《Winds (Part I)》


 Introduction (1885)

    Marian looks out of their kitchen window. Felix should be coming home soon. He is always busy with his fieldwork. But it was her own fault marrying a traveling doctor. Especially one renowned for his unmatched skills. Sometimes he would not return for months which was happening quite a lot recently. Marian squeezes her eyes in pain and places a hand upon her rotund belly.


    "Don''t get worried little one. Papa will be here soon."


    "Ma, is he kicking?" In comes little Tessaline, the five-year-old copy of herself. She has her mother''s white hair, bright silver button-eyes, and cherry-blushed lips.


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    "Yes," her mother giggles, trying to seem less worried than she is. "Come see."


    Tessaline dashes across the wood-paneled floor. She places a cold hand on Marian''s belly. Marian takes her hand and moves it to the area of commotion. Tessaline bursts with laughter and squeals. It wasn''t fair that she hardly knew much about her father. Hopefully, this would be the week Felix finally spent time with his daughter who was becoming more independent every day. Maybe he''d even start thinking about his baby that was soon to be.


    But Marian knew it was all wishful thinking really. And she couldn''t shake the foreboding that there was more going on with Felix than he let on.

 Becoming (1901)

    "Aww. This was us at our wedding, Fred," said Aunt Krishta. She was flipping through their photo album. Uncle Fredrick and Lillian, on either side. They were celebrating Fredrick''s birthday... And his brother''s. He was now 39, not looking a day over 25, even with his red eyes and raw nose due to his ailment. The same could be said for Aunt Krishta. Still keeping that youthful glow. Her beautiful blue eyes were most coveted and so were her rosy cheeks. If it weren''t for her dark hair, she wouldn''t have fit into the Truit family. They were known for being comprised strictly of black-eyed brunettes. It never made any sense to Lillian.


    "Alright, here is a photograph of you two." Krishta landed on a page with a tiny vignette displaying a black and white photo of two Uncle Fred look-alikes, about the age of seventeen, dressed formally in vests, ties, and tophats. The one on the right, leaning heavily on top of the other and laughing while his brother simply looked upward into the camera and smiled a short smile that revealed just a peek of his teeth.


    Lillian''s Aunt pointed to the first man, "This here is your father, Lillian. The year 1879."


    "I know, he looks handsome."


    "Well I should hope so, he looks like me," Uncle Fred noted.


    Lillian and her Aunt both laughed. Krishta fidgeted with the pages for another picture of Fred and his brother when she noticed Lillian''s leg shaking. "Whatever is it, dear?" She looked at her dear niece clad in her opulent silk evening gown in the color white, embellished with flowery embroidery and pearls. The short sleeves fell slightly off the shoulder. The dress flared down into a bell shape. She wore a black diamond butterfly brooch in the center of her chest, and a pearly choker round her neck.


    Lillian just silently looked at her aunt with impatient eyes.


    "Well, I think that''s enough," sighed Krishta, closing the photo album, "you have a ball to attend."


    "I''m really sorry, it''s just, it''s getting late."


    "We understand. This is your big day."


    "Happy birthday, Uncle," Lillian said politely.


    "Oh thank you, my dear. Don''t worry, I''ve had many birthdays. You only have this one night to make your debut, and I''m sure you''ll do fine." Reaching over his wife he placed an assuring hand on her own, but quickly retracted it to cough a chesty cough. Krishta placed a hand on his back in concern.


    "Thank you," said Lillian.


    The Preuve de Beaut¨¦ Hotel was the grandest in Hiplum. The steps to the entrance were circularly terraced. The height of the building gave Lilian chills. Lilian and her relatives walked up the steps, locking arms. Doormen waited by the entrance. As they entered, the music that filled the atmosphere did well to ease Lilian.


    They made their way to the Grand Hall where the music was coming from, which was entered from various openings. The room was white like the ladies¡¯ dresses. The floor was made of white marble, and the ceiling was made of domed glass supported by bars and allowed for a breathtaking view of the stars. The white theme carried on with the filigree that adorned the walls, except for a few lovely green vines placed here and there. Lilian could imagine what it all must look like in daylight. The hall was lit by lanterns at each post, and a quartet played softly in the corner of the room.


    There were many men and women seated at their tables placed at the outskirts of the room, waiting for their daughters to be presented. Lining the center of the room were chairs designated for the debutantes and their escorts.?Lilian looked around for her escort. He¡¯s supposed to be here. He promised he¡¯d come. Probably got carried away with his studies. Lilian¡¯s foot began to tap nervously.


    ¡°Oh, Paul. Where are you?¡± She whined under her breath.


    ¡°Right here, milady.¡±


    Lilian turned around to see her best friend in the whole world. Paul Partridge: a young man of eighteen with brown hair parted at the side and combed down, and dim blue eyes. He was dressed in a clean black suit and tie.


    ¡°Paul.¡± Lilian refrained from the urge to embrace him.


    ¡°Well now, there is our son,¡± shouted Aunt Krishta. It was a wonder no one looked her way.


    ¡°Aunt Krishta!¡± Lilian whispered sharply, guiltily blushing. She hoped Paul received her aunt¡¯s remark as a motherly endearing joke- the kind you chuckle lightly to and move on¡ª and not an informal acceptance into the family. Though she wouldn¡¯t be wrong. Paul was practically family and all the man Krishta Truit could ever want around her niece. He was everything Fredrick Truit could want in a potential nephew. And to Lilian, he was a dream, and everything she was not: smart, funny, adventurous. She had hoped that being around him would one day rub off on her. But when?


    ¡°Very good to see you too, Mrs. Truit.¡± He kissed the madam¡¯s hand, then switched his gaze to Lilian, ¡°And Miss Lilian,¡± and kissed her hand ever so softly.


    Miss Lilian? He never addresses me that way.


    Paul then greeted Uncle, exchanging nods and shaking hands.


    The band stopped playing all of a sudden. They were preparing for their next piece. A pat on the back from Uncle Fred, let Lilian know she must go now. Paul took Lilian by the hand and they made their way to the main entrance of the hall where the presentation would begin.


    From behind the arched doors, the announcer could be heard, ¡°Presenting¡­¡± and the doors opened. Each debutante walked out when their name was called. Finally, he called out, ¡°Presenting Miss Lilian Truit and her escort, Paul Partridge.¡± Paul and Lilian stepped forward and stopped at a good distance to bow and curtsy.


    ¡°Miss Truit is the daughter of Felix Truit, the world-renowned physician. She attends Hiplum academy and is the heiress to her uncle, Fredrick Truit¡¯s lathe company.¡±


    Lilian gazed at all the faces in the hall. Everyone looked at her with judging eyes. Even when the announcer proclaimed Paul¡¯s background, the eyes never left her.


    ¡°Paul?¡± Lilian whispered, tilting her head slightly in his direction.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just breathe.¡± His voice always did well to calm her; never any less than assuring.


    They continued walking forward, then split up to sit in their seats parallel to each other. Many still had their attention on Lilian which caused her to break into a cold sweat. Did she do something wrong? Perhaps her curtsy wasn¡¯t good enough? What was it?


    The music started prompting the ladies and gentlemen to begin dancing. They all stood and walked over to their corresponding counterpart. Paul and Lilian met face-to-face, exchanged a bow and a curtsy, and began to perform the presentation waltz.


    Holding one hand and standing side by side, they walked forward then back, forward then back. They joined hands and kicked. She turned into him, and he spun her. Now they were together. His nearness, giving her a different sensation than it used to. Either she was seeing things, or his smile was a little brighter than usual. The sight of his white teeth teased at the corners of her stagnant lips. Did she detect a subtle pull closer?


    ¡°How can you smile when everyone is looking at us like we hurt them?¡± Lilian knew her statement wasn¡¯t completely true. Only she was getting the cold stares.


    ¡°Because,¡± he spun her, ¡°I¡¯m not here for them.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think they are?¡± They started walking forward, clasping one hand in a tango-like manner.


    ¡°Who knows why anyone does anything?¡± Paul said as he spun her again, then they both spun on their own.


    She knelt, rose, and they joined once again.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t hurt them, did we?¡± he said, raising his brows and smiling a smile that begged her to do the same. But she didn''t listen.


    They let go of one hand and continued their routine, going forward then back, forward then back. A dance that would only end once they revolved a full 360¡ã around the dance floor.


    Lilian waited till they were together again, ¡°Why won¡¯t you ever let me worry?¡±


    ¡°Because the moment you worry, bad things happen.¡± He gave her a telling look.


    ¡°I don¡¯t make the bad things happen,¡± she protested, ¡°I just feel when they do.¡±


    ¡°Well, please refrain from feeling anything. I assure you there is nothing to worry about. Don¡¯t let anyone keep you from having a good time. Now smile Lilia¡ª¡±


    The sound of glasses smashing, a table collapsing, and a few gasps stopped all the pomp. Everybody turned to set their eyes upon an old man lying prostrate against the marble floor and hovering over him, a furious Fredrick Truit, panting and clenching his fists.


    ¡°Uncle Fred!¡±


    Uncle looked up at Lilian. His red eyes, shot with confusion as if he did not realize what he had done. Lilian advanced toward him.


    ¡°Uncle, is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°IS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT?!¡± shrieked the woman who was most definitely the poor smitten man¡¯s wife, ¡°Your uncle just assailed my husband!¡±


    ¡°Oh. I am so sorry. I- I¡­ Uncle, why?¡±


    No answer was given. In steps Krishta Truit to save her husband.


    ¡°Come on Fredrick. Le- Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Go? Now? No. They''re about to start dancing with the fathers.¡±


    Aunt Krishta gave Lilian a look that let her know this was not the time for discourse. The two, inched away, Krishta¡¯s hand on Fredrick''s shoulder. Fredrick turned to place a hand on Paul¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Watch her.¡± Paul nodded. Then Fred looked at his niece, ¡°I love you. I¡¯m sorry you had to see me this way.¡±


    After Lilian watched them leave, she looked at Paul, ¡°I don¡¯t understand. My uncle never behaves this way.¡± She glared at the victim couple over her shoulder that was still going on about what had happened. She wanted to go over to the missus and say ¡°Your husband must have done something to anger him.¡± But she couldn¡¯t. That wasn¡¯t her.


    After a long night, Paul drove Lilian home. But before completing their trip, he decided to stop at ¡°the tracks¡±. He hopped out of the automobile and walked over to Lilian¡¯s side of the car. He reached out for her hand.


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    ¡°Why are we here tonight?¡±


    Paul thrust his hand again, ¡°Oh, come on. You love it.¡±


    She rolled her eyes and took his hand. He picked her up by the waist and plopped her down. Then they walked onto the tracks.


    Paul took a deep breath in through his nose, ¡°You feel that?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± He replied.


    He was right, it did feel like nothing. It wasn¡¯t hot, cold, or windy out. There were only a few times in Lilian¡¯s life where she could recall the atmosphere being so nondescript.


    She closed her eyes and tried to think of one good thing that happened tonight. Uncle Fred¡¯s birthday. Seeing Paul¡¯s face again. Dancing with Paul. She opened her eyes and saw her friend looking at her curiously.


    ¡°You were brave tonight,¡± he said.


    ¡°Brave? Me?¡±


    ¡°You survived the entire night. Every eye was on you, your uncle punched someone, and at dinner, the ambassador didn¡¯t exactly have you in her favor. But you stood your ground.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not bravery. That¡¯s endurance.¡±


    ¡°Bravery. Endurance. Synonymous to me.¡±


    ¡°They most certainly are not,¡± Lilian scoffed, ¡°Which do you say is braver? A man who lets others bully him, yet survives, or one who fights them off.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d say it depends on the occasion. If it is a formal setting in which the bullying occurs, then a man who stays quiet would be what I¡¯d consider brave. But if the same man fought back, I¡¯d say he¡¯s bold.¡±


    Lilian was now offended. His reply was obviously a judgment against her uncle. ¡°No. The man who beckons his beating is bold!¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Lil. Alright, duly noted. You seem to have taught me something.¡±


    Lilian couldn¡¯t calm down. She felt like she failed her family. Had sixteen years of preparation gone to waste? She was sure to have very few gentlemen callers now if any. She rubbed her forehead. Paul knelt in front of her, drawing her hands to his face. His dark blue eyes staring into hers.


    ¡°Lilian. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t not worry now, Paul. I was so sure of everything till today. I thought I was ready. I thought I was secure.¡±


    ¡°You are ready, Lil. If anything, you were too secure. Too comfortable. You love to hide behind your name.¡±


    He then stood up and gestured all around at the tracks.


    ¡°Remember how we met?¡±


    Lilian nodded. It was a cool day in March. Paul was a twelve-year-old newcomer to Hiplum and a student at the Hiplum Academy boarding school. Lilian was a spoiled ten-year-old girl, living a peaceful, pastoral life in Corlu. But business was bad for the Truits, at the time. And Uncle couldn¡¯t be with Lilian as often. So she felt lonely and sometimes frustrated living in a manor alone with her aunt. A house of females can be exhausting.


    Meanwhile, Paul was having a hard time making friends, being a very technical boy who believed what he believed and had the habit of infuriating people. They ran to the only place they could go where no one else was. The abandoned railroad tracks. There, Paul told Lilian of his plight, and she agreed to join him at school. They were friends ever since. It was Lilian who pointed out the significance of the tracks being somewhat of a border for both towns. There, they didn¡¯t have to choose a place to belong. They were free of both. They mocked choice.


    ¡°It was you who told me, ¡®Even if both Corlu and Hiplum are blown to smithereens, we¡¯ll always have the tracks,¡¯¡± said Paul.


    Lilian laughed at the memory.


    ¡°Now, whether or not that remark had any logical standing,¡± Paul continued, ¡°I chose not to bother you about it.¡±


    ¡°And why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Because I knew you believed it. I¡¯ve always admired your faith. You''re the dreamer. And I truly believe you will be something great one day.¡± He frowned, ¡°But lately¡­ you¡¯ve been a stiff.¡±


    ¡°I have not been a stiff! Have I?¡±


    ¡°You have.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯ve just been thinking of¡­ priorities.¡±


    ¡°I understand. You are a lady now. And me, I have to start getting serious if I want to be a doctor.¡±


    ¡°Paul, don¡¯t you think you¡¯ll ever want to get married?¡± She immediately regretted the words as they came out.


    Paul took a few steps towards Lilian. She froze. His ¡°stormy blues¡± caught hold of her. It was a long time ago that she decided she loved him. But she would never impart this unless she knew he felt the same. He opened his mouth to say something, but then the ground began to shake under them. The railroad rumbled furiously. Which could only mean one thing¡ª a train was coming.


    Normally the very sound of a chug and puff would have made Lilian act with immediacy, but she simply couldn¡¯t believe it. She looked down the tracks, squinting for a light. In three seconds, A light showed. It was true! And the train came closer and closer and¡­


    ¡°LILIAN, MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!¡±


    Clutching onto her dress, he dragged her close to him and threw himself with her, off the tracks, and onto the grass of the other side. Lilian looked up at his face, which was extremely close to hers. The warmth and weight of his body against hers had her disconcerted. His breath against her forehead. To him, Lilian appeared as a wind in her gown, shining bright in the night.


    Though something was actually shining, and it wasn¡¯t Lilian. Lilian tried standing, moving Paul off of her. She peered through to the other side as the carts of the train passed by. There it was. A bright man, unmistakably looking straight at her. His eyes like fire. Something familiar about him¡­ Then she knew! Nearly becoming defaced as she jumped in the direction of the moving train, Paul pulled her back.


    ¡°Stop! What are you doing?¡±


    Lilian turned her face to Paul, then looked back, and the man was gone. Once the train passed, they stood there in silence.


    Since it was very late, Lilian chose to shortcut through the trees in Corlu to reach her house. She came to their courtyard where hedges and flowers and cobblestones resided. They owned around 7 acres of land- enough for a garden, maze, and orchard. Lampposts illuminated the path to the front door.


    Her jaded self raised a fist to the door. Knock, knock. The door opened by a lady in a black shirtwaist and a frilly white apron. Her eyes, peaceful, her visage, plain. It was the maid, Gracie.


    ¡°Oh, Miss Lilian. Thank El.¡±


    Lilian stepped in, to the sound of ¡°Oh, come on Fred. Don¡¯t be so difficult.¡±


    ¡°Whatever is the matter?¡±


    ¡°What it always is, your Uncle won¡¯t take his medication.¡±


    ¡°Say no more.¡±


    Lilian walked over to the sitting room. The manor practically had ¡°home for a family¡± written all over it: Picture frames, doilies, monogrammed blankets, little daisies placed in a vase on the coffee table, coats and hats hanging by the door, and a grand piano a few feet from the fireplace that was sadly, rarely used.


    ¡°Uncle Fred.¡±


    Uncle Fred was sitting on the couch reluctantly holding a spoonful of cough syrup in his hand. Her aunt towered over him holding the bottle with one hand on her hip.


    ¡°Hi, Lilian, how did it go?¡± responded her uncle flatly, still looking at her aunt with a challenging expression.


    ¡°It¡­went. I heard you were being difficult.¡±


    Krishta turned around and addressed her niece, looking awfully annoyed. ¡°Won¡¯t follow doctor¡¯s orders yet again. Tell him.¡± Everyone in the house knew that Fredrick Truit could never deny his sweet niece. She always knew just the way to persuade him. And he was so amused by her attempts that he always let her try. But tonight, her skills were a little off, being as tired as she was.


    Lilian sat beside Uncle. ¡°Uncle. Please take your medicine. For me.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, but you can¡¯t get me this time. It won¡¯t make any difference, I tell you.¡±


    Easily defeated Lilian, slowly looked up at her aunt. ¡°Well, you heard the man. He won¡¯t do it. I say we shouldn¡¯t make him.¡±


    Aunt Krishta twisted her face. ¡°Really? That¡¯s it?¡±


    Uncle, to be frank, was a little disappointed she didn¡¯t try harder, as well. He coughed a disturbingly gruesome cough. But if that wasn¡¯t enough to give a fright, on his fist landed drops of blood. It wasn¡¯t a cold. It was something much worse.


    Lilian¡¯s body sat still. She did not see the look on either of her relatives'' faces. All she saw was the blood. Her uncle did not move an inch.


    Gracie was the first to act. ¡°Uh, here Master Fredrick.¡± She handed him a handkerchief. ¡°I¡¯ll get that for you.¡±


    Lilian knew not what to do. She waited for her aunt to say something. And she did. But the words that came out were, ¡°Oh dear.¡± That¡¯s it. Flee.


    She ran to her upstairs bedroom, leaving Uncle Fred and Aunt Krishta downstairs. Fred had no words. He sat there, staring into the distance as Krishta struggled to say something while refusing to look at him.


    ¡°You knew, didn¡¯t you,¡± she finally said, breaking the silence.


    He didn¡¯t speak for a while, then said, ¡°Girgum is toying with me, Krishta. I can feel death nearby.¡±


    Fred¡¯s wife ceased looking away and showed him her face. Her eyes tearing up. ¡°Be it El¡¯s will?¡±


    ¡°I think so. I know it doesn¡¯t seem so, but I am an old, tired man at heart.¡±


    Krishta fell to the floor beside him and placed her head on his knee, hiding her face. He smoothed a hand down her dark hair over and again.


    ¡°I know,¡± she said, nearly sobbing. ¡°And I know you don¡¯t want to leave us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    Krishta picked up her head and held the face of the man with whom she thought she¡¯d spend the rest of her life. His skin was clammy, perspiring, and feverish. She gave him one last loving kiss. ¡°Then you will have to say as much as you can to her. Leave her with words of encouragement. Let her say goodbye without knowing it.¡± Krishta let go of him and stared off into the distance. ¡°I never got to say goodbye to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t. Don¡¯t say that girl''s name in this house.¡± His voice was calm, but stern.


    Krishta made no fuss, but said flatly, ¡°Do you even know where she is right now?¡±


    Fred sighed, ¡°Are we really having this conversation¡ª¡±


    ¡°Do you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. You befriended her mother, not me.¡±


    ¡°And it was you who determined just how long our friendship lasted.¡±


    ¡°Ugh. Krishta, we¡¯ve been through this. It¡¯s what was best for Lilian.¡±


    ¡°Lilian needs her sister.¡±


    ¡°No! No. All she needs is you, me, and to grow up untethered to her past.¡±


    Sighing, Krishta stood up again. ¡°How long are we going to do this¡ª pretend that Lilian¡¯s father was a good man?¡±


    ¡°He was¡­ a good man.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± She banged her fist against the coffee table and pointed to him, ¡°You are a good man. And a father to her. It¡¯s how she sees you.¡±


    Fredrick shook his head, ¡°Lilian¡ª she¡¯s a gift to us. But she is not ours.¡±


    Krishta¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°How could you say that?¡±


    ¡°Krishta, you think it was easy for me to see those people at the ball pick her apart in their minds? No. I mean obviously not after what that old man said to us. But it was a lot easier knowing that she didn¡¯t know why. If my brother can still be great in anyone''s eyes, I want it to be his daughter¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°The man is dead, Fred. He¡¯s dead. And I want her to remember you, not him,¡± Her voice cracking, and throat getting sore as she blinked back the tears, ¡°I hate this¡ª this Truit pride. It¡¯s been ripping this family apart for generations. I thought we left it behind when we moved here away from society and most of your family. But it¡¯s still there. I see it in you. And it¡¯s not fair, Fred. It¡¯s not fair to either of us. I adore Lilian. I¡¯ve always wanted to be called her mother but had to settle for you and your pride.¡±


    For a while Fredrick was speechless. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I understand your sorrow, I do. Just promise me you won¡¯t mention anything to her. Not until she is well off and loved.¡±


    Krishta thought about it for a moment. ¡°Alright. I promise.¡±


    Lilian brushed her dark, curly, floor-length hair in long strokes. She wore it down for a short time; at just twelve years of age, she started pinning it. And heavy it was, atop her head. But in the name of all things proper, she¡¯d suffer it. At least she now had a strong neck.


    Lilian watched her reflection in the mirror: a round shape of a face, beady dark-brown eyes, thick brows, dainty pink lips, and a nose just so. A real Gibson Girl, she was.


    Thoughts of the night''s highlights revolved in her head. The eyes of the crowd, the man behind the train, and the blood on her uncle''s hand. Eyes. Man. Blood.?None of it made any sense. Her mind returned to ¡°blood¡±; What if Uncle Fred is dying?


    ¡°NO.¡±


    The thought made Lilian stumble off her stool and onto the side of her bed. It could never be, it isn¡¯t right. Although, a normal case of the flu never makes anyone cough up blood. How did the doctor not know?


    ¡°Garbage, garbage. The doctors here are garbage.¡±


    Then Lilian heard a sound; the sound of footsteps. She watched the door. As expected, in came Uncle. He stood there in the doorway, studying her face. She was currently in her nightgown.


    ¡°I hope you were not taken aback by what you saw,¡± he said.


    ¡°What specifically? The man you punched, or¡­¡±


    ¡°No, no¡ª well, yes. But I¡¯m talking about what made you run up to here.¡±


    Lilian paused before saying, ¡°I know it¡¯s nothing, right?... It¡¯s just blood. When have I ever been afraid of blood?¡±


    ¡°Lilian, it¡¯s alright. Tell me.¡±


    Uncle Fred¡¯s words freed her to let a tear loose, then another, till she could no longer see beyond her watery eyes. She covered her eyes with her hands and sobbed. Uncle walked closer and brought her into a hug. He picked her up, sat down on the bed, holding her like a baby. Her hair, dragging across the floor. He waited till she was ready to talk.


    Finally, gulping, she said, ¡°Uncle. Are you going to die?¡± Then she buried her face in his chest to avoid seeing his reaction. She said it. It was in the air now.


    ¡°I cannot say,¡± she heard him say. ¡°I will let El deal with me as he sees fit.¡±


    ¡°But El knows I need you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Lilian. There is still so much I want to teach you. So much you do not know. But I cannot forget how alike we are. You have what it takes to learn what you need. You are slow to act, and you adhere to the teachings of Shersul. Lilian, you are a sweet, faithful, beautiful young lady. Anyone who doesn¡¯t see that is wrong.¡±


    And she wasn¡¯t stupid either, ¡°You''re saying goodbye.¡± She looked up at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying all that I¡¯m saying.¡±


    She put her head down again and stared at the wall.


    He continued, ¡°I want you to understand something. It¡¯s a hard truth for us Truits but we are a stubborn people. And one day, you will have to be tested as I was tested.¡±


    ¡°Tested how?¡±


    ¡°Can you trust no matter what that El is thinking of you? Through loneliness- through darkness- through agony- through endless waiting?¡±


    Lilian let his words resonate within her soul. Silently, she asked herself the question over and over. Could she trust El? Would she truly have to go through all of that? ¡°Did you fail this test?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°And what happens after?¡±


    ¡°Joy. Peace. Relief. And blessings beyond your imagination.¡±


    Lilian breathed much easier now. After some time Fredrick finally left. Lilian¡¯s thoughts returned to ¡°man¡±. She knew what to do. Over to the window, she walked. She gazed at the view of their garden. The blue light of the moon, pouring into her room.


    She whispered, ¡°Help me to pass the test. Help me to figure out what I must do, and where I fit.¡± She closed her eyes and said, ¡°For Shersul¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°I sense a soul,¡± said Girgum. ¡°A strong soul in the southeast region. Hmm, and of a familiar heritage. It must be ousted.¡±

 Vicissitude

    Spring 1880


    A Young Felix and Marian take a walk through town past the carts and shops of Brord. The lovebirds make their way into a bookstore. Marian looks around.


    ¡°So where¡¯ve you hid my present?¡±


    ¡°Uh, have you never been on a scavenger hunt? I¡¯m not telling.¡± Felix says with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Well at least give me a hint,¡± smacks Marian.


    ¡°Alright¡­ It¡¯s near one of your most favorite books.¡±


    Marian gasps and quickly scampers to the literary fiction section. She traces a finger down each row until she comes across her most favorite book ever; A Hole So Deep by Steward Mateus. Resting beside it, a beautiful diamond ring. She slowly picks it up and holds it above her to see it shine.


    ¡°What is this, Felix?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your engagement ring. That is¡ª if you¡¯ll have me.¡±


    Marian drops her hand to her side, ¡°Felix¡­ I wanna say yes. But we are not of the same status, you know.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really? Well, how come I still haven¡¯t met your family, then, huh?¡±


    Felix sighs holding her pale face between his hands, ¡°They would not understand, Marian. They''d say you were a bad influence. Around you, I don¡¯t have to talk proper or act stilted. Around you,¡­ I¡­ I can use contractions whenever I want.¡±


    Marian giggles a little.


    ¡°And I am content with this¡ª this secret love,¡± he says.


    ¡°Oh, Felix. I just don¡¯t wanna be hurt. I want this to last. I do.¡± She presses her forehead against his.


    He shushes her, ¡°It will last. It will. Just say you¡¯ll do it. Say you¡¯ll marry me?¡±


    Lilian woke to the sound of a warbler. Light from outside glowed through the curtains, fighting to seep through and brighten her room. It may be Sunday but it didn¡¯t feel so nice. She quickly jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to see if what she felt was true. She was soon greeted by the sound of a wheezy cry.


    ¡°Aunt Krishta?¡± Lilian called. She came around the left corner, and through the kitchen to her relatives¡¯ door. Gracie was nowhere to be found; probably hanging the laundry. The crying stopped as her footsteps were detected. Lilian knocked on the door.


    ¡°Aunt Krish¡ª¡± her aunt cracked open the door, and by the expression on her face accompanied with a few tear streaks, Lilian had an idea of what happened. She was ready to almost immediately burst into tears without any proof she was correct. Her body shivered, her chest pounded. Aunt Krishta opened the door wider revealing the Master bed. And in it a lifeless Fredrick Truit.


    Lilian¡¯s aunt tried to bring her further into the room, but Lilian shook away.


    ¡°Mm, mm. Mno.¡± She shook her head. Then broke down by the doorway.


    Krishta crouched beside her, ¡°Lilian. It¡¯s alright. He¡¯s in a better place now¡ª¡±


    ¡°Just give me a minute.¡± Her heart was not ready to cope in a matter of seconds.


    Krishta leaned in, and Lilian met her with a hug. Sobs of agony were all that filled the room. Lilian couldn¡¯t accept it. How could she possibly believe that her uncle wasn¡¯t there in the room, hearing their every noise? How could she let go of the one most dear to her? She could hardly breathe.


    Lilian thought about what her uncle told her last night. About the test. She stood up and, like a big girl, wiped her cheeks. She walked over to the bed. A bucket of acid vomit fumed by the bedside, testifying to how he had wretched all night. The sight of a pale-faced Uncle before her. His eyes were closed. But his mouth rested open. Lilian tried to envision a colorful him. The one that smiled every morning and kissed her forehead every night.


    There was no sound from her now. No emotion. For it was all depleted at the doorway. Lilian raised a hand to his face but retracted. Would she dare to feel his cold, pale skin? No. No more proof was needed. He was gone.


    Tessaline sat on the floor next to the fireplace. Her eyes, focused on the flames, allowing her face to be kissed by the heat. She was blessed to be in a house with a fireplace, two bedrooms, and a kitchen. Things she once missed from her childhood. Tonight, her childhood was all she could think about. And her parents'' faces. Her mother''s the day she died. Her father''s the day they left... That wretched day. Two days ago, November 2, was understood by all the townsfolk as a day not to bother Tess. She was a tough girl, and when she wished to be left alone, her wish was granted.


    The sound of the front door swinging open in the kitchen snapped her out of her thoughts.


    "Tess, are you there!"


    "In the sitting room."


    The room became partially illuminated by the light from the kitchen once her friend opened the door. She heard the sound of his boots as he entered. He came up behind her and drowned her in a hug. A hug she didn¡¯t return.


    ¡°I tell you not to sit so close to that fire.¡±


    Tessaline still sat quietly, watching the fire.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± asked Jase.


    ¡°You¡¯re home late,¡± Tessaline said flatly.


    Jase turned his face away and released her. ¡°Ah, there was an¡­ issue¡­ at the factory.¡±


    ¡°What issue?¡±


    ¡°Uh, um¡ª¡±


    ¡°Never mind. I don¡¯t really care.¡± She turned around, ¡°Jase, I don¡¯t know why but I¡¯ve been thinking about Papa a lot, even after his birthday. I feel like something?is gonna happen, and I don¡¯t know what.¡±


    ¡°Something¡¯s gonna happen? Like what?¡± Jase said while oddly scooting himself away from Tess.


    ¡°That¡¯s just it. I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Tessaline, look. You¡¯re just feelin¡¯ the same old depression you feel every year ¡®round this time.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Jase. It feels different.¡±


    ¡°Well, you can¡¯t expect me to take you seriously over a feeling,¡± He scoffed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not askin¡¯ you to take me seriously. I¡¯m askin¡¯ you to hear me.¡±


    Jase pursed his lips together and extended a freckled arm out, touching her cheek, ¡°I do hear you, Tess. You sound tired.¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡± She stomped out of the room.


    The funeral was slow. It was on a rather bright day, which irked Lilian. But when she gave it a thought, Uncle Fred would have wanted it to be on a lovely day.


    It was on this day, she realized who those ¡°other relations¡± were. In all truth, Lilian had never built a real rapport with her extended family. Whatever faces she might have seen in her early childhood, were all forgotten. It was a lot of ¡°well-wishes from Cousin Who and Aunt What¡¯s-Her-Name¡±. There were also reporters who came. Lilian wondered just how important her uncle was. Would he make headlines or just a short appearance in the obituaries?


    During the reception, It felt strange having all of those unfamiliar faces in her home (scrutinizing her home).


    ¡°Hmm, It¡¯s not the biggest of manors, but it¡¯s charming,¡± said one individual Lilian watched from above the banister.


    ¡°They definitely went the Spartan route, didn¡¯t they?¡± joked his friend.


    Lilian came plopping down the stairs. The two boys looked at her.


    ¡°Oh. Lilian, is it? We were just admiring your quarters.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. That did look like admiring, didn¡¯t it?¡± she said sarcastically.


    They gave each other a look. One cleared his throat, ¡°So how are you coping?¡±


    ¡°Slowly. I¡¯ve managed. How about you?¡±


    They were not sure what to say.


    ¡°Don¡¯t either of you know him?¡± asked Lilian.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°We know of him. Do you know us?¡± Bang! Got her.


    ¡°Lilian, dear,¡± called Aunt Krishta, ¡°We''re about to start reading the will.¡±


    Lilian wasn¡¯t sure why her aunt decided to do the reading on the day of the funeral, but alas into the sitting room she went.


    Everyone gathered around while the attorney pulled a sheet of paper out of his case. He began to read:


    To my dear wife, Krishta, of course, I give the estate¡­


    The list went on, and Lilian got anxious for when her name would be mentioned.


    Lastly, the factory will go to my sister, Barbra.


    ¡°Oh! Yes!¡± cried a woman in a slim, black, puffed-sleeved dress and a black-veiled hat. Behind the veil, one could make out her features: Droopy eyelids, high cheekbones, and pouty lips. She had an hourglass figure that was most certainly naturally hers (not the result of a corset, despite she was wearing one) and her voice was low and melodious. She was the epitome of a femme fatale.


    ¡°Sorry, could you read that last part a second time?¡± insisted Lilian. Surely her Uncle did not give up her inheritance.


    ¡°Uh,¡± said the attorney, ¡°It says, ¡®Lastly, the factory will go to my sister, Barbra.¡¯ Signed¡ª Fredrick Truit. Barbra Truit¡ª is that you?¡±


    The miss said she was. Lilian looked down at her Aunt Krishta who she stood beside, and who sat quietly in her comfy armchair. Lilian rested a hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t make any sense,¡± she whispered, ¡°I am the heiress.¡± But Krishta didn¡¯t say a word to her. Could it be that she knew about the sudden change?


    Krishta then said, ¡°So Miss Barbra, what exactly do you intend to do with the lathe factory?¡±


    ¡°Well, I have been meaning to further the cosmetic industry.¡± The woman said placing a hand on her chest with fingers flared out.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I had my sights on a lovely area up in Cremsworth, though I¡¯ve always admired Fredrick¡¯s place. Ugh, finally he¡¯s come to his senses it seems.¡± She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t understand,¡± chirped Lilian.


    ¡°What don¡¯t you understand?¡± twitched her aunt Barbra.


    Lilian paused. It was happening again. Everyone''s eyes were on her. Looking the way they did at the ball.


    ¡°What is it, Lilian?¡± asked Aunt Krishta obliviously, which made Lilian¡¯s blood boil. Amongst the crowd was Paul. He wore a somber expression that was unlike him. He was clearly hurt by Fred¡¯s death, too. He gave Lilian a permissive nod, and she mustered up all the courage within her.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± She directed the question at Aunt Barbra.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°I said,¡± her voice slightly raised, ¡°where were you? On any holiday, or any day at all?¡±


    ¡°Lilian!¡± Aunt Krista scolded.


    ¡°Where were you when business was terrible and we nearly lost everything?¡±


    ¡°Lilian, hold your tongue¡ª¡±


    ¡°And where were you when Uncle Fred got sick? Where were any of you?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    ¡°No! No, Aunt Krishta. Any other day, please.¡±


    That was the last straw for Aunt Krishta. Up, she jumped from her seat. Her eyes, glossy with tears.


    ¡°Get out.¡± She said in a flat voice.


    Lilian realized she went too far. She walked off with her head hung low. Out to the orchard, she ran. Surrounding herself with apple trees, orange trees, and brown leaf piles. The sun waned away and a cold breeze hit her. Why was this happening to her? None of it was fair. She burst into a bellow. The wind blew so strong it wiped her tears away.


