Chapter 16
I wake up and am hit with a streak of light from the morning sun. It startles me and I jump up, recalling the sight of the lightning strikes leading to my time travel. After shaking it off, I stretch, rise, and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I leave my bathroom and head downstairs to prepare a picnic basket for my outing today with Bash. Amelia is of course already downstairs preparing a pot of coffee.
"Good morning!" I sing cheerfully. Why am I singing? I think to myself.
"Well, good morning. I gather someone slept well." Amelia says with a smile.
"I did thank you. Do we by any chance have a picnic basket?"
"Yes, as a matter fact we do. Would you like some help putting it together?"
"Thank you, Amelia, I would love some help."
"It's my pleasure. I'll go grab the basket and we can get started." Together it takes us about an hour to make the food and pack the basket. Amelia even throws in a bottle of her favorite red wine. Once we are done we sit down to a nice breakfast and 2 hours later we are still talking. I look at the time on the stove and it is 12pm, Bash will be here to pick me up in an hour. I thank Amelia again and run up the stairs to start getting ready. It takes 20 minutes for me to decide on an outfit, settling on skinny black jeans, black cami, nude blazer and nude ballet flats. I quickly jump in the shower, did my hair, and put on my face. Before I know it the bell is ringing and I am running down the stairs. I open the door for Bash and he takes my breath away. He stands in the doorway with a bouquet of wild flowers, wearing black jeans, a black fitted t-shirt, and a blue blazer. We match without appearing to have match on purpose. His dazzling smile is distracting and I melt.
"Hi beautiful!" His voice is like silk. I realize I am grinning like an idiot and I clear my throat.
"Hey, you're right on time. Are those for me?"
"No, I know you don't like flowers Maddie, they are for Amelia," he says as he walks in past me handing them to her. I didn't even realize she was right behind me. "I'm sorry for going against your and Mr. Calderon's wishes. I just had to?"
"It's okay Sebastian. I understand, we were all very worried about her," after the second night we decided it was probably best that someone be in the room with her," Amelia says sweetly.
"Wait, you and Mr. Calderon knew?" Bash asks in amazement.
"Did you really think you would be able to enter the house, if we didn't want you to?" Amelia, scoffs, and Bash smiles.
"Thank you for trusting me, and I'll be sure to thank Mr. Calderon the next time I see him."
"Well you guys better get going. Here is the basket," Amelia went to grab it from the entranceway table, but Bash was quicker. I'm not too surprised with his demon speed and all.
"Please allow me. And thanks again," Bash says as he offers me his available arm and guides me to his car. It is really a beauty. His Range Rover is black on black with shiny silver rims. He unlocks the doors, opening and closing my door for me before opening the back seat door and securing the basket on the floor. He smoothly and hurriedly walks around the car taking his seat.
"So where are we going to have our picnic?" I ask with curiosity.
"It's a surprise," Bash says with a childish grin. Truth be told I hate surprises, but I wasn't going to ruin the date before it begins. We drive in silence until reaching the main road. Bash is the first to break, "what kind of music do you like?"
"I listen to pretty much everything. It depends on my mood I suppose. May I?" I ask as I reach over to turn on the radio.
"Yes of course," he beams. I turn on the radio keeping the volume loud enough to hear the music but still carry a conversation. The station is playing Rhianna's The Only Girl In The World, and I bop my head in tune with the beat. Before I realize it I am singing the chorus.
"I have every intention, Princess," Bash says interrupting my bopping.
"Uh?" I say stupefied not realizing my singing is not completely in my head.
"I have every intention of showing you that you are the only girl in the world. Particularly for me." Bash follows his promise with a killer smile. Stopping at a stoplight I lean in closer to him grabbing his chin and signaling him to close the distance. I place a light chaste kiss on his lips. His eyes appear hungry for more, mirroring what I am feeling. The sound of honking breaks the spell and I notice the light is green. We smile at each other and Bash takes off.
The rest of the car ride is spent talking about our school plans, and he shares some of his training experiences with magic. We even discuss long-term goals, which I find a bit deep for a first date. But when you are deciding on a husband and king, I guess cutting to the chase is for the best. I share stories of my training with Grams and we laugh at some of the silly mistakes we both made when we were just starting out. Looking ahead I see signs for Ramapo Valley Park. I smile at the memory of my parents and I going hiking through the woods here, and seeing the dogs swim in the lake. "Your dad shared with me how much fun you guys used to have in this park. I thought we could find a spot on the cliffs to have our picnic," Bash sounds nervous and unsure.
