Gwyn's Return, page 2
“And...” I let the word trail off.
I had lived in Angeline up until last year. I was very familiar with the village of Angeline's projection of her and her husband Dorin. I had known them since I was a baby. They were kind to me and my siblings.
“And who was Angeline married to?” I continued the line of questioning.
“King Dorin.” Brent put his hands in his pockets.
I held out my hand to Brent. It was different from before. We both had a moment of recognition. “Yes, I am Gwyn Boik and Kade is my father.” I admitted out loud. He shook my hand like someone meets a favorite cousin's best friend. You know that if they are friends with them, they will be friends with you.
“How old are you?” He held my hand longer than necessary.
I let his hand go and put the question back on him. “How old are you?”
He smirked. “19. I just finished my degree in journalism a few months ago. Dad had an in with some people, so now I have my own Sports Blog completely funded by the Network. They pay me to go to every game.” Brent's smile was genuine. “It's called Sports with Brent.”
“I'm sure you could have come up with something better than that if you tried.” I couldn't resist egging him on. Maybe it was because of how I related to my brothers, maybe it was because I was annoyed he was here. I knew the odds of running into a Storyteller of the opposite sex around your 17th birthday usually meant one thing: they were your soulmate. And it didn't matter how nice Brent seemed or how handsome he was. I was not looking to get married anytime soon.
“Maybe.” Brent was unphased. “But the name was handed to me and since the Network agreed to pay my salary, I went with it. It's not too bad of a deal to travel across the US and get paid to watch the game.”
“Valid point.” I shrugged and started walking towards the bathroom again. It's a good thing that I wasn't at an emergency level with the added delay he was causing.
“So... don't you think it's odd that we just happened to run into each other?” Brent glanced at me.
“I hadn't given it much thought.” I shook my head. Other than the fact you're probably my soulmate, no thought at all. I thought to myself.
“Do you come to a lot of the games?” He kept my pace.
“I haven't missed one yet.” I glanced at him.
“Maybe I will see you at the next one?” Brent's expression was hopeful.
“Look, I don't really want to...” I fumbled for a way to break it to him gently. I just wasn't interested right now.
“Can I get your number?” Brent didn't let me finish my sentence.
It finally dawned on me why I was getting this much attention. This probably was my soulmate thought had shifted to absolutely my soulmate. I winced as it began sinking in. I knew I probably should be happy, but I wasn't. I stumbled over my own feet and he steadied me. This was going the opposite of how I wanted it to go. His warm touch sent a slight electric current around me. No, this was not happening, and certainly not now. I needed away from him and he most certainly was not getting my number.
“You gotta be kidding me.” I rolled my eyes and stomped away.
I couldn't hear Brent's footsteps behind me, so I prayed to God he had given up. I entered the bathroom, examined my blonde hair and makeup. Why did I decide to dress so cute today? I should have dressed like a bum. Maybe that would have helped. Instead, my jeans held every curve of my body and my Jersey that made some woman appear frumpy made me have a sporty look. I groaned. Mom and Dad were both gorgeous. I didn't have a prayer. I leaned on the sink and glared at myself in the mirror. It didn't help. I was still cute when I was angry. My shoulders went slack, and I decided just to deal with what the world threw at me. And apparently, it was throwing me Brent, because he was standing where I left him. There was no way to avoid him. I was halfway back to my family when he caught up with me.
“Did I do something wrong?” Brent's voice was concerned.
“No.” I felt a slight ping of guilt in my heart. “Yes.” I rolled my eyes. I glanced at him. “One, I'm not 17 yet.”
“Okay.” Brent stretched out the word like he didn't care. “Uh, then how did you...?”
“I grew up in Angeline.” I answered before he had a chance to fully ask the question.
“Oh.” He paused.
“So I'm guessing you're...?” I couldn't force out the words my future husband... destiny... or soulmate, but it was obvious what I meant.
