Time Cursed

CHAPTER 3

  Arlana sat on the steps of the grand ballroom. She was waiting for Avalynn and their dance instructor. She was looking forward to seeing her sister so she made sure to arrive early. It had been three days since they had their dress fitting. Typically she would spend a little time everyday with Avalynn but something had changed. Avalynn had been kept very busy with preparations for the ball. Or she hoped that was the reason Avalynn hadn’t been around. Perhaps she heard about that strange incident in the garden with Kellam. Although he was crush worthy Arlana knew that Avalynn had won Kellam’s interest romantically. Arlana was happy for her sister and would never do anything to cause her problems.

  There had been times in the past when she was separated from Avalynn and Kellam for several days. Usually it was when Marika wanted to travel outside the mangroves. Arlana was never invited on these excursions, which was fine by her. She was not fond of being around Marika. She did her best to be polite to her father’s wife but personally she would be more comfortable in a nest of vipers. Typically Avalynn and Kellam would spend the day before their trip with Arlana and then the day after they got back. It was a ritual. Other than those trips they spent every day together. This is why Arlana was excited to go to dance lessons. She had been so alone these last few days. In the past when Avalynn was away she would visit with Cole or her teacher, Amethyst. Sadly Amethyst left 3 years ago. Arlana mourned her leaving. Although Amethyst was only her instructor she felt more like family than Diokles ever did. She also knew Sophia, Arlana’s mother. She always had a story about Sophia which brought comfort to Arlana. Once Amethyst left Cole seemed to make sure he was available to Arlana should she need someone to speak with.

  Now Cole had left too. She hadn’t seen him since she slammed her door in his face. Marco was assigned as her new protector and he rarely spoke to her. She had been so upset with Cole and now she feared that her anger pushed him away. Marco said that Diokles had Cole on a special project but what could be so important that the captain of the protectors was called away right before an important event? Why had I been so angry, Arlana thought. He is always over-protective but you should never have gotten mad at him for doing his job, she berated herself. She had few friends here and they all left her this week.

  Arlana sighed. At least I will be able to see Avalynn today.

  “Arlana! You are here so early! I thought for sure I would have to send Kellam looking for you!” Avalynn called out.

  “I could not wait to see you dear sister! I have missed you so. What have you been up to these last few days?” Arlana responded feeling relieved to see her sister well.

  “Marika has had me very busy with preparations for this Saturday.” Avalynn replied and then leaned in and whispered in Arlana’s ear, “She says there is going to be an amazing surprise for us! Don’t tell anyone though it is a secret to everyone!”

  Avalynn then grabbed Arlana’s hands and asked “Are you ready to Waltz?”

  “Um, yes I, guess I am.” Arlana said hesitantly.

  “Oh Arlana! Why do you always hate dance lessons? Just think how wonderful it is going to be at the ball to dance with all the men that are coming!” Avalynn said enthusiastically with a wink.

  “Avalynn, only camp people are going to be at the ball. Who are these men you will be dancing with?” Arlana asked confused

  “Yes only camp people but some of the protectors won’t be on duty so you will be able to dance with them. Please do not tell me you haven’t noticed how hot they are. If Kellam wasn’t taking me I would definitely be making a list of which ones I would dance with.” Avalynn said laughing. She seemed so excited about the ball. Arlana couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s enthusiasm.

  “Well, when you put it that way I can see why you would be excited. I am sure the protectors are quite sad to hear that you will not be an available dance partner. Personally I know that I will not be asked to dance so I really find my being at this lesson a waste of time but for you my sister I will try my best to match your excitement.” Arlana said smiling.

  “Oh Arlana, why do you think no one will dance with you. I know for a fact that our handsome protectors are looking forward to the time they get to spend with you on the dance floor.” Avalynn responded. Then conspiratorially she whispered “Why else would Diokles so abruptly change who is guarding us. You know father is so overprotective and he is very observant. The other day I heard him tell Sven that he made adjustments to ensure that distractions wouldn’t cost him his daughter. Hmmm now don’t you just wonder whom he might have been thinking about?”

  Arlana looked at Avalynn quizzically. What was her sister going on about? The change occurred because she had been unforgivably rude to Cole. Avalynn was so sweet to think it was for a reason more romantic.

  At that moment Arlana felt a familiar sensation along the back of her neck. She turned her head and saw Cole standing talking to Marco across the road. He wasn’t wearing his usual protector uniform. He seemed more casually dressed. It reminded her of the time he took her to New York in 2012. Actually the more she thought about it the more she realized that his outfit was the same one that that model was wearing at Central Park. Cole had said it was a model for GQ. She didn’t know what that meant and had meant to ask but then the model walked up to her and introduced himself. Honestly it is no wonder she forgot to ask. All she could remember about that moment was that man’s smile and stunning good looks. She had gushed about him all the way home. She had been so surprised that he had spoken to her and he had even asked her to dinner. Of course Cole stepped in and told him that was out of the question. Arlana had been disappointed but she remembered telling Cole that she couldn’t believe such a hot guy would even want to say “hi” to her. Cole of course was polite and gave the obligatory “why wouldn’t he Arlana, you are a pretty girl” reply. He must have been so bored that day.

  “Earth to Arlana, come in Arlana,” Avalynn called out.

  Arlana jumped and looked at her sister. She felt a blush coming on. “Hmmm, so is there a guy you are hoping to dance with after all. Who is it?” Avalynn asked with a smile. She started to look where Arlana had been staring when two hands covered her eyes. “Guess who?”

  “Oh, Kellam!” Avalynn gushed. “That hasn’t worked in years! Now that you are here lets go in and practice the waltz. Marika says it is the most important dance at the ball!” Avalynn said with an infectious laugh.