    Out of the house, came Aunt Krishta calling her name. Lilian turned her head, and the wind slowed.


    ¡°Why? Why do you want to ruin things today?¡±


    Lilian just stood there, looking into her aunt¡¯s eyes, hoping she¡¯d see her sorrow. ¡°Everything is already ruined, Aunt Krishta. Do you not care? Why wouldn¡¯t he just leave me with one thing- one piece of him.¡±


    ¡°Because you have something they don¡¯t. His favor.¡±


    ¡°You knew he changed his mind. Why didn¡¯t you tell me? All my life I felt safe knowing that everything was planned out for me. And that I never had to figure anything out myself.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s precisely why we decided to break our promise, Lilian. Running the factory¡ª that¡¯s not your path.¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve let me decide that.¡±


    ¡°But by then you would have caught yourself in a mess, and you know it.¡±


    Her aunt might have been right. ¡°So what am I going to do now?¡±


    ¡°You have to find that out. But it starts with leaving Corlu. It¡¯s not your place anymore.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware that Hiplum is not your place either. Your Uncle and I¡ª we had our mission. And that was to raise you. Now it¡¯s time you complete yours and be the Lilian I know you can be. Remember those days Shersul would give you lessons out in the woods? What did he teach you? Tell me.¡±


    ¡°He- he taught me to fish.¡±


    ¡°Eeexactly. Now fish.¡±


    Lilian hadn¡¯t the slightest idea what her aunt was talking about but she didn¡¯t dwell on it. ¡°You want me to just leave? Uncovered?¡±


    ¡°Something tells me you won¡¯t be.¡± Krishta turned her head, pointing at Paul who was now outside, involved in a conversation with some men. And by ¡°involved¡±, he was simply watching the others talk.


    ¡°Paul?¡± said Lilian. ¡°No, no, no. He has his studies. I could never ask him to go with me¡­ wherever I¡¯m going.¡±


    ¡°Lilian, I believe that boy would go with you to the ends of the earth.¡±


    ¡°You think?¡±


    Her Aunt nodded.


    ¡°Wait, what about you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll be alright. I have Gracie. And besides, I¡¯ve been taking care of myself for years. It¡¯ll just be easier when you''re gone.¡±


    ¡°Nice to know I¡¯m appreciated,¡± Lilian scoffed.


    ¡°Oh, you are.¡± Aunt Krishta held Lilian¡¯s face in her dainty hands, ¡°You truly are.¡± She gave Lilian a kiss on her forehead and a hug.


    Lilian stood at the abandoned train tracks (apparently not abandoned anymore). She had to get away from the other Truits. Peace and quiet.


    She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, ¡°Tell me where to go. I know you can.¡±


    A strong gust suddenly blew through her; one only she could feel. It carried on toward the south; same direction as the train a few days ago.


    ¡°What city is south?¡±


    ¡°Brord, why?¡± Lilian was startled by none other than Paul Partridge holding one of their apples in his palm.


    ¡°You really must stop appearing behind me like that.¡±


    ¡°My apologies.¡±


    Lilian stared at the white rose placed in his vest pocket.


    ¡°How are you, Paul? I saw you break down at the open casket.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t break down.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you did. I know you, Paul. You did on the inside.¡±


    Paul wouldn¡¯t look her in the eyes. He stared at nothing. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, Lil. I just can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the twentieth century. There have been so many breakthroughs. If only he held on just a little longer, I could¡¯ve found a cure.¡±


    Lilian clasped his arm, ¡°No, Paul. It couldn¡¯t be helped.¡± Paul looked down at her. His ¡°stormy blues¡±, piercing her soul. She realized she forgot herself. She made up for it by drawing him into a hug. Lilian could hear his heartbeat. It was slow. Then it started to quicken. She released him.


    ¡°I have to tell you something.¡±


    ¡°Thinking about leaving?¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°I know you.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t exactly my idea.¡±


    Paul shrugged, ¡°Well, I know your Aunt, too. So, where to? I hear Cremsworth is beautiful this time of year.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I was actually planning on going alone.¡±


    ¡°Alone?¡± Paul gave her a look of utter disappointment.


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t you have your studies to attend to?¡±


    ¡°Oh, please,¡± He waves a dismissive hand, ¡°I can be self-taught. I¡¯m the type to only need school for the paper I receive at the end.¡±


    ¡°What would your parents say?¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t say a word if I can help it,¡± he asserted. ¡°Now I take pride in being your only chauffeur for several years, and I intend to continue doing so.¡±


    Lilian decided to toy with him, looking upward pensively, then saying, ¡°Mno, Paul. I think it¡¯s time we go our separate ways.¡±


    Paul''s jaw dropped as he slapped his chest. ¡°Alright, Miss Lilian Truit. But just as the maxim goes, there¡¯s only one thing that¡¯ll work to keep me away.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±


    He puts his apple in her palm. ¡°Eating one of these every day.¡± Then he stomps off.


    Lilian laughed, ¡°Oh, Paul. You goop. Come back!¡±


    Paul lifted his chin and shook his head like a stubborn toddler.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me snatch you!¡± She threatened, running up behind him and grabbing his shoulders. ¡°Ha, Ha!¡±


    He turned and took her wrist, staring into her eyes again, then rubbed a thumb against the back of her hand and said, ¡°If you go, I go. Okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Knock, knock, knock went Tessaline on the red door of Mister Scott Thomas¡¯s home. She could hear his footsteps as he scurried around his house. He finally opened the door. He was a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard under his big nose, glasses, and thinning hair. Tess wasn¡¯t sure where he managed to find a billowy shirt in this day and age but he had one on and he smelled like smoke.


    ¡°Tessaline. Fancy seeing you today.¡±


    ¡°You see me every week.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and every week you look more and more¡ª¡±


    ¡°Here is the money for this month''s rent.¡± She thrust the note she pulled from her pocket.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Of course.¡± He pretended to reach for the note but grabbed onto her wrist. ¡°Shall we talk inside?¡±


    She tried to pull away, ¡°Let go of me, Mister Thomas.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Tessaline, Tessaline, Tessaline,¡± he repeated as though he liked saying the word. ¡°How many times do I have to remind you to call me Scott.¡±


    ¡°Let go, Scott.¡±


    He tightened his grip and ground his teeth. ¡°I let you live on my property and this is the thanks I get? Give me one reason why I should.¡±


    ¡°That''s a tight grip.¡± She grunted, ¡°Jase will know.¡±


    ¡°Ya got that right!¡± shouted Jase a few feet from the steps. He cocked his musket in his arms. The barrel pointed towards the ground at his side. Scott was stunned, but he maintained his grip.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you. Or this little lady.¡± But of course, he was very much afraid.


    ¡°Tess, you paid him?¡± asked Jase.


    ¡°In full.¡±


    ¡°Now, unless you ready to fight me dudday, I suggest you let go o¡¯ the woman.¡±


    Immediately she was released. And down the steps she ran to Jase¡¯s side. They turned around and started walking away. They could hear Scott shut his door, swearing.


    ¡°You don¡¯t listen,¡± Jase said.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I told you to stay home. Said I¡¯d go today.¡±


    ¡°First of all, you''re right, I don¡¯t listen to you. And second of all, how could I be sure you¡¯d remember?¡±


    Jase stopped his pace. ¡°You trust me, Tess. You¡¯re supposed to trust me.¡± He said it like it was so obvious, shaking his head, and they proceeded.


    They went down an alleyway and came around to Ms. Cora¡¯s home for children. She already saw them approaching from her french window in the front room where she held her classes. Ms. Cora waved.


    ¡°Hello there!¡±


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Cora,¡± Tessaline returned. Jase, walking behind her. Tessaline took out a cinch bag full of coins and gave it to the old woman. ¡°This is for you.¡±


    ¡°Tessaline, you darlin¡¯, you. But you know I don¡¯t need your charity every week.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but those kids deserve it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather you really help by taking that money to the church.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know I don¡¯t even step foot in that church unless I have to. It¡¯s bad enough it¡¯s the center of everything in this town.¡±


    Ms. Cora looked away and pursed her lips.


    ¡°But of course not to you,¡± Tessaline added.


    ¡°How are you, Jase.¡± Ms. Cora attempted to change the subject.


    ¡°Good,¡± was all he said.


    ¡°Sal, Hi.¡± Ms. Cora waved to Mrs. Sally Wayne across the street.


    Sally came over, ¡°Hello, Dalia.¡± She squinted at the two she despised, ¡°Jase. Tessaline. I¡¯ve been meaning to talk to you. Give you some words of wisdom.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ve been meaning to avoid your wisdom at all cost,¡± Tessaline retorted.


    ¡°Tessaline,¡± Ms. Cora admonished.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Dalia. Nothing she says can hurt me. Least I live a life I ain¡¯t got to be ashamed of. Live in a house that I own with a man I¡¯m married to. Not some son of a drunk.¡±


    Tessaline began to raise a clenched fist, Jase stopped her.


    ¡°And I have chil¡¯ren who love me,¡± Mrs. Wayne continued. She glanced at her wristwatch, ¡°Oh. And bidness to be about. Goodbye, Dalia.¡±


    Tessaline mockingly mouthed the words ¡°Goodbye, Dalia¡± as Mrs. Wayne walked away. Ms. Cora wasn¡¯t pleased.


    ¡°Oh, go ahead, say it. You think she¡¯s right,¡± said Tess.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t agree with her delivery. But you know how I feel about your relationship. It is unseemly.¡±


    The sound of little feet thumping, sliding, and someone busting into a wall, could be heard inside the house.


    ¡°What is that! I told y¡¯all not to run in here!¡± Ms. Cora shouted at whoever was there. The child started crying.


    ¡°Agh. See you later Tessaline.¡±


    Tess looked at Jase. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t what?¡±


    ¡°You think she¡¯s right, too.¡±


    ¡°Tess, I think that if you had taken up on my offer-¡±


    ¡°Jase¡ª¡±


    ¡°they wouldn¡¯t be talkin¡¯ about us.¡±


    ¡°No Jase. I¡¯m not gonna marry you.¡±


    Jase looked away, discouraged.


    Tessaline touched his broad shoulder. ¡°Look, we don¡¯t have to do what they say. We have everything we need.¡±


    ¡°What are you so afraid of?¡±


    ¡°Afraid? Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Not true. ¡®Cause I know you want everything that lady listed. A husband, kids, a house you own.¡±


    With every word he mentioned, Tessaline felt her heart twang. She couldn''t deny that deep down that was all she ever wanted. ¡°But this is enough.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. No, it¡¯s not.¡± Jase huffed. ¡°Sometimes I just don¡¯t understand you, Tess. You¡¯re a real case, you know that?¡±

 Away

    ¡°Go in!¡± shouted Lilian at her suitcase. The clasp was only centimeters away from clicking, but the thing just would not cooperate. Lilian huffed and grunted in defeat. Aunt Krishta came around the corner and sighed at the piteous sight.


    ¡°My sixteen-year-old niece. Still in need of packing assistance.¡±


    Lilian pursed her lips, looking at her aunt like a wet cat. ¡°Paul is going to be here soon! I haven¡¯t finished packing, my hair is a mess!¡± she frantically spoke.


    Aunt Krishta calmly hushed, fanning her hands slowly up and down as she inched toward Lilian. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± She drew Lilian into her arms. Lilian rested her head in her aunt''s bosom. Then Krishta rocked side to side. ¡°Let Auntie fix it.¡±


    Lilian walked over to her chair and sat down, slouching with her head being held between her hands. And Krishta flipped open the case, examining everything.


    ¡°You rolled the shirtwaists?¡±


    ¡°Mm, hm.¡±


    ¡°And flattened the socks¡ª¡±


    ¡°Against the side, yes¡­ Ma¡¯am.¡±


    Krishta continued to dig through. ¡°Aha. What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my derby hat.¡±


    Her aunt''s eyelids dropped, ¡°When have you ever worn this, Lilian?¡±


    Lilian shrugged and smiled weakly. ¡°Who knows? I just might one day go to a derby event.¡±


    Krishta chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°Why don¡¯t you put this in a separate suitcase with all your hats?¡± She held up the hat letting it flop on one finger.


    ¡°That one is full, too.¡±


    Aunt Krishta dropped her arm and tilted her head. ¡°So help me, Lilian, if you weren¡¯t a lady of your own, I would have thrown out every useless accessory. But since you are so set on keeping it, then you shall wear it on your travel.¡± She plopped the hat on the bed and snapped the case shut.


    ¡°Mistress.¡± Gracie stepped into the room.


    ¡°Yes, Gracie. What is it?¡±


    ¡°Mister Partridge is right outside.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Lilian rushed to the mirror to fix her hair.


    ¡°Yes, thank you, Gracie,¡± replied her aunt. ¡°Invite him in. Lilian will be down in a minute.¡±


    Gracie nodded then left.


    In a few minutes, Lilian was downstairs. Baggage in both arms. Some of it was carried by Gracie. They walked around till they met Paul at the front door who kindly assisted them in taking the baggage to his car. Once everything was in, he returned to Lilian.


    ¡°That was quite a lot of stuff. What all did you pack? Surely it isn¡¯t all necessities.¡±


    ¡°Paul. Are you seriously asking a lady what she keeps in her baggage?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s my car that has to suffer.¡±


    ¡°Stop arguing. I hope that¡¯s not how you¡¯ll behave the whole way to Brord,¡± stated Aunt Krishta as she entered the foyer.


    Neither of them was going to protest that it was hardly an argument.


    ¡°Now, you will take care of my niece, correct?¡±


    Paul tipped his hat, ¡°Of course, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Aunt Krishta laid a hand on his shoulder, staring him straight in the eye. ¡°You better. Because as of now she is all I have.¡±


    He looked downward, gulping down some emotion he felt.


    ¡°Well, besides Gracie,¡± Krishta mentioned on a lighter note. She grinned at her maid, then kissed Paul¡¯s cheek. She whispered into his ear, ¡°Do not bring her back to me until you have wifed her good.¡±


    Lilian could see the blush rising to Paul¡¯s cheeks and wondered what her aunt had told him. He glanced at Lilian a few times before going outside to wait for her to finish saying goodbye. Lilian gave her aunt and maid a long hug each, and they bid her elspeed and safe travels.


    ¡°You know, I told myself I would not cry,¡± Aunt Krishta said, holding a handkerchief up to her cheek. ¡°But my eyes betray me.¡±


    Lilian laughed softly as her eyes betrayed her too. What a strong aunt she had who was willing to give her up even now to be El¡¯s.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to write.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    She put on her velvet coat and hat and left her dear home for probably ever.


    Paul watched as Lilian slowly made her way to his automotive, still deciding whether or not she was committed. He stared at the purple thing atop her head.


    ¡°Is that a derby hat?¡± He raised a brow.


    ¡°Is that a judgment?¡±


    He picked her up and put her in then went around to the other side. As he settled in, rubbing his hands together, Lilian¡¯s gaze remained on the Truit manor. Paul placed his hand on her gloved one.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    After two days of driving, it only got colder. As it began to rain, Paul took out a pair of goggles and instructed Lilian to put them on. The road was uneven, opaque, and slippery, and the rain continued to pour in heaps. The roof did no good as a shelter to keep the automobile¡¯s interior from becoming drenched, and the exterior, grimy. The storm got more tempestuous as the lighting came closer. Then suddenly, the roof of the car was blown backward. Lilian''s hat followed, along with Paul¡¯s.


    ¡°By El! If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d say nature was working against us.¡±


    Paul once again was right; something was definitely wrong.


    ¡°Help me out here, Lilian,¡± he yelled over the storm.


    ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±


    He kept his hand on the wheel and reached down, then slapped a piece of folded paper against Lilian''s chest. ¡°Know how to read maps?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Lilian, taking the paper from him.


    ¡°Tell me where the nearest amenities are.¡±


    ¡°Uhh¡­¡± She flapped the sheet, letting it unfold into a large map of small text and lines for roads that was creased into many tiny squares. The map was in no time drenched, but Lilian did her best. ¡°First I need to know where we- Ahh!¡±


    The car jumped over a bigger bump than the previous times, taking the map right out of Lilian''s slippery, gloved hands. And a bluster carried it away. Paul firmly took hold of the wheel as they began to hydroplane.


    ¡°Paul, I feel¡ª¡±


    ¡°Not now, Lilian!¡± The last thing he needed was for her to feel something terrible.


    ¡°Now what?¡± Lilian said quietly, knowing Paul didn¡¯t hear. The first voice in her head: Just go back. Just give up. But she looked over at Paul. Watched his firm grip. His serious eyes squinting through the water that seeped down to his lashes. The rain, dripping down his straight nose. He wasn¡¯t going to give up. Today, Lilian wouldn¡¯t either. Today, she wasn¡¯t going to flee from her problems once again. No. She was going to be just as brave.


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    They continued on, tussling with the wind and rain. Lilian closed her eyes and calmed her spirit.


    Lilian!


    ¡°Shersul?¡± Lilian checked on her left and righthand side, but there was no one in sight.


    Lilian, Stop! The voice screamed louder.


    ¡°Stop the car!¡±


    Paul let go of the wheel, depressed the lever, and looked at Lilian, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Then, a blindingly bright blast of lighting struck only a yard away from them. Both Paul and Lilian pasted to the back of their seats. The sound deafened their ears for a while and a strongly sweet smell was released in the air.


    ¡°Tha- That- If¡­¡± Paul tried to put his thoughts together. ¡°At the rate we were going, that would have been us,¡± he said, sounding much soberer. ¡°Lil.¡± He turned his gaze to Lilian, ¡°How did you know?¡±


    Lilian couldn¡¯t take on his dark eyes. Should she tell him? No, not now. She lowered her head.


    Paul¡¯s chest rose and fell as he was still in shock. He put his shaking hands on the lever.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t.¡± Lilian held up a hand at him. Strands of damp hair falling in her face. ¡°Let¡¯s wait until the storm subsides. We still don¡¯t know where we are, and I brought food.¡± She pointed at the big basket that sat on top of the other luggage in the back seat.


    Paul nodded.


    Lilian awoke, realizing she fell asleep in Paul¡¯s arms. He wasn¡¯t asleep. He was brushing up on his Chemistry which he held in his right hand. Reading it as if it were a storybook. He was so handsome when he studied. Then gunshots sounded.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Lilian flinched, exposing that she was no longer asleep.


    Paul looked at her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. All is well. Rest. It¡¯s probably just some hunter.¡±


    Paul always had the calmest of demeanors. Nothing ever bothered him. Not Lilian¡¯s damp hair in his arm, not the sound of gunshots, and certainly not what others thought of him. Is he perfect? How does he do it? Paul never tells her that he has any issues, so Lilian never asks. There is a lot he won¡¯t tell her.


    He held her gently over his lap and continued reading. They were not typical friends. Countless amount of times they''d share a sensual affection only appropriate for acclaimed lovers. Lilian tried to be proper, but sometimes she would forget. And Paul could be so hard to read. Often she¡¯d fear he had become so comfortable around her that there was no yearning.


    Oh, Paul. If you love me, just say it.


    They heard the shots again. Lilian sat up and stretched. For no apparent reason, she thought to ask a certain question, ¡°What do you think about¡­ Shersul?¡±


    Paul jerked his head, curious why she would bring him up. ¡°What is there to think? He¡¯s some crazy coot who thinks he¡¯s the Elson.¡±


    His response disappointed her. She decided to step out of the vehicle and move her legs. She then unpinned her hair and rang it out, making sure it did not touch the ground. Mills could be seen far out in the distance. Through the moist grass on the side of the road was a hidden dirt path that sparked a memory of something Shersul told her that day she was walking to their fishing spot and got lost.


    She was about eight years old, her mind was filled with various distractions, and she wound up losing her way. Hours later, Shersul came looking for her.


    ¡°Lilian! Lilian!¡±


    ¡°Shersul? Shersul!¡± she called out.


    ¡°Lilian.¡± The tall, mildly appareled man appeared through the bushes and found her crouching in a little circle on the ground. He picked her up.


    ¡°What are you doing over here?¡±


    ¡°I tried to meet you at our fishing spot, but I lost my way.¡±


    ¡°Did you follow the path?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I did. But it¡¯s so skinny and hard to see. Must it be that way?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s that way so only you and I will know where our spot is. Wouldn¡¯t want the wrong people going there, now would we?¡±


    ¡°I suppose.¡±


    ¡°How about this, I¡¯ll walk you there for now, but soon you¡¯ll have to do it on your own. And when you do, focus on the path.¡±


    She didn¡¯t like the idea of having to go alone again. Whenever Shersul was around, she felt safe.


    ¡°Paul.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a path here.¡±


    ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°So, it may lead to people.¡±


    Paul got out to see what Lilian was talking about. ¡°We¡¯re not going down there.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°It is most likely private property.¡±


    ¡°Do you want directions or not?¡±


    ¡°Who needs directions?¡±


    ¡°Tsk, I forgot you were a man,¡± Lilian murmured.


    ¡°No, you forgot I was an intellectual. Look, your uncle¡¯s factory is in Brord, right?¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°So, find the factory, find Brord. Simple.¡± He walked to the automobile. ¡°Come then.¡±


    Lilian followed, holding her hair in her arms. Once she was in, Paul struggled to crank the car. Lilian didn''t say a word as he continued to turn, which was a relief to him and his pride. Paul paused for a moment to rest and looked up at Lilian. He gave the crank a few more turns¡­Nothing.


    ¡°Ugh, out of gas,¡± He grunted.


    ¡°You know, there may be a local pharmacy around here,¡± Lilian hinted, smirking.


    He gave her a dead expression that amused her very much.


    And off they went, following the narrow trail. Paul dragged along reluctantly. Lilian had to stop multiple times to see if he was still behind her.


    They passed by bushes and native trees of limited varieties, some bare, some green. Lilian distinguished the sweet gum trees and oaks. Oddly enough, as they walked, Lilian felt like a weight was being lifted off her shoulders, making her arms lighter. Sunlight beamed through the trees, leaving various spots of light on the ground. The path was a lovely, golden, scenic route. Pretty larks sang around them. It was all going dandy until¡­ the fork in the road.


    ¡°Ah, yes. Just had to be,¡± said Paul. He stared at the ground for a while. They came for some help. And they literally couldn¡¯t leave without it. Paul sniffed and rubbed his chilled nose.


    ¡°What do you suggest?¡±


    Lilian looked down the second path. She could not see much. What about the third? She turned around to check. Gasp!


    Standing in front of her was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen: a small-framed, pale-skinned, fair-haired maiden with a slender nose and big light eyes. Her only color was her plump red lips. But that was not what surprised Lilian. At the end of the young woman¡¯s extended arm was a pistol pointed right at the target who was Lilian.


    ¡°Who are you and what¡¯re you doin¡¯ here?¡±


    The woman had a sweet, soft, and shrill voice that hardly matched her stern tone.


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m. Lilian. Ma¡¯am.¡± Lilian looked down at the dead hare that hung upside down by its feet in the woman¡¯s other hand. Her spine shivered. Paul stepped up behind her.


    ¡°Hello, Miss. I am Paul Partridge. We know we¡¯re trespassing. We¡¯re lost and looking for someone to help us.¡±


    The woman kept her hand firm on the pistol. She squinted in disbelief. Her eyes looked them up and down judgingly.


    ¡°Where d¡¯you younguns come from?¡±


    Younguns? Lilian may be close to death, but she was not going to be disrespected.


    ¡°It¡¯s Sir and La¡ª¡±


    Paul swiftly covered Lilian¡¯s mouth and chuckled nervously.


    ¡°I¡¯m from Hiplum. And Lilian, here, is from Corlu.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± said the woman. ¡°Rich folks.¡± She lowered her gun.


    The woman came out from the trail she was on. She stepped toward Lilian.


    ¡°Y- You remind me of someone.¡±


    Lilian looked from side to side, uncomfortably, as the woman stared at her. The woman squinted again. Then her eyes relaxed as she smiled. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s get y¡¯all inside.¡± She backed up. ¡°Like hare?¡± She held up her catch, displaying its bloody side.


    ¡°Not freshly killed,¡± replied Lilian.


    The woman chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re funny.¡± And she started walking back the way she came. Paul and Lilian followed.


    They trekked on the gravel. It was a task getting up a hill. They continued a while in silence till the woman called out, ¡°Now don¡¯t be shy. Say something. Tell me about yourselves.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± asked Lilian, ignoring the part about telling her about themselves.


    ¡°Tessaline,¡± The woman replied. ¡°You can call me Tess. Everybody calls me Tess. Unless they occasionally decide not to.¡±


    Paul cleared his throat. ¡°So, Tess. Do you pull out arms on everyone you first meet?¡±


    Lilian eyed him, signaling that he asked a rude question.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about ol¡¯ Bella, here.¡± She gave the gun that was currently in her belt a good pat. ¡°She¡¯s strictly for hunting purposes. Besides, round here we¡¯re friends ¡®fore we enemies.¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Paul whispered to Lilian.


    ¡°So how¡¯d y¡¯all get here in the first place?¡± asked Tess.


    ¡°Our automobile ran out of gas. So we were stranded on the side of the road.¡±


    ¡°Automobile?¡± ?Tessaline said with excitement. ¡°Oh, I¡¯d love to see that. So would Jase.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Jase?¡± asked Lilian.


    ¡°Jase and I live together. He won¡¯t be back for a while.¡±


    ¡°Is he your beau?¡±


    ¡°Yes, no. It depends.¡±


    ¡°On what?¡±


    Tess shrugged, ¡°On what we wanna be at the moment. But anyway,¡± she waved a dismissive hand, ¡°enough about me. Where were you two trying to get to?¡±


    ¡°Brord,¡± answered Paul. ¡°But it was a task making our way in the storm.¡±


    ¡°Storm? What storm?¡±


    ¡°The turbulent storm we just passed through not too far away from here.¡± Paul gestured behind him.


    Tessaline stopped and looked at the both of them like they were crazy. They returned the expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± insisted Lilian. ¡°My hair is drenched because of that storm.¡±


    ¡°Your hair?¡±


    Lilian felt her head, then looked at Paul in surprise. Paul himself was dumbfounded. Lilian¡¯s hair was completely dry and rested at the top of her head, pinned perfectly.


    ¡°I- I don¡¯t remember pinning it.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t,¡± Paul attested.


    Tessaline continued to look at them both, confused. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know about you two, save a storm. But you¡¯re both in luck. This is Brord.¡±


    As they continued walking, a little house was made apparent before them. It was a pretty thing: skinny wooden pillars with lovely fretwork, finials at each gable¡¯s vertex, but a wind vane right in the center, and a red brick foundation.


    They approached the house. Tessaline took out her keys and opened the door.

 Newcomers

    Where the three entered was the kitchen. It was lovely and light. But on the floor were a few crumbs and dirt, and the oven was greased and stained. Not to mention the stack of dishes by the sink. A pack of bullets was set on the table with a belt falling over the back of a chair. Somehow a loose chicken got in. Tess took it by the wings and shooed it out the door.


    ¡°Make yourselves at home. Sorry for the current condition. We don¡¯t usually have guests over.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright. Thank you so much for your hospitality,¡± Lilian gratified. ¡°We¡¯ll be out of your hair soon if you could so kindly direct us to a gas providing facility.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ The nearest convenience store is some miles from here, in town. And right now Jase has the wagon. And aren¡¯t you tired and all?¡±


    Tessaline sounded a tad lonely. Lilian and Paul were exhausted and were frankly relieved that she said that.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ll let us stay?¡± Lilian inquired.


    ¡°Yes. Yes. Please.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll have to get our stuff. We left it all in the car.¡±


    ¡°If Jase doesn¡¯t come back soon, we¡¯ll deal with all that ourselves. Hopefully, it¡¯s not much, or that¡¯ll be multiple trips.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Hopefully not.¡± Paul eyed Lilian.


    Tessaline went over to the sink and rinsed off the dead hare, then plopped it down on the table beside the window. She sat a knife and cleaver right next to it. Then she looked up at Lilian.


    ¡°You know how to skin a hare?¡±


    Lilian gulped and shook her head. Her stomach twisted inside out.


    ¡°No, Gracie¡¯s always done that. She¡¯s the maid.¡±


    ¡°Well unfortunately for you, we don¡¯t have maids here.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to watch?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Lilian sighed.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna help me.¡±


    Paul made a funny nasally sound as he tried not to laugh.


    ¡°You¡¯re helpin¡¯, too,¡± Tess added.


    Suddenly the smile left his face.


    They started cooking at four. Paul did the honors of skinning and butchering the hare since Lilian couldn¡¯t come around to it. Tess showed Lilian how to chop the vegetables. She was a very good teacher though patience wasn¡¯t a virtue she minded.


    At five, they were half done, but it was rapidly getting darker outside. So while the stew slowly cooked on the stove, Paul and Lilian brought in their baggage. And it did take many trips. Tess then showed them to their rooms. They walked down the short hallway just beyond the kitchen.


    ¡°Here is our guest bedroom.¡± Tess showed Paul a small room with no window. There was a low bed that faced a skinny wardrobe and took up most of the space. A nightstand/dresser stood by the bed holding up an ugly-looking pink lamp which was the only light source for the poor room. At the foot of the bed was a swampy green trunk. The wallpaper was bland and did not match the rug. But at this point, a clean, comfortable, ugly room was much better than a cramped car.


    Paul walked in with his suitcases. Lilian followed.


    ¡°Uh, uh,¡± Tess halted. ¡°You think I¡¯d let you in there with him?¡±


    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± Lilian asserted. ¡°We are El¡¯s beloved.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re Girgum¡¯s beloved. I ain''t leaving nothing to chance.¡±


    ¡°Completely understandable,¡± Paul agreed. ¡°And we respect that.¡± He stressed his words, looking at Lilian as if to say ¡°Don¡¯t mess this up¡±.


    ¡°Go on Lilian.¡±


    Lilian reluctantly complied. She watched as his door shut on her.


    ¡°Boo!¡± Tessaline shouted, making Lilian jump. ¡°Ha, ha. Come see. You¡¯re gonna like my room.¡±


    The room right across from Paul¡¯s was Tess¡¯s. It looked much better. There was a window, a desk and chair, a tall mirror sitting against the wall, and a wide enough wardrobe for two. The bed was queen-sized but wasn¡¯t in the way, since the space was bigger.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothin¡¯ fancy. But it¡¯s home.¡±


    Lilian unloaded all her stuff there, but since it was only supposed to be one night, she did not unpack. However, she was curious to see just how much closet space they had. Opening the wardrobe, she was surprised to see a beautiful ivory dress hanging from the rod amongst the other not-so-polished clothing Tessaline owned. It looked expensive. Lilian brushed her hand down the feathers of the bodice. Very nice quality, she thought. Surely not merely a Sunday best. It always made Lilian smile to see a pretty dress. Even if it was not as extravagant as her own.


    On the other side of the wardrobe were presumably Jase¡¯s clothes. Lots of cotton shirts with overalls or plain-looking pants. But as if symmetrically, one expensive suit.


    Tessaline walked by just as Lilian closed the doors. She peeped into the room, gasping anxiously, ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, it was just¡ª¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t look in there, did you?¡±


    Lilian was getting the feeling that she probably was not supposed to be looking in the wardrobe. ¡°No,¡± she bit her lip.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I didn''t look in there,¡± she bit it again.


    Lilian watched Tessaline¡¯s face to see if she¡¯d buy her lie. She did.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done I need help cleaning up.¡±


    The pot continued to heat on the stove. Tessaline wiped the tables and cleaned the cooking utensils while Lilian swept up the mess on the floor.


    ¡°Wow,¡± exclaimed Tess. ¡°I have to say. Didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be so handy with the broom.¡±


    ¡°Well, we only have one maid back home. So I help out as much as I can. That is¡ª when I¡¯m not away at school.¡±


    Tess scoffed. ¡°What¡ª your parents couldn''t afford more workers?¡±


    ¡°Actually my parents are dead.¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that why you¡¯re wearing all black?¡±


    ¡°No. This is for my late uncle. Passed away a week ago. He taught me to rely more on my own hands than others.¡±


    Tess raised a hand to her chest. ¡°Oh, I am so sorry. Having you clean up my kitchen, and you¡¯re in the middle of mourning.¡± She tried to take the broom from Lilian¡¯s hands.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright. That is why I¡¯m here. To move on. As he moved on.¡±


    ¡°Boy, you sure are stronger than I am. Took me weeks just to get out of bed when my mother died. How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Sixteen.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s about the age I was when she died.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Just know you¡¯re doin¡¯ alright.¡± She patted Lilian¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°How old are you now?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-one.¡±


    At around seven, the stew was finally done and the savory smell pervaded every room. Paul, Lil, and Tess gathered at the table in the center of the kitchen. Tess was already traveling a spoonful of meat to her pie-hole when Lilian said, ¡°Let¡¯s pray.¡±


    Lilian reached out an arm to both Paul and Tess. Paul took hold without hesitation. Tessaline participated to not be rude. They bowed their heads.


    Lilian began, ¡°Good Father, El. We thank you for the dear help that came to us. Tessaline. We know you sent her like a wind to our rescue. Be good to her, Father. We thank you for a new friend¡±¡ª Lilian took in a long whiff of the delicious aroma¡ª ¡°Mm, and the divine meal we have in front of us tonight. Oh, and take care of Mister Jase, as he makes his way home.¡±


    Say it. That voice from earlier spoke again. Lilian questioned it. Was this the time to expose herself? Did she trust Paul enough? Did she trust Tessaline at all?


    ¡°For Shersul¡¯s sa¡ª¡±


    The moment she said that, hands let go.


    ¡°Lilian!¡± Paul shouted in apalment.


    ¡°So you are those types of people. Shersul followers!¡± Tess accused.


    ¡°No. No, this is a?joke, right?¡± asked Paul anxiously.


    Lilian was again enduring what she dreaded most. Now even Paul was looking at her the way the people did at the funeral or the ball. Now she had to be brave, stare into those eyes of his, and tell him what she believed.


    ¡°I believe Shersul is the Elson.¡±


    Paul brought two tented hands to his mouth, calming himself.


    ¡°Lil. When has this ever been true? You never once told me.¡±


    ¡°I hadn¡¯t realized that till recently. Shersul was a mentor to me long before I met you. He was a friend to Auntie and Uncle. I knew you were an El¡¯s Beloved but only now I realized you never believed in Shersul. You were always such a technical boy, Paul. So, I was afraid to say it knowing I could not corroborate myself.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you can¡¯t corroborate yourself¡­¡±


    Paul stopped his sentence, being interrupted by the sound of Tess¡¯s loud smacking and slurping as she nonchalantly ate her jackrabbit stew. Paul squinted at her rudeness. Tess looked him straight in the eye and loudly slurped to her heart''s content, batting her eyes and looking up like she was being possessed with each slurp.


    Lilian had to laugh at her spontaneity. Soon Paul could not help but at least smile at Tess¡¯s humor.


    Tessaline giggled, ¡°Y¡¯all sittin¡¯ there arguing when we got good, hot food in front of us. Food we made together. Eat.¡±


    They each tasted their cooking. It was amazing. The soft carrots added a hint of sweetness. And garlic and chives really boosted the flavor of the meat. It wasn''t too salty, either. For a while, everyone was quiet, savoring the taste.


    ¡°What do you think Tess?¡± asked Paul, breaking the silence. ¡°About our conversation?¡±


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    Tessaline gulped down a huge piece of something, then licked her red lips.


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t care and don¡¯t know why you care. El hasn¡¯t done a thing for me, Shersul hasn¡¯t done a thing for me.¡±


    ¡°But to live in such a lovely house, that alone is something to be thankful for,¡± Lilian argued.


