Inquest

by J. F. Jenkins

  "I should get going," Teague said, feeling a lot like a third wheel.

  "But..." Anj pouted. "I wasn't done quizzing you about things."

  "We can hang out another day." He gave a weak smile, even if Anj couldn't see it.

  Zes stood. "I'll bring a box of stuff over for you to look through sometime this week. We can drive into town together, too. Then you can pick up all the other stuff we'll need for camp."

  Standing as well, Teague's smile widened. "I'd like that."

  "Awesome, see you around."

  Teague left the dorm, a small piece of his loneliness and depression eased. They want to do things with me. They care. He lingered outside of the door for a moment and was taken aback by Zes.

  "There's something familiar about him," Zes said.

  "It's because he's related to Jewl," he barely heard Anj say.

  "No, there's something else. Next time you're around him, get a good look at him. Maybe I'm going crazy, but..."

  Teague didn't want to listen to anymore of the conversation. Zes can sense it, that I don't belong here, and that I'm a part of Anj...which kind of makes me a part of him, too. It was a comforting thought and a dangerous one.

  Chapter Ten

  Teague walked through the woods of Camp Hillian, the camp Vala owned and operated over the summer for all of the students who didn't have anywhere else to go. The rest of the students there were supposed to be participating in a massive game of capture the flag. Teague snuck away to take a much needed nap in his cabin. Within a few minutes, he was dreaming — about something that happened in the past during camp, it seemed. He wasn't about to complain. The memory didn't seem to be a negative one.

  "You're awful sometimes. Getting out of capture the flag by lying?" Jewl shook her head.

  Anj smirked, his gaze still empty and facing in front of him. "I can't help that my disability makes walking through the forest unsafe. I'd hate to trip and hurt myself like last year. Those branches come out from nowhere! And everyone knows I can't use my magic for long."

  "Yet you're leading me through the forest. Where there are lots of branches. Not just any part of the woods, either, but Bear Mountain."

  "There aren't any bears here. It's not even a mountain!"

  "No, but it is steep."

  "That's why I'm here. To make sure you have something to help keep you steady."

  She rolled her eyes. "You're up to something. Otherwise you wouldn't bother taking me to a place you hate."

  "I don't hate Bear Mountain."

  "You hate nature in general. The only reason you come to camp every year is because you hate how your mother babies you even more."

  Anj shrugged. "I feel like facing a fear of mine, then. And if we just so happen to stumble upon a sappy picnic, then that's even better."

  Her gaze narrowed as they pressed onward. Sure enough, a few feet ahead of them was a clearing. Spread on the grass was a blanket, a basket, and two unlit candles.

  "What did you do?" Jewl asked.

  Anj snickered and spread his arms wide. "If you feel like swooning, I'm here to catch as needed."

  "I don't know if I should slug you or kiss you."

  "Do I get a vote?"

  "What did you do?" she repeated.

  He took her by the elbow and helped her to sit on the blanket. It took a little extra effort and some careful patting of the ground, but he was able to find it.

  "Dearest," he said. "Why do you assume I've done something bad?"

  "You're being mushy."

  He shrugged and felt around for the basket. "I do have a heart."

  "I'm still nervous."

  "Then relax. You have nothing to be nervous about." He forced her to lay down before snuggling up next to her.

  She closed her eyes and sighed. Teague couldn't tell if she was annoyed, following instructions, or actually content. Perhaps it was a mixture of the three. In the past, his parents' relationship seemed to function differently than what he'd seen. Anj was so much more spoiled and Jewl a lot more withdrawn. Her reaction to the romantic gesture spoke volumes to how much she trusted him, or rather, didn't trust him.

  "Marry me," Anj whispered.

  "Hmm?" she asked.

  "Marry me."

  Jewl immediately sat up and gazed down at him. "Y...you're being serious."

  "When am I not serious?" He tugged her down to him again. "It doesn't have to happen tomorrow, or within the next year, or in any set kind of time frame. I know you're the one I want to be with, and –"

  She kissed his mouth soundly, eyes closing. "You don't need to give me your dissertation on the matter."

