Chapter 15
In the dark feeling disoriented I jump up trying to understand my surroundings. I am back in my room at my father's house. I can hear muffled voices coming from down the stairs. I swing my feet off the bed and sit up to judge the level of dizziness I am experiencing. Looking over at my night stand I see there is orange juice and Tylenol on a plate. Unlike the last time I wake up from my apparent time travel not feeling as bad. This time my body must be used to the transition because I don't feel the need to take the pill although I gulped down some OJ. I rise from the bed and walk toward the door. The voices are still very muffled, but I can tell the conversation is being had at the bottom of the stairs. Slightly opening the door the discussion becomes a bit clearer.
"What if she doesn't return, then what?" My father says frantically.
"She knows how needed she is here, and the trouble that her being in the wrong time for too long can cause. I am sure she is working on a way back home," Amelia says to assure him. I hear a thump and see Amelia move closer to the stairs. I hear crying as Amelia says, "Xavier, she is much stronger than any of us can imagine. She will return to us, safely." I open the door wider and take a few steps out to find her holding my father in such a loving way, that makes me feel like I'm intruding.
Reluctantly, I clear my throat to make my presence known and call out, "Dad, Amelia?" Both startled jump up from the stairs and turn to look up at me. My father runs up the stairs, and I walk toward the landing to meet him. He grabs me in a strong embrace as Amelia comes up behind and joins in. His faltering tears begin to flow once again, and I can't help but join in. The three of us stand together like this for what seems like hours. I have yet to feel so safe and self-assured than I do at this moment. As they both loosen their hug my father begins to inspect me for injuries.
"Are you okay, what exactly happened to you? I mean I know what happened, but where did you go, what did you see?"
"Really Xavier, let the girl relax she's just been through an exhausting ordeal," Amelia moves to shield me from my father continuing his examination. "Maddie, sweety, you must be famished. Let's go down to the kitchen and fix you something. Then if you are up to it we can discuss where you've been for the past week," She suggests looking sternly at my father.
"Wait, what a week?" I am shocked considering my time in the future barely consisted of a full day.
"Yes dear, well almost. Today is Friday. You passed out in the park during the orb ball game this past Saturday night. Come on, let's go down stairs so you can eat." Amelia grasps my shoulders and guides me down the stairs. My overprotective father follows closely, while both urging me to take it easy.
"I'm fine really, when I first woke up it was a bit difficult to get my bearings, but now I am fine."
"Oh did you drink the orange juice and Tylenol I left on your bedside table?" my father asks.
"I didn't have a headache or anything, so I just drank some of the OJ. We walk into the kitchen and Amelia goes behind the island to cut a slice of a vegetable lasagna and place it on a dish, which she pops in the microwave. My father, like me, sits on a chair on the opposite side of the island. Waiting for the food to heat up, my father turns to me expectantly. Knowing what he is waiting for I prepare to share some of what I have experienced. "It seems I traveled about five years into the future. On my wedding day." My father glances at Amelia and stares at me eagerly waiting for me to continue. Amelia gives me a look that says to tread lightly. "I don't think it's wise to share too much, but I can say my time there felt very short and was not really informative."
"Maddie, I know it may not seem this way, but it's for the best that you do not learn too much about your future. You can inadvertently make a change that may not be for the better." I can tell it is a comment meant more for my dad, but I nod my head to show my understanding. "I think you should call your friends. They have been so worried about you. Especially Sebastian and Lance, they camped out in the living room Saturday night through most of Sunday."
"Hmm, yea I had to finally throw their behinds out of my house," my father says reminding himself of a fond memory. My mouth waters at the sound of the microwave ping alerting us the food is done. Amelia places the plate in front of me and sets off to get me a glass of green tea.
"Dad, I hope you weren't too hard on them," I say between chews.
"Who me, never," he replies with a smile. Amelia has her hand on her hip as she glares at my father.
"Let me guess, he got all this is the police, on them, didn't he?" Amelia laughs at my impression of my father. Even he chuckles at the fact that I hit the nail on the head.
"Seriously Maddie, I hope that whatever information you did learn does not affect your decisions too much. I hate to think you might change your mind about something or someone because of a glimpse into the future. I mean you don't really know the whole story."