    Tess looked down at her plate. ¡°This house ain¡¯t mine. Jase and I pay rent to a mean man, Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas keeps tryna put his hands on me or rile up Jase. Usually both. Every day we come closer to losing it.¡±


    ¡°Your minds or the house?¡±


    ¡°Both.¡± Tess beat her chest and belched. ¡°Also, most the town hates me.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Tess shrugged. ¡°¡®Cause I speak my mind, don¡¯t congregate, and because I live with Jase.¡±


    ¡°Well, I admire your entitlement,¡± Paul said, swishing his wooden cupful of cranberry juice around, ¡°but even I¡¯d question your judgment. Doesn¡¯t mean I hate you.¡± He looked into his cup and took a skeptical sip. ¡°Got any wine?¡±


    ¡°Easy for youda say,¡± Tess returned. ¡°I bet you know nothing about hate. I bet they powdered your behind all throughout life.¡±


    And strangely, for the first time in all the years Lilian knew him, Paul actually seemed to care about Tessaline¡¯s remark. ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to know me.¡± He then continued eating as though he was never bothered.


    But Tessaline was not going to let him off easy. ¡°Stiff.¡±


    Paul¡¯s eyes opened wide. Lilian gasped at Tessaline¡¯s audacity. Stiff? Paul Partridge is never a stiff.


    "Uncouth," he returned.


    "Uppity."


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve forgotten yourself.¡±


    ¡°I think you forgot whose house you''re sitting in.¡± Her slender nose blushed and flared.


    ¡°It¡¯s not yours.¡±


    ¡°Paul!¡± Lilian scolded.


    But Tessaline was already blinking back tears. She sniffed and sighed. ¡°This is why we don¡¯t take guests.¡± Then she got up from the table, taking her plate with her. ¡°When you''re done, you can bring your plates up here.¡±


    Later during bedtime, Lilian was brushing her curls in front of Tess¡¯s long mirror. Every girl¡¯s bedtime ritual. A fire kindling in the close fireplace. She was thinking of Uncle Fred. Trying to remember his features.


    As time progressed, she was forgetting him more and more. And her freshest memory of the man was his stiff, gray body when he died. Aunt Krishta should never have let her see that. Now it was all she could see when she thought of him. But in truth, Lilian would have never come to grips with it unless she did see. She needed a chance to accept his death. His passing.


    Aunt Krishta¡¯s words floated in her mind: ¡°Remember, he¡¯s in a better place, now.¡± And maybe he was, but Lilian was not. She had to deal with the grief. Though his spirit lived on in Aversum (hopefully), maybe it felt right to say he¡¯s just dead. To feel as though both persons suffered something. But that would be terrible.


    After his death Lilian found herself looking in the photo album frequently to remember him. But she found there was always something missing; his color. The black and white photos only made him look just as lifeless as his gray corpse. What could she do for such a dilemma? Her aunt told her to face a mirror. ¡°When I look at you,¡± she¡¯d say, gently landing her soft palms on Lilian¡¯s shoulders, ¡°I see him. Do you?¡±


    Lilian stared at her reflection intently. She searched for a glimmer of his soul, a spark of his nature. For a moment, she said nothing. Not answering yes or no until she found it. Her face was still. I don¡¯t see. But she thought about his face; how he always seemed to her. He always held a blissful grin. Then she raised her heavy cheeks into a smile. There it was. Her lips quaked. Her breath shook.


    ¡°Yes!¡± she squealed as she covered her face to cry.


    Her aunt turned her around. Guarding her from her own reflection.


    ¡°There, there.¡±


    So tonight, that¡¯s what she was doing. Looking for Fredrick Truit in her.


    Tess walked into the room, breaking Lilian¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of hair, Rapunzel.¡±


    Lilian smiled at her through the mirror. ¡°It¡¯s a beauty and a pain.¡± She began braiding one side.


    Tess sat on the edge of her bed. ¡°I thought about dyeing my hair your color a few times.¡±


    Lilian dropped her hands from their braiding action. ¡°No, never do that! It looks beautiful the way it is.¡±


    Tessaline laughed, ¡°It was only a thought. You see, my father had dark hair.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You actually look more like him than I did.¡± She frowned. ¡°I always thought that maybe if I looked like him or talked like him, then¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, what?¡± Lilian asked.


    Tess stared at her wardrobe for a moment. ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Lilian didn¡¯t know Tess, and Tess owed her no information. But for some reason, she felt she would do anything to know what was bothering her. But then she reminded herself: Everyone has secrets. Even me.


    Still, those words of Tessaline¡¯s spoke breadth. ¡°If I looked like him¡­¡± She didn¡¯t see her father in her. How unfortunate.


    She finished both sides of her head in silence. Tessaline surprisingly stayed, watching Lilian plaid the roots down to the ends, and then tie a ribbon around each end. Poor Tess. She had nothing more to do. She sat there humming to herself in a quiet but beautiful melody. Lilian wanted very much to start a conversation. What to say?


    ¡°You made a mistake coming to Brord,¡± Tessaline blurted.


    Lilian crept over to the bed, wrapping one arm around the post. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean there¡¯s nothing here for a young girl like you. Everyone here is¡­ unremarkable.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Lilian breathed a cool breath of relief. ¡°I¡¯m not as remarkable as you would think.¡± She sat on the bed next to Tess. ¡°And it¡¯s lady, now. I¡¯m no longer a little girl.¡±


    Tessaline squinted at Lilian like she did the first time they met. No doubt trying to assess the strange girl who came from wealth yet worked with her hands and was only 16 yet spoke with such assertion. In a way, she reminded her of herself. She tested her speculation and prejudice immensely.


    ¡°No.¡± Tessaline shook her head agreeably, ¡°You¡¯re no li¡¯l girl. But you are remarkable. I can tell.¡±


    Lilian grinned just a bit, still not fully accepting Tessaline¡¯s words. But she felt something heartfelt pass between her and Tessaline. In truth, this was her most successful encounter with another girl and the most she¡¯s ever had in common with one. It was too soon to say whether this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship or any friendship for that matter, but Lilian knew she was glad to have met Tessaline.


    Tess¡¯s attention diverted to the window.


    ¡°Tess? Do you miss Mr. Jase?¡±


    She regarded Lilian, ¡°Well, sure I¡¯m missin¡¯ him. He¡¯s been coming home late a lot, now. I wish I knew why.¡±


    ¡°Have you seen his barber recently?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°My Aunt says it¡¯s the best way to know the latest news about a man. They tell their barbers everything.¡±


    Tess laughed, ¡°That would be great advice, I¡¯m sure. Only, Jase hasn¡¯t been to the barbershop in weeks.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Tessaline brought her legs into a crisscross position. Lilian mirrored her.


    ¡°How do you feel about Paul?¡± Tess grinned mischievously.


    Lilian froze. She knew she was blushing pink. And soon her head bowed as she smiled bashfully.


    ¡°Oh, I knew you had a thing for him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say a word.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d never.¡± Tess put one hand on her heart and held up the other solemnly. A twinkle of glee in her pretty eyes; a stark contrast to the blankness of them back in the forest. ¡°But he probly knows just as well as I do.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Lilian scoffed, ¡°if he does, he should tell me his feelings, first. He knows I have no current suitors. It shouldn¡¯t be long before he tells me.¡± Lilian nodded at her own statement. Paul was a gentleman. Surely, he wouldn¡¯t do all this for her if he didn¡¯t love her.


    ¡°Mm, in the short time I¡¯ve known you two, I think I can say that if he really cared about you, he would have said it by now. He clearly isn¡¯t afraid to speak his mind.¡±


    Lilian shook off Tess¡¯s absurdity, suggesting it was rooted in anger. ¡°I do hope you are not angry with him, still,¡± said Lilian. ¡°He can tend to frustrate people unintentionally. I¡¯m one of the few who can handle it.¡±


    Tess shrugged. ¡°Who cares what I think? If you like the pompous, that¡¯s your prerogative.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s brows scrunched together. ¡°He¡¯s no pompous. Really, he isn¡¯t. Paul is the sweetest once you get to know him.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t wanna know him.¡±


    Lilian wasn¡¯t sure why she suddenly cared so much that Tessaline gave Paul a chance. Once this night was over, none of them had any further business with each other. For some reason, Lilian wanted to believe that her newfound camaraderie was not yet coming to a close.


    Tessaline rubbed her arms. ¡°It¡¯s getting chilly. I¡¯ll kindle the fire.¡± She walked over to the skinny metal fireplace that stood in the center of the room. She picked up a short log and fed it to the weakening fire. Something about the fire ignited thoughts about Aversum and the kindlum (the train of fire). For a moment, Lilian tried to imagine her uncle boarding the train that is said to take souls away to the good place.


    ¡°Thank you, once again, for all this,¡± said Lilian.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Me? For what?¡±


    Tessaline rose from her bent stature. ¡°In all my years of living here, I have to say that was the nicest prayer that anyone¡¯s ever prayed for us.¡±


    Surprised, Lilian smiled, gripping the sheets, ¡°No way. It couldn¡¯t have been the nicest."


    ¡°It is when every other prayer sounds like, ''And El, please give those two a whippin on behalf of everyone who can''t.¡¯¡±


    "So¡­ you don¡¯t mind that I¡¯m a Shersul follower?¡±


    Tessaline swatted the air, ¡°Like I said. I¡¯m indifferent.¡±


    ¡°Master Girgum.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°She got through.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°She got through the storm.¡±


    Lilian has the same dream every night. She is in her maze sneaking a slice of plum pie into her mouth. Gracie always made the best plum pies. She is hiding away from Shersul. She remembers his height, his golden-brown hair, and the intensity of his eyes as they scanned around for her. The sound of the wind whistling, ringing nearby chimes. Little bunnies hopping in and out through the hedges. The sun beaming down on her in waves she can see. But in her dreams, the world is always more magical. She creeps away past the clay fountain she hid behind once she spots Shersul. The air is so sweet, she can taste it, and the sky is pink. Clouds swirling round. Cutting corners, she comes to an abrupt stop at the sight of an arched wooden door right at a dead end.


    It was never there before. Slowly, she inches closer. A glowing yellow light seeps below the door, indicating there is something interesting behind it. But this was not her usual dream.


    ¡°Lilian.¡±


    She hears Shersul¡¯s deep voice. But when she turns around, he isn¡¯t there.


    ¡°I have to go¡­¡± the words echo in her head. ¡°I¡¯m leaving you¡­ gift.¡±


    Lilian turns back to the door. The glow is quickly vanishing. She runs to the door and turns the knob. When it is open, a swarm of monarchs burst through, surrounding her as they flutter. Clouding her vision. Once they dissipate, all the beauty is gone. Before her is a dry wasteland. Shriveled black leaves lifting and falling in the slight breeze, catching the dust.


    As she walks, her steps become heavy. Her knees, feeling ever so weak. A tremendous weight upon her shoulders. Relenting, she drops to a crawl and then lies down on her back. Familiar voices whisper in her head, vying for attention:


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry you had to see me this way.¡±


    ¡°What don¡¯t you understand?¡±


    ¡°You are ready, Lillian¡­ You love to hide behind your name.¡±


    ¡°There is so much I want to teach you.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in a better place, Lilian- ilian- ian¡­¡±


    Tears stream down the sides of her face. She looks up at the sky that is now gray, then squeezes her eyes shut.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The quaky breath of someone speaking into her ear makes Lilian¡¯s eyes open again. She turns her head to see who is lying beside her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I left you.¡±


    It is him. It is Uncle Fred. In his blue-striped pajamas. His gray corpse is speaking to her. Lilian jumps up and scoots from him.


    ¡°No,¡± she says.


    His dead face somehow animates a confused expression. ¡°I never made it to Aversum.¡± That isn¡¯t even his voice.


    ¡°No! NO!¡± she repeats. ¡°NO!¡±


    Lilian couldn¡¯t sleep. Girgum must be toying with her. Even her dreams must be tampered with. It was all too much. What was a girl like her going to do? How could she even manage her life without Uncle Fred? Doubt. So much doubt.


    Tessaline was beside her sleeping soundly. Lilian eased out of the bed and crept into the hallway. Paul¡¯s door faced her. Though she was tempted to see him, it would be rude to wake him from his much-needed sleep. She was curious where to find the powder room if there even was one. She had to freshen up. She had to be alone with cool water running down her face. Her steps halted when the front door in the kitchen swung open. She dashed behind the corner.


    The sound of heavy boots plopped along the kitchen floor. Lilian dared to peer at whoever was there. Her eyes beheld the back of a tall man with ear-length, messy hair that was full of fluffy curls. His body, taut and muscular, clothed in a linen blouse and cotton overalls. His gait, staggering as if he¡¯d just had multiple bottles of some strong beverage.


    A bowl of cold stew sat on the dining table. He stirred the spoon, inspecting the supper, then dropped it back in the bowl. He stomped across into the sitting room.


    Curious, Lilian tiptoed behind, keeping a good distance. She watched him groan as he saw his clothes and essentials laid out on the couch by Tess. He scratched the back of his head. Lilian noticed he was covered in freckles.


    So that¡¯s Jase.


    She leaned back on her heels. The naughty floor creaked, telling on her. Mr. Jase pivoted around to see who was there. Lilian ran back to the room where she belonged.


    ¡°Tess?¡± His low voice called out to her, slightly slurred at the S¡¯s.


    Back into the bed, she crawled, with a dozing Tess beside her, and the sound of her own breath.

 Tuesday

    ¡°How did you sleep?¡± Tessaline slid Jase¡¯s coffee mug to his hand. It was early in the morning, but Jase had to get going soon.


    ¡°Fine. I slept fine.¡± He groaned. Jase didn¡¯t mind sleeping on the couch, what unsettled him was the interrogation he knew was coming the next morning.


    ¡°Still not gonna tell me what kept you last night?¡± Tessaline slumped forward over the table.


    Jase remained silent. He sipped the coffee a few times to stay occupied. Tessaline patiently waited for him to respond. Her big eyes stared at him, making him uncomfortable. Eventually, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She stood up from her seat, slamming two palms on the table.


    ¡°What is it, Jase? What? Is there someone else?¡±


    Jase raised his eyebrows, then shook his head. He gripped his mug tight. ¡°It just has to be that, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Why should I believe otherwise? If I¡¯m wrong then¡­¡± Tess tried to swallow down the pain in her chest. Her eyes quickly began to squint to stop tears.


    Jase stood up and went around the table to console her.


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t touch me,¡± she jerked.


    He remained by her side, speaking over her shoulder. ¡°Tess, there¡¯s no one but you. I swear. You just have to trust me on this.¡±


    ¡°You always want me to trust you, but you never want to earn it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to earn it for five years,¡± His voice rose.


    ¡°Shh,¡± said Tess, holding a finger to her lips.


    ¡°Why are you shushing me?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you wake up the others.¡±


    ¡°The others?¡± Jase poked his head around.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right,¡± Tess held her chin high in defiance, ¡°While you were out, I allowed some guests to stay the night.¡±


    ¡°Guests?¡± His neck turned red. But his fury broke into a hybrid of shock and worry when his gaze fell on something behind Tess.


    Tessaline turned around to see. ¡°Lilian?¡±


    ¡°Oh no, she named it,¡± Jase interrupted.


    Tess pinched his arm. ¡°What are you doing up so early?¡±


    ¡°I- I¡­¡± Lilian stood shyly between the walls of the hallway, in her pink chemise nightgown. Her pigtails touching to her ankles.


    ¡°Come sit,¡± Tessaline reached for her. ¡°I¡¯ll make you some coffee.¡±


    Coming over to the dining table, Lilian¡¯s spine was stiff at the sight of Mister Jase. The man looked like a redheaded wind! His freckled, soft nose bridge, squinting eyes, and peaceful lips alluded to an amiable, inviting side to him. While his strong jaw and overall physicality added a mature edge to him.


    ¡°Lilian, this is Jase.¡± Tessaline gestured to her friend/beau.


    Lilian was speechless with Jase towering over her. Standing any closer, she was sure her head would barely reach his chest. His eyes were the hues of honey and lime, bearing a forever innocence or pondering within them. Lilian held out her hand, attempting a mutual shake to his. But Jase¡¯s firm grip forced her hand limp as he turned it linear and shook.


    ¡°Very nice to meet you, Jase. We didn¡¯t have this pleasure last night,¡± Lilian said, remembering how she saw him stumbling around in the kitchen. ¡°I am Lilian Tr¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know who you are,¡± He quickly halted her.


    Lilian looked confused. How could he claim such a thing? Even Tessaline stopped what she was doing to look at him.


    Jase cleared his throat, ¡°I saw you in the weekly paper.¡±


    Then it made sense. Lilian had just recently debuted, so of course, her article would have made it to the public by now.


    ¡°Yes, right. My debutante profile.¡±


    Jase pulled out the chair for Lilian. He smelled like lemongrass and chamomile with an earthy hint of clay. There was clear tension in the air between Tessaline and Jase. They did not speak to each other as Tess went over to the cupboard to get the coffee beans and started grinding them on the table beside the window.


    ¡°So, Mister Jase,¡± Lilian started.


    ¡°It¡¯s just Jase.¡±


    ¡°What do you do?¡±


    Jase stiffened at Lilian¡¯s question, bringing his coffee mug to his lips.


    ¡°Jase works at the Truit and Company Lathe Factory,¡± Tessaline answered for him.


    Lilian looked to Jase, surprised he didn¡¯t deny Tess¡¯s statement. ¡°Um, sorry, you said he works there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, what else would he do?¡± Tess continued grinding the coffee beans.


    This couldn¡¯t be. Once Fredrick Truit died, the factory shut down. Her Aunt Barbra would be renovating it soon.


    Jase¡¯s honey eyes stared at Lilian, holding in them an earnest plea for her to say nothing. She drew her brows together in confusion, yet obeyed.


    Jase took one last swig of coffee, tilting back his head. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be off.¡± Tess didn¡¯t answer him. He stared at the back of her, somberly. ¡°I love you.¡± Then he walked to the door, putting on his coat and cowboy hat.


    ¡°Could you leave Jaundice here?¡± Tessaline blurted, refusing to look at him.


    He nodded, knowing she didn¡¯t see. But the moment his hand touched the doorknob, she ran over to him.


    ¡°Wait, Jase.¡± She caught his jaw with one hand and drew his face to hers. His large dimensions in contrast with her tiny person. He allowed the kiss, easing one hand on her hip.


    Lilian didn¡¯t know much about kisses, but she could tell they were each doing it for a different reason. Jase, out of love. Tess, out of fear.


    Without saying anything else, Jase left. Tessaline looked at Lilian, giving her a sad grin. Lilian returned the same. Guilt, hitting her like a switch from Aunt Krishta''s hand. And boy, could that woman whip.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Tessaline gasped. ¡°He left his lunchbox again.¡±


    Lilian jumped up from her seat. ¡°I¡¯ll take it to him.¡± She took the box from Tessaline¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Lilian smiled widely at Tess, backing out through the door. The cold hit her, instantly. As soon as she was outside, ¡°Now, where is that liar?¡±


    She heard a neigh and a grunt coming from just around the house. She followed the noise to Jase. He was hooking the horses up to the wagon. Lilian approached shyly, still not used to being confrontational.


    She rubbed her arms furiously. Her nightgown, flowing in the frigid wind. Her feet, becoming oh so numb.


    But noticing the number of horses he was taking, she postponed her anger to ask, ¡°How will any of us get to town.¡± Lilian remembered that she and Paul were not meant to stay long and needed to buy gas for their car.


    ¡°I left Jaundice over there,¡± Jase replied, pointing to the stable where a lean yellow horse stood. A wooden plank above his stall beared the word ¡°Jaundice¡± in streaky white paint. Poor horse. That name did him no justice.


    Then Lilian remembered why she approached Jase. She placed her stern expression back on her face. Thrusting the lunchbox at him, she proclaimed, ¡°You forgot your lunch.¡±


    He reached out to take the tin box from her¡ª


    She swiftly pulled her hand back, ¡°Also. You lied.¡±


    Even with the large hat that shaded his eyes under the cool light of the early winter morning, Lilian could see them declaring his fear.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Tess.¡±


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I? She deserves to know you are out of a job.¡±


    ¡°Right. And I should be the one to tell her. Just not now. Please, you don¡¯t know how she¡¯ll react. Every day she¡±¡ª He pressed his lips together¡ª ¡°she fantasizes leaving me.¡±


    Lilian blinked at his statement. His emphasis on the word ¡°fantasize¡± made her feel a slight empathy for him. Then she remembered last night and shook it off. ¡°But where are you going, now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna fix this,¡± he said, coming closer, raising his palms at her. ¡°I''m gonna find new work in town.¡±


    Lilian stepped back to maintain distance. ¡°That¡¯s not what you were doing yesterday.¡±


    Jase scrunched his nose, ¡°How would you know what I was doing yesterday?¡±


    Lilian¡¯s cheeks heated in embarrassment. ¡°I saw you. Last night. You were drunk.¡±


    Jase¡¯s eyes widened in recollection, ¡°That was you?¡±


    Lilian nodded.


    Jase sighed, dragging a hand across his face. ¡°Look, I am not a perfect man. And last night was an accident. And it won¡¯t happen again. I swear.¡±


    Lilian wasn¡¯t sure to believe him or not. He did lie, and he seemed knee-deep in his own dilemma, but there was nothing deceptive-looking about him.


    ¡°Please. Lilian. Lilian Truit?¡±


    Hearing him say her name in his soft, sweet accent, felt nice. The corner of his mouth curved up all too charmingly. ¡°Miss Lilian Truit?¡± Then, grin lowered, his eyes took on a sympathetic gaze. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss.¡±


    Then it occurred to Lilian that she was the niece of the man that owned the company that employed Jase. It was her uncle''s passing that caused all of this. Jase couldn¡¯t help that his job was lost. He was just one of the other poor workers who were let off. And most likely, they too were afraid to tell their loved ones.


    Lilian looked down at her bare feet. ¡°She won¡¯t hear it from me.¡±


    Jase nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡± He came close again, his honey eyes locked on her. If Lilian wasn¡¯t getting goosebumps before, she was now. As she suspected, her head reached only a few inches above his ribs. One unruly curl ringed his eye. She noticed it had a tan hint to it. His hand brushed over hers as he removed the tin box from her grip that she held at her side. ¡°I need my lunch.¡±


    Tessaline, front, Lilian, middle, Paul, back. That¡¯s how they rode to town. Though Jaundice was a rather thin horse, he managed without so much as a grunt. Lilian on the other hand, was not at all used to riding horseback. Especially bareback. Their altitude was nerve-racking. Lilian could feel the large muscles of the horse pulling, tightening, releasing under her. His heavy trot, causing imprints in the dirt. The thought of being trampled by even the smallest of these beasts made Lilian uneasy.


    ¡°Careful, Tess!¡± Lilian freaked as she felt the slightest jump. She squeezed Tessaline¡¯s torso with two arms wrapped around. Her face pressed against the back of Tess¡¯s updo.


    ¡°We had to get over that rock. Stop being so paranoid,¡± Tess said with an annoyed tone.


    ¡°Leave her alone,¡± Paul snapped. ¡°She¡¯s never done this before.¡± He leaned in closer to Lil. Stabilizing her sides with his hands.


    Tessaline, sighed agreeably, ¡°Then, why don¡¯t you calm her?¡±


    Lilian¡¯s rapid breaths were bringing her to the brink of fainting. She felt sorry for Jaundice being the cause of her terrible experience, but this was utterly traumatic.


    Paul slipped his arms around Lilian¡¯s waist. ¡°Calm down, Lilian,¡± he whispered through her hair.


    Lilian kept her knees up as high as possible, hoping Paul wasn¡¯t sneaking peeks at her legs. Not having ever ridden in her life, she never saw the need for buying a split skirt. But she bought a derby hat. Idiot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me fall, Paul.¡±


    ¡°Never,¡± he said. ¡°Now stop worrying. I hate to see you worry.¡±


    Lilian trusted Paul would hold onto her much more than she trusted Tessaline to steer towards flatter plains of ground. He¡¯d take care of her. And if she did fall, he was capable of mending her.


    Her anxiety cooled when they caught sight of the town entrance. A long sign above read: Welcome to Brord Village.


    Passing through the streets, Lilian half-forgot the horse she sat on, looking around at the many shops there. None of it was as industrial as Hiplum, but it all was intriguingly quaint and beautiful. She felt an ounce of shame for never coming to see this charming town that her uncle¡¯s factory¨C originally her inheritance¨C was located in.


    Lilian noticed that on every door or window was what looked like a letter M inside a firy wreath. Mr. Muggri¡¯s Stamp of Approval, as Lilian remembered it.


    Lilian craned her neck to look at Paul, knowingly. He smirked.


    Everyone who¡¯s anyone knows who Mr. Muggri is. Whatever building bears his stamp must be about quality service.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen that stamp before. Is there some kind of celebration going on I don¡¯t know about?¡± said Tess.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? That¡¯s Mr. Muggri¡¯s stamp of approval,¡± Lilian informed.


    ¡°Mu-who?¡±


    One Week Ago


    ¡°M-u-g-g-r-i. Muggri.¡± He smiles a bright, clenching smile. Showing off his white teeth. A sign of good health and genes.


    The mayor of Brord sits back against his leather seat, arms crossed. His eyes, centered on the suspicious man across from his desk. He lets out a dragged breath. ¡°Mr. Muggri, all I want to know is, why are you here?¡±


    Muggri opens his hands on his lap, ¡°I came to bestow.¡±


    The mayor raises an eyebrow dubiously. ¡°Really?¡± He leans forward over his desk, resting his arms atop. ¡°Look. I know what it is you want here.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°I know you just want my endorsement. Like every delegate you meet.¡±


    Muggri pretends to stifle a laugh. ¡°¡®Want¡¯ is a strong word. More like ¡®appreciate¡¯. It¡¯s you who needs my endorsement more than anything.¡± He leans over with his arms on the desk to mimic the mayor and stares him down. He sets the mister-nice-guy facade aside. The mayor¡¯s bodyguards brace themselves for any threat. So do Mr. Muggri¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest with ourselves, Mr. Mayor. The people of Brord don¡¯t like you. Your weak. Neglectful.¡±


    The mayor blinks at Muggri¡¯s statement. His strong, leaderly facade is in no time shattered.


    ¡°A shersul follower,¡± Muggri adds with a telling look.


    The mayor¡¯s eyes widen.


    ¡°Not too good at keeping secrets, my friend.¡± He pats the mayor¡¯s cheek.


    The security point their guns his way. He shoots them one threatening look, his eyes turn black, and suddenly the guns are lowered. Muggri brings his attention back to the mayor. His mouth twitches.


    ¡°Next election, they won¡¯t pick you.¡±


    The mayor gulps in fear. ¡°If I¡¯m nothing to you, then why are you here? Surely you wouldn¡¯t help me for nothing.¡±


    Mr. Muggri sits back in his seat. ¡°Why do you question my generosity? All I want is a picture of me and you, shaking hands in front of this beautiful town. You know, a little publicity.¡±


    ¡°More than you already have? Why?¡±


    ¡°Because¨C¡± Muggri scoots in his seat¨C ¡°and this is a funny story actually¨C one day I was sitting in my office. And I got this¡±¨C He holds up his hands like he¡¯s hanging a frame¨C ¡°big ol¡¯ map on my wall.¡± He leans forward again. ¡°You know what? I saw your little city. And when I did, I said¨C what did I say, Spencer?¡±


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    A young man standing in the corner of the room looks up and grins, ¡°¡®You need a blessing,¡¯ sir.¡±


    Muggri brings his hands back up, ¡°I said, ¡®You need a blessing.¡¯¡± Then he stretches that intimidating smile back on his face. ¡°Be blessed.¡±


    Tessaline dismounted Jaundice to lead him through the narrow streets and make space for Paul and Lilian. But Lilian was not going to stay on the horse another second. And Paul would not be led anywhere.


    There were a few traders there, calling out from along the street by and by. Greengrocers, watch sellers, shoe shiners, streetsweepers, and paperboys. But the streets weren¡¯t busy at all.


    The first place they came by was a small orphanage. An old lady poked her head out the window. She was placing a pie on the sill. Tessaline approached her with a sad look on her face.


    ¡°Hi, Ms. Cora.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Hi, Tess. Is there something wrong?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to let you know I don¡¯t have anything for you this week. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°There is nothing to apologize for, Tessaline. You know I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    The old woman pointed to her pie. ¡°Want to come in for a slice?¡± She looked to Lilian, ¡°I¡¯m sure your friends would love some.¡± She smiled a sweet motherly smile that reminded Lilian of Aunt Krishta. ¡°I do make the best plum pies if you ask around.¡±


    Lilian smiled back. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that. Unless you¡¯re able to best my maid, Gracie.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you come in and see?¡± replied Ms. Cora, accepting the challenge.


    ¡°That¡¯s nice,¡± Paul interrupted, ¡°but we have somewhere to be.¡±


    Ms. Cora looked disappointed, and a little offended.


    ¡°Excuse him,¡± Lilian apologized. ¡°We can spare a moment. Right, Paul?¡± The smile she flashed at him was slightly threatening. Paul tacitly conceded.


    They were invited inside, walking through a dark classroom to a relatively small dining room. A yellow rug lined the floor under a long wooden table for seating many children, draped in a yellow gingham tablecloth where doily coasters were laid, upon which stood tall glasses of water.


    Ms. Cora¡¯s pie was certainly something to praise. The woman watched with anticipation as Paul and Lilian chewed. ¡°Well?¡±


    Lilian dabbed her lips with a napkin, swallowed, and smiled. ¡°Scrumptious.¡± She admitted that much but refused to discredit dear Gracie.


    Ms. Cora grinned contently. She sighed like something amazing just occured. ¡°It¡¯s so nice to see that you have found each other.¡± Her eyes switched between Lilian and Tessaline.


    Tess looked up from her plate, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Tess, I would have expected you to be more happy. At least introduce me to your friends.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not my friends.¡±


    Lilian felt a pang of disappointment. She was sure Tessaline and her shared a mutual rapport.


    ¡°But¡­ But she¡­¡± Ms. Cora pointed to Lilian.


    Tess looked in the direction of Ms. Cora¡¯s hand. Something in her eyes gave Lilian the impression that the Tess she had so easily conversed with only the night before, was not the same person now. This Tess looked scared and unwilling to trust anyone. Like in the forest. ¡°She what?¡±


    Ms. Cora¡¯s face held some indecipherable expression. ¡°Do you never read the newspapers, Tessaline?¡±


    ¡°You know I don¡¯t waste a penny on paper.¡±


    ¡°Waste? Li¡¯l lady, have I not taught you well? Have I not taught you about the importance of being informed.¡±


    Tess nearly choked on her pie slice. She loathed Ms. Cora¡¯s admonishment.


    ¡°Taught her?¡± Lilian said. Suddenly the topic was changing. ¡°Are you her mother?¡±


    Ms. Cora said, ¡°Goodness no. But Tessaline was one of my children here after her mother died.¡± Ms. Cora smiled, ¡°She was such a rowdy li¡¯l girl just like her mother. Looks like her, too.¡±


    Tess continued eating her pie, uncomfortable with herself being the topic of the table. She wanted nobody to know her business.


    ¡°You don¡¯t really take care of all your children alone, do you?¡± asked Paul. He finally decided to let himself be known.


    ¡°Before my husband died, we opened up this place,¡± she gestured around her. ¡°Witherman¡¯s Home for Children. It was supposed to be a haven for children who were either orphaned, homeless, or forced to work abroad to help their families. Some parents just want their sons or daughters to be given better treatment. After my husband, Todd Witherman, died, I did all I could to make my services known to the public. Asking for no more than small donations. Eventually, word got out about Ms. D.C. Witherman¡¯s Home for Children. And to my surprise, not only did I receive donations directly, but the church began funding us, too. And then help came from volunteers all over Brord.¡±


    ¡°And you never remarried?¡± asked Lilian.


    Ms. Cora shook her head. ¡°I would never give up my name. Or else, I can¡¯t exactly call this Ms. D.C. Witherman¡¯s Home for Children, can I?¡±


    A shrill ¡®achoo¡¯ came from behind the cracked mahogany doors of the room along with a few shushes. Ms. Cora rolled her eyes. She pressed a finger to her lips, telling her guests to stay quiet as she stood up and crept over to the doors. She grabbed the handles and flung them open.


    ¡°Alright. That¡¯s enough eavesdropping.¡±


    In, flooded a teem of children. They ranged from a number of ages and all made a loud ruckus. ¡°Hey, Tess!¡± some of them shouted. The rest went around to greet the two newcomers who came to visit. A few of the older boys surrounded Lilian, blundering as they attempted to flirt with her. And so was the case of the older girls to Paul. There was one child who wrapped himself in a blanket, looking awfully ill. He stayed a good measure away from Paul and Lilian only because Ms. Cora told him to. There were also other women in the room: Ms. Cora¡¯s volunteers.


    The room was in no time crowded. Lilian saw that across the room, Tessaline was being tackled by a group of little ones who were elated to see her. Lilian wasn¡¯t sure why but as she listened to all the children¡¯s overlapping dialog, she felt a feeling of comfort and hominess. Like she felt back in Corlu, but better.


    Some girls even came up to Lilian to ask what life is like for a rich girl. ¡°What are the schools like in Hiplum?¡± one girl asked.


    ¡°Well, at Hiplum Academy, I had a loaded curriculum. I had Algebra, Chemistry, Literature, etcetera. Not to mention all the extracurricular as well as Etiquette class.¡±


    ¡°Did you have to share your room with anyone?¡± The girl acted like she was annoyed that that was just what she had to do.


    ¡°I had two roommates in my dormitory. But we hardly spoke, and with our conflicting schedules, there were few times we saw each other before the end of the day.¡±


    Lilian thought about the faces of the girls she knew in Hiplum. Not one of them, did she have anything in common with. Lilian knew nothing about getting to know strangers, then. She only went to H.A. for Paul¡¯s sake. Before that, Aunt Krishta homeschooled her.


    ¡°Girls! Boys! Stop overwhelming the guests,¡± Ms. Cora shouted. ¡°Who wants pie?¡±


    Immediately, little hands were raised. They each sat down to take an equal slice that Tessaline so honorably cut for them. The older kids grimaced at their small portions.


    Lilian noticed Paul¡¯s foot tapping under the table. He glanced at his wristwatch frequently. What was his problem? He was usually so calm. It¡¯s not like they were in a hurry to buy gasoline.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let her discourage you,¡± Ms. Cora whispered in Lilian¡¯s ear, catching her off guard.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Ms. Cora grinned, ¡°Tessaline is allergic to the word ¡®friend¡¯. She doesn¡¯t like to get attached. But I know it¡¯s what she needs. And I know that¡¯s what you can be for her. In fact, I know much more.¡±


    ¡°What do you know?¡± Lilian was not sure why her response was so casual, but judging by the old woman¡¯s expression, she knew she asked the right question.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much I can say. I feel I¡¯m being shushed by El. What I can say is that Tessaline has been through a lot in her life. You seem like someone who could help her out of her depression.¡±


    ¡°How can you say this? You haven¡¯t known me long.¡±


    ¡°Yes. But I know Tess. She wouldn¡¯t let just anybody follow behind her on the street unless she liked them to some extent. Listen to me,¡± Ms, Cora leaned in. An urgency in her tone, ¡°There is a lot she hides. A lot she runs from. Tess is tough and timid for a reason. But one thing about Tess¡ª once you meet her, it¡¯s hard to give up on her. Please don¡¯t give up on her. If anyone, I hope not you.¡±


    Lilian drew her brows together. Why was this woman pressing on her with such a responsibility? In Ms. Cora¡¯s eyes, Lilian could see she wanted to say more if not beg.