  "So is that a yes?"

  "Well, I didn't punch you..."

  Teague smiled, glad to see a happy moment for a change instead of all the bad ones he'd been witnessing as of late. He sighed, wondering when the blue door would appear to take him back home. Leafs and twigs crunched behind him. When he faced the sound, he found Zes.

  His uncle put a hand on his shoulder. "This is especially important."

  "Well, yeah, of course it is," Teague said.

  "Not for the reasons you think," Zes said. "From here, everything starts to fall apart."

  Teague frowned, then lifted his gaze to meet Zes'. "Are you dreaming with me?"

  "It's complicated. Can't say I'm dreaming exactly, but I have access to the same memories you do. Anj isn't the only one."

  "The only one?"

  Zes nodded, but didn't elaborate. "You're just going to have to remember."

  With a bright flash of light, Zes transformed into the blue door. Teague grabbed the handle and walked through.

  ****

  Teague woke up, rubbing his eyes. The first thing he did was check the time. Twenty minutes. I've only been sleeping for twenty minutes? Feels a lot like a few hours. He sighed and put the pillow over his head to block out the light streaming in through the windows. Dad isn't the only one, and why is my parents getting engaged the part where everything falls apart? I guess it just proves that even the good things in my life are tainted.

  Chapter Eleven

  "If you keep hiding your hand in my pocket, then no one is going to be able to see your brand new shiny thing. Honestly, it's been a week. Can't we show it off yet?" Anj chided. Teague watched as he pulled Jewl's left hand out into plain view where all could see the sparkle of her new engagement ring. He didn't know much about rings, but Teague appreciated his father's taste. The thing wasn't gaudy and large, but it wasn't small and invisible either. Simple, yet elegant, just like Jewl.

  Sighing, Jewl let go of Anj's hand completely, glanced over at Teague and rolled her eyes before picking up a tray for lunch. She silently grabbed her lunch and then walked away.

  Anj didn't seem to notice, because he kept talking. "I have amazing taste in jewelry, and you want to keep it a secret? Especially when it'll make all of my adoring fans go nuts. Everyone has been waiting for this moment to happen. Give them their fairytale."

  "She left," Teague said, moving closer.

  "I realized that halfway through my speech," Anj mumbled. "There was a new draft, and I couldn't smell her anymore. Plus, whatever cologne you're wearing...it's potent."

  "Oops..."

  Anj waved a hand, holding out his tray for the cafeteria staff to put the hot dogs, apple pie, and green beans onto it. "It's not a bad smell. I should rephrase that to, 'it's potent for me.'"

  "So you asked her to marry you?" Teague asked. "I mean, I saw the ring. Briefly. Is that what that means? Or is it the other kind?"

  "Like a promise ring?"

  "Yeah."

  "No, it's the real thing. Can't say I believe in promise rings too much. Besides, we've been through too much not to make it official." Anj paused. "I won't bore you with details."

  I'm not bored. I'm curious. "Congrats."

  "Thank you."

  Talking with Anj always felt a lot like pulling teeth, so Teague remained silent as they walked back to their table. Just like a
t the school, the group had their own set regular place to eat at. Zes was already there with Jewl, each eating their respective meals. Teens throughout the room were whispering and pointing their way, most likely about the engagement. In a small place like Vala, that sort of news spread like wildfire.

  "I suppose I should be thanking you," Jewl said to Zes. "For setting everything up while he was distracting me."

  Zes gave an innocent shrug. "It was nothing. I wanted to help as much as I could. You're important to me, too. It'll be great to have you as part of the family."

  She leaned in and hugged him. "Well, officially, thank you."

  "You're welcome." He returned the hug, a tender sight to behold.

  "Jewl Dite, you have a package! Hello! Do you not want it? I've been calling your name for about three minutes now." Mr. Mathys called out over the crowd. He was one of the more popular teachers in the school, known for his kindness and enthusiasm.

  Frowning, Jewl stood up and walked to the center of the dining hall. "Who would send me a package?" She motioned for the medium-sized box.