“Yes.” He nodded his head like he was sure.
“I mean, you're handsome and all of that, but I'm not interested. Thanks, but no thanks.” I opened the door and went to my seat and sat down.
There was a slight tension in the air as Brent sat down in the opposite corner from us.
Alison had sharp eyes as she glanced at Brent, who was practically pouting in the corner with his tablet, and me, who was fuming with barely concealed rage. It was obvious something was said between us, but I didn't want to discuss it in the least.
Cass was whispering into Si's ear and he laughed. Sawel tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around. They were pointing at the scoreboard.
“What did I miss?” I asked Alison.
“Well, we're winning.” She said like she didn't have any doubt. “What did I miss?” She stared in Brent's direction.
“I'd prefer not to talk about it.” I tried to put Brent out of my head and start cheering for Dad.
About ten minutes went by and Brent seemed lost in his tablet. I assumed he was taking notes on the game. A few minutes after that. He held up the tablet. I could see the field reflecting on the tablet. He was probably trying to take pictures for his blog. I turned my attention back to the game.
Dad went up to the plate. The bases were loaded. He got a perfect hit. Each player went into action. Dad was rounding first, and his teammate hit home. Dad was rounding second, and Uncle Emmy got home. Dad was rounding third. The ball was chasing him as he continued home. Dad crossed home seconds before the thud of the ball landed in the catcher's glove.
All of us were standing and cheering for Dad. He won! The game was over and Dad's team had won by two runs. I glanced in Brent's direction. I saw him watching me. He turned away when I caught him.
Mom walked in a few minutes later. “I got some really good shots.” She was flipping through the pictures on her camera. “I already have three offers for this one.”
I glanced over her shoulder. It was pristine; the ball was inches away from the bat. The dirt at the bottom of the screen was in the air slightly from where Dad kicked up the dust as he made the hit.
“Is that from Dad's last home run?” I grinned.
“Sure is.” Mom smiled proudly. “I'm framing it and putting it on our wall. But first I am going to take the money.” Her laugh was musical.
“That is impressive.” Cass leaned over her other shoulder. “Kade's going to get a big head if you keep taking photos like that.”
“Thanks Cass.” She grinned. “I didn't think you two were going to be able to make it tonight.”
“We were able to move some things around.” Alison smiled.
“Wait, are you Neira Boik?” Brent stood up. “The Sports Photographer?”
My Mom just noticed him. She eyed him curiously, but nodded her head yes.
“Is there any chance I and my network could buy one of those?” Brent stepped closer.
“Sure, for the right price.” Cass spoke up first.
Mom smiled at him and then turned her attention back to Brent. “Make me an offer.” She walked over to the corner and talked.
Apparently, a sale was made. Mom returned to us, smiling. “That makes one sold.” Her phone started buzzing. “Scratch that five sold.” Mom rubbed her necklace. I had a feeling she told a story that everyone had their pictures.
“Thank you again.” Brent smiled at my mother and glanced at me, and made his way out the door before we left.
“Can we go see Daddy?” Kerris demanded.
“Aren't you sleepy?” Cass picked her up.
“No.” Ker shook her head no.
“We haven't had our celebratory dinner.” Sawel insisted.
“Dad will feel left out without dinner.” Sion added.
I was staring at the closed door. I felt an unexpected sense of loss with Brent gone. I didn't like it.
3
Ithought about Brent off and on for the next few days. I didn't regret what I had done. I was in no way, shape or form, ready to start a relationship with anyone. I wasn't ready to go back to Angeline either. I had barely started to settle into the real world and I was not ready to upset my life here yet.
We saw a lot less of Dad than we used to. That took some adjusting. Half of the time, Mom went with him. Sometimes Kerris would go with them. Sometimes she stayed with the Gs or me. Sometimes my brothers would watch her.
I finally got the schedule for my softball games. I gave a copy to Mom and Dad. Then I dropped off one to Aunt Nadia. I felt like I forgot someone, so I dropped by Grams and Gramps to give them a copy.