    ¡°I really hope not,¡± she ended.


    Paul moved his head behind Lilian to tell Ms. Cora that he appreciated the time they''d spent and that the pie was delicious, but they had to get going.


    ¡°Oh that¡¯s fine,¡± Ms. Cora replied. Then she faced the children. ¡°Miss Lilian and Mister Paul have to leave, now. Tell them goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Lilian. Goodbye, Paul,¡± they said in one accord.


    Paul, Lilian, and Tessaline left the home. Lilian was just turning around to catch up when she felt a small hand clasp hers. She looked down and saw the little boy with the blanket over him. He looked about five years old. She shuddered when she realized he was actually blind. ¡°Err, aren¡¯t you sick?¡±


    The boy cheesed at her. His colorless eyes were still but seemed to know exactly where she was. ¡°Are you afraid you¡¯ll catch it?¡± his voice cracked and squeaked as he spoke.


    ¡°No, I just meant, aren¡¯t you supposed to be inside?¡±


    ¡°I have to tell you something,¡± he twisted his neck to listen for anyone around them. Somehow he detected Paul and Tess¡¯s presence. ¡°Come here.¡± Still holding her hand, the boy walked farther back. He then adjusted the blanket over his shoulders.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Shersul was here,¡± the boy whispered.


    ¡°He was?¡± Lilian gasped. The memory of his bright face behind the train flashed before her eyes.


    ¡°He told me to tell you to... ¡®give it up¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Give what up?¡±


    ¡°He told me you¡¯d know.¡±


    Lilian didn''t know what the boy was talking about. This could mean anything. Should she give up on finding her purpose? Should she give up on being Tessaline¡¯s friend?


    ¡°It had something to do with him.¡± The boy pointed somewhere beyond Lilian. She turned around to see that his finger unmistakably landed on no one other than Paul. Paul looked at her suspiciously, wondering what they were talking about.


    She turned back to the boy, not wanting to believe it. Give Paul up? ¡°No. Not Paul. It isn¡¯t Paul, is it?¡±


    The boy nodded.


    ¡°Wait a minute. How did you even see him?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. I sensed him. His soul. It¡¯s Shersul¡¯s gift. You have it too.¡± He tilted his head, ¡°Why don¡¯t you embrace it?¡±


    Lilian ignored that. ¡°And you¡¯re sure Shersul said this?¡±


    The boy took Lilian¡¯s hand again. ¡°Lilian, when El speaks¡­¡± he paused while raising his sparse eyebrows, ¡°you listen.¡±


    Then the front door of the building opened up. One of Ms. Cora¡¯s volunteers stood by the threshold. ¡°Hugh! Get your snotty hands off Miss Lilian and get in here!¡±


    ¡°Alright Ethel, quit it! I said what I had to say.¡± He glanced one last time at Lilian, then ran up the steps and into the home.


    The streets of Brord had little distance from one side to the other. There was no distinct pavement. Tessaline showed Lilian just how convenient everything was in relation to each other. Lilian was glad to have spotted the post office. She couldn¡¯t wait to send Aunt Krishta consistent updates on her new life in Brord. It was not too far a walk to the convenient store. Paul could have jumped for joy as he went inside, but he remained collected. Tess and Lilian stayed outside.


    Lilian noticed familiar red hair from far off and couldn¡¯t help but shake her head. It was in fact, Jase. Either he was looking for a job at the saloon or more likely, he was looking for something else. Lilian placed herself in front of his view, so Tess wouldn¡¯t see.


    Tess looked at Lilian. ¡°So¡­ What¡¯re you gonna do after this?¡±


    Lilian realized she hadn¡¯t thought about that. ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a place to stay?¡±


    ¡°I just expected I¡¯d rent a room at the inn.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    ¡°But as far as work, I have no idea.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Shame.¡±


    Lilian could have sworn that it looked like Tess wanted to say more. But she didn¡¯t. And she didn¡¯t say anything the whole way back to her house.


    ¡°That¡¯s a mighty fine machine, right there,¡± Jase marveled at Paul¡¯s automobile.


    Paul was glad to be given the opportunity to gloat. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s my newest one. A Roi-de-Belges. Look.¡± He stepped up and pushed the driver seat, making it turn to reveal a gap through to the back of the car. ¡°It swivels.¡±


    Jase shrugged. ¡°Nice. But I don¡¯t see the point.¡±


    ¡°The point is progress,¡± Paul said, stepping back down. ¡°Imagine the ability to one day go faster than a horse. Without all the work of feeding or cleaning your means of travel.¡±


    Jase smirked, ¡°We have trains for that.¡±


    Paul¡¯s eyes flickered in frustration, ¡°Yes, but that¡¯s public transportation. Imagine every individual having access to one of these. Someday and soon, all you will see is modern vehicles on the streets.¡±


    Jase laughed heartily. Lilian, who was carrying her baggage to the car, saw him and nearly stopped breathing.


    ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯ll keep my horses. And there is no scientist who¡¯s gonna stop that.¡±


    ¡°Doctor. Future doctor,¡± Paul corrected him.


    ¡°Well, excuse me,¡± Jase said, jestingly bowing. He went over to Lilian, taking her baggage from her.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, ¡°but there¡¯s more.¡±


    Jase gave her the same look of shock that Paul had.


    Through the grass, Tess approached carrying some more of Lilian¡¯s possessions. ¡°You know, Lilian,¡± she grunted, ¡°when people say ¡®you come with a lot of baggage¡¯, it¡¯s never a good thing.¡± She limped along heavily.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lilian apologized. ¡°I see I have a problem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that,¡± Paul rushed over to Tess to outdo the number of suitcases Jase had already packed into the car. ¡°So anyway, like I was saying. The automotive industry is going places. So is oil. I promise you.¡±


    ¡°If you say so, pal.¡±


    Jase and Paul already seemed to be getting along. But Tess only seemed to be keeping her distance from Lilian.


    ¡°Jase, let¡¯s not take too long. The sun¡¯s about to go.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, woman. I''m movin¡¯.¡±


    Lilian smiled at Tess.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°He called you ¡®woman¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°He loves you.¡±


    Tess huffed. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t love him?¡±


    Tess stared at her feet. ¡°Knowing myself and how often we fight, I don¡¯t think it is love.¡±


    ¡°But you''re practically a married couple.¡±


    ¡°No we¡¯re not. It¡¯s more like we just play house. He wants to marry me. Asks me every day. But he doesn¡¯t know the favor I¡¯m doing him in saying no.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say no?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve noticed, but I have trust issues.¡±


    Lilian kept quiet for a while. The problem was, Tessaline might have a reason not to trust Jase. And Lilian wouldn¡¯t say a word to her about it.


    ¡°So, Tess,¡± Lilian said, ¡°I want you to know that I had a great time getting to know you.¡±


    Tess looked down, kicking the dirt at her feet. ¡°What can I say? I''m an interesting person.¡±


    Lilian grinned. ¡°A remarkable person.¡± She held out her arms as a request for a hug.


    Tessaline allowed it, but she kept to herself. She wasn¡¯t the type to hug.


    ¡°I hope to see you again,¡± Lilian said. For some reason, this felt like another loss. She walked over to Paul, who was struggling to pick up the last suitcase.


    ¡°Need help?¡± Jase stood by, crossing his tanned arms.


    ¡°I got it,¡± Paul refused. But it took too long to put it in the first time, so Paul knew it would take him long now. ¡°Alright, go ahead.¡±


    Jase bent down and held up the other end. Still, Paul could hardly hold his end.


    ¡°Paul,¡± Lilian placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Let the man do it.¡± She immediately regretted her statement when Paul looked at her with a heartbroken glare in his eyes.


    ¡°Ha, ha, ha. Whew!¡± Jase laughed. Then he lifted the suitcase up and threw it into the car.


    ¡°I mean, the other man,¡± Lilian recanted.


    Paul bit back his embarrassment. He climbed into the vehicle, forgetting his role to assist the lady first.


    Lilian was about to get in, herself.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be alright?¡±


    Lilian stopped to look in Jase¡¯s eyes. ¡°Yes.¡±


    He helped her in. Lilian did not look at him too long, giving him no more than quick glances. Jase glanced one more time at Paul, ¡°Paul, you uh¨C you fill this thing with gas, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And I bet you like to keep it up, too. Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Jase smiled smugly, ¡°Then I guess it ain''t that special.¡±


    Paul looked too confused, ¡°What? How?¡±


    ¡°¡®Cause you still gotta clean it and feed it.¡± he winked, and walked away to Tessaline¡¯s side.


    When they came to the inn, Paul ranked by the side of the road. They agreed to leave most of their stuff in the vehicle. Above the entrance was a wooden sign that read: Sweetgum Cottage Inn. Inside was a more modern interior than the rest of the town. The floor was mostly oak. A bar to the left was tiled black and red. The canary yellow walls were beautifully trimmed. There were a sufficient amount of lights hanging all around the place. Paul and Lilian came up to the front desk. Paul tapped the bell. Up sprung a man with a unibrow and curly mustache.


    ¡°Hello. The name¡¯s Pete. What can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°We want a room,¡± Paul said.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t they all. Well, it¡¯s seven-twenty-five for one. Unless I¡¯m being too presumptuous.¡± He raised one side of his unibrow.


    ¡°Two rooms.¡± Lilian insisted, ¡°We¡¯ll take two.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± said Pete. ¡°How many nights?¡±


    ¡°Uh, one, I think.¡±


    ¡°Okay. And will this be a separate payment?¡±


    Lilian looked at Paul, hoping he¡¯d be generous enough to pay for the both of them. Paul looked at Lilian.


    ¡°If you need a moment I understand,¡± said Pete, and he crouched back below his desk.


    ¡°If I pay, I¡¯m paying for one,¡± Paul said.


    ¡°It will only be about fifteen dollars. You''re rich, remember?¡± Lilian argued.


    Paul looked around him, then leaned close and lowered his voice, ¡°We are not foreign to the idea of sharing a room.¡±


    Lilian blushed and looked around, herself. ¡°Paul. You know good and well that it is no longer proper.¡±


    ¡°Since when have I ever cared for what¡¯s proper?¡±


    ¡°Maybe you haven¡¯t, but I have. Always.¡±


    ¡°Says the one who was going to wear a purple derby hat all the way to Brord.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, we all have our spasms, Paul. You know that is not the same.¡±


    ¡°You were willing to share back at Tess¡¯s house.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, I can¡¯t believe this is really up for discussion.¡±


    ¡°What changed?¡±


    ¡°What changed is we are in a small town with people we don¡¯t know, and word travels fast. You know how Tess says they treat her. Reputation is everything.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯d enjoy you.¡±


    Lilian shivered at the thought. ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. But we can¡¯t act the way we used to here. This isn¡¯t Hiplum. It isn¡¯t the tracks.¡±


    ¡°By El, it isn¡¯t.¡±


    Lilian was not sure what Paul meant by that. Paul reached into his pocket, pulled out a wallet, and wrote a check. He tapped the bell again. ¡°Pete.¡±


    Pete sprung back up. A piece of bread, hanging out of his mouth. He chewed it in, then gulped it down.


    ¡°Right, then. Who¡¯s name is this under?¡±


    ¡°Paul Partridge.¡±


    Pete reached up at the board behind him and gave Lilian and Paul a key each with the number of their rooms engraved on the metal plates that were attached to the key ring. ¡°You¡¯ll find your rooms on the second floor to the right in ascending order.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Paul and Lilian took the elevator to the top floor. The rooms 23 and 24 were theirs. Sleep was calling them both. Lilian looked at Paul with a silent goodnight. They went into their separate rooms.


    Lilian tried to keep from falling asleep. She was afraid of revisiting the same dream but it was no use to keep fighting. Soon she was there again, standing over her uncle in the middle of a wasteland. She hears him restate the same words, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Is Lilian mistaken or did someone else say ¡®no¡¯ at the same time as her?


    Another person runs up from behind Lilian into view. A little girl with beautiful fair hair. Lilian can not see her face. The girl falls on her knees at the side of the dead man. ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Papa?¡± repeats Lilian. She inches forward. The girl continues to sob. Lilian touches the shoulder of the little girl¡¯s nightgown. The girl lifts her head and turns her neck to see Lilian. Lilian is stunned by the girl''s visage. Silver eyes. Red lips. Pale skin. It is Tessaline.


    Spring 1880


    Felix Truit walks into the cafe. The familiar classy choice scent of the area mixed with the dark rawness of coffee beans greets him on this fine day. He is excited to tell his brother the big news. As he wanders down the floral carpet past the many tables and booths, he spots his twin brother sitting by the fourth window to the back. Their special booth. He and his brother always meet at 7 am. For it is always around this time that this booth alone is generously lit by the sun. As it is now- leaving a gold haze on his brother''s hair- blessing it. Felix chuckled to himself. Of course, he has his head hidden behind a newspaper again. Freddy always likes to be informed about what goes on in the world.


    Felix approaches. ¡°Hey.¡±


    ¡°Hey,¡± Freddy responds, dropping his paper. ¡°Muggri is at it again. He just secured a contract with fifteen farmers. He''s going to help them mass produce their goods to most regions.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Felix feigned his interest.


    ¡°That man is a dominant shareholder in many industries. I have great respect for him. Although, I must say, the more he accomplishes, the more cause for concern. I know everyone thinks he can do no wrong, but for having as much power as he does, I find it hard not to question what it''s all for.¡± Felix discontinues. He grimaces at his older brother who can¡¯t seem to stop grinning. ¡°Well, you seem to be in a good mood.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful day,¡± was Felix¡¯s excuse. ¡°How¡¯s your wife?¡± He says looking down at the ring on Freddy¡¯s finger. ¡°Honestly you''re embarrassing me with this ring, brother.¡±


    ¡°I wear it because I want the world to know. You know how the ladies are when they think I¡¯m you. And Krishta¡¯s fine, she¡¯s¡­¡± Freddy looks down at his ring, ¡°She¡¯s still coping over the whole¡­ issue.¡±


    Felix nodded solemnly, ¡°Is she still angry with me?¡±


    ¡°I am afraid so, but I don¡¯t blame her. Is there no nicer way to tell a woman she is unable to have children?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I¡¯m so blunt. Meant nothin¡¯ by it, Freddy.¡±


    ¡°Nothin¡¯?¡± Freddy squinted, then shook his head. ¡°You''re sounding more and more like that girl you''re always with, every week.¡± He raised his coffee to his mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that that girl is my fianc¨¦e.¡±


    Freddy dropped his cup, and his jaw followed. ¡°She- she said yes?¡±


    Felix¡¯s grin stretched into a smile. ¡°I came to ask if you¡¯d be my man of honor.¡±


    Without hesitation, Freddy¡¯s hand lifted to shake Felix¡¯s. ¡°Absolutely. But¡­¡±


    ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°What are you going to tell Mother?¡±


    ¡°Mother? Mother will never know.¡± He leaned against the back of the booth.


    ¡°Felix, don¡¯t be stupid. Mother has her mind set on hitching you with Lady Agapov.¡±


    Felix crossed his arms. ¡°Hmph, Agapov. Mother understands no noble girl¡¯s got a chance with me. Not even Lady Agapov... Though she is pretty.¡±


    ¡°See!¡± Freddy pointed at him.


    Felix flinched.


    ¡°Right there. I saw that smirk. Marriage isn¡¯t a game, Felix. Are you sure you are even ready?¡±


    Felix ground his teeth and sat up, ¡°Course I am! What- you think I¡¯d be unfaithful?¡±


    Freddy raised his brow in a telling manner. ¡°With all the girls you charm¡­¡±


    Felix threw down a dismissive hand. ¡°You know what, forget it. I don¡¯t need this sort of criticism from my younger brother.¡±


    ¡°Alright. You want to go there? Sure. You are the older twin. And as the older twin, you carry the birthright and the most responsibility. But you play too much. You know you do.¡±


    ¡°Sss, you¡¯re working your way out of being my man of honor.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Felix. I don¡¯t want you to get discouraged, but I think I at least owe you a glimpse of reality. If Mother finds out- which she will find out- You will be taken on the carpet-¡±


    ¡°Does Mother run my life?¡± Felix said as he tapped his fingers on the table. ¡°It isn¡¯t fair, Freddy. You get to live how you want, marry who you want. And it¡¯s all okay because you always do as you¡¯re expected. Mother never bothers you about your life choices. Mother always loved you more than me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Yes, it is.¡± Felix got up, placing his hat back on his head. ¡°See you at the wedding.¡±

 Wednesday

    November 13, 1901


    Dear Aunt Krishta,


    I am here in Brord. Not much has happened since I left you, other than near-death by a lightning bolt.


    NO.


    November 13, 1901


    Dear Aunt Krishta,


    I am here in Brord. Not much has happened since I left you. Paul and I met two interesting folks just outside of town, who let us stay with them for a night. As for those in town I haven¡¯t met many. I hardly see anyone on the streets yet I¡¯m told everyone knows each other.


    Paul has been supportive of me since the embarking of this adventure. However, I fear he is not acting like himself. He doesn¡¯t say it, but I know he hates everything.


    NO.


    November 13, 1901


    Dear Aunt Krishta,


    I made it safely to Brord. Since I left you, I have made various acquaintances. Paul and I met two interesting folks just outside of town, who let us stay with them for a night. As for those in town, I met a lovely elderly woman, Ms. Cora who runs something like an orphanage. And you¡¯ll be pleased to hear that the whole town seems to be approved by Mr. Muggri himself!


    Paul and I are getting along perfectly! He has been excellent company. We are so excited to start our new lives in Brord. We are currently staying at the Sweetgum Cottage Inn. I can see Uncle¡¯s factory from my room. It resides by a beautiful lake. As I look out at the view, I think about home. I think about you and Gracie.


    I long for your advice. It has been a fitful start to thinking of my own needs when it was always you who supplied them. I hope to one day meet you again, a better, stronger Lilian. I will make you proud.


    With Love, Lilian.


    Lilian sat on the side of the bed. It was 8:00 a.m, and she was already exhausted. It was difficult coming up with a correspondence that wouldn''t frighten her aunt. The end result was not her best but it would have to do. The recent dream she had remained in her mind, but it made no sense to her. How could she have possibly seen Tessaline as a child? The more Lilian thought about it, the sillier the idea became. Stretching her fingers after long minutes of letter-writing, Lilian heard a yawn but no one was in her room. She realized just how paper-thin the walls were. The proper Lilian would not have been so nosy, but she leaned her ear against the wall to hear what Paul was doing. All she heard was a lot of murmurs. Paul murmurs when he studies. She knocked her knuckle on the wall and waited. He knocked back.


    ¡°Paul, come here,¡± she said.


    After a few silent minutes, there was a knock on her door. She jumped up from the bed¡ª first straightening her dress and slicking up her brows with her saliva¡ª and opened the door. Paul stood before her dressed in his pajamas and robe (an improper way to enter a lady¡¯s room), and with his reading spectacles on. He at least took the time to comb his hair before addressing her.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be sleeping this early,¡± said Lilian.


    ¡°Then I¡¯d have to wonder if you know me at all.¡±


    ¡°You are studying, and I¡¯m in here alone,¡± Lilian pouted.


    The corner of Paul¡¯s mouth curved up, ¡°What shall we do?¡±


    ¡°I want to go out. Meet people.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Paul closed the door behind him and leaned closer to Lilian, ¡°It¡¯s cold out there. And we still have a few more hours here.¡±


    Lilian tried to calm her heart as he came near, then passed her to stare out the window. ¡°But I feel like I am being too stagnant. I need to get out and be useful.¡±


    ¡°Useful how? To whom?¡± He said, looking back towards her. ¡°Lil, have you given yourself time to rest? You are always running about, trying so hard to make something happen. Why not just be?¡±


    Lilian knew the answer to that. How could she just be when El called her to this place? And why had he done so if there was nothing for her here? It was only her third day in Brord and she was already feeling angst. Lilian plopped onto her bed and sighed.


    Paul came over and sat beside her. ¡°Hey,¡± he took her arm and brought her hand to his cheek. The tips of her fingers were smudged with ink. She fell in the wonder of his blue eyes. How could she give him up? He¡¯d kept her sane all this time. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my dreamer?¡±


    She bowed her head. ¡°I¡¯m no dreamer. I haven¡¯t the slightest idea what I¡¯m doing here or what to do with my life. I have no talents. Uncle Fred is gone, and¡­ It¡¯s easy for people like you to find their passion. It¡¯s as if it found you. But I¡¯ve done nothing for too long. I¡¯ve yet to know my place.¡± She felt a wetness at the corners of her eyes.


    Paul lifted her chin. He held an uneasy expression. His hand cupped her face. It seemed as though he was about to cry. ¡°You¡¯ll know soon enough.¡± He stared at her silently. Some strong emotion twinkled in his eyes and quivered on his lip. ¡°I just hope you never change, Lil. I hope you stay your hopeful, humble self.¡± His face came closer. His breath coaxed her eyes shut. ¡°I hope you keep your goodness.¡±


    ¡°Paul...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your uncle¡¯s death make you unsure of anything. Move at your own pace.¡± He let his hand off her face, gliding two fingers down her chin, her neck¡­


    ¡°Paul!¡±


    Paul jumped up. ¡°I- I¡¯m sorry.¡± His fingers dug into his hair, blush creeping up his face. ¡°I know this is not how friends behave.¡±


    ¡°No. Not friends.¡± But is that what we are, Paul?


    Paul gazed at Lilian. He looked at her like he wanted to say something he couldn¡¯t.


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    ¡°What is it?¡± Lilian asked. She watched his Adam''s apple as he gulped.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting harder to read you.¡±


    Lilian stood, meeting with him again. ¡°Then stop trying to read me. Ask me what it is you want to know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the answer I¡¯m afraid of.¡±


    Feeling brave, Lilian took his hand and brought it to her face as he always did. ¡°Look¡­ Look into my eyes. What do you think they are saying?¡±


    He did as she said. She desperately hoped her eyes were glossy enough, their corners crinkled enough, and their pupils dilated enough that they would convey the right message: I love you, Paul Partridge.


    Paul nodded as if he understood. ¡°Lilian.¡± He brushed a loose strand behind her ear. ¡°My dear, dear, Lilian.¡± He leaned his face to hers.


    Lilian took in a breath for what she thought would happen. And then he kissed her cheek¡­ and left the room.


    Lilian stood there in her room feeling a conundrum of emotions. She was elated, confused, and devastated. What did this mean for them? Did he really read her? Does he love her?


    To ease her mind, Lilian had to get away. She was set on going to that post office Tessaline had shown her. But as she made her way to the lobby of the inn a familiar head of snowy hair met her view.


    ¡°So, Saturday, right?¡± Lilian heard a shrill voice tell Pete.


    ¡°Well past six would be fine,¡± He answers, his mustache and unibrow, rising up.


    Tessaline smiled, held a finger to her lips, then winked. Lilian had only one notion of what such a gesture could mean. Did Tess have her mind set on spiting Jase by wiling an older man? She watched as Tess placed her hat on her head and slowly walked away.


    ¡°Tessaline!¡± Lilian called out in a well-maintained welcome.


    Tessaline looked in the direction of her name. When she saw Lilian, she darted for the door.


    ¡°Wait! Wait.¡± Lilian was given a chance to catch up as Tess stopped abruptly. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To Miss. Cora¡¯s.¡± A short clearing of the throat punctuated Tess¡¯s sentence.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m running an errand myself. I¡¯m taking this letter to the post office, and sort of forgot the way. May I accompany you?¡±


    Tessaline abhorred it but she agreed. They walked to- well, not really together. Lilian had to add some pep in her step to keep up with Tessaline¡¯s pace.


    ¡°So, Tess,¡± Lilian started, unsure if she had Tess¡¯s ear. ¡°How often do you come by the inn?¡±


    ¡°Often,¡± she answered with a gulp. ¡°It¡¯s nothing new that you¡¯d find me there.¡± She said this like she was afraid Lilian would think otherwise.


    ¡°Oh¡­ does Jase know you go there?¡±


    Tess stopped and stared at Lilian suspiciously. ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±


    Suddenly Lilian felt silly. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Stop that.¡±


    ¡°Stop what?¡±


    ¡°Looking at me like that. I know when I¡¯m being judged.¡±


    Lilian immediately shook her head. ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯d never. I don¡¯t judge.¡±


    ¡°See, that¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. Everybody judges.¡± Tess continued walking. After a time, her pace decelerated, allowing Lilian to walk more easily beside her. Lilian found it thrilling to learn more about the quirks of Tessaline. For instance, she found that when things become quiet, Tessaline enjoys the pastime of humming softly to herself.


    ¡°I suspect you can sing, hearing you hum like that.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Tessaline grimaced as if Lilian said something absurd.


    ¡°You can, can''t you? I am sure of it.¡±


    Tess just shook her head, faintly grinning. But she quickly dropped her grin as some strange old man approached with an eerie smile. ¡°Tessaline! Hey.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Thomas. I mean, Scott.¡±


    Lilian then remembered what Tess had told her about a Mr. Thomas. She began looking around for an escape.


    ¡°How has everything been for you and Jase?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t care about me and Jase. And you don¡¯t care for small talk.¡±


    ¡°I care about my money.¡±


    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t have to worry about your money. We¡¯ll deliver like always.¡±


    Mr. Thomas chuckled doubtfully. ¡°I think you trust Jase a little more than you should.¡±


    Tess¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°What should that mean?¡±


    Mr. Thomas just smirked as if he knew some terrible secret that was powerful enough to break her in two.


    Tess pursed her lips and demanded, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer. ¡°Now who is this li¡¯l lady?¡± Mr. Thomas looked straight at Lilian.


    ¡°Um¡­¡±


    ¡°Anonymous to you,¡± Tess interjected, stepping in front of Lilian. ¡°You know the rule. We only talk when we have business, and last time I checked, I still have ¡®til next month before I pay you again.¡±


    ¡°I think you forgot who enforced that rule.¡± Scott stepped forward in a menacing manner. ¡°Whatever¡¯s on my property is my property. That¡¯s how I see it. And if this...¡± his eyes rested on Lilian again, the corner of his mouth was curved open revealing a peek of his stained teeth, ¡°fine specimen is on my property, I think I have the right to know.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not. Now move, Scott.¡±


    Scott ground his teeth and fixed his hat. ¡°Someone¡¯s gotta put you in your place, Tess. You got a lotta nerve talkin¡¯ like that to me. I¡¯m the only thing keepin¡¯ ya¡¯ll off the streets.¡±


    ¡°Suddenly, that ain¡¯t soundin¡¯ too bad.¡±


    Lilian did not want to be present in the midst of such dialog. The man seemed as if he would strike a woman. She slowly started in a stride away from Tess and Mr. Thomas. He grabbed Lilian¡¯s arm, yanking her over to his chest.


    ¡°Let go of me! Help!¡± Lilian beat her fist at him.


    ¡°Stop! Let go of her!¡± Tessaline shrieked.


    ¡°What are you gonna do about it?¡±


    ¡°You coward! If Jase were here-¡±


    ¡°But he ain¡¯t.¡±


    SMACK! went a musket against Mr. Thomas¡¯s head. The old man fell to the ground. Out from the alley, came their redheaded friend.


    ¡°Jase?¡± Tess exclaimed. And she was not happy. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Is that any wayda thank me?¡± Jase walked up to them. ¡°What he do?¡±


    ¡°You should be over at the factory right now.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me you¡¯re ok.¡±


    Tess huffed. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I think Lilian has a bruise.¡±


    Jase took Lilian¡¯s arm in his hand and lifted it up to his eyes. She tried to ignore the propinquity of his forehead to hers. His hands felt strong; certainly strong enough to knock someone over the head, but they had a gentleness about them. As if they could handle the most delicate of things with such care.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little red from his imprint, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s too bad. Does it hurt?¡±


    Lilian shook her head. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we press charges?¡±


    ¡°You can do whatever you want.¡± Jase let go of her arm, ¡°But Tess and I need that house. And we couldn¡¯t pay for a lawyer if we wanted to.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± Mr. Thomas interjected, rubbing his head.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Jase threatened, puffing out his chest, towering over the old man. Lilian noted how his coat folded around his arms as he pushed them back, defining the muscle underneath.


    Tess pulled Jase away, forcing him to focus on her. ¡°Now answer me,¡± she demanded.


    Jase looked at Lilian, nervously. Lilian immediately felt the urge to say something. But would it be the truth or a lie?


    ¡°We can talk about it later,¡± Jase answered.


    ¡°No. I want to talk about it now,¡± Tess insisted.


    ¡°I was just running a little late. That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°This is more than a little late.¡±


    Lilian could see that Jase was getting uncomfortable. She wanted to know what he had been doing, too. But remembering that it was not any of her business, she tried to divert Tessaline¡¯s attention. ¡°Tess, I think I for one am extremely grateful to Jase for being present in my hour of need. A true blessing from El, I should say.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s continue to look for that post office. This letter won¡¯t mail itself and I need your help remembering where it was. Poor Auntie would cry if she didn¡¯t receive a letter as soon as possible...¡± Lilian guided Tessaline away with one hand on her back. She glanced briefly at Jase with a look that said, I¡¯m helping for the moment; don¡¯t let me down.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Lilian. How¡¯s your arm?¡± Tess remembered her manners.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Really.¡± Lilian pretended the slight bruise was all the injury. But something like that had never happened to her before. For in that scary moment she had felt like she was no more than meat. And knowing that man was still on the street made her question staying in Brord.


    Tessaline scratched her head and sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just been hard dealing with this every day. Jase used to tell me everything.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps there is some loving reason behind his secrecy.¡±


    ¡°Whatever that means.¡±


    ¡°You know, Tess, the last thing you should do is stress yourself over him.¡±


    Tess sighed in relief. ¡°You know what. You¡¯re right.¡±


    They walked a little further and surely arrived at the post office. ¡°Ah, great,¡± Lilian said with joy, holding up her envelope. A pretty red seal on the front of it contained her initials: L.T. ¡°Thank you, Tessaline. I guess I will be seeing you again sometime.¡± She stepped up to the door.


    ¡°You''re welcome to come over!¡±


    Lilian turned around, curious and surprised.


    ¡°Anytime,¡± Tessaline added. ¡°If- if you want to.¡±


    Lilian slowly showed a bright smile of agreement. ¡°Of course I will. Thank you. Friend.¡± And without allowing Tessaline a chance to protest that last bit, she pushed ahead into the building.


    Jase had been turned down all day. It was now 7:00 pm and the sky was nearly pitch black. He could not come home late again. He couldn¡¯t do that to Tessaline. His nose ran in the cold. He wiped the snot with his glove. Every day it became more frigid. Cold without snow is insufferable. When will it just snow, already? He thought to himself. But there were more important things to think about. His love for Tess would keep him determined even after all rejection (including her own). There was one last resort, and he silently prayed this one would not disappoint.


    ¡°Look, the best I can do for you is twenty-five an hour.¡±


    ¡°Twenty-five what?¡±


    ¡°Cents, of course. What do you think this is? A white-collar position?¡±


    ¡°Twenty-five cents?¡± Jase refrained from yelling. ¡°That¡¯s half of what your other men make.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not just gonna start plastering walls right away. You¡¯d have to go through the apprenticeship, first.¡±


    ¡°Ralph, listen to me. Friend to friend. I handled lathes. I made screws. I¡¯m talkin¡¯ about precision. I can plaster some walls.¡±


    ¡°Jase, you listen to me. I can¡¯t change the rules.¡±


    Jase huffed. ¡°How long is the apprenticeship?¡±


    ¡°You need six-thousand hours.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that in somethin¡¯ I can measure.¡±


    ¡°About eight months.¡±


    Jase groaned.


    ¡°Or you could just go work for Bill at the ice cream shop.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t go anywhere Tess might be.¡±


    ¡°Ya still haven¡¯t told her?¡±


    Jase shook his head.


    ¡°Jase, twenty-five cents is better than nothing. Which is what you¡¯re currently making. Now, how much do you want this job?¡±


    Jase weighed it in his mind. He wasn¡¯t great at mental math but he knew he and Tess didn¡¯t need much. Only enough to take care of themselves and the horses, as well as pay the $13 rent. Twenty-five cents an hour was more than enough. ¡°I¡¯d do anything.¡±

 Thursday

    Tess shot her pistol for the seventh time. She aimed at nothing but trees. They stood there waiting to become her next victim. What was she shooting at? What was she hiding from in that forest? It made no difference every powerful bang that jolted her arms. Or the end release of her finger on the trigger. Nothing would release her from the memory. And no noise was loud enough.


    Nothing could make her forget the shouting behind a stranger¡¯s bedroom door the moment her father ushered her pregnant mother in. ¡°Felix dear, who is dis?¡± The stranger said in a foreign accent. And then shortly after, there were hair-raising cries of agony. Tessaline remembered watching the clock silently in the main room of the apartment, singing to herself. Waiting in tearful prayer, and wanting very much to see her mother. To comfort her. To know if she was alright.


    The screams and cries only prolonged for two hours. Until finally, they stopped, giving precedence to the less mature, tiny, filtered cries of an infant. Why only one? Her father stepped out from behind the door. Holding mystery swaddled in his arms. Slowly, he crept over to Tessaline. She stood enthusiastically from her bench seat. ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Shh. Come see your sister.¡±


    Tessaline¡¯s mouth formed an O. She was certain it would be a boy. Her father bent slightly down, tilting his arms so Tessaline could see. A peek of dark hair became visible. With two fingers, She pulled his arms lower. In astonishment, she gasped quietly and smiled. This was the little rascal who caused her mother such pain? The baby in her father¡¯s arms resembled nothing of her and her mother. She was pink and her nose was flat. Her lips were upturned and of a rose color. Her eyes were the correct size as they were beautifully round. But they were black, not blue or even gray.


    Tessaline suddenly felt a strong connection to the child. For she had asked her mother prior if she thought she would make a great big sister. Her mother told her she had no doubt in her mind, and that the moment the baby was born Tessaline wouldn¡¯t doubt either. Now, she felt it. That sisterly urge or rather instinct to protect the little one at all cost. No longer was she alone. She had a friend.


    Felix gently handed the baby over to her older sister. She flinched only a little. She was a big one, heavy too. But Tessaline was determined not to drop her, even though a feeling inside her made her want to jump in giddiness. The little one breathed slowly in and out her nose. She smelled like strawberries and chocolate. Tessaline put her nose on the baby girl¡¯s shiny hair.


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± inquired her to her father whose gaze was ever pensive and in the doldrums.


    He looked down at his daughter. Opened his mouth. And the memory ends there. Tessaline could never recall what name he said.


    As Tess stared into the distance, gun pointed ahead of her, a gloved hand slid over hers. She swiftly turned around and was met with a freckled face. But even while knowing her target, her barrel remained directed at him. Her cold expression wavered none.


    ¡°So what¡ª ya gonna shoot me, now?¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m too pretty to die,¡± Jase playfully bemoaned.


    ¡°Yeah, but I think you¡¯re annoying enough to kill.¡±


    He smirked, daring to come closer and press his chest up to the barrel. ¡°And what would you do with me after?¡±


    Tess looked at the ground then back at him. ¡°Use you as fertilizer.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right.¡± He pushed her hand away. The pistol dropped to the leafy ground. Then he scooped an arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. He pressed his mouth on hers and moaned contently as he tasted her ruby lips. Detaching his lips from hers, He proudly sang a cheery line from some song he knew.


    ¡°What has gotten into you?¡± Tess asked direly, concerned about his winsome mood.