"This is a great plan. Thank you. I can't remember the last time I was up here. I wonder if the park looks any different." We pull into the parking area and I make a move to open the door, but Bash puts his hand over mine.
"Please allow me," he smiles. I wait patiently as he gets out of the car and walks around to open my door. As I get out he opens the back door and pulls out the basket. He presses the lock button on his key ring and he reaches for my hand. We enter the park and look at the map to decide which trail leads to the cliffs. The blue trail seems best and we start our journey through the woods. After climbing up the first hill we can see on the other side is the entrance to the lake. A few dog owners are standing at the edge throwing toys into the water as their dogs run and swim gleefully after them. As we approach a beagle comes trotting up and jumps on my leg. Laughing and keeping my hold on Bash's hand, I bend down to pet him.
"Winston, no, stop that. Oh, I'm really sorry," the owner says.
"No worries, I love dogs," I share.
"But he's gotten mud on your jeans. I really am sorry. Do you get them dry cleaned? Let me pay you."
"Please no, it's not necessary. I machine wash and it's just mud. He's a sweetie. How old is he?" I ask hoping to further ease the owner's concerns.
"He's 2 years old, and ever the puppy," she says still in an apologetic tone.
"Hello Winston, it's nice to meet you," I say rubbing his belly. I notice Bash tenses a little, which suggests he may not be a dog lover. "Thank you for letting me pet him."
"Oh please thanks for being so understanding. It's amazing how some people react to animals."
"Yes, I've seen some crazy overreactions myself." I stand up and Bash and I walk toward a bridge separating the lake from the rest of the trail. I can already see the beginning of the cliff. The views are breathtaking with groups of fall foliage in various colors lining the cliffs. The sun shining on the ever still lake hypnotizes me, and I think back to the times spent here with my mom and dad. Not realizing I am holding my breath, I exhale louder than expected.
"Are you okay?" Bash asks, his voice laced with concern.
"Yes I'm fine, it's just nostalgic being here. Everything looks and feels exactly the same." There's a great spot to sit and eat not far up a head." I urge him on toward a spot my parents and I would sit.
"Okay, lead the way." Still maintaining my hold on his hand I walk a step ahead of him. Five minutes later we are spreading out the blanket and Bash is helping me sit. The sun feels amazing on my skin. Bash is doing his best to pretend he enjoys it, but I can't help notice he moved the blanket a bit under a neighboring tree. Just as I was about to ask him if he is hungry, he lunges forward and pinning me down. My head resting on his arms we gaze into each other's eyes. "I know you want to take things slow and get to know each other, bu
t I can't get over how I felt when you were gone. I don't want to waste another minute. Is there really something between you and the blood sucker?" Talk about direct and to the point. I stare wide-eyed at Bash as I prepare to answer cautiously.
"Honestly, there is something there, but I'm not sure if it's because he seems so familiar or if I do in fact have feelings for him." Well that's as honest as I can get because the truth is I really don't know how I feel about him.
"Well of course there's familiarity, but Maddie there has to be a reason the fates continue to pull you two apart" Bash states while shaking his head.
"Bash what are you talking about?" My look of confusion and annoyance clearly taking him back, he moves to sit up and takes me with him.
"You seriously don't remember your past lives?"
"No, is it common for people to remember being reincarnated?" I say with a bit of sarcasm. Bash looks at me with uncertainty, takes a deep breath as if he's about to unload some terrible news.
"Maddie, it's not common for everyone but for you and your bloodline, well it's?
"Shut your damn mouth Demon!" Bash and I jump up ready to deal with the sudden intrusion. My mouth drops as I see Lance glaring at Bash with a darkness in his eyes I have yet to witness.
"Lance, what the hell are you doing here?!" I yell.
"I followed you. I don't trust him! I just want to make sure you are safe. Clearly you are not." Lance turns his head back to Bash, "you cannot interfere. She has to remember for herself. You'll ruin everything."
"Okay, that's it. I am sick and tired of feeling like everyone in the room knows something I don't. It's time for the elephant in the room to head back to the safari. What is it you two aren't telling me?" Bash and Lance look at each other and back at me. "Fine, have it your way. I have made my decision about which one of you I am going to date and eventually make my king," I declare as I straighten my back and go in to complete Queen mode. Not confident in my decision, but tired of the games I look back and forth from the two attempting to choose my words wisely.
