Sticks and Stones

by Alexie Aaron

  Mia did so, and she gasped as she saw the stars clearer than she had ever seen them. Mia summoned two more lights and let them join Angelo’s. The stars seemed to come closer.

  Angelo’s deep voice was soft when he spoke. “I know that what’s out there isn’t for us, nor is here for them, but I like to imagine someone looking back at us at the same moment I’m looking at them. When I was a child, I was an outcast. If it wasn’t my parentage that set me apart, it was my ambition. I did exactly what my mentors said to do, and I rose in the ranks. It didn’t bother me that I wasn’t happy because no one around me was happy either. We were a race in servitude, and that was that. I think I would have been lost if not for a little bird who refused to follow what I thought was best. She challenged me to be better, and she admitted to me when she was wrong. She taught me humility and reminded me that I was an individual who could be honorable as well as resourceful.

  “My natural instincts are to take what I want. You wouldn’t be taken. You wouldn’t be subservient. You demanded to be seen as the force of nature you are. Little Bird, you made me search for my humanity that I had pressed into a small corner of my mind. Once I banished those antiquated behaviors, I was able to excel at helping others, especially children. You sacrificed yourself when you returned to save my life in Nyx’s palace. You poured your blood and energy into my heart knowing that it weakened you. I could hear the healing mages cautioning you, but you’re stubborn.

  “When I saw you do the same for Sariel in the hospital, I knew, this time, you would perish, so I became a filter. Part of me sensed we were both going to die, but I had to try to save you. The Blue Star light infused me and kickstarted something dormant. Michael’s healing grip balanced me. When he took you, I understood, where I normally would have been upset. You’re not here just for me, or even for Ted. You’re a gift to the planet from a long-forgotten deity. The same deity who allowed me to live. She said, ‘Angelo, I can’t have you die when my daughter fought so hard to save you.’”

  “I wish I could say that I acted without motive,” Mia said. “I wish I could say that I saved you for humanity, but the truth is that I would miss you. Especially how you make me feel like I’m more important than I am. Imagine me being bartered to bring back a dead magician! You were going to damn yourself to possess me. A hell of a compliment. When I’m cleaning the toilets and wiping my daughter’s behinds, I’ll remember that, at one time, I was a sought after princess, and someone’s little bird.”

  “Our histories are intertwined, as I suspect our destinies are. I have no delusions that we will ever be together, but I do know that I will be there for you and you have promised to be there for me. The one thing I know about you, Little Bird, is your promises aren’t made without forethought and that you keep them.”

  “I’d like to be less of an instrument of fate, but the signs are there: on a wall in a lost primal demon community, on pages written down in the scrawl of a sage or a prophet. Angelo, I don’t know what’s in store for me, but I’ve decided to try and live a human life as long as I can. To be human is to be tempted, to be selfish, and to be generous. The other things that I am, pull at me. Some enlighten me, others confuse me. I’m going to depend on you to help remind me who I am.”

  “I will do my best. Try not to throw too many stones my way,” he teased.

  Mia rose suddenly and looked down at him. “I have an idea I’d like to run past you. If it’s silly, tell me so.”

  “Let’s go in and sit in my office. This way, I can stop seeing the stars in your eyes and concentrate on your words.”

  “Do you remember the dip in the between near my home? The place you helped Brian birth his wings, and Enos and I used it to spar unseen by humans. It’s beautiful. There is a small spring-fed lake within the dip. I’d like it looked at to see if we could build another sanctuary. Maybe not one as grand as the Neyers, but there is room. I was thinking that when my children are grown and Altair has finished my education, I could run the place until my time is gone.”

  Angelo sat back and thought before he spoke. “We do need a place for the families moving up from the south. Mia, I assumed you would die of a broken heart when Ted passed. Are you telling me you’re going to try and survive?”

