* * *
Gavin's white Prius pulled up in front of the house. He jumped out of the car. I grabbed my coat, hat and gloves, and picked up my backpack as he knocked on the door. I waited for Melanie to open it. That’s the rule.
"Hey, Sara, ready to go?" His smile was bright, but it didn't completely reach his eyes.
"Yes. I don't need anything special do I?"
"Naw, Anali's cooking us lunch, and then we're going to a museum." Gavin wrinkled his nose.
"Where are you going?" Shante demanded, her brown eyes looking at me suspiciously.
"I'm going with my Uncle Gavin." I said, pointing to him as he filled out a visitation form.
"Will you be back?" Shante's asked in a small voice.
"Yes, I will, about six tonight, okay?" Shante hugged me and nodded into my stomach, then darted off.
"Go, have a good time," Melanie said.
I waved bye and followed Gavin out to the car. He fairly bounced with excitement. "What has you so happy?" I asked, unable to keep the smile from my face; his emotions were overwhelming.
"We have a surprise for you," Gavin answered, his grin so wide it must have hurt his face.
"Where are we going?" I asked as we turned right, the opposite direction from the school.
"That's part of the surprise."
I shook my head at Gavin's excitement and watched as the neighborhood changed. The houses became bigger and more expensive with gold leaf decorating the scroll work. Gavin pulled into a driveway in front of a dark blue house with lavender and cream trim and brilliant gold accent on the scroll work. I looked up at the huge building. It looked at least twice the size of Hope House.
"I own this house," Gavin explained excitedly as we drove down a narrow drive to the back of the house. "The bottom floor is an antique shop, the second floor is where the manager of the shop lives, and the top floor is where my family used to stay when in town."
"Oh, cool. Why were you staying at the circus school before?" The driveway stretched much longer than I expected. This was a big house.
Gavin blushed getting out of the car, then headed for a narrow wooden staircase. "I'm not a morning person, and it was easier to be right there. Come on, Anali's expecting us."
"Is Kayin here, too?"
"No, he's staying with Phillip until we get custody of you." Gavin explained. "I didn't want anything to mess up your coming to live with us."
It was my turn to blush. His commitment to my living with him flustered me. It wasn't like I didn't want to live with him, but I wasn't sure that I did want to live with him, either. If Gavin and Anali wanted me, I would worry that once they got to know me they'd change their minds. However, they needed me; the Children of Fire needed me, and I knew they wouldn't back out. I had a destiny to fulfill. I did wonder if Gavin and Anali would regret having to take me in, and if they would say goodbye as soon as all the magical creatures were back home.
"Perfect timing," Anali said as we stepped into the apartment. She laid white cloth placemats on the glass table. Her yellow sari flowed around her reminding me of Aya, their skin almost the same shade of copper-brown. "I'm about finished cooking."
"I'll help put things on the table," Gavin said as he tossed his coat up on the coat tree. "Make yourself at home, Sara."
I nodded at his retreating back and looked around as I hung up my coat, scarf, and hat. The room was open and airy, and the hardwood floor shone from being recently polished. Large windows let in the sun, and the many houseplants soaked it up. In front of me stood a glass dining room table with four white upholstered chairs around it, and to the left was the swinging door Gavin went through to the kitchen. On the right was the living room, which had a large fireplace in one corner, and a couch, love seat and chair, all with polished wooden legs and white upholstery. In the middle of the room sat a coffee table with the same scroll work as the couches, and a large, dark red oriental rug.
This wasn't a home for children. I was terrified to even walk on the floor, let alone sit down at the table. Everything looked so clean and delicate. Gavin burst through the door carrying a pitcher of lemonade, three plates with three glasses balanced on top of them. I bit my lip to keep myself from telling him to be careful. Anali came next holding two steaming bowls that smelled so good that for a second I didn't care about getting the glass table dirty.
"Come and sit," Gavin said as he laid out plates and glasses. As I got closer he smiled and pointed to the seat in the middle. I carefully sat down and stared at the thin plates; they were white with a delicate gold circle half an inch from the edge.
Anali smiled as she set down rolls and condiments for the sandwiches. "I know they look fancy, but this is the 'everyday’ china." I smiled as she rolled her eyes and made air quotes. "It took me a while to get used to it."
"Most places I've lived have thick plastic plates that you can't break," I confessed, touching the finely cut water glass.
Anali leaned closer. "In my village in India we used wooden plates, and our glasses were metal or cleaned-out coconut shells. I was so scared I would break one of Gavin's dishes that when he wasn't home, I'd eat out of pots or put food on a napkin."
I giggled as she blushed. Leaning closer to me she whispered a secret into my ear. "One day I couldn't take it anymore, and I flung one of the plates to the floor. It shattered into a million pieces."
