The Four Points: Book 1 (The Four Points Saga) Page 15

  I didn’t know if Kai would ever even meet his father. Kai didn’t remember Jack. He was gone before Kai was even a year old. My eyes filled with tears, the salty liquid falling and mixing with the fresh hot water that washed down my skin. In that moment I cried not only for Kai, but for myself. I didn’t have a relationship like that with my own father. I hadn’t seen my father in years. A relationship like that would never be mine. It was too late.

  Only in my solitude, usually within the confines of a shower, would I let my emotions flow. Maybe it was the water that made me feel it was okay to cry. Whatever the reason, this was usually the only place I would. I knew the reason I would never let anyone close to me was my fear of being abandoned again. I just wondered if I would ever be able to leave the past in the past where it belonged, and be able to separate my father from other men.

  I missed my brother. I thought about the promise I’d made to him before I left, and I wondered whether Liam had an Xbox or if I would have to buy one. After my shower, I got dressed, making sure my red eyes had returned to their normal hue. After ensuring all traces of my tears were gone, I bounced down the stairs. I heard voices at the bottom, I stood outside the living room entrance and listened to Liam recap the story of the river.

  “She was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it; she is so fast.”

  “Couldn’t you be exaggerating a little, Liam?” Sofia questioned. “Jayson did beat her in the race today.”

  “No, you didn’t see her. She’s new to this but she’s a natural. Mr. Blithe let it slip to me that she’s a little different from us. I don’t know what he means, but I’m going to find out. I think her powers will surpass us all.”

  “Pardon me, Miss Erika.” I was startled by Nicholas as he came up behind me with a tray of tea, giving away my eavesdropping.

  “Didn’t your mom tell you it’s not polite to spy on people?” Sofia said as I walked in the room.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to ask you, Liam, if you had an Xbox?”

  “You’re a gamer? Cool, me too! Weird though, I would’ve never pegged you as a gamer.” Jayson looked at me with one eyebrow raised.

  “No Jayson, I’m not, but I promised my brother that I would play multiplayer Minecraft with him.”

  “Sorry Erika, I don’t have one and I know Jayson’s not giving up his, but I can get you one.” Jayson was nodding his head in agreement as Liam spoke.

  “Hey can I play with you guys?” Jayson asked. “I love Minecraft; you should see my world.”

  “I’m sorry Jayson, I promised it would be just me and my little brother.”

  “Ahhh, no fun. Well, are you at least going to go to Audrey’s with us after dinner?”

  “Who’s Audrey?”

  “It’s not a who. It’s a place, a café where different artists perform. I wanted to tell you about it earlier, but then the whole river thing happened.” Liam put his hand through his drying hair as he spoke, pushing back the soft locks that fell on his forehead.

  “Thanks for the invitation, but I think I’ll run to the store to pick up an Xbox. Do you have a number for a cab?”

  “Don’t be silly… Nicholas!” Liam called.

  “Yes sir, how may I help you?”

  “Please send Thomas to buy an Xbox for Erika.”

  “No really, it’s okay, I can get it myself,” I protested.

  “Nonsense. Nicholas, please have him go immediately.” Liam’s instructions were followed, mine were ignored.

  “Yes sir.” Nicholas exited the room.

  “Liam, who’s Thomas? I have to give him money.” I held my debit card in my hand.

  “He’s my chauffeur. You haven’t met him yet; he had the day off when we arrived back home. I’ll make sure to introduce you soon. And Erika, you will never pay for a thing when you’re with me. You might as well just destroy that thing you’re holding in your hand.”

  “Thank you Liam, but really I’m uncomfortable accepting gifts from people.”

  “Well you better get used to it, it’s not going to change. That goes for your family as well. You and your family will always be taken care of,” Liam said, repeating the sentiment he’d made on the plane.

  “Oh, stop acting like a martyr, Erika. Liam is only loaded because he can see the future, so really his money is ours too, since we all have to keep each other alive,” Sofia declared.

  “I completely agree,” Jayson added. The three of them laughed together.

  “You know Erika, there is an eight-hour time difference between us and Riverton. Your brother is probably still in school.”