  “If I have a purpose. I know that Ted doesn’t want me to perish because he has reached the end of his lifespan. It would ease his mind and help me to prepare for a life without him. He has promised me to live on if I do something heroically stupid and leave this earth before him.”

  “Let me speak with a few people. First, see if we can obtain the land in question and have our engineers look over the area to see if it’s a sustainable dip in the between. I can’t promise you anything.”

  “I’m not asking for a promise,” Mia said. “I know you will weigh everything carefully first. It’s what you do best.”

  “I know our time is short, so let’s not indulge in small talk,” Angelo said.

  “I agree.”

  “You’ve been in contact with Gerald?”

  “Yes, I have.”

  “Do you know what he is?”

  “Yes, do you?”

  “No. But that he is still willing to extend the hand of friendship after how he’s been treated shows that he’s either a very dangerous being or a special one.”

  “I really can’t decide between the two myself,” Mia admitted.

  “I will ask him to lunch. We’ll take things slowly.”

  Mia’s watched buzzed. She looked down at it and frowned. “I need to leave now while Brian is awake enough to fly on his own.”

  “He’s to speak with you and Ted tomorrow after school and tell you what he and I decided was a responsible punishment.”

  “I will be on pins and needles until then,” Mia said standing up.

  Angelo watched as Mia and Brian flew off. He laughed when Brian turned his mother around and directed her in the right direction. He walked in and picked up the sweater he had loaned Mia. He breathed in her scent, a mix of all that was good and some that was evil. He had opened his hand so his little bird could leave him and, in doing so, she hadn’t gone far. He knew that others had plans for Mia, but the Mia he knew made her own plans. Destiny seemed to have a death-hold grip on her, but Mia still managed to change the future, and they all benefited from it.

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Brian looked at his parents, who had sat down next to each other on the couch. They gave him their total attention having corralled Varden and sent him and the twins on a walk with Nanny.

  “First, I am ashamed of myself for injuring my brother whom I love very much. I have sat down and apologized and assured him that I wasn’t mad at him because I got into trouble. He is a good-natured person who, as Mom has pointed out, idolizes me. Secondly, I am to accept any punishment that you deem worthy of my actions. Angelo stressed that, as a member of the Excelsior flock, I need to understand that the safety of a child in my care should be paramount in my mind. He does not allow for my immaturity because of my intelligence. He knows physically I’m a five-year-old, but mentally I’m much much older. When it comes to any future experiments: I’m to write a paper on what I hope to accomplish; what materials I need to carry out this experiment; and under no circumstances should I involve a living thing in my experiment. He asks that I present it to you Dad and wait upon your decision if I should continue with said experiments and to be charitable with any recommendations you may have.”

  “That sounds reasonable,” Ted said.

  “However, I am to be punished. Angelo says that repetitive labor builds character. He would like me, under Murphy’s supervision, to pick up every stick and stone in the yard. He wants me to ponder how each stick and stone arrived in the yard. And, after consulting Murphy, determine how to dispose of them. He wants me to do this every day, rain or shine after school for a week.”

  “Sounds fair. How do you feel about this punishment?” Ted asked.

  “
I think I got off easy.”

  “I do too,” Ted said. “I know you were having a laugh at your brother’s expense. You’re a little cruel to Varden. Would it be better for you to room by yourself?”

  “No. I would miss him.”

  “Children can feel when they aren’t wanted,” Ted said. “If you don’t want to play with Varden and need private time, approach Lazar, Nanny, or us and explain. Please, do not take out your frustration on the members of your family. There are healthier ways to handle things. If you feel you have exhausted the people here, then communicate with Angelo. Otherwise, we want you not to bother him with silly things.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “We love you. You’re a wonderful person, and we’re lucky to have you with us as you grow up,” Mia said. “Just as we are lucky to have Dieter, Varden, and the girls. You’ll make mistakes, we’ll make mistakes, and feelings will get hurt. Please come to us if this happens. I guarantee that your father and I don’t wake up in the morning devising plans to make your life miserable. We simply don’t have the time.”

