Catalyst (Forevermore, Book Two) (18 page)

I flinched.
“Don’t say that.”

“
I don’t mean it in a bad way. You were the glue that mended our differences and brought us back together after so many times of nearly falling apart. I had thought that maybe after time his feelings for your mom would dwindle and he’d be happy with me, even if he was only settling ... but there are some things that time simply can’t change, love being one of them. Every few years, something would come up to remind him and he’d throw it all back in my face. We kept it hidden from you well enough, of course.” She sighed. “You are lucky to have him in your life, and I was lucky to have him in mine while it lasted. I’ve decided that it’s time to move on from that, something I probably should have done years before.”

“
But you were afraid of how it would affect me,” I stated, knowing that it was all thanks to me that the last sixteen or so years of my adoptive parents’ lives weren’t what they’d hoped for.

“
Sort of, yes. But, at the same time, I was happy with some of the benefits of being with Jason. His love for you outshone any of his faults, and he devoted everything he had to ensuring your happiness and safety. It rekindled my feelings for him over time, regardless of what he felt for me in return. Our relationship was more of a marriage between friends raising someone else’s child than a marriage built on love and passion ... and I finally realize that. I’m starting to come to terms with it.”

She was rambling now, but I didn
’t bother stopping her. It was rare that she talked so much, even before the mental breakdown. She’d bottled up so much and it was time that she got it all off her chest.

“
Enough about that, though,” she said, waving her hand dismissively, “tell me why you came here.”

In as steady of a voice as I could manage, I told her all about Serena
’s dad and mom, about Cameron’s broken hand — all things she gasped and looked horrified about, having known each of the people involved. I told her how I’d somehow convinced Artemis, without actually convincing him, to let my best friend live at the motel with me and the rest of the Clan. The next part was the hardest. I told her about Mathias. She didn’t really know him, but I made it evident that he was important to me. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat when I brought up the attack from the Nefastus witch, and how Mathias could have gotten himself killed, but she didn’t stop me in order to reply, just let me talk until my mouth was parched and I asked for a drink.

She rose from her seat and grabbed a glass from one of the cabinets. The fridge was emptier than it had ever been, probably because she had
fewer mouths to feed, but something inside it caught my attention. On the top shelf was what looked like a can of cat food, and I knew I hadn’t left anything behind from Willow.

“
Did you get a cat?” I asked when she came over with my glass full to the brim with iced tea.

She smiled and sat back down.
“My doctor said a companion, like a pet, would help. He said that a cat or dog would help me overcome what happened. Living here all alone was a huge part of what was keeping me from recovering ... so I got Oliver.”

To say I was shocked was a complete understatement. I could remember how Eila reacted to the idea of me keeping Willow after U
ncle Mitchell brought her over; she wasn’t pleased to say the least. She never liked cats because they shed, they scratched things up, and they have litter boxes, which to her were just germ-infested boxes; I didn’t disagree entirely about the last part. I had to beg for her to let me keep Willow, and it wasn’t until I promised to give up a portion of my allowance to pay for all of her needs that she finally gave in and agreed. That and I said she wouldn’t have to worry about the litter box.

“
You got a
cat
? You hate cats —”

“
I don’t hate them,” she said with a frown. “They’re just ... extra work. And they’re dirty. But Ollie is cleaner than Jason ever was. And besides, it just wasn’t right around here without Willow.”

I couldn
’t help but laugh. “Well, where is he?”

“
He’s asleep upstairs on my desk. He likes to sleep in my chair. Let me go get him.”

With a nod, I watched her walk up the stairs I
’d gone up so many times to go to my bedroom. What had become of that room since I left? I felt a pang of regret for leaving the house and my room behind ... but eventually you have to move on from the place you grew up. Had I not wound up being a witch, I would still have gone off to college and pursued a future elsewhere, eventually. That would have been years from now, however. This had all happened in such a short time. Life has a way of doing that, though, taking time and condensing or stretching it. No one ever
really
knows what tomorrow will bring, Clairvoyant or not.

Oliver turned out to be an orange and white cat that made Willow lo
ok like a kitten in comparison. He was a handsome cat with unique features — a stripe of white across one eye, and a few patches here and there. He leapt onto my lap without any hesitation and I rubbed him behind the ear.

“
He’s sweet,” I said and listened to the sound of him purring. “He’s lucky to have you.”

My phone rang in my coat pocket and I hesitated to answer it, but Eila nodded to say it was all right.
I snaked my hand around Oliver, who tried to force his head under my hand in order for more petting, and pulled my phone from my pocket. The call was coming from Mathias’s number.

“
Uh, hang on ... I’ll be right back. Sorry,” I said and hurriedly left the room after gently pushing the cat down.

Stepping through the front door, I answered the phone.
“Hello?”

There wasn
’t an answer at first, then, “Hello, Castus Young. This is Castus Whitlock, a ... friend of Castus Forsythe. Artemis is trying to get a hold of you but doesn’t have your number.”

