Chapter 21
“I’ve been worried sick,” Jenny said as she enveloped Lily in a hug. Lily had barely stepped foot in the house before she was bombarded with questions, hugs, and more questions. “At least knowing that Landon was with you gave me some peace of mind. That boy is a keeper for sure.” Lily rolled her eyes at her aunt’s remark even though she agreed with her entirely.
“When the police told me you had disappeared,” Jenny said. “They told me you must have run off with Landon on a road trip or something like that, but I knew that wasn’t true at all. I knew exactly what had happened. Thank you for calling me by the way. I can’t tell you how relieved I was to hear you were safe.”
“That was the first thing Mr. Turner had us do. Mrs. Turner wasn’t as thrilled to get the phone call as you were. Landon got an earful.”
“I was just glad to hear you weren’t lying on the side of the road somewhere,” her aunt said almost crying. She pulled Lily toward her for another long hug.
“The actual kidnapping part wasn’t too great, but Mr. Turner took really good care of us once he discovered we were there, and Landon was almost always by my side watching out for me. I’m really glad you knew what was going on so you didn’t think I would just run off without telling you,” Lily said finally pulling herself away from her aunt’s grasp. She was so glad she had told her aunt the about her ability and everything that went along with it.
“I knew you couldn’t have possibly just left without saying anything to me about it. It’s just not like you. Anyway I’m relieved you’re safe and sound. Come to the kitchen with me. I’m gonna whip up some fettuccini alfredo for dinner and I want you to tell me everything. I don’t want you to leave out a single monorail ride. I need all the details, especially about why that man brought you there in the first place.”
“Actually, we rode in a limo the entire time,” Lily said matter of factly as if a limo were her aunt’s car she rode in every day.
“Whoa,” Lily’s aunt said as her eyebrows rose toward the ceiling.
“Yeah, that’s what I kept saying in my head pretty much the entire time we were there.” Lily filled her aunt in on everything from the kidnapping itself to the airplane ride home. The only part she left out was when Landon kissed her. She loved her aunt, but still didn’t feel totally comfortable talking to her about stuff like that. If her mom had been alive, she would have told her, but she wasn’t.
“So this guy wants to put you in danger to work for some agency?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t tell me you’re actually considering it.”
“Actually I am,” Lily said hesitantly. “I thought this gift was horrible and would only cause me trouble, but I’m coming to realize it could be a really good thing and could possibly help a lot of people. How can I have this tool, something that no one else has, and hide myself away and do nothing with it? How can I do that when I could use my gift to help other people?”
“You’ve always had a kind heart Lily,” her aunt said to her. “You’re so much like your mother. You’re kind to everyone and always willing to help, even if it isn’t in your best interest.” Lily smiled at her aunt’s comparison to her mother. It was probably one of the best compliments she had ever received.
“I know it could be dangerous, but Mr. Turner will have people there specifically to protect me. He doesn’t want anything to happen to me, and I know he will do everything he can to protect me. I know I should have talked to you about it first, but I already agreed to a trial run during Thanksgiving break.”
“You did what?”
“Mr. Turner is going to fly Landon, Malaya and me up to New York as soon as school lets out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I will help him with a small assignment so I can have a better idea what the job would be like. Landon and Malaya will be with me the whole time, and I’ll finally get to go to New York. Malaya and I have been dreaming of New York for ages! Mr. Turner is paying for everything, so we won’t have to spend a dime,” Lily pleaded. “It’s not just about going to New York either. It’s more than that. I need to know if my gift is something that I can use to help people. Really impact their lives in a big way. I mean if you knew you could prevent innocent people from dying and put criminals in jail where they belong, wouldn’t you feel obligated? Wouldn’t you want to help the world in any way you could? I have to know if this is something I can do. If this is something I should do. Please say this is okay, because I really want to go.” Lily’s aunt sighed and scooped her up into another big bear hug.
“I know how you must feel, but I just don’t want to lose you. I already lost your mother, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.” She pulled back and stroked Lily’s hair at the side of her face and tucked it behind her ear. “You can go,” she said giving in with a sigh. “But don’t make me regret it.”