  Brian smiled.

  “Now I need to break it to Murphy that you have to report to him,” Mia said.

  “I have already taken care of it,” Brian said.

  “I’m proud of you, Brian,” Ted said. “Mia, we’re needed at a meeting.”

  “That’s right. Brian, please excuse us,” Mia said. She ran over and hugged him and kissed the side of his face before letting him go.

  ~

  Mia walked into the office and right over to Murphy. “I need to speak with you.”

  “I know about Brian’s punishment.”

  Mia wiggled her finger. “No, about something vastly more important.”

  Murphy followed her into the garage.

  Mia told him about her idea and approaching Angelo with it and his reaction.

  “I didn’t think of a shelter. But I can see how it would work. I’ll make myself available to Angelo and/or his engineers,” Murphy said.

  “Thank you!” Mia said and impulsively hugged him. He wasn’t prepared, and Mia ended up hugging herself. She started laughing. He joined in.

  Ted stuck his head out. “Burt’s ready.”

  Mia scooted in and looked around for Gates. “Where’s Gates?” she asked.

  “She had a thing,” Mike said. “I’ll catch her up.”

  “How’s the leg?”

  “Sore but mending. Dr. Walters said you aligned it perfectly.”

  “How’d you drive here?” Mia asked.

  “I drove him from the hospital this morning,” Burt said.

  “Ah.”

  “Anything else?” Burt asked.

  “Nope. Sorry,” she said and sat down, blushing.

  “We have some remarkable footage,” Burt said. “Cid, you outdid yourself. When the rest of us were running for cover, you were filming.”

  “I couldn’t do it had Mia not been there with me, protecting me from the flying debris.”

  “What a team,” Mia said, reaching over and fist-bumping with Cid.

  “The building is a wreck. It’s going to be demolished on the order of the fire marshal. Evidently, there was an old gas main under the place. Had the event not happened, it would have eventually built up enough gas and exploded. They’re convinced that the damage that was sustained had to do with pressure being let off.”

  “Where will they skate?” Audrey asked.

  “Well, that’s where we’re going to come in. When we air this investigation, we’re going to advertise for the Crystal Creepers. We will include a phone number and a website if anyone wants to donate to the building of a state-of-the-art roller track. It will be built in the parking lot, and the parking lot will be relocated to where the gymnasium once stood.”

  “Great! No more feeding teenage angst with magnetic energy,” Mia said.

  “Exactly. The team will lose the last half of their season, but getting a new track will appease everyone,” Burt said. “Insurance will cover the basic building. The donated funds will buy the right materials for the track.”

  “Bravo!” Audrey said happily. “Where does this put your poltergeist project?”

  “I’m rethinking things. I do have an actual filming of the climax of the event, so that’s quite a boon. However, I really can’t say I have enough data to either prove or disprove my thesis. I will write a paper on this incursion, so that will satisfy the grant.”

  “What’s next?” Cid asked.

  “We’re going to concentrate on putting together gag reels and compilations of different kinds of haunts while Mike is healing. Cid’s scheduled for contracting work, which will leave us short a cameraman. Ethan has offered to help. Does anyone have any problem with Ethan?”

  Jake produced a video of people protesting. He had put Ethan’s name on the plaques.

  “Does anyone, except for Jake, have any problems with Ethan?” Burt asked. No one did. “Ethan is no Cid, but we must carry on. Before you leave, I’m scheduled to move the weekend after the Hero and Princess Party. I would appreciate any help you can give me.”

  “Where are you moving to?” Audrey asked.

  “There is a small house called Sparrow Cottage at the end of Drury Lane that has just gone through a renovation.”

  “In Spiny Woods?” Mia asked.

  “It’s in the woods. I didn’t know the woods had a name.”

  “Have you signed a lease?” Mia asked, locking eyes with Murphy.

  “Yes.”

  Mia didn’t say anything.