“
Oh ... is everything okay?”

Silence again.

“Madison,” Artemis’s voice streamed through the phone this time, “I wanted to inform you that Mathias’s condition is worsening, regardless of his lack of using his gift. He is safely confined within Castus Whitlock’s shield, and has not had any opportunity to do anything but rest. He’s ... unconscious right now, but he has been saying your name in his sleep.”

I stared out into the white layers of snow on the ground and inhaled a shaky breath.
“Is there a reason ... why are you calling me to tell me this?”

“
He asked me to keep you updated before he slid into unconsciousness. Perhaps your presence would make him feel better.”

Scoffing, I kicked at the mat by the front door.
“How would me being there help in any way? I’m not a healer. I’m ... I don’t even know what I am!”

“
Even if you can’t heal him through a gift, your presence may comfort him in other ways.”

“
Have you even found any answers yet?”

“
No. I have not. But I assure you that I am working on it.”

“
How much time do you think he has before ...?

Artemis sighed and muttered something I couldn
’t understand. “I don’t know, Castus Young. But I am looking for answers, and I will find them before any further harm can come to Mathias.”

“
I’m sure you’re trying your
best
,” I grumbled and hung up on him.

Stumbling back into the house, I fell straight into Eila’s arms and bawled into her shoulder. She didn’t even question what happened. After my tears were shed and my throat burned, she continued to hold me and brushed her hand soothingly over my hair, whispering repeatedly that it would be okay, but I didn’t believe her.

“
It’s Mathias, isn’t it?” she asked lightly when I finally stepped back and wiped at my eyes.

I nodded.
“He’s getting worse. Artemis says I should come back but … I don’t know. I just don’t think I can right now. Do you think ... could I stay here over night?”

Her eyes lit up.
“Of course you can. You’re always welcome here. Your old bed is still —”

“
No. I want to stay in the treehouse.”

She didn
’t look surprised. “Of course. Let me get you some blankets, and if you need anything, you know where to find me.”

“
Thanks,” I mumbled and watched Oliver follow her up the stairs.

With my hands full of blankets, I exited the house through the back door and peered up at the old treehouse. It felt like only months ago that Dad and Uncle Mitchell built it, yet it had been years. I heaved the blankets up toward the building and then climbed the rickety ladder. The rungs creaked noisily under my weight, but I wasn
’t concerned. When I finally made it to the top, I found the small building to be the same as Serena and I had left it last time; there was a stack of magazines beside the sleeping bag she’d laid in and a book next to mine that I hadn’t remembered having up here.

Thinking of
Serena made me decide to take my phone out and call her. I was surprised when she answered right away. I briefly told her what was going on and she said she’d be over as soon as possible. It was a relief knowing that I was still one of her top priorities and that she knew that I needed her at that moment. She was even willing to leave Zach and rush over.

I looked around the space and decided it needed some sprucing up. There were shelves built into the right-side wall, along with a small window that overlooked where Eila
’s garden had once been when she’d had time to tend to it; now it was just a patch of dark soil peeking out from the snow and frost. I imagined it would have been a beautiful sight if it had been full of blossomed roses and other flowers. Since I was pretty sure it was impossible to summon up row upon row of flowers, I settled for a vase of roses that sat on the windowsill. I wasn’t sure how much weight the treehouse could handle, so I didn’t summon any furniture, just some decor for the walls to make it homier.

Deciding one small p
iece of furniture wouldn’t hurt I willed a small lounge chair into existence in the left corner. I sat down with the book that had been left up there and skimmed through the pages. There was an inscription in the right corner of the first page.

To my raven, with all the love in the world.

-S

This book had been my mom
’s, and had my dad’s writing in it. His script was elegant and swirled; I ran a finger over the ink and frowned. There wasn’t a title on the cover, but when I flipped through the pages, I recognized some things here and there and knew at once that Hannah must have put it up here with the intent of me finding it before it became known to me who my parents really were — and who she really was.

Something caught my attention
as I flipped through the pages — a highlighted passage. I flipped back through until I found it again and read it:

‘
Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had sought to borrow

From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore
.’

Had Hannah highlighted it, or was it my mom? Either way, it sent chills up and down my spine. I knew the poem;
it was my mom’s favorite poem, and I’d read it before for school –
The Raven
.

“
Thought I’d find you in tears, not with your nose in a book,” Serena said as she climbed into the treehouse.

“
Very funny,” I said and stood up, setting the book on the chair. “Thanks for coming.”

“
Hey, you know I’d do anything for you ... even ditch Zachary Wilson,” she said with a smile and put her arms around me. “I heard about Mathias from some people in the lobby earlier ... I figured that’s what was wrong. Surprised that you came here, though.”

“
It felt like the safest place to go. Eila ... she’s a lot happier now. At first I was coming here to visit her to make sure of that.”

