Visiters
The Storm
Within all of us there lives a seed of darkness; it is up to each person to decide whether they will let that seed grow into something that may own day fester and consume them whole. It has been said that those who choose to give into the darkness will be granted immortality to continue doing the bidding of evil. Make no mistake, it is not a gift but rather a curse.
The girl of water formerly known as Bethany lived hidden away in a cabin surrounded by trees. The day she gave birth to the prophecy was the very same day she slaughtered her soul along with any of her humanity. It is true that her choice to follow the path of darkness rewarded her with great power beyond her wildest dreams yet this power came at a cost; because she had offset the balance of the universe she would feel the searing pain of the damage she had caused for all eternity. Every day, every hour, every minute she would continue to feel crippled until things were somehow made right. She had been living like this for nearly two centuries.
The thought had often crossed her mind of killing the prophecy children off as well as their parents. This would not only prevent everything from evolving into complete fruition, but perhaps it would also put an end to her suffering. Often she would find herself fantasizing about how, when, and where she would do it. These were the only simple pleasures in her life. That and causing torture to small defenseless animals: ripping wings off of butterflies, turning up the acidic level on lakes and streams to burn alive the creatures inside, knocking baby birds out of their nests. If even for the briefest of moments it allowed her to deflect her own misery onto something else.
Regular pilgrimages were made to get supplies at a nearby town where she was known as the ugly evil crone. No one knew her real name and she preferred it that way. Everywhere she would go crowds would part to let her through, mothers with small children crossed the street to get away from her, no one dare speak to her unless she addressed them specifically, and everyone avoided direct eye contact. A small smile crept upon her face at this power she held over people without using any actual power. Although days when she was feeling particularly foul she had been known with the flick of her wrist to cause slight havoc amongst unsuspected by-passers: the little girl's ice cream cone instantaneously melting to a pile of mush, the young lovers tripping and falling face first onto the pavement, the teenager getting a third degree burn where her cell phone had rested along her face. Once again it was the simple pleasures that made the days pass by with a little more grace.
Bethany had chosen the life of solitude many years back, a lonely life, yet the only one she knew. After she turned herself over to darkness her family shunned her and in turn Bethany shunned the rest of the world. There was a barrier spell placed so no animal or person could enter within the one mile radius around her home. If they tried they would receive an electrical zap much like the invisible fence some people have for their dogs yet much stronger and painful. While sitting on her front porch one afternoon enjoying the quiet the day had brought upon her, she perked up at the vision of a young woman coming towards her. How did this woman pass the barrier? Upon closer examination Bethany saw this was no ordinary person, she was a child of the elements more specifically of earth.
Bethany stood up fists clenched at her sides, "You are not welcome here."
The woman smiled, "I mean you know harm."
Bethany belted out a cackle, "Mean me no harm? Obviously you don't know who you're dealing with stupid stupid girl!"
The woman looked her defiantly right in the eyes, "I know exactly who you are after all I came to seek you out."
"Then if you know who I am you must know what I am capable of. Its not me who needs to worry about being harmed."
"Perhaps you should think twice before making idle threats to someone born in earth in an area surrounded by an abundance of trees. How do you think I got past your barrier spell?"
Bethany thought for a moment. It had been a long while since she had come across such a bold and daring person. In reality the very last person had been her brother and that seemed like another lifetime ago. Bethany sat back down then motioned to the chair next to her. She surveyed the girl from top to bottom fully taking her in: the large brown eyes, the long braided hair, the round feminine curves. She was the epitome of life and beauty which was everything Bethany was not. "How did you find me? I took great measures to make sure no one knew who I was or where I was."
The young woman sat down hesitantly and cocked her head to the side, "For the past couple of weeks I have been sending messages through the trees. I wasn't sure if you were still alive and if you were alive just how willing you would be to help us."
She shook her head, "I don't make it a habit of wasting my energies on actions that will serve someone elses best interest."
"Really? Even if it meant an end to the prophecy and your suffering?"
"Who said I was suffering?"
The young woman motioned to the trees around them, "Don't you know trees are notorious gossips? Now tell me am I wasting my time?"
Bethany scratched her chin, "You have my attention. Now what is it exactly that you had in mind?"
**********
Adam and Athena sat cross legged across from one another on the ground. Since his arrival they had begun doing daily transference sessions in order to give Athena a small taste of Adam's power which was only continuing to grow as the days progressed towards his twenty-first birthday. She had become an addict jonesing for her next fix, but everyone knew Adam had the upper hand since transference only worked between two willing parties. There would never be a scenario where she could just outright take from him what she had been craving most all these years. Additionally since Adam initiated each transference session he alone controlled just how much of his own essence went temporarily to her.
Athena's eyes glistened, "And you think we can get Evan here too?"
Adam nodded, "He'll come looking for me, but not before I'm ready to let him know where I am."
Athena's boyfriend paced impatiently back and forth, "And why would he walk into an obvious trap?"
Adam stood up and stared him down, "I already told you that Evan is weak and simple minded. He's also impulsive and careless. If he suspects I'm in danger he won't hesitate to come find me because I'm his brother and he loves me."
He wouldn't back down, "And why should we trust you? By that same logic he's your brother and you love him."
"Are you deaf or just dumb? Evan is a loose cannon with powers far beyond what he can control. My loyalties changed when he nearly burned my girlfriend to death recently because they got into a heated argument. I don't even know if she'll awaken. He is dead to me, or soon will be."
Athena jumped up giddy with excitement, "Will we really be able to drain his powers?"
Adam nodded, "Yes, just let me facilitate things. You get your power, I get my revenge, we both come out ahead."
**********
It was mere hours before Evan turned twenty-one, yet he could already feel power surging throughout his body. At times it was intense he felt without a release he would literally go out of his mind. Thankfully Layla was with him to help keep him grounded. A couple days back they had received a cryptic message from Calla that put them on a twelve hour train ride then a two hour hike to exactly middle of nowhere Virgina. Armed with backpacks and a compass they kept on traveling East. Calla had mentioned they would know when to stop. Neither Layla nor Evan was sure exactly what that meant, but they trusted her. They had made their way from a plain field into a heavily wooded area. Then as the sun was beginning to set Layla grabbed Evan's arm, her eyes widened, and she gestured with her other hand "Look, it's Adam."
Evan's jaw dropped. There was his recently estranged brother alongside their completely estranged mother and a small entourage of ten people with them. There was something different about Adam in the eyes, a part of him that Evan didn't quite recognize. And a horrible thought crossed his mind as he wondered if this is where he had been all along, with her. Did he still hold empathy for Athena even after all he had taught Adam about her? They all stopped when there was just a few feet separating them. Adam broke the silence, "I assume you got the message?"
Evan merely nodded in response. Layla squinted her eyes. Athena grinned as she motioned for her people to step back a bit. Then she turned to Adam, "How are we going to do this?"
Layla stepped forward, "Do what exactly?"
Adam looked Evan directly in the eyes, "You are going to give to do a transference with Mom because you are a complete menace especially after what you did to Calla."
Evan looked confused, "Calla? But she's...".
Layla put her hand on Evan's chest to stop him, "No Evan, Adam is right. This is something that needs to be done." She turned to him, "You lack focus, discipline. I have tried so hard with you, but this is a moment made of dreams. It needs to all go away."
Suddenly all was understood between them. Evan, Athena, and Adam each held hands while shutting their eyes. Layla stepped back fully aware that things were about to get ugly. Athena opened herself up to receive the power although she got far more than she expected. At first she was filled with a warm power surge greater than those she had previously experienced with Adam. Then he face began to crinkle in confusion, pain, agony. Tears streamed down her face for the first time in her life as she began to scream. She couldn't break the connection between them because the two of them were too strong for her. She was in a transference lock down. Adam was flooding her with the emotions of all her victims while Evan was flooding her with nearly twenty one years of the pain she had caused him with all his night terrors.
As her allies tried to rush forward to help her Layla summoned a giant tornado that pushed the allies together and pulled them away; far enough to not disturb what the boys were doing with Athena yet close enough that Layla could still maintain control. Layla saw two more people approach and just as she was about to sweep them up too she stopped when she realized one of them was Calla. She was unsure who Calla's companion was yet she sensed the old woman was more friend than foe. Slowly Layla reigned in her forces releasing Athena's allies as they all dropped to the ground unconscious. Shortly thereafter Adam and Evan let go of Athena, she collapsed to the ground burying her face in her hands crying.
Adam rushed over to Calla pulling her into his arms so tightly, "It was so hard being apart from you, but you were right that it would be worth it in the end."
Layla questioned, "All of this was your idea?"
Calla nodded bashfully. Then she explained, "It's not over yet and we don't have much time. This needs to get done before you turn twenty-one and come into full power. You need to meet someone, this is..." Before she could finished Calla abruptly pushed Adam to the ground and took a giant fireball right to the chest.
Her face lost all color as she fell to the ground. All eyes looked up searching for the source to see that Athena was back on her feet, unsteadily, but with a darkness painted all over her face. "I will NOT be made a fool of, certainly not by some half wit children and their parlor tricks." Her words were barely above a whisper clearly a sign that she was still very weak from what Adam and Evan had put her through. Before anyone had the chance to retaliate the large tree behind Athena grabbed her dragging her against the base of the tree and with one swift motion snapped her neck.
Adam crawled over to Calla pulling her still body next to his own. Her began crying so hard he was having trouble breathing. Layla and Evan rushed over to them. The old woman stepped towards them, "It's not over yet."
Layla was angry, "Who the hell are you?"
"It doesn't matter who I am, only what I came here for." She placed her left hand on Adam's back, then her right hand on Evan's back. As she closed her eyes she began chanting odd words none of them understood. Both boys heads shot up as a visible ball of energy left them. "The prophecy is over." She began to walk away.
Layla shouted after her, "What have you done to them?"
But the woman never responded. When her back was towards them and she was only a few yards away she dissipated into a black mist. The three of them exchanged glances then finally all rested their eyes on Calla's tranquil face.
The Calm Before...
Summer was melting into autumn. The leaves on the trees had changed color, but had not yet fallen. Weather was cooling down with still a hint of summer lingering in the air reminding you it had not left quite yet. Beyond the trees the tranquil water of the creek told a story underneath.
Two heads abruptly erupted to the surface. Their bodies intertwined in an embrace as their lips gently glided together. As they pulled away he brushed the silver hair off of her face. She stared deeply into his soft brown eyes before whispering, "I love you Allan of earth."
He flashed the special smile that only belonged to her, "I love you too Sarah of water."
"Then marry me. Let's marry right now before it all happens and we lose the only chance we may ever have."
Allan shook his head, "There is nothing I have wanted more in my entire lifetime, but I won't marry you." He bit his lip before continuing, "Not until we have survived it all and we will survive."
Clearly frustrated Sarah began to swim away from him back towards the land. Without hesitation he followed her. Since the children had left the two of them had had plenty of time to focus their energies on rekindling the romance they had once left behind. Swimming lessons, gardening side by side, quiet nights in front of the fire, and Sarah had even managed to muster the courage to climb a small tree. Ending each day wrapped in each other's arms with the joy of waking up next to one another each morning. They had been virtually inseparable until this moment when Sarah had been hurt by Allan's rejection.
On land she grabbed one of the towels to begin drying herself off. Instead of reaching for the other towel Allan wrapped his arms around her from behind. She fell into him feeling calmness sweep through her entire body. They held each other in silence while tears slipped down her cheek. They had lived in a world of ignorant bliss for nearly an entire year, but now with less than a month to go until the boys turned twenty-one it had all become too loud to ignore. It was heading their way whether they were ready for it or not. The worst part was all the uncertainty surrounding them. What was coming? How would they fight it? Would any of them make it through?
As if reading her thoughts he said, "I just want to enjoy this time with you. Let us not make hasty decisions based on fears. If a month from now you still wish to marry me then I will make sure you have the most beautiful wedding of your dreams. For you Sarah I would give the world to and there is no doubt in my mind after everything happens there will still be plenty of a world to give."
She turned to face him, "I was such a fool to ever walk away from you."
"All that matters is that we are together now. Things have a way of happening just as they were meant to." With his thumb he tipped her face up to his, then lowered his lips down towards hers.
*****
Feeling as if she were an entire world away Calla was nestled on one of the highest branches of her oak tree. Her back leaned against the trunk with her right leg stretched out along the branch while her left leg dangled carelessly. She played with the end of her braided hair wishing she could keep this moment forever with it's beautiful simplicity. Her brown eyes stared longingly at her grandpa playing in the water with Sarah. Their story was not yet over, in fact it had found an entirely new beginning. Despite that watching them was bitter sweet for two reasons: it had taken them forever to get back to where they had once left off as young lovers, so much time wasted when time was the most valuable thing they all had. Secondly Calla wondered if Adam and her would ever be able to enjoy old age together. Would any of them find their happily ever after?
Since she had returned home with Layla and the boys, Calla had chosen to spend the majority of her time with the oak tree that opened her eyes to a world she could have never imagined for herself. Her theory was that hearing those words all over again as an older and somewhat wiser person would shed some fresh perspective on it all. Perhaps there was some detail she had previously missed, maybe after everything that had happened over the years she could understand everything just a bit better than when she was that five year old little girl. The only difference as far as she could tell was that the story had unfolded past the birth of the boys up until more recent times. Frustration reigned in every part of her as she was presented with information she not only knew, but for the most part had experienced first hand.
There had to be some reason the tree had chosen her besides the obvious link to her grandfather, the boy from the generation who had come so close to offsetting the prophecy before the one who actually had. Adam and Evan were the prophecy in the flesh, Layla was their guide, but what role did Calla play if any at all? Her mind flashed back to Layla's ugly words about Calla being some insignificant sidekick in the prophecy. She now knew Layla hadn't fully meant what she said, yet it rang some truth to it. Even if one could argue the fact that because Calla was born of earth it helped to ensure that all four elements worked together, Calla could argue that it could have been anyone born of earth. Why her? What made her so special? What could she do that someone else couldn't?
A gentle breeze blew through the branches tickling Calla's bare skin. As high up as she was there was no fear within her for the possible fall to the solid earth below. Her kinship with this tree had created a trust that ran as deep as it's roots. Although all those born of earth have a particular connection with nature, Calla had the rare gift of communication with trees. It was with this oak tree especially that she felt she could know herself best. Suddenly she stopped playing with her hair, swung her right leg to the side, and grabbed the branch she was sitting on with both hands. Her grip was so tight her knuckles were white. Her eyes widened with surprise. This tree. Her connection. The communication. Her focus had been on the messages she received from the tree while she failed to realize she could send messages right back.
Calla could only hope that what she needed to say would get to the right person and within the short amount of time they had left. She swung both legs around, placed her left hand gently on the trunk of the oak tree and began to speak, "You do not know me, but I know you. You are the only one that can help us."
********
Walking down the Main street in Nyack Layla and Evan enjoyed their ice cream cones on this unusually warm autumn night. Unfortunately they had discovered most stores close early on week nights, a concept neither of them could comprehend, but then again it made for a quiet night with not many people around. For a moment it was easy to forget what was barreling towards them, they could claim temporary amnesia in an effort to enjoy this beautiful night just the two of them.
Evan smirked, "You know the way you're licking that cone makes it very hard for me to keep things PG between us."
Layla rolled her eyes, "Is everything about sex with you?"
With his free hand he grabbed hers, their fingers interlacing, and he replied, "Not everything. You look beautiful tonight."
"You don't have to sweet talk me, I'm already sleeping with you."
