Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (9 page)

He turns to face me, surprise etched across his handsome face. “You trying to get rid of me?”

I squirm, but it’s true. “Yes, you’ve bored me to tears. Be gone already!”

We both laugh.

“Actually, I
should
spend some time with him before I have to leave for work.” He holds his hand up in a wave. “It was nice meeting everyone.”

Dru and Dhelia nod, but Aunt Morgan chimes in, “Stop by anytime, Hunter.”

“Thank you. I just might do that.” He grins, turning back to me. “Miss Chloe, thank you for letting me cheer you up.”

My legs start shaking. Why am I so nervous
now
? “Thanks for sitting with me. I had fun.”
Way
too much fun. So why am I chasing him away? Idiot. “See you later, Hunter.”

He stops, giving me his adorable sideways smirk. “Stalk you later. I mean...see you later.”

A giggle escapes my lips as he walks down the hallway towards his destination. I take a deep breath, walking back to where my family sits. Here we go again. Time for them to bombard me with more questions.

Dru motions for me to sit. “Can I say something?”

Uh oh. “Well yeah. Of course you can.

“Be careful around him, Sis. I don’t trust him.” He glares like an over-protective father.

“We’re just friends Dru, it’s okay. But might I ask why you distrust a guy you’ve only been around for five seconds?”

“I’m not sure, exactly.” He shrugs. “I just get the feeling he’s hiding something.”

“Well, I just met him...so I’m sure he’s hiding a
lot
. But you have nothing to worry about anyway.” I open my purse, digging hopelessly for my lip gloss. “I don’t know anyone around here, so it would be nice to make a new friend.”

“Just the same, I’d feel a lot better if you keep your guard up. You can both
say
you don’t want to date, but I could feel the electricity between you two the second you got in the elevator. It almost knocked me over. Literally.”

Okay.
Now
it makes sense. “So you
knew
we were coming up? That’s why everyone had their eyes on the doors when they opened?”

His lips pinch into a thin line. “Hell yeah, we knew. I told them the second it hit me. You might not realize it Chloe, but it’s super strong.” He sighs. “Please be careful, okay?” He pauses. “Promise me?”

“Okay, okay. I promise I’ll be careful. Not that it matters anyway. I’m too young for him, even if we
did
want to date. He’s twenty-five-fricken-years-old. I think I scared him off when I told him I’m only nineteen.”

“I can only hope.” His words drip with sarcasm.

“Oh unclench! Just promise me you’ll be nice? No matter what, he seems like a good guy...and he’s funny. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt
any
of us to make a new friend. Especially a fireman. You never know when one of Gram’s potion experiments will blow the house up.”

Everyone laughs and agrees—even Gram. She’s known for creating small explosions every now and then.

Once everyone stops laughing, I realize I forgot to ask the most important question. “So what’d the doctor say? Did you call the boys yet?”

“No, not yet,” Aunt Morgan replies in a listless tone. “I’ll call them tonight when they’re done with class. The doctor said your pap’s in stable condition right now, so instead of trying to get the boys here over the next few days, we’ll talk to the dean about getting them here next week. That way they only have to miss a few classes instead of a week’s worth. I’m waiting for the dean to call me back.”

“But what about graduation? They’ll miss it, right?” That sucks. Four years of hard work and they won’t get to walk down the aisle for their diploma.

“I’ll let
them
decide what they’d like to do. Worst-case scenario is I fly back with them for graduation. We can come right back when it’s over. I’m not even sure which day it is, but we’ll figure it out. No worries.”

Yeah, right. “You know me...always the worry wart.”

“Isn’t that the truth?” She laughs, putting her arm around me as I pretend she’s hurt my feelings.

“I have an announcement to make,” Gram declares. “We are
not
spending the entire day locked up in this hospital! It’s gorgeous outside, and your pap will never let me live it down if he finds out this is how we’re spending our time. Especially when we know there’s nothing we can do right now. If he wakes up, they’ll call us right away. So let’s go do something. What do you kids say?” She bubbles over with anticipation.

The five of us are in agreement. We grab our bags and head to the Americana Manhasset to do some shopping since it’s so close to the hospital. Just in case.

*  *  *

I wouldn’t normally let Gram take me on a shopping spree, but the joy she gets out of doing this for us makes it worthwhile. For an entire afternoon, she’s able to escape her painful reality. I’m just thankful something can still do that for her.

