Grasping at Eternity (The Kindrily) (9 page)

Krista was still awake and reading when I went to our room. On the nightstand, she had set out a framed photo of my parents, Mikey, and me. I slumped onto the floor, hugging their picture to my chest.

“You okay, Pudding?”

I looked at the ceiling, fighting back tears, but something new hung beside the dream catcher.

“What’s that?” I asked her.

She slid down onto the floor and leaned against me. “It’s a little narcissistic, but I hung up a photo of me. I figure that way, I’ll still be here watching over you.”

And then I did cry. How could I be mad at her after doing something so sweet? More importantly, how was I going to survive living so far away from her?

She hugged me and I sobbed into her shoulder. “What will happen to us, Kris?”

“Nothing,” she whispered. “Miles can’t separate hearts and souls. We’ll be apart less than a year. Then we’ll graduate and I’ll move here too.”

I pulled back, shocked. “You will?”

She smiled and wiped my cheeks. “Absolutely. I love this place, and all these people. I know staying here is what’s best for you, but you’re my best friend. I’ll miss you more than chocolate.”

Our private saying should’ve made me smile, but my lips—and heart—felt like quicksand. I hugged her with all the strength I had, which wasn’t much due to the tea. “Saying goodbye to you tomorrow is going to shatter my heart to pieces.”

“Mine too. But I’ve got enough miracle glue to put us back together again.”

Nathaniel

Bloody hell, I had become a stalker.

I paced my room, debating whether or not to traverse back to Colorado. Anthony and Louise wouldn’t let anything happen to Maryah. I didn’t need to stand guard over her like an overprotective Neanderthal.

Or did I?

 
Dedrick had gone to great lengths to find Maryah and kill anyone who got in his way. I wouldn’t let history repeat itself. I’d be damned if I’d let those fiends get to Maryah—or any member of our kindrily.

My door opened and Carson stepped inside.

“She’s in her room. She didn’t remember dreaming anything. I’m going to bed.”

“Wait,” I grabbed his arm. “She didn’t mention seeing me at all? Maybe she knew I was real.”

He sighed heavily. “Look, the girl doesn’t seem too bright, but don’t you think she would’ve said something if she saw a stranger in our house—especially in the middle of the night?”

“But she spoke to me. She’s never been one to talk in her sleep. Travel, yes. Talk, no.”

He pressed his palm against his forehead. “Nate, you’re driving me insane. Either stop stalking her and introduce yourself so we can end these secret rendezvous, or stay away from her. Two options. Pick one. I’m tired of being your undercover wingman.”

He made introducing myself sound so simple.

“Pick one,” he demanded, “right now, or I’m telling Mom what’s going on.”

That made me chuckle. Members of our kindrily had changed roles many times. The first time a member was born as a relative was hard to accept, but after many lifetimes of switching from brother, cousin, uncle, son, neighbor, etcetera, label or age stopped carrying any significance. Being born to family or friends made it easier for us to stay connected.

Three lifetimes ago Louise had been my youngest sister, so Carson’s “Mom” references reminded me just how inexperienced he was.

“Get some sleep, Carson. I promise not to wake you again tonight.”

He cocked his jaw and murmured, “mm-hmm,” before leaving.

I sat on my bed, replaying my interaction with Maryah. She had said
take me
. What did that mean? The testosterone-filled teenage side of me hoped she meant in a physical sense. As in
, I can’t resist my intense attraction to you, so take me and have your way with me
. Blood rushed to a certain body part just thinking about it, but the wise, logical side of me reasoned that she probably wanted me to take her somewhere. Where? And who did she think I was? Why would she ask a supposed stranger to take her anywhere?

She also asked if it hurt. Did what hurt? Losing her? No, she couldn’t know we had a past together. And her ring. Seeing her wearing it made me feel like a small shard of my shattered universe had been put back into place.

The distinctive soft slapping of Louise’s bare feet neared my door. I’d heard her walk the floors of this house many nights for over a decade.

Carson, the little git, had actually told on me.

She tapped on the door just before I opened it. Her reading glasses sat atop her head, and her pajamas didn’t look wrinkled or slept-in. “I’m glad you’re here. I planned to call you in the morning, but when Carson told me you were visiting I figured best to talk now.