    ¡°Nothing. Can¡¯t a man just be happy?¡±


    ¡°The question is why.¡±


    Jase shrugged. ¡°Because I¡¯m in love with the most beautiful woman in Brord. And everything is finally alright.¡± He rested his hands on her shoulders and smiled. ¡°I fixed it.¡±


    ¡°Jase? Fixed what?¡± Her head tilted to the side and her eyes stared at him in suspicion.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore,¡± he shook his head. ¡°Just know you have nothing to worry about.¡± Jase let go of her. ¡°Have you been practicing for Saturday?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Have you?¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course.¡± He demonstrated by jumping up and grabbing onto a nearby branch, then swinging into flight and landing on the other side. ¡°See? Still got it.¡±


    ¡°Paul! Do you see the one with all my scarves?¡± Lilian yelled from across their new apartment. Suitcases, purses, and bags were scattered around her room.


    ¡°Lilian Truit! I will sell this stuff if I have to go through it one more time!¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t sell Aunt Krishta scarves. She knit me one for every birthday.¡±


    ¡°Great. That means they can warm sixteen other necks.¡±


    Lilian had no idea why she¡¯d brought most of the stuff she had. It was just too difficult for her to leave it all behind; To leave Corlu behind.


    ¡°What are you doing, anyway?¡± Lilian walked over to Paul¡¯s room, ¡°If I find you staring into another book¡ª¡± He was, indeed. Bacteriology, to be exact. But that was not why Lilian froze. She looked around his room and realized all that he had was one suitcase, a satchel, and a writing desk. As if he were only staying a few days.


    ¡°Is this all you have brought?¡±


    Paul looked up at her from the bed he sat on. He seemed antsy. ¡°Oh. I was planning on purchasing whatever else I needed here.¡±


    ¡°Well then, you¡¯d better be quick about it. Right?¡±


    Paul was again looking at his book. His eyes were quite red with lines under them. ¡°There¡¯s just no answer,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°No answer to what?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± he said in a frustrated tone.


    Lilian crept over and sat by him. She placed a hand on his. ¡°All this time you¡¯ve been telling me to rest. Yet I wonder if you have rested once.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not.¡± Lilian¡¯s voice cracked with vehemence. ¡°I know you¡¯re not. And this¡±¡ª she threw down his Bacteriology¡ª ¡°is not helping. I want you to get some sleep. I¡¯ll go out and buy you whatever you need.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let me.¡±


    Her words did well to silence him, but she knew he was still arguing against it in his mind. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll sleep.¡± He lie down with one cheek on his pillow and shut his eyes.


    Lilian wanted so much to kiss the cheek that faced her. To reciprocate his affection from yesterday. But she was the proper one. Although, her finger betrayed her, lifting its way over Paul¡¯s cheek. Giving him a light kiss of its own. Paul felt it but did not dare flinch.


    ¡°I will be back soon.¡± She stood. As she nearly walked out of his room, something on his desk caught her eye. It was a letter. Judging by the crest on the envelope, and the address, it was clear that the letter came from Hiplum University. Paul always dreamt of going there. Did they accept him? Lilian looked behind her to make sure Paul was not watching her. He seemed far into deep sleep already. Without dwelling too long in hesitation, she snatched up the letter and placed it in her pocket.


    With a quickness Jase rode, eager to show up on time. Either it was his imagination or the day was brighter than the days prior. There was hope in his heart. Finally, things were looking up. Time was saved, and he would gain Tessaline¡¯s trust again.


    After a thirty-minute commute, he arrived at the plastering agency. Passing through the doors of the agency, he saw Ralph standing there as if he had been waiting for him.


    ¡°Jase.¡±


    ¡°Mornin¡¯, Ralph.¡± Jase attempted to shake his hand, but Ralph just stared at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re- you¡¯re early.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re leaving me hanging.¡±


    Ralph kindly shook with him, but he kept a dire look on his face.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡±


    Ralph looked around him, ¡°Uh¡­ We go outside.¡±


    ¡°Outside?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Come with me.¡±


    Jase followed, sensing something fishy going on. ¡°So did somebody telegram?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Jase was having about enough of this. ¡°Are we going anywhere?¡±


    ¡°Jase. You¡¯re not gonna do anything.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you told me. I have to be taught, first.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean¡­ I have to fire you.¡±


    Jase tried to laugh, ¡°Your kiddin¡¯, right?¡±


    ¡°¡®Fraid not, Jase.¡±


    Jase stepped forward with a threatening look in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t play with me, Ralph. Now, you just hired me.¡±


    Ralph knew he was in danger of Jase¡¯s fist. He stammered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, man. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Jase wouldn¡¯t take any more. With a push, he knocked him down. ¡°You think this is funny, hmm?! I need this job!¡±


    ¡°It was an executive decision.¡±


    ¡°Why? What did I do?¡±


    ¡°I swear it''s nothing you did.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it? Tell me!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s against our policy.¡±


    Jase lunged forward with his fist up to Ralph¡¯s temple.


    ¡°Alright, alright! The CEO. He told me to do it. Said something about your father. Said he couldn¡¯t trust someone with your background.¡±


    Jase couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Even in his grave, the man continues to ruin my life.¡± All he could think about was the look on Tess¡¯s face once she found out. ¡°What will I do now?¡±


    Moseying his wagon along the bridge that stretched across Etowah Lake, he entered the town. The cobblestone streets declared condemnation. There existed no kindred face. Who would spare concern for Jase, the underachieving son of a drunk smith? The people loved to lie to him. To say they regarded him in their prayers. But he knew what was said behind closed doors. His only pride was in his mass and his charms. And the ladies would entertain him, but anyone of good standing wouldn¡¯t dare consider life with him.


    And when he found Tess¡­ Oh, Tess. Tess was a jewel that he unearthed in cold darkness. The moment her mother passed and she took residence with Ms. Cora, he promised her she¡¯d never have to toil in a hazardous factory. Life finally had meaning. He based his worth on her approval. No one else¡¯s words mattered. And to lose Tess would mean the death of him.


    He slowed the horses¡¯ trot until they came to a stop, then tied them up to the hitching post. Jase raised his gaze up to the clouds. It had been an extensive time since he¡¯d considered the promises of supernatural assistance. And it was the last thing he wanted to think about. But the idea appealed to him. Jase stood there by his wagon, immobile. Seemed to be the one thing he could do. He couldn¡¯t go home. Soon, his mouth began to water and his hands trembled. Out of habit, his eyes scanned the street and alleyways, knowing what they were looking for. Desiring wrong, and evaluating the quickest route to it.


    He gripped the hitching post with all his might. No. I won¡¯t. I can¡¯t.


    ¡°Jase?¡±


    Jase looked in the direction of the voice. ¡°Spencer.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you look like excrement.¡±


    ¡°I do?¡±


    ¡°You were turned out again, huh?¡±


    Jase stared at his feet. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Spencer brought a skinny arm around Jase¡¯s shoulder, patting his back. ¡°Well, I know just the thing to cheer you up.¡±


    ¡°Spencer. I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I have to stop. I don¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°What? Drink?¡± Spencer hollered like a hyena, ¡°Ten nights of hangovers disagree with you, my friend.¡±


    Jase removed Spencer¡¯s arm from him.


    ¡°Come on! What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I said no!¡± Jase ordered, keeping his voice low.


    ¡°Okay, fine. But if you change your mind¡­¡±


    The tremors worsened. Jase watched as Spencer walked away, a part of him wanting to follow behind. To let the man guide him to his lust. The saloon wasn¡¯t far from where he stood. Jase pleaded with his conscience and half-heartedly to El. ¡°Help me. Help me, please.¡±


    Lilian kept a mental checklist of the things she¡¯d purchase:


    1. Extra clothes for Paul


    2. A notepad


    3. A telegraph


    4. A deck of cards


    5. Cologne


    6. Hats (Paul was partial to the square crown)


    7. Scarves


    8. A Chemistry set like the ones he used to play around with in Hiplum


    9. A bouquet for the apartment


    10. Silver-ware


    11. A Tea set


    12. Groceries (and maybe a recipe book)


    The challenge would be to not only find all of these items but purchase them all before sundown. Lilian was determined to do at least this to show Paul how much she cared about him. And maybe she could even persuade him into a more optimistic attitude toward living in Brord. The more anxious he became, so did she. And she now had a handful of reasons to be so.


    The words the little blind boy said to her, made Lilian uneased. If Shersul did in fact say those words, not only would it mean she¡¯d have to let Paul go, but it would mean Shersul still thought about her. And for a long time now, she assumed he¡¯d have been so invested in his mission that he¡¯d barely remember her. But she remembered him. All this time.


    The envelope Lilian had snatched from Paul''s desk flopped loosely in her pocket. She looked down at her side, wondering if she¡¯d be so criminal as to read it. Her hand hovered by her side. Not now, she thought. Later.


    She entered a department store. A family ran the desk together. ¡°If you need help finding anything, just call for me,¡± said the pregnant lady sitting by the display. ¡°My name is Flora.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡± The space¡¯s illumination was heavily dependent on the natural light coming from the windows due to the weak sconces. The brightest light source was the lamp that stood on a coffee table beside one of the armchairs for seating tired customers.


    Diverse attractions and necessities existed in the space. Lilian admired the objects that were placed on each self. There was a rack for fabrics and threads of assorted colors and patterns. On another rack were simple household tools such as wrenches, hammers, and awls, etcetera, divided accordingly. There were also baskets filled with stationary and little wooden toys. By the front doors was a coat hanger, and a tube containing bumbershoots for purchasing.


    Lilian searched among the sections for her items. She managed to find a notepad, a scarf and hat, a deck of cards, and a tea set and silverware. But the telegraph, cologne, and chemistry set, were not to be found. She loathed the idea of bothering the pregnant lady for such things, seeing as she was busy nursing her two-year-old. So she resolved that Paul should have to do without the very gifts she¡¯d been most eager to buy. She came up to the desk, laying forth all the items she found. The pregnant woman¡¯s husband saw her. He held up a finger to say ¡°one moment¡±. A large man in a tophat and heavy coat stood to the side while the clerk addressed Lilian.


    ¡°Did you find everything alright, miss?¡±


    Lilian nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie.¡±


    Lilian glanced up at the man beside her.


    He smiled at her with blindingly bright teeth. ¡°What do you lack, child?¡± The way he inquired seemed amiable on the surface, but something about him set her alert. ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°I- I suppose I do need a telegraph and a chemistry set.¡± She left out the cologne for obvious reasons.


    ¡°A lady like yourself enjoys chemistry?¡± he sounded impressed.


    ¡°Well, no. It¡¯s actually for a friend of mine.¡±


    The man shook his head. ¡°A yes would have sufficed, you know. Now you¡¯ve told me everything I need to know.¡±


    Lilian turned silent.


    The man¡¯s forehead wrinkled as he lifted his eyebrows with interrogation. ¡°This friend of yours¡ª are they of the male sort?¡±


    Lilian turned pink. ¡°Yes. They are,¡± she uttered flatly.


    He laughed at her defensiveness. ¡°No need to be offended. It¡¯s just that I have a spare telegraph, and, quite serendipitously, a chemistry set I¡¯ve never used.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m willing to lend it to you if you like.¡±


    Lilian sighed. ¡°How much will that be,¡± she said, taking out her reticule.


    He held up a halting hand. ¡°Nothing, please. Consider it a gift. For your friend.¡±


    Lilian could not decline his offer. ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful of you,¡± said the clerk, in an ironically unimpressed tone, ¡°Mr. Muggri.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Muggri?¡± She began to feel embarrassed, ¡°Oh my. Forgive me. I did not realize.¡±


    ¡°All is well,¡± he said.


    Lilian offered her hand, and they shook. ¡°My name is Lilian Truit, sir. It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡±


    Mr. Muggri stared at her with a strange look. ¡°Lilian Truit, eh? What are you doing in Brord?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a silly reason, really. I¡¯d feel foolish telling you.¡±


    ¡°Understood. I suppose I too find myself in places for silly reasons.¡± He chuckled.


    Lilian chuckled along.


    ¡°Are you alone? I mean, I would hope you are not unchaperoned.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. You see, my friend, Paul Partridge, is with me.¡±


    ¡°Paul Partridge?¡± A shadow fell upon his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s here? With you?¡±


    Lilian sensed something off about the inquiry. ¡°Do you know him?¡±


    Mr. Muggri¡¯s eyes remained dim but his mouth stretched into a smile that contrasted them. He chuckled again. ¡°I knew his father.¡±


    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s... lovely.¡± An awkward, eerie feeling passed over Lilian, producing an onset of goosebumps. She noticed the clerk¡¯s wife sitting with her son by the window and display, staring up at the back of Mr. Muggri with what looked like sickening fright. Every slight move he made, she seemed to flinch. ¡°Well,¡± Lilian continued, ¡°thank you so much for offering¡ª¡±


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    ¡°Yes. Where are you staying, so I can have my men bring you the items?¡±


    ¡°You know what? I think I shall come see you instead.¡±


    Muggri smirked. ¡°Clever girl.¡± He pulled out a card from inside his coat. ¡°Here is my address.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±


    Mr. Muggri tipped his hat at her. ¡°And remember, the first time¡¯s always free.¡± He flashed a clenching smile at her, then exited through the doors. As he did so in passing the pregnant lady, she yelped in pain, holding her tummy.


    Lilian ran to her. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Mama?¡± her two-year-old son worried.


    ¡°Flora!¡± her husband exclaimed.


    Lilian leaned over the woman. She was unresponsive, clutching the hem of her dress and humming in agony. Then suddenly, she grabbed Lilian¡¯s arm, ¡°Don¡¯t go to him.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go to that man. He can do you no good. Trust me.¡±


    Lilian had been to four stores. Hours had gone by, but eventually, she acquired most of what she needed. Mr. Muggri¡¯s stamp must not mean much since every store was lacking in some essentials. Entering their apartment, she called for Paul. He did not answer. So she cracked open the door to his room. Still asleep.


    She put the bouquet she¡¯d bought in a vase, set the groceries on the table, then retreated to her boudoir where she left the unorganized chaos of her stuff. She set down the burlap sack full of new things to add to the clutter, then sat on her bed. A crinkling sound reminded her of the letter that was still in her pocket. Lilian drew it out and opened it up. And soon after¡­ she felt devastated. Not because Paul hadn¡¯t been accepted; because he had. She read it over twice. Thrice. Oh, the guilt she felt. He should have gone!


    The ink remained ever constant on the page. She should have refused him more. But Lilian knew no matter how many times she did, it would have made no difference. What a good man Paul was to delay his dreams to help her find hers. What a good, loyal soul.


    ¡°Lilian?¡±


    Lilian was caught red-handed in the sight of Paul Partridge, rubbing his tired eyes. His shirt, half unbuttoned and wrinkled, and his hair, disheveled. She stared at him with a look that expressed her grief-stricken heart. ¡°You got accepted.¡±


    He shifted his stance, folding his arms. ¡°You weren¡¯t supposed to see that.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I could.¡±


    ¡°So, you were considering going?¡±


    ¡°It¡ª it¡¯s not that simple.¡± Paul stared at the floor beneath him, leaning against the doorway. ¡°Lil, do you like it here?¡±


    ¡°I think I could like it here. Don¡¯t you?¡±


    He looked her way. His eyes were unusually blank. ¡°To be honest, I thought this was all just a stage. Just a step in the grieving process. I had every intention of taking you back to Hiplum with me.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s frowned. ¡°You didn¡¯t think I was serious about this?¡±


    ¡°No, I knew you were serious. But I thought I could persuade you.¡±


    ¡°You went through all this trouble only to bring me back home? Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t just going to leave without you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of losing you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because Mr. Truit told me to take care of you.¡±


    Lilian raised challenging eyebrows. ¡°So that is the only reason?¡± she finally had him cornered and he knew it. Come on, we¡¯re grownups, Paul. Just say it.


    ¡°Lilian. You belong in Hiplum,¡± he deflected.


    She rolled her eyes.


    ¡°I think we should go ba¡ª¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t you?¡±


    Lilian¡¯s gaze went to her burlap sack. But she was thinking about Shersul. She was remembering the night everything changed. The last night she ever saw him again. Her aunt and uncle were hesitant to break the news to her. But she knew as they all sat together in the dining room, the food was bittersweet, as well as the welcome and the dismal grins they¡¯d shared. The air that night spoke of silent goodbyes. She was quick to flee from it, refusing to catch the depression, leaving the table to find solace in the chirping lulls of the outdoors just beyond their back terrace. She was only nine and a half. She never dreamed of saying goodbye to her friend.


    But Shersul, like always, found her sulking. He sat beside her. And for a while their silence was undisturbed.


    ¡°Lilian,¡± he began. ¡°You know I have to go.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not fair!¡± she blurted most defiantly. ¡°You¡¯re mine. The world can¡¯t have you.¡±


    ¡°No, Lilian. You are mine. But so is everyone else.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t deserve you.¡±


    ¡°And I suppose you think you do?¡±


    Lilian loured at her feet, slouching with her knees up. It just wasn¡¯t fair. ¡°You are my only friend.¡±


    ¡°I will send you a new friend.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ll refuse them! I will!¡± she hid her face in her arms.


    Shersul patted her back. ¡°Oh, Lilian. I have to do this. And I know why it is you do not understand. You don¡¯t hear the voice I hear. Or see the things I see. It¡¯s all fiction to you. But it is the unseen that matters most.¡± He lifted her head, wiped her tears, and covered her eyes with his hands, ¡°So, I am leaving you with a gift. As long as it remains with you, remember me.¡±


    Once he removed his hands, the world as she once saw it transitioned before her. She heard the cries of the earth¡¯s children. She saw the beams of light that jutted from Shersul like cords reaching out to the world. One cord tethered his heart to hers. She saw in the distance the rising of an angry smoke. It progressed madly in their direction, then rolled into a step. The smoke piled over itself until it took human forms. They dragged along chanting the name Truit, Truit. Lilian tensed in terror. Shersul sat by, not saying a word as the smokey beings charged for them.


    Closer they came. Collapsing and reforming with each step. Shersul put his hand over Lilian¡¯s heart. The beings stopped and stared. They took one more step and their bodies dispersed and thinned into the air.


    ¡°You see. They cannot hurt you. So can you be brave now? For my sake?¡±


    Lilian smiled in relief. ¡°Yes. I think I can.¡± She looked up at Shersul, and as he moved a little from her, she recanted. ¡°Wait. No. Who will protect me when you are gone?¡±


    Shersul looked to the space beside Lilian. ¡°Show yourself.¡±


    The atmosphere in that space seemed to warp and ripple. The air whooshed around, wrapping upward and downward, until the body of the ciella became more visible. A sword in his transparent belt, he drew it out, revealing the blade made of flames. He slipped it back and bowed.


    ¡°Lilian, meet your guardian ceillum.¡±


    Lilian gaped at him. She looked at Shersul once more. ¡°Okay. Now I¡¯m sure I can be brave.¡±


    ¡°I know you can.¡± Shersul smiled.


    ¡°I just can¡¯t, Paul.¡±


    He came to her and knelt at her feet. ¡°Lilian. Be honest with yourself. This place¡ª it¡¯s nothing special. Nothing like Hiplum. Or Corlu.¡±


    Lilian frowned. Was he right? Brord did give her an uncomfortable feeling. It was quite selcouth. And the people ranged from lovely to outright frightening. But Brord had to be special because El sent her here, her uncle¡¯s factory was here, and most of all, it was a place that needed much care. To leave would be giving up on its potential.


    ¡°Aunt Krishta told me to go. I had to obey,¡± that was all the truth she needed to give.


    ¡°Your aunt would understand. She would.¡±


    Lilian huffed, ¡°I should have gone alone. I should have taken a train instead of ridden with you if I had known your intentions.¡±


    ¡°I only want what¡¯s best for you¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Lilian gasped at her sudden tone. She shook her head, ¡°You want nothing but to have me at your side. And for what?¡±


    ¡°Lilian, you¡¯re my¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say friend! How strong a bond is that? When my life will go one way and yours will always go another.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t have to be the case.¡±


    ¡°It is the case, Paul. How could you be so foolish? You like to evaluate. Evaluate this. I am unmarried and unemployed. You are an eligible man who I¡¯ve known for a lifetime with a perfect face and a career set out for him.¡±


    Paul straightened with surprise, realizing he¡¯d brought Lilian to such desperation.


    ¡°So do not use the term ¡°friend'''' with me. We. Are not. Friends,¡± Lilian continued. ¡°And if I ever was, then I refuse to be now.¡± Embarrassed that she was driven to say as much as she had, she looked away from him. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what we are.¡±


    Lilian stood up, passing him. She left without giving him one glance.


    Jase didn¡¯t know how he ended up here. Surrounded by depressed company and wenches assembled in mirthful spirits. He fought his thirst courageously for hours. Sadly, he could not succeed. A cup of beer swished before his eye. The bony hand holding it, wet from the condensation.


    ¡°Drink up, big guy,¡± Spencer chuckled, forcing the beverage to Jase¡¯s lips as Jase tilted his head back.


    The door of the saloon swung open. A heavy sound of footsteps drew near. ¡°Ahem¡­¡±


    Spencer looked at whoever was behind Jase. A serious expression passed over him. He looked back to Jase and said, ¡°You keep at it.¡± He slid his beer over to Jase. The foam, nearly spilling from the brim. ¡°I¡¯ll be back later.¡±


    She walked among the streets, feeling increasingly lonesome, and less certain of herself. Did Lilian actually feel the Elwind guide her here? Or had she left on a whim? Why was El not speaking to her now? She pondered as she proceeded in no specific direction. The evening was becoming darker. She knew she could not stay outside on her own for long, but detested the idea of going back to Paul. Her aunt had told her Paul would go with her to the ends of the earth, was she wrong? Lilian would go anywhere he needed her, but not blindly. And not against El¡¯s wishes.


    As Lilian passed an alleyway, her peripheral noticed a familiar figure. She paused, peering down the shaded alley to make sure. Her heart stopped, arms locked to her chest. The boy she hoped never to see again was there, dabbling in his own affairs. Clearly, terrorizing someone else. With his new victim taken by the shoulder of his coat and pressed against a wall. An unfortunate citizen on the street. ¡°I came to collect. Where is your end of the bargain?¡±


    ¡°I just need more time.¡±


    ¡°More time to what? You live with the woman. How hard is it to slit her throat?¡±


    Lilian caught a shiver.


    ¡°Please. I¡¯ll pay you back. I swear.¡± The frail young man seemed to shake in fear. Beads of sweat ran down his face.


    ¡°Now, Sam. Don¡¯t make empty promises.¡± He stared viciously at the young man. A scary silence echoed between them. ¡°A debt must be paid.¡±


    ¡°No! No, no, no, please. Please.¡±


    ¡°Shhhhh¡­ A debt... must be paid,¡± he repeated with a nod. He raised an open palm, fingers outstretched at the boy¡¯s neck. With a clench of his fingers as though he were drawing something out of him, the boy fell to the ground, lifeless.


    Lilian felt her breath had gone, too. She nearly fainted before taking in a loud gasp that bounced off the walls, alerting him. His head turned her way. His body, silhouetted. She could not see his stare but prompted her body to walk hastily away.


    ¡°Lilian Truit,¡± he called.


    She froze. ¡°Spencer.¡±


    Like an invisible lasso, she felt a pull on her body, swinging her around. Dragged, she was, over to him until her face was no more than two centimeters from his.


    His narrow eyes studied her for an excruciatingly long period of time. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen a hair of you since I left HA.¡± The slight smell of alcohol lingered on his breath. ¡°Clearly, I¡¯ve missed a lot. You seem to have assumed a new shape.¡± He looked her up and down.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Spencer?¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know?¡± Spencer¡¯s thin lips curved into a smile. ¡°Why are you alone?¡±


    ¡°Who said I was alone?¡±


    ¡°You are. But you¡¯re not.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    He chuckled, delighted and amused to see her puzzled. ¡°I know Paul¡¯s around. Which begs the question of why you are out here uncovered. A lot of¡­ sordid men work at night.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s gaze immediately went to the defunct body on the cold cobblestone. ¡°Why?¡± the question slipped out in a frosty breath.


    ¡°He bargained his mother for a win at poker. Sadly, he couldn¡¯t follow through on his end. He would have been a very rich man. A smart man. Could have cleaned himself up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s clean to you?¡±


    ¡°Is there another cleanliness that matters?¡±


    ¡°You wanted him to kill his mother.¡±


    ¡°I wanted nothing more than a complete transaction. It was him who offered her head on a platter. He could not pay the price. So he had to pay the penalty. Don¡¯t worry, his was a gracious death, I assure you. There has been worse required of me.¡±


    Pure shock filled Lilian¡¯s face. ¡°You monster.¡±


    Spencer squinted at her. ¡°Why are you acting so shocked? If El is so powerful, you should be able to lift the boy back to life, right? And, how come you are still close to me? I don¡¯t believe for one second you enjoy this proximity¡­ Have you grown weak?¡±


    Lilian choked on shame. She would not look him in the eye. El knows with all her heart she wanted to have a bigger gap between them, but she could not fight his pull.


    He chortled, getting more and more elevated. ¡°I have only gotten stronger!¡± With a flick of his wrist, Lilian was in the air. He whipped his arms around, and Lilian was tossed and turned like a rag doll. Her skirt lifted momentarily in her descents.


    ¡°Stop! Stop! Put. Me. Dooww-¡± she thought she was going to throw up every time her belly leaped inside. The pins loosened in her hair, causing free curls to fall.


    Spencer was having too much fun seeing her do flips. But he stilled her, having her hover in mid-air. He floated up to meet her, putting his face not much farther from hers than before. ¡°You are so weak.¡± Then he tapped his finger on a gold pin on his chest that held the symbol of a firy wreath. ¡°You see this. It means ¡®brethren of the malellum¡¯.¡± He discontinued as though he made a point.


    ¡°Should I be impressed?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about you, but I think this is what power feels like. Real, tangible power. You could join me in the hevel. You could take the oath.¡±


    ¡°No. No. I could never be a bride of Girgum. I could never betray Shersul.¡±


    ¡°Lil.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever call me that! It is Lilian to you!¡± For a moment she forgot his frightfulness, feeling bold enough to yell. He didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of not knowing what the next step is in life? Aren¡¯t you sick of change? Don¡¯t you want control?¡±


    Lilian went silent. Had he read her thoughts? If she was to have everything her way, she¡¯d be back in Corlu with Uncle Fred and Aunt Krishta, excited to see Paul another day on the tracks to talk about anything but the future. She looked at Spencer and noticed something off about his appearance. ¡°Your ear.¡± It tapered like an elf¡¯s.


    As if out of habit, he reached for it. ¡°That¡¯s not the only change.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®That¡¯s not the only change¡¯? What have you done to yourself?¡±


    ¡°Tsk, oh, Lilian.¡± He touched her hair and pulled on a strand, wrapping the curl around his finger. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the details. It¡¯s all worth it. I know I was terrible to you back in Hiplum. But after I found out about your gift, I realized your potential. I realized you were like me.¡±


    ¡°I am nothing like you. El gave me my gift.¡±


    ¡°And obviously you don¡¯t love him enough to work on it.¡±


    ¡°At least I haven''t harmed anyone.¡±


    Spencer nodded, not really listening. He took hold of her hand, ¡°Look at us. Arguing like this. I always fancied you, you know.¡± He shook his head, ¡°But you only wanted Paul. You were infatuated with him which I never understood. I¡¯m just as handsome and smart.¡± Spencer had frightening features that sprinted upon the brink of ¡°handsome¡±. His hair was jet black. He had high, pronounced cheekbones, and narrow eyes that mirrored his sinister personality with lines under the bottom lids that made him look sick.


    ¡°Wicked men don¡¯t appeal to me.¡±


    ¡°Ha, ha. That¡¯s what you think. If only you knew what he¡¯d done, you would hate him so much.¡±


    Lilian was caught off-guard by this statement. ¡°Paul? What did he do?¡±


    Spencer smirked as if he knew a secret that could break her heart in two. ¡°That¡¯s for me to know and have the pleasure of seeing you find out.¡±


    Lilian shook it off. ¡°Whatever it is, I don¡¯t believe you. You¡¯re only bluffing.¡±


    ¡°Why would I bluff about this? You could ask him if you really wanted to know. But that is your problem, isn¡¯t it? Confronting people? Or rather, letting go? I see you are still grieving. Mmm¡­ black suits you. I know how to take that pain away. How to become callous. That¡¯s all I am.¡± Lilian noticed his voice getting lower. His gaze was on her lips. ¡°I could be good, you know. You could make me good. If you wanted to.¡± He leaned his head forward. She was quick to move away. Her refusal evoked a glimpse of a more human glint in his eyes, ¡°Alas, I may never be the one to steal your first kiss. But it won¡¯t be Paul.¡± His stare turned cold and ominous. Then he vanished in the form of a gust. Lilian realized she was standing on the ground. The body of the boy was not there. She felt a dizziness in her head. Where had the boy gone?


    The world was spinning. Jase felt as though he was floating and weighted at the same time. The voices of the crowd were muted to him. One voice, in particular, was persistent to get his attention. ¡°Whaa?¡± Jase struggled.


    The bartender tried again, ¡°The drinks ain¡¯t free!¡±


    ¡°I got it,¡± waved a man, sitting beside Jase.


    Jase looked to his left and saw Mister Thomas paying for him. He bore a nasty knot on the head from Jase¡¯s last beating. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do. Now you owe me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need or want your help.¡±


    ¡°If you call this helping, you must not understand the game. I¡¯m just waiting. Patiently waiting for you to mess up so bad Tess will be at my doorstep.¡±


    ¡°You think Tess would ever want you?¡± Jase brought his final cup to his lips.


    Scott snatched it from him and took a sip. ¡°It¡¯s not a question of want. It¡¯s a question of need. She¡¯s gonna find out eventually that you can bring no food to the table. And then she¡¯ll either leave you or she¡¯ll get hungry. And you know what happens to hungry girls?¡± He tipped his cup at one of the saloon workers, ¡°They can¡¯t keep up their stockings for long.¡± Scott sneered, pleased with himself.


    Jase clenched his fist. If his eyes could focus, he¡¯d shut him up! ¡°I oughta-¡±


    ¡°Bup, bup, bup.¡± Scott tilted his head at the Sheriff who sat a few seats away on the other edge of the bar.


    Jase growled as Mr. Thomas continued to smile almost churlishly, if he wasn¡¯t so old. Seeing he had no choice but to take it, Jase shot up from his seat and walked out. His steps were untamed. He grabbed onto a nearby lamppost. Lorn was his heart, sweaty were his palms and forehead. He could vividly see Tess¡¯s porcelain face twisted in a grimace. Could already hear the piercing sound of her high voice rising. And then the slam of a door. This is it, he thought. This is the end of me. It¡¯s all going downhill from here.


    Then, as if El had listened, a sweet voice called to him, ¡°Jase? Is that you?¡±


    Lilian saw him. He was hunched against a lamppost. The light gave his hair a lurid halo. Jase twisted his body around and stared at her with drooping eyes. Her hair was put up in a lackadaisical manner underneath her hat, tendrils flopping by her ears, not as tightly stretched and pinned as they had usually been. Her black eyes glowed with concern. But there was more. There was a residual reflection of fear. Something must have happened to her.


    He started wheezing hysterically, clinging to the pole. ¡°You caught me. I guess you might as well tell Tess now. Go on, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    Lilian was unsure what to say. Inching up to Jase, she asked him, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Do I look alright?¡± he snapped.


    Lilian simply glared, allowing him to see how rude he was being.


    He sighed, looking down. ¡°Pardon me, Miss Lilian. It¡¯s just I get asked that all the time. But no one cares.¡±


    ¡°I care.¡±


    Jase looked at her again. The lamplight highlighted the lime green in his eyes. Disbelief began in them but quickly evanesced as he continued to stare into hers. Did he detect sincerity in them? Lilian was uncomfortable in his sight. Even while he slouched, he stood like a tree above her. ¡°I have to get home,¡± he said, pushing off the lamppost.


    Lilian held up her arms, balancing him. ¡°Not like this, you can¡¯t. Where is your wagon?¡±


    Jase lifted his arm heavily and pointed right. ¡°Just around the corner.¡±


    ¡°Show me.¡± She took him with her, letting him lean against her. When they were at the wagon, Lilian helped his sluggish body in. She took hold of the reins. ¡°You will have to stay alert if you can. I have not done this in a while and I¡¯ll need directions.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m awake.¡±


    Lilian hesitated for a while. She was going to be leaving town with a man she did not really know. Paul would be worried sick. Or would he? Not Paul. Surely not Paul.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Oh. Yes,¡± Lilian blinked.


    Jase kissed the air two times, then the wagon jolted as the horses began to canter. Lilian was cautious, listening to his slurred directions, making sure she did not miss anything. Still, she was unsure if he was sober enough to even know if he was saying the right thing. But thankfully, the town entrance was soon visible. They rode through and continued for a while.


    She was still uneased after seeing death yet again. The boy¡¯s emotionless face flashed so clearly in her mind, not moving from her memory. It made her feel queasy inside. He was someone, she thought. A life, a soul. And now his poor mother would wake up the next morning, and her son would be nowhere to be found. Not even his body. What was his name again? Sam. She would remember him. Jase looked up at the sky, half-asleep. He quietly sang to himself an overly depressing ditty in his lovely, low voice:


    The death of life is why I live;


    To smell the whitest rose.


    And what a wryest joy it gives


    To be so lachrymose.


    That was enough to cause Lilian to whimper a little. Suddenly the boy¡¯s face and her uncle¡¯s meshed into one. She was mourning them both. And Jase had no idea, completely out of it it seemed.


    Lilian watched him sit there with his back across the seat and long legs stretching to the front of the wagon. She wanted to feel sorry for him. But how could she? He did this to himself. He was at the saloon doing El-knows-what when he should have been looking for a job. ¡°Why were you even there? You know, at the saloon.¡±


    He closed his eyes and was quiet for a while. She thought he had gone to sleep. ¡°You mean to say, ¡®what was I doing at the saloon¡¯. Don¡¯t worry. I wouldn¡¯t hurt Tess like that. I just had one too many beers.¡±


    Lilian let out a relieved breath through her nose. And looked away for a second, becoming numb to the sound of the horses as they clopped along.


    Jase opened his eyes and stared upward again. ¡°Can¡¯t say this doesn¡¯t hurt her, though. The thing I feared most was that I¡¯d become my father. Guess I can¡¯t do anything right.¡±


    Lilian looked at him. ¡°What about your father?¡± She was happy to think about anything other than the dead boy. Sam.


    Jase turned his head to Lilian. His face expressed sheer disdain. ¡°He was the town drunk.¡±


    Lilian remembered something Shersul told her about familiar winds: Winds that stay with a family for generations, causing the same problems again and again. ¡°You know¡­ It may not be your fault.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°Jase¡­¡±


    ¡°You can stop now.¡±


    Lilian looked ahead. They were at the stable. She stopped the horses, and they got out. Jase took some time to get the horses in their stall. He fed them each some carrots. Lilian waited on him. She quietly watched in adoration as he spoke to the horses with such a caring tone. The words were slurred, but not at all drunk. For a moment, Lilian imagined the horses were children receiving a glass of milk before being sent to bed. He held a raw, dirty carrot out at her.


    ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯m not hungry.¡±


    Jase snickered, trying not to be loud. ¡°You¡¯re funny. I like it. But I meant it for the horses. You wanna feed Jaundice over here?¡±


    It was pitch black outside. Lilian could hardly see the horse if not for the one light above his stall. She did not want to risk having her hand bit off. ¡°No thank you.¡±


    ¡°Are you afraid or somethin¡¯? Old Jaundice here wouldn¡¯t hurt a fly. Plus, he needs some meat on his bones.¡±


    Lilian stared at Jase¡¯s outstretched hand that was not moving any time soon. ¡°Okay. I will try.¡± She took the carrot. Bending slowly over the hay where the beast rested, she held it up to Jaundice¡¯s mouth. He hardly noticed her there. ¡°Come on, Jaundice. Take it.¡±


    ¡°You have to get closer.¡± Jase gently placed a hand on her back, encouraging her to move closer to the horse.


