The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (18 page)

“That’s horrible; I don’t even know what to say, her husband and son must be devastated."

“Yes, it was terrible for everyone, unfortunately, it only got worse six months ago."

“What happened six months ago?"

“Her daughter Julia, who was my charge, took off on a rescue mission and never came back." Serena replied wringing her hands.

“Well, I understand. If that were my mother, I would do anything to get her back. It wasn’t your fault Serena...”

“It was,” she interrupted “I was her Guardian, I swore to protect her, and I failed. Julia was more than my ‘assignment’; she was my friend, my sister, and I adored her."

“I’m so sorry, but why did she think she could save her?" I asked curiously

“Julia was a sightseer. She was pretty accurate on seeing the future; that’s what makes it so strange. Why on earth would she go on a suicide mission if she knew she would fail? It makes no sense. She should have told me. I would have gone with her. I would have done anything for her. I was so wrapped up in my own drama...well that’s neither here nor there, suffice it to say, she went, the Rau captured her, and it was my fault."

I stood up from my seat on the couch and walked over to Serena where she was standing by the fire. I wrapped my arms around her and gave her a tight squeeze, which to my surprise she returned.

“Serena, there are no words for me to comfort you. All I can say is that I am so sorry for your loss. Is it weird to say that I feel some grief as well? I lost an aunt and a cousin that I didn’t even know, yet, I feel sad.  I guess I’m sad that I will never know them."

“That’s not weird, not at all. I’m sorry you didn’t get a chance to meet my sister. Gussie was the most amazingly kind, loving person. My heart hurts.” Cecily said as she walked over to us and joined our little hug fest.

“I’m sorry Mom,” I said as I took in her heartbroken expression.

“Thank you darling. She would have adored you, as I’m sure; I would have loved her daughter."

“Julia was one of a kind,” Serena said with a small smile

“Ladies, I must interrupt, it's time for dinner. So dry your eyes, there are other pressing issues to worry about this evening. The biggest one being is that I will be sitting at a table with Winifred and sharp utensils.” Cormac added

Laughing we all dried our tears and headed down to the dining room together. The massive table, which could easily seat thirty people, was set on one end for seven. Painted rose walls shimmered invitingly in the soft light, and the stone fireplace had high, dancing flames in the hearth.

A tall, redheaded, man immediately descended upon us the minute we arrived. “Cecily, oh Cessie, my baby sister has come home,” he cried as he swept my mom into a bear hug.

“Oliver,” Cecily said tearfully. “I’ve missed you so. How are you? You look dashing as always.”

“Your sight must have deteriorated while you were gone,” he replied with twinkling eyes

“Oh please, you're as handsome as ever. Rhoswen, oh my, you haven’t changed a bit,” Cecily said

A petite woman joined the welcome party; her blonde hair was cut short in a pixie cut and her blue eyes looked huge on her small face. “Cecily, it’s so wonderful to see you and have you home. Oliver and I wanted to come here right away but unfortunately it seemed like every pregnant woman on the island went into birth over the last few days."

“I heard. Mother told me, six births, including one set of twins. Last Winter must have been a cold one." Cecily commented

“This must be Willa,” Oliver said as he reached out to shake my hand warmly.

“Hi Oliver, it’s nice to meet you."

“We are happy to meet you Willa. My wife Rhoswen and I are, well, intrigued, to say the least. Since we are healers on the island, as well, as a childless Gypsy- Fae couple, your arrival gives us much hope." he said

“Oliver you’ll scare the poor girl. She probably thinks we are going to treat her like mad scientists. Hello Willa, I’m Rhoswen, it’s nice to meet you,” Rhoswen said

“It’s nice to meet both of you.” I replied, not sure what to say. Was I welcomed as a niece or lab rat?

“Cormac you old dog, it’s about goddamn time you brought Cessie home,” a loud booming voice said. I turned and saw a tall, large man come barreling over to us from across the room.

“Cuddy, you son of a bitch, it’s great to see you.” Cormac sputtered as Cuddy gave him a bone shaking pat on the back.

“Cecily, my goodness you haven’t changed a bit, come here and give me a hug,” he ordered as he swept my mom off her feet in a bear hug. I tensed slightly as he turned his attention to me.

“Well, so this is Willa, you're quite the looker aren't ya? Your all Cecily but with your father’s fairy eyes. I don’t know why you got Winifred all hot and bothered. You seem like a nice girl. So have you decided which side you will pick? Fae may live longer, but Gypsies are a lot more fun,” he said with a wink.

“Sides? Uh, I have to be honest Cuddy. I’ll choose whatever side you're on,” I answered

“Why’s that? And it’s Uncle Cuddy to you."

“Why? Because you're fucking huge, so any side you're on, I’m going with, Uncle Cuddy."

The room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Apparently dropping the F-bomb in the dining room was not done, I surmised.

Then Cuddy started laughing and soon the others joined in with a chuckle.

“By the Gods this one is a keeper!" he said loudly

“So sorry I am late everyone." Winifred said as she hurried in the room. “Cecily and I got caught up earlier and ...what’s going on? It seems I missed the joke."

