by K. K. Allen
I lean over the seat to smack his arm, but he catches it before I can reach him. “And your birthday party—” he adds without letting go of my hand. “Did you know any of those people?”
I shake my head. “Besides Alec, no. But that party was more for the summer solstice than for me. Rose is big into it. She would have thrown a party anyway.”
Johnny’s hold on my hand tightened when I mentioned Alec, and I try to sort through the butterflies in my stomach to make sense of why he would do that.
“Um…” I laugh. “You can let go of my hand now.”
“I know, but then you’ll just try to hit me again. I’m trying to prevent any more casualties for tonight. Consider it a favor. Give me another difference we can argue about.”
With a laugh, I lean back against my seat and begin to rattle off more differences. We play the same back-and-forth game the entire way to the Summer Estates gates. The moment I step out of the van, disappointment swarms my chest. I don’t want to leave him. And by the way he holds my gaze through the windshield when I sneak a look at him over my shoulder… I imagine he didn’t want me to go.
Arabella, her sisters, and Isaac are sitting in the great room with Charlotte and Rose when I get there. The girls have red, puffy eyes, and everyone is talking so quietly that dread washes over every inch of me. It’s an eerie reminder of when I walked into a room full of Enchanters discussing Darryl French’s death.
“What’s going on?” My voice is barely a whisper. My hand rises slowly to my stomach as a quick knot tightens there. What’s happened now? I take a seat quickly, hoping Rose will just blurt it out.
“Kat, sit. The Vallis came by to discuss the growing pollution, but we had to fill them in on what happened today.”
“Just terrible,” Isaac says. “It’s just a shame we had to lose Normals today. And with what’s happening in the bay, there seems to be devastation everywhere.”
I turn to Rose then Arabella. “What’s happening in the bay?”
Arabella speaks up first. “There are early signs of dark magic polluting it again. Fish are already dying. Whatever the substance is, it doesn’t stay toxic, fortunately, but it will kill on first impact. We assume our light dissolves it of its power.”
“There’s a whole science behind it,” Rose adds. “But what you and Arabella saw that night at the marina is meant to destroy sea life. Who knows how many Equinox are out there spreading these toxins around at Erebus’s bidding?”
Isaac turns to Rose. “We need to be proactive about this and tell the settlements about the pollution. Every community should be aware so they can be out there stopping as much of the spread as possible.”
Rose nods, though she doesn’t look pleased. “I agree, but we need to do it in a way that doesn’t drive out our populations. You know how this goes. We become transparent, then droves of them find more central places to live, and our numbers suffer for it. So many Followers have already moved on. Once we tell them a poison has entered our water, we risk losing them all.”
Isaac looks frustrated. “Our people are already dying. Maybe we should let them move on. Perhaps you should move on too. And what about this carnival of yours? It’s not the best time for an event like this.”
Rose’s eyes shoot daggers at him. “After all the work we’ve done? You want to bow to Erebus’s threat and let the fear take over? Absolutely not. That is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said to me, and you’ve said quite a lot of ridiculous things. There is more good in this town than bad. The Equinox will never destroy us. Erebus may try, but he will not succeed.”
My heart instantly breaks for my grandmother. Hearing the emotion in her voice, I reach down to grab her hand. I never thought I would see Rose’s strong demeanor falter. I want to stand by her, no matter what she decides.
Rose squeezes my fingers, triggering a rush of emotions that wash over me. I glance around the room again and notice that everyone seems to have given up. Eyes are without light. Shoulders slumped. Permanent smiles have turned to frowns.
I stand. “I know that everything happening right now is terrifying—for many reasons—but giving up is not an option.” I try to meet everyone’s eyes, but almost everyone is looking down. “I agree with Isaac. We need to tell the others.” I phrase this sentence gently and turn my eyes toward Rose, who is frowning but listening. “I don’t think telling them will scare them away. It will empower them to make decisions that will save more lives than it will take. We need to fight back against Erebus, no matter what comes our way. Isn’t that what this is all about? We help others. No one is going to run away, Rose. You’ll be giving them a purpose.”