Tonight I’ll tell them about Mom’s visit. With everyone’s spirits now lifted from a successful day of shopping, the news might be accepted more easily.

On our way home from the outlets, we stop by the hospital to check on Pap. Gram heads straight for his bed where she plants a tender kiss upon his cheek. “You know, I think your pap would be much happier if I sleep in our bed tonight. He’ll have a few choice words for me when he wakes up if I don’t get proper sleep.” She wipes the taupe lipstick stain from his face with her thumb. “Then tomorrow, I’ll bring some of your favorite books so we can take turns reading to you.” She rests her palm on his cheek, the picture of a lifetime built on love.

“And I can bring my laptop to do research on coma studies. I heard there are certain stimuli patients respond to, so I might be able to find something to help.” Dru rubs his hands together as he makes his plan, then we all head out for the evening.

Since we’ll be coming back in the morning, we pile into one car to save gas. The drive is just as pleasant as our afternoon—with lots of laughing and storytelling.

We pull in the driveway just after 7:00. With plenty of sunlight still gracing the sky, I take in the floral splendor of my grandparent’s enormous yard. I have no clue what most of the names are, but they pretty much have every color of the rainbow growing—and then some.

I turn towards the house, my attention zeroing in on the old swing on the front porch. Its empty state calls to me. By the smile painted across Aunt Morgan’s face, we’re both on the same page as everyone else goes inside.

Together we sit. With her long, sinewy legs, she kicks off with a whoosh.

This faded swing brings back so many memories. As a child, I spent most of my nights out here swaying to my heart’s content. If I was upset—this was my retreat. Something about the soft squeak and rhythmic, repetitious pace back and forth always pacified me.

I kick my flip-flops off as my attention draws to the sound of a car door across the street. Aunt Morgan’s feet make firm contact with the cement surface of the porch, bringing us to a sudden, jarring stop. Her face turns sheet white. Is it panic, or nausea from the motion? I can’t be sure which.

I focus my attention on a small group of people not more than fifty yards away, realizing what has her so rattled.

Oh my god. It’s Michael Russo in the flesh.

The man who left tread-marks on her heart as he sped away—like she meant nothing.

Ash and Aidan’s father.

The man with no clue his two sons even exist.

Aunt Morgan moved to San Diego when she was nineteen. She’d always been quite happy living on Long Island, but when she found out she was pregnant—her happiness vanished.

She’d been dating the neighbor boy, Michael Russo, since the ninth grade; true childhood sweethearts. He’d been in love with
her
since the day he ran her over with his tricycle at age three. It’s safe to say she played hard-to-get for well over a decade.

Getting pregnant right out of high school isn’t what most girls aspire to. But Aunt Morgan was ready to be a mother, regardless. She would have preferred it happen
after
they were married, but she was confident it would work out. She was, after all, the eternal optimist in the family.

There was never a doubt in her mind they’d get married someday. When Michael found out she was pregnant, he handled it like a gentleman. A few months later when he found out they were having twins, he was even excited. But once she decided it was time to tell him about her gift—about the whole family’s gifts—well that’s when everything changed.

You see, Michael comes from a strict Catholic family, the kind who aren’t open to other religions or ideas that differ from their own. The Russo’s had always known there was something
different
about our family, but I don’t think they were ever sure what it was. I imagine we can thank Gram and her eccentric behavior for raising their suspicions. But the minute their greatest fear was confirmed about the “crazies” next-door, all hell broke loose. From that moment on, Michael was forbidden to see Morgan.

The agreement they’d made was that as long as Morgan and Michael stayed apart, they would respect our family’s secret. The family agreed—and Morgan’s world was in turn dismembered. She would have fought for Michael. But if he didn’t have it within himself to fight for
her,
then why should she.

After that heartbreaking day, Morgan never spoke to Michael again.

Gram told the Russo’s she’d had a miscarriage and moved to California for college. And all these years later, they’ve never asked
anything
about her—so no one ever felt the need to tell them she’d actually given birth to healthy twin boys who were the spitting-image of their father.

The only thing Morgan could do to escape the pain, was move as far away as she could. At least
that
part wasn’t a lie. Just like me, Aunt Morgan wanted nothing to do with magic. So much so that I don’t even know what her ability is. No joke. No one’s ever discussed it in front of me. She despises everything it represents after taking away the father of her children—and destroying the love of her life.

Now, the man she hasn’t seen in over twenty-one years is before her—his face appears just as aghast and frozen in time as hers. You can almost see the life-force draining from their stunned bodies.

