August (The Year of The Change Book 2) (23 page)

I knew something was wrong before I opened my eyes.

I’d done it again!

Rolling to my back I hit the wall. Which wall was it this time? Above, the pictures of Eli looked down on me. What was I doing here? I didn't dream of him last night. At least I didn't remember dreaming of anything.

Sitting up, I felt as tired as when I went to bed. If anything, I was more tired and now my neck hurt from sleeping on the cold wood floor, again. I definitely would need a nap today.

Maybe if I made my entire floor one big bed, with blankets everywhere, I might get a better night’s sleep. I looked around the wide open expanse. There weren't enough blankets and pillows in the state of Alaska to fill this area. I certainly couldn't ask Sue for any because I would have to explain why.

I still hadn't talked to Dad and sure needed to.

With more effort than I had energy, I made myself get up and dress. Today, I would be going to Destiny's to learn to knit. Unsure if I should let Destiny see how uncoordinated I could be, had me waffling. But then again, it couldn't be any worse than sleepwalking or any of my other weirdness.

As I headed to their house, I heard Destiny’s wonderful grandmother singing in their backyard. Their gate was unlocked, so I peeked in.

“Hi, Emma, can I come in?”

She looked up and waved to me. “Are you here for your knitting lesson?”

“Yes. I hope I don’t frustrate Destiny too much. I’m not very good at this kind of stuff.”

She chuckled. “You will do just fine.”

I looked around the garden. “Emma, where’d you plant your marigolds?”

“On the other side of the tomatoes.”

“May I see them?”

“Sure.” She followed me over.

They looked the same size as ours and I hadn’t touched them.

“Is something the matter?”

“No, I was just surprised at how big ours got in just a couple of days. But they’re the same as yours.”

“When you prepare your beds right, your plants grow faster.” She took her gloves off. “Destiny is waiting for you. You can go in through the kitchen if you would like.”

“Thanks.”

The path, through the vegetables, lead to the kitchen door. Each time I entered their kitchen it was like Christmas, because I never knew what kind of aromas I would encounter. Today it was basil and thyme with a little bit of cinnamon … always cinnamon.

Cara was at the counter chopping onions which wafted over and made my eyes water. My stomach wanted to stay here and beg for scraps.

“Hi, Cara, is Destiny in her room?”

She wiped her eyes. “Oh, hi, Sylvia. Yes, Destiny’s upstairs.” She sniffled. “The plate of cookies is for you two, would you take them up, please?” Sniff.

“Hey, thanks.” I grabbed the heaping plate from the table and went up to Destiny’s room. I encountered Eddy coming down and had to protect the plate with my body. There was no way I would give up even one of Emma's perfect cinnamon cookies.

Destiny turned out to be an excellent teacher. I wasn't very coordinated, but after an hour my stitches looked uniform and I didn't drop as many as in the beginning, or as often. Surprisingly, I enjoyed knitting. At the very least it allowed me to not think about The Change and Caleb and all the other boys I couldn't have, but most of all the sleepwalking.

She was good at knitting. Destiny didn't have to look at her hands much and could talk about other things while her knitting needles went a mile a minute. Of course, her preferred topic was guys.

The yarn Destiny used was fancy and glitzy. It was fuzzy and soft and had what looked like tinsel woven in. I used a scrape of pretty blue four-ply, rolled in a ball, just regular yarn. If I got good at this, she said I could go online and order some fancier yarn. Destiny said these days the sky was the limit on what you could get.

Around noon, Emma called us down for grilled cheese sandwiches and a thick, creamy chicken soup chock full of vegetables. It smelled wonderful and tasted even better.

Eddy had already scarfed down his lunch and rushed out to meet Tim for some adventure he wouldn't tell us about. Richard showed up limping shortly after we’d sat down to eat. His left cheek was scuffed up and the back of his right hand had a large stick-on bandage.

"What happened to you?" Emma inspected his face.

"It's no big deal." He tried to wave her off.

"It does not look like it is no big deal." She just stood there waiting for him to explain.

Their standoff didn't last long before he shrugged. "It's just that the guys from The Village are pretty big and I ended up at the bottom of a pile of them after my helmet was knocked off."

Cara, who had walked in just in time for Richard's explanation, sucked in a big breath. "Oh, Richard, are you sure you want to play football this year?" She rushed to look over his wounds.

He was taken aback by the question. It must’ve sounded as ridiculous to him as it did to me.

"Of course I want to play football. This is nothing. It looks worse than it is. Don't go getting psycho on me, Mom."

Cara huffed. "I'm not getting psycho, I'm your mother and I worry about you."