“Louise, I don’t want to discuss—”

“No.” She waved her hand and closed the door quietly behind her. “My old friend Marcus spotted Dedrick in Liverpool.”

The hairs on the back of my neck rose. Maryah and I had lived in Liverpool for quite some time. Dedrick was still trying to track her down.

“Marcus tailed him around town for hours and ended up at Empire Theater. He waited outside awhile, but Dedrick didn’t come out. Marcus tried to go in and look for him, but the place was locked. It’s not much, but it’s a start.”

In my mind, I was already standing on the cobblestone street outside of the theater, searching, hunting with unstoppable determination. “When? What time did Marcus last see him?”

“That’s the strange part. He followed him out of a pub at closing. By the time he tried to get into the theater it was almost five a.m. No theater is open at that time of day.”

I calculated the time difference and wanted to punch something. “That was two hours ago! Why didn’t he ring you right away?”

“He did as soon as he could. He despises cell phones and doesn’t carry one.”

That I could understand, but we had lost two hours of precious time. Dedrick could be anywhere.

“Edgar and Helen are still in Venice?”

Louise nodded.

“I’m going to Liverpool.” I stiffened, preparing to traverse, but Louise grabbed my arm.

“Wait. Marcus said you could traverse to his flat.”

“I’ve never met him, or been to his flat.”

“I know.” She reached into her book and pulled out a photograph. “Here.”

I studied his stern face, focusing on the history and unique identifying markers in his eyes. “He’s ancient.”

“Even older than Edgar. Dylan and Amber are flying out any minute. They’ll pick up Edgar and Helen then contact you as soon as they land.”

I nodded then streamlined my body. The electrifying tingle of traversing grew more intense. Picturing Marcus’s eyes, I dissolved from my room.

Louise’s last words faded away. “Don’t do anything rash.”

I heard the crackling fireplace before the smell of tobacco flooded my nose. I opened my eyes to see Marcus in a plaid smoking jacket, sitting in a Wingback chair, looking much older—physically—than his photo had suggested.

He lowered his pipe. “An entrance such as that requires no introduction.” His thick accent made me miss my jolly old England days.

“Hello, Marcus.” I shook his hand. “Thank you for calling us about Dedrick, and for allowing me to traverse here.”

He looked me up and down then squinted at his photo still clutched in my hand. “By George, you’re wearing clothes, and you’ve even brought a photograph.”

“Yes.”

“I’ve met one other Traverser in my lives and when she traveled, she’d come out the other side without a stitch of clothing. She certainly couldn’t carry additional items with her. How do you do it?”

Before I mastered the ability to take objects with me, I had ended up in many dreadful predicaments. Traveling without a wallet or clothes isn’t for the faint of heart.

“Evolution,” I answered.

“Evolution—my, how I know about that. Can you take people with you?”

“No, only inanimate objects, and even those have limits. I still haven’t been able to keep a car attached to me.”

“A car?” He poured himself a Scotch. “What happened when you tried?” He tilted an empty glass, offering to make me a drink.

I raised a declining hand. “I’d be honored to exchange stories, but first we must find Dedrick.”

“We? Nathaniel, this body is too old and knackered for me to play Sherlock Holmes with you. I’ll tell you what I know, but then you’re on your own.”

“That’s fine. I’ve grown accustomed to being alone.”

He puffed on his pipe. “I’ve heard your story. My condolences.” Rain pelted the windows. The flames of the hearth dimly lit Marcus’s face. “Louise believes your lady will recover. She says she’s too powerful to perish.”

My voice was flat. “She used to be powerful.”

He leaned forward, looking like he sensed that I had no hope left.
 
“Perhaps you should plan an extended stay with me. I could teach you a thing or two about love and life.”

I almost declined, anxious to stop chatting and start hunting, but then I remembered Marcus’s true age. I had the utmost respect for elderly wisdom and couldn’t turn away such a gift. Besides, it would take some time to track down Dedrick.

I bowed with respect. “I’ll stay however long it takes.”

Maryah

Within a matter of days my whole world had changed—again.

