From The Falls (The Falls Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  It was hard to understand what she was saying between the hiccups, but I got the gist of it, thankfully.

  “Don’t be sad about this,” Jordan said. “Lorelle wanted this and she was ready. She’d lived a very long life, and she saw potential in you. I know it’s hard now, but one day you will see it as the gift it was meant to be.”

  My eyes widened at Jordan. It wasn’t often she said something inspirational, so it completely caught me off guard. Tiana made a noise and I knew I wasn’t the only one Jordan had surprised.

  “What? Am I not allowed to act like an adult from time to time?” Jordan asked defending herself. “I could have said what I was thinking, about how now she had a chance to make her moves on Dylan, but I refrained.”

  Miah laughed and turned red in the cheeks. She wiped her tears away and hid her face.

  “Something happened already, didn’t it?” Jordan teased. “You better spill it before we make you.”

  “Lela and Tiana had explained Merakis to us so I never acted on my feelings, but Lorelle told me before you guys left that we wouldn’t have Merakis. We would still feel a pull toward our soulmate unlike normal humans, but that the bond we had wouldn’t be a life bond like you guys have.”

  “And you told Dylan this?” Tiana asked.

  “I did. He immediately kissed me and then apologized like a good Southern boy.” Miah laughed. “We haven’t talked much about it since, but we figured once things calmed down here, then we’d figure it out.”

  I smiled at her. I was happy that she would have her happily ever after, too. I was worried they would be lonely here. Even if the bond wasn’t the same as regular Guardians, it was still important to honor.

  “Not to ruin the lightened mood, but we need to see Jenna,” I said. “Will you come see me when you’re ready to talk about Lorelle? We can go to the house together if you’d like.”

  “Definitely. Once I’ve had a good night’s sleep and some time to wrap my head around all this, I will come find you. I won’t keep you waiting long.” Miah smiled.

  I got up and turned to the others. “Anyone want to come in with me?”

  “I will,” Lela said and she stood, too. “She might not have talked to me, but I was with her after. Maybe that will help.”

  I nodded and we walked down to the room Jenna was in. I knocked softly, but didn’t get a response. I gestured for Lela to say something.

  “Jenna? It’s me, Lela. I brought you over here and wanted to check on you. I have my friend Kali with me. Can we come in?”

  There was silence on the other end for several moments. Lela knocked one more time. “Jenna?”

  Finally, I heard the rustling of sheets and light footsteps. The lock on the door clicked and Jenna cracked the door open. She looked from Lela to me several times before opening the door wide enough for us to walk through.

  “Hi, Jenna,” I said softly. “I didn’t get to formally meet you before. I’m Kali.”

  She attempted to say hello, but her voice cracked from either lack of use or all the screaming Miah mentioned. Maybe both. She cleared her throat and a barely audible hi squeaked out.

  “We wanted to come check on you and see how you were doing today,” Lela said as we sat down in the chairs against the wall. Jenna sat on the bed. “Do you mind us visiting you?”

  Jenna kept staring at me and shook her head. “You saved me.”

  “We all did,” I replied. “We’re sorry you were taken in the first place. We tried to get to you on Earth and were devastated that we were too late.”

  “You killed him,” Jenna said flatly.

  “I did. He was a bad man. He had no goodness left in him. We didn’t want to risk him hurting anyone else. Are you afraid of me because I did that?”

  She shook her head no, but didn’t say anything else.

  “Do you know why you were taken?” Lela asked.

  Jenna shook her head yes. “He wanted what was inside me, but I wouldn’t give it to him. He would have killed me anyway.”

  Smart girl. Very strong girl, too. Grown men wouldn’t have lasted as long as she had against Cassius.

  “Do you know what is inside of you?” I asked tentatively.

  “Why do you want to know?” she asked curiously, unsure if she could trust us yet.

