Tethered (A BirthRight Novel) (20 page)

“What’s wrong, Gram?” I ask.

“Would you
look
at this mess?” She shakes her head so hard I swear something might fall out.

Everyone giggles. The room was nearly destroyed, but it can be fixed. And herbs can be replanted.

“Well, I’m so sorry I messed up your precious room. Next time kids, the plants and windows come first,” Pap spouts with a huff.

Gram relaxes, turning around to look at Pap. “Don’t sass me, old man. You know you come first. But I think it’s only appropriate
you
help me clean it up since you’re feeling so much better.

“Ha!” he blurts out. “Let me know how
that
works out for ya.”

Gram shakes her head again. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

Once in the living room, Pap says, “So, what have I missed since I’ve been out of it? I have the sinking suspicion it’s a lot.”

We look around the room at each other, unsure of what to say.

But Aunt Morgan answers. “Oh, we can fill you in tomorrow. Tonight, we should talk about the cool stuff that happened here. I’d say we’re all dying to ask Gram about this so called ‘prophecy’.”

A smile curves up on Gram’s lips. “I’ve been
waiting
for someone to bring that up. But first…you shouldn’t be hearing such important information on an empty stomach.”

And it’s not difficult to convince us. Using our powers the way we did earlier,
definitely
helped work up an animal-like appetite.

While Gram throws food together, I text Hunter the good news about Pap. I’m not sure how to explain it to him, other than being a
miracle
. Technically, it is, so I’m not lying. Much.

I still can’t believe I have such an extraordinary power. After all these years, I was just
now
coming to terms with being a Seer. So how can I possibly be a Healer as well?

I can’t comprehend what it means to have this gift. The thing I’ve always hated about my visions is, I only see bad things—never anything good. No matter where I go, or who I’m with, I can have a vision of something terrible that’s going to happen to them.

It’s what’s always made it next to impossible to have friends.

It’s why I’ve always kept to myself.

In my mind, if I stayed away from people, I wouldn’t get visions. I don’t ‘see’ things about strangers, so my logic made perfect sense. Right?

Now, however, I possess something wonderful. What keeps going through my mind is, if I see someone getting hurt—or worse—perhaps I can save them. How amazing would
that
be?

I’m not sure if I’ll know how to handle something revered as a blessing. I think I might even be
excited
about it.

Me. Excited about Magic?
That’s
a new one.

I feel like a new person. Born again. Literally. But I
am
nervous about this so-called prophecy, even though I can’t wait to learn more about our Ascension—and what it means.

In no time at all, Gram returns with an enormous tray of wings, fries, quesadillas, and chicken fingers. In even less time—we devour it. I suppose everyone’s anxious to hear what she has to say.

She sits down, commanding our complete and undivided attention. “Before I let you read this, you must
first
know we don’t understand all of its meaning. But I’m sure as time goes by, it will all become clear. And, for a long time, we didn’t even think it applied to this family. But I’ll explain that part after you’ve read it.”

“So where did this Prophecy come from anyway?” Dhelia asks.

“Well, it was written by the originating Wiccan in the Moon family, back in the early fifteen hundreds. Her name was Willow Moon…and she was
also
the first Seer. Chloe’s only the second.”

“Seriously? In over five hundred years there was never another Seer?” I ask, smacking my lips together in surprise.

“Not like you and Willow.” Gram shakes her head. “There may have been a Clairvoyant, Psychic, or a Medium here and there, but not a true Seer.
Your
gift is quite rare.” Gram speaks with the authority of a teacher.

“Okay Gram, let’s see it. Don’t make us wait another minute.” Dru’s on the edge of his seat, his mouth hanging open like a salivating puppy.

“Okay, okay. I made a copy for everyone to look at. Here you go.” She shakes her head, pulling the pages out of a manila envelope.

The Gemini Prophecy

And the six Gemini shall then Ascend,

The Healer, Conjurer, Traveler and Seer.

To merge their power at the Well,

With the Mover, Feeler, Controller and Reader.

And The Gemini shall save thine foe,

From an eviction set in motion.

The Divine cannot undo the Pyre,

It is stopped by a mystic potion.

And the Seer shall then go blind,

When the Grand Duke convokes.

But the Legion shall release its hold,

When the High Priestess invokes.