"I know." He smiled at her. "But really, Mom, this isn't bad."

She wasn't convinced, but there wasn't any use in arguing with him about it. Richard loved football and that was that.

"Well, alright.” She hesitated before taking a deep breath. “Sit down and I'll get your lunch."

As he sat, I glanced at the clock. "Aren't you home early? I thought you didn't get home until one?"

A deep throbbing was suddenly in the forefront of my brain. Richard’s pain rolled and twisted. Immediately, I worried about him. What had done this to him?

Richard kicked my leg and shot me a glare. "Um … the coaches let us go a little early today."

Oops! Me and my big mouth. But, maybe his mother should know about this? I allowed the pain to wash over me, again. Well, it wasn’t too bad and I didn’t sense any major damage. My guess was he’d be sore for a few days.

Cara lingered a moment after she put his bowl in front of him.

He smiled real big. "Thanks, Mom."

He ate without further comment from his mother. I really put my foot in it and hoped he would forgive me. Maybe I could get him alone later to apologize. Then he could tell me all about what really happened. It had to have been a pretty bad pile up for Richard to get hurt and his coach to send him home early.

He finished as Destiny and I washed up the few dishes. He’d waited until Cara left the kitchen before he got up. His rise was slow and looked very painful.

He turned to Emma. "Grandma?"

She smiled. "I will be right up."

He left and I guessed she had some home remedy for the pain. I should’ve offered to massage the pain that emanated from him. Even though he hadn't shown any signs of being affected … yet, I still couldn't take the chance of being so close just in case he suddenly went bonkers.

I couldn't wait until this year was over and I could help anyone I wanted. Being able to help people alleviate their pain was my only talent. I'd always had this talent, at least as far back as I could remember. This year, I’d become even more sensitive to it.

We finished the dishes and cleaned off the counters and table before going back up to knit some more.

When it was time to go home, I was reluctant to leave this haven of happiness and caring. I was safe and secure here, even … loved. I knew that sounded crazy since I’d only known the Petersons a very short time. They were good people and I was more welcome here than in the house next door.

Halfheartedly, I left with another scrap of yarn and a pair of knitting needles Emma gave me to keep. At my front door, I paused a moment to look back at the stately Victorian next door and sighed. That was a very special place to be. Hopefully, I’d always be welcome there.

Swim Repeat

We had it all planned out. As soon as we got to Lake Louise, we were going to pump up the raft and take the kids to the island. We’d cleared it with the adults first, of course. After last time, no one was worried about us getting into trouble. For some reason, they all thought I could take care of anything that came up. I hoped I wouldn’t disappoint anyone. We had the raft this time, so there would be help if we needed it.

The day was warm and more people were at the swimming beach than last time. My strategy was to stay in the lake as much as possible. To my thinking, when I was in the water, The Change wasn’t airborne, thus, it was more containable. If that was so, I might get to have more fun this time, which made me anxious to get to the water. When Richard gave each of the kids a turn at the air pump, I paced.

Emma and Cara set about preparing the food while Dad and Sue got the barbeque cleaned and set up with a nice layer of charcoal. Emma yelled over to us that there was stuff that needed to be brought to our little shaded area, so Destiny and I hurried to unload. Actually, I hurried and Destiny watched my frantic actions.

“What’s the big rush, Sylv?”

With little effort, I toted a large basket past her. “Gotta get in the water.” I put my load on the picnic table and dashed back.

Destiny pulled a box toward her. “I know you like the water and all, but aren’t you just a little too impatient?”

There were loads of hot dog buns and chips in the box I took from her. “No, actually, I was thinking that water might dilute the affect I have on guys.”

“Oh.” She pulled another box toward her as I hurried away.

I placed the box on the table next to the basket and glanced over at Richard, who was helping Tam pump. The thought of going in ahead of the others zipped around my skull as I rushed back to the Suburban. I passed Destiny who struggled with an over packed box.

“Uh … Sylv ….”

The two grocery bags were heavy, but I passed Destiny, easily.

“Hey, Sylv …”

I was to the table in no time and dashed back to the Suburban, passing Destiny again.

“Hey, Sylv …”

It would take too long to stop and talk. I just wanted to get done. When I got to the car I looked around for more stuff, but didn’t see anything. With the back closed, I returned to our shaded area.

Destiny sat on the table. “I tried to tell you the bags were the last of it, but you wouldn’t stop and listen.”

“Sorry about that.” I blushed. “We’re done, let’s hit the water.

Even though she shook her head at me, she got up and took off her sundress. “If I had your
problem,
I would use it to my advantage.” She had the same cute neon pink two-piece suit from last time.