  Liam was right. I hadn’t thought about that.

  “See, you should come with us to Audrey’s and call him after.” Liam’s smile radiated throughout the room brighter than the fireplace he stood by, and I knew the warmth I felt emanating through my body was drawn from him and not the burning embers that crackled by his side. Though I wanted to be with him, I declined. I knew I was meant to be a part of this group, the destined four, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t belong.

  “Thank you, Liam. I really just don’t feel like going out.” I watched as Liam’s smile dissipated like a flame squelched by water.

  Liam started to argue the reasons I should go, but he was interrupted by an annoyed Sofia. “Liam, leave the girl alone. If she doesn’t want to go, let her be.” Sofia rolled her eyes exaggeratedly.

  To Sofia’s delight, I declined Liam’s invitation. Instead I stayed in my room all night where I had room service while playing Minecraft with my brother and fending off incessant questions from my mother. One thing that did not surprise me, but was still hard to accept, was the fact that Liam had given my family money. Five million dollars was sent as an anonymous gift to the “Mother of the Riverton Hero” for supposedly raising a remarkable daughter. Both Alyssa and Kai had also been given two million dollars each to be used for education and life.

  Laying there in bed that night, I was grateful to Liam for the gifts he’d bestowed on my family. Finances would never be a worry again. I know money doesn’t buy happiness, but I also know that money makes things easier. In my life, my family had periods of wealth and periods of poverty. I would choose the wealth any day. Money doesn’t change who you are; it can’t make a sad person happy, it can’t make a negative person positive, but it does ease some of life’s pains. I couldn’t help feeling indebted to Liam, and I hated that feeling. I never want to be dependent on anyone, especially a man, and the more I thought about it the angrier I got. Who is Liam to think that he’s my prince, my savior? I don’t need anyone pitying me! I don’t need anyone trying to look after me!

  Chapter 16

  TRAINING FOR BATTLE

  I woke to my phone ringing. “Hello,” I answered groggily.

  “Good morning Miss Erika, this is your six a.m. wakeup call.”

  “What? Who is this?”

  The voice answered politely, “Nicholas, miss. Breakfast will be served at seven a.m. sharp.”

  “Okay, thank you,” I said dazed, reaching to hang up the phone.

  I had almost forgotten where I was. For a minute I’d thought I was back in my own bedroom in Riverton, but I was here in England with the expectation that I would help save the world. I looked through the silhouetted curtains, my vision blurred by their soft flowing movements. The window was slightly cracked open, the room embracing the brisk fresh air that made the curtains dance. I peered at the expensive oil paintings that hung from the wall. I gently ran my hand over the luxurious sheets that caressed my body. My surroundings were orchestrated for peace and tranquility, but I did not conform. I’d woken up cranky, pissed off, and then I remembered why. After getting dressed I stormed downstairs, ready to confront Liam.

  “Ahh Erika, good morning,” Mr. Blithe said. “Here is your schedule for today.”

  I ignored Mr. Blithe and the others. My eyes were set on one person— Liam. “What gives you the right to interfere with my fam
ily? Who told you that you could just give that much money to them?”

  “Wait, wait, wait. Are you seriously trying to tell me that you’re mad because your family never has to worry about money again?”

  “Liam, it is not your place. I am not just some stupid girl with a stupid poor family that needs your rescuing!”

  “Whoa, whoa, Erika. Please calm down. It’s not just Liam, it’s all of us. It’s the institution, the society of Diamonds and Watchers. Everyone here has a trust, including all Points. It is your salary for being a Diamond, for the work you do. And the money given to your family is… well, it’s to ensure they will always be okay even in your absence.” Mr. Blithe looked at me sympathetically.

  I knew what Mr. Blithe meant by in my absence. He meant in case I die— and at that moment, that is exactly what I wanted… well, not literally. The room was silent, frozen. All eyes were fixated on me and my tantrum. I was so embarrassed that I’d thought Liam acted on his own. I stood there speechless, feeling stupid. I’d jumped to the conclusion that the money was all Liam’s doing; I hadn’t even bothered to ask.