“What's this?” Grams stared at the paper.
“It's my softball schedule. I'm starting.” I couldn't help feeling proud.
“I'm so proud of you, Gwyn.” She hugged me.
“We were proud of Kade too.” Gramps came in without a shirt.
“It's going to be one year of varsity High School then off to college.” Gramps grinned.
“What's that face for?” Grams was concerned.
“I don't know if I want to go to college.” I shrugged.
“You don't have to.” Gramps shrugged. “It's a choice. You can either go or not. What matters is that you are happy.” He paused. “You can always come work for me and Emma.”
“I might take you up on that, Gramps.” I smiled.
“You just let me know when. I know the boss. I'm pretty sure we can find you something.” He winked at me.
“You are the boss.” I laughed.
“Actually, I think she is.” He pointed to Grams.
I laughed.
“We're both the boss... co-bosses.” She pointed to Gramps and then to herself.
“Co-bosses, I like that.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss and sat down beside of her.
“Your birthday is coming up soon.” Grams commented.
“Yeah.” My voice sounded dull to my own ears.
“What, you're bummed about having full on Storyteller Abilities?” Gramps leaned forward in disbelief.
“Nah, it's not that. It's just...” I let the sentence fall away.
“Oh, no. I think she is taking after Alison.” Grams put her hand on Gramps's shoulder. “Em hm. I see the signs.”
“What do you mean?” I wasn't sure what she was talking about with Alison.
“Why don't you go ask her?” Grams gave me a knowing look.
“Maybe I will.” I bit my lower lip. I kind of liked the idea of taking after Grandma Alison. She was one of my favorite people.
4
Another week went by. I didn't give much thought about the conversation I had with Grams and Gramps until I saw the Gs at Dad's next game. I had been so busy with everything else that I didn't get a chance to ask her.
“Is something wrong Gwyn? You look like you have something on your mind?” Alison radiated empathy.
“I was talking to Grams, and she mentioned that she thought I was like you.” I licked my bottom lip.
Alison's eyes went on high alert. “What were you talking about that reminded Mom of me?” Her curly brown hair bounced as she moved and turned her full attention to me.
“They were asking about being a Storyteller and I told them I wasn't exactly interested.” I admitted.
“Oh.” Alison's gaze shot to Cass. “You're not interested in getting married.” She whispered in my ear.
“Not at all.” I shook my head no.
“Neither was I.” She laughed.
“But...” I glanced from her to Cass.
Cass was smiling at no one in particular. Si passed him some peanuts, and he put some of them in his mouth. Everything and everyone seemed so happy. It was hard to imagine my grandparents without each other.
“We... Cass actually showed up at my house unannounced. We met in Angeline. Let's just say... my husband has the worst first, second, and third impressions.”
I glanced from Alison to Cass. They seemed like a match made in heaven. I couldn't imagine them being with anyone else. I saw the way they interacted with each other. They were clearly in love, there were no if, ands, or buts about it.
“But you both seem so happy?” I was flabbergasted.
“We are happy.” She paused. “Now, but it wasn't like that in the beginning. It took a while for us to adjust to each other. Sometimes when you get married, there is an adjustment period, and that is okay.”
“But what if I don't want to adjust at all... like at all?” I put extra emphasis on the last three words. I was explaining this really badly.
“Your birthday is next month. It doesn't mean you have to get married next month.” Alison whispered in my ear. “You have until your 25th birthday, or his 25th birthday, depending on who is the youngest.”
“I think he's older.” I muttered under my breath.
“Oh, did you tell your Mom and Dad?” Her whisper was quiet enough that I was the only one that could hear her.
I shook my head no. “Not yet, but it's just a guess.”
