The Secret of Strange Waters (The Light Keeper Series Book 2) (12 page)

Talon put his hand out first and Owen took it, responding before Talon could. “Sorry about the other night, it was all my fault,” he admitted. “Thanks for having my back, or uh, trying to, anyway.”

“You’d do the same, right?” Talon said.

Owen glanced at me. “Yeah, I think I would.” He was only saying it for my benefit.

“See, it’s not so bad! We’re a team now. I need you
both
.” I pulled them both in and put an arm around each of their waists.

Talon took a step back. “I wanted you to come see what we found online,” he said, motioning to his room. “It’s another test kit. This place seems legit. It only costs a few dollars, too, so we can get it anytime. It’ll take about a week to come in.”

We were all dying to know what was in the Water, and no one wanted to know more than me. “Let’s order it now. The sooner we get it, the better.” I wanted to know what was causing the reaction in me, especially the glowing.

Talon started out, but paused. He pulled his lips in tight and turned to face us. “Look, Lily. I was thinking maybe our research isn’t enough. Hunter and I can only go so far with any of this. We’re out of our league when it comes to understanding this stuff. But what if we find a professional and ask their advice?”

“No way,” I gasped. Owen was silent behind me. “I don’t want anyone knowing anything! My own mother doesn’t believe me, and whatever it is, we’re going to deal with it. I don’t need some crazy person coming around stirring things up with our parents and making me front page news. I’ve got enough people out there knowing!”

“I don’t mean tell them everything. I am just thinking there are scientists, paranormal investigators, all sorts of people who might give us a scientific understanding as to what the hell is in the Water and why you’re glowing. Bioluminescence is—“

“No!” I barely got the word out of my mouth when Owen stepped in front of me.

“Sounds to me like you’re already checking into things,” he said, folding his arms across his chest.

“I’m only trying to find answers that could help. Lily is my girlfriend and I want to do anything I can to protect her. You should understand that, Owen!”

Owen curled his lip. “I understand more than you think. You want those answers for yourself. To know
what
you’re dating. All you’re going to do is bring attention to her, put her in danger, and turn Bragg Road into an even more ridiculous spectacle than it already is!”

“I know who Lily is! What she is! She’s all that matters, but you think what you want. And as for putting her in danger, you didn’t seem to mind selfishly breaking your promise about the Water and being a big shot on the field! You caused that attack the other night—you and your showing off! If anyone is putting her at risk it’s you!” Talon stepped closer, and I put a hand to his chest and one on Owen’s.

Owen’s face paled as what Talon said sunk in. As true as it was, I couldn’t stand to see him hurting. “Stop it! It’s over! It’s the past! What we do from now on is all that matters! I don’t want you to involve anyone else. You can dig for answers, but no one is to know about me or my gifts! I don’t want some researcher sniffing around here. Promise me, Talon.” I searched his eyes and noticed the muscles in his jaw tighten as he glared at Owen.

Finally his eyes met mine, and he nodded. “I promise.” I grew uneasy at his reaction, but I let it go. I trusted him to do the right thing.

ON MONDAY,
AS TALON
drove into the school parking lot following the ‘Cuda, we noticed that French and his cousin Dodie were waiting for us outside, next to the doors. The looks on their faces were priceless when we all approached without so much as a scratch on us.

I could hear the whispers all around. One of the cheerleaders shook her head and told her friend, “That French, he’s such a liar! There isn’t a mark on any of them!” She rolled her eyes, and they walked away.

Another boy, a senior I think, whispered to his friend, “What is French trying to prove?” He shook his head. Whatever French had been telling everyone was clearly being debunked. As we passed him, Owen gave him a nod. The rest of us acted like nothing had happened.

“Well, you look like you survived!” Bobbie Watson, a girl I recognized from my science class, pinched Owens cheek. “I’m glad nothing happened to that pretty face!”

“Why would it?” He played dumb while flirting back with his eyes.

“French has been telling everyone that you got your ass beat Saturday night. He said he probably put you in the hospital.” She laughed. “Even his cousin Dodie vouched for him, the liars!”