  Jayson was the first to break the awkward silence. “Huh, you’re right Liam, she is different. I never thought someone would react like that to becoming a millionaire.” Jayson smirked and continued to eat. His fork clanged against his plate as he scooped eggs into his mouth.

  Sofia, on the other hand, did not move or speak. She just sat motionless, staring at me. Her arms were crossed, and her lips were pressed tightly together.

  I tried to ignore her. I blinked a long blink, inhaled and turned to Liam. “Liam, I’m… I’m sorry,” I said as I took my seat at the table, focusing only onto Liam’s blue eyes and wishing everyone else in the room would just disappear.

  “Forget it Erika, it’s fine.” I watched as Liam’s half-dimple smile lit up the room, melting away all tension.

  Mr. Blithe handed me a piece of paper. After unfolding it, I saw it was my schedule:

  7am-7:45am Breakfast

  8am-9am Agility training

  9:15am-10am Speed and strength training

  10:15am-12pm Battle training

  12pm-12:30pm Shower

  12:30-1pm Lunch

  1pm-2pm Mind Reading/Mind Control

  2pm-2:45 English

  3pm-3:45 Math

  4:00-4:45 History

  “This is quite a schedule, Mr. Blithe,” I said, happy that I had something else to talk about. “School until 5pm, huh?”

  “Yes. I know it may seem like a lot, Erika, but you will get used to it.”

  “Yes. Mr. Blithe has trained us all to think that working this much is normal.” Jayson was piling food into his mouth as he spoke.

  “No pain, no gain. You have to work hard to make things count.” Sofia looked content with her comment.

  “Yes, Mom, I agree,” Liam replied, mocking her.

  “Whatever. You’ll see when I’m the most successful Point in history.”

  “Sofia, you may just be.” Mr. Blithe smiled at a glowing Sofia.

  After breakfast, as the others made their way to the agility course, I asked Liam if I could speak to him alone.

  “Liam. I’m really sorry for jumping down your throat in there.”

  “Erika, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Liam said, acting coy.

  “Well I just want to say sorry again.”

  “I already told you, it’s fine and forgotten. But promise me that when you find out about how much you have in your own bank account that I am nowhere around. Now let’s get to class. I’m looking forward to seeing you in action today.”

  Liam started walking away. I yelled after him, “Liam! Liam! What account?”

  I caught up to Liam and the others, who stood before what they called agility class.

  “No way, you guys must be kidding.” I was standing in front of what they all referred to as an obstacle course.

  Suspended about forty feet in the air was a tightrope. Under it lay a big, inflatable safety cushion. The obstacle course had flying trapeze ropes that hung in the air between wooden beams, spinning apparatuses, water pits, and climbing contraptions. It all looked like it came from an extreme ironman game show or a circus.

  “Hi, I’m your teacher, Mrs. Kwan.” A little Asian lady stood in front of me with her hand extended.

  “We have teachers for this stuff?” I responded, taking her hand in mine. “I’m Erika, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Of course you have teachers, Erika, how else would you learn? I may not have powers like you, but I can teach you agility.”

  “You know about our powers?” I took my eyes off the hypnotizing spinning wheel, intrigued by how many others knew about us.

  “Of course I do, Erika. I am a Watcher and a keeper of Diamond secrets. Doesn’t Mr. Blithe tell you guys anything?”

  “No,” replied the others in unison.

  “Mrs. Kwan has taught all of us since we came here. If you saw her in action, you would swear she could fly.”

  “Liam, you are too kind.” Mrs. Kwan smiled.

  “There is no way I am climbing up there, or on that.” I pointed to the tiny tightrope that was suspended high above my head.

  “What, are you scared?” Sofia taunted.

  “Yes, that’s exactly it, Sofia. You’re right, you’re so smart.”

  Sofia just glared at me. She was right, I was scared. Anyone in their right mind would be scared.

  “Okay, me first.” Sofia jumped and swung through the obstacle course like a flying ballerina monkey.

  Liam was next. “Look Erika, it’s easy.” Looking down at me, he smiled as he walked on a rope the width of dental floss.