Everyone is staring at me now. Although they have blank stares, it’s an improvement over doom and gloom. “We’re all in this together. Descendants and Followers. We all have a choice whether we give up or face what’s in front of us. Maybe we all need to remember why we’re here today. Our ancestors wouldn’t stand for us to sulk in what’s happening. Or hide from it. Let’s start spreading awareness, and I’m not just talking about awareness among our community—but Normals deserve to know too. To an extent, of course.”
“We can’t tell the Normals.” Mirella sounds anxious.
I shake my head. “They can know that something out there is deliberately sabotaging our town and spreading pollution. Others must know that our water isn’t safe right now, but there’s something we can all do about it. This isn’t just about us anymore. It’s about everyone. The Equinox will see that they aren’t just up against Enchanters—but against an entire community.”
Rose gives another squeeze of my hand, and I know Rose is on my side. She stands and wraps an arm around my waist.
“What should we do, Kat? What do you suggest?” Arabella gazes at me with a serious but hopeful expression.
“Let’s start a campaign.” The words just come out. I haven’t thought any of this through yet. “We can get others involved to create flyers. I’m sure the volunteers that are helping with the carnival will be happy to help with this. We can post them all over town and use the Summer Island Carnival as a venue to promote environmental awareness. If anything, it will help open some eyes. If anyone sees anything suspicious, we can give them a number to call. Rose, can we set up a hotline at the school?”
She straightens her posture proudly. “Oh yes, dear.” She turns to the rest of the room. “I have an Elder meeting tomorrow night, where I’ll discuss this with them first. If they are all in agreement, then we’ll get started right away.”
“Well,” Isaac says with a slap of his knees and a chuckle. “Katrina’s got that Summer blood in her, all right.” He stands and shakes my hand. “Let’s get to work, shall we?”
It’s been a week since Trisha’s Enchantment, and while the community is working hard to get ready for the carnival, there’s a strange mix of grief, confusion, and determination to carry on with life.
“This town needs encouragement, hope, and strength,” Rose said at the end of tonight’s Enchanters meeting. She just finished disclosing all that she knew about the pollution in the bay and the need to spread awareness. In the end, Enchanters were naturally outraged at what was going on, and like Rose thought, some Followers did make the decision to leave town.
I’m in the garden after the meeting, talking with Trisha and Arabella, when Charlotte and Rose approach. “We’re heading home now.”
I still have my bike from my work shift earlier today, so I don’t accept a ride. “I’ll meet you there. I forgot to add my availability to the schedule at the Grille.” I leave out the part about me purposely waiting until tonight, when I know Johnny will be there.
Charlotte’s eyes are twinkling like she’s fully aware of my intentions, but Rose frowns. I know she’s torn between wanting to protect me and recognizing that I’m old enough to make my own decisions. “Okay, dear. Get back home before dark.”
“I will. If it starts to get dark, I’ll just ask someone for a ride.”
&nbs
p; Trisha gives a knowing grin. “You mean you’ll ask Johnny for a ride.”
My cheeks burn with embarrassment as everyone laughs. Everyone knows what I’m still having trouble admitting to myself. “Thanks, Trisha.” I roll my eyes at her, and she squeezes me in a side-hug.
“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
After a quick goodbye to everyone, I hop on my bike and ride off toward Island Grille. As soon as I walk in, Johnny is the first one I see. He’s behind the bar, wiping down the counter, but he looks up almost as soon as I come through the door.
My heart pounds as our eyes lock for a second, maybe longer. I’m not sure, because I’m so focused on trying to act casual as I glide across the restaurant and push my way into the kitchen. Even then, I can still feel his eyes on me.