“I see.” Alison tapped her foot. “Well, anyway, let's say that you're the youngest. You don't turn 17 until next month. You have until your 25th birthday to go to Angeline to keep your abilities. You have plenty of time. There is no rule that says you have to get married when you're 17, 18, 19, or 20.” She squeezed my shoulders in a side hug. “Or even 21, 22, or 23.” She grinned.
“But...” I paused.
“I know. Everyone else usually does. I will tell you this, when you do actually find your soulmate no matter how bad the first, second, or third impression is...” Her expression shifted to Cass. “It's worth it.”
I didn't realize how badly I needed to hear those words until they came off of her lips. I wanted something real that was worth it... just not necessarily now. I felt a lot better.
“Thanks G.” I hugged her neck.
“Anytime Gwyn. Anytime at all.” She held me close.
I walked out of the box and made my way to the concession stand to get a refill on my pop. I turned around and walked full force into a firm body. My pop squashed open and fell over both of us.
My mouth fell open in horror. “I am so sorry. So, so sorry.” My gaze went up... and up... and up. I was staring into Brent's eyes. Mortified was the only word in the English Language that could properly describe and express the way I was feeling to the core of my bones.
Brent scanned the area. No one seemed to be paying attention to either of us. He rubbed his necklace, and we were both dry without a pop stain in sight.
“No worries Gwyn. Here, let me get you another one.” He walked over to the counter and bought me another drink before I could utter another word.
“You did not have to do that.” I winced.
He held the drink towards me and I took it. He didn't say anything at first. “Well, you could always give me your phone number to make it up to me.”
“I... I'm not sure that's a great idea.” I shook my head slightly.
“Can we talk? I feel like we got off to a bad start. I'm not sure what I did, but I'd like to fix it.” His words were barely loud enough for me to hear.
“Honestly, it's nothing you did.” I took a drink. I was struggling to keep my emotions down. Replacing my drink was actually really sweet, and it was nice not to be drenched in pop. “It's just that... you know.... and....” I couldn't finish a sentence. Every thought that popped into my head sounded mean, and he seemed like a decent guy. I didn't want to be mean to someone I barely knew. My parents raised me better than that.
“I'll tell you what, how about you give me your phone number and after you think through what you want to say, you can text me your answer? I would really like to hear the answer.” Brent's words were careful.
I shook my head no. “Thanks for the pop though.” I walked away quickly and exhaled once I thought I was far enough away from him that I knew he wouldn't hear me. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure he wasn't following me. He wasn't. Part of me was elated, and the other part was sad. I had a hard time reconciling the two opposite feelings.
5
“Happy birthday!” Sion told me before he threw a card in my face.
“Thanks.” I caught it. I turned it around, so I could see it better. He had drawn a very lifelike picture of us in Angeline. He was becoming quite the artist.
“Love ya!” He waved and walked out of the room before I could say anything else.
I opened the inside of the card.
Gwyn,
You're not such a dork sister after all.
Love Si
Sawel came running into the room. “Did Si give you the card already?” He groaned when he saw me holding it. “He was supposed to let me sign it.” He ran over to the end table and grabbed a pen. “Here, I need that back.” He rushed over to the wall and scribbled on it under Si's name. “Yeah, it's from both of us. Love you sis! Happy birthday!” Sawel grinned as he handed the card back to me. He gave me a quick hug before he ran out of the room.
I was born mid-afternoon, so I got to have my presents earlier than most of my other family members. We had a Storyteller rule that you weren't supposed to get your birthday presents until after your birthday time, the day of your actual birthday.
I had a game later on tonight, which suited me fine. I would rather play softball than hang around on the beach any day. I guess I got that from Dad.
“Hey Princess.” Dad walked into the room holding a small box in his hands.
Mom came up behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. “Happy birthday.” She whispered.
I took the box that Dad handed me and opened it. I already knew what it was. It was a Storyteller necklace. I pulled out the silver chain. The thin chain was very elegant. A diamond pendant was hanging at the bottom of the chain. When I touched it, a powerful blue glow lit up the room.