    Lilian''s heart skipped as she felt his woolen-clad fingers on her spine and she realized just how close he was behind her. She bent closer to the horse. The carrot touched his lips, and he was aware that he was being fed. His upper lip flapped up as he opened his mouth slightly, his strong teeth snatching the end of the carrot and continuing to munch until the snack slid completely out of Lilian¡¯s hand. She laughed breathily in surprise, an ounce of sadness leaving her.


    ¡°Yeah. There you go,¡± Jase said. He seemed to be sobering up.


    Lilian turned to him. She could see the grin on his face. She grinned back. ¡°Shall we face the dragon inside her cave?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope she¡¯s not awake.¡±


    Arm in arm, they proceeded to the door of the little house. Jase inhaled and exhaled. Lilian turned the handle and pushed open the door. The lights were off in the kitchen. Jase and Lilian snuck in as quietly as possible. Jase turned around to shut the door. Then suddenly, the lights came on.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Tessaline stood in her nightgown, crossing her arms, as though she had been waiting for them the entire time. A condemning expression on her face.


    ¡°Hello, Tessaline.¡± Lilian tried to keep the air light with a sweet smile but her voice told of her nervousness.


    Tess glanced at her for a second, but no more than that. She was set on instigating ¡°Jase?¡±


    ¡°Tess, I can explain...¡±


    She held up her hand and winced. ¡°I can smell the beer from here.¡± Tess was aware that she had him speechless. ¡°Since when have you ever picked up a bottle?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a grown man, Tess-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked!¡±


    As late as it was, the last thing Lilian wanted to hear was a heated conversation. Jase understood this. ¡°Tess, before you blow up, let¡¯s get Lilian out of the kitchen. She¡¯s tired. She rode me here all this way.¡±


    ¡°I bet she did.¡± Tess switched her stare to the girl. ¡°You know where the room is. Go.¡±


    Lilian bowed her head and skittered away. Now it was just Tess and Jase alone. Though Lilian would very much still be able to hear them.


    ¡°I asked you a question.¡±


    Jase stared at Tess with dead eyes. ¡°It started- the drinking- when I lost my job a week ago.¡±


    Tess shifted her stance. She looked at the floor, and back at him. ¡°You what?¡±


    Jase nodded.


    Slowly her expression grew into a grimace as she shook her head. ¡°You old goop! How do you suppose we pay for the rent next month?¡±


    Jase pressed his lips together. ¡°Well, there¡¯s always¡­¡±


    ¡°No. Not my singin¡¯ money?¡± she hissed. ¡°Every cent of that goes to Miss Cora¡¯s Home.¡±


    ¡°The woman already said she doesn¡¯t need your charity.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point, Jase. I did it for me.¡±


    ¡°But, you get paid well for what you do. Tess, you could be using it for us.¡±


    ¡°Jase, that¡¯s not fair. It¡¯s my¡­ it¡¯s my money.¡±


    ¡°Your money.¡± Jase scoffed, ¡°If I had that attitude, we¡¯d be homeless.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please. You know I have a lot more options than you.¡±


    Jase froze for a moment. He knew what she meant by that. ¡°You mean Mr. Thomas? Oh, I¡¯m sorry, Scott? Oh, I see now. Go ahead. Go get him.¡± Jase gestured to the door. ¡°He¡¯s been waiting to take you from me,¡± His voice escalated. ¡°You know, what difference does it make? You don¡¯t belong to me, anyway, right?¡± He paced around, throwing down chairs, and then picking them up to throw them down again. Lilian, who was behind Tess¡¯s door, jumped at the sound of each boom. But Tess just stood there, unphased by it all. ¡°After all I do for you and you have the nerve to bring up that old man.¡±


    ¡°Jase. I was only talking.¡±


    ¡°You sure like to say the most El-forsaken things.¡± His eyes teared up, closing into slits. ¡°Can¡¯t nobody hurt me like you, Tess. And can¡¯t nobody take it but me. You do it on purpose. You want me to give up on you. But I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you.¡±


    ¡°Because I believe in us. Even if I¡¯m the only one who does. Even if every single day you tell me you don¡¯t love me, I love you... Will you marry me, Tess?¡± Once again, he asked the question as it came to his mind.


    Tessaline¡¯s nose flared. But she did not want to say another sassy thing. ¡°Get out of here, Jase. Just get out.¡±


    ¡°No! You know, I knew you¡¯d do this,¡± he pointed at her. ¡°I knew it. It¡¯s why I didn¡¯t tell you ¡®bout me losing my job. You try to find every reason to get rid of ¡®us¡¯. You don¡¯t even want to hear why I got let go.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Yes it does, Tess! It matters to everyone in town! But I guess not to you.¡± He snatched up a newspaper from a stack on the floor. ¡°You don¡¯t read the news!¡± He held up the front page to her face. The headline read: Truit & Co. Lathe Factory Shuts Down After CEO Dies.


    ¡°So, Fredrick Truit¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°Yes. And everyone in town knows.¡±


    All Tess had to give was a light smirk, ¡°Hmph. What he gets.¡±


    ¡°EXCUSE ME!¡± Lilian ran out from behind Tess¡¯s door. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®It¡¯s what he gets¡¯? He was my uncle, and he was a great man!¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°He was a great¨C.¡±


    ¡°No, not that. Did you say Fredrick Truit is your uncle?¡±


    ¡°Was. And yes.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Wait. Who was your father?¡±


    ¡°Felix¡­ Truit,¡± Lilian uttered shyly, unsure why she was being asked this.


    ¡°So your name is Lilian¨C¡±


    ¡°Truit. Yes.¡±


    Tess flipped her head up and glowered at Jase. ¡°You knew.¡±


    ¡°Knew what?¡± Lilian queried, her gaze switching back and forth between the silent two.


    Jase¡¯s neck turned as red as a tomato. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°This is too much!¡± Tess shouted, running outside.


    Jase grabbed the door just before it slammed. He went out after her. ¡°Tess!¡±


    Tess hid her face in her sleeve. ¡°Go away!¡± She fell to the ground. ¡°It all makes sense now,¡± she said under her breath.


    ¡°Tess, it''s too cold out here. You¡¯ll catch your death. Come inside.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Tessaline.¡±


    ¡°Not with her in the house! Not now that I know who she is.¡±


    ¡°Your sister? Suddenly you can¡¯t trust her? You know very well she ain¡¯t nothing like you were told. But this is how you treat everyone. It¡¯s how you treat me. You wanna know why the town hates you? This is why. You think everyone¡¯s going to leave you, Tess. You think everyone¡¯s your pa. I¡¯m not your pa!¡±


    Tess slowly brought her gaze to his. The steely stare she maintained put a fear in him for whatever sarcastic combat she was conjuring up, ¡°Well, you look a lot like yours right now.¡± Tess stood and stepped up to Jase.


    He couldn¡¯t look at her. She was right. Only she knew the very words to undo his pride. She continued to stare for a while at the pitiful man before her. Then she passed him. For a moment he caught her arm, but she slid away. And he let her.

 Friday

    Paul searched everywhere. He went knocking on doors all around the apartment, asking if anyone had seen a dark-haired young lady named Lilian. When no one could be of any help, he tried the places he figured she¡¯d been. Even Ms. Cora¡¯s Home. But it all proved inconclusive. Paul felt more guilt than ever for the way their conversation went; for not telling her he loved her; for not going after her when she left. But it was guilt that kept him from doing even that.


    ¡°You should be ashamed of yourself.¡±


    Paul only nodded at the voice behind him. Slowly, he turned around. ¡°For what exactly?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a twisted thing you''re doing to her by sticking around.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t leave her.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done your job. It¡¯s time you move on and think about your career.¡±


    ¡°How can I?¡± Paul asked earnestly. ¡°I betrayed the only man who ever showed me kindness. He was like a father to me. And I loved and respected him as such.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just too bad.¡±


    ¡°Why did you make me do it!¡± Paul clenched his fists into balls.


    ¡°What is this? Are you challenging me?¡± Girgum came closer, his voice remained eerily calm. ¡°You would dare to challenge me?¡±


    Paul¡¯s fists trembled as he approached. He reached in his inner coat pocket and threw down the pin engraved with a firy wreath. ¡°I don¡¯t want this. I don¡¯t care about your promises anymore. I just want to be free.¡±


    Girgum stared in eerie silence, then chortled. Then backhanded him, knocking Paul into the brick of some building. ¡°You thought you had a choice?! Let¡¯s not forget I have blood rights to you! And what about your actual parents? You want them to pay for your mistakes? Hm?¡±


    Paul licked his busted lip. It tasted like ash and iron. He kept his head on the wall and whimpered. ¡°I... I...¡±


    ¡°You what?¡±


    ¡°I thought I could save him. I thought El would let me.¡±


    Girgum brought his face close to Paul¡¯s, ¡°Like a fool you did. I told you. But this is not the only time you have made things harder for me. You brought the girl here. Here of all places.¡± He violently snatched the back of Paul¡¯s neck. Paul bit his tongue in fear. ¡°You know who else is here? Of course, you don¡¯t, fool. Her sister is here!¡±


    Paul squinted, helplessly, ¡°What do you mean? Lilian doesn¡¯t have a sister.¡±


    He jerked Paul away. ¡°Say goodbye to the girl, and leave by the end of this week. I don¡¯t want you around her any longer.¡±


    Tessaline heard him crack open the door. She hid her face under the sheets as he came into the room. His bare feet made sifting sounds on the floor. Jase hovered by her side, leaning towards her face.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re awake. Look at me.¡±


    Tess pulled down her sheet. She put her hand inside Jase¡¯s and stared somberly into his tender eyes, ¡°Jase, I¡¯m sorry. I really am.¡±


    ¡°No. I am,¡± He smoothed a hand down her face, then over her white hair. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have kept it a secret. But you did make it easy for me to.¡±


    Tess lowered her head in agreement, ¡°Yeah. Maybe I should read the papers more. To keep you in check.¡±


    Jase chuckled lightly. ¡°Have you told her?¡±


    Tess twisted her back to stare at Lilian. Silent was the pretty girl who dozed beside her. She placed the back of her hand on Lilian¡¯s braid. ¡°Not yet. And I don¡¯t intend to just yet. Please don¡¯t say anything to her about it.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t. But you shouldn¡¯t take too long. She deserves to know.¡±


    Tess continued to pet Lilian¡¯s hair. She watched as the girl slowly breathed in her deep sleep though the faithful sun¡¯s light had already reached the room. A mona-like grin on her face, displaying internal content or joy, one of the two. Odd, considering she was moaning all night as if she had a bad dream. This girl, though Tess was afraid to admit, was warming her way into Tessaline¡¯s heart. Something about the way her eyes held the most genuine concern for Tess seemed promising. But she knew that it could all be false.


    She wondered if Lilian was ready for such information. How would she take it? Would she deny that Tess was her sister and be repulsed by the idea like every other Truit? Or was she truly different? One thing was for sure, Tess would only get to know her, the real her, by approaching the matter with caution.


    During breakfast, Tess and Jase were acting suspiciously lively with each other. Lilian was surprised to see him behind her as she stirred the pot on the stove. His hands, resting on Tess¡¯s hips. Her, giggling away as he whispered something to her. Were they not just blowing each other¡¯s ears off last night? Curious. Lilian let herself study his hands. Those beautiful hands that were made by El to fight and fist, and yet they were also made to hold the most delicate of things. Small things. Like Tess. Without any graspable reason, Lilian felt her own waist. Was she delicate and small?


    As Lilian watched, she couldn¡¯t help but feel jealous. Their relationship was wild, broken, irrational, and frankly, toxic, but a relationship nonetheless. What did she and Paul have?


    As Tess and Jase settled into their seats to eat, Tess let Lilian know that she would gladly take her home to the apartment afterward.


    ¡°Alright. Thank you.¡± Lilian frowned.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ You weren¡¯t the only ones who experienced some dissension last night.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Paul and I. We left off on a bad note.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s fault was it?¡± Jase mused as he sucked his teeth, slumping to one side where he rested his arm on the table.


    ¡°No one¡¯s. He just told me¨C never mind. I just know I should have stayed.¡±


    ¡°You and Paul- are ya¡¯ll together?¡± Jase asked.


    Tess pinched his shoulder. He did not even flinch.


    Lilian giggled. ¡°That is a good question. My aunt says we are.¡±


    Jase gave a long ¡°mmm¡± before slowly nodding. He picked up his spoon and bit himself a nice helping of cereal. Lilian tried not to laugh at the way he ate. It was like he was in love with the boring staple food. His complete focus was on the bowl before him. His body hunched over it. The ownership he involuntarily displayed over mere breakfast was oddly intriguing. For a moment she let her eyes linger on his mouth as it drew from the spoon.


    ¡°Your aunt. Aunt Krishta,¡± Tess breathed.


    Lilian¡¯s eyes flickered.


    ¡°Sorry, I mean,¡± Tess recanted, ¡°Krishta Truit, right?¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± answered Lilian.


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind my askin¡¯, but what all do you know about your father?¡±


    Lilian paused while holding a spoonful up to her mouth. ¡°My father? I¡¯m told he was a hero. An exceptional doctor. I was told he saved many lives from diseases as terrible as scarlet fever.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how he died?¡±


    Lilian frowned, ¡°No, actually.¡± She allowed the sudden change in topic. ¡°It never really crossed my mind. I know that sounds silly. My uncle had always been the closest thing I¡¯d ever had to a father, so I suppose I spent more time worrying over him.¡±


    ¡°You mean you never once wondered?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I have not wondered once or twice. I am sure I have. I just never asked. But what about your father, if you don¡¯t mind me asking. What was he like?¡±


    Tess frowned, ¡°Nothing like yours, I¡¯m afraid. He was no hero to me. Only someone who got himself into a fine fix with another woman and broke my mother¡¯s heart.¡± She clenched her spoon handle, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him since.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry to hear that.¡± Lilian pressed a hand on her heart.


    Tess stared into Lilian¡¯s eyes in silence. Her face held no distinct expression. ¡°You are, huh?¡± The corner of her mouth twitched.


    ¡°Is everything alright, Tess? Tess?¡±


    Jase laid a hand on her shoulder, ¡°Tess?¡±


    Tessaline blinked, ¡°Uh, yes. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°You know, I think this is something we all have in common,¡± Jase said, taking over the conversation, ¡°I mean, none of our parents really contributed anything to our lives. They were either drunk, or gone, or dead. Right, Miss Lilian?¡±


    Lilian nodded, still unsure why Jase continued to call her by her title, ¡°I suppose.¡±


    ¡°Jase, what¡¯s the point of you saying that?¡± Tess asked in annoyance.


    ¡°Well, I was just thinking. Maybe that¡¯s all there is to it. Maybe if our parents actually took care of us, I¡¯d be less violent, You¡¯d be less of a skeptic, and¡­¡±


    ¡°And what? What do you say for her? That she¡¯d be less rich? Your logic fails, Jase.¡±


    Jase blushed, feeling stupid. Suddenly, everyone stopped talking. Tessaline¡¯s last words were full of irritated air.


    ¡°Well, The truth is you''re both right in a way,¡± Lilian muttered.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to speak, speak up,¡± Tess censured. She was starting to act like angry Tess again.


    Lilian dropped her spoon back in the bowl, ¡°I am a rich orphan, to be frank. But I didn¡¯t need my father since I had a willing Uncle. Without him, I would not have broken certain behaviors. But even with him, I needed more than that. I needed something, or rather someone to believe in.¡±


    ¡°Li¡¯l lady,¡± Tess threatened, holding out her spoon, ¡°If you bring up Shersul, I am leaving this room.¡±


    ¡°I am only trying to say that though the severity of your life and mine are different, I am not in any way better than you.¡±


    ¡°You lie,¡± Tess chuckled. ¡°You lie so terribly.¡±


    Lilian became infuriated, ¡°You know, I am beginning to dislike you more. You have no understanding of who I am.¡±


    ¡°I understand plenty. More than you know. I know exactly what your kind are like.¡±


    ¡°My kind? What do you take me for, Tess? Some snooty brat? Is that how I¡¯ve presented myself to you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just it. I¡¯m not sure if I can trust you however you present yourself.¡±


    Jase, who was at first silent, was now compelled to put an end to this altercation, ¡°Girls, please!¡±


    Tess ignored him, ¡°So you aren¡¯t prejudiced against me, Lilian?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°But I can see it in your eyes.¡±


    ¡°Hey, lay off, Tess!¡± Jase said, getting frustrated.


    ¡°Lay off?¡± she shouted back.


    ¡°Yes. Why are you all of a sudden challenging Lilian?¡±


    ¡°I am not challenging her. I just want to know how she sees me.¡±


    ¡°Then say what you really want to say to her. But don¡¯t do this. Let¡¯s not have last night all over again. I don¡¯t want that.¡±


    Tess gestured at the door, ¡°You can leave if it¡¯s too much for you.¡±


    Jase paused in appalment. He huffed, shook his head, and got up from his chair, ¡°That¡¯s it, I¡¯m goin¡¯ out to shoot something.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe chop something? Like firewood?¡± Tess pesteringly suggested.


    Jase stopped momentarily, tensing his shoulders and clenching his fist, then proceeded to the door without another word. When he opened the door, a distressed-looking young man stood before him.


    ¡°Have you seen Lilian? Oh, please tell me she¡¯s here.¡±


    Jase cocked his chin up, ¡°She¡¯s here.¡±


    Paul entered the threshold with an immediate apology, holding in one hand a bouquet of fresh roses.


    ¡°Paul, I don¡¯t want to hear it. Okay? Let¡¯s move on. Did you sleep well last night?¡±


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Paul looked at her as if she were crazy, ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°Oh... I see.¡± She did see. His face looked worn. His eyes were baggy and red, his lip was somehow busted. What had he been doing? Had he really fretted for her? ¡°Well, I want you to know that I was safe. Can we move on now?¡± Lilian was too exhausted from constant arguing to start again with Paul.


    Paul could have pressed more with details on how he was utterly distraught for the entire morning, flipping over stones only to find her enjoying a nice meal, but decided to let it go. ¡°Lilian.¡± He stepped forward slowly, clutching the bouquet to his chest, ¡°If you would do me the honor of being my company at Etowah Lake-¡±


    ¡°That lake is surely frozen over. As are many things,¡± Lilian mumbled.


    ¡°Well, I know that,¡± Paul scoffed.


    ¡°Paul, why? Why? I wanted to go sightseeing earlier, and you said no. You said no, remember? Besides, it¡¯s cold, right? It¡¯ll be cold all winter, so I guess in that respect, I should never go outside.¡±


    ¡°Lil.¡±


    ¡°My answer is no.¡±


    ¡°Lil, why are you being so disagreeable?¡±


    She remained quiet, not even bothering to look at him. Jase and Tess spectated in amusement at their comparatively benign dispute.


    ¡°Oh, come on, Lil. Don¡¯t be such a stiff.¡±


    Lilian struck him with a wide-eyed look of offense. ¡°Call me stiff, again! Go on!¡±


    Tess jumped in surprise at Lilian¡¯s sudden volume. Jase stifled a laugh.


    ¡°Perhaps I am tired,¡± Lilian continued. ¡°Perhaps I am hurt. Suppose I¡¯m fighting every doubt Girgum brings to me while waiting for your mood to change. Suppose I saw someone die last night.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Lilian covered her face and shook her head.


    Paul took the seat next to hers, setting the flowers down on the table. He placed his hand gently on her arm. ¡°Lil. Lil,¡± he repeated in a whisper. ¡°If I have truly been the cause for all your stress, forgive me.¡±


    She turned to him. ¡°You are not the cause. You just have not been the solution.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right.¡± Paul cupped her hand in his two. ¡°I have been calculating everything since we¡¯ve been here. I¡¯ve been so occupied with my own intrigue. Shame on me for not even thanking you for the trip you made yesterday for me. But if you allow me this one chance of redemption, I would like to take you out by the lake. We can talk there. Consider it a date.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s ears perked. ¡°A date?¡± She sniffed.


    ¡°Yes. Lilian Truit, may I court you today?¡±


    It was a short walk to Etowah Lake. The bridge was visible far off, stretching across all the way to a littoral opening into the town. They could see other people there, too. Some testing the water. But it was clear to Lilian that the icy platform was not opaque enough to be skate-worthy. Even the fish continued to make motional shadows under the ice.


    There was a stillness to things. A calm forced upon the land. Not a bird in sight. A slow cool wind mellowed, buzzing Lilian¡¯s cheeks to blush. The nature was not as kempt as that of her home, but even still, in this doldrum atmosphere lurked the familiar shadow of her halcyon days. The days when she used to hang upside down from trees. Or cannonball in the river. Before she and Paul grew into young adults. Before she learned to be a lady.


    She took out a warm slice of bread from the basket Tessaline packed for them and ate it. A glass of cranberry juice- since Tess was purposely bereft of any alcoholic beverage- was all she had to wash it down. Her heart waited in anticipation and curiosity. She could not believe the word ¡°court¡± truly left Paul¡¯s mouth. But for some reason, he did not seem as excited as her. Why did he bring her here?


    Lilian released a tranquil breath into the frigid air. ¡°Do you miss this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Being outdoors together. Enjoying the morning without a care for the world.¡±


    ¡°You mean our childhood,¡± Paul suggested.


    ¡°Well, perhaps I do. There was freedom in it, was there not?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I suppose. A different kind of freedom.¡± He was quiet for a while before looking her way, ¡°You were once free from thought. And now you are free to think.¡± He tapped her temple.


    ¡°Must you always be the sage?¡± She nudged him with her shoulder.


    Paul smiled, ¡°I do miss the old Lilian. The one that taught me how to trust, and how to hope, and how to imagine.¡±


    ¡°That Lilian hasn¡¯t gone. But things are different now. And I cannot be the only light shining for us both. Sometimes, I am uncertain of things.¡±


    ¡°I know. You do well to push through it. And I should do my best to shine for you,¡± he frowned, ¡°though mine is a ruddy glow.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that.¡± Lilian rested her hand on his arm, ¡°I believe you have plenty of faith inside you. You simply choose not to use it.¡±


    Paul looked downward, considering what she was saying. ¡°Well, I believe you have more audacity in you than you choose to exert.¡±


    ¡°Do not.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you do. I saw it in you that day when you yelled at your Aunt What¡¯s-Her-Name.¡±


    Lilian giggled, ¡°Barbra, I think.¡±


    ¡°Right. And I was so proud to see it. You do what you think is right. Sometimes I can¡¯t stop you.¡±


    Lilian looked downward, ¡°I can be tamed.¡±


    Paul reached for her chin, warming it kindly. He focused on her intently. ¡°I am afeared you would be if someone tried. And I¡¯d hate to see it.¡±


    Lilian smirked in disbelief, ¡°Paul Partridge? Afraid?¡±


    He closed his eyes and nodded. ¡°I am afraid of many things.¡±


    ¡°Pray tell. Like what exactly?¡±


    ¡°Like seeing you unhappy for the rest of your life.¡±


    ¡°And how would you prevent that? Paul?¡±


    Paul wouldn¡¯t answer. He kept a steady gaze with her. A serious, subtly mournful gaze, it was. Through the glinting of his stormy blues, it was obvious how he felt for her. The ardor that resided in his heart. Lilian could have looked away. She should have. Of course, she didn¡¯t. She allowed herself to become lost in the blue. To see no further than his thick brows. Mesmerized, she was, until her vision blurred and her eyes shut. She felt the shadow of his face, the touch of his nose. With a raised hand, she felt the beating of his heart. Warmth radiated from his chest through her palm and down to her core. Please, she thought. Please.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s eyes flickered open.


    Paul was shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I couldn¡¯t taint you so.¡±


    ¡°Taint me?¡±


    ¡°Lilian... I have to leave tomorrow. I have decided to take the offer and attend HU.¡±


    Lilian nodded before she could think. ¡°Of course, of course. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°No. You can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell you this. I have to go alone.¡±


    Had Lilian missed something? Why was he telling her to stay? ¡°Are you punishing me?¡±


    ¡°No. No. Absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°First you wanted me to go back with you. I am saying I will, and now you don¡¯t. Why?¡±


    Paul kept his mouth shut, wondering what to say.


    ¡°What about me? What will I do without you, Paul?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. I believe it. You won¡¯t need me. Look, we do not agree on most things, Lil. More than I realized.¡±


    ¡°So this is about Shersul. You are punishing me.¡±


    ¡°No, I am just saying that¡­ I cannot better you. Okay? And you cannot better me.¡±


    ¡°Why would you say that? Why would you dare say that?¡± She turned her head away, blinking rapidly. ¡°What happened to taking care of me? Does my uncle¡¯s wish mean nothing to you?¡±


    Paul frowned, ¡°Your uncle¡­ made a mistake. Lil, I am not who you think I am. I have done things... I am not proud of.¡±


    ¡°Paul, tell me you are kidding. Don¡¯t talk like this. I have known you since you were twelve, what could you possibly have done before then?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t before then, Lilian.¡±


    Lilian would not hear it. ¡°Why are you doing this to me? What have I done?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Nothing.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± She slapped his chest, ¡°I won¡¯t take that for an answer.¡±


    ¡°Lilian, please. Please don¡¯t cry.¡±


    He stood up and reached for her hand. She refused it and got up on her own. Dusting herself off, she started walking away from him.


    ¡°Lilian.¡± He followed behind her.


    ¡°I am such a fool.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± he clasped her wrist, halting her. She bent away from him so he faced her back. ¡°You do not understand. I don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    ¡°I told you to stay in Hiplum. That was my initial plan. But you told me nothing could keep you from me. That is what you said. Paul¡­ I am not safe on my own. It¡¯s obvious who holds the power in this relationship. You have a choice. You do. And if you do not choose me¡­¡± her voice wobbled, she swallowed, ¡°no one else will. It¡¯s cruel to have me wait like this. It¡¯s just plain cruel.¡± Lilian wriggled her wrist free and wiped the tears from her cheeks. ¡°You were the only one I ever wanted.¡± Then she fled from him, trying hard to escape his shadow, the feeling of his fingers at her neck, the moments when he was all she had. He¡¯d rejected her. And now all she could hear were the words of the blind boy: ¡°Shersul told me to tell you to give it up.¡±


    Lilian ran so fast, she did not even see what passed her. She didn¡¯t care. Her vision was so blurred from tears, and she could not have cared less if the whole forest heard her sobbing. As she advanced, suddenly, an abrupt, strong grip caught her at both arms.


    ¡°Miss Lilian! What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Lilian opened her eyes. Hovering over her was a freckled face full of concern. His strong neck, tense. Behind him was an axe cleaved into a stump, and a pile of log halves beside it as if he had been chopping wood. As Jase continued to stare at her and her vision cleared, she noticed every pore, every short hair that lined his jaw. Though his large leather hat hid the glory of his vermilion curls, he was undeniably handsome. She was speechless, looking into his eyes.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± he shook her. ¡°Where is Paul?¡±


    She immediately pushed away from him, running into the house. ¡°Tess!¡± she called desperately. ¡°Tessaline!¡±


    Tessaline was currently the last person Lilian would have wanted to confide in. But she was the only other woman around. Only, it seemed she was not around at the moment. ¡°Tess!¡± she called again, walking from room to room. No one answered. Then, relenting, Lilian sat on the floor of the hallway, ¡°Aunt Krishta.¡± She spoke the name of the person she really wished she could talk to. The one person who would know what to say to console her after a heartbreak.


    In silence, she cried. In silence, she sobbed. Hopeful that any of it was heard, that El was listening. Was all of this in vain? Was it His plan? And if so, why? Lilian couldn¡¯t understand how it could ever be a good thing to be without Paul. Wasn¡¯t Paul the friend Shersul sent her? Or perhaps that was all he was meant to be.


    She tried. She tried to understand and let him go. But as she contemplated more, her heart only pulled closer to him. And it tore between will and rejection. She scolded herself for becoming so attached to Paul. It was now that she realized just how attached she was. She gave out a strangled cry. Why? was all she could think. Why, why, why?


    But crying stopped instantly when she heard the front door swing open. Heavy steps could be heard. Jase.


    ¡°Please. Leave,¡± Lilian shouted to him.


    ¡°Just comin¡¯ in for a glass o¡¯ water.¡±


    Lilian buried her face in her arms, listening silently to the sounds Jase was making in the kitchen. Creaking open the cupboard, stepping, stepping, running water, setting down a glass, stepping¡­ he was coming to her. She looked up frightfully when he came through the hallway opening.


    ¡°Figured you were thirsty, too,¡± he said, coming nearer with a full glass in his hand. He crouched in front of her holding out the cup. A brotherly smile, across his face. She didn¡¯t return it. She wanted him gone, but after running as fast as she had, the water did look tempting.


    ¡°Where is Tess?¡± Lilian sniffed.


    ¡°Out, running some errands.¡±


    ¡°Would she be okay with me using her glass? She didn¡¯t even put it out for us when we first came here.¡±


    ¡°Her glass?¡± Jase said, offended. He shook his head, ¡°Drink.¡±


    Lilian took it and did so. Slowly, she sipped with him watching her all the while. She kept her eyes on the bottom of the cup. When she was done, she set it down beside her with a shaky breath. Jase was sitting himself down with his back against the wall across from her. His long, muscular legs, crossed with his feet touching the wall at her side. His fingers, fit together in his lap.


    ¡°Excuse me. I want to be alone,¡± said Lilian.


    Jase let out a breath through his nose. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a lie. Please go.¡±


    In prompt obedience, he stood up. Disappointment, plain on his face as he stepped away. Lilian immediately felt a pang of guilt.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    He turned to look at her and waved a yielding hand, ¡°Look, I understand if you don¡¯t want company. I¡¯m used to being kicked out my own home.¡±


    Lilian looked down then back at him, ¡°Forgive me. I would like some company. Please¡­¡± She patted the floor.


    He concededly went back to sitting in his previous position across from her. His smell, filling up the area with woody aromas and a hint of sweat. He waited for her to make any utterance, taking off his hat and setting it in his lap. She stared up at the ceiling, quietly noticing the dust and dirt collecting up there. Gracie would have a fit. When she finally lowered her gaze to Jase, all emotion had calmed inside her.


    ¡°Jase. Do you truly love Tess?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± His answer was sure and firm.


    ¡°I believe it,¡± she sighed.


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± Jase said. ¡°You asked Paul if he loved you.¡±


    Lilian shook her head. ¡°After six years, I shouldn¡¯t have to ask. It should be so clear.¡± The emotion was rising in her again as she thought about Paul¡¯s face. ¡°Jase¡­ He¡¯s going to leave me,¡± she let out a short weep. ¡°He¡¯s going to leave me.¡±


    Jase placed a firm hand on her knee, which seemed to be all the consolation she needed. ¡°It¡¯ll be alright, sweetheart. If he doesn¡¯t come around by tomorrow, then what you¡¯re dealing with is nothing but a coward.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s perfect. He¡¯s everything.¡±


    Jase smirked kindly, ¡°To you. Are you everything to him?¡±


    Jase¡¯s words challenged her heart. She dared to ponder on them. Paul did spend a great deal of his time studying instead of being with her. And ultimately chose his career over her. But¡­ no. That was not the Paul she knew.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know Paul. I know he loves me. He- he is just too scared to say it.¡±


    ¡°Well, I know this. It doesn¡¯t take six years to tell a woman- and a beautiful one at that- that you¡¯re in love with her.¡±


    Lilian felt her stomach flutter. ¡°Beautiful?¡±


    He looked upon her tenderly, ¡°Yeah, sure. I think anyone with eyes could see it. Oh, don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t get that a lot.¡±


    Lilian shook her head.


    ¡°What? Paul?¡± Jase suggested, furrowing his red brows.


    Lilian frowned, ¡°It was never exactly a trait he pointed out.¡±


    Jase sighed a short sigh that was half piteous and half displeased. ¡°Then he missed the best one, Miss Lilian.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s eyes flicked up at him curiously. She then took out her pocket handkerchief and blotted her eyes and nose. ¡°Jase, you are, I assume, twenty-four years old? And you don¡¯t work for my uncle anymore. You do not have to call me ¡®Miss¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Then what do you want me to call you?¡±


    ¡°I think ¡®Lilian¡¯ is just fine.¡±


    ¡°What about ¡®Lil¡¯?¡±


    She frowned, ¡°No one calls me ¡®Lil¡¯ except-¡±


    ¡°Paul.¡± He nodded as he understood. ¡°Does Paul have a reason for leaving?¡±


    ¡°Staying would hurt his career. Which I understand. But when I offered to go, he refused me.¡±


    Jase reacted with a jerk of the neck, ¡°What¡¯s the point o¡¯ that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Jase looked very confused, ¡°Tell me again why you love him.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? He¡¯s smart, and confident, and caring, and¨C¡±


    ¡°Dark and rich.¡±


    Lilian frowned, ¡°Jase, it¡¯s not like that.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t? I mean, I heard that¡¯s the rule with you Truits¨C never marry towheads, right? I heard ya¡¯ll like to keep the dominant trait. And I¡¯m sure money plays a part, too.¡±


    Lilian squinted in offense, ¡°I know full well of those rules. And I never understood them. So to assume that they were the defining factors of my love for Paul is extremely insensitive.¡±


    Something changed in Jase¡¯s expression. Like a realization of something, ¡°Oh, I- I¡¯m sorry. That was insensitive, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Lilian turned her head toward the kitchen, ¡°Why am I talking about this with you, anyway? I shouldn¡¯t bother another man with my relationship issues.¡±


    ¡°Talking¡¯s essential, sweetheart. That¡¯s how I make friends.¡±


    ¡°It isn¡¯t proper.¡±


    ¡°You wanna know what isn¡¯t proper? Bringing a lady out in the cold, only to drop her hot.¡± He lifted his hand from his lap and leaned forward. Lilian watched as two fingers landed on her heart, measurable pressure applied. Unsure how to react, she remained stiff. ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t understand. I do. What you¡¯re feeling in here. That pain. I know it. I know it well.¡± He spoke in a breathy whisper.


    Lilian gazed at him. The air became more solemn between them. But Lilian couldn¡¯t allow it. She knew how this looked. She dropped her gaze to Jase¡¯s fingers. He caught her unease and dropped them from her chest. She opened her mouth but closed it at once.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Lilian bit her lip, ¡°I have spoken my mind once before, and it did not go so well.¡±


    ¡°Please. Speak.¡±


    ¡°Why are you still with Tess? I don¡¯t like the way she treats you or anyone for that matter. I mean, you have your issues. But I can tell you are loyal to her. And, honestly¡­ I admire you for it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said. ¡°And you¡¯re right. You¡¯re right.¡± He let out a huff, ¡°I guess I just feel like, if I don¡¯t stand by her, no one will. She needs me. And I need her. She¡¯s all I have. Plus, she feeds me and cares for me. And believe it or not, she used to be a ray o¡¯ sunshine.¡± He smiled, his eyes lighting up in remembrance. ¡°I see it every now and then. Somethin¡¯s hurt her, and I can¡¯t fix that. But Tess deserves love just as much as anyone.¡±


    Lilian let his words sit with her. If only she had such solidarity with Paul. Like she thought she did. Lilian could tell that every word Jase uttered came with defensive love. He would lift Tess up on the highest pedestal she could merit. It almost made her smile to see it. ¡°What about redamancy?¡±


    Jase looked confused, ¡°Redamancy? Who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It means being loved in return.¡±


    Suddenly a bright smile covered his face. ¡°You know, you really strike me as a very ¡®cute girl. A wise girl.¡±


    Lilian nodded shyly.