"Now whose making it all about sex?" he teased.
They made their way through the park and sat side by side on some vacant swings. It was as if they were the only two people that existed in the world as the quiet of night surrounded them. There were certain people that could have entire conversations without saying a single word. Layla and Evan were not those kinds of people. Their conversations were aggressive, hostile, and combative not unlike a sword fight to the death. In this evening alone they had argued if ice cream was a valid form of dinner, the Palisades super mall verses the family friendly Nanuet Mall, if people should curb their dogs, the legalization of marijuana, and right now the continuation of training.
Layla's lips pursed, "The training is done because I say it's done."
Evan gave Layla a hale Hitler salute, "I didn't realize militant dictators gave up right before the big battle. Maybe you've just run out of steam and have nothing left to give."
Layla stood up with her fists by her side, "You're not the only one on the front line here. This whole thing is bigger than you and me."
Evan stood up to literally go toe to toe with her just as they had done so many times before, "Are you saying there are things you know that you aren't telling us? Do you think it's smart to keep us in the dark?"
"Oh that's sweet coming from you Mr. has a deep connection to mommy every night but let me keep it on the downlow to protect everyone's fragile feelings. For such a smart guy you really are a complete moron."
"You think I wanted those dreams? They haunted me, made me ill." Evan sat back down on the swing looking completely deflated. It wasn't like him to ever back down from an argument, but Layla had hit his weak spot.
She knelt down in front of him. With a gentleness in her voice, "Hey if we had known we could have helped block her. You can control the connection. There are ways, that is why Sarah didn't know your father was still alive all these years despite her efforts to reach out to him. That is also why my father knew I was safe after I left home because I allowed him to sense me."
Evan looked into her eyes, "You know ever since that day I nearly killed you I have felt you with me always. It's as if you were a part of me I just couldn't shake and that's how I found you in the Hudson when you tried to..."
Layla cut him off, "When I nearly made the biggest mistake of my life. Something I could never do again because now you're a part of me", she patted the tattoo above her heart, "You all are. That's why I'm in this with you on the front line until the very end."
Breaking Boundaries
On Adam and Evan's twentieth birthday Layla came back. It was almost as if she was this different person who smiled and laughed with a softness to her that had never existed before. Perhaps in some ways this is who she was all along deep underneath it all. The time she spent with her family erased the dark cloud that once loomed over her. And it was on that day Layla revealed the tattoo above her heart as the same one Calla, Adam, and Evan had on each of their shoulders.
Despite everything Layla was still Layla. "Happy Birthday and all that. Realize this is the countdown until all things come to a head. This will also be the most difficult part of the training. I need your complete trust, dedication, and of course discipline." On the last word she winked at Evan.
Her and Evan had exchanged letters on a weekly basis since she returned back to her childhood home. They didn't email, text, or even call one another on the phone. He respected that she needed that time to focus on being with them, there was so much lost time to catch up on. It was Evan who had insisted before he left that she remain in contact with him. And it was through these letters that their relationship really grew into something so much more than either had anticipated. Although neither one knew exactly where they stood at this point; Layla hoped it was something they could figure out together if they managed to survive what was ominously barreling towards them.
She took her usual stance with arms crossed over her chest as she made direct eye contact with each mentee. "Pack your bags. Only bring with you what you absolutely need. We are going on a long trip to learn first hand what we are up against. You will be pushed beyond your current emotional and physical limitations, so brace yourselves because this is about to get real intense."
Calla and Adam began to laugh. Layla lost her cool, "Did I not just explain how serious this is? What exactly don't the two of you understand about that?!
Calla stifled her giggles, "It's just that Evan said those same exact words to us a while back. 'Brace yourselves, this is about to get real intense'. You two really are in sync, aren't you? It's cute."
Before Layla could respond Evan jumped in, "Not everyone wants to live out some Disney fantasy romance. Why don't you guys focus on what you have and leave us out of it? Layla please continue."
Layla nods her head, "Whoa, I'm gone for a little while and someone develops manners. I'm impressed."
Evan laughs, "If you'd prefer me feisty I can make that happen too, but we better send the kids away first."
*****
They traveled for approximately nine months. Of course being born of air Layla felt it was her job to mentally prepare them as best as she could. She was especially thankful for all the traveling she had done with her father as a child because it set the road map for the journey she needed to take them on. It was her father taht helped her make connections with various circles so they would have food and lodging along the way.
As they approached the first fallen villages attacked by the revolutionists Layla placed her hand on Adam's chest to stop him. Her voice was filled with concern, "I want you to be especially careful. This will affect you differently from the others."
Adam cocked his head to the side, "My weakness is my empathy."
Layla lowered her arm, "It is also your greatest strength."
"That's what Calla says."
Layla looks over at Calla,"She is a very smart girl. Are you ready for this?"
He nodded and all four of them went forward. As soon as they crossed over into the water village the pain nearly crippled Adam. He fell down to his knees squinting his eyes shut while screaming. The essence of everyone his mother had killed called out to him filling his heart with their cries for help. Calla knelt down beside him and wrapped her arms around him rocking them both back and forth.
Layla rushed over, "No, let him feel it. This is very important."
Evan yelled, "Are you nuts? It's going to end up killing him. Let Calla calm him down or maybe we should just get the hell out of here."
Layla walked over to block Evan's path to Adam. "Please trust me." She was aggressive while pleading with him at the same time. She yelled over her shoulder, "Adam don't let this break you."
Evan gave Layla a look to express he understood. She stepped aside and he walked towards Adam. He gave Calla a look to let her know he had this. He knelt down beside his brother. "Focus on your breathing first. You have to be one with them. Like me with the fire. You can do this. We can do this." Evan grabbed his Adam's hand.
Layla whispered, "transference."
When Adam allowed him they both became equal water and fire. Calla backed away and stood next to Layla as they watched the most horrific and beautiful thing imaginable. Adam and Evan became engulfed in liquid flames. It was too much for either of them to handle on their own, yet together it seemed to have strengthened them. They cried, not for themselves but for all the lost souls unable to move on. The event lasted a couple of hours. When it was all over the boys let go of one another and fell over.
At night Calla stayed up a little longer than everyone else to listen to the trees. Although most born of earth had a natural kinship with wildlife, Calla's bond to trees was particularly strong. The trees had chosen her to trust their secrets to. This was her role in the prophecy, the historian. It was almost as if that large oak tree sought he out all those years ago. Calla was finding along this excursion so many trees wanted to help guide her.
One particular evening the four of them were roasting marshmallows by a campfire when Calla dropped her stick to the ground. Her face went completely pale. The other's tried talking to her, but it was as if she was in a trance. Then a calm washed over her while she smiled shyly to herself. A few tears tumbled down her cheeks. She stood up and walked away.
When Adam stood up to follow her Layla signaled for him to stay. Impatiently he asked, "What's going on?"
Layla replied, "Her parents spirits are talking to her through the trees. Give her this time to be with the them in the only way she can."
"How do you know all this crap?" Evan asked.
Layla threw a gram cracker at him, "While you were busy goofing off I spent my free time learning as much as I could about anything, especially all things related to the prophecy."
"Didn't you ever have any fun?" Adam wanted to know.
Layla shrugged, "I think fun is a matter of perspective. For me this was my source of fun. That and getting naked with your brother."
Adam grimaced, "Thanks for that disturbing image."
Calla rejoined them a short while later. She put a fresh marshmallow on her stick and started roasting it like nothing had happened. After a few minutes she looked at Adam and Evan sitting across from her. "Your father is alive."
Despite everything Layla was still Layla. "Happy Birthday and all that. Realize this is the countdown until all things come to a head. This will also be the most difficult part of the training. I need your complete trust, dedication, and of course discipline." On the last word she winked at Evan.
Her and Evan had exchanged letters on a weekly basis since she returned back to her childhood home. They didn't email, text, or even call one another on the phone. He respected that she needed that time to focus on being with them, there was so much lost time to catch up on. It was Evan who had insisted before he left that she remain in contact with him. And it was through these letters that their relationship really grew into something so much more than either had anticipated. Although neither one knew exactly where they stood at this point; Layla hoped it was something they could figure out together if they managed to survive what was ominously barreling towards them.
She took her usual stance with arms crossed over her chest as she made direct eye contact with each mentee. "Pack your bags. Only bring with you what you absolutely need. We are going on a long trip to learn first hand what we are up against. You will be pushed beyond your current emotional and physical limitations, so brace yourselves because this is about to get real intense."
Calla and Adam began to laugh. Layla lost her cool, "Did I not just explain how serious this is? What exactly don't the two of you understand about that?!
Calla stifled her giggles, "It's just that Evan said those same exact words to us a while back. 'Brace yourselves, this is about to get real intense'. You two really are in sync, aren't you? It's cute."
Before Layla could respond Evan jumped in, "Not everyone wants to live out some Disney fantasy romance. Why don't you guys focus on what you have and leave us out of it? Layla please continue."
Layla nods her head, "Whoa, I'm gone for a little while and someone develops manners. I'm impressed."
Evan laughs, "If you'd prefer me feisty I can make that happen too, but we better send the kids away first."
*****
They traveled for approximately nine months. Of course being born of air Layla felt it was her job to mentally prepare them as best as she could. She was especially thankful for all the traveling she had done with her father as a child because it set the road map for the journey she needed to take them on. It was her father taht helped her make connections with various circles so they would have food and lodging along the way.
As they approached the first fallen villages attacked by the revolutionists Layla placed her hand on Adam's chest to stop him. Her voice was filled with concern, "I want you to be especially careful. This will affect you differently from the others."
Adam cocked his head to the side, "My weakness is my empathy."
Layla lowered her arm, "It is also your greatest strength."
"That's what Calla says."
Layla looks over at Calla,"She is a very smart girl. Are you ready for this?"
He nodded and all four of them went forward. As soon as they crossed over into the water village the pain nearly crippled Adam. He fell down to his knees squinting his eyes shut while screaming. The essence of everyone his mother had killed called out to him filling his heart with their cries for help. Calla knelt down beside him and wrapped her arms around him rocking them both back and forth.
Layla rushed over, "No, let him feel it. This is very important."
Evan yelled, "Are you nuts? It's going to end up killing him. Let Calla calm him down or maybe we should just get the hell out of here."
Layla walked over to block Evan's path to Adam. "Please trust me." She was aggressive while pleading with him at the same time. She yelled over her shoulder, "Adam don't let this break you."
Evan gave Layla a look to express he understood. She stepped aside and he walked towards Adam. He gave Calla a look to let her know he had this. He knelt down beside his brother. "Focus on your breathing first. You have to be one with them. Like me with the fire. You can do this. We can do this." Evan grabbed his Adam's hand.
Layla whispered, "transference."
When Adam allowed him they both became equal water and fire. Calla backed away and stood next to Layla as they watched the most horrific and beautiful thing imaginable. Adam and Evan became engulfed in liquid flames. It was too much for either of them to handle on their own, yet together it seemed to have strengthened them. They cried, not for themselves but for all the lost souls unable to move on. The event lasted a couple of hours. When it was all over the boys let go of one another and fell over.
At night Calla stayed up a little longer than everyone else to listen to the trees. Although most born of earth had a natural kinship with wildlife, Calla's bond to trees was particularly strong. The trees had chosen her to trust their secrets to. This was her role in the prophecy, the historian. It was almost as if that large oak tree sought he out all those years ago. Calla was finding along this excursion so many trees wanted to help guide her.
One particular evening the four of them were roasting marshmallows by a campfire when Calla dropped her stick to the ground. Her face went completely pale. The other's tried talking to her, but it was as if she was in a trance. Then a calm washed over her while she smiled shyly to herself. A few tears tumbled down her cheeks. She stood up and walked away.
When Adam stood up to follow her Layla signaled for him to stay. Impatiently he asked, "What's going on?"
Layla replied, "Her parents spirits are talking to her through the trees. Give her this time to be with the them in the only way she can."
"How do you know all this crap?" Evan asked.
Layla threw a gram cracker at him, "While you were busy goofing off I spent my free time learning as much as I could about anything, especially all things related to the prophecy."
"Didn't you ever have any fun?" Adam wanted to know.
Layla shrugged, "I think fun is a matter of perspective. For me this was my source of fun. That and getting naked with your brother."
Adam grimaced, "Thanks for that disturbing image."
Calla rejoined them a short while later. She put a fresh marshmallow on her stick and started roasting it like nothing had happened. After a few minutes she looked at Adam and Evan sitting across from her. "Your father is alive."
The Road to Home
You were once a piece of me
That has left entirely
Hopefully I can learn to be
Once more a part of you completely
Adam stared down at his journal analyzing the poem he had just written. It wasn't about just one person. The reality was that he felt lost without all of them playing a major part in his life. This world made no sense without them in it and he would rather hurt with them around then be empty without them. The problem was that he had no idea how to make things right again. This was a web entangled on so many levels.
He stared across the room at Evan's empty bed. Although technically Evan was the older one, it was often Adam who had assumed the big brother role. He worried where his brother was and if he was coming home at all. It had been more than a week since schools let out for break. Had things really gotten to that point? Maybe Adam should plan an impromptu trip down to the city to confront Evan and finish the conversation they had started months before. He looked back down at the mostly empty page of his journal hoping answers would appear for him.
It was as if she had materialized out of nowhere. Suddenly Calla was standing by the foot of Adam's bed. On instinct he jumped up, pulled her into him, and whispered apologies into her hair. She was his calm. He was a fool to have pushed her away all this time. Maybe the two of them could figure out a way to make their family whole again.
Calla pointed to a severely wilted flower on Adam's nightstand, "Is that?"
He nodded, "The flower you healed the day I first saw you. That night I picked it and have kept it in my journal ever since."
"How did I never know about it?"
"It was something I wanted to keep for myself. Recently I think we have all learned that despite our best intentions secrets can be a very dangerous thing."
Calla took the flower into her hand, shut her eyes, and began chanting quietly to herself. It was as if Adam was time traveling back to that day all those years ago. Once again right before his eyes he saw the wilted flower come into full bloom. When Calla opened her eyes she handed the flower to Adam. "It has healed and so will your heart."
*****
Sarah was sitting on the floor by the fire drinking a warm cup of tea when someone abruptly entered the house. There was the familiarity of his scent as well as the softness of his foot steps as they approached her. She didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. "Calla is upstairs with Adam. I'm trying really hard to not be so square about it all."
Allan sat down next to her, took away her tea, and wrapped his hands around hers. Those gentle eyes got her every time. No matter what had happened he was home to her and always would be. When you've known someone for a lifetime there is a way to have an entire conversation without saying a single word. The two of them just sat there smiling like the giddy teenagers they once were, then as if it was the most natural thing in world they leaned in and kissed. It wasn't the deep passionate kiss of their youth, but it was still just as special.
Allan ran his thumb along the outline of his face, "I let you walk away from me once before. I'll be damned if I'm going to let it happen again."
"What took you so long?"
Then they became very aware of a presence looming over them. Allan cleared his throat awkwardly, "Evan. Hello."
"I think the parent is supposed to walk in on their kid fooling around, not the other way around. Then again everything seems to be backwards around here anyways. I need to talk to Adam, is he here?"
Sarah stood up, "Where have you been all week? I called the school and they said you weren't there. I was worried."
He let out a sigh, "I had to take care of something for a friend. I'll explain everything, I promise. Is Adam here?"
"He's upstairs with Calla", Allan replied.
