“You’re the best, Aunt Tera,” Eva said.
Uncle Jace chuckled and answered, “She made enough to feed an army!”
Ana heard Aunt Tera mutter under her breath that spaghetti leftovers were better than eating fish for the next week, and she snickered as she sat down next to Eva.
“Now, I wasn’t sure what you were bringing here with you, so I went ahead and brought some extra towels and kitchen utensils. I’ve never really bothered going through anything of Mom’s, so you should have just about anything you need here—you know how she couldn’t get rid of anything.” Aunt Tera paused to grasp her sister’s hand. She hurriedly wiped a tear and continued. “So, Mel—Danny over at the bank is expecting you on Monday. He’s got everything set, and he seemed a touch eager to see you again too.”
Melissa shook her head and shut her eyes. “I hope you weren’t encouraging him, Tera. You know how he used to annoy me. That man just doesn’t know when to stop talking.”
When Ana removed her napkin from her lap, her aunt turned with a serious expression and asked, “So Ana, when’s your doctor’s appointment? Where was it? Spokane?”
Ana exhaled, disappointed she wasn’t able to avoid the question. “Yeah. It’s in a couple weeks in Spokane. It’s not too far a drive, right?”
“Yeah. Although it depends on how fast you drive. If you go slow like Jace over here, then it’ll take longer.”
Uncle Jace defended himself. “Hey, now.”
Aunt Tera exchanged a glance with her sister and continued, unfazed, “So, you feeling any better since you got here? I know it’s only been, well, less than an hour now, but Mel says we’re at a lower altitude than up in Denver. That’s supposed to help you, right?”
“Yeah, that’s what the doctors tell us,” Ana said and hoped she could end the line of questions. “I haven’t noticed anything yet. Still kinda soon. It’s been a long day though.”
“If you come fishing with me, I bet you’ll feel great! Some fresh air and sweet silence—nothing like it.” Uncle Jace smirked as he tore through a breadstick and mopped the extra sauce on his plate.
Aunt Tera patted Ana’s arm. “There should be some real nice kids in town for you to make friends with. I bet they won’t care a thing about your heart condition.”
“I wasn’t planning on telling anyone,” Ana said and stood up so fast her cup almost tipped over. Maybe removing herself from the table would distance herself from all of these questions. She collected the empty plates and set them in the sink. Her delicate fingers reached under the faucet, and the stream of warm water glimmered over her skin like a translucent glove.
Aunt Tera stood and stopped her from washing the dishes. “Oh sweetie, you don’t need to do that after the day you’ve had! Why don’t you go rest on the couch?” Tera shooed her. “Oh, and Jace parked the old van out near the shed—the keys are just there on the counter. It should get you to school and back.”
Ana reluctantly lowered the dish back into the soapy water and wandered into the living room, eager for some peace and quiet.
When the maroon sedan drove down the gravel driveway, carrying her relatives away, Ana sighed in relief. She imagined herself a tornado survivor. Only two more hurdles to pass. She still had to unpack and then there was school on Monday. How was this better than staying in Colorado?
“All right, the movers will be here any time now. Are we still agreed on who gets which room?” Melissa asked the girls.
Ana and Eva nodded. Every summer when they visited in the past, Ana had stayed in her mom’s old room, a dark space with slanted, low ceilings. Eva naturally gravitated toward the large, airy room that once housed Aunt Tera’s belongings. There was no need for discussion.
Eva climbed onto the living room couch and plugged her nose as she reached for the large retro TV remote. “Pew, this couch stinks. I wish we hadn’t sold our couch. Mom, did you bring the disinfectant, or some odor-eating spray?”
While Eva and their mom discussed their cleaning plans, Ana’s anxiety level peaked. She needed to get out of the house and see the sky. It was dusky out, but she thought she remembered how to find the way to her special place.
Ana slipped on her jacket. “I’m going outside. Let me know when my stuff gets here.”
Melissa frowned and looked out the living room window. The sun set behind the trees. “I don’t know, baby,” she said. “It’s getting cold out, and you’ve had such a long day already. Can’t it wait until tomorrow night? I want you stay inside and rest.”