“
That’s good at least. So what exactly is wrong with Mathias?”

“
No idea. No one seems to know, and I don’t know where else to go for answers.”

She looked thoughtful as she set down her purse and sat down on her sleeping bag.
“What about Hannah?”

I scoffed.
“She was the first place I went after Artemis basically did nothing. If she knows anything, which I don’t think she does, she’s not telling.” I glanced briefly at the book, then back at my friend. “So how are you liking it at Haven so far?” I needed to change the subject for a moment as I felt both anger and sadness surfacing again.

“
Aside from that Noah guy, it’s fine. He can’t seem to get it through his head that I’m taken and not interested.”

“
Don’t give him a hard time ... he’s been through a lot. He seems like a huge flirt, but I think it’s all a cover for the sensitive boy underneath. I wouldn’t take it too seriously. I don’t.”

Serena
laughed. “I know you try to see the good in everyone, but really ... I think he’s just a perv.”

“
Maybe.” I shrugged. “Have you heard anything else from Cam or your mom yet?”

She looked glum and leaned against the wall behind her.
“Cam’s staying with some friends of his. I still haven’t talked to mom. She’s tried to call me a few times, though …”

“
Maybe you should. She has to be freaking out.”

“
Well, maybe she deserves it! She’s the one that cheated on my dad.”

“
But your dad’s the one that pulled the trigger. He’s the one that pushed her to do it anyway. After beating her and you two all those years and staying gone all the time ...”

“
Yeah, so? She should have seen this coming. Why not just divorce him instead first? It’s all so stupid …”

“
She was probably scared to. What if he had shot her when she told him she wanted a divorce?”

“
Whatever. Two wrongs.”

There was no getting passed
it, Serena was at least partially right, and she was definitely not budging from her opinion any time soon. While I agreed that Mrs. Dupont was in the wrong, I didn’t think that she deserved any of what happened to her or the man she’d been with. He was
dead
now, and I couldn’t even imagine what Serena’s mom must have been going through. Despite everything, she needed someone to comfort her. She’d seen a man die, her husband was undoubtedly going to prison, and her children weren’t talking to her.

“
I still think you should talk to her,” I said. “She needs you right now.”

Serena shrugged.
“I’m sure she can find another man to comfort her. That’s what she does best.”

“
Serena!” I couldn’t believe her words; she’d never been so cold about anything before. “I know what she did was wrong, but seriously ... she’s been through a lot, and you ignoring her isn’t helping anything.”

“
Whatever. I’ll think about it,” was all she said.

The rest of the night was spent in near silence. I didn
’t want to talk about Mathias anymore, and I was fairly sure she was done talking about her mom. She sat on her side of the treehouse with her phone in her hand, texting away to Zach while I stared out the back window that gave a clear view of the starlit sky. Tomorrow was going to be a long day of training with Iris, a girl that I barely knew, to see if I had a gift that was apparently impossible for me to have. My nerves and worries were keeping me from being able to sleep.

Clouds crowded over the view through the window and I took that as a sign to stop staring and start at least trying to relax. But how could I when Mathias was fighting for his life? Hesitantly, I curled up on top of my blue sleeping bag and pulled the blankets Eila had given me over me and shut my eyes. The sound of Serena
’s fingers rapidly typing and the bright glow from her phone’s screen kept me from getting comfortable. I pulled one of the blankets over my head and groaned.

“
It’s getting kind of cold in here,” Serena said, clearly unaware of the fact that I was trying to sleep.

I pried the cover from over my head and looked at her.
“Maybe if you’d stop texting your boyfriend and got under some blankets you wouldn’t be so cold,” I said and tossed an extra blanket at her.

“
Thanks ...” She glared at me but wrapped it over her shoulders anyway. “So, you said that that Artemis guy wasn’t going to let me stay at first but then he changed his mind? Any idea why?”

I leaned up on
one elbow with my head in my hand and looked at her curiously. “I’ve been wondering the same thing.”

“
I’ve overheard a few others talking about it … about me … and how it’s against the rules to bring in a non-witch into Haven. I know one of the guys said Artemis probably would’ve let me stay anyway because he’s not a very strict person but ... I don’t know. I get this sort of creepy vibe around him.”

I laughed.
“There’s nothing creepy about Artemis.”

She shrugged.
“Maybe he thinks I’m hot.” She smiled.

I couldn
’t help but laugh again. “You’re so weird. He’s old enough to be your dad.”

“
Yeah, but he isn’t my dad. I’m just joking, though. But he probably does think that.”

I playfully smacked her with the corner of my blanket, then turned my gaze to the ceiling. Why
did
Artemis suddenly change his mind when he saw her? Was it because she was a young girl in need, like me? Was it because she was my friend and he just couldn’t say no with her right there? That was probably it. Aside from one or two brief moments, Artemis had been one of the nicest, most calm people I had ever met. I sighed at yet another, be it small, mystery in my life.