The ties that bind shall cast a spell,

To protect the evil within.

A bauble holds the key to stop,

The temptation of mortal sin.

And the time foretold by ancient prophets,

Of when the end will come.

Shall be the year post Gemini,

Come together as one.

The elements shall devour the earth,

Before drawing down the moon.

The final Winter Solstice battle,

Shall not be a moment too soon.

And the man of many shapes shall form,

A union between Believers.

And they shall then cast back to hell,

The Governing Deceivers.

“This is so cool. I can’t believe there was a prophecy written about
us
. How
awesome
is this?” Clearly, Dru is happy about this foretold future.

Me on the other hand—not so much. The only thing I got from the prophecy was, “And the Seer shall then go
blind
”.

Blind? Are you kidding me?

“So how much do you actually understand, Gram?” I can’t help but ask.

“Well, not a lot I’m afraid. There are two things I’m certain of. The first paragraph describes you kids and Morgan. What happened here tonight is the beginning of the prophecy. The only other paragraph I understand is, ‘
And the time foretold by ancient prophets, of when the end will come, shall be the year post Gemini, come together as one
.’ Tonight is obviously the night you all became one, which means, ‘
the year post Gemini
’ would be next year. As far as the rest goes, I can guess bits and pieces, but no certainties. Like Moira said, we’ll have to figure it out as we go.”

“Next year? You’re kidding, right? And why is it we’re just now hearing about this? I got the impression you’ve known for a long time.” Dhelia crosses her arms, foot tapping like a scratching dog.

“Good question, dear. But not one easily answered.” She pauses before continuing. “I first learned of the prophecy as a child. It started out a simple bedtime story, but as I got older, I discovered it was real.

“When your mother and Morgan were born, I was convinced it was about us. Even more so after Ash and Aidan came along. Unfortunately, when Cassie was still born...and then when Moira was killed in the car accident...I decided it wasn’t about us after all. Or maybe these tragic events had somehow screwed with destiny’s plan.”

She pauses again, looking at Aunt Morgan. “This is the part that might be difficult. But please keep in mind this is
not
how you were supposed to find out about the boys. They had every intention of talking to you once they thought you could handle hearing it. Nor was
someone
supposed to show off today without thinking.” Gram shoots Ash a stern look, making it clear he’s in
big
trouble.

“It’s okay, Mom. Really. I told the boys’ years ago they could decide for themselves when they grew up. And that’s what they did. I’m not mad.” She’s doesn’t look upset, but her cheeks droop from disappointment.

“Well, we can talk about it later if you like. So as I was saying...for many years I haven’t believed the prophecy was about us. That is, until the day Ash and Aidan called me for magical guidance. Once I realized what their powers were, I started to rethink
everything
. Aidan is the Teleporter, or Traveler as they called it back then, and Ash is the Conjurer.”

Gram’s posture straightens. “Look at what it says in the very first paragraph.
‘And the six Gemini shall then Ascend
’, then it goes on to mention
‘the Healer, Conjurer, Mover and Seer, with the Traveler, Feeler, Controller and Reader’
. It says six twins but lists eight powers. I always assumed it meant three sets of twins to equal six...I never realized it could just be six twins in general...which is what we have.

“I was never sure what happened with the other two powers, but your mother explained everything.” Gram holds her hand to her cheek in surprise. “I never imagined they would automatically transfer to the remaining twin. It just never occurred to me. So you see, Chloe, it was always meant to happen this way. Your twin sister was destined to die at birth, as was your mother in the crash. Otherwise, there could never be six twins with eight powers like the prophecy foretold.” Her face lights up.

“Wow. That does put a whole new spin on things, doesn’t it?” I look at Gram with a relieved smile.

“But how will we figure this out? It’s not like these sorts of things just
jump
out at you or anything.” A smidge of doubt appears across Dru’s wrinkled forehead.

“Well, I’m hoping Chloe’s visions will show us. In the meantime, we need to figure out what this whole ‘ascension’ means. What we’re capable of. If anyone is getting worried...please don’t. We have plenty of time.” Gram yawns. “But we should talk more about this tomorrow. I for
one am getting tired, and we have a long day ahead of us. We need to come up with an ironclad story to tell Dr. Gaslightwala when we take your pap back to the hospital tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll need to run a ton of tests.”