“I’m going,” Ana said with a glare.
Ana turned around and walked into the kitchen. She flipped open the cupboards in search of a flashlight and came up short. She didn’t really need a light anyway. She was at home outdoors and always managed to find her way through the dark. Nothing frightened her when she was in the wilderness, especially when she went star gazing. Under the infinite sky all of her problems seemed so insignificant.
She wandered out onto the small back deck and let her eyes adjust to the low light. A dense grove of trees and rocky outcroppings encircled a small lawn. One great pine at its center rose high above the house. Ana noticed a discreet trail that led away from the yard and grinned. It was still there.
The trail was barely noticeable, but she knew where to look. Berry bushes and scrub grew across it from disuse. She shifted them out of the way as she moved her delicate body through. Sounds from the forest inhabitants warmed her ears and she knew she wasn’t alone.
Ana enjoyed the terrain—it was a close cousin to her beloved Colorado. Rolling mountains cloaked with deep jade evergreens and grassy valleys seemed to offer her a figurative olive branch in friendship. The only thing missing was the occasional white bark of aspen, but she could adjust to the welcoming landscape. A brisk smell met her, and she decided it must have recently rained. She paused, and breathed in the scent like a wine connoisseur tasting a bouquet of flavor.
She headed toward an opening in the trail. Her heart thudded as she pushed herself forward into the dying rays of the sun.
A panorama appeared like a watercolor, with wilderness that stretched as far as the eye could see. Before her was the perfect surface to star gaze. An immense flattened granite stone reached over a grassy field. In the distance, beyond the meadow, the wild green landscape was split by a dark river.
Ana stepped onto the dark granite and lowered herself onto the rock. She stretched flat on her back and closed her eyes. Her special place in Colorado reached out to her in memory. Hidden in the pines, she had discovered a small field behind their home and convinced her mother to drag a metal lounge chair there so she would have a place to lie down. When she didn’t want to talk to anyone or was in one of her moods, she went there to unwind under the night sky. Her silent companion, Orion, guarded her from the painful thoughts that crept into her mind whenever it was quiet and dark. His bright constellation lit her imagination and pointed the way to his wintry friends: the Great Dog, Taurus the Bull and the Twins.
For the first time in days, she allowed herself to breathe. The constant hidden fear and depression that clawed at her soul burst out in the form of salty tears. Curled into the fetal position, she began to sob in silence. She rarely allowed herself the freedom to break down, because it tired her. She didn’t like feeling sorry for herself. It led nowhere.
The sky overhead turned a deep blue, stars began to glimmer and pulse and sing their nighttime overture. Ana traced the constellations in her mind and soothed her agitated heartbeat to a slower rhythm. The tears dried but she continued to gaze into the abyss.
Something rustled in the meadow, and she caught sight of a lithe, dark form. She traced the small animal’s movement through the grass and remembered the time. From the safety of her rock, she pushed herself up a little too quickly. Blood rushed out of her head and made her dizzy. Ana knew better than to do that, but she was tired and couldn’t think clearly. Before she turned away, she glanced over her shoulder t
o look for the silent animal, but concluded she must have scared it off.
She was alone again. What a familiar feeling.
***
Morning sunlight filtered in through Ana’s window as she slipped on her favorite pair of jeans and a green t-shirt. She grabbed her winter jacket and went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Her bedraggled reflection gave her a start. She reached for her comb. Tangled, knotted hair wasn’t the impression she wanted to make on the first day of school. She smoothed out her long dark tresses before flicking out the light and heading for the kitchen.
The smell of coffee reminded Ana of home as she walked by her mother, who was taking a sip from her mug. Melissa smoothed out the lines of her business jacket and asked, “How do I look?”
“You look great, Mom—as usual.”
Melissa shook her head. “Yah, well. Are you nervous?”
The syncopated rhythm of Ana’s heart returned. She swallowed the lump in her throat and forced a smile. “A little. I can’t wait for tonight when it’s all over,” Ana said and smirked. “How ‘bout you?”
