chapter EIGHTEEN
I took a long nap at Samuel’s before going home. I wanted nothing more than to curl up next to Vittorio and feel him hold me while we slept, but Samuel wouldn’t allow it, saying I was too exhausted. He had a point.
After resting, I went home. I hadn’t checked the voice mail on my cell phone for a few days, and discovered several messages from Ms. Carmen asking about my progress. The messages grew more frantic as she worried about why I didn’t return her calls.
She answered on the first ring. “Elena, what’s going on? Is Courtney alright?”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Carmen, I’ve been very sick the past few days. I’m just now starting to feel better. That’s why I haven’t answered the phone.”
“Oh, I was worried something had happened to you.”
“Like what?” I paced the kitchen.
“I don’t know. I told you I don’t know anything about Courtney’s new friends, but I don’t trust them. I don’t like what my baby has become.”
I was too tired to accept her continued scorn of the Gothic lifestyle. “Ms. Carmen, Goths are not dangerous. No more than any human being. Just because we choose to dress in black clothing and wear heavy makeup does not mean we are serial killers out to corrupt the youth of America. I’m sure Courtney is safe.”
Silence emanated from the other end of the line. “I - I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you.”
“I’m sure you didn’t, but I’m beginning to understand why your daughter may have wanted to to run away.” I wished the last part hadn’t slipped out. Blaming the parent for a runaway child was never a wise move, but I was still trying to come to terms with recent events, and my filter was not up to speed.
Her voice broke. “I’ve been a horrible mother, haven’t I?” she sniffled.
“Ms. Carmen, I’m sorry I said that. I told you I’ve been sick, and I’m still exhausted from that. Mothers and their teenage daughters rarely get along. I’m sure you’ve been a great mother, even if Courtney doesn’t agree right now.”
“I’m just so worried about her.”
“I know. As soon as I’m better, I’ll do all I can to find her. I think this Elizabeth Hardgrave may be a clue. I’m going to try to find her. Your daughter will be fine.”
“Thank you, Elena.” She hung up, her sobs making me feel about two inches tall.
That night, Kevin burst through the door. “Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick about you. Why haven’t you answered your phone?”
“It’s been a long, difficult couple of days. Just chill out a minute and I’ll try to explain.” I sat on the chair across from Kevin with my tea, and told him everything. With many interruptions, it took over an hour to try to explain it all. When I finished relating my tale of the fantastic to him, he sat with his jaw gaping, a look of disbelief on his face. “So are you going to have me committed?”
“I don’t even think the psych ward would take you.”
“You don’t believe me.”
“Give me a break, Elena. This isn’t exactly the easiest thing to swallow. I’m trying, but put yourself in my shoes.”
“I know it sounds unbelievable. Watch this, Kevin.” I turned off the lights, closed my eyes, and concentrated. I felt the power manifest in the palm of my hand. When I opened my eyes, the room glowed with light, bright enough to show the shock on Kevin’s face. “So?” He simply stared at me with his mouth open. “What do you think?”
“Wow.”
“I told you I’m not a nut job.”
“Now I think you are more than ever.”
I made a motion of throwing a ball, as if I would pitch the orb of light at him. He dove to the floor, and I laughed at him. “I can’t hurt you with it. Once I stop concentrating on it, it disappears,” I said in the darkness. I turned the lights back on.
“You should warn someone before you do that.” He sat back down in the chair, visibly shaken.
“You should stop calling me a nut job. Who knows what I’ll learn tomorrow.”
He looked at me with a slightly frightened look on his face.
“I’m just teasing you, Kevin. Do you really think I’d do something to hurt you? You’re my only friend. I’d just appreciate it if you’d be a little nicer to me right now. It’s not like all this is easy for me.”
“Sorry, this is quite a shock.”