Um, Id better get back to my homework, I blurted, standing up. Alisa, Im really glad youre feeling better. I hope Ill see you back at school soon.
Thanks.
As I left the room, my eyes fell on the photo. Mary K. had propped it, still in the broken frame, on an end table while she picked up the glass. I shuddered when I saw how it had broken. Deep cracks had formed that set Mary K., my mom, and my dad in one section. In the other section was me, alone.
I sprinted back up to my room.
But before I even had time to think about what had happened, Mom knocked on my bedroom door. Do you have a minute? she called.
Sure, I said as my mom opened the door and walked in, holding a sheaf of papers in her hand. I sighed. I could smell a lecture coming on. I knew what the papers wereit was the extra-credit assignment Id written for Mr. Powell. Hed just handed it back that morning, with an Athat meant the full twenty points of extra credit. Id been so excited about it that Id left it out on the kitchen table for my mom to see, but now I remembered. She hadnt been so thrilled that Id chosen to write about the persecution of witches. No doubt she wanted to tell me that this wouldnt be an appropriate application essay for Saint Annes.
Morgan, my mom said as she settled at the edge of my bed, "I like to think Im a reasonable person.
Usually, I said mentally. But I didnt say anything out loud; I just nodded.
Thats why I But she couldnt finish. She just looked at the paper and shook her head.
Look, I didnt mean to upset you, I said finally. I just left it out because I thought youd be glad that my grades are coming up.
I know, my mom said slowly. And you were rightI am glad. She flipped through the paper. This is very well written, Morgan. You must have done a lot of research for it.
A lot, I agreed. But its not hard when youre researching something youre really interested in.
My mom nodded and pursed her lips. I always told you girls that Id never stand in the way of things you were interested in, she said. At the time, I thought that was such an easy promise to make. She looked down at the paper again. Morgan, I think your father and I made a mistake when we considered sending you to Catholic school.
For a moment I thought Id misheard her or hallucinated or something.
That was the wrong solution, my mom went on. I guess weor I guess Ijust overreacted. I. . My mom stopped to take a deep breath. I hope you know that Im just afraid for you, Morgan. I love you, thats all, she finished in a whisper.
I felt a wave of relief wash over me. She was seriousno Catholic school! Thank the Goddess! And with that wave of relief came a rush of love and gratitude for my mom, who was putting aside her fear and allowing me to explore something she didnt understand. I leaned over and took the paper from her hand. Thank you so much, I said softly. I know Wicca frightens you. But its part of me, Mom. I cant change it.
My mother was silent for so long that I thought perhaps Id upset her. But finally she said, Youre right. She sighed and shook her head. Morgan, Im your mother, and I want you to be happy. I was concerned when I saw your grades suffering. But now youve shown me that youre bringing them up. Youve even proved that your interests and your academics can peacefully coexist. She looked at me. I dont want to be the kind of mother who tells you what to believe. I swore to myself that Id never be like that, and I intend to keep that promise. No matter how hard it is.
I leaned over and hugged her, breathing in the light, sweet smell of her perfume. It occurred to me how much I had missed herhow much I had missed my whole familyin the last few weeks. Now I was safe, Ciaran was in custody, and I had my family around me. I felt warm and happy. My mom kissed me on the forehead. I think that this hard work deserves a little reward, she said. What do you suggest?
I lifted my eyebrows and grinned. The end of my grounding period?
How about a phone call?
Good enough, I said quickly, scrambling out of bed. Dagda let out a mew of complaint.
Where are you going? my mom asked.
I turned and grinned at her. To go call Hunter.
Ah, she said with a smile. Well, tell him I said hello.
I will, I called over my shoulder as I practically ran down the stairs. I couldnt wait to tell him the good news about AlisaI couldnt wait to tell him everything. I was in such a hurry as I punched in Hunters number on the cordless phone that I messed up twice. I took a deep breath and tried again.
Hunter answered on the first ring. Morgan, Im so glad you called, he said.