Dragonflies—way worse than butterflies—flitted in my stomach as I stared out of the living room windows, dreading my first day of school.

The front door opened and Faith yelled a cheerful hello as she sashayed around the corner. Talk about making yourself at home. We’d hung out every day since Krista left, but still, I couldn’t ever remember any of Mikey’s friends walking into our house without knocking.

She skipped over and pinched me. She was like a sparkler that never fizzled out. “First day at your new school! Who’s excited?”

“I give up, who?”

“Aw, you’ll love it. Let’s go. We’re late.”

I grabbed my book bag and headed for the car.

The ride was a blur of stoplights, other cars, and Faith singing. I was so nervous that it took everything I had to keep my cereal from coming back up.

When we pulled into the school parking lot, I gawked at all the nice cars. Jaguar Boy’s was among them. He pounded on the roof of a Lexus and laughed while talking to the flawless girl inside. I didn’t stand a chance of fitting in.

Faith and Harmony were in my first and last period classes, but I didn’t have any with Shiloh. Carson and Dakota were Juniors, so no surprise that we didn’t have classes together. The majority of my days would be spent alone, and I was good with that.

After a non-eventful homeroom with a bunch of strangers, I followed my map to English. Nametags were on each desk. Really? Nametags? Were we in kindergarten?

“Looks like she alphabetized us.” Faith pouted. “You’re in the back row and I’m way up there.”

“I’m grateful to be a Woodsen. A seat in the back makes it easy to hide.”

“Oh, stop. Maybe she’ll let us move seats once she gets to know everyone.”

I sat down in a wobbly legged chair. If I could go unnoticed everything would be fine. The bell rang and students scurried to their seats. A tall woman with auburn hair stood at the front of the room.

“Good morning, and welcome to the first day of your senior year! Isn’t this exciting?”

Why did everyone think today was so exciting? It was the beginning of another school year—long and painful like the others.

“What a monumental time in your lives!” The teacher made exaggerated hand gestures as she spoke. “My name is Ms. Barby, and I just moved here from Ohio.” Her smile never floundered. I’d have to drink six cups of coffee to have her energy.

Faith had a big grin on her face as she watched the teacher walk the aisles and continue with her perky introduction. Faith obviously liked Ms. Barby and I could understand why. Happy hyper people always like other happy hyper people.

Ms. Barby proceeded to ask each of us to stand and introduce ourselves, throwing a huge wrench in my “go unnoticed” plan.

Most kids stated their name and how they’d lived here forever, if they played a sport, and what college they were hoping to attend. I hadn’t noticed Jaguar Boy sitting beside me until he gave his introduction. He stood up and leaned against my desk before talking. I scooted back, trying to get some distance from his uncomfortable closeness, but my chair almost toppled over. Luckily, he had the full attention of the class.

“You all know me. I’m River Malone, lead singer of the Rebel Junkies—future professional rock star.” He held up his hands. “No autographs, please.”

Most of the class laughed or clapped. One guy high-fived him.

Faith jumped to her feet, temporarily silencing the room with an animated introduction of herself. Again, people whistled or clapped for her as she graciously curtsied. They made it look easy, so why was I terrified for my turn?
 

I was last to introduce myself. I took a deep breath, stood up, and began. “I’m Maryah Woodsen from Maryland. I’ve been living in Sedona for a few days and I don’t play sports.” I sat down before the last word came out of my mouth.

“You’re from Maryland? How nice!” Ms. Barby exclaimed with a cheesy grin. “What brought you and your family to Sedona?”

Was she really asking for more information, worse yet, about my family?

Faith tried to save me. “You forgot to mention your plans after graduation. Any certain college in mind?”

“Excuse me,” Ms. Barby said, “but I asked her a question.”

“Sorry,” Faith mumbled.

I clenched my teeth together. “I moved here to live with my godmother. My parents and brother died.” I glanced at Faith. “And no, no college plans yet.”

The room was so quiet the class probably heard me struggling to breathe. River turned to look at me. His eyebrows furrowed together in what looked like sympathy. I pulled the brim of my hat over my eyes, focusing on the book in front of me, and fighting the urge to cry.

Ms. Barby walked down the aisle and touched my desk. “Maria, I’m so sorry.”