I had lived in Angeline up until last year. I was very familiar with the village of Angeline's projection of her and her husband Dorin. I had known them since I was a baby. They were kind to me and my siblings.
“And who was Angeline married to?” I continued the line of questioning.
“King Dorin.” Brent put his hands in his pockets.
I held out my hand to Brent. It was different from before. We both had a moment of recognition. “Yes, I am Gwyn Boik and Kade is my father.” I admitted out loud. He shook my hand like someone meets a favorite cousin's best friend. You know that if they are friends with them, they will be friends with you.
“How old are you?” He held my hand longer than necessary.
I let his hand go and put the question back on him. “How old are you?”
He smirked. “19. I just finished my degree in journalism a few months ago. Dad had an in with some people, so now I have my own Sports Blog completely funded by the Network. They pay me to go to every game.” Brent's smile was genuine. “It's called Sports with Brent.”
“I'm sure you could have come up with something better than that if you tried.” I couldn't resist egging him on. Maybe it was because of how I related to my brothers, maybe it was because I was annoyed he was here. I knew the odds of running into a Storyteller of the opposite sex around your 17th birthday usually meant one thing: they were your soulmate. And it didn't matter how nice Brent seemed or how handsome he was. I was not looking to get married anytime soon.
“Maybe.” Brent was unphased. “But the name was handed to me and since the Network agreed to pay my salary, I went with it. It's not too bad of a deal to travel across the US and get paid to watch the game.”
“Valid point.” I shrugged and started walking towards the bathroom again. It's a good thing that I wasn't at an emergency level with the added delay he was causing.
“So... don't you think it's odd that we just happened to run into each other?” Brent glanced at me.
“I hadn't given it much thought.” I shook my head. Other than the fact you're probably my soulmate, no thought at all. I thought to myself.
“Do you come to a lot of the games?” He kept my pace.
“I haven't missed one yet.” I glanced at him.
“Maybe I will see you at the next one?” Brent's expression was hopeful.
“Look, I don't really want to...” I fumbled for a way to break it to him gently. I just wasn't interested right now.
“Can I get your number?” Brent didn't let me finish my sentence.
It finally dawned on me why I was getting this much attention. This probably was my soulmate thought had shifted to absolutely my soulmate. I winced as it began sinking in. I knew I probably should be happy, but I wasn't. I stumbled over my own feet and he steadied me. This was going the opposite of how I wanted it to go. His warm touch sent a slight electric current around me. No, this was not happening, and certainly not now. I needed away from him and he most certainly was not getting my number.
“You gotta be kidding me.” I rolled my eyes and stomped away.
I couldn't hear Brent's footsteps behind me, so I prayed to God he had given up. I entered the bathroom, examined my blonde hair and makeup. Why did I decide to dress so cute today? I should have dressed like a bum. Maybe that would have helped. Instead, my jeans held every curve of my body and my Jersey that made some woman appear frumpy made me have a sporty look. I groaned. Mom and Dad were both gorgeous. I didn't have a prayer. I leaned on the sink and glared at myself in the mirror. It didn't help. I was still cute when I was angry. My shoulders went slack, and I decided just to deal with what the world threw at me. And apparently, it was throwing me Brent, because he was standing where I left him. There was no way to avoid him. I was halfway back to my family when he caught up with me.
“Did I do something wrong?” Brent's voice was concerned.
“No.” I felt a slight ping of guilt in my heart. “Yes.” I rolled my eyes. I glanced at him. “One, I'm not 17 yet.”
“Okay.” Brent stretched out the word like he didn't care. “Uh, then how did you...?”
“I grew up in Angeline.” I answered before he had a chance to fully ask the question.
“Oh.” He paused.
“So I'm guessing you're...?” I couldn't force out the words my future husband... destiny... or soulmate, but it was obvious what I meant.
“Yes.” He nodded his head like he was sure.