Evan smiled "Even better." Before either of them could respond he took off up the stairs towards his room.
*****
Adam and Calla were sitting on Adam's bed laughing and talking when Evan burst into the room. They both looked at him with wide eyed expressions. Evan walked right over to where they were sitting, pulled a chair from the nearby desk, and sat directly in front of them. He looked each of them squarely in the face, "I want to try something, but I need you both to be open to it. I was originally going to only do this with Adam, but I think Calla could benefit too."
Calla shook her head, "I don't know Evan."
Evan nodded, "I understand your hesitation. I have broken a trust, but I strongly believe this will be the way to fix it. It's called transference and if you let me I want to try to show you my dreams."
"Eighteen years worth of dreams? We could be here a while", Adam responded.
Evan reached out a hand to each of them, "No, this will be more of the highlight reel. Please give me a chance."
Calla grabbed his left hand while Adam grabbed his right one. Then came the disclaimer, "Brace yourselves, this is about to get real intense."
That has left entirely
Hopefully I can learn to be
Once more a part of you completely
Adam stared down at his journal analyzing the poem he had just written. It wasn't about just one person. The reality was that he felt lost without all of them playing a major part in his life. This world made no sense without them in it and he would rather hurt with them around then be empty without them. The problem was that he had no idea how to make things right again. This was a web entangled on so many levels.
He stared across the room at Evan's empty bed. Although technically Evan was the older one, it was often Adam who had assumed the big brother role. He worried where his brother was and if he was coming home at all. It had been more than a week since schools let out for break. Had things really gotten to that point? Maybe Adam should plan an impromptu trip down to the city to confront Evan and finish the conversation they had started months before. He looked back down at the mostly empty page of his journal hoping answers would appear for him.
It was as if she had materialized out of nowhere. Suddenly Calla was standing by the foot of Adam's bed. On instinct he jumped up, pulled her into him, and whispered apologies into her hair. She was his calm. He was a fool to have pushed her away all this time. Maybe the two of them could figure out a way to make their family whole again.
Calla pointed to a severely wilted flower on Adam's nightstand, "Is that?"
He nodded, "The flower you healed the day I first saw you. That night I picked it and have kept it in my journal ever since."
"How did I never know about it?"
"It was something I wanted to keep for myself. Recently I think we have all learned that despite our best intentions secrets can be a very dangerous thing."
Calla took the flower into her hand, shut her eyes, and began chanting quietly to herself. It was as if Adam was time traveling back to that day all those years ago. Once again right before his eyes he saw the wilted flower come into full bloom. When Calla opened her eyes she handed the flower to Adam. "It has healed and so will your heart."
*****
Sarah was sitting on the floor by the fire drinking a warm cup of tea when someone abruptly entered the house. There was the familiarity of his scent as well as the softness of his foot steps as they approached her. She didn't even have to turn around to know who it was. "Calla is upstairs with Adam. I'm trying really hard to not be so square about it all."
Allan sat down next to her, took away her tea, and wrapped his hands around hers. Those gentle eyes got her every time. No matter what had happened he was home to her and always would be. When you've known someone for a lifetime there is a way to have an entire conversation without saying a single word. The two of them just sat there smiling like the giddy teenagers they once were, then as if it was the most natural thing in world they leaned in and kissed. It wasn't the deep passionate kiss of their youth, but it was still just as special.
Allan ran his thumb along the outline of his face, "I let you walk away from me once before. I'll be damned if I'm going to let it happen again."
"What took you so long?"
Then they became very aware of a presence looming over them. Allan cleared his throat awkwardly, "Evan. Hello."
"I think the parent is supposed to walk in on their kid fooling around, not the other way around. Then again everything seems to be backwards around here anyways. I need to talk to Adam, is he here?"
Sarah stood up, "Where have you been all week? I called the school and they said you weren't there. I was worried."
He let out a sigh, "I had to take care of something for a friend. I'll explain everything, I promise. Is Adam here?"
"He's upstairs with Calla", Allan replied.
Evan smiled "Even better." Before either of them could respond he took off up the stairs towards his room.
*****
Adam and Calla were sitting on Adam's bed laughing and talking when Evan burst into the room. They both looked at him with wide eyed expressions. Evan walked right over to where they were sitting, pulled a chair from the nearby desk, and sat directly in front of them. He looked each of them squarely in the face, "I want to try something, but I need you both to be open to it. I was originally going to only do this with Adam, but I think Calla could benefit too."
Calla shook her head, "I don't know Evan."
Evan nodded, "I understand your hesitation. I have broken a trust, but I strongly believe this will be the way to fix it. It's called transference and if you let me I want to try to show you my dreams."
"Eighteen years worth of dreams? We could be here a while", Adam responded.
Evan reached out a hand to each of them, "No, this will be more of the highlight reel. Please give me a chance."
Calla grabbed his left hand while Adam grabbed his right one. Then came the disclaimer, "Brace yourselves, this is about to get real intense."
Building Bridges
Connections, those we choose and those that are forced upon us. The pull between two lovers, a mother and her child, mystics born from the same element. Of all the different types of connections there are there has never been any as strong as that between yourself and someone you have brought to the brink of death, except of course for those you have actually brought death upon.
Timing is everything. If Evan had arrived just a few moments later he would have missed his opportunity to save her. Layla was taking her slow walk into the Hudson River. When he arrived only her head was above water. Without hesitation he went in after her fully knowing calling after her would accomplish nothing. They had all almost lost her once before, Evan realized it was up to him to make sure it didn't happen again.
The closer he got to her the more intensely he felt her pain. There was the gradual death as life crawled out of her body, but there was also the emotional pain as well. It nearly blinded him yet he kept pushing forward until he had her in his arms. She lay limp against him while he brought her back to the rocky shore. After gently placing Layla on the ground he took her fully in with all his senses: listening intently to her slow breathe, seeing how her wet clothes hugged her small frame, breathing in her scent mixed with that of the Hudson, caressing her face with the back of his hand, then tasting her lips like he had done so many times before but this time felt so different.
Layla pulled him into her and kissed him back. It was tender, sweet, soft. When he pulled away her eyes fluttered open. Carefully Evan helped her sit up. It was his water self that felt completely dominant in this moment. Layla's near drowning had caused his own emotional drowning. There was this compulsion to scream at her while at the same time wanting to pull her into his arms and comfort her. Layla was by far the most infuriating person he had ever met yet he knew his life would have a giant void without her in it. How did she manage to make him feel all these opposing things within a single moment?
Evan smirked, "You know if you wanted to hook up again there were much easier ways to get my attention."
Layla jabbed his arm playfully, "You need to get over yourself."
"And you need to stop putting yourself in life or death scenerios. This knight in shining armor crap just isn't my style fairy princess."
"If I recall I didn't put myself in the first situation", Her voice trailed off. "I am so sorry for everything Evan."
"Why did you do it?"
"That question could apply to so many things. I slept with you because I was attracted to you. I told everyone about the dreams because I honestly felt they had a right to know." She takes a deep breathe before continuing, "I walked into the Hudson because I didn't want to hurt or be the cause of hurt anymore."
It was then that Layla realized not only had Evan seen her at her weakest, but he had helped her find her inner strength. She could trust him, she had to trust him because this burden she had been carrying was far to heavy to keep carrying alone. Before she was fully aware of what she was doing Layla began opening up about everything. The words spilled out of her a bubbling pot on a stove and it felt so good to get them out. Evan mostly listened only occasionally interjecting questions. At one point he reached over to take her hand in his own. Layla was surprised that she let him, even more surprised how much she liked it.
It took some convincing for Layla to finally agree she would venture back home to see her family. Evan promised he would be with her every step of the way. Life is funny how all this time she had been the mentor yet now he was the one showing her the only way to move forward is by facing her past. And despite all her resistance somehow Evan had become the one thing Layla needed all along...a friend.
****
When Layla's father opened that front door she became that eleven year old all over again. He pulled her into his arms hugging her so tightly it almost hurt. Comfort washed over her once she inhaled him and realized he still smelt the same. Things were a little awkward with her mom who hesitated at first until Layla initiated an embrace. Evan waited in the living room while Layla's parents guided her down the hallway. Adrenaline surged throughout her entire body. Layla wanted to run away rather than take the last few steps in her journey.
The door opened. Layla's scanned the room before her eyes landed on him. Cole was sitting up right in his bed watching TV. She whispered, "Cole."
A huge smile came across his face, "Wow look at you little sis except you're not so little anymore."
"Puberty."
He laughed, "It's done you well. How are you?"
"No no no. This isn't about me. How are you?"
"I'll start with the boring stuff. Neck was partially snapped. Several surgeries later and I have full use of my upper body. Mom and Dad made some modifications around the house to help me out. And thankfully I can do most things I was able to do before."
Layla inched forward towards his bed, "Will you be able to walk again?"
He shook his head, "Sadly no."
"You must hate me." A single tear ran down Layla's cheek as she placed her hands on the edge of his bed.
A voice from behind her answered, "He doesn't, none of us do."
Layla turned around to see Joey had entered the room. Even though so much time had passed it was easy to recognize him. There was only one thing that had drastically changed, his eyes radiated a kindness. He walked towards the bed to stand directly next to her. "Please let me speak before I completely lose my nerve."
Joey looked over to Cole for encouragement before he continued. Layla was in awe because the boy she once knew never held back his words. Joey hesitantly put his hand on top of Layla's, "An apology just doesn't seem like enough for what I put you through. And I recognize it was because of my ignorance that I nearly tore this family apart. For so long I wanted to reach out to you, but didn't know how or what I would say. I want you to know that I have grown up and accept full responsibility for the role I have played. Maybe someday, I hope, you will find it in your heart to forgive me."
Cole questioned, "Have you come back to us?"
A small smile played upon her face, "I'm working on it."
Timing is everything. If Evan had arrived just a few moments later he would have missed his opportunity to save her. Layla was taking her slow walk into the Hudson River. When he arrived only her head was above water. Without hesitation he went in after her fully knowing calling after her would accomplish nothing. They had all almost lost her once before, Evan realized it was up to him to make sure it didn't happen again.
The closer he got to her the more intensely he felt her pain. There was the gradual death as life crawled out of her body, but there was also the emotional pain as well. It nearly blinded him yet he kept pushing forward until he had her in his arms. She lay limp against him while he brought her back to the rocky shore. After gently placing Layla on the ground he took her fully in with all his senses: listening intently to her slow breathe, seeing how her wet clothes hugged her small frame, breathing in her scent mixed with that of the Hudson, caressing her face with the back of his hand, then tasting her lips like he had done so many times before but this time felt so different.
Layla pulled him into her and kissed him back. It was tender, sweet, soft. When he pulled away her eyes fluttered open. Carefully Evan helped her sit up. It was his water self that felt completely dominant in this moment. Layla's near drowning had caused his own emotional drowning. There was this compulsion to scream at her while at the same time wanting to pull her into his arms and comfort her. Layla was by far the most infuriating person he had ever met yet he knew his life would have a giant void without her in it. How did she manage to make him feel all these opposing things within a single moment?
Evan smirked, "You know if you wanted to hook up again there were much easier ways to get my attention."
Layla jabbed his arm playfully, "You need to get over yourself."
"And you need to stop putting yourself in life or death scenerios. This knight in shining armor crap just isn't my style fairy princess."
"If I recall I didn't put myself in the first situation", Her voice trailed off. "I am so sorry for everything Evan."
"Why did you do it?"
"That question could apply to so many things. I slept with you because I was attracted to you. I told everyone about the dreams because I honestly felt they had a right to know." She takes a deep breathe before continuing, "I walked into the Hudson because I didn't want to hurt or be the cause of hurt anymore."
It was then that Layla realized not only had Evan seen her at her weakest, but he had helped her find her inner strength. She could trust him, she had to trust him because this burden she had been carrying was far to heavy to keep carrying alone. Before she was fully aware of what she was doing Layla began opening up about everything. The words spilled out of her a bubbling pot on a stove and it felt so good to get them out. Evan mostly listened only occasionally interjecting questions. At one point he reached over to take her hand in his own. Layla was surprised that she let him, even more surprised how much she liked it.
It took some convincing for Layla to finally agree she would venture back home to see her family. Evan promised he would be with her every step of the way. Life is funny how all this time she had been the mentor yet now he was the one showing her the only way to move forward is by facing her past. And despite all her resistance somehow Evan had become the one thing Layla needed all along...a friend.
****
When Layla's father opened that front door she became that eleven year old all over again. He pulled her into his arms hugging her so tightly it almost hurt. Comfort washed over her once she inhaled him and realized he still smelt the same. Things were a little awkward with her mom who hesitated at first until Layla initiated an embrace. Evan waited in the living room while Layla's parents guided her down the hallway. Adrenaline surged throughout her entire body. Layla wanted to run away rather than take the last few steps in her journey.
The door opened. Layla's scanned the room before her eyes landed on him. Cole was sitting up right in his bed watching TV. She whispered, "Cole."
A huge smile came across his face, "Wow look at you little sis except you're not so little anymore."
"Puberty."
He laughed, "It's done you well. How are you?"
"No no no. This isn't about me. How are you?"
"I'll start with the boring stuff. Neck was partially snapped. Several surgeries later and I have full use of my upper body. Mom and Dad made some modifications around the house to help me out. And thankfully I can do most things I was able to do before."
Layla inched forward towards his bed, "Will you be able to walk again?"
He shook his head, "Sadly no."
"You must hate me." A single tear ran down Layla's cheek as she placed her hands on the edge of his bed.
A voice from behind her answered, "He doesn't, none of us do."
Layla turned around to see Joey had entered the room. Even though so much time had passed it was easy to recognize him. There was only one thing that had drastically changed, his eyes radiated a kindness. He walked towards the bed to stand directly next to her. "Please let me speak before I completely lose my nerve."
Joey looked over to Cole for encouragement before he continued. Layla was in awe because the boy she once knew never held back his words. Joey hesitantly put his hand on top of Layla's, "An apology just doesn't seem like enough for what I put you through. And I recognize it was because of my ignorance that I nearly tore this family apart. For so long I wanted to reach out to you, but didn't know how or what I would say. I want you to know that I have grown up and accept full responsibility for the role I have played. Maybe someday, I hope, you will find it in your heart to forgive me."
Cole questioned, "Have you come back to us?"
A small smile played upon her face, "I'm working on it."
Shattered Pieces
Once before they all fit so perfectly together. Jagged little puzzle pieces, nothing special on their own, but together forming something that if not beautiful at least created some sort of sense. Anger took that puzzle off the table and threw it down on the ground. All the pieces flew in different directions so far from where they once were. Some were bent or broken while some were lost. The truth was that they weren't much of anything without the others.
Staring out the bus window on her way back home Calla wondered what would await her when she arrived. A month prior she had been the only one sitting around an otherwise empty Thanksgiving table. Sarah and Grandpa weren't speaking, Layla had made herself scarce, and neither of the boys chose to return for the holiday. When she first left for college she tried reaching out to both Adam and Evan, but after a few weeks of no responses she decided it was best to leave it all alone. Perhaps they all needed some space after what had happened. She missed what they used to have so much sometimes it was hard to breath. Even if they could somehow manage to repair some of the damage that had been done, she wasn't naive enough to think that things would ever be the same.
