Time Cursed

CHAPTER 5

  Arlana sat at her dressing table staring at her reflection. She looked over at the ball gown that was hanging on a hook on her bedroom door. It truly was beautiful. The tailor had done a remarkable job.

  Avalynn had told Arlana that an up do would be best with the gown. Arlana agreed but she stared back at her reflection and grimaced. Arlana had never worn her hair up. When she was seven years old her mother had made her promise to never show anyone the birthmark behind her left ear. All of Diokles’ children had a star birthmark that was one shade lighter than their skin tone behind their right ear. Arlana had that birthmark behind her right ear. She also had a birthmark of a half moon that was one shade darker than her skin tone behind her left ear. According to Sophia none of Diokles’ other children had such a birthmark. Sophia had worried that something bad would happen to Arlana if anyone at the camp saw that mark and made Arlana promise to always keep it hidden. She was never allowed to show it to anyone at the camp.

  Arlana had always remembered how scared Sophia sounded when she first saw Arlana’s different birthmark and she always kept her promise to her mother. As she stared at her reflection she tried to think of a way to pull her hair back and keep her birthmark hidden. She tried pulling it back different ways but could not hide the mark. She thought about putting a bandage over it but that would lead to questions and Arlana did not want that attention. Avalynn wanted Arlana to see Melody, the camp hair dresser, but Arlana vetoed that idea. She had always styled her own hair to keep her promise. She had never really spoken to Melody but she convinced Avalynn that Melody scared her. Eventually Avalynn let the idea go.

  Now it was the day of the ball and Arlana had no idea what to do. As she tried putting combs in her hair she heard a knock at her cabin door. That was strange. Avalynn and Kellam were the only people that ever visited her and they never knocked.

  Arlana got up and answered the door. She was surprised to find Marco standing there. Aside from the usual greetings they never spoke. He was a ghost or rather a shadow and that was it. Arlana frowned. “How may I help you Marco?” She asked.

  Marco shifted uneasily and said, “I am here to take you to the salon. Avalynn will meet you there.”

  “Forget it! I am not going!” Arlana said sourly. Avalynn had crossed a line. Arlana figured it was Marika who was making this happen but she couldn’t believe her sister was involved!

  “Um, I’m sorry I forgot to mention that the salon is outside the camp. Sorry, Avalynn and Cole both told me to clarify that first and well now I understand. Grab your coat and let’s go. I don’t want to be late.” Marco stammered nervously.

  Arlana stared at him dumbfounded. First how could a man his age be so timid around a girl her age? He was a protector after all and he had been made immortal when he was thirty-five years old. Cole had more nerve than Marco and Cole had been made immortal at the age of twenty-three. Of course that was a few hundred years back. Secondly, Avalynn had managed to convince Marika or Diokles to let Arlana go with her to a hair salon outside the camp. Arlana couldn’t believe it.

  “Oh. Well then, of course. Give me a moment.” Arlana responded in a surprised voice. She ran back into her cabin and grabbed a coat. As she headed back to the door she stopped and looked at what she was wearing. She had on a cashmere cardigan in the same wine color as her dress and black skinny jeans tucked in black suede boots that came up to her knees. Was she in era appropriate clothing? She asked Marco and he responded that she was.

  Arlana didn’t have many opportunities to travel outside the camp and she was both nervous and excited. With the exception of the few unsanctioned trips Cole had taken her on she was always at the camp. The day was looking better and better.

  “There you are!” Avalynn said excitedly when she saw Arlana. She then whispered “I was worried that Marco may have said the wrong thing. Cole and I both coached him but for some reason he gets all tongue tied around you. Hmmm makes me wonder if maybe he has a crush on you.” Avalynn winked at Arlana.

  Arlana laughed at the ridiculousness of the statement. “Marco is just a man of few words and he told me that teenagers make him nervous.”

  They were standing outside the salon in a place called Beverly Hills. Arlana remembered from her lessons that this was an affluent area in the late 20th and early 21st century. The early 21st century had been one of Arlana’s favorite eras she studied in her lessons. So much good and bad had happened at that time. So much changed in the world and it was fascinating how people handled the changes.

  Avalynn grabbed her hand and they went into the salon.

  “Ah darling Avalynn! It has been too long!” said a man walking towards them. His hair was black with the exception of a blue streak through his bangs that were longer than all the rest of his hair. He had a hoop through his bottom lip and wore dark eyeliner around his eyes. Arlana had never seen anyone with two toned hair and metal in his face. She couldn’t help but stare. He turned his eyes to her and smiled. His eyes were a startling turquoise color. Arlana realized that her mouth was open and closed it.

  “Sebastian, thank you for taking us on such late notice. This is my sister Arlana.” Avalynn said with a syrupy sweet voice. Arlana turned to look at her sister. She had never heard Avalynn sound like that and she was beginning to feel truly like a fish out of water. Avalynn had traveled outside the camp so often and seen so much. She had interacted with the world outside and seemed so adept at its nuances.