"Who exactly are you trying to sell me on, dad?"
"What, me, no one, pppfffttt," my dad says dismissively as he turns his head and looks into Amelia's knowing eyes.
"Really dad, I respect your opinion, but I won't let it alter my decision. At the end of the day I have to do what I think is best for me and for the supe community." My father looks at me with a sense of pride. He takes a deep breath and looks again at Amelia, who shrugs her shoulders and turns to start cleaning up.
"Okay, on a political standpoint considering my position and all, it will work best for most that you?" his voice trails off as he is hesitant or reluctant to tell me.
"Bash, it would be politically best for me to end up with Bash, right?" I look at him expectantly.
"Is that who you were marrying in the future?" my dad says trying to be quite sneaky. I just glare as Amelia walks up to him and wacks him with a loaf of Italian bread. I begin to breakout in a fit of laughter. My father unable to contain the look of shock joins me, and soon all three of us are in tears. "I can't believe you hit me with bread," said my father in between laughs.
"You deserve it. You promised Gwen you would only guide her not meddle." Hearing my Grams being called by her first name is so foreign to me. I feel a pang in my heart from missing her so much. She would have known exactly what was going on and what needed to be done. My father put his head down in shame recognizing Amelia is right.
"Sweetheart the fact that you are able to travel indicates your powers are growing. But it really is a bad place to attempt such a spell," Amelia adds.
"That's not why we were out there. My plan was to use the orb ball game to teach the five young practioners how to control and channel their power constructively." My father rose from his chair scraping the floor. Holy crap, I thought to myself.
"What young practioners are you referring to?" He looks from me to Amelia. Throwing his hands up in frustration, he says, "I don't understand why no one tells me anything around here. It's my house, my town, my responsibility to protect. I can't do that if I am always kept in the dark. Feeling guilty I divulge everything to my dad. I even include the group's attack on my class. His eyes turn from a honey brown to a smoldering blood red. I fear his reaction once I am done filling him in.
"And it was Bash that asked you to tutor these kids?" he asks in an eerie tone.
"Yes, he claims that with my gift of empathy and understanding combined with what I know of the craft, I would have been the best teacher for them. They are really great guys, just a bit unsure and misguided."
"He had no right to involve you in such a task. Especially since you are trying acclimate yourself with the town and a new school, while trying to keep a low profile. I can't believe I campaigned for him! You are right, he is the one I wanted you to end up with, but now he's cheating to make certain it happens. And that is not fair."
"Dad what are you talking about?" I question although the answer is becoming clear.
"I have work to do," my father barks as he storms out of the kitchen.
I turn to Amelia, "do you really think Bash set this all up?"
Amelia shakes her head as she shrugs her shoulders to signify she was unsure. "Sweety maybe you should talk to him about it. And use an honesty charm."
"I don't believe any of the charms in my arsenal will work on a Demon as strong as Bash." Amelia opens her secret spice cabinet, pops out the first group of shelves and produces another. Pulling a small bottle out she replaces the shelf and turns toward me.
"This will work very nicely," she says with certainty.
"What is it? How does it work?" I ask curiously.
"It is called ginkapsych, a mixture of herbs along with wiccan incantations. He will be completely honest, and once it wears off 24 hours later, he won't remember what he's told you."
"How exactly am I supposed to get him to take it?" I ask looking suspiciously at the bottle.
"He's been asking you out for the longest, maybe it's about time you said yes. A picnic is fun this time of year.
"It would definitely make spiking his food or drink easier." I again start to feel a bit apprehensive around Amelia. She has so many tricks up her sleeve, I wonder if she's ever used any of them on me. "I'm going to head upstairs and give the girls, Bash, and Lance a call. Let them all know I'm okay."
"Good idea, they were all really worried about you. We all were." I get up from the chair, walk around the island, and give Amelia a hug.
"Thank you for everything." She smiles and I see a glimmer of a tear. She goes back to cleaning, and I turn and head up the stairs back to my room. I walk in and reach for my phone and freeze as I realize I am not alone. Looking toward my closet I find Bash standing in the corner watching me. "What are you doing here?" I ask completely surprised.