Everyone around him seemed so simple and he envied that. Evan read the faces of each fellow passenger on the train and none of them showed any signs of carrying the types of burdens that weighed so heavily on his heart. This past semester in college had been so rough and it wasn't because of the academics. The dreams' pull on him had grown so intense he became physically ill. People commented on Evan's lack of color, weight loss, and irritability. He knew he needed help from the very people he had shoved out of his life. It was pride that kept him from reaching out, but he was so close to completely falling apart he was afraid he wouldn't last much longer without them. Once again he found himself at a crossroad with uncertainty looming no matter which direction he chose.
Perhaps it was out of habit that Sarah still found her way to the boy's bedroom every night to check in on them. Everything had remained just as they had left it right before they departed for school. There was an emptiness that loominated far beyond that room right into Sarah's soul. It may have taken her a long time to realize the importance of family through a series of wrong choices, yet now she didn't know how she had ever managed to survive without it as the center of her universe. Sarah had lost faith in Allan when she learned how he had failed to mention all this time just how much him and Calla knew about the prophecy. She was infuriated with Layla for taking advantage of Evan. Lastly her and Adam came to blows over his intimate relationship with Calla. It seemed like it was another lifetime ago when Sarah ran with the elder's to help maintain balance and harmony for all. Now she could hardly manage the small group of people closest to her.
If it hadn't been for school Adam isn't sure he would have survived the last few months. He threw himself completely into his academics day in and day out in an effort to drown out the questions that plagued him. The ones he had grown to put his blind faith in had all betrayed him on some level, the worst of which was Evan. The last words they exchanged with one another happened the night before they both left for school. Adam thought they should reach out to their mom and try to help her. Evan argued that she was a giant monster they should avoid or kill. It was too hard to warp his mind around taking the life of the one who had given them life. And even though Adam had never met her she was still and would always be his mom. He just didn't have it in him to cause harm to anyone, especially her. Adam was coming to the realization that there may be some bridges between him and Evan that neither can cross.
He was sure that nothing could ever hurt nearly as much as losing her the first time. Clearly Allan had been very wrong. Since that night he found himself at her front door a hope had renewed in his heart that he had thought would never be found again. This time around it wasn't just about Sarah, Allan fell in love with her grandsons too. It may have not been the family he had thought they would create together, but it was a family nonetheless. Then there was Layla who Allan had sworn he would look over to the best of his abilities. He had never come across someone so troubled and lost. As much as he wanted to try to put things back together he believed in his heart that things would work them selves out somehow. Life has already proven this to him once before.
When she woke up that morning Layla was both determined and without all hope. There was no turning back to undo all the damage she had done. All the tears had left her until there were no more to give. Deep down she always felt they would be better off without her, but she had never had the balls to do anything about it. Evan was right when he called her a scared insecure little girl. Today was the day she would finally leave them all behind her...
Staring out the bus window on her way back home Calla wondered what would await her when she arrived. A month prior she had been the only one sitting around an otherwise empty Thanksgiving table. Sarah and Grandpa weren't speaking, Layla had made herself scarce, and neither of the boys chose to return for the holiday. When she first left for college she tried reaching out to both Adam and Evan, but after a few weeks of no responses she decided it was best to leave it all alone. Perhaps they all needed some space after what had happened. She missed what they used to have so much sometimes it was hard to breath. Even if they could somehow manage to repair some of the damage that had been done, she wasn't naive enough to think that things would ever be the same.
Everyone around him seemed so simple and he envied that. Evan read the faces of each fellow passenger on the train and none of them showed any signs of carrying the types of burdens that weighed so heavily on his heart. This past semester in college had been so rough and it wasn't because of the academics. The dreams' pull on him had grown so intense he became physically ill. People commented on Evan's lack of color, weight loss, and irritability. He knew he needed help from the very people he had shoved out of his life. It was pride that kept him from reaching out, but he was so close to completely falling apart he was afraid he wouldn't last much longer without them. Once again he found himself at a crossroad with uncertainty looming no matter which direction he chose.
Perhaps it was out of habit that Sarah still found her way to the boy's bedroom every night to check in on them. Everything had remained just as they had left it right before they departed for school. There was an emptiness that loominated far beyond that room right into Sarah's soul. It may have taken her a long time to realize the importance of family through a series of wrong choices, yet now she didn't know how she had ever managed to survive without it as the center of her universe. Sarah had lost faith in Allan when she learned how he had failed to mention all this time just how much him and Calla knew about the prophecy. She was infuriated with Layla for taking advantage of Evan. Lastly her and Adam came to blows over his intimate relationship with Calla. It seemed like it was another lifetime ago when Sarah ran with the elder's to help maintain balance and harmony for all. Now she could hardly manage the small group of people closest to her.
If it hadn't been for school Adam isn't sure he would have survived the last few months. He threw himself completely into his academics day in and day out in an effort to drown out the questions that plagued him. The ones he had grown to put his blind faith in had all betrayed him on some level, the worst of which was Evan. The last words they exchanged with one another happened the night before they both left for school. Adam thought they should reach out to their mom and try to help her. Evan argued that she was a giant monster they should avoid or kill. It was too hard to warp his mind around taking the life of the one who had given them life. And even though Adam had never met her she was still and would always be his mom. He just didn't have it in him to cause harm to anyone, especially her. Adam was coming to the realization that there may be some bridges between him and Evan that neither can cross.
He was sure that nothing could ever hurt nearly as much as losing her the first time. Clearly Allan had been very wrong. Since that night he found himself at her front door a hope had renewed in his heart that he had thought would never be found again. This time around it wasn't just about Sarah, Allan fell in love with her grandsons too. It may have not been the family he had thought they would create together, but it was a family nonetheless. Then there was Layla who Allan had sworn he would look over to the best of his abilities. He had never come across someone so troubled and lost. As much as he wanted to try to put things back together he believed in his heart that things would work them selves out somehow. Life has already proven this to him once before.
When she woke up that morning Layla was both determined and without all hope. There was no turning back to undo all the damage she had done. All the tears had left her until there were no more to give. Deep down she always felt they would be better off without her, but she had never had the balls to do anything about it. Evan was right when he called her a scared insecure little girl. Today was the day she would finally leave them all behind her...
Athena
Everyone born into the mystics knew of the prophecy. The first time Athena heard it as a little girl it sunk into her head like a favorite fairy tale she just had to hear over and over again. That is when the obsession began. Methodically she played out various scenarios and details in her mind while she restlessly would lay awake each night. There was nothing she desired more in the world than to be the one who brought the prophecy to fruition.
It was Ryan, her long standing boyfriend, who pointed out the obvious opportunity that had been neatly presented itself to her. "He's following you around like some pathetic puppy."
Athena laughed, "And you know how much I love to kick puppies. Besides he's not worth the trouble."
"You're telling me you wouldn't fake a romance to gain access to that much power? There would be no limit to what you could do."
Athena scoffed, "The power would belong to the child, not to me. And I hate kids. I'd have to deal with the brat for over twenty years until it was of real use to me."
"Not necessarily."
And so the fabricated love story between the girl of fire and the boy of water began. It was almost too easy. Athena enjoyed the game of making him believe what they had was the real thing. She understood that for him it was real and that was all that mattered. Athena feigned interest when he talked. Gavin was so boring and honest and forthright. Just for fun she would test his limits to see just how far he was willing to go to please her. Gavin became Athena's amusing little play thing. After each encounter she would run back to Ryan and the rest of her friends to laugh about it all. The only part she didn't enjoy was her inability to get real sexual satisfaction from Ryan because they needed to make 100% certain when she did get pregnant that the child was Gavin's otherwise everything would have been for nothing.
The day her water broke Athena knew she needed to put on the performance of her life. All the little lies and deceptions had been mere rehearsals for this moment. With her co-conspirators out of harms way she tapped into her unborn child's power to surround her village with a towering wall of water, then drown everyone inside of it. Because a mystic can never harm themselves with their own power she was protected from the tidal wave. Without remorse she watched everyone around her slowly become empty shells of life. After the water had washed away Athena torched the village. Even her natural abilities had amplified beyond her wildest dreams. The power that surged through her body only made her hungry for more.
Ryan rushed back to help Athena deliver the baby. That was when she received the best shock possible, there were two. Before he made his retreat Ryan reminded Athena, "Make sure she takes the babies. We'll come for them when the time is right."
The very reason that made Athena crave her children was also the very thing that kept her from successfully channeling them. The one that had been born dominantly water had a very weak connection Athena could not fully grasp. Thankfully she had managed to tap into the dreams of the one with fire dominance every night for the past eighteen years, yet the part of him that was water prevented her from completing that connection to track him. This frustrated her to no end. It was important that she got to them before they fully came into their powers on their twenty-first birthday. Nothing would stop her.
Athena looked around at the small revolution that she had started. Her followers were the same type of loyal puppy Gavin had once been. Unfortunately once she gained the power she needed they would no longer be of any use to her. Ryan was the only one she had any plans of keeping around because he was the brains behind everything. There was no love between them and they both understood this. What they had was more of a partnership. When Athena became consumed with her quest for the boys it was Ryan who reeled her back in reminding her that patience would reward her very well in the end.
It filled her with such pride when her fire child caused near death to someone else. Just as she could invade his dreams, there were fragments of his life that entered her dreams as well. The fragments clued her into the fact that they were holding bay in an earth village, but which one she could not be sure. She knew they were still with that bitch Sarah. And possibly the most useful Intel was that there was so much controversythe fire child's judgment was clouded causing his separation from the rest of them. Divide and conquer. Perhaps he would let down his guard to let her in just long enough for her to find him.
As if reading her mind Ryan spoke, "Perhaps you can track down the fire child then use him as bait to lure the other one in. This is where their inherent goodness will work in our favor. One would never leave the other defenseless."
Athena shook her head, "Neither is defenseless by any means. Both boys have experienced the crossover, now each one harnesses the power of two elements. And to call them 'boys' isn't even fair anymore. They are eighteen years old, the same age I was when I had them."
"Since when do you care about what's fair?"
"I don't", then she bites her lip, "That reminds me that I think another interrogation is in order. I know if he would corporate we would definitely find them."
With determination Athena marched into the abandoned warehouse they had all been holding up the past several months. In a small back office he was in the fetal position coddling himself. Covered in burn marks with in various stages of healing his pale blue eyes looked up at her when she entered the room. Athena noticed the fear had left him a while ago. The one thing she could admire about his pathetic existence was the fact that he had accepted his certain death.
"Help me find them and I'll put you out of your misery", Athena's voiced dripped in a false sugary sweetness.
Gavin looked her right in the eyes and repeated the same word response he had given her for the last eighteen years, "Never."
It was Ryan, her long standing boyfriend, who pointed out the obvious opportunity that had been neatly presented itself to her. "He's following you around like some pathetic puppy."
Athena laughed, "And you know how much I love to kick puppies. Besides he's not worth the trouble."
"You're telling me you wouldn't fake a romance to gain access to that much power? There would be no limit to what you could do."
Athena scoffed, "The power would belong to the child, not to me. And I hate kids. I'd have to deal with the brat for over twenty years until it was of real use to me."
"Not necessarily."
And so the fabricated love story between the girl of fire and the boy of water began. It was almost too easy. Athena enjoyed the game of making him believe what they had was the real thing. She understood that for him it was real and that was all that mattered. Athena feigned interest when he talked. Gavin was so boring and honest and forthright. Just for fun she would test his limits to see just how far he was willing to go to please her. Gavin became Athena's amusing little play thing. After each encounter she would run back to Ryan and the rest of her friends to laugh about it all. The only part she didn't enjoy was her inability to get real sexual satisfaction from Ryan because they needed to make 100% certain when she did get pregnant that the child was Gavin's otherwise everything would have been for nothing.
The day her water broke Athena knew she needed to put on the performance of her life. All the little lies and deceptions had been mere rehearsals for this moment. With her co-conspirators out of harms way she tapped into her unborn child's power to surround her village with a towering wall of water, then drown everyone inside of it. Because a mystic can never harm themselves with their own power she was protected from the tidal wave. Without remorse she watched everyone around her slowly become empty shells of life. After the water had washed away Athena torched the village. Even her natural abilities had amplified beyond her wildest dreams. The power that surged through her body only made her hungry for more.
Ryan rushed back to help Athena deliver the baby. That was when she received the best shock possible, there were two. Before he made his retreat Ryan reminded Athena, "Make sure she takes the babies. We'll come for them when the time is right."
The very reason that made Athena crave her children was also the very thing that kept her from successfully channeling them. The one that had been born dominantly water had a very weak connection Athena could not fully grasp. Thankfully she had managed to tap into the dreams of the one with fire dominance every night for the past eighteen years, yet the part of him that was water prevented her from completing that connection to track him. This frustrated her to no end. It was important that she got to them before they fully came into their powers on their twenty-first birthday. Nothing would stop her.
Athena looked around at the small revolution that she had started. Her followers were the same type of loyal puppy Gavin had once been. Unfortunately once she gained the power she needed they would no longer be of any use to her. Ryan was the only one she had any plans of keeping around because he was the brains behind everything. There was no love between them and they both understood this. What they had was more of a partnership. When Athena became consumed with her quest for the boys it was Ryan who reeled her back in reminding her that patience would reward her very well in the end.
It filled her with such pride when her fire child caused near death to someone else. Just as she could invade his dreams, there were fragments of his life that entered her dreams as well. The fragments clued her into the fact that they were holding bay in an earth village, but which one she could not be sure. She knew they were still with that bitch Sarah. And possibly the most useful Intel was that there was so much controversythe fire child's judgment was clouded causing his separation from the rest of them. Divide and conquer. Perhaps he would let down his guard to let her in just long enough for her to find him.
As if reading her mind Ryan spoke, "Perhaps you can track down the fire child then use him as bait to lure the other one in. This is where their inherent goodness will work in our favor. One would never leave the other defenseless."
Athena shook her head, "Neither is defenseless by any means. Both boys have experienced the crossover, now each one harnesses the power of two elements. And to call them 'boys' isn't even fair anymore. They are eighteen years old, the same age I was when I had them."
"Since when do you care about what's fair?"
"I don't", then she bites her lip, "That reminds me that I think another interrogation is in order. I know if he would corporate we would definitely find them."
With determination Athena marched into the abandoned warehouse they had all been holding up the past several months. In a small back office he was in the fetal position coddling himself. Covered in burn marks with in various stages of healing his pale blue eyes looked up at her when she entered the room. Athena noticed the fear had left him a while ago. The one thing she could admire about his pathetic existence was the fact that he had accepted his certain death.
"Help me find them and I'll put you out of your misery", Athena's voiced dripped in a false sugary sweetness.
Gavin looked her right in the eyes and repeated the same word response he had given her for the last eighteen years, "Never."
A Family Divided
All good things must come to an end. With summer quickly fading this would be the first time in nearly thirteen years they wouldn't play an active role in each other's daily lives. Although all three decided to stay in New York, they were going to be very spread out. Evan was making his way into the city to study political science at Fordam University. Adam would be studying English with a concentration in writing at SUNY Albany. And Calla was looking forward to studying biology at SUNY Binghampton.
Evan had just finished a small shopping for dorm supplies. He came back home with bags in tow, but froze in place when he saw grandma, Allan, Calla, Adam, and Layla holding some kind of meeting in the living room. All eyes were on him and none of them looked particularly happy. It wasn't completely unusual for him to piss off or disappoint people, but this time he was at a complete loss for what he could have done. And he found it odd that Layla was there since she had distanced herself from everyone over the past few months, well except for him of course.
"Is someone going to tell me what's going on or are we going to play a colorful game of charades?" Evan joked as he placed his bags off to the side.
Adam looked hurt, "How could you keep this from us?"