  “What’s wrong with Spiny Woods?” Burt asked.

  “You’re awfully isolated there,” Mia said.

  “I like the quiet.”

  “Spiny Woods is haunted,” Murphy said.

  “Maybe that’s why I got the cottage so cheap,” Burt said winking.

  Mia banged her hand on the table. “Murphy, he knew it was haunted because of my diary, which you still haven’t given back,” she said, holding her hand out.

  “Hey, hey, who’s haunting Spiny Woods?” Ted asked.

  “An old witch who is obsessed with neatness. She even sweeps the paths free from snow. It can be quite annoying,” Mia said.

  Burt smiled. “Maybe, except for me who doesn’t like to remove snow.” Burt put the diary in Mia’s hand.

  She tucked it quickly into her back pocket before Mike or Audrey could snatch it.

  “That’s it,” Burt said. “Enjoy your time off. I’m going to be at the Hero and Princess Picnic in the park with Noah and Paula. I hope to see you there.”

  “That’s right, it’s this weekend,” Mia said. “I promised to bake cupcakes and cookies.”

  “I’ll help you,” Cid said.

  “Thank you, I’ll need it. Last time Ted helped me bake, we ran out of frosting.”

  “I love frosting,” Ted admitted. “This weekend, Mia, you promised to bake me Red Vine cupcakes.”

  “Did I?” Mia questioned.

  “Yes, don’t you remember? It was the same conversation when we spoke about you showing Cid how to…”

  “That’s enough of that!” Cid said. “Mia, he’s playing you.”

  Mike looked at the team and asked, “What did I miss?”

  Mia put a flash drive in and said, “Jake, press play.” Mia ran out of the building. She was followed by Cid who caught up to her halfway up the hill.

  Ted looked out the window. “How cold is the creek this time of year?” he asked.

  Mia’s shrill scream answered his question.

  He saw Nanny Berta walk out of the house carrying a towel. Cid was sent to the naughty step.

  Meanwhile in the office, Mike watched Mia take down Madam Recovery with much amusement.

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Cid helped Mia deliver her treats to the snack tent. The parade of costumes was about to begin. The children were to walk the perimeter sidewalk of the park and enter the judging
area and sit down and wait in the audience. The theme for this year’s town Picnic in the Park was heroes and princesses. Mia wore her costume with pride. She walked out of the tent and almost collided with the women she was dressed as.

  Susan Braverman looked at Mia Martin who was wearing a full regalia of Bears fanwear. “Just who are you supposed to be?” Susan asked. “Super fan?”

  “My hero.”

  “Don Braverman looked from mini Susan to his wife Susan and said, “Dear, Mia is you.”

  Susan put her hand to her face and blushed. Then she hugged Mia, causing a backup at the coffee/cider table. “You little stinker. I don’t wear all Bears wear.”

  Mia reached in and hooked the top of her underpants. “Right down to the underwear.”

  Don roared with laughter.

  “Would the judges return to the judging table,” a voice requested.

  “Oh, that’s me,” Susan said and scurried off.

  “You made her day,” Don said. “Now make mine and point out your cupcakes.”

  Mia lifted an eyebrow but chose the high road and sent him to the right snack table.

  Ted saved Mia a seat, and they watched as Brian and Noah walked by. They were sent to stand with some other selected children. Varden walked with a few boys from his class. He was surprised when he also was sent to stand by Brian and Noah.

  “Looks like your hard work is paying off,” Ted said, squeezing Mia’s hand.

  Robbie Fairfield and five other four-year-old kids walked by. They either had on black wings or gold ones. The boys wore black sweats, and the girls wore gold play clothes.

  “Mia, that’s you, Victor, and Enos,” Ted said, his eyes watering. “The kids remembered you were wearing wings when you rescued them.”

  “I wish Victor could see this. Or Enos,” her voice broke.

  The group was sent to stand with the other children. A few princesses joined them, and then the older kids had their time.