  “Shame on you Avalynn! You told me your sister was pretty but you were wrong! She is beautiful. Stunning bellissima you are stunning! It is an honor to meet the sister of lady Avalynn. Please come and have a seat. I hear you have an important ball tonight! I was told to make you beautiful. Luckily you are already a beauty. My work will be easy” Sebastian gushed.

  Arlana blushed. No one had ever said that she was beautiful. She was sure he was only saying that because it was his job but she still liked hearing it.

  “Michelle will work with you today Avalynn. She has some very exciting news to tell you.” Sebastian said over his shoulder as he guided Arlana to a chair in front of a mirror.

  When she sat down he turned her towards the mirror and stared at her image. “Now, lady Arlana, your sister sent me a photo of your ball gown. I have the perfect style for you. No one will be able to take their eyes off of you tonight!” Sebastian said enthusiastically.

  “Um, wow, I don’t think I would know what to do with that kind of attention Mr. Sebastian. What did you have in mind?” Arlana said meekly. The idea of everyone looking at her was absurd and scary. Was he planning on making her hair as blue as his?

  “Oh please call me Sebastian. I was thinking we will pull your hair up with loose curly tendrils coming down from the back. Your hair is long enough. It will show off your elegant neck and enhance the neckline of your dress.”

  “Um, that sounds nice but I would prefer my hair not be pulled back.” Arlana said nervously. She then gestured for Sebastian to move closer and whispered “I have a birthmark behind my ear that I don’t like people seeing. Please don’t say anything to anyone about it. I wouldn’t want to hurt Avalynn’s feelings. She has a birthmark behind her ear too.”

  Sebastian smiled at her knowingly. “Ah yes her star mark. Well she seems to have no issues with showing it off but if you rather it be discreet than we shall do something different. Now let me see…”

  Sebastian began trying different styles with Arlana’s hair. He eventually seemed happy with a style and pulled it down. “Ok I have the perfect ‘down’ style for you, but we must cut your hair and perhaps add some highlights. You are going to look amazing!” Sebastian said enthusiastically.

  As he began putting the highlights in Arlana’s hair she stared at the mirror in fascination. She had no idea what the highlights would do but she found the way he would weave the combs pointy end through her hair amazing. The stuff he put on it smelled unpleasant but not so much that she minded. As she watched him progress she
couldn’t help but giggle at her reflection. The foil that he was wrapping her highlighted hair in reminded her of a story she read about 20th century people putting foil on their head to keep them safe from being mind probed by aliens. She had never been able to picture what that looked like until now.

  When he was done he sat her under a dryer. Although she had been offered a magazine she declined. He brought her a glass of champagne and said he would be back in 20 minutes. Arlana took a sip of her drink and then closed her eyes. The week had been exhausting. As she thought about all the preparations for the ball that she had gone through she realized that what had exhausted her were her interactions with Cole and Kellam. Thankfully the last of the drama had ended when Kellam and Cole had left her at her cabin Wednesday night or rather Thursday morning. The rest of the week was uneventful. She had spent most of her time with Avalynn. She hadn’t seen Cole or Kellam.

  The ball was tonight and she was finally feeling excited about it.

  “Arlana you look so funny with all that foil! Is he highlighting your hair?” Arlana heard Avalynn ask. She opened her eyes and her sister was sitting under the drier next to her. She also had foil in her hair.

  “I believe that is what he said he was doing. Is that why you have foil in your hair too?” Arlana said with a laugh. They looked ridiculous.

  “I am getting low lights. I just want a little texture in my hair. I can’t wait to see it when it is done!”

  While they waited they spoke about everything. Arlana couldn’t remember the last time she had spent this much time with just her sister. Marika took Avalynn everywhere with her. Arlana’s time with her sister was daily but in short intervals and usually with Kellam there. Just as Arlana had that thought Avalynn begun talking about Kellam. “I can’t believe he wants to go with me to the dance. There were times that I thought he would ask you. I would catch him looking at you with an odd expression on his face, but I think I was just making it up in my mind. I just like him so much Arlana. You are ok with my being with Kellam aren’t you? I mean I know you two are close but you never seem interested in him more than a brother. Actually you always seem to cringe when he hugs you…why is that? Oh. I’m sorry I am just being silly. You would tell me if you were unhappy that I am with Kellam wouldn’t you?” Avalynn said hurriedly.