“I mean, you're handsome and all of that, but I'm not interested. Thanks, but no thanks.” I opened the door and went to my seat and sat down.
There was a slight tension in the air as Brent sat down in the opposite corner from us.
Alison had sharp eyes as she glanced at Brent, who was practically pouting in the corner with his tablet, and me, who was fuming with barely concealed rage. It was obvious something was said between us, but I didn't want to discuss it in the least.
Cass was whispering into Si's ear and he laughed. Sawel tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around. They were pointing at the scoreboard.
“What did I miss?” I asked Alison.
“Well, we're winning.” She said like she didn't have any doubt. “What did I miss?” She stared in Brent's direction.
“I'd prefer not to talk about it.” I tried to put Brent out of my head and start cheering for Dad.
About ten minutes went by and Brent seemed lost in his tablet. I assumed he was taking notes on the game. A few minutes after that. He held up the tablet. I could see the field reflecting on the tablet. He was probably trying to take pictures for his blog. I turned my attention back to the game.
Dad went up to the plate. The bases were loaded. He got a perfect hit. Each player went into action. Dad was rounding first, and his teammate hit home. Dad was rounding second, and Uncle Emmy got home. Dad was rounding third. The ball was chasing him as he continued home. Dad crossed home seconds before the thud of the ball landed in the catcher's glove.
All of us were standing and cheering for Dad. He won! The game was over and Dad's team had won by two runs. I glanced in Brent's direction. I saw him watching me. He turned away when I caught him.
Mom walked in a few minutes later. “I got some really good shots.” She was flipping through the pictures on her camera. “I already have three offers for this one.”
I glanced over her shoulder. It was pristine; the ball was inches away from the bat. The dirt at the bottom of the screen was in the air slightly from where Dad kicked up the dust as he made the hit.
“Is that from Dad's last home run?” I grinned.
“Sure is.” Mom smiled proudly. “I'm framing it and putting it on our wall. But first I am going to take the money.” Her laugh was musical.
“That is impressive.” Cass leaned over her other shoulder. “Kade's going to get a big head if you keep taking photos like that.”
“Thanks Cass.” She grinned. “I didn't think you two were going to be able to make it tonight.”
“We were able to move some things around.” Alison smiled.
“Wait, are you Neira Boik?” Brent stood up. “The Sports Photographer?”
My Mom just noticed him. She eyed him curiously, but nodded her head yes.
“Is there any chance I and my network could buy one of those?” Brent stepped closer.
“Sure, for the right price.” Cass spoke up first.
Mom smiled at him and then turned her attention back to Brent. “Make me an offer.” She walked over to the corner and talked.
Apparently, a sale was made. Mom returned to us, smiling. “That makes one sold.” Her phone started buzzing. “Scratch that five sold.” Mom rubbed her necklace. I had a feeling she told a story that everyone had their pictures.
“Thank you again.” Brent smiled at my mother and glanced at me, and made his way out the door before we left.
“Can we go see Daddy?” Kerris demanded.
“Aren't you sleepy?” Cass picked her up.
“No.” Ker shook her head no.
“We haven't had our celebratory dinner.” Sawel insisted.
“Dad will feel left out without dinner.” Sion added.
I was staring at the closed door. I felt an unexpected sense of loss with Brent gone. I didn't like it.
3
Ithought about Brent off and on for the next few days. I didn't regret what I had done. I was in no way, shape or form, ready to start a relationship with anyone. I wasn't ready to go back to Angeline either. I had barely started to settle into the real world and I was not ready to upset my life here yet.
We saw a lot less of Dad than we used to. That took some adjusting. Half of the time, Mom went with him. Sometimes Kerris would go with them. Sometimes she stayed with the Gs or me. Sometimes my brothers would watch her.
I finally got the schedule for my softball games. I gave a copy to Mom and Dad. Then I dropped off one to Aunt Nadia. I felt like I forgot someone, so I dropped by Grams and Gramps to give them a copy.