I laughed for what seemed like the first time in weeks. I hadnt spoken to Hunter in days, and his voice seemed delicious to me. It was true that the mind melds wed been having were great, but there was something so comforting about hearing his voice on the phone, so normal, that it almost made me giddy. I guess theres no point in trying to surprise you with a phone call, I said lightly. Guess what! No Catholic school!
There was a moment of quiet on the other end of the line. For a second I wondered whether hed heard me. Morgan, love, thats brilliant. Is it because youve brought your grades up?
It is, I said happily. Oh, and Alisas okay! She stopped by earlier.
Oh, excellent.
I paused, thinking about Alisas visit and the picture falling. Should I tell Hunter about that? Or would he just think I was paranoid?
Morgan Hunter began. There was something in his tone. What was it? Concern? Fear?
What is it? A feeling of dread spread through the pit of my stomach.
Ive heard from Sky.
It took a moment for the news to sink in. What did she
Shes found some leads, Hunter went on. In fact, she believes my parents are not in France.
No? I felt a sudden, horribly selfish wave of relief. Did that mean Hunter wouldnt have to go to Europe to search for them?
No, Hunter replied. She believes theyre in Canada. Quebec. It would explain the French. Im going to head up there myself, as soon as possible.
The room started to tilt crazily, and I had to hold on to the counter for support. Butbutthe council
Ive spoken with the council, Hunter said. Morgan, Ciaran is in custody. Selene and Cal are gone. He paused. Ive asked permission to investigate the Canada leads. Theres no reason for me to be here now. He sighed. Dont you see? Youre safe now. There isnt anything left for me to do in Widows Vale.
Had he really just said that? Thanks a lot, I said bitterly, swallowing the tears that were welling up in my throat.
That isnt what I meant, and you know it, Hunter said quietly.
I did know. But it hurt anyway. How long will you be gone? I asked.
Its hard to be sure, Hunter replied. It could be a few days or a few weeks. Or longer. It depends on what I find.
Of course. That was what I was afraid of. The image Id seen when I scried, the image of Hunter waving farewell, entered my mind, along with the feeling of dread Id felt when I first saw it. Was it possible. . was it possible that he might never come back? Dont think that way, I commanded myself, but it was too late. I thought of the picture falling earlier, how frightened I had been. Had something so small really seemed so important just a few minutes ago?
Just how reliable is Skys information? I demanded. The moment the words were out of my mouth, I hated myself for saying them. But I couldnt stop. What if youre heading into some kind of trap?
Hunter didnt reply. He didnt have to. We both knew that Sky would never have told Hunter he should go to Canada unless she had some overwhelming evidence.
I pulled out a chair and sat down at the breakfast table, my forehead in my palm. This cant be happening, I thought dizzily. Now that I was safe, Hunter was leaving. I tried to focus on my breathing, on pulling the fresh air into my lungs and letting the old air go. For a crazy moment I wished that I could be in some sort of horrible danger. It was a very strange thing, to realize that I would rather have my life in jeopardy with Hunter than to be safe. . without him.
Morgan, Hunter said. His voice grew quieter. Were mùirn beatha dàns. You know I love you completely. But you also know how I feel about my parents. You wouldnt want me to pass up this chance, would you?
Yes, I thought. I opened my mouth to say it, but I couldnt. How could I tell him that? What would it do to our love?
No, I whispered. I want you to find them.
I knew that was what you would say. Hunters voice was a caress.
I inhaled. I exhaled. I ran my fingers over the ridges of the cotton place mat. It felt impossibly normal to me, incongruously simple.
Out of nowhere, the words Alisa had spoken over a week ago echoed in my mind. I wish things could stay the way they are. For a brief moment Id been safe, my family had been happy, and Id known who my mùirn beatha dàn truly was. And now he was leaving me. I remembered the vision Id had, the one in which Hunter had waved good-bye, and I tried not to think that this separation was permanent.
Trust me. The words hadnt been spoken, yet they seemed to be all around me, spinning lazily like dandelion fluff on a summer wind. I looked out the kitchen window. The night was dark, and the moon was out. I couldnt see any stars, but I knew they were there. I could picture them, waiting patiently, their light cutting through the infinite darkness. Fire had never looked so cold to me.
Trust me.
What choice did I have?
I do, I said.