Owen held his arms out. “Do I look like I got beat up?”

“No, you look
fine
to me.” She giggled. “I heard about you and Meagan,” she said, her lip poking out like it was the saddest news ever.

“Uh, Lily? Holly? I’ll catch up.” He waved us on. I wondered how he’d compare the bubbly cheerleader to me. I gave Talon a peck on the cheek and told him I’d see him at lunch. Holly and Hunter parted as well, leaving us girls on our own.

As we walked on to the junior hall and passed the water fountains, I noticed the familiar face coming out of the bathroom. I got a sick feeling. “That’s him, Holly, by the bathroom door. That’s the guy who attacked me.” Holly looked up.

“That’s Kevin Hilliard,” she said. “His buddy, Coy Sheffield, was the one after me. Coy is French’s cousin and Dodie’s younger brother.”

“Is Kevin related to them, too?” It seemed everyone around was related somehow.

“Nope, don’t think so. He moved here at the end of last year. Lives with his drunken uncle—bad reputation, should have graduated a year ago.”

I watched as he walked into his classroom. Keeping his head down, he didn’t notice me.
Kevin Hilliard
, I thought.
I won’t forget that name.

* * *

By the next day, everyone had forgotten all about the big rumor, because it was obviously not true. French and his boys were too embarrassed to confront us about it so far, but we knew it was only a matter of time.

On Thursday, Talon and I cut school right before lunch. We went home to meet up with Mom. She’d taken off early, too, because we had to pick up Tom from the airport. He was on a four-day weekend and was coming home for the first time since Mom found out she was expecting.
Our family will all be together again
, I thought. Then I realized that the word “family” didn’t really bother me anymore.

Mom cried for thirty minutes after Tom’s plane arrived. She was so happy to see him, and with her hormones out of whack because of the baby, she was a real train wreck. She probably wouldn’t have quit if we didn’t stop to eat. That’s about all she did: eat, sleep, and cry. She was beginning to look really cute, too. Her small frame now showed a protruding round belly.

We made it home in time for Tom to see Owen and Hunter pull up in their new car. “Oh man! Whose Barracuda is that?” Tom asked.

Talon filled him in. “That’s Owen and Hunter’s birthday present. Sweet, ain’t it?”

“You think they’d let me take it for a spin?” He eyed the car, practically salivating over it. Tom had a thing for cars, and actually named Talon for the one he was apparently conceived in—or so Talon said.

Holly jumped out of the car, and Hunter followed. “Hey, Tom! Welcome home,” he said, shaking Tom’s hand. “This is my girlfriend, Holly.” Holly held out a hand and blushed.

“Hi!” Her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh! Talon looks
just
like you! It’s nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you. Cate says you’ve been a great friend to our Lily.” I loved the way he said “Our Lily.” He was really going to be my dad. The idea was growing on me.

“Thanks for letting me stay here. I really appreciate it.” Her voice squeaked as if she was embarrassed, knowing that Tom knew her situation.

“You’re very welcome,” he said. As we walked inside, he asked Hunter about taking that spin.

We spent the evening catching up around the kitchen table. Mom had her bridal magazines spread out in front of us, along with some brochures and local travel guides.

“This is a cool place.” Talon handed Tom a brochure across the table. “Where are you two going, anyway?” The honeymoon was going to be cut short, as well as the wedding.

“I don’t know. It can’t be too far away,” Tom said. “I won’t have much time off.”

“I think a cabin at the lake would be nice,” said Mom. “That’s only an hour from here.”

Tom smiled. “Wherever you want to go, baby.” Tom always called Mom “baby.” I wondered what he’d call her when the baby came. Talon didn’t have any special names he called me, but that didn’t matter, I liked the way my name rolled off his tongue.

“Isn’t there some sort of old house we could rent for the reception? Someplace with a pretty staircase?” I wasn’t sure if Mom had ever known about a place like that, but we’d find it somehow. I knew, because of the vision.