I’m staring at the schedule in the staff room when the door swings open behind me. Somehow, I knew he would follow me. I just didn’t know my heart would thrash against my ribs like a jailed swarm of butterflies at his mere presence. His distinct scent reaches me before he does, and I’m inhaling his crisp woody essence like it’s possible to commit it to memory. I’m going to try my damnedest.
He doesn’t say a word as he clocks out on the computer behind me then opens his locker. Realizing he’s changing his shirt, I take in a slow breath and hold it. I could turn around and sneak a glance, but I don’t want to risk getting caught ogling him again. So I force myself to remain forward and pretend to review the schedule on the wall in front of me. There’s no possible way I can read the words on the board now.
A second later, the door to Johnny’s locker slams closed, and he leans against the wall to face me. “You still picking all the days I’m not working so that you can avoid me?”
My cheeks flame with the fire of a million burning suns. I return his gaze with a coy smile. “You noticed that, huh?”
He smiles and looks down, almost shyly. “I think everyone noticed. There aren’t that many of us. How you got around working with me for nearly three weeks is pure talent.”
I laugh lightly. “Can you blame me? You were terrible.”
He shifts, lifting a shoulder and turning to angle his body toward me. “No, I don’t blame you. If it makes you feel better, after a couple of days, you not being around only made me want to see you more, even if it was to torment you.”
My cheeks catch fire, and I’m sure I’m red all over. “You are one confusing guy, Johnny Pierce.”
He chuckles.
I bite down on my bottom lip, contemplating where to take this conversation. “We’ll be setting up the food booths for the carnival together this week. Not my choice,” I throw in. “Rose put my name down for all tasks involving food, and you just happen to be in charge of setting up the booths. So it’s completely against my will, but I am working with you.”
Johnny grins, and the flutters in my chest go crazy over it. “I promise to not be too terrible.”
I look back at the board, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing how utterly gorgeous I think he is. The next thing I know, he’s swiped the pen from my hand, and he’s filling my name into all the shifts he’s working over the next two weeks. I don’t try to stop him.
“There,” he says, capping the pen. “All done. Wanna get out of here?”
I look at him, surprised. “Really?” I shake my head. “I mean, okay, but I can’t be out long.”
He takes my hand and leads me toward the back exit, not releasing it until we’ve passed through the carnival and stopped in front of the Ferris wheel that sits at the edge of the island. Johnny approaches a staff member who’s currently fiddling with the controls of the ride. “Mind if we take it for a test spin?”
The guy shrugs. “Sure, why not?”
Johnny helps me into the car then slides in beside me. The attendant closes the door then heads back to the booth to start the ride.
As soon as we start to move, I laugh and turn to Johnny. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”
He shrugs. “I always loved these things as a kid. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden one.” He nods toward something in front of us. “Look at that view of the bay.”
The sun is starting to set over the sparkling blue water, and the sky is a gradient of purples, pinks, and oranges. My chest swells, and I look back curiously at him. “Are you ever going to tell me why you hated me so much when I arrived?”
He shakes his head, his jaw tensing. “I never hated you—well, maybe a little. I misread you.”
“Misunderstanding someone is hardly grounds for mistreating them the way you did me.”
He turns and shoots me a look that squeezes my chest. “I know, but in my defense, I thought you deserved it.”
I’m not sure if he’s serious, but the comment throws me, sending a bubble of laughter up and out of my throat.
He continues. “I’ve changed my mind.”
“Why?”
He shrugs. “You’re not the person I thought you were. That’s all.” His eyes widen like he just thought of something. “Oh, I wanted to show you this.” He lifts his sleeve, revealing the spot I bandaged up. There’s not a single mark left.
I get closer and run my finger over where the cut once was. “You heal quickly.”
He watches as my finger caresses his skin. “Not normally, but in this case, I guess so.”
His words are so husky, I have to suck in another breath to help steady the pounding of my heart. My gaze flickers to the scar near his eye, then to his lips, and finally back to his arm. Reluctantly, I pull my finger away and ease his sleeve back down. “I still can’t believe two people died at Trisha’s party.” I shudder. “There have been too many deaths lately.”