"What happened?" I whispered holding my breath. Gavin must have been so mad.
Anali's face softened as love and tenderness washed over her. "Gavin rushed into the kitchen demanding to know if I was all right. When I apologized for breaking the plate he looked at me as if I was crazy and said..."
"I don't care about some stupid plate; I care about you. Then I cleaned up the mess." Gavin laughed as we both blushed. "Sara, I don't know how you grew up; heck, I don't even know your favorite color. This is how I grew up, and how your mom grew up. They are nice things, but they are only things. So don't worry about the dishes. Just enjoy the meal. Do we need anything else? I'm ready to eat."
"No, dear, we have everything. Go ahead and sit down." Anali smiled at him, and I could tell how much she loved him. Gavin's pale green eyes became lost for a moment in her warm brown ones, showing he loved her, too.
Gavin helped me put together my first vegetarian cheese steak. He slathered a soft roll with mayonnaise and mustard, then added several slices of provolone cheese, grilled onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, tempeh, spinach, and topped it off with pickled sweet peppers. It was huge and dripping with juice and melting cheese. I looked at it suspiciously. Watching Gavin take a bite of his sandwich I couldn't help but smile at the moan of happiness as he chewed, oil dripping down his chin.
I carefully picked up the drippy sandwich and opened my mouth wide in order to take a bite. Yum! The gooey cheese melted around the grilled vegetables, and the sweet pepper cut a bit of the richness. Gavin looked at me expectantly, and I smiled around my mouthful. He puffed up proudly, and went back to his own lunch.
Melanie was always easygoing about my being a vegetarian. She even bought me veggie burgers and cans of beans to add to the food cooked at the house. Even then, I didn't have access to a lot of different foods. I looked forward to eating more meals with Gavin and Anali.
We ate quietly for a while, and Gavin began making a second sandwich.
"Where are we going today?" I asked.
"The de Young Fine Arts Museum. There is a traveling exhibit there for ancient pottery and jewelry from the Middle East. It leaves next week, and I want to see it," Anali said.
Gavin pouted, but I could tell it was only to tease Anali. I could feel his playfulness—it tickled.
"That sounds like fun. Maybe I can tie something we see there into my report for history." An easy way to get a good grade on a paper is to do something different from everyone else. I mean, how boring can it be to read thirty papers on ancient Egypt?
"What's your report on?" Gavin asked.
"I’m thinking of doin
g it on ancient Babylon." It seemed like a good idea to learn how Shamash and Aya lived.
"Do you like school?" Anali asked.
"I guess. I get good grades, mostly so I can get scholarships to college and get rewards at the group home." I answered before taking another bite.
"What about friends?" Gavin asked.
"I don't have any." It wasn't that big a deal. Most of the kids in my school are into drama so they weren't fun to hang out with. "I have some people I hang out with at lunch but no one I'm close to. It's not like I can go and hang out with anyone after school or on the weekends."
"Why not?" Gavin tilted his head to the side in confusion.
"Hope House is a 24/7 group home. I can't go hang out whenever I want to." Gavin looked upset, and I wasn't sure why. "It's fine. Melanie takes us out a lot, and I don't have a lot in common with the kids at school."
"Gavin, why don't you show Sara around the apartment while I clean up from lunch." Anali suggested carefully changing the topic.
"Okay, thanks." Gavin kissed her cheek. "Come on, Sara, I'll give you the grand tour."
We started in the clean white kitchen, which looked big enough for several people to help cook a meal. Pale blue forget-me-nots were painted on random tiles along the walls and counters. Down the hallway the family room held a large TV, stereo and comfortable cream couches, another oriental rug protected the hard wood floor, this one with a dark blue background.
"The living room is for entertaining in a formal setting. This is where we hang out and relax." I wasn't sure I could relax in such a fancy room. "I got a new gaming system, I wasn't sure if you like to play, but if you want to, we can."
"I haven't played in years. My second foster placement owned one. I don't remember what kind. It was fun," I offered.
Gavin's smile wavered a bit, but came back full force the next moment. "Here, I'll show you your room."
I have a room?
Down the hallway were four doors; the one on the left opened to a bathroom, white and sea green. The first door on the right had been Gavin's room as a child. "Our parents let us decorate them,” he explained, blushing a little. The room was black– the walls, sheets, and the furniture all painted black. The only breaks in the blackness were the books on the shelves, and posters of heavy metal bands on the walls.
I raised an eyebrow at him in question.
"I was fourteen," Gavin mumbled. “And Metallica still rocks."
I smirked and followed him to the next door. I should have realized what the next room had been, maybe then it wouldn't have been such a shock. Unfortunately, it didn't occur to me.