"I've been coming in to check on you every day. My heart sank when I arrived today and you weren't in bed. I saw your dad frantically leave the house, really upset, and I thought?I thought you were gone." Bash's display of emotion is moving and I almost forget about the theory that he is responsible for my time travel.
"I came up here to call you and the gang. I wanted to let you all know myself that I am back and okay." He looks me up and down working to confirm that I am in fact okay. Truth is I wasn't sure if I would be okay, but I did know I had a lot of unanswered questions. The attraction between us becomes a stronger force. Bash walks toward me closing the distance. The urge to be close to him has never been greater. Seizing the day I move straight to him wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'm not entirely sure about you, but I am certain about this." And with that I kiss him hard. He groans as I pull him closer, and I reciprocate his sound when he grabs me by the thighs urging me to wrap my legs around his waist.
"You are really here, safe and sound," Bash whispers mostly to himself.
"Yes, I am here and I am fine." He deepens the kiss as he walks us to my bed. Laying me down, he positions himself next to me. Bash runs his fingers up and down my cheek staring into my eyes. "Really Bash, I am okay."
"I know. That night was so terrible. I thought you were gone, and before I could?" he looked down and distracted himself by playing with the zipper of my sweater.
"Before you could what?" I grab on to his chin forcing him to look at me.
"Before I can tell you how much I care for you and that I don't want you to make any decisions based on politics. You are stronger than your predecessors you do not need a strong alliance to rule. Any alliance you make will be unbreakable, and should only marry for..." taking a moment he finally says, "love."
"I have every intention of leading my life and my rule with not only my mind but also my heart." I look at Bash as he absorbs my words and he nods in understanding. "What happened after the night we played orb ball?"
"Lance and I were about to engage in yet another brawl, when all of a sudden the dark sky became bright as day. I thought we were under attack. Lance and I formed a protection shield around you. The others ran back toward us to help increase the power surrounding you. Lightning struck a neighboring tree we turned to form a huddle, and you just collapsed. Hailey called Amelia and she transported you home. The rest of us met up at your house, but Amelia wouldn't let us in. Hailey was the most distraught out of everyone. For her it was as if we had failed in our plans to protect you. She said you were resting and once you woke she would have you call. But hours turned into days and I just couldn't stay away. I remembered a cloaking spell one of my many tutors taught me. I used it to shield myself from detection and I snuck in every night to watch over you. Your breathing was so shallow I feared you were dying. It was unbearable to watch but at the same time I couldn't leave your side."
"Thank you for watching over me. I have to thank everyone. I don't know who or what caused this, but I can tell you I was safe."
"What do you mean you were safe? Did you travel somewhere?" I look at Bash as I internally debate whether or not to tell him. Knowing that my facial expression is giving me away, I decide less is more is the best approach for now.
"I travel to the future. But I can't remember much of what I experienced. I guess traveling back took most of my memories away. I can recall being by the beach in a house of glass." Bash's eyes lit up.
"Can you tell more about the house, what it looked like, what were some of the things inside?" I realize by his line of questioning and the feeling of excitement emanating from him he recognizes the house I am describing as one owned by his family. That is a slip on my part, but I just assumed the house didn't exist in our lives yet. This connection does make him seem more guilty.
"Um, no not really. Only that it was practically on the beach."
"Hmm, interesting. Did you talk to anyone or do anything?"
"I have the sense that I did but I can't remember any concrete details." I hate lying mostly because I am not good at it, but I need to figure things out before divulging details to Bash or anyone else. Although I have a feeling Hailey will already know. "Listen, I need to rest a bit and I still want to call everyone to thank them. Do you think you could text me the guys' numbers so I can call them as well. They must have been so freaked out by everything."
"Yes of course. They were more worried about you Madeline. We all were," Bash says as he continues to caress my face. I lean closer to him and plant a light kiss on his lips.
"Hey maybe tomorrow if you're not busy we can go on a picnic," I say cheerfully.
"For you I am never too busy. What time should I pick you up?"
"How's 1pm sound to you?" I ask.
"Like a long time to wait. But you are more than worth it," Bash says beaming. He grabs my face kissing me once again. His hands goes exploring but he refrains from taking things too far, which I appreciate. Coming up for air I look deep into his eyes consuming his thoughts and feelings for me. He does care deeply, there is no doubt, but to what lengths would he go to ensure I would choose him? That is the question I need answered, and hopefully tomorrow I'll have my answer.