I open my mouth to speak, but the front door flies open and Dru rushes to her side like Kujo. “Are you okay, Aunt Morgan? I could feel your anxiety the whole way upstairs.” He glares across the street. “We can go in the house if you like. You don’t have to sit out here and subject yourself to seeing
him
.”

Other than the chirping birds in the background, there’s not another sound for what feels like minutes.

“No. I actually think I do.” She exhales, running her fingers through her flowing dark hair to tame the fly-aways. “If I’m going to be here for any length of time, I’m bound to run into him eventually. It can’t be avoided. I won’t go out of my way to talk to him or anything, but if he seeks me out, I’ll be polite.” Aunt Morgan’s head bobs back and forth between Dru and me. “The truth will come out soon enough. I just need to figure out if I should tell him
before
the boys come next week, or wait till he sees them first and has a heart attack.” She giggles. “That just might be fun.”

I know she doesn’t mean that. No matter how much pain he caused, she would never wish anything bad on him. She’s one of the most compassionate people I know. But I’m sure just finding out after all these years he has two grown children, will be hard enough.

He stands there like a limp rag-doll, blankly staring in our direction. The people he’s with continue talking amongst themselves. Oblivious.

“Do you need my help, Aunt Morgan? I can take the edge off if you like?”

“Thanks Dru, but I can handle it. It’s somewhat interesting to see what I feel after so long. I’ve always wondered what it would be like.”

“Okay. I’ll be in the house if you need me, so just let me know if it gets to be too much.” Dru’s shoulders slouch in defeat as he walks back inside.

“I will. Thanks, Dru.”

Realizing she’d applied the brakes to our swinging, she pushes off in one fluid motion to get us moving again. The tension melts from her shoulders, relaxing with each pass through the air.

A deafening silence swells around us.

Her eyes fixate on Michael, with both contempt—and purpose.

I can’t help but wonder if he still looks the same to her, or if he’s changed so much she no longer finds him attractive. Of course, I’d never ask, but the thought still permeates my mind.

We continue swinging, noticing everyone but Michael goes inside the Russo’s house. Just as the front door closes behind the last unfamiliar face, he starts heading our direction without breaking stride.

Holy shit! What’s he thinking?

I lean towards Aunt Morgan. “Should I leave you alone with him?”

“Absolutely
not
, stay right where you are!” Her voice goes up a few decibels. “I don’t think I can handle a one-on-one just yet.” She puts her hand on top of mine.

She remains impassive. Straight face and rigid body. But knowing her as I do, it’s not an easy facade. I’m sure she’s dying inside.

Just ten feet away, the man in question stops short of the porch. His vacuous expression mirrors Aunt Morgan’s; utterly unreadable in its stoicism.

Is it surprise—or pain?

“Hi, Morgan.” He clears his throat. “I heard you were in town. I didn’t believe it, so I had to see for myself.”

Her feet push off a little harder this time, our heads jerking back in response. “Well, now you see.” Her words are so matter-of-fact.

He clears his throat again. “H-How are you, Mo? You look fantastic. Haven’t aged a bit.”

Her eyelids squinch like she’s been stung. “I wish I could return the compliment. I guess time and genetics have
not
been as kind to you.” She averts his penetrating gaze. “And please don’t call me that. You gave up that right long ago.”

Discomfort crawls through my body as I witness this awkward moment.

I’ve never felt more out of place. This new side of my aunt is almost cruel. But not that I blame her.

From what I remember, Michael looks pretty much the same. His hair’s starting to thin on top, a tad bit of gray in the temple area, but he’s still in good shape. She’s just trying to hurt him, but I can’t tell if it’s working. He remains aloof, completely unscathed by her sharp words.

He lifts his foot up on the first step, leaning his weight on his right knee. “I heard about your dad. Is he okay?”

“He’ll be fine. The Crawford’s are survivors.” She looks past him again, her eyes glazing over.

“Is he still in the hospital?”

She brings her attention back. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes, he is.” She forces out a breathy sigh. “He’s in a coma, if you
must
know.”

“Oh. I hadn’t heard that. I’m sorry, Morgan. He’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.” Michael pulls his foot back to the ground, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Thanks,” she replies, her contrived tone unmistakable.

“Well, I don’t want to disturb you and your family. I just wanted to say ‘hi’ and wish your dad well. Take care of yourself, Morgan.”