  Jayson came up from behind Liam and did a cartwheel right over Liam’s head, knocking Liam off the rope and onto the inflatable cushion below.

  “Yup, he’s right, nothing to be afraid of,” Jayson yelled as he laughed.

  Liam struggled to get off the balloon safety net that encompassed him.

  “The hardest challenge is getting off this big marshmallow.” Liam laughed while crawling his way off the big orange fluff that swallowed his every move.

  Mrs. Kwan stood by my side and urged me to try. To my surprise, I wasn’t that bad. I fell a couple of times, and I got hit in the stomach from the spinning arm that I was supposed to jump over, but all in all not bad. I liked Mrs. Kwan, she was soft-spoken and patient. Her eyes told me she had a good heart, but I couldn’t help feeling and hearing her sadness. I didn’t mean to read her mind, but I couldn’t help hear her thoughts… I reminded Mrs. Kwan of her daughter. I guess we had the same physique: skinny and petite. A daughter with a pale face like mine, a daughter with the same long straight brown hair, a daughter who had passed away from a heart condition years ago. I felt intrusive and when Mrs. Kwan looked at me, I looked away. I couldn’t keep her thoughts and memories out, and even though I willed them to stop, they wouldn’t. It was as if the world was spinning counterclockwise and I was Mrs. Kwan, feeling and reliving the moments of happiness and anguish she’d spent with her daughter. The images were crystal clear, and the emotions stung my watering eyes. The love, the heartache, the feelings were not mine to share.

  “Are you okay, Erika?” Mrs. Kwan asked as I stood on the grass staring into the distance. I couldn’t look at her anymore, and I think that’s how she knew. “Erika, you read my thoughts, didn’t you?”

  “I didn’t mean to, Mrs. Kwan. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. When I looked at you, I could just hear everything. I didn’t mean to intrude; I don’t like that I… I make you sad and I make you remember.”

  “You don’t make me sad, Erika. You obviously know I see similarities in you and my Jennifer, but it makes me happy. I like remembering her, she was an amazing gymnast before she got sick. It’s nice to remember her that way instead of how she was in the last months of her life. She was so beautiful, kind, and graceful. There of course will always be a little sadness when I think of Jennifer. She was my litt
le girl, my life, and I lost her. I often wonder if Jayson could have saved her if we’d met him earlier, but I know it’s not healthy to let myself give in to the what-ifs. There are things we will never know. Maybe heaven needed another angel. There is one thing I do know, and that is that heaven is lucky to have her, and one day I will see her again.”

  “Hey, are you guys talking about me over there?” Jayson yelled. “I heard my name!”

  “Jayson, Mrs. Kwan was just telling me what an amazing acrobat you are.” I gave Mrs. Kwan a smile as I looked up at Jayson.

  “Erika, I think Mr. Blithe is right, there is something really special about you.” As I looked at Mrs. Kwan I swore I could see Jennifer gracefully dancing in the reflection of her dark eyes, and in that moment I knew that no one really dies, we live on in the lives of the people that loved us.

  “I’m inclined to agree, Mrs. Kwan,” Liam said as he walked up, his voice interrupting my thoughts.

  “Well kids, that does it for today, time’s up. You have to get to your next class. I will see you all tomorrow.”

  “Aren’t you teaching our next class?” I asked.

  “No dear, strictly agility and acrobatics training for me.”

  “What’s our next lesson?” I said, grabbing my schedule out of my pocket.

  Before I could look, Liam replied, “Strength and speed class.”

  We said our goodbyes to Mrs. Kwan and headed through the garden to the north side of the vast castle grounds.

  I used the 900-pound weights this time. The guys challenged each other, acting like complete fools, while Sofia and I laughed at their silliness. We lifted weights with our huge coach Mr. Vijack, who was also a Watcher— a Watcher who looked like Conan the Barbarian. Standing six foot five inches tall and weighing at least 300 pounds, he was one of the biggest men I had ever seen. He had us run lap after lap, do suicide drills, jumping jacks, and squats. From what the others told me, he was a bigwig for Interpol. He was relentless, and I soon became exhausted.