"I should really get started on these calls. As much as I don't want you to leave?" my voice trails off reluctant to finish. He smiles, swings his long legs off my bed, giving me a great view of his well sculpted butt.
"I can take a hint," he says jokingly. Walking over to my side of the bed he plants a kiss on my forehead and lips. "Goodnight sweet Princess. I will see you tomorrow." And with that Bash is gone into the night. I smile to myself, reach over to the nightstand to pick up my cell. I decide it will be easier and quicker if I conference all three girls. That way I will only have to tell the story two more times. I begin by calling Hailey.
"Maddie, is it really you?" Hailey sounds so distant and lost.
"Yea, it's me. I'm awake finally. Let me conference in Jessenia and Vanessa, then I'll tell you all what I experienced."
"No, wait, I have to see you for myself and I'm sure the girls will feel the same. I'll call them and we'll be over soon. Giving me no time to protest,
Hailey hangs up. I stare at the phone wondering who is that girl and what has she done with Hailey. I think back to the way future Hailey behaved, and wonder what caused the change. Scrolling down my contact list I search for Lance's number. I take a deep breath and dial his number.
"Hello," said a raspy voice filled with hesitation.
"Hi, Lance, it's Maddie." The silence on the other line is deafening. "Hello, Lance, are you there?" Still nothing. And then I hear a click. Pulling the phone away from my ear I see the call ended. Did he hang up on me? With the plan to demand an explanation I hit redial. The phone rings and rings, but he doesn't answer. What is that all about? My mind is racing in attempt to understand Lance's reaction to my call. I decide I should get some practice in before studying. I can only imagine what I have missed in school this week. Just as I prepare to unlock my altar, I hear heavy footsteps running up the stairs. My door flings open and a disheveled, crazy-eyed Lance storms into my room. He looks at me in disbelief. "Hey, you hung up on me," was the first thing I manage out of my mouth.
"Is it really you? Are you really back?" He walks with determination right up to me and pinches me.
"Ow! Yes it's really me. I'm okay, I'm really okay." Lance stares at me with wide eyes like my appearance just can not be real. "I have never been so scared in my life. The idea that you could be stuck out there forever."
"Once I figured out I was in a different time, I knew I had to get back asap. It was just a matter of figuring out how."
"How did you get back? What time were you in? Did you learn anything about who we are facing now, or about your mother?" Lance hits me with a barrage of questions. I divulge bits and pieces keeping in mind not say too much. I do not want to risk altering events too drastically, although I have a feeling I may do so myself. The uncertainty when it comes to Lance and Bash is magnified by what I learned from the future. Does how I feel even matter now that I know I will become Queen and have political obligations when it comes to relationships? By the end of our conversation I realize we both remain standing, looking intensely into each other's eyes. "Wow, Maddie," is Lance's response. "I hope this doesn't upset you." Tilting my head in question, Lance closes the few inches of space between us, grabs my face and kisses me hard. The kiss is filled with all the emotions he has been harboring throughout the week. Longing, pain, anger, and finally relief passes through me just as he pulls away and grabs me in an embrace. I reach around and hug him back, tightening my hold, assuring him everything is okay.
"Please don't worry, I really am fine." With that Lance lets me go.
"Sorry about the kiss," he says with his eyes looking at the floor.
"Are you? I'm not." He looks up at me in shock. "I just said I needed time, but it doesn't mean I don't have feelings for you."
"Yea, it just means you have feelings for him too," Lance replies with a frown. I take a deep breath and as I look back at Lance he is smirking.
"What are you smirking at?"
"I'm just remembering how much I love challenges. I will win your heart Princess, and take my rightful position by your side." He grabs my hand and gently kisses my knuckles. I am taken back to when Bash made the same promise. Oh boy, what's a girl to do?!?
"The girls are on their way over," I murmur.
"Yea, I better get going." Lance pauses for a second before continuing, "You have no idea what was running through my mind when you called me. I am so glad you are back and safe."
"Yea, me too."
"I'll see you later alligator."
"After a while crocodile," I retort. Lance turns and walks out the door. Finally able to take a genuine deep breath I sit on my bed putting my head in my hands. I can't say how long I sat there, but I must have drifted into my own world. Before I know what hit me, my three friends are jumping on my bed and dragging me into a group hug.