  “You don’t have to tell us, but if you’re like us, then we’d like for you to stay here and learn more about where you come from. If you would rather never talk about it, we can take you back home. We will not force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

  She hesitated and thought about her options. I was just glad she was talking. I knew having a Parias inhabit one’s body could cause them to go a little crazy, but I hoped that didn’t happen to Jenna. She seemed too sweet for that.

  “Are there others like me besides Miah?” she asked.

  “There are,” Lela answered. “Dylan and Nathan are the two others here that we brought back from Earth. They’d love to meet you if you’d be okay with that.”

  She shook her head, which I expected. We needed to take baby steps with her for the foreseeable future. Nobody could understand what she went through. We needed to let her do this on her own time.

  “We’re going to have a celebration of life tomorrow for the woman who died while fighting the man who took you,” I said. “Maybe you can come to the celebration with Miah or come over to my house afterward and meet some more people then.”

  She shrugged her shoulders, but didn’t say anything else. We got more information than I thought we would by coming here. Jenna didn’t outright say she had an ability, but I was confident she did. She didn’t jump at the opportunity to go home, so hopefully she was open to staying here for a bit.

  “We will let you continue resting,” I said as Lela and I stood. “We will come by again tomorrow if we don’t see you at the celebration. Miah knows how to get a hold of us if you need anything before then.”

  We turned to leave and she grabbed my arm, turning me back. “Thank you for saving me.”

  I smiled at her and reach my hand out to touch her arm. “You’re very welcome. I would do it again without a second thought.”

  We walked out of the room and said our goodbyes to Miah, with promises to be back tomorrow.

  “That went better than I thought it would,” Lela said as we got outside.

  “We didn’t hear anything being thrown, so we figured it went well,” Tiana said. “I’m going to head home if we’re all done here.”

  “Me, too,” Jordan said. “Let us know if you need anything. See you tomorrow if not.”

  We said bye to Tiana and Jordan, and I waited for Lela. “I’m worried about her, but I don’t think there’s anything more we can do for her until she’s ready,” she said.

  “Agreed. Hopefully, she’ll begin to trust us and we can help her. If not, we will have a protector stay with her on Earth until we can be sure she’s safe. There’s nothing else for us to do today.”

  Lela gave me a hug and we held on a little longer than normal. Emotions were running high for all of us, but we would get through the loss together.

  I ported home and found Lucas on the couch reading a book. I smiled, because he hadn’t picked up a book for decades before meeting me. We didn’t always read the same books, but it was fun when we did and could share our opinions with each other.

  I walked up behind him and whispered in his ear. “Whatcha reading?”

  Lucas slammed the book shut and gasped. “Trying to give me a heart attack, woman?”

  I laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  “How did things go with Jenna?”

  I walked around the couch and sat down. “Better than I expected, but she has a long road ahead of her. She wouldn’t tell us if she had an ability or not, but I can’t imagine she doesn’t if she attracted the attention of the Parias.”

  “I agree. We will figure it out soon enough. Right now, we should probably go see your parents. They are likely eager to
see their daughter home in one piece.”

  With so many things to do and take care of, I completely spaced my parents. They needed to know our version of what happened with Lorelle, and about our little girl.

  We got up and ported to my parents’ house. The porch light was on as if they were expecting us. We walked in without knocking. I heard my parents talking in the kitchen, so we headed that way.

  I took two steps into the kitchen with Lucas right behind me, but before I could say anything, my mom turned and came straight for me. Tear tracks lined her face and she squeezed me so hard I could barely breathe.

  “Kaliah!” Mom wailed. “We’ve been worried sick about you. If you didn’t show up tonight, we were going to come to your house.”

  “I’m sorry, Mom. So much has happened, but I should have made the time sooner.”

  “Nonsense, you’re an Elder now,” Dad chimed in. “I told your mother to have some patience, but she wasn’t hearing it.”

  I laughed, because I could totally picture them bickering over that. “We have a lot to tell you. I’m not sure what you’ve learned so far about what happened in the Otherworld. Why don’t you tell us what you know and we will fill in the other stuff?” I suggested.

