“Well, that’s something to change. If we’re to interact with other realms, we need to start right here, in this office.”
“Excellent point.” Grandmother nods softly. “Tim, let me give you the grand tour.” She gestures across a group of men and women of many ages and sizes, all of them with chestnut hair, amber skin, and great chocolate-brown eyes. “Over here, we have Sophia, Isabel, and Martin. They ran Camilla’s election campaign. By the window, you’ll find Fortus, Quin, and Felix; they manage office operations. Coco, Seina, Arturo, and Hugo are in the back conference room helping themselves to cake. They take care of correspondence and requests. And finally we have Tanis and Bea in finance.”
Tim’s jaw falls a little loose. “I’ll never remember everyone.”
Grandmother frowns. “That’s quite unfortunate. There’ll be a test later.” Her tail whips ominously behind her.
A bead of black sweat trickles down Tim’s cheek. “Oh, no. I’m completely unprepared.”
Mom sets her hand on Tim’s arm. “Don’t worry. Sanctus is teasing.”
Tim exhales. “Ah, I see.”
A girl about four years old steps up to Grandmother and pulls on her pant leg. “You forgot me.” She’s a little wisp whose chestnut hair hangs in ringlets like Cissy’s. Her long black tail reaches upwards, winding gently about Grandmother’s hand. She’s adorable. I imagine acres of cousins, aunts, and uncles hidden around Purgatory. Cute little moppets that ask me to sing stupid songs. Older relatives who may have some awesome advice on how to land the best service after graduation. Men and women Mom’s age who know secret family recipes. My tummy feels warm with Lewis love.
This. Is. Awesome.
Sanctus scoops the girl up into her arms. “How could I ever forget you, Dani? What’s your title again?”
“Vice President of Fun.”
“That’s right. And does our Vice President have any plans for today?”
“Yeah. We all go with Auntie Camilla to the swearing in.”
Sanctus raises her white eyebrows. “Now that’s a top notch idea, Dani.” She turns to Mom. “There’s no law against it, as long as you don’t mind.”
“Mind? I’d love it.” Mom claps her hands. “Everyone, Sanctus and I have an important announcement to make. You’re all joining me at the swearing-in ceremony!” The room erupts in a cheer. Mom turns to Tim. “Can you open a portal for us, please?”
Tim nods. “Of course.” A black hole about eight feet high opens in the center of the room.
Mom positively beams. “Now, everyone, grab the hand of the person next to you and don’t let go! We’ll all portal into the Senate chambers together.” There’s a murmur and shuffling of feet as everyone forms a long daisy chain. “Are we all ready?”
Another cheer erupts around the room. This time, I let out a happy shout as well. I can’t believe I have this awesome family hiding out somewhere!
Mom grips Tim’s hand firmly. “Alright, then. We’re off!”
One by one, every member of my amazing, newfound family steps through the portal. Last in line is Grandmother with little Dani perched on her hip. As they disappear into the darkness, the image in the Gray Sea changes. The diplomatic offices transform from reality back into sand. The granules slowly collapse into the floor of the Gray Sea.
I wake with a jolt, stretch and smile, smile, smile. Reading about the Senate doesn’t compare to seeing Mom in her purple robes, smiling and confident. I press my palms into my eyes and yawn. My mind races through every moment of the dreamscape.
Senator Camilla Lewis, wow.
Resetting my pillow beneath my head, I stare out the window. The sky’s still dark; I glance at my alarm clock. 4 AM. Rain streams down the windowpane. My anger with Lincoln feels a million miles away. How’d I let some dope get my demon so riled up? There are more important things to worry about. Like meeting my family.
Speaking of which…
I set my bare feet onto the chilly floor, tiptoe into Mom’s room, and stand by the foot of her bed. My body hums with nervous, happy energy.
“Mom, are you awake?”
She yawns. “Having trouble sleeping, Myla?” She pats the space beside her.
“You could say that.” I plunk onto the bed with a small bounce, my back resting against the headboard.
Mom’s chocolate eyes open wide. “Did you get a dreamscape from Verus?”
I grin. “Oh, yeah.”
She takes a deep breath. “Do you have any questions?”
“You were a Senator, Mom. Wow.” I slap the mattress in an excited rhythm. “I read something in a book that said you were one, but in the dreamscape I saw it like it was real.” I bite my thumbnail. “I guess that wasn’t a question, really.”
Mom pulls herself upright so she sits beside me. “Was that a book from the Ryder library?”