"Maddie please calm down, you can't possibly be making an informed decision. You are speaking out of anger. You need more time," Lance pleads.
"What's the matter bloodsucker are you afraid you haven't had enough time to jog her memory," Bash quips.
"That's enough!" I command causing both of them to jump at attention. "I choose," they stare with bated breaths, "neither one of you. I would never fall for a man let alone make him a king if I cannot trust him. Despite how much the two of you have done to protect me, you have both failed at allowing me to lead. You will both continue to lie to me because in your minds you are protecting me. What you fail to see is that you are having the opposite effect. I am not only hoping for a husband to love, but a strong King to help me lead. What you have shown me the past week is not enough for me to marry either one. You are both loyal subjects and I will work out a political deal with the both of you." And with that I stomp away, walking back toward the lake. I can see both are staring at each other dumbfounded. Anger really has a way of boosting a person's energy. Before I know it I am halfway over the bridge. I can see a couple playing with their dog by the edge of the water. A cloud of smoke gathers in the place where the dog is swimming. I inch closer to the end of the bridge and the couple are heading toward me with a hooded figure leading the way. Crap, I think to myself, had I not been so upset I would have sensed the dog is really a second level Demon. One of the nastiest of their kind. My defenses immediately go up. Encased in a protective shield I close the distance between them and myself.
"Hello Princcesss, fancccy a ssstroll in the park," slurred the Demon.
"I was just leaving, and you would do well to get out of my way," I say with venom. His laughter is more of a high pitch squeal intent on distracting me. I look behind him at the couple and notice they are chanting. Realizing they are practioners I send out emotional feelers to alter their frame of mind. As quickly as they started the couple stop chanting. The Demon sensing the change glances back.
"What are you two doing? Get to work!" the Demon roars in a completely different voice. I begin to wonder if he has shifting power.
"We are loyal subjects of her Royal Highness and you will not harm her," the pair sang. I smile at the strength of my power and in awe at the thought of how much stronger I will become.
"Useless trolls," the Demon said dismissively. And with that he flung the two away like yesterday's trash. I watch as they go flying through the air and land behind a group of trees. I square my shoulders in preparation to fight.
"Maddie no!" yells Bash from behind me. Before I know it both him and Lance are next to me. "Get her out of here," orders Bash.
"Don't you two have a pissing match to finish? I've got this!" I turn my attention back to the Demon and conjure a fireball.
"Now!" yells Bash, and with that Lance grabs me by the waist and two seconds later we are on my front porch.
"Ssss," hissed Lance, "Damn that burns."
"Wait, what did you do? How did we get back here so quickly?" I ask looking at my door.
"I had to get you out of there Maddie, I'm sorry. Look I'll go back and help Bash. Just go inside and stay put until we get back," Lance says wincing.
"Why did you do that, I can help. I'm probably stronger than the both of you put together," I jab.
"I'm sure that's true but our jobs are to protect you. I'm sorry." I look at him with thoughtfulness in my eyes.
"Did I burn you with my orb ball?" I ask in a sympathetic tone.
"Yeah, hurt like hell too," Lance replies with a shy smile.
"Good!" And with that I walk into my house slamming the door. I could only imagine Lance's dumbfounded expression. The nerve of them. Granted they are trying to keep me out of harm's way, but I know I could have taken that Demon. I run up the stairs and head straight for my alter. In one swift move I light the candles aligning the top of the alter. Invoking the spirits I channel my magic into locating the guys. Closing my eyes the vision of their whereabouts starts off blurry but soon becomes clear. They are walking out of the park side-by-side, Bash carrying our picnic basket. As they reach Bash's car they shake hands.
"Nice job man! How much crap did Maddie give you for teleporting home?" Bash asks as he opens his car door.
"Yea, you too, man. Well before slamming her door in my face, she got me back unintentionally with a power orb." Bash must have been looking at Lance questioningly, because Lance further explains. "The orb she was conjuring right before I grabbed her burned the hell out of me. When she asked if it was her orb that hurt me, I said yes. Her response," Lance pauses, "was good." And the two bastards bust into a roaring laugh.
"What the hell!" I say out loud.
"Whoa," the guys say together. "Did you feel that?"
"It was like a wave of anger rushing through me," said Lance.
