I ask. “How is that even possible? I know your mom never talked about it when I was around.” I can’t wait to hear this answer.
Ash hunkers down in his chair like he’s about to drop a bombshell. “Well, when we were younger, she used to tell us stories about the family’s magic. But she made it clear no one would be using it under her roof. She told us we were free to choose for ourselves when we were adults...so that’s what we did. We just haven’t shared it with her yet. We didn’t want to upset either one of you. We knew you were just as against magic as she was.”
“Wow. I never would have guessed. How long has this been going on?”
“Oh, I guess since we went away to school. Once we were on our own and figured out how to unbind our powers, we did a lot of experimenting.” Ash crosses his arms over his chest and grins.
Why does this surprise me so much? I lift my foot up under my butt, releasing a heavy sigh.
“So you like magic then?” Dhelia asks.
“Hell yeah. What’s not to like? It’s so cool to have powers. But don’t worry. We did our homework…and we know the rules. We’d never put the family at risk, and we
’re careful not to let our secret get out.” I can tell from Aidan’s serious tone he’s telling the truth.
They’re both mature for their age, so I’m sure they’re wise about their choices.
As I’m about to ask more questions, Gram and Aunt Morgan walk back in the room.
“Are you kids ready?” Gram asks in a hurried voice. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us to get the house ready for tomorrow. We should get started right away.”
Aunt Morgan stands beside Gram without saying a word. With her dark rings and slouching posture, she looks like she’s ready to collapse. My heart goes out to her.
We get up and grab our things. I send Hunter a quick text to let him know we’re leaving as we follow Gram to the elevator. I don’t think I’ve ever felt a more unsettling silence in my entire life.
* * *
Last night was one of the most awkward nights I can remember. There wasn’t much talking at all. Gram stayed locked in her sunroom, while the rest of us scrambled around getting things ready to bring Pap home.
Gram sent Dru and Dhelia out for the herbs and supplies she needs, but they were very hush-hush about it. I know Gram’s up to something huge, and it makes my stomach queasy just thinking about it.
They called from the hospital earlier to say they’d be here around lunchtime with Pap, so all we can do now is wait. I still haven’t wrapped my head around the fact that he’s coming home to die. I still can’t believe this is happening. I don’t think anyone can. To say it’s gonna hit like a ton of bricks the second they pull the plug, is an understatement.
Part of me will die with him.
Part of us all will.
As we sit in the living room waiting, Gram walks in. “I know you’ve all been trying to figure out what I’ve been doing, so I figured it was time to fill you in.” She takes a deep breath, slumping down on the arm of the couch. “I don’t believe what the doctor said. I don’t believe your pap is gone. If he were, I would feel it...and I don’t. When you share your life with someone for more than forty years, you become a part of each other. And I still feel his presence as if he were standing right here.” Gram points to the ground beside her.
She pauses, tears building in her eyes. “Does anyone in this room believe he’s gone? Honestly. Don’t be afraid to answer.” Gram scans our faces, looking for a sign she hadn’t noticed before.
We look around at each other, shaking our heads. But no one speaks up to say they think any differently than she does.
Is it possible she’s right?
“Okay. Just as I thought. I need you all to trust me. I plan to do all the work, but the only thing I’ll ask of you is to form a Prayer Circle while I recite an incantation.” She shakes her head in my direction. “And to put minds at ease, no. I don’t know a way to bring someone back to life.
“The whole purpose of this ritual is to wake your pap, as I believe he’s simply lost in a coma so deep the doctors only think he’s gone. I’ve heard this sort of thing happens all the time. If by chance I’m wrong—and the doctors are right—then obviously nothing will happen. But with every fiber of my being, I don’t believe your pap has left us. I would know if he had. But I need to know you all trust me and believe in what I’m planning to do. We have to unite as a family to generate the sort of magic that’s needed to perform this ritual. So the question is, can I count on you?” Grams attention goes to me. I’d normally put up a fight to participate in a spell—but how can I not try if there might be a chance?
Without hesitation, I stand up, the rest of my family following suit. “Yes, you can count on us,” we say together.
“Morgan, Chloe, are you sure? You’ll need to be one hundred percent committed to this.”
We both nod. I wouldn’t dream of not trying, and I guarantee Aunt Morgan feels the same.
Gram puts her hands together in front of her face, eyes overflowing. “Fabulous. This could definitely work.”
Aunt Morgan steps towards her. “Are you planning to invoke the spirit, or do you have something else in mind?”
Gram wipes the tears from her rosy cheeks. “Yes, dear, I do plan to invoke the spirit. But there’s also something else...something I heard about as a child, but never got confirmation on.” She stands with her head held high. “Let’s just say, according to our ancestors, we have an enormous amount of magic at our disposal. So I’d like to tap into it.”
“What do you mean?” Dru asks, moving closer to Gram.