"Oh my goodness I thought I would never see you again. Are you really okay, why were you holding your head, do you have a headache," squeals Vanessa.
"Maddie, seriously, you have to tell us everything. I've never met anyone who has time traveled," Jessenia says excitedly.
"Calm your boobs guys. Can she have a moment to breath before bombarding her with questions?" Hailey always has a way with words and an uncanny way of taking charge. The girls sit back with a frown and I turn to face them.
"First of all thank you all for everything. I don't know how I would have survived without you guys, both in the present and future." The girls look at each other with big smiles.
"I knew we'd be besties for life," beams Vanessa. I smile at each and take note how Hailey's smile failed to reach her eyes. As Vanessa jumps in to describing her account of the night, I send out mental feelers to Hailey.
"Stop blaming yourself," I say to Hailey telepathically.
"What are you talking about?"
"The amount of guilt pouring out of you is suffocating. You especially have done so much to help protect me. Whether you want to or not you are one of my closest friends."
"I failed you and your father," Hailey sends back. Her words sound almost like a strangled cry. I move in closer to her on the bed and link arms. She gives another sliver of a smile and I focus on the end of Vanessa's story.
"The next thing we see is a huge bolt of lightning brighten the sky and touch down near you, Lance, and Bash. We all race down the hill to check on you guys. By the time we got there you were lying on the ground and the guys were trying to wake you up. It was Hailey who suspected you had time traveled and she called your dad and her aunt immediately." I glanced over at Hailey giving her the see what I mean look in hopes of easing her mind. Vanessa continues, "Hailey took your body home and her aunt confirmed her suspicions. They said there was no way of knowing when you would return," Vanessa begins to tear. I reach over and hug her relieving her of the sadness that accompanies her memory. Seconds later she turns to me in a cheerier voice, "so what happened with you?"
I once again relay the story to the girls, relishing in the fact that I wouldn't have to carefully tell the tale any longer. They all sit attentively only expressing a few gasps and wows when I told them about my mother. Knowing already the political importance of marrying Bash, I decide to share with them that I was magically coaxed to marry him. I couldn't help notice Hailey's eyes deviate from mine as I added that tidbit. Who knows if the plans to influence my decision in favor of Bash is already in the works, I think to myself.
"So what were your colors?" asks Vanessa.
"My what?" I respond in confusion.
"You know, you're wedding colors, and ooo, what did my dress look like? I was a bridesmaid, right?" We all look at her in disbelief and heavy silence takes over the room. Suddenly we all erupt in laughter and I shake my head at her.
"Honestly I don't remember much about that, I think it is a pale blue. And we are in hair and makeup the majority of the time, so we were all in robes. My last few moments there were preparing to walk down the aisle, so I wasn't really trying to think much. At that moment Amelia enters the room with a small tray of snacks and beverages.
"It's good to hear you guys are having such a good time. Maddie, how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine thank you."
"Well girls, I know you have all missed her, but let's keep the visit short today, so Maddie can get some rest."
"You're right, we should go guys," Hailey says.
"No, really I'm fine, I will rest tonight. I would rather have the company," I interject.
"Okay, well just take it easy," Amelia adds before turning and walking back downstairs.
"So what have I missed in school this week?" The girls being on top of the ball, took extensive notes for me, and Jessenia provided me with a detailed list of assignments I need to get done. I made a mental note to begin with my theory of psychology course first, since I have a test on it on Monday.
"Oh Maddie, we, and by "we" I mean Jessenia and I want
to enter the talent show the school is hosting for a local charity. Do you think you would want to do a routine with us?"
"Um sure, but why aren't you joining in Hailey?"
"I don't do public performances. It's just not my thing. I'll be back stage helping with hair and makeup. I can help you guys put your outfits together," Hailey adds dismissively.
"Okay, what routine were you guys thinking of doing?"
"I think we should sing and dance, to Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj," Vanessa suggests, which awards her an eye roll from both Hailey and Jessenia.
"Well what is the charity for?" I ask.
"It's to help a group that provides support to young teenage girls who've dealt with abuse, bullying, or just need someone to talk to about girl stuff. I know a little about the organization. I even volunteered a couple of times," Jessenia shares.