Johnny nods and remains silent for a few long beats. I worry that I’ve turned the conversation too dark.
“Have you ever wondered what happens when people die?”
Johnny’s question rattles me slightly. “I think about that a lot, especially after my mom’s death.”
“Is it okay if I ask what happened to her?”
I lean back on the bench and take a deep breath. “Hit-and-run. They never found the driver.”
Johnny’s fingers thread through mine, and he squeezes. “I’m sorry, Kat.”
“I like to think she’s still here in a way, and that a lifetime of her energy—the good, the bad—all got recycled back into the earth so that it could create new life.”
He shuffles a bit, and I hope I haven’t made him uncomfortable.
“Wow,” he says. “That’s deep.”
“Death hasn’t been my friend lately. I guess I’ll think up anything to help me cope with it all. First, it was my mom, and then I came close to dying not too long ago. There was a horrible accident on the Fourth that led to me nearly drowning.”
He frowns. “I’ve heard people talk about that night. I heard that Alec guy rescued you.”
Annoyance flares in my chest at the mention of Alec. “No, he was there when I washed up on shore. To top it off, I lost something that night. Something special to me.” I touch my wrist where my mother’s charm bracelet used to sit. “My mom gave it to me the night she died.” I wave my hand in an effort to tell him I don’t want to talk about it anymore. “Anyway, it’s just been a lot to deal with.”
Johnny squeezes my hand, probably sensing how hard this subject is for me. “It’s a good thing you have Rose then, I suppose. Nothing can ever replace your mother, but it’s nice to have people there for you.”
It’s like he knows exactly what I’m feeling inside. “Yeah, even though it was very strange at first. Rose and I were never introduced while I was growing up, so she was a lot to take in. But I understand her now, and she deserves more credit than she gets for all the work she and my grandfather put into preserving the natural state of things. She’s the reason Apollo Beach is what it is today, and her main mission is to keep it that way.”
“My parents loved Apollo Beach for that reason. Did I hear that you�
�re leading the effort to stop the pollution that’s happening in the bay?”
My chest grows warm knowing that he’s already heard the rumors. “I am,” I say proudly. “We’re going to use the carnival as a way to spread the word faster.”
Johnny gazes back at me with curious eyes. “You feel the way about the earth as I do for the ocean.”
My heart jumps a little, then I think of something I should have realized before. “You said your parents loved Apollo Beach. Does that mean you were born here?”
“Yeah, but we moved when I was three and practically lived out at sea until my parents passed away.”
Nineteen years ago. That’s when the Equinox terrorized the town, which is probably why his parents took him away.
“How old were you when they passed?” I word this as carefully as I know how.
“Twelve. I spent a few years at sea before anyone realized I was alone. Sailing a small yacht at that time was as easy as breathing for me, so I used cash my parents left behind to fill up on gas, and I’d buy food at all the ports I’d stop at.”
My mouth opens in horror. “You were all alone? Why?”
Johnny shrugs, his expression dark. “I was trying to hunt down the men who killed my parents.”
My stomach churns. I feel sick. Who would kill the parents of a young boy and leave him alone to fend for himself? Staring at him, I realize he’s done well for himself, but the reason for his caginess is obvious now.
“Did you ever find them?”
He shakes his head, and I’m both angered and relieved by this.
“Wasn’t it lonely out there, living by yourself?” I ask, pleading for my voice to hold it together. I just imagine a scared little boy with no parents sailing through the stormy waters in the middle of nowhere, and my soul cries for him.
“I was too consumed with anger and my need for revenge to feel lonely. But eventually, I found my way back home—well, the only home I’ve ever known.” He waves, gesturing to Apollo Beach. “My parents’ house is still here, but I can’t live there. I tried, and I prefer my boat.”