“Oh yeah, speaking of which...how do you feel?” I ask, walking to the couch where Pap’s stretched out.

“Other than being a little weak, I feel fantastic. The first time I haven’t had a headache in months.” He squeezes my hand.

“I’m so glad to hear it. I’m still not sure how it all happened, but I’m so glad it did.” I bend down to place a kiss on his cheek.

Pap’s forehead scrunches as he looks up at me. “So I guess this means I owe you one, huh?”

We both grin. “You better believe it. So be on your best behavior...especially when you meet my new friend tomorrow.” I laugh before the words finish leaving my mouth.

“Oh yeah, that must be the young man who was at the hospital with you.” His cheeks lift in delight.

“Yes, it is. But how do
you
know about Hunter?” I don’t think I heard anyone mention his name. Did they?

A rumbling laugh escapes his lips. “Just because my body was sleeping, doesn’t mean my
mind
was, little girl. I heard
everything
in that room. Which reminds me...thank you all so much for reading to me. I loved it more than you know.”

You always hope someone in a coma can hear what’s being said to them by their loved ones. But hearing firsthand they do, is a wonderful feeling.

“Okay, everyone, time to hit the sack. Tomorrow’s a big day, so get plenty of sleep,” Gram orders in her firm but gentle manner she does so well.

We say our ‘good nights’ then hug Gram and Pap before heading upstairs. This has to be the most remarkable day of my life. I almost hate for it to end, but deep down I know it’s just the beginning—of many.

I wake up yawning, twisting in my blankets as if searching for escape from a cocoon. From the moment my head hit the pillow last night, my mind was full of prophecies, magical powers, and recurring visions. Did I even sleep?

I rub my eyes, adjusting to the glaring sunlight.

My mind goes back to the vision with the masked strangers, convinced more than ever I missed something vital. I go over it more times than I can count, searching for some semblance of a clue as to what it all means. But the deeper I dive in—the more I come back empty when I reach the top.

I guess since it’s a new day, I should focus on things I’m
about
to face, instead of things which escape me.

In less than an hour, we’ll be taking Pap to the hospital for countless tests. At this point, we don’t know if anything else about his health has changed beyond coming out of a coma. We’re confident we won’t be losing him, but we still aren’t certain how much of his health problems were healed. The chemo and radiation will wreak havoc on his body, but another surgery could send us right back to where we started.

Here I go again—getting ahead of myself. There’s no need to assume the worst. But I suppose it’s true what they say, ‘Old habits
are
hard to break’.

I look at the clock and jump out of bed to throw myself together. After a quick shower, comfy clothes, and a little makeup, I’m prepared to start my day.

When I make it to the kitchen, everyone seems lost in thought. It’s probably safe to say they’re battling the exact same war in their minds as me. I just hope theirs ends with a better outcome than mine does. Yes, I know. The eternal pessimist.

We finish off a box of Golden Grahams while waiting for Gram and Pap to join us. I’m not sure what the holdup is. Pap’s up and walking around—no need to figure out the best way to transport him. I hear them talking in the sunroom, but I can’t make out what they’re saying. Perhaps they’re still working on their cover story?

As Aunt Morgan loads our bowls in the dish washer, they come walking in the kitchen where Gram announces, “Okay kids...let’s do this!”

Without complaint or hesitation, we pile in Pap’s sandstone Suburban and head towards the North Shore University Hospital. Again.

When we arrive forty-five minutes later, Gram says, “Just so you know, I didn’t tell Dr. Gaslightwala about the change of events. I simply said, ‘the family needs to speak to him’. So when he looks surprised, you’ll understand why.”

I make a mental note, continuing through the front entrance.

As we get off the elevator, I realize the person we’ve come to see is already standing at the nurses’ station. Dr. Gaslightwala doesn’t look up from whatever he’s doing as we approach, but I see the shocked expressions on the nurses’ faces the instant they recognize the person now standing before them.

We stop about five feet shy of the doctor, but no one says anything to get his attention.

After about fifteen seconds of silence, one of the nurses bumps his arm, telling him to look up. He lifts his head, smiling when he notices the family he’s grown so close to over the past few months. But almost as quickly as the smile emerges, it dissipates, replaced by a look of astonishment as his gaze lands on Pap’s glowing face.