“There is no advantage to my
problem
.” I slipped off my t-shirt and kicked my sandals and jeans to the sand. Now that my racing suit was uncovered it was time to get wet. “Come on, I’ve been dry for way too long.”

I pulled her along and we headed for the sandy beach where Richard was doing the last of the pumping.

“When you’re done playing around, Richard, you can join us in the water.”

He looked up with a grin. “Almost there. Don’t start the fun without us.” He pumped harder.

The water was cold on my feet, but all the same it was exquisite and I relaxed. Running, until the water reached my knees, I dove in. Ah … the exhilaration of feeling my body fully submerged and buoyant. I twisted and turned and moved like a mermaid. I resurfaced, took a deep breath and felt for the bottom. It wasn’t there, so I treaded water. Destiny was still only calf deep trying to make herself go deeper in the cold lake. Richard and the kids picked up the raft and ran as close as they could to Destiny as they plunged into the lake. The splash they made drenched my friend and she glowered at them.

“I’ll get you for that, Richard.”

He grinned from the deeper water. “Ya, you and what army?”

She walked in quickly up to her waist, but hesitated before dunking herself. Richard helped the kids into the raft while he kept an eye on his only sister, who was going to be out for revenge. If his expression was an indicator, he was looking forward to it.

I came in closer, but stayed away from Richard so I didn’t get caught in the crossfire. He was showing the boys how to use the oars when Destiny came up and started a splash fight. I’d figured Destiny as being too prissy to be a good splash fighter. She surprised me and would’ve won if Richard hadn’t tackled her.

She surfaced “Hey, no fair!” She was up and started again.

He picked her up and threw her over his head. She giggled in the air and splashed six feet from him. It looked like so much fun. I watched for her smiling face to reappear. Just as it did, Richard grabbed me and threw me up in the air. I giggled all the way up and screamed on the way down. I’d never been thrown like that and
loved it
! Even before I resurfaced, I wanted so bad to experience it again, but the kids were begging to go to the island. Maybe after we ate he’d be in the mood to throw us.

The boys finally figured out the oars and were doing a great job with teamwork. They said they’d done this at scout day camp. Tam wanted a turn, but the boys were determined to get them across the water. The rest of us swam along behind them. I did a lot of treading when the boys got out of sync. It wasn’t too bad though and we made it to the island without a mishap. We beached the raft and explored the isle sandbar. Last time I’d been too tired and worried to look around. Now, I took my time and checked everything out.

It turned out there wasn’t much to see.

When I returned from circling the island I sat on a log and watched Richard play tag with the kids.

Why couldn’t my parents have had a son first, so I could’ve had a big brother? According to a conversation I overheard, between Dad and Sue, my biological mother didn’t want any more kids.

Destiny went and sat on a sandy spot and stretched out in the sun. I was about to remind her not to get sunburned when I realized she did it for the benefit of a boat full of guys just fifty yards north of us in viewing range. She was dangling bait.

“Destiny, if they come over here I’m going to hit you.” It was an empty threat, but I thought I should throw it out there, just in case it worked.

Richard snorted. “I’ll do ya one better.” He walked over, yanked her up and tipped her back. From a distance, it probably looked like he dipped her with a kiss.

The kids got into it and ran over to her yelling very loudly, “Mommy, mommy, mommy.”

She hit the laughing Richard and stomped down the beach. I laughed so hard I almost fell off the driftwood. Richard and the kids went back to tag.

There was a fluttering overhead. A golden eagle swooped down and landed on the other end of the log where I sat perfectly still, staring. The huge bird had to be at least three feet tall. It stared back as it cocked its head from side to side. I reminded myself to breathe and worked to keep it even.

“Wow, look at that!” Tim’s excited voice drew the bird’s attention and it turned its head to look, but only for a moment before it turned back to me.

My head wouldn’t swivel on my neck, to see if any of the others were looking, for fear of missing something. I watched the majestic bird, afraid of what it might do. I knew from the Discovery Channel that a mature golden eagle could rip my arm off if it wanted to. My bare skin would be no match for his razor sharp talons. And this behemoth looked mature.

He scooted a foot closer still watching me with one eye and then the other. I worked hard to control my breathing. My heart was out of control. He scooted awkwardly closer. I was out of room since I was already sitting on the end. The predator didn’t seem hostile, but what did I really know about eagles? It scooted so close it was now eye to eye with me. It leaned its head over and stroked my cheek with its smooth beak. I swallowed, too afraid to move. He straightened up and stared at me again. The eyes were gentle and I relaxed. He leaned over and stroked my other cheek. I smiled and chewed on my lip as I slowly raised my hand and stroked its wing. He leaned into my hand. I leaned into him and put my head next to his. I could feel the great bird’s heart beat against my bare skin. It was the most amazing feeling I’d ever had. There was nothing between us, but my swimsuit. I sensed that I was safe with this remarkable hunter.