"Let's get out of here, who knows what will come looking for that Demon I destroyed," Bash points out. "Want to head to Maddie's and do some damage control?"
"Maybe you should go, I think she may want a break from me." Lance offers Bash his hand once more and he turns and walks away. I watch as both enter their car and drive away.
"I'll give you damage control," I snarl. I would put him in his place just as I did Lance. And if he argues maybe I'll burn him too. I close my closet door and head to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror I barely recognize myself. This past week's events have aged me considerably, but not in a bad way. I have matured and am ready to take on the task of finding my mother, especially knowing the question is no longer if but when. Combing my hair I sense the shift in energy. Bash is in my room waiting for me. Let the bashing, no pun intended, begin.
Walking back into my room I find him laying on my bed. "I don't recall inviting you into my bed," I say sternly.
"Of course, you are absolutely right. I apologize Princess," Bash respo
nds as he rises from my bed and sits on an armchair by the window. I sit on the edge of my bed facing him.
"What can I do for you?" I am all business as I wait for my opportunity to pounce.
"I believe you have come to a decision in haste. You need to give us both a chance, as we have to give you the space you need. So basically, I am here to apologize, and ask for a second chance. For the both of us."
Whoa! I totally wasn't expecting this. I certainly wasn't expecting the second shift in energy at that moment. "Well I have to admit I didn't expect you to say that." I get up from the bed and walk over to my closet. "In fact I expected you to justify yourself and throw Lance under the?" and just before finishing my sentence I use my magic to throw open my closet door. Lance comes tumbling out and falls right by my feet. I look down at him as I finish my sentence. "Did the two of you think ganging up on me would help your chances?"
"I didn't know he was coming. I thought you wanted me to handle things," Bash said glaring at Lance.
"Oh you mean the situation? You know Lance you should have more faith in him. He was handling the "situation" quite well. He was working on convincing me to give both of you a second chance. But of course you already knew that since you've been hiding in my closet eavesdropping." I look to both Lance and Bash as they each cast their eyes down like petulant children being scolded. "Don't worry Lance you're stalking nor Bash's attempt at placating will influence my decision. I want nothing more than a friendship with the both of you. Take it or leave it." I cross my arms feeling good about affirming my position, but also experiencing a pang in my heart at the idea of no longer having one of them as a potential love interest.
"I guess there is nothing more to be said here," Bash says as he gets up and storms out of my room. I stiffen a pout as I turn my attention back to Lance.
"Maddie you need to understand we have your best interest in addition to our owns at heart. I can't believe I'm admitting this but we both love you deeply. If something were to happen to you?" Lance shakes his head as if shaking off a terrible thought.
"I appreciate all the consideration, care, and protection the both of you have given me, but I am not a fragile baby that everyone has to take care of. I need the both of you to treat me like a woman and not someone to take care of every second of the day. There are going to be times where I will face danger and will have to do so ON MY OWN," I do my best to emphasize the end of my sentence.
"I wish I could say that I am sorry, but I'm not. I think our time watching over you is necessary. You don't have to agree. I do see your point and it sucks that we ruined our chances. Do what you need to, Maddie." I look at Lance searching for sincerity, but am met with anger and resentment. He has no problem showing how upset he is at my decision. "You know what I'm wondering?" Lance asks interrupting my thoughts. "What your father is going to say about all this." I look at him quizzically for a moment until the light bulb in my head turns on. The truth is I will have to deal with one cranky and politically head strong police captain/other realm king. Because of the apparently necessary departures of the women in my family, it is important for me to marry so there is someone to rule while I am away. Well if I go away. Hey! Is this not the 21st century, I don't need to marry to get someone to fill in, I think to myself.
"There is no need to concern yourself about my father. He and I will work out whatever political affairs necessary. And besides, I doubt you and Bash are the only eligible bachelors desiring a position at the throne," I could tell that last part stung, and I almost felt sorry, but my inner voice was shouting SORRY, NOT SORRY!! That is Lance's cue to get up and leave and he did so with such ferocity I think he is going to break something on the way. Instead he stops directly in front of me.
"Good luck with your search." I reluctantly look into his eyes. The hurt is immense and I can see tears and a burning fire begin to build. Not wanting to cause him pain I begin soothing him telepathically. "No, stop! I don't need you comforting me magically or in any other way." I wince at Lance's sharp tone and watch as he storms out.