***
When Lily woke up Monday morning it was almost like nothing out of the ordinary had happened over the weekend. Her alarm clock hadn’t gone off yet, so she curled lazily under her silky comforter. She closed her eyes enjoying being back in her own bed. She tried to go back to sleep as she normally would have any morning she woke up early, but instead her thoughts drifted to the events of the weekend and everything Mr. Turner had said. Something had happened over the weekend, and there was no ignoring that fact. A wave of concern over the unknown future enveloped her. If she chose to take the job offer, what would her life be like? Would she ever be able to come home and have a normal life? If not, what would happen to her relationship with Landon? What about Malaya and her family? She didn’t want to be a worry wart, but it was so hard for her not to dwell on the things that troubled her. She opened her eyes and looked around her room searching for something to distract herself. Everything in her room was the same as she had left it and the familiarity comforted her somewhat. Her gaze landed on a dress draped over the chair across the room. It was the grey sparkle dress she had worn in Las Vegas. It was the dress she was wearing when Landon kissed her for the first time. It had been her first kiss. Their first kiss. That memory washed away every other thought in her head. She hoped it was the first of hundreds more.
***
“Good morning,” Landon said settling for a hug when Lily got out of her aunt’s car. He wanted to kiss her more than anything, but her aunt and cousins were watching them and they were at school after all. It’s not like no one ever kissed on school grounds, because that was far from the truth. He just thought it was in bad taste in most cases. He wasn’t sure how Lily felt about kissing in front of everyone either, and so it wasn’t even an option in his mind. He never wanted to do anything that made her uncomfortable or that she wasn’t okay with. He would just have to wait until he had her alone.
Landon draped his arm gently around Lily’s shoulders as they walked into the school together. Lily had been on crutches long enough, his arm hardly fazed her. Only a few weeks ago Lily would have always walked in with Malaya by her side, but it had become a habit that on the days he was in charge of protecting her, he would walk her into the school. He walked Lily to her locker and then headed to his own. When he got there Dean was casually leaning against the locker waiting for him.
“Dude,” Dean said unmoving. “I think you might have been the one to fall down the stairs, because I think you’re having some memory loss.” Landon sighed and shoved Dean off his locker.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he responded.
“Oh, I think you do. I distinctly told you to lay off that girl, and what is the first thing I see when I drive up this morning? You and little Miss Cripple in a warm embrace.”
“Don’t call her that,” Landon said his jaw clenching. “What’s your problem with her anyway?”
“She’s not like us,” Dean spat out. “It’s all about status. We rule the school, and the girls we spend time with need to really be somebody. Royalty is ideal.”
“Yeah, well you’re a royal pain in the…”
“Take Amberly for instance,” Dean said interrupting Landon, ignoring him entirely. “That girl is the princess of the school. Maybe even the queen, now that I think about it. Of course, you had your chance with her, and for some reason gave her up and now she’s moved on. In case you haven’t heard the news, we’re an item,” Dean’s mouth spread into a wicked grin before continuing. “This girl you’ve got your eye on, she’s a low life nobody.”
“She’s more of a somebody than you’ll ever be,” Landon spat out.
“Whoa there, buddy, I’m just trying to be a good friend.”
“No you’re not. You’re trying to control everything and everybody just like you always do. You want everyone to do what you want them to do. A friend wouldn’t try to make me dump one of the most beautiful, amazing girls I’ve ever met. A friend would be happy for me.” Dean’s expression changed from a disgruntled pout to heated and angry.
“This isn’t about what I want you to do,” Dean snorted as if he were a bull about to charge. “It’s about preserving the balance in the high school jungle. We can’t mix with losers, man. If you do, the status of our entire group plummets. People will think we’re just like everybody else. I can’t let that happen to the group.”
“I highly doubt that my relationship with Lily would make that much of a difference to anyone.” Landon was livid at this person who he had once considered a friend. He was done with Dean.
“Think what you want, but if you don’t dump this girl by the end of today you’re out of the group,” Dean huffed. “And that’s final.”
“Fine,” Landon retorted not caring one bit if he was still friends with those creeps. “I guess this is good bye then.” Dean shook his head at Landon in disgust before walking away down the hall. It was over. Landon had been so afraid of being “out” of the group for so long. He had been afraid to lose what friends he had, regardless of how bad the friendships actually were. He hadn’t wanted to be alone. Now that he had actually done what he had wanted to do for so long, he felt relief wash over him. He was finally free. He had a beautiful, amazing girlfriend, and he had Malaya as a friend too. A small part of him worried about possible retaliation Dean might attempt because of his so called mutiny, but he wasn’t sure Dean would bother. They had been good friends at one time after all. He pushed the worry out of his mind and walked to his first class with his head held higher than normal. His gait was light and he smiled the whole way there. He was happier than ever.