    ¡°Let go of dumb men, wise-girl.¡±


    Her heart protested, but her mouth remained shut. How quizzically bold he was! All of a sudden his eyes were harder to look away from. They were so inherently cheery, even when he was sad, and the puffy lower lids transitioned smoothly into his cheekbones. Gold flecks blessed his irises. Honey and lime; the sweetest combination. Each light freckle on his face was a beauty mark on his brown skin.


    His countenance reminded her of her uncle¡¯s whenever he meant to ¡°fine-tune¡± her. It was a caring gaze enforced by sterness. The caring side was like a base note in a fragrance; it was harder to spot. Most would probably fail to. But Lilian could see that to some extent, Jase cared about her.


    ¡°I should be going,¡± Lilian stated, gracefully rising from the floor, then patting her skirt.


    Jase stood to meet her. He snapped his finger, ¡°Hey, are you going to the Masked Maiden¡¯s performance tomorrow night? You can take Paul.¡±


    Lilian shook her head, ¡°Paul is leaving tomorrow.¡±


    Jase frowned, ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°When is it?¡± Lilian was quick to ask. ¡°Where is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be at the Sweet Gum Cottage Inn from seven to whenever.¡±


    ¡°Will you and Tess be there?¡±


    Jase shrugged and grinned mysteriously, ¡°Maybe. In some form or another.¡±


    Lilian was confused by his answer but didn¡¯t dwell on it. She tapped a finger on her chin, ¡°Hm. I¡¯ll see if I can hold off Paul¡¯s departure.¡±


    Jase nodded, ¡°Even if you can¡¯t. You deserve a night of fun. Lilian.¡±

 Saturday

    ¡°Are you ready yet?¡± Paul tapped his knuckle lightly on Lilian¡¯s door.


    ¡°Just a moment.¡±


    He continued to fiddle with the pin he was gifted by the mallelum, brushing his thumb over the engraving. He knew that saying goodbye to Lilian this night would be saying goodbye forever. And worse, he¡¯d be giving her over to the schemes of Girgum. What did Girgum want with the Truits anyway? Paul tried to suppress the guilt he felt deeply. This would be their last night together, and he wouldn¡¯t rush it for the world.


    When he heard the sound of her turning the knob, he slipped the pin back inside his coat and spun around. Lilian stepped out in her most simple robe de diner, made of a dark espresso silk and wrapped at the waist in wine-colored ribbon. The dress fit her hips and trained in the back, fanning out in layers of lace. An ermine shawl covered her shoulders. Her hair was banded with a red velvet ribbon, and she let thick, curly tress from the back fall over her shoulder. But though she was beautifully garmented, her eyes gloomed.


    ¡°Is it too much?¡± she asked. ¡°This is as simple as it gets for my fancier dresses.¡±


    Paul gazed at her, not remembering a time when she looked so ravishing. ¡°It¡¯s perfect.¡± He sauntered over to her. ¡°We should get going.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Let me straighten your tie.¡± Lilian adjusted it slowly, not once taking her eyes off of his. It seemed to work in luring him.


    Then he stopped her wrist, ¡°Lil.¡±


    ¡°Paul?¡±


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re doing. Stop it. Don¡¯t make it any harder for me to leave.¡±


    ¡°I promise you, I will,¡± she stated, unapologetically.


    Paul stared into her beautiful black orbs, ¡°I am truly terrible at this. Letting you go. If I could stay, I would.¡±


    ¡°Why won¡¯t you?¡± She waited for an answer that did not come. ¡°Nevermind. You won¡¯t tell me.¡±


    He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it with traceable sorrow. ¡°Let¡¯s not let this be the mood of the night. Please.¡±


    What does it matter? You¡¯ll be gone either way.


    He offered her his arm, and she hooked hers around it.


    They barely made it out the door when Lilian paused, ¡°There¡¯s something I should tell you.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he said.


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he cut her off.


    Lilian grew frustrated that she was unable to get a word out. Tears crept at the corners of her eyes, and she just nodded instead. Pretending there was nothing weighing on her heart.


    ¡°Shall we?¡± Paul gestured out the door.


    Something else blocked Lilian¡¯s thoughts for a moment, but quickly she regarded him again, and they left. Lilian was quiet as a mouse for the whole ride. Her eyes roamed the streets as, surprisingly, more and more pedestrians became visible. The singular individuals eventually led to a congregated procession. There had never been this many people outside before that Lilian saw, even if it was a relatively small group. A cluster of light from their many lanterns and torches flickered among the buildings as the people moved together, pushing through the darkness. Though silent in their walk, they all knew exactly where they were going. What is going on over there?


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Paul said as if he heard her thoughts. He depressed the lever of the car, decelerating as the crowd came to a stop. An officer approached the automobile. Paul looked his way, ¡°What is the meaning of this? We have to get through.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could tell you though it¡¯s beyond me, sir,¡± the officer answered. ¡°Everyone you see here just came out of their homes, suddenly. Some, homeless, but joined all the same. We are trying our best to clear the street, but the people have the right of way. I gather it has something to do with a sound.¡±


    ¡°A sound?¡± both of them repeated.


    ¡°Yes. They say something is calling to them. But all I can hear is the cracking of flames. You?¡±


    ¡°Same.¡± Paul said.


    ¡°You?¡± The officer looked at Lilian. She did not answer. Because she did hear something. Something quiet enough to be ignored by the brain and loud enough to be heard by the heart. A call. A call with a meaning; ¡°Come¡±.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a third of the town¡¯s gone stir-crazy.¡±


    ¡°Well, where can we go?¡± Paul demanded.


    ¡°What¡¯s your point b?¡±


    ¡°My what?¡±


    The officer lifted his finger, dotting a place in the air, ¡°Point A-¡± then moved it linearly to another place in the air- ¡°point B.¡±


    ¡°The Inn,¡± Paul replied, understanding.


    ¡°Then you will have to go around Belben Boulevard. Go straight on through until you get to that pawnshop, then make a left, a left again, and you¡¯ll find yourselves on the other side.¡±


    ¡°Got it, thank you. And by the way, you do know that¡¯s not a phrase, right?¡±


    The officer grimaced and waved a dismissive hand as he walked away to tend to his business.


    On their route, Lilian could not stop thinking about the sound she heard. It was clear but not very strong. As if she was not the target of its beckon. At least not yet. Soon, her thoughts were interrupted as she noticed how the road became increasingly dark and forbidding. Working lamps on one street became flickering, weak lights of another. Potholes everywhere made it difficult to pass. Each crack seemed to gape at her, some trailing from the ground up to the hovel buildings, that were most definitely not up to code. There was a concoction of putrid smells in the air. Shadows loomed by each side of the street. A cluster of shadows threw themselves into Paul and Lilian¡¯s path, startling them both. They then appeared as mere children playing a dangerous game of tag so late at night.


    ¡°Hey! What in El¡¯s name!¡± Paul shouted, throwing his hands up in frustration.


    The kids continued blithely, some not leaving without returning a grimace or disrespectfully stuck-out tongue then laughing boldly.


    ¡°Paul. It¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s just keep going.¡± Lilian wanted to leave this part of town as soon as possible. It amazed her how different it was. Why was it in such a condition? Her uncle had never told her about the complexities of Brord. Granted, Hiplum had ghettos of its own, but the streets were relatively clean if not functional.


    Then Lilian thought about how all of Brord was a bit broken in some ways. As though no one really cared for it. As though no mayor governed it. The eerie feeling of darkness blanketed her arms. Her mind went back to the night when Spencer met her in the alley. Was it only a night ago? And though she loved Paul¡¯s company, Lilian felt nothing of his presence over her. She couldn¡¯t understand why she felt so alone, so unsafe. She could not only feel his body but his soul parting from her. Eagerly, she clutched his arm. He was lowly surprised by the gesture.


    ¡°Lilian, don¡¯t be scared.¡±


    ¡°All I fear is having to do all of this on my own. Without you.¡±


    He could hear her silently weeping through every word. Paul wrapped his arm around her, one pulsing hand still on the wheel. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I mean, I love you¨C¡±


    Paul immediately stopped the car with a loud skid. The both of them jerked at the abruptness.


    Lilian choked in shock. What was she to say as Paul stared ahead with utter disappointment plain on his face? Tears, filling his eyes. Embarrassment engulfed her. Had she been too forward?


    He turned and brought open palms to her face, then put his forehead on hers. Silent breaths were all that escaped him for a moment. Lilian caught whiffs of his smell. He smelled like books, money, and the leather of his car. He smelled like all that he was; a luxurious schoolboy. But there was still a trace scent that hadn¡¯t left his clothes yet. The fresh tang of orange. Like the orange trees from Lilian¡¯s yard. She wondered if him leaving her would result in a disappearance of this scent completely. A disappearance of her.


    ¡°I can not be yours,¡± he said in strangled tones. ¡°I should not have stayed any longer.¡±


    ¡°But¨C¡±


    ¡°Listen to me, Lilian,¡± he demanded. ¡°You must not trust anyone too much, although I trust you won¡¯t. Don¡¯t go any places you shouldn¡¯t be. Don¡¯t¡­ worry yourself so much.¡±


    ¡°How can you ask me not to worry, Paul? You¡¯re leaving me.¡±


    ¡°I need you to be strong. And smart. You are going to have to learn the order of this world, Lilian, vicious as it is. And if you truly believe El can keep you, lean on him.¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that as if you do not believe? You¡¯re an El¡¯s beloved same as me.¡±


    Paul dropped his head to her shoulder. His thumb traced her cheek. ¡°El¡­ chooses¡­ who he does and does not love, it seems. You are a very good girl, Lilian. Why you would ever put up with me, I can never understand. But you taught me more than I credit you for.¡± He pressed her hand against his chest. Near his heart. ¡°I will carry you with me like a medal of honor on my chest as the one thing I have to be proud of. The pride of being loved by you. Do you¡­ do you believe that I will?¡±


    Lilian could hardly squeak a sound. She knew what was happening and wanted to hold onto him just a little longer. She¡¯d been through this twice and now yet again; an insinuated goodbye. ¡°Yes,¡± she managed to whisper. ¡°Yes, I believe you will.¡±


    ¡°Then you have no need to carry me anymore. I have no right to ask this of you, but will you forget me? Can you forget me?¡±


    Lilian couldn¡¯t stop the pained expression from growing on her face as she shook her head vehemently. Her lips pressed together in grief.


    ¡°What is it? What is it?¡± he repeated. ¡°Whatever you have to say, say it now.¡±


    Lilian stared into his stormy blues, seeking an answer. Nothing she¡¯d done worked in keeping him, not even wearing the special ¡°emergency¡± dress her aunt gave her. What a romantic her aunt was. It did not matter, though. His mind was made. And if she couldn¡¯t persuade him now, then it was best to stop. Only one word made it to her lips. A word that Jase put into her brain. A word she never once thought she¡¯d use for someone like Paul, ¡°Coward.¡±


    Paul ranked in front of the inn. ¡°You know, since I¡¯m not going, I can take you back if you want.¡±


    ¡°And watch you leave? No thank you.¡± Without waiting on him she hopped out of the automobile.


    ¡°Wait!¡± he shouted, hopping out on his side and running over to her. He caught her before she went inside. His arms went around her. ¡°I know I said I want you to forget me, but¨C¡±


    ¡°Paul! Don¡¯t! Just stop. Stop torturing me with more words.¡±


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t speak,¡± He spun her around and drew her close with clear intentions. But his face hovered hesitantly over hers.


    That was enough for Lilian to push him away on her own accord. ¡°Goodbye, Paul.¡± As she passed through the doors, leaving him out in the cold and not looking back, she felt ironically lighter with each clacking step. Lilian shed a few tears before approaching the main desk. She rang the bell, hoping to see Pete jump up again, but there was no Pete. Instead, she let her ears follow the sound of light crooning. She followed it to the dining area of the inn.


    It was dim in the room. An array of tables existed there with people randomly seated at each. All were facing the platform where a woman in a familiar ivory feathered dress was lilting in song. Her hair was in sets of rolled pieces of fluffed white curls. Over her face, she wore a black linen mask that hid her cheeks and just over the eyes. This woman had a most heavenly voice. She sounded like a songbird. She moved through pitch and octave like water. Her voice floated into the air, keeping the crowd¡¯s ready applause at bay. Everyone was completely silent, letting the unearthly sound lift and fall around them.


    Lilian found herself speechless. All sadness she had been feeling was now forgotten and smothered in the lulling vocals. The lady broke her lilt and started into a verse that she sang as if it were the loveliest words in the world:


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    What sorta lies,


    what sorta lies


    make it to sound or the pen.


    Your list of lies,


    your list of lies


    never got far from your head.


    Your falsest hopes,


    your weakest doubts,


    your many wishes of dread.


    Cling to the mind,


    tiptoe the mouth,


    But to the air they are dead.


    As the woman continued her song, Lilian took in the lyrics subconsciously while all she could think was, ¡°Wow, I wish I had a pretty voice like that.¡±


    ¡°It has very little to do with her larynx and more to do with spacial oral manipulation as well as proper breathing technique.¡±


    Lilian swerved to see who chose to answer her. A disdainful look crossed her face, ¡°You''re not Paul.¡±


    ¡°Did I say I was?¡±


    ¡°So stop acting like it.¡± Lilian walked past him.


    Spencer followed closely behind. ¡°If you are looking for a place to sit¨C¡±


    Lilian scoffed without letting him finish, ¡°Sit with you? You would have to kill me first.¡± For a moment Lilian regretted her words, imagining Spencer swiping the life from her as he did to that boy (A boy whose name she sadly but inevitably forgot) and then propping her up in a seat next to him. He could very well do it.


    ¡°I would consider it,¡± he said with a sinister smirk, ¡°but I like you better breathing.¡±


    Lilian felt her body shudder under his eyes. ¡°I will find a seat,¡± she promised.


    ¡°Fine. You can walk around like a wandering pup if you like. But remember that I extended my kindness to you. Which I wouldn¡¯t usually do.¡±


    Lilian turned away from him and started down one row. All she met was an annoyed audience. No matter what table she came to, politely asking if she could take a seat, each response was either a grimace or a shooing hand. She looked over the rows to see Spencer sitting down at the same table as Mr. Muggri and Mister Thomas. Wonderful. A table of full men she was wary of. With a defeated huff, she came over to them.


    ¡°So you decided you couldn¡¯t resist me, eh?¡± The man said, turning to her with one arm over the back of his chair.


    ¡°Quiet, Spencer.¡±


    ¡°Miss Truit,¡± Mr. Muggri looked up at her, a smile on his face. ¡°How nice of you to join us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, how nice,¡± Mister Thomas sneered. He glanced at Lilian for a heated second then turned back to Mr. Muggri to continue whatever discussion they were having.


    It boggled Lilian how they could even speak during such a captivating performance. She looked down at Spencer, ¡°Ahem.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Her eyes switched from him to an empty chair and back.


    Spencer shrugged carelessly, ¡°I didn¡¯t drag you over here, my dear entitled lady. You said I¡¯m not Paul and you¡¯re right.¡±


    Lilian refrained from rolling her eyes as she pulled out her chair and sat down.


    ¡°Speaking of Paul, where is he?¡±


    Lilian ignored him. The Masked Maiden stopped singing and the room was drowned in applause. Lilian kept her eyes on the woman, enamored by her beauty. The dress¡¯s plumage shimmered under the light, giving her a soft glow. Lilian couldn¡¯t help but feel she had seen it before. But she had, hadn¡¯t she? She had indeed. The armoire; Tessaline¡¯s closet. It was the exact same dress. So that could only mean that¡­ this Masked Maiden was Tessaline. Yes, she could see it now. Though she had glamoured herself and curled her hair, the real Tess was all there.


    ¡°Alright, enough of that!¡± announced Tess, the Masked Maiden. ¡°Who wants a real show?¡±


    The crowd hollered their wish.


    Tessaline made a disapproving face, ¡°What kinda lousy hootin¡¯ is that? Come on now, y''all can do better than that!¡±


    Everyone shouted, whistled, and shrieked to persuade their star. Even Lilian forgot herself and joined in the hubbub. The men at her table were amused, but she chose not to care.


    The Masked Maiden silenced their cries with two lowered hands. She kept a long serious stare on the crowd.


    ¡°Have I missed anything?¡±


    Lilian looked up. A scrawny but smartly clothed old man came up to the table with a larger, slightly younger man in uniform behind him. The man in uniform wore a gold star badge on his chest. He was the town sheriff.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s just getting good,¡± said Mr. Muggri, gesturing for the men to sit. ¡°Please, Mr. Mayor.¡±


    Mr. Mayor? This helpless-looking man? Lilian suddenly had a lot of questions for him. Like ¡°How do you explain the state of your town?¡±


    ¡°Ain¡¯t she a beauty,¡± The sheriff said, settling into his seat. His eyes, fixed on the Masked Maiden.


    As the two new men sat down, Lilian began to feel uncomfortably outnumbered. Then she heard a strong yodel reach across the room. She looked ahead and saw Tess yodeling a loud call. Then a more masculine voice echoed in reply from a place no one could spot. Suddenly, down from the mezzanine swung a well-dressed man whose presence one never forgets. Though he too wore a mask and a hat to hide his hair, it was clear to Lilian who he was; Jase.


    His rope was tethered to one of the beams of the ceiling. He dropped onto the stage with impressive control. A fiddle, underneath his armpit. He drew it out along with the bow and began to work the fiddle. It was of an upbeat rhythm. He continued to play with one foot tapping on the wood beneath him. Tess started tapping her own feet, then her taps became some sort of jig. She lifted her skirt and danced in a circle. Seeing it made Lilian want to join in. How she loved to dance. Hiplum Academy taught her many flourishing steps, but she had always wondered what fun a folk dance might be. Tessaline caught up with the rhythm and started to sing:


    Papa was an old man with too many problems.


    Too many problems that no one could solve.


    O¡¯ Papa was an old man with too many problems.


    Just couldn¡¯t choose, so he lost us all.


    She lowered two fingers at the audience.


    Two wives, two houses, one road to connect them.


    Two wives, two houses were one man¡¯s life.


    From one of the houses, he gained a child.


    From the other house, he lost a wife.


    Papa was an old man with too many problems.


    Too many problems that no one could solve.


    O¡¯ Papa was an old man with too many problems.


    Just couldn¡¯t choose, so he lost us all.


    While the crowd made no noticeable reaction to the words of the song, Lilian was all too bewildered and appalled by the story. What kind of man would do such a thing? But she remembered hearing Tessaline mention something similar to this when speaking of her father. What if this was her story?


    ¡°Let¡¯s not act dumb here, Mr. Muggri,¡± Lilian all of a sudden heard the Sherrif say. Had they been talking this whole time? ¡°Ever since you came to this town, I¡¯ve been getting reports of people missing all over town, and some beyond.¡±


    Did he say missing?


    The tempo quickened as Jase fiddled vigorously. His adept fingers pressed effortlessly on the cords. Jase made his way through the aisles, his sound following him. At first, Lilian thought she was imagining it, but he was indeed making his way to her table. She felt her pulse quicken as he approached. Then he was there before her. With a churlish grin, he rotated around the men seated with her, annoying all of them as he strummed. His eyes remained on her, only her, causing her chest to heat. Stop it. Stop looking at me.


    He came nearer until he was beside her chair, his bow sliding just above her head. His eyes widened intensely at hers, unveiling a playful fire behind them. To which Lilian raised a brow. He raised his own and bounced his shoulders as he played to tease her. Her cheeks buzzed as others stared. Including Spencer, who¡¯s eyes reflected his jealousy. Lilian burst with laughter. She laughed the hardest she¡¯d ever laughed in the past two weeks.


    He played a little riff and nodded as if for her approval. She nodded back. It seemed like he was playing solely for her. In a room full of fragrances, Jase¡¯s was the only she smelled. The fresh pine that emitted off his clothes was irresistible. For a moment she felt the leering urge to rip off that mask of his and¡­ she looked the other way.


    His meaty arm lowered in front of her. He snatched a peony from the table centerpiece, bit off the stem with his beautiful teeth, and placed it in her hair. As his finger brushed her ear, Lilian held her breath. Then he danced away, his music trailing behind him.


    Tessaline spun faster and faster, then leapt forward onto a nearby table, startling its occupants. All the people clapped with her at the rising tempo. With a quicker pace, again she sang the chorus repeatedly, speeding up every time. The tune built up tremendously, ending with a sopranic crescendo at the very last sentence, ¡°So he lost us all!¡±


    Applause filled the air. ¡°Bravo!¡± shouted Lilian. Those two really knew how to entertain. But instant horror took over once the Masked Maiden was suddenly unmasked. Gasps went around the room.


    ¡°Hey, look! It¡¯s Messaline!¡± jeered some old female¡¯s voice.


    Everyone began to laugh.


    ¡°Yeah, Messy Tessaline and her man-whore!¡± someone added.


    Jase stepped forward threateningly at the audience as Tessaline touched her face in shock. She was exposed. Lilian hated what she was hearing. How easily an adoring crowd could turn into hecklers. She could not keep quiet for another second, ¡°Leave them alone!¡±


    But they all just laughed and slandered her as well. Once Lilian caught Tess¡¯s gaze, she saw the cold bitterness in her eyes. And just like that, Tess fled the scene, Jase went after her, and Lilian followed.


    Tess fought to escape the mob that was surrounding her. Journalists jarred her with their overlapping bombardment of questions. With a jump, she mounted her horse. Jase was already on his. They kicked them into motion, parting through the sea of people.


    ¡°Wait! Tess!¡± Lilian appeared in front of her horse.


    Tess drew back the reins so hard, she fell off, hitting the ground with her arms first. She had little injury, but she was startled by the fall. She looked up, wide-eyed, at Lilian, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I- I¡­¡± Lilian wasn¡¯t sure.


    Tess stood up and shook off the pain. She ripped the ribbon out of her hair and dropped it on the road in proud rebellion. Again, she jumped onto Jaundice¡¯s back and galloped away. Her loosened hair, flowing in a trail behind her.


    Eventually, Lilian found herself squished in the middle of the angry crowd. She pushed through it forcefully with no excuse-me¡¯s. Losing her balance, she stumbled into the shoulder of an old toothless man. He smiled a freakish smile at her with wide saucer-eyes. She grimaced and squirmed away. Lilian could only see the backs of the people she desperately worked to get past. Hands were touching her teasingly. Vile words were spewed at her. She was suffocating, insecure.


    ¡°Why am I here!¡± she repeated to herself. It was hard enough to breathe between these strangers, but then the disagreeable smell of smoke pervaded the air. Lilian coughed as she finally came out on the other side. She could see a rising black cloud coming from the east side of town. It could have been any building, still, Lilian worried¡­


    ¡°Lilian! Miss Lilian, dear!¡± Ms. Cora ran up to her, panting in her nightgown and bonnet.


    ¡°Ms. Cora?¡±


    ¡°Have you seen Hugh? He¡¯s five, dark, and blind.¡±


    Lilian shook her head, ¡°I know him. I have not seen him, though.¡±


    Ms. Cora smacked her forehead. She seemed to have double the silver hairs this night. Lilian placed a hand on her shoulder. ¡°What¡¯s happened to him?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I had just sent him off to bed. I¡¯d gone off myself until I realized I forgot to give him his milk. He can¡¯t see, so I always get it for him. Only me.¡± The old women clasped her hands together in a prayer-like manner.


    Lilian patted her more as Ms. Cora nearly hyperventilated. ¡°Here, have my handkerchief.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, dear. Please, help me find him. The police are currently occupied. He¡¯s been talking about leaving since he could walk. It¡¯s killing me to think of what could have happened to him.¡±


    Lilian had just been through the craziest night of her life. Paul was gone. Tess probably hates her. Lilian was all alone with no one to turn to. How quickly it all went wrong. She watched as the smoke rose and the clouds duplicated. A building was on fire. Possibly hers. My stuff!


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m sorry. But I can¡¯t help you.¡±


    ¡°But¨C¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help you!¡± A guilty feeling caught up to her as she pushed back through the crowd. She left the old woman cold in her worry to see to her own.


    Jase tagged behind Tess as she stormed into their home. She was furious. Furious and silent. He tore the mask from his face. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Tess. We just weren¡¯t as careful as we should have been, I guess.¡± Jase tried to make sense of it, but even he couldn¡¯t comprehend Tess¡¯s mask suddenly vanishing.


    Tess sneered at him. ¡°Careful? Don¡¯t talk to me about being careful, Jase?¡±


    Jase sighed, ¡°What is it now?¡±


    ¡°Lilian was there. Why was she there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what? You think I control where Lilian goes? Should I ask everyone else why they decided to come?¡±


    ¡°Jase. She knew nothing about it. You invited her, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what you¡¯re get¡¯n¡¯ at.¡±


    ¡°The song, Jase. You told me to sing that song. Had I known she was comin¡¯...¡±


    ¡°And maybe it¡¯s a good thing you didn¡¯t. Because nothing should stop you from singing your song. And there was no plot of mine. Believe me, Tess, I didn¡¯t put even two and two together.¡±


    Tessaline chuckled in frustration. ¡°I believe that.¡±


    ¡°Tess.¡±


    ¡°Why did you invite her?¡±


    ¡°I invited her because I wanted her to have a good time, that¡¯s all. You should have seen her yesterday. After her date. She was crying because Paul¡­ Paul was going to leave her.¡± Jase¡¯s face twisted with sympathy, ¡°And she just lost her uncle, Tess. Just lost him. The girl¡¯s been through more in a week than she probly knows. She needed something to cheer her up. And tonight, at our show, you wouldn¡¯t believe how alive she looked.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you noticed, did you?¡±


    ¡°Come on, what does that mean?¡±


    She crossed her arms, ¡°Just that any girl would feel alive under your gaze. I saw the way you were looking at her tonight. Like she was all that existed to you.¡±


    ¡°Tess, really?¡±


    ¡°Like you were a dog and she was your bone. It was the way you look at me.¡± Tess scoffed, ¡°Something about having a mask on your face must¡¯ve had you quite confident to stare at a lady of society like that¡­¡± She tilted her head and squinted, ¡°You like the kid.¡±


    ¡°Like the¡­¡± Jase shook his head in disbelief and amusement. He thought Tess was being ridiculous as usual, but he decided to play along. ¡°You know what Tess, say I do like the kid. Why do you care?¡±


    Tess¡¯s eyes widened. He knew he got her.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I care?¡±


    ¡°No, answer the question. I¡¯m always answering yours. Why do you care if I¡¯m interested in Lilian? In fact, why have you put up with me all this time if you thought I was ever unfaithful to you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re changing the subject.¡±


    ¡°No, let¡¯s change the subject! Because the truth is Lilian has nothing to do with this!¡± He stepped closer to her. ¡°I have stressed myself for years over convincing you that you are everything to me, and yet I never stopped to wonder if it even mattered. I still don¡¯t even know if you love me or not. In all my actions I¡¯ve bound myself to you, yet still you won¡¯t bind yourself to me. By law or love. Do you see where I¡¯m confused?¡±


    Tess looked away from him. He was right. Why had she worried herself over him when she never loved him in the first place? ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Jase,¡± she said. ¡°But I¡¯ll make it easy for you.¡±


    ¡°Tess? Where are you going?¡± He watched as she walked to her room, then locked the door. Panicking, he tugged on the handle. ¡°Open the door, Tess!¡± He was beating on the wood now. ¡°Open the door!¡±


    Her voice was not heard for about ten minutes before she opened the door again. She walked out with a suitcase in her hand. ¡°This is for your own good.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere,¡± He snatched the bag from her.


    ¡°Jase! Give that back!¡±


    He raised it higher, away from her reach.


    ¡°You can¡¯t keep me here!¡±


    ¡°You wanna bet?¡± His grip remained tight around the handle. His chest nearly busted out of his nice blouse with each determined breath.


    Tess sighed exasperatedly, ¡°Do you want to be miserable for the rest of your life?¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s what it means to be with you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    She tried to pry his fingers off the handle. ¡°Please let go.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯ll die. I¡¯ll die the way your mother did.¡±


    ¡°Stop that!¡±


    ¡°Tess, please,¡± his voice cracked. ¡°There ain¡¯t much I own in this world.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s just it. You will never own me, Jase. I will never be yours.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you?¡± He stroked her cheek.


    She brushed his hand away. ¡°You need to stop this.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯re you gonna go?¡±


    ¡°Does it matter?¡±


    Jase¡¯s expression hardened, ¡°Yes. It does.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Tess read between his words. ¡°I would never go to that man.¡±


    Jase raised his head to the ceiling then dropped it back to her, ¡°What can I say to keep you here?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯ve made my mind up.¡±


    Jase took a moment of silence to study her face. It was not like he didn¡¯t see it coming. He knew eventually, she would leave. And in her eyes, he could see that now she was fully ready to. Jase shook his head in strong denial, ¡°No. Tessaline Truit, you can¡¯t do this to me.¡±


    ¡°I used you!¡± she shouted. ¡°I used you for five years. I never loved you,¡± her words blew sharp.


    Jase lowered his arm. He felt like his heart had just been cut into pieces. He couldn¡¯t stare at Tess any longer; not without feeling the need to let his eyes spill over.


    She raised her hand to his cheek. He flinched away, his jaw clenched, but her hand came back. ¡°Listen to me. What you need is someone who can love you back. Someone who makes you smile, not frown. Someone who won¡¯t turn your red hairs gray. Someone who will give you all of them. And that¡¯s not me.¡±


    ¡°Tessaline,¡± he whispered for the last time in a weak beg.


    She slid her hand over his. ¡°Please.¡± She lifted her neck and pressed a farewell kiss to his lips. ¡°Just let me go.¡±


    Without resistance, his hand released, dropping the suitcase into hers. The world stopped as he watched his one obsession leave him lonely inside a cold, quiet house.

 Foundered

    Lilian slipped into Ms. Cora¡¯s tub. She had cried all night. So much to where it hurt. Everything she ever owned¡ª the pictures of her and her family, the sack of money she would transfer into another bank, the expensive perfumes, the frilliest to the most casual frocks¡ª were all consumed in the fire. Lilian¡­ was poor.


    Staring ahead at the dress Miss Cora hung on a rack for her, Lilian tried to make sense of her situation. She raised her head to the ceiling and closed her eyes, sinking lower. The steamy water caressed her sides. She felt an aching in her chest. An impudent question roamed her mind: Am I a joke to you? She dared not say it out her mouth. But it was becoming harder for her to believe El cared when so much went wrong overnight.


    Instead, she meditated on the words her uncle told her. She repeated to herself, This is all a test. This is all a test. Whatever that meant. Lilian turned her head toward the large arched window she sat by. A gloomy town was the view. This place wasn¡¯t for her any more than Hiplum was. She wanted very much to fly away. To disappear. ¡°Tell me what to do. I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Lilian soon came downstairs in the plaid dress she was lent. The smell of eggs and bacon was pervasive. The stairs were confined between two walls patterned in black and eggplant shades of harlequin. As she approached the light around the corner, she braced herself for the children waiting for her. Lilian entered the open hall. The children were already lined up by the mahogany doors ready to go into the dining room. Lilian assumed they were instructed to be quiet by the way they hissed among each other. ¡°Hello,¡± she said.


    A little girl in the middle of the line looked back at Lilian and pointed, ¡°She¡¯s here!¡± Like geese, every head faced the same direction. Their wide-eyed faces reflected both curiosity and sadness. Most of them kept quiet. But not the younger ones.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Did the fire get you?¡±


    ¡°Did the building fall on you?


    One of the older boys tsked, ¡°Don¡¯t ask stupid questions, kids. No building fell on her or she¡¯d be dead.¡±


    A girl shushed him, ¡°We¡¯re supposed to be quiet.¡±


    A slightly younger girl at the very front of the line looked behind at everyone and sighed, then she shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t believe all of you,¡± she muttered.


    This kept the talking going as the girl who shushed everyone poked out her head and said, ¡°Excuse me? What can¡¯t you believe? Tell us.¡± She tried to be as quiet as possible but spoke forcefully.


    The girl at the front looked ahead at the doors. ¡°Everyone¡¯s worried about a fire instead of Hugh.¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯m not worried about Hugh?¡±


    ¡°Did I say you?¡±


    ¡°Who are you talking to?¡±


    ¡°Not you.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe you should stop talking then.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡± The one upfront stomped out of line to address her rival. ¡°Say it to my face!¡±


    Lilian looked around for any adults. She knew what a dispute between girls could look like.


    ¡°I said you should stop talk¡ª¡±


    She pushed her down. Everyone ignored them, trying not to get in trouble themselves.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of you bossing everyone around! I¡¯ve had enough!¡±


    ¡°Girls! Stop.¡± Lilian intervened, pulling the standing girl back. ¡°You must get in line.¡±


    The girl jolted away and pointed threateningly at the one she pushed. ¡°You know I¡¯d beat you if it weren¡¯t dishonorable to Hugh. You¡¯d be black and blue if not for his sake!¡±


    ¡°MARGARET!¡±


    Margaret straightened with fear when she heard that authoritative voice. ¡°Miss Cora. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Did I take you in to be a menace to the others here?¡±


    Margaret shook her head hard and fast, ¡°No, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Apologize to Adeliene.¡±


    Margaret reluctantly said, ¡°Sorry, Adaliene.¡±


    ¡°For?¡±


    ¡°For pushing you.¡±


    Snickers went around.


    ¡°Now apologize to Miss Lilian for her bearing witness to such a display.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±


    ¡°All is well.¡±


    Ms. Cora said, ¡°For this behavior, you will not get your food until after we¡¯ve all eaten. And after you finish you will join the rest of us for math as first subject.¡±


    To that, the children exchanged disappointed glances.


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Ms. Cora told Margaret to get back in line. Then she announced to everyone, ¡°I love all of you dearly. And I understand how the absence of one of our own can make us act beside ourselves. But this is not the time to fight each other. This is a time to be in prayer. And the last thing I want is for Hugh¡¯s name to be spat out as an excuse for our misbehavior. Hugh wouldn¡¯t want that. He would want us to conduct ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Will you find Hugh?¡± A little boy asked. His eyes looked up gravely.


    Ms. Cora kept a calm expression, stretching her lips to a tight grin, ¡°Wherever he is, I¡¯m sure it can¡¯t be far.¡± Though this did not answer the boy¡¯s question definitively, he took it with a nod. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go inside the dining room.¡±


    Two of Ms. Cora¡¯s volunteers stood by each door and opened them. The children went inside and sat down at the wooden table. Lilian was about to walk in as well when she was brushed aside by the shoulder of one of the volunteer girls. This girl was plump with auburn hair. Her jowls were strong, and it was very noticeable that she was clenching her jaw. Lilian saw her before. She was the one who told Hugh to get his ¡°snotty fingers off Miss Lilian and come inside¡±. By the way she cocked her head opposite Lilian and kept walking, it was clear she meant to move her on purpose.