“Wh...what on
earth
? I don’t understand. H...how can this be?” He smiles, adjusting his tiny glasses as he walks around the counter towards Pap.

“Hi, Doc. Surprise!” Pap sends him a wink, laughing with a low, phlegm filled rumble in his chest.

“I’m
dumbfounded
, Samuel. This is impossible. I don’t know if my eyes are playing tricks on me, or if you’re truly
standing
here?” He shakes his head, continuing to look Pap up and down.

“Don’t worry, Dr. Gaslightwala. You’re lucid. We were just as surprised as you when it happened, but I guess it’s safe to say we all believe in miracles now.” Gram beams, wrapping her arm around her husband.

“So tell me...please...how and when did this happen?” Dr. Gaslightwala asks.

“Well, it happened last night. We had gathered around Samuel’s bed and formed a Prayer Circle. There were so many things we wanted to say…so many things we wanted to pray about before we unhooked the machines.” Gram beams while telling her enhanced version of last night’s events.

“If you recall, there was a nasty storm last night. In the middle of our prayer, the lights had gone out when the lightning crashed down on our property. Since there were still candles providing us light, we continued with our words.” Gram shakes her head. “The next thing I remember, the lights came back on...then we realized Samuel’s eyes were open. It was unbelievable. We were saying our goodbyes, but he wasn’t ready to leave us just yet.” She rubs Pap’s arm. “He must have been in one of those deep comas I’ve read so much about. We read online it’s more common than people realize. Perhaps when the lightning struck, it somehow jump-started his brain. Like a car battery.”

Gram’s story sounds quite convincing. Then again, they usually do.

Dr. Gaslightwala shakes his head in either disbelief or wonderment—god only knows which. “Well this is
magnificent
news. I couldn’t be happier.”

“I would assume you’ll want to do a work-up of tests to see where we go from here. You’d mentioned before about starting chemo and radiation once he’s stronger, so we’d like to know if he’ll need to stay here or come back for treatments.” I’ve never seen someone look so happy about the possibility of chemo.

“Oh yes, Aurora. Absolutely. We can get started on tests immediately. But it will be up to Dr. Hashem as to whether or not he can go home. Let’s get started on the tests, and then I’ll get a hold of him while we wait for the results. How does that sound?” He smiles, placing one hand on Gram’s arm and one on Pap’s.

“Sounds great, Doc. Thank you.”

“Okay, Samuel. Let’s get you to Radiology. Your family can make themselves comfortable in the waiting area, and then we’ll bring you back up as soon as you’re finished. Aurora, if you’d like to get him checked in again, that would be most helpful.” He motions towards a nurse and she obediently pushes over a wheelchair.

“Not a problem, Doctor. We’ll be all set when you two return.” Gram kisses Pap on the cheek. Dr. Gaslightwala helps him into the wheelchair and they disappear through the elevator doors.

Three hours drag on like days. Luckily, we each brought a book. As much as it kills me, we sit in the waiting room avoiding the one topic I want to discuss more than anything. But it’s not the sort of conversation you want someone to overhear.

So we read in anxious silence.

As I unsuccessfully
try
to read, the sound of someone clearing their throat draws my attention in the opposite direction.

“Good morning, Miss Chloe.” The handsome, smiling Hunter Payne greets me.

Yay! A surge of delight courses through my veins. Did someone just give me happy pills?

I jump up from the chair, knocking over an enormous potted tree in the middle of the floor. I suppose he’d
never
guess I’m excited to see him. I’m such a dork. But who cares?

I replace the plant to its standing position before wrapping my arms around his tall, broad frame. “Hey, stranger. I’m so happy you came. You do like surprising me, don’t you?” Then I smack his arm jokingly.

“I just love seeing the smile it puts on your beautiful face.” With his index finger, he tips my chin up, allowing him better access to my lips.

His mouth is so soft and responsive—my head spins. I know it’s only been two days, but it feels like an eternity since I’ve experienced the mind-numbing, tingling sensation his touch elicits.

Before we have a chance to get carried away, he pulls his head back, then buries his face in my neck. His arms tighten around me, hands caressing my back.

It would be so easy to get lost in his arms, but I know this isn’t the place. But right now, all I want is the ‘alone time’ he promised me this weekend.