"Well maybe we should do a song that sends a message to empower women." Everyone nods in agreement and the wheels start turning. "We can do a Beyonce song, almost all her songs make me proud to be a woman," The girls giggle as they consider the idea.
"Oh, how about Who Runs The World, that song is a great dance song," Jessenia beams.
"I like it," I say in agreement. Vanessa shakes her head, and Hailey shrugs in indifference. "Okay, well we have three weeks to put together a routine and practice." The girls cheer and we make plans to get together again on Sunday. Hailey thinking it is best to take her aunt's advice, ushers the girls out so I can get some rest. My body has more than enough rest, but my mind is seriously lethargic. There is so much to consider in both the supernatural and non-magical parts of my life. I decide to uncover my altar and practice a few defensive and offensive incantations. After sealing it up, I grab my school books and begin reading. By dinner time I had two assignments done and made good head way on a third. In need of a break I head down to the kitchen.
Finding Amelia in the kitchen, as usual, I sit at the bar. "How has your day been?" she asks.
"Great! It was good to see everyone. I really missed them. Well the 2014 them," I chuckled.
"When do you expect to see Bash again?" She gives me a knowing look, so I decide not to lie.
"I've already seen him," I admit coyly.
"Oh," Amelia says sounding not quite surprised.
"Well Bash was waiting for me in my room when I returned from lunch."
"Was he now? Did he know you were back, or was it just one of his daily visits?" Amelia says while continuing her task.
"You knew he was stopping by every day? Well who am I kidding of course you knew." We both laugh.
"Both Bash and Lance care a lot about you. And I know you have a lot on your plate, but if you are going to get to know both, you better get started."
"Yes, your right," I say knowing I can't avoid the situation much longer.
"And do not let what you have seen in the future influence your decision. You have the ability to be a great leader, and there is no reason not to marry for love. In the meantime how about some oldbay shrimp and garlic mashed potatoes," Amelia adds as she places a plate in front of me. She walks over to the fridge and grabs a jug of green tea and pours some into a cup for me.
"You spoil me so much," I say with appreciation.
"Sweetie it is my job to serve." I cannot help but scowl a bit at her. How could she honestly stand there and call herself a servant. She has done so much for my father and myself.
"Family has to stick together. It is crucial especially in times like this," I say in more of a defensive tone than I planned.
"I don't only mean with cooking and cleaning," she says clearly picking up on my reaction to her comment.
Feeling guilty for my insecure, childish reaction I say, "I appreciate all the advice you have given me. It feels like Grams is still by my side." We smile at each other and I dive into my plate of food. I am taken by surprise when Amelia prepares a plate and sits down with me. With the exception of my first night she has never sat and eaten with me. I suspect she always waits for my father. We talk throughout the meal about her childhood and powers, and I fill her in on the years both her and my father missed. "This was by far my favorite dinner since I've arrived."
"Did you like the seasoning on the shrimp?" she asks.
"I love it, but I am referring to your company. Maybe you could alternate between having dinner with my dad and me." Amelia begins to blush at my comment. And as if I needed further confirmation, her reaction told me there is something definitely going on between them. In fear of ruining my chances of having her sit down for dinner with me again, I grab my plate and dump the excess into the trash. I walk over and wash my plate putting the wet plate and fork in the dish drainer.
"Oh, hun I will take care of that," Amelia offers.
"It's okay, I've got it. Thank you for dinner and the great conversation. I'm going to continue working on my school work before heading to bed. Goodnight."
"Good night Madeline, I enjoy our meal together too and look forward to doing it again." And with that I leave the kitchen heading up the stairs. I spend majority of the night catching up on my reading and completing most of my assignments. With only two left I vow to finish those on Sunday morning before meeting the girls for practice. I get up to stretch and do some yoga poses to relax my muscles. Grabbing my towel and jammies I head to the bathroom to get ready for bed. While in the shower I think back to all the things that have happened since I moved to town. I begin to worry about what I have yet to face. After I am showered and dressed I crawl into bed and say to myself, just take things one day at a time. Just as Grams used to say, "that is all anyone can do. Just take it one step at a time," I chant my new mantra.