“What's this?” Grams stared at the paper.
“It's my softball schedule. I'm starting.” I couldn't help feeling proud.
“I'm so proud of you, Gwyn.” She hugged me.
“We were proud of Kade too.” Gramps came in without a shirt.
“It's going to be one year of varsity High School then off to college.” Gramps grinned.
“What's that face for?” Grams was concerned.
“I don't know if I want to go to college.” I shrugged.
“You don't have to.” Gramps shrugged. “It's a choice. You can either go or not. What matters is that you are happy.” He paused. “You can always come work for me and Emma.”
“I might take you up on that, Gramps.” I smiled.
“You just let me know when. I know the boss. I'm pretty sure we can find you something.” He winked at me.
“You are the boss.” I laughed.
“Actually, I think she is.” He pointed to Grams.
I laughed.
“We're both the boss... co-bosses.” She pointed to Gramps and then to herself.
“Co-bosses, I like that.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss and sat down beside of her.
“Your birthday is coming up soon.” Grams commented.
“Yeah.” My voice sounded dull to my own ears.
“What, you're bummed about having full on Storyteller Abilities?” Gramps leaned forward in disbelief.
“Nah, it's not that. It's just...” I let the sentence fall away.
“Oh, no. I think she is taking after Alison.” Grams put her hand on Gramps's shoulder. “Em hm. I see the signs.”
“What do you mean?” I wasn't sure what she was talking about with Alison.
“Why don't you go ask her?” Grams gave me a knowing look.
“Maybe I will.” I bit my lower lip. I kind of liked the idea of taking after Grandma Alison. She was one of my favorite people.
4
Another week went by. I didn't give much thought about the conversation I had with Grams and Gramps until I saw the Gs at Dad's next game. I had been so busy with everything else that I didn't get a chance to ask her.
“Is something wrong Gwyn? You look like you have something on your mind?” Alison radiated empathy.
“I was talking to Grams, and she mentioned that she thought I was like you.” I licked my bottom lip.
Alison's eyes went on high alert. “What were you talking about that reminded Mom of me?” Her curly brown hair bounced as she moved and turned her full attention to me.
“They were asking about being a Storyteller and I told them I wasn't exactly interested.” I admitted.
“Oh.” Alison's gaze shot to Cass. “You're not interested in getting married.” She whispered in my ear.
“Not at all.” I shook my head no.
“Neither was I.” She laughed.
“But...” I glanced from her to Cass.
Cass was smiling at no one in particular. Si passed him some peanuts, and he put some of them in his mouth. Everything and everyone seemed so happy. It was hard to imagine my grandparents without each other.
“We... Cass actually showed up at my house unannounced. We met in Angeline. Let's just say... my husband has the worst first, second, and third impressions.”
I glanced from Alison to Cass. They seemed like a match made in heaven. I couldn't imagine them being with anyone else. I saw the way they interacted with each other. They were clearly in love, there were no if, ands, or buts about it.
“But you both seem so happy?” I was flabbergasted.
“We are happy.” She paused. “Now, but it wasn't like that in the beginning. It took a while for us to adjust to each other. Sometimes when you get married, there is an adjustment period, and that is okay.”
“But what if I don't want to adjust at all... like at all?” I put extra emphasis on the last three words. I was explaining this really badly.
“Your birthday is next month. It doesn't mean you have to get married next month.” Alison whispered in my ear. “You have until your 25th birthday, or his 25th birthday, depending on who is the youngest.”
“I think he's older.” I muttered under my breath.
“Oh, did you tell your Mom and Dad?” Her whisper was quiet enough that I was the only one that could hear her.
I shook my head no. “Not yet, but it's just a guess.”