***
Landon, Lily and Malaya sat around the kitchen table at the Turner house enjoying the homemade cupcakes Mrs. Turner had “just whipped up and thrown in the oven,” as she had told them. It was the first time Landon had hosted a movie night, and his mother was elated. She had been relieved and overjoyed to hear that her son was no longer friends with the trouble makers at school, and she was especially pleased about their replacements. She adored Lily and Malaya and thought they were the sweetest girls in the world. She was so glad her son was finally spending his time with people who would be good influences on him.
“If you need anything,” Landon’s mother said beaming. “I’ll be upstairs in the craft room.”
“Thanks mom,” Landon said helping himself to another chocolate sprinkled cupcake.
“These are delicious by the way,” Malaya called after her.
“Oh thank you dear,” she replied calling back. “It’s an old family recipe. Enjoy.”
“Well, I think this school week has been an especially good one,” Malaya pointed out as she finished the last of her cupcake and licked the frosting remaining on her fingertips. The week had gone well for all of them. The previous weekend had been a nightmare, but the past six days had been a dream. Lily’s was the most relaxing week she had had in a long time. The past month had been nerve wracking for all of them. They had been on edge for so long, but now that they didn’t have to worry about some strange man coming after Lily, they could all relax and let down their guard. Landon’s week was great because he was finally free from his “friends” and he knew Lily was safe. Malaya’s week had been especially nice because of a note she had found in her locker.
“So what did it say again?” Lily was curious about this secret admirer Malaya had been telling her about.
“Ever since the day I saw you give your presentation in World Literature, I have been unable to think of anyone but you,” Malaya quoted the note. She had read it so many times she had memorized it. “You were mesmerizing. Your beauty is far beyond anything I could ever hope to imagine. I know that you don’t know who I am, but it would be an honor to escort you to the winter wonderland dance. If you are interested at all, please write back by this Monday. You can leave the message with Sue Woodward in the admissions office. She will know where to find me. Your secret admirer.” Malaya nearly swooned as she finished the last words.
“What a sap,” Landon laughed. “He must have had a girl write that for him.”
“Landon,” Lily said whapping him on the shoulder. “It’s not sappy. It’s called being romantic.”
“Well, all I know is that letter is far too poetic for an average guy to write,” he said throwing up his hands. “Most guys would have written something simple and to the point like, ‘Malaya, do you like me? Circle yes or no’. This guy is a softie whoever he is.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Lily offered seeing the troubled look on Malaya’s face. “I bet he would come up with some amazingly romantic date ideas.”
“And maybe bring me roses,” Malaya sighed as she rested her chin in her hands. Lily nodded in agreement.
“And write you poetry,” Lily added shooting a glance at Landon.
“Don’t look at me,” he said defensively. “I hardly know which side of a pen is ‘up’.”
“I don’t even know who he is. How does he expect me to be his date without even knowing who he is?” Both Lily and Landon shrugged their shoulders.
“Why don’t you ask him on a pre-dance date,” Landon offered. “Tell him you’re interested in him and would like to get to know him better before the dance. I don’t see how any guy would have a problem with that.”
“Oh,” Malaya said excitedly. Her face suddenly sported a wide smile. “That’s perfect Landon. Thanks.”
“Anytime,” Landon responded casually. “What are friends for?”
“Let’s get the movie started,” Lily said heading to the living room. She plopped onto the couch, shoved her crutches to the side, and snuggled close to Landon as soon as he had turned on the movie and sat in the space beside her. They were watching an old black and white Dracula movie that Malaya had picked up at the library. Although most people wouldn’t find older movies very scary, Lily found that the black and white ones sometimes frightened her most. It seemed there was more left to the imagination than films made more recently. Although Lily would probably be scared silly by this old movie, because she had a very good imagination, she was ready to face Count Dracula and his creepy night world. With Malaya as her screaming buddy and Landon ready to hold her hand whenever she needed it, she had everything she could want for the perfect scary movie night. It was so nice for everything to feel normal again.
***
“Lily, Lily,” Malaya squealed running down the school hallway. She waved a piece of paper in her hand as she artfully dodged anyone who crossed her path. “Look, it’s from him,” she said bouncing the last few steps towards Lily gleefully.