“Did you miss me?” I scrunch my face, looking at him like he’s out of his mind.

He laughs. “Not even a little.”

I giggle as we walk to rejoin my family in the waiting area.

“Hello, everyone. I hear we have some fabulous news to celebrate.”

Everyone greets him with a cheerful tone. Even Dru. Perhaps he realizes Hunter isn’t such a bad guy after all.

“How’s your friend doing, Hunter? Any change?” Gram’s always a compassionate soul.

“It’s a slow process, but he’s showing signs of improvement. They’re thinking of moving him to a rehab facility this week.”

“That’s wonderful, dear. I’m sure it helps to have such a good friend visit.” Gram smiles, her warmth caressing everyone in the room.

Hunter ducks his head. His modesty might be his most attractive quality. “So what’s going on now? Is Mr. Crawford with the doctor?”

“He is, but I’d imagine they’ll be back soon. They took him for tests
hours
ago.” Gram pulls up her watch and sighs.

Just like that, Dru’s on his feet and walking towards the elevator.

As I watch, the doors open, allowing Pap and Dr. Gaslightwala to step out. They’re joking around as if they’re returning from a boy’s night out.

Dru follows as they make their way back to our group.

The doctor wraps his arm around Pap’s shoulders. “You’d better sit down for the news I’m about deliver.”

I think we all get nervous just then, but our smiles never waver. Not even for a second. We do as he asks, then wait for him to speak.

“The reason it took us so long is because we not only tested your pap...we
re
-tested. Three times to be exact. I don’t know how to say this, but we found no trace of cancer
at all. No
tumor.
Nothing.
I’ve heard about this sort of miracle happening, but most physicians never see it in their lifetime. There’s no scientific explanation. It’s a miracle. Your pap is the luckiest man I’ve ever met in my life.” He laughs, running his finger through the top of his mussed hair.

Gram stands, moving towards the doctor. “Are you serious? It’s
all
gone? He doesn’t need chemo
or
radiation?”

“Aurora, your husband is
perfectly
healthy. In fact, he’s in better shape than he was when he first came to see me months ago.” Dr. Gaslightwala has an immovable smile plastered across his face.

Wow. This is so incredible. Tears roll down my cheeks. Could my new gift really have done this? How is that even possible?

Hunter puts his hand on my leg. “Are you okay? Those
are
tears of joy, right?”

I want so much to share this with him, but I know I can’t. All I can say is, “Yes, they’re tears of joy. This is just so overwhelming.”

We get up and smother Pap with hugs. As I look at my family, I realize there isn’t a dry face in the house.

Everyone gives their thanks and says goodbye to Dr. Gaslightwala and the nurses, just after they make Pap promise he’ll be back in three months for scans. Just to be on the safe side.

But as we’re about to leave, Pap turns toward the unfamiliar face in the group. “Hello, young man. You must be the one I keep hearing so much about.” He reaches out to shake Hunter’s hand.

“Well, I sure hope it wasn’t
all
bad?” He smiles, happily taking Pap’s hand. “I’m Hunter Payne, Sir. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Pap nods his head. “Sir? Ah, hell. Call me Sam. And my apologies for not being able to meet you sooner.” He winks.

“An apology is hardly necessary. You were, ah...er...well, otherwise occupied.” Then he winks back in such a sweet way, I know there’s no way Pap won’t instantly love him.

“Well, just so you know...I tried my damndest to speak up last week when you were here.” He looks back and forth between Hunter and me.

What’s he talking about?

I shrug, and Hunter shakes his head in confusion.

“You kids, I tell ya. You have to remember the poetry day?” Then he widens his eyes, glancing back and forth between us again. The open mouth expression on his face saying, “Duh, do you remember now?”

Oh,
that
. “See, I told you he’d have something to say about it when he woke up.” I bump my hip into Hunter. Then it hits me. “Wait a minute. So you heard
everything
?” My expression must be amusing, as Pap laughs his ass off.

Fan-tastic!

“Dear,
sweet
, Chloe. You should know when someone recites poetry, I would listen no matter what. But the fact that it was from a man—and from memory—well
that
was a very happy moment for me indeed. That he was reciting it to
you
only made it all the sweeter.” He holds his hand to his heart.