  "You know the rules. You have to sing for it," Mr. Mathys stated.

  "Ugh, are you kidding me?" She groaned.

  "Nope, and this one is heavy too."

  The students throughout the room began to chant, "Sing!" Teague watched as her skin turned a bright red as she blushed in a way that rivaled even Zes. After giving a rather pathetic and quiet version of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", she took her package and rushed back to the table.

  Anj was on his feet applauding. "Bravo! Encore!"

  "No," Jewl seethed, as she sat next to him. She put the package on the table before grabbing him by the arm and pushing him back into his chair. He nearly fell over.

  "Ow," he mumbled, rubbing his side.

  She rolled her eyes. "Who would send me a package?"

  "I'm kind of wondering that myself. Maybe it's from your father?" Anj said.

  "I think now is a good time to go get some more dessert," Zes said. "Anyone want anything while I'm up?"

  His brother stood again. "I'll go with you. I'm still hungry."

  "I'm fine." Jewl waved them off with a hand, her gaze still focused on the box. "It's cold to the touch. Don't suppose you have a box cutter or scissors?"

  Teague shook his head. "No, but if you push in the sides, you might be able to rip the tape off?"

  She nodded, doing just as he suggested. With some effort, the packing tape was pulled off of the package, and she could lift the flaps to peek inside. "Dry ice...that explains the cold." She pulled out brick after brick of dried ice and set them off to the side.

  And then she screamed.

  Without hesitation, Teague was on his feet and running to her side. "What? What's wrong?"

  Jewl pushed her chair back into him. Her breathing grew fast and heavy as she began to hyperventilate. Teague put his hands on her shoulders, giving them a squeeze, wanting her to know he was there for her even if he didn't understand what was happening. It wasn't long before the twins and a teacher were at the table as well. When Anj came to collect her into his arms, Teague stepped away. As much as he wanted to comfort his mother, he knew she'd rather it come from her love. Once Anj was with her, she broke down into sobs.

  "What's going on?" Anj demanded.

  Swallowing, Zes leaned in toward the box, picking open the flaps with a couple of fingers. After peeking inside, he immediately looked away, covering his mouth as he gagged.

  "Will someone please –" Anj started again.

  Zes shook his head. "There are...human...body parts...in..." He gagged again.

  "Daddy," Jewl whimpered.

  And that's one reason I've never met my grandparents, Teague realized.

  Chapter Twelve

  "I guess it was your evil aunt who did it," Zes said, kicking up some dead leaves as he and Teague walked through the forest.

  Teague glanced over at him. "Makes sense. I only met her once, but listening to Jewl talk about her, I got the feeling she was bad news. Sonnet told me a few bad things about her, too. She likes to hurt people."

  "Who's Sonnet?"

  "Jewl's sister. Er...half sister." Teague put his hands in his jeans pockets, hating the frown Zes wore on his face. Teague felt as if he'd just betrayed his uncle, even if he wasn't sure how.

  Shrugging, Zes's face returned to its usual expressionless form — or rather, that was becoming more and more common. The more time that passed, the harder he seemed to become.

  Zes also put his hands into his pockets. "Got it. Anyway, Anj tells me her aunt sent the...gift...as congratulation on the engagement. Really, I guess it's some kind of political message. Her aunt has been trying to take over Jewl's father's kingdom for a while and finally succeeded. Jewl, a princess, who knew?"

  "Yeah," Teague said. Definitely not something we've ever talked about at home. I wonder why. Wouldn't that make Mom an heir to whatever throne her father once ruled over?

  "I wish..."

  "You wish?"

  Zes sighed. "I wish all of the happy moments didn't have to be ruined. Prom was a mess because Noel kept getting mad at me for not wanting to make out with her. She blames it on Cheyenne, even though I'm so over that. Graduation stunk because Anj and our mom fought the entire time over stupid stuff. Now this? It's like nothing can go right. And yeah, some of it is stupid, small, and selfish in comparison to what just happened, but..."

  "It's not selfish of you to be bothered by the little things," Teague said. "I know it's not as traumatic as what Jewl just went through, but all these things are piling up on you."