“I really don’t want to say anything else, in case it doesn’t work. Just trust me, dear, okay?” She smiles, touching her hand to his cheek.
“So when do you plan to do this?” Dhelia blurts out.
“Tonight. After nightfall.”
Ding-dong. Ding-dong.
Crap. They’re here with Pap.
I’ll have to admit—after hearing what Gram had to say—I find myself filled with optimism for the first time since I found out he was sick. Even more surprising, I’m somewhat excited to see what she has planned.
Talk about a one-eighty.
Since I returned home, I haven’t seen my abilities as a curse the way I used to. Perhaps getting older—and being with my family again—has made me appreciate things. These past few days I’ve even found myself wishing I could tell Hunter. Granted, I know it’s way too early to share my secret. But it would feel great to share it with someone. My fear, however, is that Hunter would be so freaked out he’d never speak to us again. The way my father wished he’d been able to.
Hunter’s such a down-to-earth guy. The straight and narrow type. There’s no way he’d understand such an alternative lifestyle, which is why I know I need to end things before it ever gets that far.
But I can’t worry about that now.
After a long morning of waiting—and worrying—they push Pap’s bed in along with the ghastly machines. I can’t even imagine a world without this full-of-life man in it. My heart hurts just thinking about it. I wonder though, will Gram be twice as devastated if she tries to save him—and fails? She’s been so convinced he’d be okay, so it’s clear she hasn’t prepared for this. I’d say she’s been in denial. We all have. Who knows, maybe even more so now. Even if it turns out to be the case, having hope, even if it’s short-lived, still feels better than no hope at all. It’s the fuel that pushes people through tough times.
After twenty minutes of instructions from the EMT’s, Dru and Aidan wheel Pap’s bed back to the sunroom. Even though we have seven or eight hours to wait, Gram wants him there to perform a cleansing ritual. I have no clue what’s involved, but she’s determined to spend the day eliminating any negative energy that may have come from the hospital with him.
We follow them through the house, but once we make it to the illuminated sunroom, Gram asks if she can be alone for the afternoon with him. Without question, we respect her wishes. Who could deny her this time alone with the man she loves. Especially if it’s the last she’ll ever have.
* * *
The Witching hour is now upon us. Literally.
It’s time to invoke the spirit through a conjuration ritual, and Gram explained what she needs us to do. She even wants us to wear these scary, black ceremonial robes so it can be as by-the-book as possible.
We gather in the sunroom, taking our respective assigned places.
Gram is on Pap’s right, then Ash, Dhelia, Dru, Aunt Morgan, Aidan, and then me at Pap’s left. Gram and I move further behind Pap’s bed so we can form a full circle around him.
A case of the shakes runs rampant throughout my body.
At the foot of Pap’s bed, we watch as Gram places an altar to perform the healing ceremony. Atop the altar she lays the Moon family’s Book of Shadows; a pewter Pentacle, which represents the earth; a silver Athame for air; a wooden wand encrusted in gemstones for fire; a silver Chalice for water; as well as white candles, incense, a silver plate, and an envelope of various herbs which reads, Health for Samuel Crawford on the front.
Gram stands t
all, elegance and confidence radiating from her aquamarine eyes.
Inhaling deeply, she squeezes my hand.
She begins chanting something beyond incoherent, as a fleeting gust of wind blows in through an open window, extinguishing every candle spread throughout the room.
Gram turns in search of matches, but no luck. “Oh, that’s right. I used the last one on the incense.” She looks to Dhelia. “Could you get more, dear?”
Dhelia smiles. “No problem.”
She turns toward the kitchen, but Ash interjects rather abruptly. “Wait! Mind if I try?”
Dhelia nods with a suspicious glint in her eyes.
Ash looks at Gram—winks—then asks her to hold out her palm.
He leans his head down, eyes flashing electric blue as a pack of matches appears in her hand. Out of nowhere.
How friggin’ cool was that?
Dru and Dhelia talk over each other with a thousand questions, but Gram jumps in, “Well done, dear.” She sends my brother and sister a stern look. “Now, where were we?”
I glance over at Aunt Morgan who wears a rather stunned expression on her face. I had a feeling this would happen after the boys told us they found a way to unbind their powers.
I can only imagine what she’s thinking.
Gram goes ahead and lights the candles again while Dru closes the windows.
Now back in their places, Gram says, “Okay. Let’s try this again, shall we?”
She begins calling to the Goddess for power.
“Charge these herbs to aid my spell,
that Samuel Crawford will be well.
That by free will, which shall be blessed,
with total health and happiness.
I ask the Goddess hear my call,
that it may be for the good of all.”
Gram sidles up to the altar and grabs the letter-sized white envelope. She passes it through the flame—then places it on the silver plate to burn. She then instructs, “Now focus on the smoke and visualize the energy blowing with it towards your pap.”
Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) Page 16