“Can I read it,” Lily said happily. She was almost as excited as her friend was. Malaya just nodded grinning and handed the note to Lily. This note was typed, but it was just as poetic as the last.
Malaya,
I cannot tell you how happy I was to see your response. If you hadn’t answered my letter, I would have truly suffered. I would love to go on a pre-dance date with you. I will go wherever you want, whenever you want. It’s your choice. I’ll meet you after school on Friday on the front steps of the school. I can’t wait to see your beautiful face.
Your Secret Admirer
“Wow, this guy really has a thing for you,” Lily said when she had finished reading. “I can see what Landon was saying though about his writing. He’s got to be a really sensitive guy to have been able to write with such feeling. I foresee candlelight dinners in your future.” Lily waved her hands and wiggled her fingers over an invisible crystal ball.
“I hope so,” Malaya said leaning against the nearest locker dreamily. “If he has baby blue eyes and is as muscular as the guy on the front of my mom’s trashy romance novel, I think I may just have to marry him.” Malaya let out a gigantic sigh at the thought of it, and began to walk down the hall. Lily just smiled and shook her head as she followed her friend to the exit doors. They walked out of the school together and climbed into Landon’s waiting car. All the way to Lily’s house they chattered about what Malaya’s mystery man would be like.
“Tall, dark and handsome,” Landon finally said determined. “Oh, and bald. Definitely bald.”
“Landon,” both girls cried out in unison. Landon just snickered at them as he turned onto Lily’s street. By the time they had reached Aunt Jenny’s kitchen table they were all laughing hysterically. Each one of them had added ridiculous characteristics to the mystery man. So far he was bald, had a handlebar mustache, and a hairy mole on the tip of his left ear. His favorite hobby was collecting acorns and he enjoyed playing the accordion with his feet.
“This guy is beginning to sound like my uncle Bart,” Malaya giggled.
“Maybe it is your uncle Bart,” Landon said playfully.
“I know,” Lily said ready to add to the latest model of the mystery man. “Maybe he’s got a quirky toe that he can wiggle on command.”
“Lily,” Malaya said somewhat annoyed, but still laughing. “I have a toe that can wiggle on command.”
“Oh, yeah,” Lily remembered. “Sorry.” They all burst out in another chorus of laughter. When they had finally calmed down Lily propped her crutches against the door frame of the pantry to search for something to eat. Her hunt didn’t last long and when she emerged from the pantry she met two silent, wary faces.
“What’s wrong?” She set the package of chocolate cookies she was holding on the nearest countertop. Landon picked up a small package that had been resting on the kitchen counter.
“It’s from Las Vegas,” he said handing it to her. It had her name on it typed in bold black letters as well as instructions that Lily should be the only one to open it. She held the package in her hands and took a deep breath before pulling a knife from a drawer to cut the packing tape that held the box together. She set the package on the table and opened the flaps that concealed its contents. Lily reached her hand inside the box cautiously as if a tiny lion might me hiding inside it just waiting for her hand to get close enough before pouncing. Instead of a lion she pulled out a bubble wrapped object and an envelope. She set the envelope on the table beside the box and unwound the bubble wrap to find a heavy, grayish green paper weight. It was a miniature of the Statue of Liberty. Lily passed it to Malaya’s waiting hand, and then turned back to the envelope. She ripped it open and pulled out its contents. In her hand she held three round-trip airplane tickets to New York and a typed note. It was short and to the point.
Miss Harrison,
Here are the plane tickets for you and your friends. As you can see your plane leaves the Tuesday evening before Thanksgiving. I want you to have as much time in New York as you can. If you choose to join our team, you will be spending a lot of time there. I also want to have you on hand as we prepare. Thank you for accepting this assignment. You will be very valuable to the operation. We are extremely fortunate to have found you. We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks.
Mr. John Turner
After reading it in her head, she passed it to Landon. He read it silently and handed it to Malaya, who had been studying the statue.
“He sounds like an okay guy,” she said when she had finished reading the note.
“That’s only because you haven’t met him yet,” Landon responded irritated.
“Sometimes it seems like you’re his best friend,” Lily started trying to explain her observation of Mr. Turner. “And at other times it’s like you might as well be a stranger to him. It’s kind of unsettling.”
“Bottom line, Malaya,” Landon said stuffing the bubble wrap back into the box using more force than was necessary. “Don’t trust him. Period.”