Evan was completely confused,"Keep what?"
"About mom."
Evan's heart dropped into his stomach. Only one person knew about his dreams. He locked eyes with Layla who surprisingly wasn't wearing her usual smug expression. She looked just as concerned as the rest of them. Obviously he had experienced a lapse in judgement when he chose to trust her. Now he had to face the consequences of that poor decision.
Despite evidence to the contrary Evan is not a complete moron. He deliberately kept this information from the people he cared about to avoid this very situation. Seeing the pained expressions on all their faces cut him right down to the bone. There was no way this wasn't going to get really ugly especially between him and Adam. And how could Layla blind side him with some sneaky intervention type attack? They could have figured out something together if she really felt this was something Evan needed to share. Just even more evidence that Layla was a desperate coward. This was probably her way to prove that she was still needed around here.
He began to slowly walk towards everyone, "I don't think there is anything I can do or say to justify my actions, but I felt it was the best decision given the circumstances. Maybe you'll understand that, maybe you won't."
Allan replied, "Evan this changes everything. It is most likely Athena that is behind the revolution."
Sarah continued, "And if it is her she will stop at nothing to get to your and Adam's powers. I remember how crazed she was the day you were born. That thirst would have only grown stronger throughout the years."
Unfortunately they weren't telling him anything that he didn't already know. He felt his mom's pull on him each night through those dreams. She wanted him to know her, to come to her, to help her. And he had known for quite a while now where she was. That is the part he hadn't told Layla and now he was glad. In this moment he felt so used and betrayed. If he was going down he wasn't going down alone.
"What exactly did Layla tell all of you?"
Sarah's voice softened, "That you came to her because you were scared and confused. You begged her not to leave so she could help you through this. Sweetheart we are not trying to attack you, it's just hard to understand why you would keep such a big secret from us."
He nodded, "Secrets. Funny that you would choose that word. I'm not the only one with blood on my hands here. Grandma and Allan kept their past romance which was also directly related to the prophecy from everyone. Until recently they played it off like they were just old friends through the council. Calla found out the entire history of the prophecy when she was five years old, but sat on it for over eight years. Adam tapped into Layla's secrets about where she came from and why she is here, but out of respect for her won't share them with any of us. Little brother you talk in your sleep by the way."
Evan made a dramatic pause before his grand finale, "And I think Layla left out a few key details about how she found out all this information from me. We've been sleeping together for months and until recently I didn't believe in kissing and telling. Thank you Layla for inspiring me otherwise. So don't any of you dare condemn me or judge me until you take a good look at your self and the things you've done. I can't wait to get the hell out of here to escape all this hypocrisy." While his words permeated the air between them Evan stood his ground staring each of them down. This time he would not run away.
Evan had just finished a small shopping for dorm supplies. He came back home with bags in tow, but froze in place when he saw grandma, Allan, Calla, Adam, and Layla holding some kind of meeting in the living room. All eyes were on him and none of them looked particularly happy. It wasn't completely unusual for him to piss off or disappoint people, but this time he was at a complete loss for what he could have done. And he found it odd that Layla was there since she had distanced herself from everyone over the past few months, well except for him of course.
"Is someone going to tell me what's going on or are we going to play a colorful game of charades?" Evan joked as he placed his bags off to the side.
Adam looked hurt, "How could you keep this from us?"
Evan was completely confused,"Keep what?"
"About mom."
Evan's heart dropped into his stomach. Only one person knew about his dreams. He locked eyes with Layla who surprisingly wasn't wearing her usual smug expression. She looked just as concerned as the rest of them. Obviously he had experienced a lapse in judgement when he chose to trust her. Now he had to face the consequences of that poor decision.
Despite evidence to the contrary Evan is not a complete moron. He deliberately kept this information from the people he cared about to avoid this very situation. Seeing the pained expressions on all their faces cut him right down to the bone. There was no way this wasn't going to get really ugly especially between him and Adam. And how could Layla blind side him with some sneaky intervention type attack? They could have figured out something together if she really felt this was something Evan needed to share. Just even more evidence that Layla was a desperate coward. This was probably her way to prove that she was still needed around here.
He began to slowly walk towards everyone, "I don't think there is anything I can do or say to justify my actions, but I felt it was the best decision given the circumstances. Maybe you'll understand that, maybe you won't."
Allan replied, "Evan this changes everything. It is most likely Athena that is behind the revolution."
Sarah continued, "And if it is her she will stop at nothing to get to your and Adam's powers. I remember how crazed she was the day you were born. That thirst would have only grown stronger throughout the years."
Unfortunately they weren't telling him anything that he didn't already know. He felt his mom's pull on him each night through those dreams. She wanted him to know her, to come to her, to help her. And he had known for quite a while now where she was. That is the part he hadn't told Layla and now he was glad. In this moment he felt so used and betrayed. If he was going down he wasn't going down alone.
"What exactly did Layla tell all of you?"
Sarah's voice softened, "That you came to her because you were scared and confused. You begged her not to leave so she could help you through this. Sweetheart we are not trying to attack you, it's just hard to understand why you would keep such a big secret from us."
He nodded, "Secrets. Funny that you would choose that word. I'm not the only one with blood on my hands here. Grandma and Allan kept their past romance which was also directly related to the prophecy from everyone. Until recently they played it off like they were just old friends through the council. Calla found out the entire history of the prophecy when she was five years old, but sat on it for over eight years. Adam tapped into Layla's secrets about where she came from and why she is here, but out of respect for her won't share them with any of us. Little brother you talk in your sleep by the way."
Evan made a dramatic pause before his grand finale, "And I think Layla left out a few key details about how she found out all this information from me. We've been sleeping together for months and until recently I didn't believe in kissing and telling. Thank you Layla for inspiring me otherwise. So don't any of you dare condemn me or judge me until you take a good look at your self and the things you've done. I can't wait to get the hell out of here to escape all this hypocrisy." While his words permeated the air between them Evan stood his ground staring each of them down. This time he would not run away.
Hot Air
A few hours after Layla's callous goodbye speech Evan decided that it was time someone put that bitch in her place. While everyone was still in his living room discussing what had happened Evan left to make a little trip. He walked right over to Allan and Sarah's house, threw open the front door, marched up the stairs, and busted into her room.
Layla looked up, "Oh god, what now?"
"I personally don't give a shit whether you stay or go, but it's not always about me. Calla and Adam have really grown attached to you. Allan and my grandma have learned to trust and rely on you. Big things are coming and you are probably the only one that can make sure we all survive it."
"Are you seriously trying to talk me into staying? You're a big boy now, you'll learn to sleep in the dark without a nightlight. It may be scary at first but I'm sure with determination you can do it." She begins to laugh to herself.
Evan rushes right up to her, grabs her arms, and pushes her against the wall. "You will never talk down to me again. It's time you opened your eyes because I am not some little six year old scared of your tornadoes anymore. I see right through you past all the layers of bullshit to the scared insecure girl wetting her pants and running away."
"Go to hell Evan."
"Go to hell? Don't you get it, we're already there."
His face was so close to hers he could feel her breath tickle his lips. He pressed his body against hers and they kissed. When he pulled back she slapped him so hard across his face the sound echoed. Then she grabbed him by the back of his head and they kissed again. Layla pushed him onto her bed, crawled on top of him, and they began undressing one another.
She bit her lip, "I can't stand you."
"Is this your idea of foreplay?"
"Shut up."
The room looked like a post war zone. Furniture was overturned, sheets were stripped from the bed, clothes were literally everywhere, and they were laying naked next to each other on the floor. Both of them had torn hair as well as scratch and bite marks. Evan had this goofy grin all over his face. Layla jumped up and frantically began getting dressed.
Evan turned onto his side, "Awww, did I tire you out?"
"You need to leave. Do me a favor and don't go bragging to your dumb friends about this. As far as I'm concerned this never happened."
Evan didn't budge. "You sure you don't want to go again?"
"Thanks, but no thanks. Three times was plenty. Now get the hell out of here."
"But I want to see your tattoo. I would have thought with all those piercings you would have gotten ink before too. Who knew you were a first timer like us? Come on, remove the bandage. It's the only part of you I haven't seen."
Layla found Evan's pants and threw them at him. "Get out. I mean it. This doesn't make me your girlfriend so don't think I'm going to the prom with you or anything. This was a complete mistake."
Evan slipped his pants on,"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you would ruin yet another good thing. Don't come begging for it when you get cold and lonely later." He finishes getting dressed and walks out of the room.
Layla shouts after him, "Believe me I won't."
The next few weeks Layla and Evan keep giving in to the magnetic pull between them. The pattern is always the same: hot rough sex while slaying insults at one another. Layla couldn't believe that Evan had found a new and interesting way to get on her nerves. The sex was by far the best she had ever had, yet he still had that same infuriating personality he always had. She hated the fact that she needed this from him so badly. It was probably the animosity between the two of them that made it so damn good. Under no circumstances would she further inflate his ego by admitting any of this to his face. Despite all the romps he had yet to actually see her tattoo which she insisted on always keeping covered.
This was strictly physical. There would be no attachments and no realtionship. They both understood this. Cuddling, hand holding, and romance never came into play. When they were done they got dressed and went their separate ways until it happened again. Thankfully so far they had managed to keep this tryst a complete secret from everyone they knew.
Layla pulled her shirt over her head, "That was the absolute last time."
Evan grabs her by the waist, pulls her against him, and begins lightly biting her neck. "Sure it was. Just like the time before that and the time before that and the time before that. You know you can't stay away."
She pulls away, "Ugh, don't flatter yourself. You're just something to do until a better opportunity comes along."
Layla took a long hard look at Evan studying his features. The changes throughout the years came along so gradually that she almost completely missed them. All that physical training gave him a lean muscular physique. His skin was smooth and tanned. Jaw line chiseled, piercing emerald eyes, short spiky strawberry blond hair. Evan was no longer that little boy she had spent years tormenting. Instead she saw a man who was definitely a sex object and not just for her either. It was hard to ignore all the stares he got from other girls. Layla was selfish and needed him all for herself, but she couldn't come across as some clingy desperate girl. The dynamics between them had completely reversed and now he was the one with all the power. This was unacceptable to her.
She moved in closer to him, "The other day you were telling me that you think you know more about the prophecy than I do. Why is that again?"
Evan shook his head, "I don't think I do, I know I do, but what makes you think I want to tell you?"
Layla presses her body against his and begins running her hands down his bare chest. "I'm sure I could find a way to convince you."
"Since when do you play nice?"
"Would you prefer me naughty?"
Evan lifts her up and she wraps her legs around his waist. They begin kissing passionately. He drops her roughly on top of the dresser. "Okay I'll tell you, but you're going to have to earn it first."
Layla looked up, "Oh god, what now?"
"I personally don't give a shit whether you stay or go, but it's not always about me. Calla and Adam have really grown attached to you. Allan and my grandma have learned to trust and rely on you. Big things are coming and you are probably the only one that can make sure we all survive it."
"Are you seriously trying to talk me into staying? You're a big boy now, you'll learn to sleep in the dark without a nightlight. It may be scary at first but I'm sure with determination you can do it." She begins to laugh to herself.
Evan rushes right up to her, grabs her arms, and pushes her against the wall. "You will never talk down to me again. It's time you opened your eyes because I am not some little six year old scared of your tornadoes anymore. I see right through you past all the layers of bullshit to the scared insecure girl wetting her pants and running away."
"Go to hell Evan."
"Go to hell? Don't you get it, we're already there."
His face was so close to hers he could feel her breath tickle his lips. He pressed his body against hers and they kissed. When he pulled back she slapped him so hard across his face the sound echoed. Then she grabbed him by the back of his head and they kissed again. Layla pushed him onto her bed, crawled on top of him, and they began undressing one another.
She bit her lip, "I can't stand you."
"Is this your idea of foreplay?"
"Shut up."
The room looked like a post war zone. Furniture was overturned, sheets were stripped from the bed, clothes were literally everywhere, and they were laying naked next to each other on the floor. Both of them had torn hair as well as scratch and bite marks. Evan had this goofy grin all over his face. Layla jumped up and frantically began getting dressed.
Evan turned onto his side, "Awww, did I tire you out?"
"You need to leave. Do me a favor and don't go bragging to your dumb friends about this. As far as I'm concerned this never happened."
Evan didn't budge. "You sure you don't want to go again?"
"Thanks, but no thanks. Three times was plenty. Now get the hell out of here."
"But I want to see your tattoo. I would have thought with all those piercings you would have gotten ink before too. Who knew you were a first timer like us? Come on, remove the bandage. It's the only part of you I haven't seen."
Layla found Evan's pants and threw them at him. "Get out. I mean it. This doesn't make me your girlfriend so don't think I'm going to the prom with you or anything. This was a complete mistake."
Evan slipped his pants on,"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you would ruin yet another good thing. Don't come begging for it when you get cold and lonely later." He finishes getting dressed and walks out of the room.
Layla shouts after him, "Believe me I won't."
The next few weeks Layla and Evan keep giving in to the magnetic pull between them. The pattern is always the same: hot rough sex while slaying insults at one another. Layla couldn't believe that Evan had found a new and interesting way to get on her nerves. The sex was by far the best she had ever had, yet he still had that same infuriating personality he always had. She hated the fact that she needed this from him so badly. It was probably the animosity between the two of them that made it so damn good. Under no circumstances would she further inflate his ego by admitting any of this to his face. Despite all the romps he had yet to actually see her tattoo which she insisted on always keeping covered.
This was strictly physical. There would be no attachments and no realtionship. They both understood this. Cuddling, hand holding, and romance never came into play. When they were done they got dressed and went their separate ways until it happened again. Thankfully so far they had managed to keep this tryst a complete secret from everyone they knew.
Layla pulled her shirt over her head, "That was the absolute last time."
Evan grabs her by the waist, pulls her against him, and begins lightly biting her neck. "Sure it was. Just like the time before that and the time before that and the time before that. You know you can't stay away."
She pulls away, "Ugh, don't flatter yourself. You're just something to do until a better opportunity comes along."
Layla took a long hard look at Evan studying his features. The changes throughout the years came along so gradually that she almost completely missed them. All that physical training gave him a lean muscular physique. His skin was smooth and tanned. Jaw line chiseled, piercing emerald eyes, short spiky strawberry blond hair. Evan was no longer that little boy she had spent years tormenting. Instead she saw a man who was definitely a sex object and not just for her either. It was hard to ignore all the stares he got from other girls. Layla was selfish and needed him all for herself, but she couldn't come across as some clingy desperate girl. The dynamics between them had completely reversed and now he was the one with all the power. This was unacceptable to her.
She moved in closer to him, "The other day you were telling me that you think you know more about the prophecy than I do. Why is that again?"
Evan shook his head, "I don't think I do, I know I do, but what makes you think I want to tell you?"
Layla presses her body against his and begins running her hands down his bare chest. "I'm sure I could find a way to convince you."
"Since when do you play nice?"
"Would you prefer me naughty?"
Evan lifts her up and she wraps her legs around his waist. They begin kissing passionately. He drops her roughly on top of the dresser. "Okay I'll tell you, but you're going to have to earn it first."
Inked
Calla pulled her long brown hair over to her left side exposing her right shoulder for the tattoo artist. The few months all three of them waited until she finally turned eighteen seemed like an eternity. High school graduation was just around the corner and matching tattoos seemed like the perfect culmination to all they had been through together. Evan even designed them himself: a combination of their initials and symbols for their three elements.