  Arlana looked at her sister in surprise. This had come out of nowhere. How long had her sister been worried about Arlana being upset that Kellam had asked her to the ball. Why would she worry so? Had Kellam told her about what had happened this week? Actually, what had happened between her and Kellam this week? No it was probably only in her mind. “Of course I am ok with you going with Kellam. I know how much you like him so I am glad that he is your date. For you I want nothing but happiness and Kellam is perfect for that. Not only is he good looking, charming and brave but he is also very devoted to you. I mean why else would he run around all over making sure I am safe so you don’t worry. Thank you for being concerned but I am 100% happy for you Av!” Arlana said with a smile.

  “Run around all over making sure your safe? For me? Um, I am not sure what you mean by that but I am glad you are happy for me. You are my sister and I would never want anything or anyone to come between us. If you hurt, I hurt. I mean if it had caused you to be unhappy and you stopped talking to me I don’t know what I would do. We must always stick together. Promise me you will never leave me!” Avalynn said in a worried and serious tone.

  Arlana looked at her sister in surprise. Where was this insecurity coming from? Why would Avalynn be so worried that Arlana would not speak to her? Arlana had never seen this insecure side of her sister. It made her worry about why she would be so concerned but she smiled and said “Of course we’ll be together forever. Nothing could ever make me hate you Avalynn. Why are you even worried?”

  “Oh, I don’t know, I had a strange dream last night. It was in the future. I was getting married to Kellam. As I was about to take the marriage vow I turned to look for you and you were nowhere to be found. I ran outside the cabin and saw you walking towards the mangroves. I had called your name but you didn’t stop walking. I ran towards you and grabbed you but you just turned and looked at me like I was a stranger. You smiled, turned and disappeared. It really scared me. It seemed so real at the time and well I just... I don’t know I guess I am just being silly.” Avalynn said as she shrugged her shoulders.

  “That sounds very unsettling. It is no wonder that you felt concerned. Avalynn I love you and would never leave you. Please don’t worry. After all, tonight is our big celebration!” Arlana said with a smile.

  “Our celebration?! Wow I think that might be real excitement about the ball Arlana. Could it be you really want to go?” Avalynn asked surprised.

  Arlana laughed. “Yes I guess I am now feeling excited about it. Something about having someone else do my hair makes it all the more fun.”

  Avalynn laughed. Just at that moment Sebastian came over and had Arlana move over to the sinks.

  When her hair was done Sebastian moved Arlana to a different chair. “Simone is going to do your make-up now. I hope you like your hair.”

  “Thank you Sebastian, it is amazing!” Arlana gushed. Her hair really did look amazing. He pulled back just a little of the front of her hair with diamond studded combs. Her curls fell in ringlets which added to the layers that covered her birth mark.

  When they were done at the salon Marco and Sven transported them back to the camp. They had a little over an hour to get dressed and head to the ball. “Arlana, Kellam and I will pick you up at your cabin. Diokles has allowed us to use the carriage so you won’t have to get your shoes dirty walking over to the ballroom. See you in an hour!” Avalynn said as she headed towards her cabin.

  Arlana smiled and waved goodbye. She went to her cabin and changed into her ball gown.

  While waiting for Avalynn Arlana looked at herself in the mirror. She could not believe how amazing she really did look. Arlana had never thought herself pretty but Sebastian had worked a miracle. She couldn’t wait to see what Kellam thought. Arlana paused. Why did she think that? Kellam was Avalynn’s date and she really was happy about that but she really wanted him to see her tonight. Arlana shook her head. She had to stop these random Kellam thoughts.

  As she turned from the mirror there was a knock at her door. She answered it anticipating seeing Avalynn but to her surprise Cole was standing there with a small box wrapped with a white ribbon in his hand.

  Cole stood there, staring, his mouth was open but no words were coming out. "Hello Cole," Arlana said and then paused. Cole said nothing. Arlana growing concerned put her hand on his shoulder, “Cole, are you ok?"

  "What?" he replied.

  "Are you ok? I'm beginning to worry about you."

  "Yes, I'm ok it's just that....can I come in?"

  "Oh, of course." Arlana moved to the side and Cole brushed past quickly closing the door behind him.

  "Umm Arlana can we sit down?" The only place to sit was on her bed, she nodded and led him towards it. Cole stared at Arlana intensely.

  "Is something wrong Cole?"

  "When are they coming for you?" Arlana figured that he meant her sister and Kellam.

  "They should be here any minute; I thought you were them actually."

  "That's what I was afraid of. Where have you been all day?" Cole's voice sounded irritated. Arlana would usually not put up with his moodiness but there was a desperation in his voice that made her worried.

  "Avalynn took me away, out of the camp to get our hair done for tonight, we had a wonderful girls time."

  "That's the only place you went, I didn't think it would take that long."

  "Well, excuse me," Arlana began to feel irritated, "Maybe you better tell me what's going on before there's no time left."