“I see.” Alison tapped her foot. “Well, anyway, let's say that you're the youngest. You don't turn 17 until next month. You have until your 25th birthday to go to Angeline to keep your abilities. You have plenty of time. There is no rule that says you have to get married when you're 17, 18, 19, or 20.” She squeezed my shoulders in a side hug. “Or even 21, 22, or 23.” She grinned.
“But...” I paused.
“I know. Everyone else usually does. I will tell you this, when you do actually find your soulmate no matter how bad the first, second, or third impression is...” Her expression shifted to Cass. “It's worth it.”
I didn't realize how badly I needed to hear those words until they came off of her lips. I wanted something real that was worth it... just not necessarily now. I felt a lot better.
“Thanks G.” I hugged her neck.
“Anytime Gwyn. Anytime at all.” She held me close.
I walked out of the box and made my way to the concession stand to get a refill on my pop. I turned around and walked full force into a firm body. My pop squashed open and fell over both of us.
My mouth fell open in horror. “I am so sorry. So, so sorry.” My gaze went up... and up... and up. I was staring into Brent's eyes. Mortified was the only word in the English Language that could properly describe and express the way I was feeling to the core of my bones.
Brent scanned the area. No one seemed to be paying attention to either of us. He rubbed his necklace, and we were both dry without a pop stain in sight.
“No worries Gwyn. Here, let me get you another one.” He walked over to the counter and bought me another drink before I could utter another word.
“You did not have to do that.” I winced.
He held the drink towards me and I took it. He didn't say anything at first. “Well, you could always give me your phone number to make it up to me.”
“I... I'm not sure that's a great idea.” I shook my head slightly.
“Can we talk? I feel like we got off to a bad start. I'm not sure what I did, but I'd like to fix it.” His words were barely loud enough for me to hear.
“Honestly, it's nothing you did.” I took a drink. I was struggling to keep my emotions down. Replacing my drink was actually really sweet, and it was nice not to be drenched in pop. “It's just that... you know.... and....” I couldn't finish a sentence. Every thought that popped into my head sounded mean, and he seemed like a decent guy. I didn't want to be mean to someone I barely knew. My parents raised me better than that.
“I'll tell you what, how about you give me your phone number and after you think through what you want to say, you can text me your answer? I would really like to hear the answer.” Brent's words were careful.
I shook my head no. “Thanks for the pop though.” I walked away quickly and exhaled once I thought I was far enough away from him that I knew he wouldn't hear me. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure he wasn't following me. He wasn't. Part of me was elated, and the other part was sad. I had a hard time reconciling the two opposite feelings.
5
“Happy birthday!” Sion told me before he threw a card in my face.
“Thanks.” I caught it. I turned it around, so I could see it better. He had drawn a very lifelike picture of us in Angeline. He was becoming quite the artist.
“Love ya!” He waved and walked out of the room before I could say anything else.
I opened the inside of the card.
Gwyn,
You're not such a dork sister after all.
Love Si
Sawel came running into the room. “Did Si give you the card already?” He groaned when he saw me holding it. “He was supposed to let me sign it.” He ran over to the end table and grabbed a pen. “Here, I need that back.” He rushed over to the wall and scribbled on it under Si's name. “Yeah, it's from both of us. Love you sis! Happy birthday!” Sawel grinned as he handed the card back to me. He gave me a quick hug before he ran out of the room.
I was born mid-afternoon, so I got to have my presents earlier than most of my other family members. We had a Storyteller rule that you weren't supposed to get your birthday presents until after your birthday time, the day of your actual birthday.
I had a game later on tonight, which suited me fine. I would rather play softball than hang around on the beach any day. I guess I got that from Dad.
“Hey Princess.” Dad walked into the room holding a small box in his hands.
Mom came up behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. “Happy birthday.” She whispered.
I took the box that Dad handed me and opened it. I already knew what it was. It was a Storyteller necklace. I pulled out the silver chain. The thin chain was very elegant. A diamond pendant was hanging at the bottom of the chain. When I touched it, a powerful blue glow lit up the room.