Adam and Evan were already done and were sitting on the bench across from her. She continued her story, "Kind of weird that our grandparents were once madly in love. I don't even know how I feel about it all."
Adam smiles, "I think it's real sweet actually. Maybe this is their second chance."
Evan snorts, "I think it's nasty. I mean grandma did the same stuff you guys do in the same exact place."
Calla shakes her head, "No, it was a different willow tree."
"Still gross." He shakes his head.
She flinches as the needle first pierces her skin. Evan starts laughing, "You're such a punk."
"Hmmm. I wonder why you reacted so well to the needle. Any extra curriculars you'd like to tell us about Evan?"
Evan smirked, "I use sex, not drugs to get off. Nice try though."
"I'm well aware of your reputation. Girls talk you know."
He perked up, "Oh really and what do they say?"
She sighed, "Nothing worth repeating."
Evan stood up, "Oh I can show you something worth repeating."
Adam waved his hands, "Seriously guys enough already. You still bicker just like when we were six years old. Can we try to enjoy this experience?"
The three of them walked together to the training ground where Layla was already waiting for them in her usual stance with her arms crossed. She knew they would be late because of their appointments and she had even told them a good place to get it done. Adam assumed she's be impressed with their ink especially given her assortment of piercings. Instead she rolled her eyes, "Please don't tell me they're all matching. That would reach a new level of lame even for you guys."
Calla nodded, "Evan designed them. I'd show you, but we have to keep them covered for at least four hours. Then we go home to clean them..."
Layla cut her off, "I don't really care. I hope none of you chose to get your asses tattooed because I need you to sit down and shut up. This will be our last training session. In a couple of months you'll be off to college and I have some things I need to deal with as well. I trust you'll stay practicing the things I have taught you on your own. Remember your abilities are like muscles, the only way to make them stronger is to continue to work them."
Calla pleaded, "We need you Layla. The prophecy is only three years away. We still don't know what's going to happen."
Layla shrugged, "That's not my concern anymore and it shouldn't be yours either. This is the boys battle to fight, not mine or yours. I only included you because of your grandfather."
Adam argued, "She's just as much a part of this as we are."
"No she isn't. Calla is nothing more than a comedic sidekick or love interest at best. If some Indy film maker did a documentary on all this Calla probably wouldn't even get more than five minutes screen time. The prophecy is about the two of you. Not her, not me, not the sanitation worker, just the two of you. Anyways I'm off, so good luck."
Layla raced right out of there straight to the public bus stop. On the ride there she spaced out thinking about how all of their lives would be better off without her. When she got there she burst right through the front door, into the back room, and walked right up to him.
Tony was just finishing up a tattoo on an older gentleman when he looked up, "Hey Layla, your friends were just in here earlier today getting their first ink."
"I know. Give me what they got."
Adam and Evan were already done and were sitting on the bench across from her. She continued her story, "Kind of weird that our grandparents were once madly in love. I don't even know how I feel about it all."
Adam smiles, "I think it's real sweet actually. Maybe this is their second chance."
Evan snorts, "I think it's nasty. I mean grandma did the same stuff you guys do in the same exact place."
Calla shakes her head, "No, it was a different willow tree."
"Still gross." He shakes his head.
She flinches as the needle first pierces her skin. Evan starts laughing, "You're such a punk."
"Hmmm. I wonder why you reacted so well to the needle. Any extra curriculars you'd like to tell us about Evan?"
Evan smirked, "I use sex, not drugs to get off. Nice try though."
"I'm well aware of your reputation. Girls talk you know."
He perked up, "Oh really and what do they say?"
She sighed, "Nothing worth repeating."
Evan stood up, "Oh I can show you something worth repeating."
Adam waved his hands, "Seriously guys enough already. You still bicker just like when we were six years old. Can we try to enjoy this experience?"
The three of them walked together to the training ground where Layla was already waiting for them in her usual stance with her arms crossed. She knew they would be late because of their appointments and she had even told them a good place to get it done. Adam assumed she's be impressed with their ink especially given her assortment of piercings. Instead she rolled her eyes, "Please don't tell me they're all matching. That would reach a new level of lame even for you guys."
Calla nodded, "Evan designed them. I'd show you, but we have to keep them covered for at least four hours. Then we go home to clean them..."
Layla cut her off, "I don't really care. I hope none of you chose to get your asses tattooed because I need you to sit down and shut up. This will be our last training session. In a couple of months you'll be off to college and I have some things I need to deal with as well. I trust you'll stay practicing the things I have taught you on your own. Remember your abilities are like muscles, the only way to make them stronger is to continue to work them."
Calla pleaded, "We need you Layla. The prophecy is only three years away. We still don't know what's going to happen."
Layla shrugged, "That's not my concern anymore and it shouldn't be yours either. This is the boys battle to fight, not mine or yours. I only included you because of your grandfather."
Adam argued, "She's just as much a part of this as we are."
"No she isn't. Calla is nothing more than a comedic sidekick or love interest at best. If some Indy film maker did a documentary on all this Calla probably wouldn't even get more than five minutes screen time. The prophecy is about the two of you. Not her, not me, not the sanitation worker, just the two of you. Anyways I'm off, so good luck."
Layla raced right out of there straight to the public bus stop. On the ride there she spaced out thinking about how all of their lives would be better off without her. When she got there she burst right through the front door, into the back room, and walked right up to him.
Tony was just finishing up a tattoo on an older gentleman when he looked up, "Hey Layla, your friends were just in here earlier today getting their first ink."
"I know. Give me what they got."
Opening Old Wounds
Allan and Sarah are enjoying a nice cup of tea after a few hours of gardening on a beautiful Saturday. Evan storms into the house and slams the door. Sarah looks concerned, "Everything okay sweetheart?"
"Layla is such a bitch!"
"Evan!"
Allan tries to ease things, "I know she can be tough. More than once Calla has come home in near tears from one of those training sessions."
Evan rolls his eyes, "Calla and Adam have barely even been there for the past couple of weeks. They're always going on their nature walks."
Sarah smiles,"Nature walks? That sounds nice. Why don't you join them?"
Evan starts to walk upstairs as he shouts over his shoulder, "Spending hours with willow trees is not my idea of good time."
Sarah and Allan exchange looks. Since that night when Allan surprised Sarah at her front door eleven years ago they have successfully managed to avoid bringing up anything about their past romance. Challenging at times since they spent nearly every day together in some capacity especially with the close relationship of their grand children. Perhaps it was out of fear that neither one was willing to start the conversation that would open up very painful old wounds. But now with Evan's mention of the willows the elephant in the room had finally become far too large for them to ignore any longer.
Sarah wraps her hands around her warm mug, "I think things are getting too serious between the two of them."
"Why do you say that?"
Sarah flushes a bit, "Because they're having sex Allan. They are far too young."
Allan lets out a hearty laugh, "Sarah, they're teenagers and most teenagers have sex. I had no idea you were such a square."
"I can't believe you're completely okay with this."
He pulls her small hands into his much larger ones and looks deeply into her eyes. "They are in love. Don't you remember that euphoric feeling? Every touch, every kiss, every time your eyes locked with that person. Nothing else in the world seemed to matter. Time stood still."
She sighs, "It's just all happening so fast. It seems like yesterday they were coming off that kindergarten bus in a fit of giggles."
"Yes, but we can't keep them little forever. They grow up, we all do. We become adults who face difficult choices."
Sarah closes her eyes and brings herself back to that day as if it has just happened. Allan was sitting on the edge of the creek with his feet dipped in the cool water. His face lit up once he saw her approaching. Quickly he jumped up and began running towards her, but when she pushed her arms out he stopped dead in his tracks. "Sarah you're crying. What's wrong?" She refused his attempt to pull her into his arms.
Sarah took a deep breath. If she didn't do this immediately she would lose all her nerve. All it would take is one kiss from Allan and she would be forever his. It was time to put an end to all this. "We cannot be together anymore."
"What? Why? Did I do something?" Panic was painted all over his face.
She felt like she was the worst person in the world. Allan had been nothing but amazing to her from the moment they met. The letters, the swim lessons, the nature walks. Was it just the day before that he gently made love to her underneath the willows? Her heart broke at the thought that that would be the one and only time they shared themselves in that way with one another. There was no doubt in her mind that she would ever love anyone the way that she loved him. She needed to make a choice: follow her head or follow her heart?
"The only thing you did was to make me fall completely in love with you."
"Then why can't we be together? Is it because of the prophecy."
"It's not the prophecy. You know I don't put much faith in old tales. The truth is that I have been asked to become an elder. You know this is something I have been working towards for a very long time. Before our obligation to each other is our obligation to our circles."
"Sarah I can't imagine my life without you in it. Please don't do this. We are so good together." He tried once again to wrap his arms around her, but she backed away.
"This is the way it needs to be. I am sure our paths will cross again." She looked into his kind brown eyes now brimming over with tears. If she didn't walk away right now then she never would. She turned her back towards him and began what would seem like the longest journey she had ever taken. Each step was as heavy as her heart. The entire way she kept convincing herself this was the right thing to do even though it felt so wrong.
There they were sitting at her kitchen table reliving a memory that was probably better off left buried. The pain so fresh on both their faces. Sarah felt like she should apologize, but after all these years it didn't seem to make much sense. It was Allan who has been with her every step of the way for the past several years. She knows if it weren't for him she may not have mentally survived some of the stresses the boys have brought onto her. How had she gone all those years without him?
Allan finally let it out, "That was by far the worst day of my life. And you moved on so quickly. What were you married only a few months later? It's like what we had meant nothing."
"What we had meant everything and you know it. That was an arranged marriage Allan. He was a good friend, but I didn't love him. My heart always belonged to you. Besides you moved on too. I'm pretty sure Calla is proof of that, so don't act like you were pining away for me all these years."
Allan's eyes widened, "I am not sure what you heard, but I never married. The mother of my child was a friend. It was a completely physical thing between us. She is a fellow elder back in the village I grew up in. Great woman, but we weren't right for each other."
"Oh."
"Sarah I never moved on. You were always the one that got away and I never met a girl that could measure up to you. But I have a great life, I am very happy especially since you have come back into it."
"I know what you mean."
"Layla is such a bitch!"
"Evan!"
Allan tries to ease things, "I know she can be tough. More than once Calla has come home in near tears from one of those training sessions."
Evan rolls his eyes, "Calla and Adam have barely even been there for the past couple of weeks. They're always going on their nature walks."
Sarah smiles,"Nature walks? That sounds nice. Why don't you join them?"
Evan starts to walk upstairs as he shouts over his shoulder, "Spending hours with willow trees is not my idea of good time."
Sarah and Allan exchange looks. Since that night when Allan surprised Sarah at her front door eleven years ago they have successfully managed to avoid bringing up anything about their past romance. Challenging at times since they spent nearly every day together in some capacity especially with the close relationship of their grand children. Perhaps it was out of fear that neither one was willing to start the conversation that would open up very painful old wounds. But now with Evan's mention of the willows the elephant in the room had finally become far too large for them to ignore any longer.
Sarah wraps her hands around her warm mug, "I think things are getting too serious between the two of them."
"Why do you say that?"
Sarah flushes a bit, "Because they're having sex Allan. They are far too young."
Allan lets out a hearty laugh, "Sarah, they're teenagers and most teenagers have sex. I had no idea you were such a square."
"I can't believe you're completely okay with this."
He pulls her small hands into his much larger ones and looks deeply into her eyes. "They are in love. Don't you remember that euphoric feeling? Every touch, every kiss, every time your eyes locked with that person. Nothing else in the world seemed to matter. Time stood still."
She sighs, "It's just all happening so fast. It seems like yesterday they were coming off that kindergarten bus in a fit of giggles."
"Yes, but we can't keep them little forever. They grow up, we all do. We become adults who face difficult choices."
Sarah closes her eyes and brings herself back to that day as if it has just happened. Allan was sitting on the edge of the creek with his feet dipped in the cool water. His face lit up once he saw her approaching. Quickly he jumped up and began running towards her, but when she pushed her arms out he stopped dead in his tracks. "Sarah you're crying. What's wrong?" She refused his attempt to pull her into his arms.
Sarah took a deep breath. If she didn't do this immediately she would lose all her nerve. All it would take is one kiss from Allan and she would be forever his. It was time to put an end to all this. "We cannot be together anymore."
"What? Why? Did I do something?" Panic was painted all over his face.
She felt like she was the worst person in the world. Allan had been nothing but amazing to her from the moment they met. The letters, the swim lessons, the nature walks. Was it just the day before that he gently made love to her underneath the willows? Her heart broke at the thought that that would be the one and only time they shared themselves in that way with one another. There was no doubt in her mind that she would ever love anyone the way that she loved him. She needed to make a choice: follow her head or follow her heart?
"The only thing you did was to make me fall completely in love with you."
"Then why can't we be together? Is it because of the prophecy."
"It's not the prophecy. You know I don't put much faith in old tales. The truth is that I have been asked to become an elder. You know this is something I have been working towards for a very long time. Before our obligation to each other is our obligation to our circles."
"Sarah I can't imagine my life without you in it. Please don't do this. We are so good together." He tried once again to wrap his arms around her, but she backed away.
"This is the way it needs to be. I am sure our paths will cross again." She looked into his kind brown eyes now brimming over with tears. If she didn't walk away right now then she never would. She turned her back towards him and began what would seem like the longest journey she had ever taken. Each step was as heavy as her heart. The entire way she kept convincing herself this was the right thing to do even though it felt so wrong.
There they were sitting at her kitchen table reliving a memory that was probably better off left buried. The pain so fresh on both their faces. Sarah felt like she should apologize, but after all these years it didn't seem to make much sense. It was Allan who has been with her every step of the way for the past several years. She knows if it weren't for him she may not have mentally survived some of the stresses the boys have brought onto her. How had she gone all those years without him?
Allan finally let it out, "That was by far the worst day of my life. And you moved on so quickly. What were you married only a few months later? It's like what we had meant nothing."
"What we had meant everything and you know it. That was an arranged marriage Allan. He was a good friend, but I didn't love him. My heart always belonged to you. Besides you moved on too. I'm pretty sure Calla is proof of that, so don't act like you were pining away for me all these years."
Allan's eyes widened, "I am not sure what you heard, but I never married. The mother of my child was a friend. It was a completely physical thing between us. She is a fellow elder back in the village I grew up in. Great woman, but we weren't right for each other."
"Oh."
"Sarah I never moved on. You were always the one that got away and I never met a girl that could measure up to you. But I have a great life, I am very happy especially since you have come back into it."
"I know what you mean."
Beautiful Pain
Sometimes the pain she felt was so intense it made Layla want to scream. Not a day passed that she didn't think about what she did to Cole. It's true that no matter how far she had run away from her past it was always there right beside her. Sometimes Joey's words played over in her mind like a song she couldn't shake off "it should have been you." He wasn't wrong.
It was easy to blame Joey for all the things that went wrong in her life, but he wasn't the real problem. After what she did it forced Layla to take a long hard look at herself and see who was really was. The way of life for people born into the elements is peace. It is their job to maintain balance in the world. A mystic shall never cause harm to another especially a common. Layla had broken one of the oldest and most sacred principals. This is why she would always hate herself.
There were issues with Evan from the very beginning. She hesitated doing the whole mentoring thing altogether specifically because of him. At six years old he had this obnoxious superiority complex because he was a child of fire. More than ten years later he still holds the same ignorant stance to what power he holds. Every time she opens her mouth he tunes her out. Every training session is met with such a draining resistance. He is clearly the one that needs the most work yet he is the one she likes working with the least. What bothers her most about him is that she fears he will end up repeating her mistakes.