“Yes, actually, there’s a historic home that rents for weddings. That would be perfect! I wonder if it’s big enough.” Mom put her finger to her lips to think.

“I bet it is now that you’re making it a smaller gathering. We can go check it out one day next week.” I loved outings with Mom, and I couldn’t wait to get away from Bragg Road for a bit for reasons other than school.

“Okay,” she said with a smile, clearly pleased in my interest. “I still want my wine-colored roses and the archway.” She scribbled a note in her planner. I couldn’t tell her, but the flowers in the vision were peach and white. Everything was very soft and beautiful as if it was spring, but what did seasons matter, anyway? This was Southeast Texas, after all, and there wasn’t any archway.

“Oh yeah, Granny wants to make your cakes as a gift,” Hunter said. “She wanted me to find out if you already had that taken care of.”

“Well, we did, until the changes. My cake lady is booked in November, so that would be perfect. She’s such a lifesaver. Her chocolate cake would make a wonderful groom’s cake!” Mom held her belly, probably wishing she had a slice.

“See Mom, everything is gonna work out perfectly!” I held her hand across the table. It was nice being able to know that for sure. Sometimes the visions were helpful when they weren’t misinterpreted. This was one time I was certain they weren’t.

* * *

Later, while Mom and Tom were catching up on their alone time, we all went to the living room to watch a movie. Owen joined us. As soon as the movie was over, Hunter stood up to stretch and asked me if I’d come with him for a minute.

“Sure,” I said, standing from Talon’s side. “What’s up?” Holly looked at him, puzzled, but kept her seat at the other end of the couch.

We walked outside, where the October chill was in the air, and sat on Tom’s tailgate. Hunter looked lost in thought. “Is everything alright?” I put my hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah, I need to ask your advice.” Redness rose to his cheeks as he smiled.

“Sure, anything,” I assured. Hunter seemed out of it lately, and I hadn’t given it too much thought until I sat there waiting, watching the nerves get to him as he contemplated how he was going to start.

“Well, I wanna know if it’s okay for someone to propose without a ring.” He tucked his chin, looking uncertain.

“You are going to
propose
to Holly?” I clarified. “Really? Like marriage?”

“Well, a promise of marriage, if you think I can without a ring, then yes. I’d like to get her a promise ring someday. I can’t find that dang gold and Granny won’t ever let me have more money than I need to get by.”

I took his hand for reassurance. They were large and swallowed mine, unlike his brother’s. “Have you asked her for money for a ring?”

“I don’t know if she’ll go for that. My birthday’s in another week, but I bet she’ll think seventeen is too young for a promise ring.” He shook his head and laughed. “Maybe it’s ridiculous.”

“It’s not ridiculous! You love her, and it’s not like you’re getting married, it’s only making a promise, right?” I shrugged. “I couldn’t see how she’d mind that. She loves Holly too.”

“I don’t know.” He tucked his chin again. “I’d get a job if she’d let me work, but I can’t do that as long as I’m in school.”

I glanced down at my own hand. “Here, take this.” I pulled Alyssa’s ring off my finger.

“What? No way, not your ring! That’s an antique—a family heirloom.” He pushed my hand away.

“You
are
family, and Holly will be! Besides, this ring never meant anything to Alyssa. She didn’t even love the man who gave it to her, remember? It has no sentimental meaning to me, really. I only wear it because it’s pretty. I know Holly likes it, too.” I tried my best to be convincing. “It’s not the ring or how much money, Hunter. It’s the symbol—the meaning behind the ring.” I held it out and nudged it into his hand.

He hesitated. “If you’re sure?” He took it and put it on his pinky. It didn’t make it past the first knuckle.

“I’m positive. If she doesn’t like it, she can always have it melted and make her own,” I shrugged.

“You’re the best, Lily! I’m taking her out tomorrow night, just the two of us and I’ll do it then.” He smiled so big I almost thought I saw a glimmer of what could be tears, but Hunter was too tough to let them spill. “You think she’ll say yes?” He raised a brow.