After a long moment like that, the great eagle leaned back, spread his wings and flew away. The rush of wind sent chills across my skin. I barely noticed as I watched him lift higher and higher only to suddenly dive toward the water. At the last moment, he pulled up with a large lake trout clutched securely in his talons. He flew out of sight before anyone could say anything. I blinked a couple of times. He was gone.

Everyone talked at once. Still savoring the most awesome experience of my life, I couldn’t speak. I touched an eagle — but more than that, an eagle had touched me.

Everyone gathered around and talked about what happened all at once. All I could manage was a silly grin.

Richard tapped me on the shoulder. “Sylv, say something!”

I looked up at the wonder in his eyes. “Wow.” I was breathless. “That was
awesome
.”

Tim bounced around me. “Nobody’s going to believe that an eagle came and sat by my sister! Eddy, you have to back me up on this.”

“No problem. I’m with you on this one.”

“If they don’t believe us, Richard and Sylv, will you come tell them?” His whole face pleaded.

Richard slapped him on the back. “Sure, Tim, I’d be glad to help out a fellow scout.”

Before we released Tim to tell all, I would have to talk to dad, first.

Tam grabbed my hand. “Come on, Sylv, let’s go back and tell Mom and Dad what happened.” She tugged me to my feet.

I looked at my friends. “Ya’ll ready to go?”

Destiny rolled her eyes. “Are you kidding? I’ve got to tell someone about this before I burst. Man, I wish I had my cell.” She jumped from beside me and ran for the water. “Last one to the picnic area doesn’t get to tell the story.”

Everyone dashed for the water. Richard and I helped the kids into the raft and I pushed them off while Richard splashed away in his effort to catch up with Destiny. I didn’t understand why he hurried. Destiny wasn’t a strong swimmer. I stayed behind the raft not worried at all about speed.

Still dumbstruck over what happened, it took the entire distance to shore to work everything out in my head. First a squirrel adopts me, now an eagle nuzzles me. It couldn’t be a coincidence. This had to have something to do with The Change. Sue was not going to like this. I wondered how Dad would take it. Gram hadn’t mentioned anything about animals. This is definitely something that would never have happened in Midwest City. Wow, I couldn’t wait to tell Donny. He was not going to believe this. If only we’d had a camera.

Once we reached shore, the kids rushed off, racing Richard and Destiny, leaving the raft bobbing with the waves. I grabbed the rope and made sure the oars were secure inside before I pulled it to our picnic area. The adults stared at me as I approached.

Dad spoke first. “Did this really happen?”

“Well, if you’re talking about the big, mature golden eagle that let me touch it, yeah. Anything else I couldn’t tell you about.”

They made room for me next to him and he put his arm around me. “Are you alright?”

I studied him, not sure what he was getting at. “Yeah, why?”

“Then why aren’t you jumping up and down and screaming like the rest of them?” He grinned which triggered my smile.

He was okay with it. If he did this well with an eagle, then I should tell him about my other wild friend. Though, I would let him decide whether to tell Sue about the squirrel.

“I’m still in shock. Wow, it was amazing.” Dad hugged me.

“On that note,” Emma clapped her hands, “let’s eat.

The food was ready and my stomach jumped with glee. We pulled out plates and chips for our sandwiches. There was far more food than the last time we picnicked here.

“Wow, were you planning on feeding an army or are you hiding another Richard?”

Richard’s head popped up. “Hey, look who’s talking.” He gently jabbed my arm. I pushed him back.

“We are staying for dinner, too. We even brought marshmallows for the bonfire.” Emma placed a covered bowl on the table.

I wasn’t so sure that was a good idea. Once it was too cold to swim, I would dry up and the affects would become airborne again. The Change could cause lots of problems. My dad didn’t seem concerned. I hoped he was right.

The food was great and we all chowed down.

Destiny was disappointed there weren’t any football players. There seemed to be mostly families with young children. She didn’t have anyone to show off her bathing suit to.

When she mentioned this, Richard looked around. “Yeah, there aren’t enough older boys and men to play football.”

This news made me happy because it meant I would get Richard to swim with me some more. Today, I was determined that if I wasn’t eating, I was going to be in the lake so I didn’t affect anyone.