Layla is practically in his face when she shouts, "Do you get that fire cannot even exist without air? Or is your head that thick?"
Evan seems completely unfazed as always by her in your face approach. He stands his ground, "And do you get that I really don't give a shit?"
That afternoon they were working one on one. There was no denying Evan no longer lacked the discipline she had chastised him for for all those years. His skills were so advanced that lately Layla had come across difficulty trying to teach him new things. This was something she couldn't let on. It was important to always appear several steps ahead of the rest of them. She thought that perhaps it was time to switch gears a bit.
Layla looked him directly in the eye, "Heat me."
"What?"
She stepped closer to him until there was almost no space between their bodies. She placed her hands on his shoulders. "Give me heat without burning me. It's called transference. One person can push their energy onto the other if both are willing."
"But the last time..."
She interrupted, "That wasn't transference. Just close your eyes and concentrate. Feel the heat before it gets to the burn. Prove to me you can do this."
"What if I hurt you again?"
"Stop wasting my time. Do it or leave."
Evan closed his eyes then placed his hands on her hips. Layla closed her eyes too. Things became so still Layla could feel his breath, hear his heartbeat. Then she felt the heat come from his hands slowly spreading throughout her entire body. It was calming at first then it grew a little too hot for her. She realized she was experiencing an internal burn, probably something Evan had lived with his entire life. She welcomed the pain. It helped push away all the emotional hurt she had been carrying with her.
Suddenly the burn stopped. Layla opened her eyes to see Evan backing away from her. She snapped at him, "Why did you stop?"
"Because you were crying. I thought I was hurting you."
Layla snapped, "Don't be stupid, I'm fine."
"Stupid? I'm concerned."
"Why? We're not friends. I don't even like you Evan. I'm only here to make sure your reckless ways don't end up killing everyone."
"Whatever." Then Evan walked away.
Layla sighed. He was the one that almost killed her, but he was also the one that saved her and for that she will never forgive him.
It was easy to blame Joey for all the things that went wrong in her life, but he wasn't the real problem. After what she did it forced Layla to take a long hard look at herself and see who was really was. The way of life for people born into the elements is peace. It is their job to maintain balance in the world. A mystic shall never cause harm to another especially a common. Layla had broken one of the oldest and most sacred principals. This is why she would always hate herself.
There were issues with Evan from the very beginning. She hesitated doing the whole mentoring thing altogether specifically because of him. At six years old he had this obnoxious superiority complex because he was a child of fire. More than ten years later he still holds the same ignorant stance to what power he holds. Every time she opens her mouth he tunes her out. Every training session is met with such a draining resistance. He is clearly the one that needs the most work yet he is the one she likes working with the least. What bothers her most about him is that she fears he will end up repeating her mistakes.
Layla is practically in his face when she shouts, "Do you get that fire cannot even exist without air? Or is your head that thick?"
Evan seems completely unfazed as always by her in your face approach. He stands his ground, "And do you get that I really don't give a shit?"
That afternoon they were working one on one. There was no denying Evan no longer lacked the discipline she had chastised him for for all those years. His skills were so advanced that lately Layla had come across difficulty trying to teach him new things. This was something she couldn't let on. It was important to always appear several steps ahead of the rest of them. She thought that perhaps it was time to switch gears a bit.
Layla looked him directly in the eye, "Heat me."
"What?"
She stepped closer to him until there was almost no space between their bodies. She placed her hands on his shoulders. "Give me heat without burning me. It's called transference. One person can push their energy onto the other if both are willing."
"But the last time..."
She interrupted, "That wasn't transference. Just close your eyes and concentrate. Feel the heat before it gets to the burn. Prove to me you can do this."
"What if I hurt you again?"
"Stop wasting my time. Do it or leave."
Evan closed his eyes then placed his hands on her hips. Layla closed her eyes too. Things became so still Layla could feel his breath, hear his heartbeat. Then she felt the heat come from his hands slowly spreading throughout her entire body. It was calming at first then it grew a little too hot for her. She realized she was experiencing an internal burn, probably something Evan had lived with his entire life. She welcomed the pain. It helped push away all the emotional hurt she had been carrying with her.
Suddenly the burn stopped. Layla opened her eyes to see Evan backing away from her. She snapped at him, "Why did you stop?"
"Because you were crying. I thought I was hurting you."
Layla snapped, "Don't be stupid, I'm fine."
"Stupid? I'm concerned."
"Why? We're not friends. I don't even like you Evan. I'm only here to make sure your reckless ways don't end up killing everyone."
"Whatever." Then Evan walked away.
Layla sighed. He was the one that almost killed her, but he was also the one that saved her and for that she will never forgive him.
Alter Egos
For all the things Sarah and Layla would butt heads on regarding Adam, Evan, and Calla there was one thing they completely agreed on. Sarah had chosen a straight path from early childhood to become an elder. Layla had run away from her home and any hope at a more traditional life when she was only eleven. Both of them knew what it was like to miss out on certain experiences most other kids got to have and the regret that followed because of it. This is why they strongly encouraged Adam, Evan, and Calla to branch out and pursue interests outside of the mystical world.
It was no surprise to anyone when Adam devoted his free time to the drama and music departments. He dabbled a bit with the guitar at home, but when it came to school he decided he much preferred chorus. Sophmore year he started a co-ed acapella group that would meet up after school a couple times a week. What he loved most were the workshops third semester every year where both departments collaborated to write an original piece for the spring performance. This was where Adam could combine his talents for writing and music. Junior year he had the opportunity to not only have an original play produced, but take on the role as student director. Allan, Sarah, Calla, and even Evan showed up opening night. While everyone was gushing afterwards over how much they enjoyed it Evan shrugged and said it didn't completely suck. Adam knew that was his seal of approval.
Allan couldn't have been prouded in Calla's choices. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the most prominent student activists in school. Her main interests were Amnesty International and Students Against Drunk Driving. Every semester she ran some food, clothing, book drive with astounding results. She attributed her success to collaborating with some of the other high schools in Rockland. Off campus she volunteered at the local Habitat For Humanity. Of all the projects she had her hands in it was mentoring an at risk youth from one of the local elementary schools that was by far her favorite. She would take him out once a week for a couple of hours to any number of places: museum, street fair, the park, a movie. The actual activity wasn't as important as just spending time together showing this kid he was special and important.
Evan never liked authority, specifically being told what he can and can't do. He figured the best way to help break the rules he despised so much was to be one of the people who made them. Evan became heavily involved in the student government working his way up in the ranks. It was key to know each position in order to understand how they all worked together. This was not so different from Layla's theory on the elements gaining skills in their own natural abilities. Although Evan would never give anyone else credit for his methods, especially Layla. His original intentions may have been to rework the entire student government system to his liking, but once he was involved he found how much he respected the structure that was already in place. His knew approach was to enhance, not completely change.
Unbeknownst to anyone Layla began taking courses at Rockland Community College. With everything that she had seen in her life she decided she wanted to pursue a duel degree in sociology and psychology. It was the chicken and egg theory that Layla was most curious about: did people act the way they did because of society or was society the way it was because of the way people acted? The real inspiration behind her curiosity were her brothers. How could the two of them grow up in the same home and have had such radically different attitudes towards her? Unfortunately going directly to the source didn't seem like a viable option.
Even though financially Sarah was in a very good place she decided to continue working at the daycare long after the boys started to attend school full time. It was refreshing to get a break from everything while being surrounded by Commons. Unintentionally it became a kind of therapy for Sarah to briefly put all the worries and stresses of the prophecy behind her. On afternoons and weekends she spent most of her free time gardening with Allan. It may have taken her a long time to realize it, but Sarah now understood more than ever the importance of creating a life with more than one focal point.
It was no surprise to anyone when Adam devoted his free time to the drama and music departments. He dabbled a bit with the guitar at home, but when it came to school he decided he much preferred chorus. Sophmore year he started a co-ed acapella group that would meet up after school a couple times a week. What he loved most were the workshops third semester every year where both departments collaborated to write an original piece for the spring performance. This was where Adam could combine his talents for writing and music. Junior year he had the opportunity to not only have an original play produced, but take on the role as student director. Allan, Sarah, Calla, and even Evan showed up opening night. While everyone was gushing afterwards over how much they enjoyed it Evan shrugged and said it didn't completely suck. Adam knew that was his seal of approval.
Allan couldn't have been prouded in Calla's choices. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the most prominent student activists in school. Her main interests were Amnesty International and Students Against Drunk Driving. Every semester she ran some food, clothing, book drive with astounding results. She attributed her success to collaborating with some of the other high schools in Rockland. Off campus she volunteered at the local Habitat For Humanity. Of all the projects she had her hands in it was mentoring an at risk youth from one of the local elementary schools that was by far her favorite. She would take him out once a week for a couple of hours to any number of places: museum, street fair, the park, a movie. The actual activity wasn't as important as just spending time together showing this kid he was special and important.
Evan never liked authority, specifically being told what he can and can't do. He figured the best way to help break the rules he despised so much was to be one of the people who made them. Evan became heavily involved in the student government working his way up in the ranks. It was key to know each position in order to understand how they all worked together. This was not so different from Layla's theory on the elements gaining skills in their own natural abilities. Although Evan would never give anyone else credit for his methods, especially Layla. His original intentions may have been to rework the entire student government system to his liking, but once he was involved he found how much he respected the structure that was already in place. His knew approach was to enhance, not completely change.
Unbeknownst to anyone Layla began taking courses at Rockland Community College. With everything that she had seen in her life she decided she wanted to pursue a duel degree in sociology and psychology. It was the chicken and egg theory that Layla was most curious about: did people act the way they did because of society or was society the way it was because of the way people acted? The real inspiration behind her curiosity were her brothers. How could the two of them grow up in the same home and have had such radically different attitudes towards her? Unfortunately going directly to the source didn't seem like a viable option.
Even though financially Sarah was in a very good place she decided to continue working at the daycare long after the boys started to attend school full time. It was refreshing to get a break from everything while being surrounded by Commons. Unintentionally it became a kind of therapy for Sarah to briefly put all the worries and stresses of the prophecy behind her. On afternoons and weekends she spent most of her free time gardening with Allan. It may have taken her a long time to realize it, but Sarah now understood more than ever the importance of creating a life with more than one focal point.
Swimming Lessons
Their bodies lay intertwined under a giant weeping willow tree. He runs his fingers through her dark wavy hair as she runs her hands up and down his bare back. The kisses are deep and passionate. Every now and then he'd stop just to stare into those pale blue eyes of hers. This moment is everything he thought it would be and so much more.
Sarah pulls away, "Can we just slow down for a minute?"
Allan holds her face in his hands, "Of course. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
"Oh believe me I want to", Sarah's face flushes.
"You know we can't hurt each other here? The willows will absorb our energy for a short while. We can you know fully let go of ourselves."
Sarah smiles, "Good." Then she pulls Allan back on top of her and they begin passionately kissing again.
This romance had taken them both by surprise. After that chance meeting by the creek they kept in touch through regular writing. Allan would share the incredible stories he learned from the trees. His writing was so vivid she could picture every little detail he mentioned. Sarah anxiously ran to check the mail on her kitchen table every day after school, she would become incredibly giddy if she spotted one of his letters in the pile.
After a few months of exchanging letters they agreed to meet up face to face again. Allan insisted on coming her way because he desperately wanted to learn how to swim. They stripped down to their under ware once they got to the lake. Sarah held his hand as they slowly walked into the water until they reached the point where it was waist deep. That day they only worked on underwater breathing. Sarah wondered even though he was born of earth how a sixteen year old boy didn't know how to swim.
The swimming lessons became a regular occurrence every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Sometimes Allan would sit by the water's edge and just watch Sarah glide through the water like some beautiful mermaid. A year later he was exploring the depths of the lake with her. Sometimes they liked to play a game of charades under the water until they ran out of breath. Other times they would throw objects into the water only to fetch them like a dog. There was a comfort between them as if they had been friends for an entire lifetime.
Now it was Allan's turn to show Sarah part of his world. He took her through the wooded areas between her village and his as he pointed out all the various types of plants and trees. They would often sit underneath the trees while Allan listened intently then repeated the stories they would tell him. Sarah would shut her eyes following the smooth tones of his voice. She was amazed at his fearlessness when he would scale those tall trees so effortlessly. Every time he would beg her to join him, but Sarah was so afraid of heights and the potential fall.
Neither one is sure when they crossed over from just friends to something more as it was a very gradual and subtle process. There were lingering looks, sitting next to one another with their legs touching, hugs that grew tighter and lasted longer, his arm casually draped over her shoulder. One day when they were saying goodbye Allan grabbed Sarah and kissed her.
Her eyes completely widened. He replied, "I didn't want to have never done that."
Sarah kissed him back, "What took you so long?"
On their way back from their afternoon under the willow tree Allan couldn't stop smiling. Occasionally he would scoop her up in his arms and kiss her. Even though eh was riding out an incredibly high he couldn't help but notice something seemed off about Sarah. "Did I do something wrong?"
She shook her head, "No, you were, are amazing."
He kissed the tip of her pebble nose, "I love you so much Sarah. Promise me you'll meet me tomorrow. I don't want to wait so long to see you again." She looked hesitant. Allan began to plead.
She relented,"Okay, where?"
"Anywhere you want." He pulled her hands up to his lips and started kissing her knuckles.
"The spot where we met, 4 pm tomorrow. I need to get home, see you then." Sarah began to dash off leaving Allan bewildered. He always walked her home, why was today so different? He should have known then that he had already lost her.
Sarah pulls away, "Can we just slow down for a minute?"
Allan holds her face in his hands, "Of course. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
"Oh believe me I want to", Sarah's face flushes.
"You know we can't hurt each other here? The willows will absorb our energy for a short while. We can you know fully let go of ourselves."
Sarah smiles, "Good." Then she pulls Allan back on top of her and they begin passionately kissing again.
This romance had taken them both by surprise. After that chance meeting by the creek they kept in touch through regular writing. Allan would share the incredible stories he learned from the trees. His writing was so vivid she could picture every little detail he mentioned. Sarah anxiously ran to check the mail on her kitchen table every day after school, she would become incredibly giddy if she spotted one of his letters in the pile.
After a few months of exchanging letters they agreed to meet up face to face again. Allan insisted on coming her way because he desperately wanted to learn how to swim. They stripped down to their under ware once they got to the lake. Sarah held his hand as they slowly walked into the water until they reached the point where it was waist deep. That day they only worked on underwater breathing. Sarah wondered even though he was born of earth how a sixteen year old boy didn't know how to swim.
The swimming lessons became a regular occurrence every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Sometimes Allan would sit by the water's edge and just watch Sarah glide through the water like some beautiful mermaid. A year later he was exploring the depths of the lake with her. Sometimes they liked to play a game of charades under the water until they ran out of breath. Other times they would throw objects into the water only to fetch them like a dog. There was a comfort between them as if they had been friends for an entire lifetime.
Now it was Allan's turn to show Sarah part of his world. He took her through the wooded areas between her village and his as he pointed out all the various types of plants and trees. They would often sit underneath the trees while Allan listened intently then repeated the stories they would tell him. Sarah would shut her eyes following the smooth tones of his voice. She was amazed at his fearlessness when he would scale those tall trees so effortlessly. Every time he would beg her to join him, but Sarah was so afraid of heights and the potential fall.