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Are you kidding? She’s
definitely
gonna say yes!” I stood up from the tailgate and left him there to ponder.

When I made it to the porch, he called out to me. “Will you send Holly out?” I turned and noticed him put the ring in his pocket.

“Sure.” I walked in the door and called for her.

After she passed me, smiling, with a very suspicious look in her eye, I took my seat on the couch with Talon. He pulled the blanket from off my bed around us and pulled me in close to snuggle. He jumped when my cold hands ran up his shirt to touch his stomach. Then he took them in his to warm them.

“Where’s your ring? You never take it off.” He looked at me puzzled. He’d always liked the ring and twisting it while holding my hand.

I gave him a wink. “It’s not
my
ring anymore.”

“Did you sell it?” Owen asked. He’d been paying attention while flipping channels. He always wondered how much it was worth.

“No, you two don’t worry about it.” I smirked, knowing if I told them anything now, they’d rib Hunter about it, especially Owen. He’d surely make Hunter’s life miserable and try to talk him out of it.

“No secrets in the circle,” Owen reminded.

“Some things are private,” I reminded him. He shrugged like he didn’t care, but I could see it eating at him.

Talon changed the subject. “Lily, are you able to go to specific places and events in time? I mean, can you choose?” I frowned; I hoped he wasn’t going to be like Owen and make me feel like some circus sideshow’s crystal ball. He usually didn’t ask many questions.

“I don’t know. Kind of, I guess. I mean, I have visions pertaining to what is in my heart and mind at the time of the vision, or at least linked to it in some way, so it seems. But since taking the Waters I haven’t really had time to practice. Perhaps it has improved. I know I have sound now.” I shrugged and looked at him as he stared at the floor. “Why?” I asked. Owen’s earlier accusations about him trying to figure me out for his own needs wore on me. What If Talon ever decided that I was too much of a freak for him? A pinch ached deep in the center of my heart; I never wanted to lose him.

“Just wondering.” He reached over to grab the remote away from Owen.

Owen frowned. “You know, we really should try and figure out how far you can go with it. Can you even leave the area with the Light? Or is it only Bragg Road? After all, the Light sort of lives here, right?”

“Alyssa only stayed here because of Michael. The Light’s attached to me, not the road, but I’m curious what makes this place so special.” Talon stopped on a commercial featuring a superhero dog that ran lightning fast to his doggie bowl.

Owen laughed at the pooch. “If you could be a superhero, Talon, what power would you want?” Owen grabbed a throw pillow and put it behind his head.

Talon, who started flipping the channels again, paused to think. “I don’t know. I think reading minds would be cool.” He gave me a funny look when he said that, as if he might want to read mine. I wanted to read his. “What about you?”

Owen chuckled. “I think mind control would be best. Making people do things they wouldn’t normally do.” He smirked and stared at the ceiling. I wondered what he was thinking as well, and it scared me. “So what about you, Lily? You know—if you had a choice.” I obviously had a power. But he was right. I hadn’t chosen it; it had chosen me.

I felt the blood rush to my face. “Well, I wouldn’t glow, that’s for sure.”

“Why not? You’re beautiful when you glow.” Talon caressed my cheek.

“Yeah, you do look pretty amazing,” Owen agreed.

“I don’t even look human. It’s like I’m some freaky alien thing.” I crinkled my nose.

Owen turned to look at me, his brows pinched with deep wonder. “Maybe you are an alien? Like Superman. Maybe the alien stories about the Light are true. Alyssa could be out in space somewhere waiting on your return to the mother planet.” His serious tone caused me and Talon to chuckle.

“Yeah, it’s all been one big alien abduction side effect.” I closed my eyes and laughed at the absurdity of the thought and shrugged, because I had no idea if it was true or not.

“Think about it. If we all start drinking the Waters, we’ll all have superhuman powers. We’ll all, in a sense, be superheroes.” Owen was serious, but he sounded like a six-year-old boy. “Lily, you’ll be our leader, our queen.” He rambled on.