“Our newest addition is quite the firecracker. Willa is going to be a lot of fun to have around; as I’m sure you have figured out Winnie.” Cuddy answered

“Yes, she is indeed,” she said dismissively. “Come let us all sit."

I scurried to the table, choosing a place far away from Winifred, who sat at the head. As dinner was served I took a backseat to the conversations around me. For once I observed instead of diving right in the conversation. I was astonished to see Winifred relax and seemingly enjoy the company of her family.

I was happy to meet my cousin Jeremiah, Cuddy and Gussie’s son. He came in soon after Winifred and sat down opposite me. Jeremiah was only a few years older than me and had wavy blonde hair and brown chestnut colored eyes.

Everyone, except my father and I, who she pretty much ignored, were on the receiving end of smiles from the Queen. The more I watched, the more introverted I became. I couldn’t decide what I was more saddened by, the fact that these wonderful people had been missing all of my life or the fact that I desperately wanted, just once, to have my grandmother look at me with a  fondness that she so effortless gave Jeremiah as he teased her.

I decided at least to attempt an effort after a pointed look from my mother and looked up at Jeremiah, who sat across from me. “So Jeremiah, what is it that you do?"

“I oversee the Library and Island Archives. Not the most glamorous job but one I enjoy immensely,” he answered with a grin

“I think that sounds interesting. I would love to come and see it sometime."

“Of course, you’re welcome to come day or night. I’m sure you would find the archives to be most enlightening."

“I’m sure I would,” I agreed. “I’m pretty certain my mom gave me the cliff notes version in her quick explanation of the history of the island and the Gypsies, but I would love to delve deeper."

“If you want to delve into something you should come to my store Willa.” Cuddy said.

“What sort of store do you own Uncle Cuddy?" I asked in interest

“Cuddy’s Menagerie of Curiosities. I sell everything but the kitchen sink.”

“Actually Dad, I think you have an old copper sink for sale somewhere in that mess,” Jeremiah said

“Hmmm,” Cuddy said thoughtfully as he stroked his chin. “You may be right. Correction Willa, I sell everything and the kitchen sink."

I couldn’t help but smile at this man. “Well, you have peaked my curiosity. I would love to come and take a look around."

“I’m sure I have some things you would like. Have you decided on which flat here you’ll use?"

“No, I haven’t." I said noncommittally. When Serena had given my dad and me a tour she had showed us a few flats, but none of them had caught my eye. Besides I had no desire to live here. It was beautiful, yes, but I needed my own space, preferably, one far away from the Ice Queen.

“Well when you do come in and take a look, I also design and decorate spaces, as well,” he added

“Really? Since when Cuddy?" asked my father surprised

“Now don’t go looking at me like that Cormac, I know what you are thinking but I’m like an onion, peel a layer.” Cuddy said gruffly

“I think that’s wonderful Cuddy,” my mother said warmly

I smiled as everyone around the table jumped in to tease Cuddy, which seemed to go all the way up to the dessert. I dived right into the chocolate lava cake served with a scoop of delicious vanilla ice cream and a dollop of real whipped cream. I caught snippets of the conversation that flowed around me, but didn’t offer any other comments.

When I rose to leave I was given a huge bear hug by Cuddy and exchanged pleasantries with Jeremiah, Oliver and Rhoswen. Feeling slightly overwhelmed and stuffed to the gills I walked up to our suite of rooms by myself. My mind was replaying the dinner and its attendants over and over again.

I was so involved in my thoughts I didn’t notice that Mathias had followed me up to my room nor did I realize how his face was lined with concern as he waited in the shadows. I had stripped off my heels and clothes before I pulled on a pair of gray cropped yoga pants and a loose fitting white V-neck t-shirt. Giving my hair and teeth a quick brush I pulled the curtains tightly closed and plopped down on my bed.

I stayed there for the next three days.

Chapter Thirteen

Depression is a serious word and diagnosis. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was depressed. I would call it being lost, emotionally detached, and unsure of my place in the world. After the family dinner, my body and mind just seemed to shut down. I couldn’t nor did I want to figure out what was next because I wasn’t ready for it yet.

So I retreated into my little bedroom alternating between sleeping and watching movies. My parents and Serena would bring my meals to me, at first trying to coax me into coming out of my nest, to eventually shooting me looks of worry. I was still in the same pajamas that I put on three days ago, and while part of me shouted ‘Eww gross,' a bigger part of me didn’t care.

I had just woken up from another short nap when my mother poked her head into my door.

“Willa, we’re going down to dinner. Are you sure you won’t come?" she asked anxiously

“No, I’m good, thanks. Just send me up a plate please,” I answered, barely looking up at her.

When the door finally closed I let out a deep breath that I was holding. I was suddenly disgusted with myself. I threw my iPad down and eased myself out of bed. Maybe if I take a bath they’ll get off my back, I thought grumpily as I headed into the bathroom.

Thirty minutes later, I came out a new woman. I had not only scrubbed away the dirt and odor that had built up the last few days, but also the sense of uselessness that had taken over my brain. After pulling on another set of pajamas, I started perusing my video library for an upbeat movie when a knock came at the door.