  "I'm sorry Arlana, I just get so worried when I'm not with you, protecting you. And by the way you look so beautiful, you take my breath away." Arlana's heart started beating faster at his word
s. "I have so many things to tell you, but no time left. I had hoped I would be able to see you before this but Diokles has made me his errand boy all week." Arlana detected a hint of bitterness in Coles' voice, she had never heard that from him when speaking of Diokles, it surprised her. "Arlana, more is happening tonight than you know about." Cole drew closer to Arlana and put her hand in his. "I don't want to upset you, I would never purposefully hurt you, but I must tell you the truth. Avalynn will become an immortal tonight, not just Kellam." Now it was Arlana's turn for her jaw to drop. She quickly composed herself.

  "Why would that upset me, I will be happy for her, now my sister will never be harmed. Do they have plans for me also?" Arlana asked hesitantly.

  "I am sorry, no, not those kind of plans anyways. There is more I must tell you. They are also planning for Kellam and Avalynn to become engaged."

  "Cole, I am happy for my sister. I will still get to enjoy a good four to five hundred years with her anyways since my father is immortal. I know she loves Kellam, this is good news." Arlana almost seemed that she was reassuring herself.

  Cole looked at her; he didn't want to ruin her special night. She looked so beautiful in her dress but now there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. "Arlana, if it were up to me you would live forever and you would always be in my protection. I am sorry that there is still more that I have to tell you, but first I want to give you this. Cole placed the box on Arlana's lap. She let go of his hand and undid the bow. As she opened the box her eyes lit up.

  "Cole, you got this for me, it is so beautiful, thank you!" She held her gift up to the light coming through the window. Within her hand was a rose gold necklace and at the end of the chain was a teardrop shaped moonstone. When the light hit the white stone it lit up showing a rainbow of colors.

  Cole reached up and gently stroked her cheek, "Not near as beautiful as you. Arlana this was your mother's necklace."

  "This was my mother’s?" A look of longing came into Arlana’s eyes and she pulled the necklace back in, close to her heart.

  Cole moved his hand down towards her hand. "Here, let me help you put that on."

  Arlana looked up at him, "What about Avalynn, do you have something for her too?"

  "Arlana, your mother would want you to have this. This necklace is special; it was given to your mother by your father. This necklace is magically enchanted. If you are wearing the necklace when you travel to different times it helps you to be able to know the customs of the time you are in. It also allows you to be able to understand and speak the language. Your sister will be given a special necklace of her own tonight as a gift from Marika and your father."

  Arlana felt tempted to say she didn't need it, she wouldn't be going anywhere, but it was her mothers and she wanted it.

  "Arlana, never take off that necklace. Make sure it is hidden under your dress; no one knows you have it."

  Cole helped Arlana fasten it on.

  "What else is going on Cole, why do I need to wear it always?"

  Just then there was a knock at her door.

  "Stall," Cole whispered. He tucked the necklace into the front of Arlana’s dress. Chills ran across Arlana's skin where his fingers touched.

  "Who is it?" Arlana called out.

  "Who do you think it is silly, it's me and Kellam, are you ready?"

  "Two minutes, I'll be right out, just have to finish fastening me dress, I mean my dress."

  "You’re not dressed?! Hurry Lana!"

  "Two minutes!" Arlana replied.

  Cole turned Arlana towards him.

  "We are out of time. I am going to give you some clothes to slip on under your dress. We may have to go tonight. There are more plans Arlana, plans for you, plans that are not good."

  "What do you mean? You just want me to leave my family?"

  "Do you trust me?"

  "You know I do, but this is too much to ask without telling me."

  Cole pulled her close and whispered frantically in her ear, "It may not be tonight, but it may be, you need to be ready, don't go against me on this. I will try to find a chance to talk to you later. Stuff these clothes in your bag and find a way to be ready, you must! "Cole bent down closer and his lips brushed lightly over Arlana’s.

  "We're coming in," shouted Kellam, "Is there someone in there with you, I thought I heard a man’s voice."

  Avalynn giggled as they barged in the door. "Yeah right Kellam, I think I would know if my sister had someone she was hiding in her room, right Arlana?" Avalynn looked at Arlana and realized her eyes were closed. "You ok sis?"

  Arlana opened her eyes expecting to see Cole next to her and having a whole lot of explaining to do, instead there was empty space. She quickly composed herself, "Yes, I'm fine, let’s go." She stood up from the bed, slightly wobbling.

  "Why is your window open Arlana? It's cold in here." Kellam walked towards the window closing and locking it, he peered outside for a moment before leveling Arlana with a stare. "Is there anything you want to tell us about?"

  "No, I'm fine."

  "Of course she is, now let's hurry and go, you both are acting too weird. I'm ready to break in my new shoes on the dance floor; we have so much to celebrate tonight!" Avalynn reached out her hands taking her sister’s in one hand and Kellam’s in the other. Arlana pasted on a smile but she felt like she was still in another world that had passed so quickly it almost didn't seem real.