Neither one is sure when they crossed over from just friends to something more as it was a very gradual and subtle process. There were lingering looks, sitting next to one another with their legs touching, hugs that grew tighter and lasted longer, his arm casually draped over her shoulder. One day when they were saying goodbye Allan grabbed Sarah and kissed her.
Her eyes completely widened. He replied, "I didn't want to have never done that."
Sarah kissed him back, "What took you so long?"
On their way back from their afternoon under the willow tree Allan couldn't stop smiling. Occasionally he would scoop her up in his arms and kiss her. Even though eh was riding out an incredibly high he couldn't help but notice something seemed off about Sarah. "Did I do something wrong?"
She shook her head, "No, you were, are amazing."
He kissed the tip of her pebble nose, "I love you so much Sarah. Promise me you'll meet me tomorrow. I don't want to wait so long to see you again." She looked hesitant. Allan began to plead.
She relented,"Okay, where?"
"Anywhere you want." He pulled her hands up to his lips and started kissing her knuckles.
"The spot where we met, 4 pm tomorrow. I need to get home, see you then." Sarah began to dash off leaving Allan bewildered. He always walked her home, why was today so different? He should have known then that he had already lost her.
Personal Demons
Her eyes followed Calla and Adam as they walked off together hand in hand just like they did every day. Although she would never admit it to a living soul, sometimes she envied them. Not just the lovebirds, but Evan, Sarah, and Allan too. Even strangers she passed on the streets. There was such a freedom about them in how they could give themselves so openly to the world without abandon.
Once upon a time Layla was daddy's little girl. The one person in this entire world that not only understood and appreciated her fully as she was, but in so many ways was just like her. She was someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's student, someone's peer. Now she belongs to no one. Life is so much easier that way. Layla knew that forming attachments meant she would one day have to face the possibility of losing them. In the end she felt the risk just wasn't worth the reward.
A child of air with an insatiable thirst for knowledge she felt confident that with enough time and effort she could teach herself anything. With her natural abilities of air she had been able to manipulate water, fire, and earth. After a decade of she knows how to get to nearly any place within Rockland County because she has mapped out all major highways and roads in her mind. Instead of traditional schooling she taught herself the NYS regents program, took the SAT's, and even got her GED. With the social distractions most people her age face it was easy for Layla to dedicate herself to her studies.
The first day she approached the three of them she knew what each of their weaknesses and strengths were. She lied when she told Adam she wasn't sure of his, because she thought it was more important that he figure it out for himself. And he still doesn't know. Layla's weakness is easy to spot from a mile away, her inability to trust. Selfishly she has asked Allan, Sarah, Calla, Adam, and Evan to blindly trust her yet she was never do the same for any of them.
Each night after training she goes down to the Hudson River through Memorial Park. She sits on the rocks listening to the water crash against it. Usually it's quiet enough that she can hear her own breathing. If it's dark enough she'll stare at the lights coming from the houses on the other side of the river or the cars crossing the Tappen Zee Bridge. She wonders if there is someone over there just as lost as she is. Then she cries. For one hour a day she allows herself to be weak. No tough girl facade for the others, just a chance for her to keep it real with herself. When her time is done she pulls herself together in order to resume being the person everyone thinks she is. This is how it needs to be.
Even the guys she has been intimate with know what the deal is. She's not looking to fall in love, just get a need satisfied much like food and sleep. And this all seems to work just fine as it is very rare a guy her age wants more than a hot night anyways. This is her way to feel some sort of connection to another person without risking attachment. Just that brief moment where she can feel something other than numbness or pain. Although any pleasure she may actually get is gone before she can truly enjoy it. Layla crashes back down to her bleak reality.
Over the years her mentees have tried to pull her in to their little unconventional family. But the reality is that when all this is over some of them, if not all will probably die from this prophecy. None of the others chose this life except for Layla. She is prepared for what may come. When she nearly died by Evan's unintentional attack she could sense the sadness around her. She almost wished she had died immediately so their suffering would stop. They are not her family, they are not her friends. They cannot feel for her because the last person who did got hurt. Layla knows she was meant to walk this path alone.
Once upon a time Layla was daddy's little girl. The one person in this entire world that not only understood and appreciated her fully as she was, but in so many ways was just like her. She was someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's student, someone's peer. Now she belongs to no one. Life is so much easier that way. Layla knew that forming attachments meant she would one day have to face the possibility of losing them. In the end she felt the risk just wasn't worth the reward.
A child of air with an insatiable thirst for knowledge she felt confident that with enough time and effort she could teach herself anything. With her natural abilities of air she had been able to manipulate water, fire, and earth. After a decade of she knows how to get to nearly any place within Rockland County because she has mapped out all major highways and roads in her mind. Instead of traditional schooling she taught herself the NYS regents program, took the SAT's, and even got her GED. With the social distractions most people her age face it was easy for Layla to dedicate herself to her studies.
The first day she approached the three of them she knew what each of their weaknesses and strengths were. She lied when she told Adam she wasn't sure of his, because she thought it was more important that he figure it out for himself. And he still doesn't know. Layla's weakness is easy to spot from a mile away, her inability to trust. Selfishly she has asked Allan, Sarah, Calla, Adam, and Evan to blindly trust her yet she was never do the same for any of them.
Each night after training she goes down to the Hudson River through Memorial Park. She sits on the rocks listening to the water crash against it. Usually it's quiet enough that she can hear her own breathing. If it's dark enough she'll stare at the lights coming from the houses on the other side of the river or the cars crossing the Tappen Zee Bridge. She wonders if there is someone over there just as lost as she is. Then she cries. For one hour a day she allows herself to be weak. No tough girl facade for the others, just a chance for her to keep it real with herself. When her time is done she pulls herself together in order to resume being the person everyone thinks she is. This is how it needs to be.
Even the guys she has been intimate with know what the deal is. She's not looking to fall in love, just get a need satisfied much like food and sleep. And this all seems to work just fine as it is very rare a guy her age wants more than a hot night anyways. This is her way to feel some sort of connection to another person without risking attachment. Just that brief moment where she can feel something other than numbness or pain. Although any pleasure she may actually get is gone before she can truly enjoy it. Layla crashes back down to her bleak reality.
Over the years her mentees have tried to pull her in to their little unconventional family. But the reality is that when all this is over some of them, if not all will probably die from this prophecy. None of the others chose this life except for Layla. She is prepared for what may come. When she nearly died by Evan's unintentional attack she could sense the sadness around her. She almost wished she had died immediately so their suffering would stop. They are not her family, they are not her friends. They cannot feel for her because the last person who did got hurt. Layla knows she was meant to walk this path alone.
And then there were hormones....
When they first crossed over from friends to something more Adam was equally excited and nervous. Every time they touched he felt electricity throughout his entire body. They would sneak away to have private moments together. The softness of her lips, the deep brown of her eyes, the smell of her hair, the sound of her laugh. There was no denying that he was in love.
There had been something about her from that first day when he spotted her make that flower bloom. On the bus ride to school he kept staring at her hoping she wouldn't catch him. Evan had no trouble convincing Adam to approach her on the playground. Evan's intention was to make a friend from another element, but Adam just wanted to be around her.
It's true that he first noticed her magic, secondly how pretty she was, but it was her kindness that won him over. He felt as if he could talk to her about anything without fear of judgment or ridicule. Just like her grandpa Calla was so grounded and rational about things, something Adam often struggled with. Yet Adam could show her not everything was always so black and white, many things in life lived within shades of gray. They were a good balance for one another.
In the beginning Evan would tease that this was some fleeting puppy love. More than three years later they were still going strong. Obviously things had progressed past the G-rated hand holding phase to something more in the PG-13 territory. Now Evan was ragging on Adam for not sealing the deal.
"Three years and you haven't hit that yet? Man that's like a prison sentence. How do you deal?" Evan lays back on his bed with his arms behind his head.
Adam was trying to do homework at his desk, but he turns around at this remark. "It's not like that."
"You're a guy, she's a girl. Trust me, it's like that."
Adam throws his notebook at Evan marginally missing his head. "Sorry I'm not a giant whore like you. I'll work on it."
"Yeah seriously let her light your inner flame, make your waters flow in her garden."
Adam shook his head, "Now you're just being nasty. Conversation officially over. I'm getting out of here."
If only Evan knew the battle Adam was fighting between his hormones and his heart. With Layla's help he had managed to get a pretty good handle on his fire abilities except when he got aroused. Poor Calla has a permanent burn mark scar on her left ass cheek from a time they were getting pretty hot and heavy. There was also the time when he first saw her topless that resulted in a small monsoon happened in her bedroom. This was completely frustrating both of them who were having the talk about taking things to the next level physically. She was ready, he was ready, but they were both worried about Adam causing her serious injury. Oddly enough as far as he knew Evan didn't seem to have these same issues. He must have gotten more careful after nearly killing Layla a few years back.
The truth was they needed some advice from someone who has possibly gone through this before. There was absolutely no way they felt comfortable talking to their grandparents, Evan would just make fun of them, so that left Layla. They agreed to approach her together one day after training. Getting her alone wouldn't be an issue since Evan was known for bolting right out of there as soon as she dismissed them.
Hand in hand they awkwardly walk up to Layla. It's kind of funny that she still has that same punk look that she had when she was twelve, even though it's been ten years. If something works for you, then why change it? The streaks in her hair would change color. An addition were the piercings she started to get when she turned eighteen. Rumor has it she did them herself. Calla who was so soft and feminine with her flowing skirts and peasant tops appeared even more so when standing near Layla.
Layla crossed her arms, "Yes?!"
Calla blushed while looking down at her feet, "We've been having you know um well intimacy issues."
Layla immediately eyes Adam's crotch, "Wow, sorry to hear man."
Adam shakes his head, "No no no! Oh god, not that. Trust me that's just fine."
Layla backs away, "Okay, no need to get so defensive. It happens to lots of guys or so I hear. Never been a concern for the ones I deal with but you know you're so young I just assumed."
Calla waves her hands for Layla to stop rambling. Then she turns around, slightly lowers her skirt to show the top half on the burn mark on her ass. While Calla and Adam are embarrassed Layla seems impressed. "Nicely done young gun. Is that a hand print?"
Adam nods, "Yeah, I'm not exactly proud of it. I can't seem to control myself when I'm you know in the moment. What if I torch her alive or something." Adam immediately regrets his choice of words.
"Calla's a tough girl, I'm sure she can handle it", she winks. "In all seriousness it comes down to what I have been teaching you guys since day one. Think about how these elements work together and against each other. If you are going to do something that excites you make sure to do it in an environment that calms you." She bites her lip then looks around to make sure no one else is watching. "There is this field of weeping willows about forty five minutes away. They can absorb your powers temporarily. I would suggest making that where you have your first time. After the first time you'll be more relaxed and this most likely won't be as much of an issue. Let me find out exactly where and I'll get back to you."
Calla and Adam both grin widely. They start to walk away practically skipping when Layla shouts, "Please wrap it up kids. No one needs any more prophecy spawn running around."
There had been something about her from that first day when he spotted her make that flower bloom. On the bus ride to school he kept staring at her hoping she wouldn't catch him. Evan had no trouble convincing Adam to approach her on the playground. Evan's intention was to make a friend from another element, but Adam just wanted to be around her.
It's true that he first noticed her magic, secondly how pretty she was, but it was her kindness that won him over. He felt as if he could talk to her about anything without fear of judgment or ridicule. Just like her grandpa Calla was so grounded and rational about things, something Adam often struggled with. Yet Adam could show her not everything was always so black and white, many things in life lived within shades of gray. They were a good balance for one another.
In the beginning Evan would tease that this was some fleeting puppy love. More than three years later they were still going strong. Obviously things had progressed past the G-rated hand holding phase to something more in the PG-13 territory. Now Evan was ragging on Adam for not sealing the deal.
"Three years and you haven't hit that yet? Man that's like a prison sentence. How do you deal?" Evan lays back on his bed with his arms behind his head.
Adam was trying to do homework at his desk, but he turns around at this remark. "It's not like that."
"You're a guy, she's a girl. Trust me, it's like that."
Adam throws his notebook at Evan marginally missing his head. "Sorry I'm not a giant whore like you. I'll work on it."
"Yeah seriously let her light your inner flame, make your waters flow in her garden."
Adam shook his head, "Now you're just being nasty. Conversation officially over. I'm getting out of here."
If only Evan knew the battle Adam was fighting between his hormones and his heart. With Layla's help he had managed to get a pretty good handle on his fire abilities except when he got aroused. Poor Calla has a permanent burn mark scar on her left ass cheek from a time they were getting pretty hot and heavy. There was also the time when he first saw her topless that resulted in a small monsoon happened in her bedroom. This was completely frustrating both of them who were having the talk about taking things to the next level physically. She was ready, he was ready, but they were both worried about Adam causing her serious injury. Oddly enough as far as he knew Evan didn't seem to have these same issues. He must have gotten more careful after nearly killing Layla a few years back.
The truth was they needed some advice from someone who has possibly gone through this before. There was absolutely no way they felt comfortable talking to their grandparents, Evan would just make fun of them, so that left Layla. They agreed to approach her together one day after training. Getting her alone wouldn't be an issue since Evan was known for bolting right out of there as soon as she dismissed them.
Hand in hand they awkwardly walk up to Layla. It's kind of funny that she still has that same punk look that she had when she was twelve, even though it's been ten years. If something works for you, then why change it? The streaks in her hair would change color. An addition were the piercings she started to get when she turned eighteen. Rumor has it she did them herself. Calla who was so soft and feminine with her flowing skirts and peasant tops appeared even more so when standing near Layla.
Layla crossed her arms, "Yes?!"
Calla blushed while looking down at her feet, "We've been having you know um well intimacy issues."
Layla immediately eyes Adam's crotch, "Wow, sorry to hear man."
Adam shakes his head, "No no no! Oh god, not that. Trust me that's just fine."
Layla backs away, "Okay, no need to get so defensive. It happens to lots of guys or so I hear. Never been a concern for the ones I deal with but you know you're so young I just assumed."
Calla waves her hands for Layla to stop rambling. Then she turns around, slightly lowers her skirt to show the top half on the burn mark on her ass. While Calla and Adam are embarrassed Layla seems impressed. "Nicely done young gun. Is that a hand print?"
Adam nods, "Yeah, I'm not exactly proud of it. I can't seem to control myself when I'm you know in the moment. What if I torch her alive or something." Adam immediately regrets his choice of words.
"Calla's a tough girl, I'm sure she can handle it", she winks. "In all seriousness it comes down to what I have been teaching you guys since day one. Think about how these elements work together and against each other. If you are going to do something that excites you make sure to do it in an environment that calms you." She bites her lip then looks around to make sure no one else is watching. "There is this field of weeping willows about forty five minutes away. They can absorb your powers temporarily. I would suggest making that where you have your first time. After the first time you'll be more relaxed and this most likely won't be as much of an issue. Let me find out exactly where and I'll get back to you."
Calla and Adam both grin widely. They start to walk away practically skipping when Layla shouts, "Please wrap it up kids. No one needs any more prophecy spawn running around."
About Me
- ElbieNy25
- "Scars are proof that we were brave enough to fight the battle and strong enough to survive it"-me 2008 Unfortunately/fortunately I have many scars from life, but I'm still here. I've been writing for over twenty years and just recently finished my first manuscript entitled "The Journey". I love peopl; they fascinate me with their stories, quirks, and mysterious ways.