  Phew! Arlana thought. Avalynn had a way of jumping to incorrect conclusions and never letting them go. She couldn’t tell Avalynn that she was thinking about a handsome man she met briefly in New York. Cole took her without getting Diokles approval. She couldn’t get him in trouble for that. She took one last look across the street and froze. Cole was staring right at her. His eyes seemed stormy and dark. Could he still be mad at her? Then he smiled at her and turned away. Arlana let out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding. He smiled; she thought he must have forgiven her. Arlana smiled and walked into the dance hall. “What could have caused such an amazing smile on your face, Arlana?” Kellam asked. “Could it be you missed me and are elated to see me?”

  “What…Oh no...I mean of course I am happy to see you Kellam. I was just glad to….um, see you and Avalynn dancing together.” Arlana said lamely. She was too embarrassed to tell him that she had yelled at Cole because of him and that she was happy he wasn’t mad at her. As she looked at Kellam her heart skipped a beat. He had the most devastatingly seductive smile she had ever seen. She was mesmerized by it. As she realized that her gaze had been fixated on his mouth she blushed and looked away. When she looked back at him he was smirking with one eyebrow up. Did he notice? Why was she acting like this? Avalynn is the one attracted to Kellam. Not me she thought. He is the dorky yet extremely hot big brother.

  “Hmmm, well, we aren’t dancing yet so I am not sure I am buying it.” Kellam said suspiciously interrupting her thoughts. She blushed again.

  “No, well of course not, you see I
was picturing how nice the two of you will look dancing at the ball. It makes me happy. Why ever would I cause you suspicion Kellam?” Arlana asked teasingly. She hoped he wouldn’t pry any deeper.

  “Let’s start practicing!” Called out the instructor. Arlana sighed in relief and walked onto the dance floor.

  Towards the end of their lesson, Arlana stepped outside to take a break. It was more important that the instructor worked with Avalynn and Kellam since they knew that they would be dancing. Arlana was positive that no one would want to dance with her. Avalynn was always the beautiful twin with her dark auburn hair hazel eyes and curvy feminine body. Her laugh was infectious and she always had a smile for everyone. Arlana never minded that her sister was so pretty and that men vied for her attention all the time. Arlana knew she couldn’t compare. After all she was too slender with unruly curly strawberry blond hair.

  The only time any man other than Cole or Kellam spoke to her was that GQ guy.

  “Maybe that’s why I remember that guy so vividly” she pondered out loud.

  “That guy?” Arlana jumped and looked up. Cole was standing in front of her. “What guy are you talking about and what about him do you remember so vividly!?” Cole asked in a terse voice. “Perhaps I should double your guard duty Arlana; I warned Marco that you liked to wander!”

  “What guy??? “ Arlana paused thinking for a less embarrassing answer than that one in the park. “Oh, um, no it is not what you think Cole. Actually I haven’t really had any desire to do anything this week. Marco has had a boring time.” Arlana flushed, what a weird thing to say, she thought. “Speaking of which, where have you been? I...”Arlana said and then hesitated. As she looked at Cole she realized that he was angry. How could she have thought he forgave her? Maybe he hadn’t smiled earlier. What was his problem? Really?!

  “So then answer my question. What guy is it that you remember so vividly?” Cole asked tersely.

  Arlana could not believe how he was talking to her. “Excuse me? You know most people say hi before they start commanding people about! I can’t see how your men could ever like working with you. You are so rude! Here I was about to apologize to you for slamming my door in your face but now I know you deserved it. What is your problem? Why do you hate me so much? Oh, and to answer your question, none of your business!” Arlana yelled at Cole and then stormed away. What a jerk she thought! And here I was upset that I had yelled at him the other day.

  When she got to her cabin she walked in and slammed the door. She was so angry she couldn’t keep still. She needed to go to the waterfall. She knew it would calm her down but she couldn’t have Marco follow her. She needed space. Ha! She laughed to herself. For the last three days she was miserable because she was all alone. How ironic life can be.

  Arlana was a pro at sneaking out. Cole was right about her wandering. She never left the camp but it was big enough to get lost in. She didn’t want Marco to get in trouble so she locked her door and went into her bedroom. She thought about putting pillows under her sheets but they never barged into her cabin. They would think she was having a tantrum or pouting or whatever strange thing they always thought about her. Plus she always got away with sneaking out because there really was no danger to her here. She opened the back window peaked outside and climbed out.

  The sun had almost set casting just a bit of light across the camp. The sky was a pinkish orange and soon it would be dark. She knew the forest like the back of her hand and was not afraid of entering there at night. She almost hoped for some excitement or mystery. She might not even mind getting lost since then she wouldn't have to deal with the insecure feeling that soon she would be alone. She didn't know why she felt this way. Maybe this walk would help get her mind off of things. She decided to concentrate on the beauty of the forest that surrounded her. She heard an owl hoot from above. As she looked up she saw it gliding across the sky, its white wings stretched out wide, into some distant trees. There was a slight breeze with just a nip of cold in the air. As she passed through the trees she reached out with her hands to touch the smooth leaves that were just beginning to turn red and orange. By the time she was in the meadow the grasses were so overgrown they seemed to swallow her up with each step. As she neared the waterfall she longed for her Mom and the comfort her presence had always brought.

  By the time she reached the waterfall she was starting to feel less agitated. She reached her hands in and knelt to drink the crystal clear water. She felt rejuvenated and decided to climb to the top of her favorite boulder. When she reached the top she lay down and stared at the stars. She closed her eyes and imagined her mom there with her. The image helped smooth away the turbulent emotions the day’s events had brought on. She thought she would only rest her eyes for a few minutes but before she realized it she was drifting into a happy dream of times past.