    But Lilian was too somber to address the rudeness. She came to the only empty seat left, the one next to Ms. Cora¡¯s. ¡°Perhaps today you can go by the rubble, Miss Lilian. See if anything of yours survived.¡±


    Lilian frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t think I want to, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Why not? There¡¯s still a chance some of it did.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, Ms. Cora, the chance is very low. The fire started in the room next to mine.¡±


    Ms. Cora picked up scrambled eggs with her fork, ¡°I can see how it might make you uncomfortable to revisit such a sight, but there is no harm in trying, right?¡±


    Lilian skimmed the faces of the children. Some hardly took more than two bites of breakfast. No one spoke. It wasn¡¯t the place she visited a few days ago. It was a home¡ª a family¡ª thrown off balance. Holding their breath. Wishing for the sick blind boy to return. Lilian remembered how it felt everyday to see her uncle wheeze and hack. She held her breath for him to get better. She prayed for it. It didn¡¯t work. What if Hugh never came back. What if he ¡°disappeared¡± the way that boy in the alley did? Please, El. Don¡¯t let it be that.


    A knock was heard on the other end of the wooden doors. The girl with the auburn hair stood up, and went over to the doors. All were surprised by the visitor. He stepped in with his eyes on Ms. Cora, and for a second, Lilian. ¡°Excuse me for interrupting anything, but may I have a word with you, Miss Cora?¡±


    ¡°Of course, sir.¡± She scooted out of her seat and came to him.


    The volunteer girl almost shut the doors before he stopped it with his hand. ¡°You too, Lilian.¡±


    ¡°Jase?¡±


    ¡°Please. Come.¡±


    Lilian got up to meet him. The doors closed so the children would not hear the conversation. As Lilian looked up at his face, she noticed the redness in Jase¡¯s eyes, the beading sweat in his hair. His body reeked of wine and sorrows.


    Ms. Cora was displeased, ¡°Young man, there better be some good reason you¡¯d come up in here smellin¡¯ of whatever you did last night.¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. My bad, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Your bad? Your bad, indeed.¡± The woman blew a breath of frustration, ¡°You know I have young minds here. And to see you¡±¡ª she motioned towards him¡ª ¡°like this. It¡¯s not the example I want them to see.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am-¡±


    Ms. Cora held up a silencing finger, ¡°Let me finish. You walk past this place everyday, and don¡¯t bother to give me more than two words every week. Yet now you have something to say, and this is how you choose to do it. What disrespect!¡± She ground her teeth, ¡°Believe me, I understand the scars that rise from a sorry upbringing. I once pitied you, Jase. But I can not stand for this. I hope that this is not how you come home to Tessaline every night.¡±


    ¡°Tess is not home.¡±


    Miss Cora froze, ¡°What? Well, where is she?¡±


    ¡°She and I had a fight and¡ª¡±


    ¡°You always have a fight.¡±


    Jase waited for no further interruption, ¡°And she told me she was done with me. So she left. She packed her things and left.¡±


    ¡°To where?¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t tell me.¡±


    Ms. Cora dashed over to the telephone on the nearby stand. She made no hesitation as she began to spin the dial. ¡°I¡¯ll see if that Mr. Thomas has her.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t. I made sure. Practically ransacked his apartment lookin¡¯ for¡¯er.¡±


    Ms. Cora turned to Jase with a most frightened look. ¡°Where is my Tessaline?¡± She flickered her eyes and brought a finger to her nose. ¡°First Hugh, now her. Who next?¡±


    ¡°I did my best to make her stay. Honest.¡±


    Ms. Cora responded with a sniff and a nod, ¡°Mm, I¡¯m sure you did. At least it was her choice. Well¡­ I know I¡¯ll have to tell the rest of them. But I think they¡¯ve been hit with enough bad news for now.¡± She quickly gained composure and put on a stilted tone, ¡°I want my children to eat.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Is that all you have to tell me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    ¡°Then I have a breakfast to resume.¡±


    Ms. Cora left the hall. Lilian immediately felt awkward. Jase was staring at her as though he had worse news for her than what she¡¯d already suffered.


    ¡°What is it, Jase?¡±


    He stammered, ¡°Um¡­¡± He slowly breathed to calm himself, ¡°How are you?¡±


    Lilian could see that he was working towards whatever he had to say. She played along. ¡°Not good. Not since last night. You heard about the fire?¡±


    Jase bent his head, ¡°Yes.¡±


    She nodded and wryly remarked, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m a rich girl anymore.¡±


    There was something in the way he responded to her statement with a slight squint that showed his solemn interest in what she was saying. ¡°I see Paul¡¯s not around. Funny¡ª he never is.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not so funny this time. Because he¡¯s not coming back.¡±


    Jase sighed piteously, ¡°Right.¡±


    Lilian embraced herself, looking back at the doors. ¡°I cannot be here any longer. It¡¯s- it¡¯s too much.¡±


    ¡°I get it. You wanna take a stroll?¡± he offered her his hooked arm.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there something you wanted to tell me.¡±


    Jase bit his lip nervously, ¡°I can tell you while we walk.¡±


    ¡°But I have no coat.¡±


    With that, Jase doffed his long, wool, frock coat and gently draped it over Lilian¡¯s shoulders.


    It happened slowly in Lilian¡¯s mind. She took on the warmth and heaviness of his coat, as well as the smell. ¡°Thank you.¡± Lilian slipped her arm around his, letting it be consumed in the crook of his arm. ¡°Okay. Take me out.¡±


    It was all about timing. It was going to take good discernment to know when to tell Lilian who Tess was to her. Jase continued to scan Lilian¡¯s face. She seemed receptive. Possibly agreeable. He continued to make small talk before laying it on her so quickly. ¡°Since the cat¡¯s out of the bag now, may I ask you how you liked our performance?¡±


    Lilian¡¯s face lit up at the thought. ¡°I loved it. Tessaline¡¯s singing and dancing, and your skill. By the way, how did you do that?¡± Lilian raised her arm and slashed through the air to depict how Jase swung from the mezzanine.


    ¡°Oh, that?¡± He said, rolling his shoulders back. ¡°It takes a lot of practice. I¡¯ve been doing it since I was a boy.¡±


    Lilian lightly patted his arm with her other hand, ¡°I¡¯m sure you did many things to be as big as you are.¡±


    Jase laughed. ¡°Actually, I was a junior blacksmith. I worked for my pa. I would¡¯ve taken over if he hadn¡¯t¡¯ve sold our shop to fund his addiction.¡±


    Lilian frowned for him, ¡°Jase¡­ that¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Terrible. I know.¡± He side-eyed her in faux regret. A smirk working its way to his face.


    They both giggled.


    ¡°But seriously, that really is terrible.¡±


    Jase shrugged, ¡°I just try to be a better person than he was.¡± He cleared his throat, ¡°I¡¯m glad I could make you laugh even just a little.¡±


    Lilian looked down at the pavement. She remembered what it felt like to laugh the night before. That night when Jase made an alluring spectacle of himself.


    ¡°Are you turning pink?¡±


    Lilian immediately dropped her grin, ¡°No.¡±


    Jase kept teasing, ¡°I think you are. Yes.¡±


    Lilian tried to yank her arm out of his but remained attached as he tightened his muscles around it. His head lowered to her. She huffed angrily, ¡°Stop it.¡±


    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re pink when you¡¯re shy, when you¡¯re angry. You were pink last night, too.¡±


    ¡°I was not.¡±


    Jase was heartily amused. ¡°Stubborn Truit, you shouldn¡¯t like to lie. You were. And you were happy.¡± Jase gazed at the girl. She now wore a simple, green plaid dress. But the image he saw was the immortal beauty in that dark espresso gown. He remembered the way her shawl fell from her shoulders. And the way she laughed with gleaming eyes. It had gripped his mind even all night while he was saddened by Tess¡¯s abandonment. ¡°You were¡­ glowing.¡±


    Lilian did not know what to say to that.


    Jase¡¯s pace slowed until he stopped walking. ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Tell me what?¡± Lilian waited as Jase continued to open and shut his mouth, his eyes on the ground.


    Then he looked up at her. ¡°You remember when I spoke to you about the Truit rules regarding marriage.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Well, those rules did ruin someone¡¯s life.¡±


    ¡°Whose?¡±


    ¡°Tessaline¡¯s.¡±


    Lilian was confused, ¡°Tessaline wanted to marry a Truit?¡±


    ¡°No. Tessaline is a Truit.¡±


    Lilian slipped her arm out of his. He let her this time. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°Her mother married your father.¡±


    ¡°What do mean? You don¡¯t even know my father.¡±


    ¡°I know more than you.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s eyelids flickered, ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Your father, Felix Truit, eloped with a woman named Marian¡ª¡±


    ¡°No. My mother¡¯s name was¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t share a mother Lilian, you share a father.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s heart stopped. ¡°No¡ª are you¡­? Are you saying my father was¡­? That¡¯s absurd. My uncle would have told me.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say why he didn¡¯t. But all I know is that I¡¯ve had to work for the man. A man who, like the rest of the Truits, would not claim his own niece. And they didn¡¯t have to either. She looked nothing like them.¡±


    Lilian touched her temples and shook her head, ¡°You''re pulling my leg. This can¡¯t be true.¡±


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Jase frowned. ¡°She thought you¡¯d say that. She knew you wouldn¡¯t believe. But it¡¯s true, whether you believe it or not. Now, I just thought I¡¯d tell you. You can do whatever you wish with that information.¡±


    Jase kept walking past Lilian. She stood there still trying to work it out in her mind. Then she remembered her dream and it dawned on her. The man she saw. He wasn¡¯t her uncle. He was her father. Tess¡¯s father. ¡°Jase!¡±


    Jase stopped.


    ¡°If what you say is true, then I just lost a sister.¡±


    Jase turned around, ¡°I¡­ yes. I¡¯m sorry I never told you. It was all to protect myself. I didn¡¯t want Tess to know that I¡¯d been let go.¡±


    Lilian¡¯s face dimmed, ¡°But then she knew. And she knew I was her sister, too. Didn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°She was afraid to tell you, Lilian.¡±


    ¡°Afraid?¡± she snapped. ¡°It seems everyone¡¯s afraid to tell me the truth. What is there to be afraid of? All I tried to be was her friend. Why wouldn¡¯t I be happy to find out she¡¯s my sister? She was the one who kept pushing me away. She did not even say goodbye to me.¡±


    ¡°Tess is like that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Because Tessaline never wanted to be my sister. And if that¡¯s the case, then sobeit.¡± Lilian looked up at him, ¡°Aren¡¯t you mad, too? She left you.¡±


    Jase stepped closer to Lilian. ¡°Of course I am. But you can only be so mad for so long.¡± He touched her coat-hidden shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s keep walking.¡±


    Winter 1885


    Jan 1


    Fireworks blaze in the midnight sky and everyone marvels at the colorful show as the sparks mix together then disperse into the night. The medley of the harpist is muted and forgotten thanks to the thrilling screams and pops the fireworks make. Lovers embrace on the edge of the Brier Hill Estate¡¯s balcony. The colors illuminate on their skin, painting the people blue, purple, red, and green.


    Anyone without a romantic plus one is inside the ballroom, enjoying their wine and discussing business. Felix keeps to the corner by the buffet. He takes samples of the punch while keening his ears to the music. He doesn''t want to be here. But Marian did shout at him to go, didn¡¯t she? And he was sure she meant it.


    Fredrick and his wife come in from the balcony. ¡°Happy New Year, brother.¡±


    ¡°Happy New Year,¡± Felix returns. ¡°And to you too, Krishta.¡±


    Krishta rolls her eyes and turns her head away. ¡°I think I¡¯ll go over there.¡±


    Felix eyes his brother as Krishta walks away. ¡°She still hates me, huh?¡±


    ¡°Despises more like.¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s worse.¡±


    Freddy fills a glass with punch. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Marian here?¡±


    ¡°Freddy, do I really have to answer that? You know my singleness is my image. And anyway, I don¡¯t want myself here, why would I want my wife here.¡±


    ¡°Why are you here at all? You should be home on this night¡ª morning, sorry¡ª celebrating with your wife and child.¡±


    ¡°My wife doesn¡¯t want me home.¡±


    Freddy gives his brother a dry look, ¡°Come on, Felix. Do you actually believe that?¡±


    Felix frowns. ¡°No. I don¡¯t. But I think it¡¯s best. Every time I am around her we can¡¯t seem to have peace.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s called a problem, Felix. And you don¡¯t solve it by going to parties. You know, you''re so lucky to have a child to keep you occupied. I¡¯d love nothing more than an excuse to stay home with Krishta.¡±


    ¡°Except I don¡¯t have an excuse.¡± Felix tips his glass toward the community, ¡°At least they don¡¯t think I do.¡±


    Freddy sighs, ¡°Yes. I wonder why that is.¡± His face shows full displeasure.


    Felix ignores his brother as their mother approaches, her shoes clacking on the marble floor. She used to be a porcelain doll, but now she is a scary old femme. Her hair, peeking grey, pulled back, and braided over and over in the back of her head. She stares at her sons over round, silver spectacles. ¡°Felix, my boy. I believe you are idle.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so, Mother.¡±


    ¡°Well I am afraid there is another here who is quite idle.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Lady Agapov.¡±


    ¡°Mother¡ª¡±


    ¡°She is a very well-bred young lady. Intelligent, too. I have enjoyed our many discussions. You know she speaks¡ª¡±


    ¡°Seven languages. Yes. You¡¯ve told me.¡±


    Ms. Truit purses her lips, ¡°Do you know how embarrassed you¡¯ve made me each time I have to tell her that my son, her suitor, is somehow always out?¡±


    ¡°Mother¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut it. I will not hear another excuse. You have avoided me for four years now. Well this is a new year, and you have no excuse.¡±


    Freddy steps in, ¡°Um, actually mother, about that. Felix has something to tell you.¡±


    The old woman glances at Freddy, then her eyes zero in on her oldest son, ¡°Well?¡±


    The look Felix shoots his brother could kill. ¡°I just¡­¡± He relaxes his shoulders, ¡°I think I am a little rusty on my charms, Mother.¡±


    Ms. Truit laughs. ¡°That is the funniest most unfunny thing you have ever said.¡± The woman nearly tears up. ¡°I¡¯m sure whatever charms you¡¯ve lost will soon find you. Now, stop wasting my precious time and get over there and talk to Miss Agapov.¡±


    Felix does his mother only a moment of hesitation, then starts to walk, ignoring Freddy¡¯s judging stare. He finds Lady Agapov on the balcony still while the others are all inside. Her back faces him. He is silent, noticing the way her person fits the regal scene like the star of a painting. Rose vines hang from the roof and curl against the stone walls, framing her body. The north star blesses her plump skin with its light.


    The back of her silky black hair is looped around itself to make a set of bows going down her head and ending in curls. The dress she wears is certainly one of Charles Worth¡¯s design, marked by its simplicity. It is red velvet with a giant bow sewn directly over her bustle area. Gilded gold fabric lines the bottom of the skirt. Short sleeves ruffle along the edge of her shoulders.


    He steps closer behind her.


    ¡°Dant! comeny closer.¡±


    ¡°Lady Agapov.¡±


    ¡°Do not speak to me.¡±


    This isn¡¯t going well. Felix bows his head, knowing she doesn¡¯t see it. ¡°I understand. I wouldn¡¯t speak to me either,¡± he murmurs to himself. Then he has an idea. ¡°Krasavitsa, dusha-devitsa,¡± he sings, ¡°Polyubi zhe ty menya.¡± Lady Agapov raises her head to the familiar song. Her body seems to still in response and he fancies himself safe to approach. ¡°Ay-lyuli, lyuli, ay-lyuli, lyuli.¡± Felix stops by her ear and whispers, ¡°Polyubi zhe ty menya.¡±


    Lady Agapov spins around with a scorn, gripping the balustrade behind her. Her round eyes stare up into his, ¡°Vut do you vant from me?¡±


    Felix smirks, his charm instinctively kicking in, ¡°More time.¡±


    ¡°Ha! More time? Vit me?¡±


    He leans into her. ¡°With you.¡±


    Her eyes widen. She turns away from him, ¡°I can¡¯t imagine vut changed your mind.¡±


    ¡°It never changed.¡±


    ¡°Oh, let¡¯s not pretend you haven¡¯t done all you can to avoid me. And let¡¯s not pretend your mother didn¡¯t send you over here to see me.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll admit. I have been childish. But I now realize I should have given you a chance. So this is me trying.¡±


    ¡°Singing Kalinka to me is your idea of trying?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a start.¡± He reaches to her shoulder and gently picks at her sleeve, ¡°I can try harder.¡±


    Lady Apapov flinches, turning to him again, ¡°You are a different breed, Mister Truit.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Her lip curls, ¡°I dant trust you.¡± She brings her face closer to his, ¡°I¡¯ve heard rrrumors,¡± her r rolling tight for emphasis.


    Felix puts his face even closer, ¡°What rrrumors have you heard?¡±


    ¡°I heard dat you are married. Is dat true?¡±


    Felix looks to the ground. He knows his answer to that will decide his nobility. As much he wants to disbelieve it, he loves Marian. But what is his wife giving him, now? She is always asking him, pleading that he stay home while knowing what obligations call him away. And when he returns, not so much as a hand kiss is allowed. Felix is ready to be loved. He is ready to chase again. And Lady Agapov is a divine beauty. She is as plump and ripe as a tomato. And with her father, Sir Agapov¡¯s status, she has become highly valued by many young men. What a thrill it would be to win her hand. What a prize.


    ¡°You''re right. I was married. But not any more. She was not who I thought she was.¡±


    ¡°And vut if I am not vut you expect me to be.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, I doubt you can be any less of who you are right now.¡±


    ¡°Mm, true. Because I am not a fool. And if dat¡¯s vut you expect of me, you vill be disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Of course, milady.¡±


    She squints long and hard before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a chance. Vun chance,¡± she holds up a pinky.


    ¡°You won¡¯t reget it.¡± He takes her wrist and plants a slow kiss on her hand. A pinkish hue, rising to the surface of her skin.


    She pulls it away. ¡°But no more unpermitted caress. Understood?¡± And taking up her skirt, she walks inside the ballroom.


    Felix smiles mischievously, ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±


    Lilian ceased her walk.


    Jase turned around, ¡°Why are you stopping?¡±


    Her lips straightened. ¡°I think we should walk the other way.¡±


    Jase looked ahead. He soon realized the cause for her hesitation. They were at the site of the fire. An apartment building within some feet wore a black streaking of ash and sod on its side. The brick had charred and crumbled. A few windows on random floors were broken with burnt sills and shutters.


    ¡°The fire ate away at everything inside.¡±


    ¡°You think there¡¯s a chance any of your stuff survived?¡±


    ¡°I do not. And I would not like to entertain the idea.¡±


    Jase turned up a challenging smirk. ¡°Would you entertain me? Come on, let''s look together.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore, Jase. I accept my loss.¡±


    ¡°No you don''t,¡± he denied. ¡°I see your anger.¡±


    ¡°My anger?¡±


    ¡°Yup. You are full of it today.¡±


    Lilian pursed her lips, ¡°I am not angry.¡±


    ¡°Who are you angry at? Tess? Paul?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lilian strongly dismissed.


    ¡°Then who?¡±


    ¡°Nobody.¡±


    ¡°Well, why are you angry, then?¡±


    ¡°I am not! Leave me alone!¡± Lilian gasped in shock at her broken composure.


    Jase simply crossed his arms. ¡°So, what is it?¡±


    Lilian sighed. She knew exactly why she was angry. As she thought about it, she bunched up her skirt with one hand. Her eyes tingled. She stamped her foot against the pavement resentfully and looked away from him. ¡°I¡¯m angry that everything is falling apart. That I can¡¯t seem to keep the things that matter to me.¡± She shut her eyes, and the tear came tracing down her cheek. ¡°Ever since I came of age, I thought it meant my life would be even better than it already was. But no. I didn¡¯t know it would suddenly get worse. And I wasn¡¯t prepared for any of it. I¡¯ve lost the only picture on hand of my uncle. I¡¯m all alone. And I don¡¯t know what in El¡¯s name I¡¯m doing here!¡± Lilian raised her last complaint to the sky.


    ¡°There it is,¡± Jase said, raising his eyebrows.


    Lilian swallowed and looked at him, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The one you¡¯re mad at.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t protest.


    Jase took a step closer, ¡°You can¡¯t let this stop you. You gotta take all the chance you got.¡± He pointed up at the building, ¡°I say we give it a shot. Just a few minutes to see if there¡¯s anything. Anything at all.¡±


    ¡°Jase, why do you even care?¡±


    ¡°Because you did. For me. I owe it to you.¡±


    Lilian looked to the apartment building. ¡°Together?¡±


    ¡°Mm, hm.¡±


    ¡°And we can leave whenever I choose?¡±


    ¡°Whenever you choose?¡±


    Lilian looked again. She said nothing as she passed under the soiled awning and then inside. Jase was behind her, going up the steps.


    They had no business being in such a place. Wooden supporters and hardened plaster from the ceiling now hung down and piled in a crumbly mess. An open ceiling, above, where the second floor could be espied. Broken glass covered a third of the stairs in fault of a fractured sconce.


    ¡°Wait.¡± At once, a meaty arm stretched over Lilian and onto the wall beside her. She pressed her back to the wall as he filled the space. Lilian¡¯s eyes followed up his arm to his face. His honey eye. ¡°Stay behind me,¡± he said. And there was no fuss made about it. He slowly marched upward.


    The debris held remnant of the smokey fumes that had filled the building. Lilian discovered by accident another effluvium as it entered her nose. She used Jase¡¯s coat to filter her airway.


    ¡°Argh, do you smell that?¡± Jase coughed into his sleeve.


    Lilian nodded, ¡°What is it?¡±


    They kept going up in ignoration to their noses. At the summit, Jase¡¯s body paused suspiciously.


    ¡°What is it, Jase?¡±


    As Lilian came closer up the steps, he spun around, ¡°Lilian, close your eyes!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± But it was too late. She could see over his shoulder to the crispy legs that peeked out from underneath a pile of burnt lath and plaster from the ceiling. The melted rubber shoes, still on the feet.


    Lilian hardly heard herself scream, she was so in shock. Then the world panned down, and everything began to fade to black. She felt Jase¡¯s hands steadying her.


    ¡°Steady now,¡± she heard him say. ¡°I¡¯ll get you out of here. Come on.¡± He kept his hand on her shoulder, carefully guiding her down the stairs to the door. Once outside, Jase sat Lilian on a bench and checked to see how she was. ¡°Everything fine with you?¡± his hands hovered near her face. ¡°What was I thinking, taking you in there?¡±


    Lilian could only blink under the lightheadedness. That could have been me, her thoughts repeated.


    ¡°I hope you can forgive me, ma¡¯am.¡±


    Jase¡¯s plea made Lilian¡¯s head clear, ¡°No, Jase. It''s not your fault.¡± Her gaze was on the ground. ¡°I¡¯m the one who needs forgiveness. You¡¯re right. I was angry. At El.¡± Lilian shook her head. ¡°I have been so selfish, worried about my stuff. People died in there. Real people. And by El¡¯s will I was saved. Because¡­ you,¡± she brought her black eyes to his. ¡°You invited me to the inn.¡±


    Jase didn¡¯t know how to respond. Was it really El¡¯s will that he invited Lillian? Of course not. It was his own. ¡°It was luck that saved you, Lilian. The rest weren¡¯t as lucky.¡±


    Lilian continued to frown, ¡°Wherever I go, death follows,¡± she murmured. ¡°I have to go home.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you back if you feel better.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean home. Corlu. It¡¯s all I can do now. I have to go all the way back to tell my aunt that her niece is a failure.¡±


    ¡°How are you gonna do that? I thought you lost all your money.¡±


    ¡°I have around fifty spare on me.¡± Lilian realized by the way Jase¡¯s eyebrows shot up that she should have only said she had ¡°enough¡±. Still, she found herself feeling generous. ¡°Jase, do you have anything sharp?¡±


    Jase slid his hand into the pocket of his pants. He took out a swiss-army knife, moving his thumb over it to unfold the blade. ¡°I do. Why?¡±


    Lilian extended her hand, ¡°May I?¡±


    He placed the knife inside. She peered down at the wool layer covering her leg, but looked back at him as she noticed he was watching. ¡°Um, If you could close your eyes, please...¡±


    Jase wasn¡¯t sure what her idea was, but reluctantly closed his eyes. Usually, Lilian would never have held a blade up to a perfectly good pair of stockings. But at this moment there was no stocking room around, and Lilian frankly did not care anymore. As discreetly as she could, she lifted the back of her skirt and felt for her thigh. Then pinching the fabric in one hand, she reached under and tore a slit to where the stash of 10 dollar bills was located. The pressure was too much, leaving Lilian surprised by the sharpness of the blade as her hand drew down from her thigh to her calf quicker than she could control. Graces!


    Lilian set her fluster aside, slipping out the money. ¡°Here¡¯s your knife back.¡±


    ¡°What did you need it for?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Here.¡± She slapped the 20 bucks she counted into his open palm.


    Jase didn¡¯t dare close his fingers around it. ¡°What¡¯s this for?¡±


    ¡°That should be enough to cover you rent.¡±


    He immediately shook his head and forced the paper money back at her, ¡°I can¡¯t take this.¡±


    She pushed his hand back toward his chest. ¡°Please take it. You need it, Jase. You don¡¯t have enough time to come up with that on your own.¡±


    ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    ¡°I just know.¡±


    He still argued against it, ¡°Even still, I can¡¯t take money from a lady. What kind of a man would I be?¡±


    ¡°A man with money.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I appreciate the gesture, but it just ain¡¯t right.¡± He snatched up her hand and jammed the paper inside it, then folded her fingers around it with his insistent strength.


    But she was not letting him go that easy. In a spur of emotion, she stood up and threw herself at him. She embraced him with an arm going round his torso. The other, holding the money at his chest. Words couldn¡¯t describe what she unintentionally inflicted upon herself as she took to him. He still reeked, but she hardly had the time to notice. Her cheek lain still at his vest. Lilian could not bring herself to look up at his face. His coat had dropped from her shoulders, leaving her as exposed to the cold as he. But the warmth it gave her was soon replaced by his hands at her back.


    ¡°Please, Jase.¡± She was begging now. ¡°We all need help sometimes. You do not deserve the misfortune that¡¯s befallen you.¡±


    His fingers innately pressed into her spine.


    She continued, ¡°You¡¯re a good man, Jase.¡± To that, she felt his body shudder.


    ¡°Goodness,¡± He said. ¡°How? How are you so sug¡¯ry?¡± He put his hand on hers, the one she had at his chest. ¡°Ah, alright. For your sake I''ll take it.¡± Jase moved Lilian off himself and put the money in his vest pocket. His eyes leveled to hers. ¡°You¡¯re no failure, Lilian. I can see your uncle raised you well.¡±


    Lilian grinned and turned in the direction of Ms. Cora¡¯s, then turned back to Jase. ¡°You know, I think I will miss you, Mister Jase.¡±


    ¡°I think so too, Miss Lilian.¡±


    She walked ahead. And Jase blushed with gratitude, peering down at the large hole in her calf.


    This Miss Lilian couldn¡¯t be any more irritating. Ethel had about enough of her sulking. And now she returned after walking with the most handsome man in Brord, saying she would leave! Ethel had hoped the girl wasn¡¯t stupid enough to overlook Jase. Something should work to keep her around. How would they ever find Hugh, now?


    For the rest of the afternoon, Ethel watched the girl walk around, doing absolutely nothing and speaking to no one. If she decided on leaving she ought to give Ethel back her clothes. And her bed. Ethel had paid good money for that green dress. It was relatively new. Only to have it take on someone else¡¯s scent and sweat and whatever else was on the girl.


    Also, considering the fact that she is a girl, Ethel had easily developed a disdain for her the moment she showed up in her mature clothes which unspokenly required mature undergarments. Ethel was still considered that thing that comes before a lady; a young lady. So she still wore skirts at calf-length, a simply silhouetted corset, and pigtails with cotton ribbons at their ends. Jealousy may have played a part in her fury.


    Lilian probably noticed how brash Ethel¡¯s attitude was. And that was nothing Ethel meant to shy away from. All the better that she feels her simmering rage. I hope she sleeps with my shadow looming by the bed tonight, Ethel thought. Because I won¡¯t be sleepin¡¯ no better.


    But at some point Ethel got tired of lurking in vigilance over Lilian. She retreated outside to bring in the laundry. Down from the line she unclipped each article and plopped it into the basket. This was something she enjoyed doing. As was the case with all of her volunteer duties. But she was finally feeling the drudgery of it.


    Thoughts of Hugh and his innocent silver eyes took over her mind as her hands continued their job. Ethel wished at the pit of her heart she hadn''t been so mean to him. The boy needed her. He needed anyone with working eyes. Though he often seemed capable thanks to Shersul¡¯s gift. Sometimes Hugh was the only one who spoke to Ethel. And they would carry the deepest conversations even for his age.


    She missed him direly. It was taking everything in her not to panic. ¡°I¡¯ll find you, Hugh. And when I do, I will be better to you.¡±


    Taking a child¡¯s shirt off the line, she discovered two eyes there. Ethel jumped, ¡°Pete! Why did you have to stand there?¡± Ethel knew by his face that he had returned with bad news. ¡°You didn¡¯t see him?¡±


    ¡°No sign of him. I looked everywhere, lass.¡± His unibrow lowered remorsefully over his eyes. ¡°I tried.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t try hard enough.¡±


    ¡°Lass.¡±


    ¡°No bread for you tomorrow.¡± This worked as a threat because Pete always loved Ethel¡¯s baking. She would give him bread and sometimes pastries as a charity while he worked at the inn. ¡°Go on, get!¡± she shooed him away.


    After taking in the laundry, Ethel was told to make tea for Miss Lilian before she went to bed. Ethel made a nice valerian brew. She brought the tea and cup on a tray up to her room. Lilian and Ms. Cora were having a talk about Lilian leaving. Lilian was saying something about how her life had turned upside-down, and how she failed her aunt. Of course, Ethel thought. Woe is you.


    Ms. Cora was being far too aquiescent in Ethel¡¯s opinion. Too nice, too patient. How could Ms. Cora pretend they did not need Lilian¡¯s help? They had no time to waste.


    ¡°If it was in fact your aunt¡¯s idea to come to Brord, then she must have seen something in you that you don''t see in yourself,¡± Ms. Cora said as she brought her hand onto Lilian¡¯s. ¡°Parents and guardians alike¡ª we always expect our children to fall but never fail.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡± Lilian said, ¡°That makes me feel better. Thank you. But alas, I have no choice now than to return home.¡±


    ¡°Really? No choice? Everyone has to start somewhere in life on their own.¡± Ms. Cora addressed Ethel who was pouring the tea, ¡°Ethel here is your age and already has learned the lesson of survival.¡±


    Lilian smiled, ¡°And that is commendable, Ms. Cora, but I know my aunt may want me home rather than on my own.¡±


    Ms. Cora nodded, ¡°I understand. Any mother-figure would want their child to be safe.¡±


    Lilian frowned, suddenly feeling awful. ¡°I¡¯m sure you do understand. After all, you have a boy missing. You must be so worried.¡±


    Ethel rolled her eyes at Lilian¡¯s sentiment. ¡°Will that be one cube or two, Miss Lilian?¡± Lilian answered two, and so Ethel plopped in the sugar cubes in such a nonchalant manner that tea droplets spilled onto the tray. Ms. Cora chose not to correct her this time, though Ethel knew it irked her.


    ¡°Yes, well, no matter how worried I am, I have to trust that El is taking care of Hugh while I can not,¡± Ms. Cora continued. ¡°And I strive to display that example of trust to the children.¡±


    Ethel couldn¡¯t take much more of this. She refused to sit by and trust in something no one¡¯s ever seen. El did not stop Hugh from being taken, and he could not bring him back.


    ¡°I just wish I could be sure that El is looking after me,¡± Lilian said.


    IS IT ALL ABOUT YOU?!!


    Ms. Cora said no more except that it was time for her to retire to her room. The woman got up and left with a goodnight, to Ethel¡¯s relief. Now she could start getting to the business she meant to.


    ¡°Should I fluff your pillow, Miss Lilian.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes. Thank you.¡±


    Ethel waited as Lilian raised her back. Then, slipping her hand behind the pillow, she beat it against Lilian¡¯s back.


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    Ethel shook her head, ¡°Dramatic.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do that? Why are you being so mean to me?¡±


    This was it. All of Ethel¡¯s fury was let out in a dragged huff, ¡°Because! There is a little blind boy missing, and you have the nerve to talk about leaving.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to sound careless, but what does that have to do with me?¡±


    Ethel¡¯s expression became more excited, ¡°Are you kidding? Do I really have to say it?¡±


    Lilian sat there silent and confused.


    ¡°You have a gift, don¡¯t you?¡± Ethel finally said. ¡°Hugh said you did, and Hugh is never wrong.¡±


    Lilian blinked in remembrance of how Ms. Cora had asked her to help find Hugh, and how she shooed the old woman away. ¡°You think my gift can help you?¡±


    ¡°If anyone can, it''s you.¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t understand. I can only see the winds. Unless¡­ you think a wind stole Hugh.¡±


    ¡°It had to been that. Hugh would never just leave.¡±


    Lilian shook her head, ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Why? What do you know?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Cora told me something the other night. She said Hugh had dreamt of leaving since he could¡­ walk.¡±


    Ethel could see the sparks setting off in Lilian¡¯s brain. ¡°What did you just realize?¡±


    ¡°That night. The procession. The voice.¡±


    ¡°Speak English.¡±


    ¡°Ethel, tell me. Is there any reason Hugh would want to leave?¡±


    ¡°Leave? I- I don¡¯t know. Wait. I did hear him once say something about going where Shersul goes.¡±


    Lilian nodded, ¡°So that¡¯s it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°There was a procession of people last night. People with torches leading out of the city. The officer said they claimed to hear a call. He thought they were mad because he didn¡¯t hear it himself. But I heard it. It rattled my bones. Someone was leading them. And I think I know who. It had to be Shersul.¡±


    ¡°And you think Hugh was in that procession?¡±


    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t be sure. But it¡¯s the only clue we have.¡±


    ¡°So if that¡¯s true, then we need to find Shersul.¡±


    Lilian remembered her tea, and began to sip it before it cooled.


    Ethel stared at her impatiently, ¡°I said, ¡®we have to find Shersul.¡¯¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t expect me to be a part of this. I have to get home.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you think of anyone other than yourself? You said you didn¡¯t want to be a failure. Do you really want to be the girl that didn¡¯t go after a lost, helpless boy just so you could return to your cozy mansion?¡±


    Lilian considered her words as she looked at her reflection in the teacup.


    ¡°I need you, Lilian. I promise I won¡¯t do another mean thing in my life if we find this boy. Please.¡±


    ¡°Ethel, I wish I could help. But I haven¡¯t the slightest idea where Shersul could be. I also have not heard El speak to me in days. Usually, if I¡¯m meant to be somewhere, the Elwind will guide me there.¡±


    Ethel frowned. ¡°What if this time El wants you to make the first move? Isn¡¯t that possible?¡±


    Lilian could spot worry in Ethel¡¯s tone. Could see just how much she wanted her to stay. So, turning her head to look out the window, she made herself remember what she saw that night. ¡°Shersul moved west to leave town. There is a possibility he carried on that way.¡± She smiled endearingly, ¡°He always emphasized his adoration for straight paths.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll go west. Tomorrow.¡±


    Lilian turned back to Ethel, ¡°We? As in you too?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Why, I¡¯ll freeze outside before anyone saves Hugh without me.¡±


    ¡°A noble claim. But what about your duty here?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Cora will definitely understand this. Anything that has to do with the children is my duty.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t just leave anyway. We don''t have the paraphernalia for such a trip.¡±


    Ethel was practically offended. ¡°You let me worry about the paraphernalia. I assure you we have just about everything you could need.¡± She frowned, ¡°Although, we would need a means of travel. Ms. Cora ain¡¯t got no carriage.¡±


    Lilian raised a hand, ¡°I know someone who does.¡±