“I’m a little nervous too, but excited.” Melissa gave Ana a hug and cleared her throat. “How are you holding up after unpacking yesterday? Not too tired?”
“No worries, Mom, I’m fine.” Ana stretched, her body slow to react. She thought about all of the boxes she unpacked the previous day and was thankful it was almost done.
Eva breezed into the kitchen wearing her favorite purple dress. She seemed a little restless and shot a sneaky glare at Melissa without her noticing. The girls hugged their mother goodbye and went out to Ana’s inherited van.
The banana yellow paint on the VW camper made her flinch. It was her Uncle Jace’s pride and joy maybe fifteen years ago. Now it was just a weathered milk carton with wheels. There was no way to go unnoticed in this vehicle, which was why Ana was so focused on getting to school early to avoid the rush.
“C’mon Eva, let’s go—hurry up.”
Eva yanked open the door with a screech and climbed in. She whipped around and stared at the table and seats arranged in the back. “Cooooool. A sink too—that’s awesome.”
Ana shook her head and grumbled to herself as she started up the loud engine. It blustered to life and they rolled down the driveway.
Once on the highway, Eva flew her hand like an airplane out the window while Ana tried to relax, which was impossible. Although, it eased her jittery stomach to see her sister’s amusement.
She reached the middle school, parked and walked with Eva into the office. The receptionist smiled and escorted Eva down a hallway filled with kids. As Eva was led away, she turned to give Ana one last hesitant smile. Ana blew her a kiss and turned out the door. Despite the fact her little sister was unhappy about the move, Ana knew Eva wouldn’t have any trouble making new friends. She never did.
The high school was a couple blocks away and before she knew it, Ana was in the parking lot. She pulled into a secluded spot at the back corner under some pine trees in an attempt to be inconspicuous. She hoped her yellow van would blend in. No such luck with all the shiny cars around.
She walked up the front steps past groups of milling students. The brick building’s boxy appearance seemed cold and rigid. She bit the inside of her lip nervously. Taking one last breath of fresh air, she passed through the large wooden doors.
Chapter 3
Chance glanced out the window at the morning sun crowning the plains to the east. Bird song filled the forest canopy above. With no neighbors for miles, the solitude on the mountainside was peaceful.
Chance lifted his bare arms over his head in a long stretch and groaned. Another monotonous school day. Only a few short months more until he graduated. Thank God.
He dropped to the wood floor and began doing pushups when a light knock came from his door.
“Come in,” he said.
The door cracked open. Niyol’s soft brown eyes focused on his grandson. “Do you have time today after school for training—or will you be working?”
Chance lifted himself to his feet. “Kenny’s expecting me, but I’m free afterwards.”
“I will see you then.”
“Thanks, Grandfather.”
The door slipped shut with a click. Chance pulled on a black t-shirt, grabbed a pair of faded jeans and ran his fingers through his thick hair before he darted downstairs. He sniffed the air, closed his eyes, and walked into the kitchen.
“Morning.” He leaned in to kiss his mother’s smooth bronzed cheek while she cooked breakfast and inhaled the smell of eggs curling up from the pan. Aiyana’s long black hair was pulled back into a low ponytail.
“Good morning. Grandfather was looking for you—did he find you?”
“Yeah.”
“Your father wanted me to ask if you were planning on hanging out with the guys at all today?”
Chance flexed his fingers, annoyed. Why did she always have to start out the day the same way? Did she really think he would give her a new answer today? “No. I only need to be at Kenny’s for an hour or two so I’m gonna head out with grandfather after work.”
His mother frowned but kept her eyes on the frying pan. “Well, I’ll be on shift tonight so I won’t see you, but your dad should be around after he closes up the shop.”
Chance clenched his teeth and shook his head before peering over his mother’s shoulder. “Smells good. I’m starving.”
“One more minute, then you can eat. Why don’t you grab your things while you’re waiting?”
In the living room, he retrieved his bag from a brown suede couch and glanced up at a wide tapestry of a large angular bird. A bright column of light from the skylights above illuminated the weaving and gave it a bright airy glow.