  “Dinner is almost done and you know your mom can’t ever cook for two, so there’s plenty. Let’s talk about it over dinner,” Dad answered.

  I agreed and began helping to set the table. Lucas helped bring the food out and within five minutes, we were all seated around the table. My dad began relaying what they knew, which was a lot more than I thought they would. Lucas and I took turns adding in information when necessary.

  Once we finished, all four of us had tears in our eyes and had barely touched our plates. It was time to tell my parents about the baby and I was more nervous than I thought I would be. My palms were sweaty and my legs wouldn’t stop bouncing.

  “We have one more thing we need to tell you. Lorelle also gave us some interesting and exciting news while we were in the Otherworld.” I paused to make sure I had their full attention before continuing. I really should have set up a video camera for their reaction. “You’re going to be grandparents.”

  I glanced back and forth between my parents and saw the exact moment when what I had said actually sank in. My dad got it before my mom did, but when she did, she let out a loud squeal and knocked her chair over when she stood up too fast. My mom came around the table and hugged both Lucas and me, while my poor dad still sat there looking as though he was going to pass out.

  “Brooks, did you hear what your daughter said? They’re having a baby!” Mom said animatedly.

  My dad shook his head and a smile finally appeared on his face. “That certainly was not what I expected to hear anytime soon and even if I don’t look it, I really am as excited as your mother.”

  “Thank you, Dad.”

  “What does that mean for you guys, though? Elders usually have kids before they become Elders, so it’s not issue. I can’t imagine the two of you can take off for twenty years,” Dad continued.

  “Lorelle mentioned we might be able to bring change to Arvata, so we’re not sure what will happen,” Lucas answered. “Hopefully, we won’t be going anywhere anytime soon unless we want to.”

  We continued the baby talk for a little while longer, but I could barely keep my eyes open and Lucas called it a night for us. After saying our goodbyes, we ported home and got ready for bed. I don’t think Lucas had even turned the lights out before I fell asleep. Growing a baby was kicking my ass.

  ***

  The next day, I woke up and had no desire to get out of bed. Lucas greeted me with breakfast again, but not even the delicious smells and his dimples could lessen the dread I felt about today. I didn’t want to say goodbye to Lorelle. It made everything so much more official. I just wanted to stay in bed all day and pretend none of it had happened. I wanted to pretend that Lorelle was still traipsing around the world on her unknown mission.

  “I know it hurts, my love, but you need to get up and we need to be there for the other Guardians. I’ll be right by your side to help keep you up for as long as you need.”

  I let out a heavy sigh and rubbed my chest in hopes of relieving the tightness I had there. “I know you will be.” I tried to smile. “I’m just not ready to say goodbye.”

  “And you never will be. Nobody is ever ready to say goodbye, but it’s not forever. You’ll see her again one day.”

  I sat up further in bed and grabbed Lucas’s hand. “Thank you for always being so strong for the both of us.”

  “I will always be there for you. For all of us.” He laid his hand on my stomach. “We need to get you to the healing center and find out more about our little girl.”

  “Agreed. Let’s give it a few days for things to calm down, and then we can go together.”

  I finally got out of bed and skipped breakfast. My stomach couldn’t handle anything right then. I didn’t know if it was morning sickness, stress or a combination of both.

  I got ready for the day and did my best to hold back my emotions. Hormones were not my friend today. Really, they’d been all over the place for a while, but at least now I had an explanation for it.

  Last night had been emotionally draining. I still felt exhausted this morning, but it was time to leave. I found Lucas waiting for me in the living room. We both wore bright colored clothes. Sendoffs were not dark and dreary in Arvata. The people would celebrate all Lorelle had done for our worlds and party as if she was still here. Lucas wore a light blue collared shirt and khaki shorts, while I wanted something more comfortable and decided on a long, casual flower print dress.

  “Ready, my love?” Lucas asked as I walked into the room.