"This was your mother's room," Gavin said softly, opening the door. "It's your room now."
I couldn't breathe. I didn't blink. The walls were painted warm lavender and the blanket on the four-poster bed was made of white lace. The shelves matched the white pine bed frame and held books, delicate figurines, and a few swimming trophies. Behind the white lace curtains, crystals hung in the window, catching the sunlight and turning it into rainbows which danced on the walls. There was a white pine vanity with a large mirror. On the top sat a silver brush set, a jewelry box, and a half empty bottle of perfume.
My hands shook as I picked up the bottle and sniffed a light floral scent, nothing I would ever wear. Tears ran down my face as I looked around the very feminine room. There were several books of sheet music on one shelf, below that a row of books, most of which looked like romance novels.
I never cared about being labeled a tomboy until I stepped into my mom's room. Angrily, I wiped at my face. I couldn't help but think my mom would have been so disappointed in me. I straightened my plain black shirt.
"We can redecorate it if you like," Gavin offered softly.
"I don't...I'm not sure..." I stopped trying to talk. I couldn't. This wasn't my room.
"It's okay." Gavin placed a hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to decide now. Once Gabriella and I went to college, we stopped coming here on family vacations."
I nodded silently, afraid to talk. I could tell Gavin wanted to offer a hug, but held back. Part of me wanted to bury my face in his shoulder. I pushed that part down. I didn't know how long he would stick around. It would be better if I dealt with this alone.
"Let me show you the rest, then we can go."
"Sure." I shut the door behind me.
"Anali decorated it." Gavin shrugged and opened the door at the end of the hall.
I blinked. Wow, this room was bright. The walls were sky blue; yellow translucent cotton draped over the four-poster bed; the sheets and pillows were bright pinks and oranges. The room felt vibrant and happy. I guessed the two other doors lead to a closet and bathroom.
"You have a lovely home,” I said, remembering my manners. My first foster mom was big into manners.
"It's yours, too,” Gavin insisted. "I know nothing is official, but when they let you move in with me you'll live here, too."
"What about New York?"
Gavin smiled. "We'll get there eventually. I run the business, but I don't enjoy it. They can send me important papers to sign, and I'll delegate the hands-on work to those who like it. I plan on doing that once when we begin traveling with the circus, now it will happen a bit earlier. Anyway, Anali and I thought it would be good to stay here until after the end of the school year. We want to make things go as easily as possible for you."
"Thanks, it’s much easier to stay in the same school." I hated changing schools.
"Anali keeps reminding me that while I'm very excited, that this whole thing could be scary for you. If you need or want anything, let me know. I'll do my best," Gavin said.
"Thank you," I said. "I can't think of anything I need right now."
"Well if that changes, please tell me or Anali."
"It's time to go," Anali called out to us, again saving me from an awkward conversation.
We piled into the car. Gavin's spicy scent blended perfectly with Anali's light jasmine perfume. We sat in uncomfortable silence for several minutes. Anali once again came to the rescue. "Have you decided what classes to take at the Circus Center?"
"I'm thinking about taking beginning acrobatics and aerial arts, because they are required for other classes I want to take later, and I'd like to take juggling."
"Good choice, especially if you want to do any of the cool classes," Anali replied.
"Then you can take mine, I'm teaching Chinese pole and trampoline," Gavin exclaimed. "Hey, if the classes you're taking end around the time mine end, I'd be happy to drive you home."
"Okay, thanks." I didn't mind taking the bus or walking, but sometimes at night it did get a bit creepy. "You'll have to get permission from Five, um, David."
"Why do you call your caseworker Five?" Anali asked.
I shrugged, "He's my fifth caseworker."
"It sounds like you’re talking about, Dr. Who. I love that show. Nine is my favorite. Okay here's the museum,” Gavin announced and started looking for a place to park.
Thirty minutes later we walked into the museum. People were milling about quietly, some looking bored, some enthralled, and some trying to feel inspired. Despite Gavin's seeming reluctance to go to the museum, he made a great tour guide. He knew all about the pieces displayed, where they were from, what they were used for and how they were made.
We walked past a couple arguing and I was grateful my empathy seemed to be turned down. I couldn’t remember when I last dreamt of Akasha, but I appeared to have better control.
"How do you know all this?" I asked, after Gavin explained yet another display of artifacts from Assyria.
"Oh, well, I have a master’s degree in art history, with a minor in archeology. It helps with appraising pieces for auctions and finding authentic pieces to help the Children of Fire,” Gavin explained with a shrug.
Wait, this didn't make sense. "Why didn't you want to come here, then?"
"I did; I just like being a pain." Gavin moved on to the next display case.
br /> I rolled my eyes and Anali giggled next to me.