  "Right, so it sucks we couldn't at least enjoy this. I just want them to be happy. They deserve it. This shouldn't be so hard for them. My mom is going to flip out as it is, and...I want them to have it go well. Someone should have something go well for a change." He picked up a stick and snapped it in half.

  After the disaster with the package, Anj took Jewl to the camp owner's cabin for consoling. The staff would probably want to speak with her as well. Overall, the place was private so she could mourn properly. Neither she nor Anj were seen again for the rest of the day. Teague doubted they'd be around that evening or the next day, and possibly even the one after that. She needed time, and he felt at a loss for how to help her. At least that time, he didn't have to suffer through his inadequacy alone.

  He and Zes hiked aimlessly through the woods for a good part of the afternoon. The fresh air and quiet eased his mind. Being with his uncle was like being with a kindred spirit. They were a lot more alike than he anticipated, which was nice. Back home, Teague always thought he was the black sheep. Cory and Alain were both more like their father — rebellious, stubborn, and social — each in very different ways. His sister, Madison, was more of a blend of both parents. She liked to keep to herself like their mother, only talking to a few other students in the school. At the same time, she too liked to be rebellious and stubborn. Between her and Cory, Mom and Dad had their hands full.

  Zes may not have been his father, but Teague liked having a lot in common with him. It was a beautiful, special connection for them to share.

  "Everything is going to be okay," Teague said, after a moment of silence passed. "Happy things will stick around, and we'll get to enjoy them without anything bad ruining it. You'll see."

  Laughing, Zes pushed aside a low tree branch, and the two stepped out into a clearing on the top of a hill. "Sometimes your naivety is refreshing."

  "I'm not being naive." He frowned, lowering his gaze to the ground in front of him. "Maybe you shouldn't be such a pestimix."

  "Pessimist?"

  "Yeah, whatever." Teague knew the word, but he had to continue playing dumb. Part of doing so was butchering his vocabulary.

  Zes put an arm around him. "I used to be like you. Unjaded, full of hope, excited, believing everything was going to work out for the best. Then I got slapped in the face with reality. Sometimes, things don't work out. Sometimes, things keep being bad. It's n
ot a fun fact of life."

  "I don't agree," he said softly. "I've seen a lot more bad things than you might think. Each one went away after time passed. Maybe they leave scars, but they didn't ruin my life. Try to see good in one thing, then next time try to find good in two things, and just keep building."

  Closing his eyes, Zes exhaled slowly. "Fine, I'll see what I can do." When he opened his eyes again, he lifted his gaze to the sky. "Do you like to look at stars?"

  "Yeah," Teague said. A small smile formed on his lips at the thought of sharing another hobby with his uncle. No one else at home seemed to enjoy taking in the sight.

  Zes sat down on the grass, his eyes still trained upward. "I did too for a long time."

  "Why did you stop?"

  "Because when you see all of that up there." Zes pointed to the sky. "You can see how small you are in comparison. Those stars are big, massive, balls of light and energy. It's a lot to comprehend when you sit down and think about it. We're so small, like ants, in the grand scheme of things. It's crazy."

  Teague raised his gaze up to the sky and took in the site of all the stars. Out in the middle of the woods, he could see so many more of them than usual. "That's not how I look at them."

  "What do you think about when you see stars?"

  "They're always there," he said. "Even in the daytime, the stars are in the sky, but they're invisible because the sun is shining its light down. At nighttime, there is no sun. The universe is black and full of nothing. Stars, though, they're bright lights that poke their way through all that big, black stuff. I like to think about how all the stars overtake the darkness and turn it into something beautiful. A small, good thing can make a big, bad one seem bearable."

  For a moment, both of them were quiet. Teague sat down next to Zes, folding his knees to his chest and hugging them close. Maybe I'm pushing it too much. He asked, I told, but he might not want to hear everything I'm thinking and feeling. What if I just pushed him farther away? Even if no one else bothered to see it, Teague did — Zes was a lot more fragile than he appeared. Something nagging in the back of Teague's mind knew that one piece of information was crucial to his mission.