When he returned to the kitchen, his mother was scraping a large pile of eggs onto a plate. He accepted it and within seconds wolfed it down. He deposited the empty dish into the sink and threw his bag over his shoulder.
“Thanks for breakfast, Mom. See you tomorrow,” Chance called over his shoulder as he walked out the front door.
Sunlight glinted off the glossy black paint of his classic Chevy truck. He dragged his fingertips along its side in a tender caress before he jumped in.
The truck roared down the mountainside, a dust trail rising in its wake. He turned onto the highway, sped up and grinned at the speedometer as it climbed above seventy miles per hour. Once he reached the valley, he reluctantly edged his foot off the accelerator.
Chance pulled into the school parking lot. A space was available near a stand of evergreens, and he parked beside a bright yellow camper he had never seen before. He jumped from the cab, locked his door and laughed to himself. It could definitely use a paint job, to top the list.
He walked up the front steps and disappeared inside as the bell rang.
Chapter 4
Ana’s eyes adjusted to the darkened hallway. The school office was immediately to her left and a receptionist sat at a tidy desk perpendicular to the door. She lifted her head and smiled at Ana. Her tight curly hair hugged her head in gray ripples, which made Ana think of fresh sheared wool.
“Hi, I’m Ana Hughes. It’s my first day.”
“Oh, hello. That’s right. I have your file here somewhere.” She opened a drawer then placed some papers in front of Ana. “All right, this is your schedule. Your first class is calculus with Mr. Morrisy. His room’s just down this hall, fourth door on the right. This is your schedule.” She placed it in Ana’s hands. “Any questions?”
“No, I think I’ll be fine.” Hopefully, she thought.
Ana accepted the sheets and skimmed over her schedule.
“Good luck!” The receptionist called after Ana as she walked to the office door, her feet slowing the closer she got. Ana reached for the knob and turned with a flinch. “Thanks.”
Jitters returned to her stomach as she thought about being stared at. The further she walked down the c
orridor, the more her cheeks smoldered. She was unable to tear her eyes away from the cracked linoleum floor. If only she could shrink away or become invisible.
Students filed into the hallways and moved in different directions. A few heads turned Ana’s way, but no one acknowledged her. She tried to focus on where she was going and kept her eyes straight ahead. Thankfully, she found the room she was looking for without having to ask anyone.
Ana opened the door, took a deep breath, and told herself that everything would work out. In just seven hours the worst will be over. She walked in and spotted the teacher standing behind his desk. He waved her over and handed her a book, then directed her to an empty seat at the front of the class. Oh, no, not the front.
The class was full and only a few students continued to filter in. Some of them gawked at her and whispered to their neighbors. Ana’s cheeks scalded. She slid down in her seat and wanted to disappear.
Ana ventured a glance to her right and saw a girl with a kind face who wore glasses. Her blond hair was pulled into a sloppy ponytail. She turned and grinned at Ana. The welcome appeared genuine, so Ana returned a timid smile back.
“I’m Laura. You’re new here?” The girl leaned over to talk to Ana in a low monotone.
Ana whispered back, “Yeah, I just moved this weekend. My name’s Ana.”
“Nice to meet you,” Laura said before she turned her attention back to the front of the room as the bell rang.
The last people darted through the door and shuffled to their seats. Mr. Morrisy cleared his throat and announced to Ana’s horror, “We have a new student in class. Her name is Ana. Please join me in welcoming her to our school.”
Scattered clapping and a couple guffaws echoed through the back of the room. Frozen with fear, she focused on a crack in the linoleum floor in front of the teacher until he continued. “All right people, open your books to page one-seventy-one. We’ll be discussing the Chain Rule today.”
Class passed slowly. The material they reviewed was new to Ana and she struggled to keep up with the lesson.
At the end of the period, Laura walked into the busy hall with her.
“So, do you know where you’re next class is?”
Ana pulled her schedule from her pocket and said, “I have US History with Ms. Walker.”