The amount of talent ancient people possessed amazed me. What they could create from stone, wood, and pottery made some of our current creations look pathetic. They didn't have the tools we have today, and yet the intricacy and detail they created with their hands and a few simple tools was awe inspiring.
We came to a case filled with artifacts from Phoenicia. In the center of the case stood a glass vase, some of the first glass ever made, more than five thousand years old. The pieces were dark blue glass with ribbons of yellow and green glass. I couldn't take my eyes off the delicate vase. How did they discover sand could be melted into glass? Who thought of adding different ingredients to get colors? I leaned forward almost touching the case, as if by getting a little closer the answers would suddenly be revealed to me.
The soft noise of the museum faded away.
A young woman sat by a fountain in her father's house. Nervously she trailed her fingers along the bright mosaic tiles. Tomorrow she would get married, and today she would meet her husband for the first time. Her father was a kind man who loved her very much. She knew he would pick a good man for her, but she couldn't help being nervous.
She stood as a throat cleared, and a tall figure walked towards her. The sun shone behind him and she couldn't see his face. Servants set out a tray of mint tea and dates, then stood back to wait in the shadows, silently chaperoning the visit.
"Good afternoon, would you join me?" she said, offering her future husband a seat.
"Yes, thank you, Tanith." His voice sounded warm and confident.
Tanith smiled at him. "My father said your name is Sikarbaal."
"Yes, sorry, I should have introduced myself."
As he stepped closer and sat down, Tanith's smile widened. Sikarbaal's eyes had soft lines around them from smiling; he was a handsome man. Tanith poured the tea and handed him a cup.
He took a sip of the fragrant mint tea then set down the red and white painted cup. "I have a gift for you, a wedding present."
"That is very kind of you." Tanith held out her hands to accept the cloth-covered package. Carefully she opened it. "It's beautiful, thank you very much."
"It has perfume in it, I hope you find the scent pleasing."
Tanith pulled the blue glass stopper and took a sniff. "Roses. Oh, Sikarbaal, it's lovely."
I saw flashes of their lives, happiness, sorrow, births, deaths, and through it all, a lovely dark blue glass vase with ribbons of green and yellow filled with rose perfume sat next to their bed.
My eyes flew open as I came back to the present. Gavin held me in his arms walking quickly to the doors.
"Let's get her outside," Anali said. "Maybe if we get her away from everyone, she'll be able to calm down."
I tried to tell them I was okay but my voice didn't work. I could hear Anali assuring someone that I was fine and needed some air. Gavin didn't say anything. He moved quickly to the doors, and we both gasped as we hit the cold, wet air. Sitting down, Gavin held me close, as if shielding me from anything bad with his arms.
"I'm okay," I managed to whisper.
"What happened?" Anali asked as she placed a hand on my forehead checking my temperature.
"I wanted to know more about the glass vase and suddenly I was in Phoenicia watching this girl being given that vase by her fiancé. She'd met him that day." I shook my head as if to clear it and leaned closer into Gavin.
"You have come into a lot of power." Gavin explained. "It will take a while to learn to control it, and while you're getting used to it, gifts will flare up."
"So I could be sitting in school and suddenly what? Talk in another language? Burst into flames? Know what everyone around me is thinking?"
"Unfortunately, yes, but we are here to help you. You can call either Anali or me whenever you need us. We will teach you how to use and control your gifts."
"I thought Shamash and Aya would teach me how to use my gifts."
"They do," Aya said. "But dreams happen mostly in your subconscious. Information they give you helps, but you need to practice here so you can consciously control your power."
I took a few deep breaths and began to sit up, pulling away from Gavin. "Shouldn't we be doing that instead of going to a museum?"
"No," Anali said. "We don't know each other, and without some basis of trust and understanding, it would be too hard."
"And," Gavin interrupted. "I want to get to know you. I want us to be a family."
I didn't know what to say.
"Do you know how to block out other people's feelings?" Anali asked.
"A little bit. I can imagine a bubble around me, and that blocks people's emotions from overwhelming me. But I still know what they’re feeling, and if their emotions are strong or directed right at me, the bubble doesn't help at all."
"I’m happy to help you with this," Anali offered. "I'm empathetic, not as powerful as you, but I can show you techniques that will help."
"That’s great, thank you," I said, my shoulders relaxing a bit. It helped knowing I wasn't in this alone.
Gavin looked at his watch. “We still have time, how about we head downtown, do some window shopping or actually shopping if something catches our eye, then have dinner?”
“Sounds good to me,” Anali said. “I still haven’t gotten to explore San Francisco yet.”
“Sure,” I stood and straightened my jacket. “I’m always up for wandering around.”