She ignores his last words.

Michael watches the ground, never lifting his head until he makes it to his parents’ porch. He stops—looks back towards Aunt Morgan—then goes inside. Her apathetic words must have wounded him more than he let on.

“Well, that was easier than I thought it would be.”

Kidding yourself much? “Um, are you okay?” I squeeze her knee.

“I’m
great
. I can handle this. I have, after all, had over twenty-one years to prepare.” She pats my thigh, the corner of her mouth curling up.

“True.” But who’s she trying to convince? 

She lets out a breathy sigh. “I was pretty nasty, wasn’t I?”

“Well…you were…cold…and hurt. But he deserves it. You could have been
much
worse under the circumstances, so he should thank his lucky stars you took it easy on him.”

“That’s why I wanted you to stay. If I was alone with him, I can’t even imagine what would have come out of my mouth. There are so many things I’ve imagined saying, but I
won’t
go there. It’s not worth it.
He’s
not worth it.” She shakes her head.

“Then I’m glad I could help you take the high road. Well, a
little
higher anyway.” I nudge her arm. “I had no idea you had that in you. You’re such a tough ass. Remind me never to get on your bad side.” We turn to each other and laugh.

“Let’s go inside. We’ve had enough excitement for one night.” Her eyes cross the street one last time.

Gram puts the final touches on dinner. I’m not sure what it is, but the sautéed garlic smells delicious. She’s our culinary master. We used to tell her to open up a restaurant, but she’s convinced if she has to do it every day for tons of people, the enjoyment would be lost. I guess I can see why she’d think that.

We fill Gram in on Michael’s visit while we set the table. She doesn’t say much, but her furrowed brow speaks volumes. I’m sure she’s thinking about next week when the boys get here; what might happen when Michael learns the truth.

Dru and Dhelia make it to the table, so we sit to feast on Gram’s yummy Seafood Fettuccini Alfredo. As everyone loads up their plates, I wonder if this might be the best time to share the news of my vision from last night.

It’s quiet while we eat. Most likely from all the talking throughout the day. We’re discernibly spent.

Yes, this is
definitely
the right time.

“So, something interesting happened last night. I wanted to tell you earlier, but I decided to wait until everyone could focus on what I have to say.” Four pairs of eyes lock on me. “I had a vision. The most amazing vision I’ve ever had.”

I’m already getting choked up, geez.

Dead silence.

They stop eating, waiting for me to continue.

“Mom came to me.” I pause, trying to gage their reactions.

“And? What did she say?” Dru’s mouth hangs open like a rabid dog, Alfredo sauce dripping down to his chin.

I lean back to get more comfortable. “A lot. She wanted to reassure me everything would be okay with Pap, but she also wanted to warn me there would be very difficult things ahead for us.” I pick up my silverware and start cutting my pasta. “She said she’s watching over us, and always has been...always will be. And she knew I needed her, which is why she came to me
now
.” I reach for the pepper, clearing my throat as I load it on. “I asked her why she never came to me right after she died, but she said I didn’t really need her...that Aunt Morgan and I were supposed to be there for each other.”

I scrutinize their questioning faces. Their silence. But they’re simply waiting. No sign of disbelief. Not even from Dhelia.

“Go on, dear. Tell us what else she said.” Gram sips her coffee.

“Well, Mom said I made the right choice in leaving, and then she yelled at me for being so hard on myself. For some reason, it was important to her that I know how strong I am, but she couldn’t explain
why
.” I take a drink of water, sudden cotton-mouth making it difficult to continue. “She was very mysterious, trying to reassure me and warn me at the same time.” I scan my family’s faces again. “She wants you all to know how much she loves and misses you, and she wants to make sure Pap knows she’s watching over him. She’s his Guardian Angel.”

I regroup my thoughts, only to realize every single one of my loved ones has tear-filled eyes.

“Oh Chloe, that is so wonderful, dear. Why didn’t you tell us first thing this morning?” Gram lays her hand across her heart, as if it’s about to burst.

“I’m sorry. I just wasn’t sure how you’d all react. Or if you’d even believe me.”

Gram shakes her head. “Why would we ever doubt your visions? That’s your gift, dear. They don’t lie.”

“I know, but I’ve done my best to shut them out and ignore them for so long. I just didn’t know what to think.”

Dhelia smacks her lips together, drawing my attention in her direction. “Well did she say anything else? Did she say anything about me or Dru?”