  “As ready as I’m going to be.”

  We ported to the town hall where the celebration would be held and found people running around decorating and making sure everything was as it should be. Lucas wasn’t going to let it be anything other than perfect for the woman who saved my life.

  “Why don’t you go rest in the Elder room and I’ll come get you when everything is ready?” Lucas asked.

  “I think that’s probably a good idea. I’m apt to either cry or laugh hysterically right now. I feel like I’m all over the place. This better not last for nine months,” I sighed.

  Lucas laughed at me and gave me a gentle push toward the door. “Go relax. I’ll send the girls your way as they get here.”

  I nodded and headed for the room before anyone noticed me. I laid on the couch and waited for one of the girls to come join, but I must have dozed, because the next thing I knew, Lucas was shaking me awake.

  “Jordan came in here and was going to mess with you, but Lela saved you. She wanted to let you sleep until it was time.”

  Thank the Fates for Lela. I might have had cold water dumped on me or something drawn on my face if Jordan had been left alone with my sleeping body.

  Lucas helped me up from the couch and we walked out together. The place had been transformed while I napped. Colorful flowers and streamers hung from every surface. The stage held an open casket with Lorelle’s favorite flowers surrounding her. Tables and chairs were set up all around the room and buffet tables were filled with various foods.

  The rest of our friends were already seated at the main table, and I was shocked to see Jenna sitting in between Lela and Miah. I was glad she was there, but I hoped it wouldn’t be too much too soon for her.

  We took our seats and I glanced around the table at the others. Everyone seemed to be holding it together well, which helped me to do the same. Jacob went on to the stage next and a hush fell over the room.

  “Thank you everyone for coming today. Lorelle left specific instructions for how she wanted this day to go in the event something happened to her, and I have done my best to honor those wishes.” Jacob cleared his throat and paused. “Lorelle was an amazing healer and friend to many. She didn’t often talk about herself, but she was always there for others and cared dee
ply for Arvata. Today, she would like nothing more for than for you all to remember the happy memories you might have of her and enjoy each other’s company. Life is too short to let the sadness take over.”

  Someone let out a ‘here, here’ and Jacob continued. “We left pens and paper on the table next to Lorelle and you’re welcome to share your memory or thoughts with her by writing them down and placing them in her casket when you’re done. Enjoy the celebrations today and please have fun, because that is exactly what Lorelle wanted.”

  Jacob walked off the stage and I wiped away the few tears I hadn’t be able to hold back. Lucas wrapped his arm around my shoulders and brought me closer. “I have an idea,” he whispered. “What do you think of the name Lorelle Annette? I wanted to have my mom’s name as the middle name if that’s sounds okay to you, and I think Lorelle would love the tribute.”

  I leaned up and kissed him. “I think it’s the best idea you’ve ever had. We can call her Ellie for short, so people aren’t confused.”

  “We’re having a baby.” Lucas smiled so huge.

  “And we’re going to have our happily-ever-after right here in Arvata. Lorelle said we’d make things different around here and that’s exactly what we will do.”

  Our family wasn’t going to go anywhere and the Fates were just going to have to deal with it or they’d be fighting a losing battle against a stubborn, pregnant Elder.

  “What are you two whispering about over?” Jordan leaned over and asked us.

  “Our little surprise,” I smiled. We weren’t ready to tell the rest of Arvata yet, so I didn’t want to say baby. I had butterflies in my stomach each time we spoke about our girl. I couldn’t believe I was going to be a mom.

  Jordan frowned and I knew what she was thinking. She thought we would be separated soon, but that wasn’t happening. She was going to be the best auntie in all the worlds.

  The conversations around the table quickly turned to stories of Lorelle. People stayed for the celebration until dusk. Lucas and I visited with each of the tables, as did the rest of the Elders, so we could show our support to the Guardians. I had never laughed and cried so many times in one day and by the end of the celebration, I had an even greater love and appreciation for Lorelle.