Looking around at the partially eaten cookies and half-full cups of tea, he said, “It looks like your party was interrupted. Where did all your guests go?”
“They all…” She began to answer his question until a leaf fell from the tree
and landed on the back of Young Marina's head. The blade grew a small hand that began tugging on the long strands of her hair.
She continued as if she understood the warning, “They are right here. You
know Sally, Susie, and Sandy.” She gestured around herself towards imaginary friends.
“Only three guests, but you have four cups?” he questioned.
“Oh, right and…and…” she stammered.
“Samantha,” I whispered as I remembered my lie.
As if she had heard me, she quickly responded, “Samantha. You know how
shy she is.”
“Yes, of course, Samantha. How could I forget her? You must tell me all
about your friends,” he said. He sat down and took a tea biscuit from Blaze's saucer, popping it into his mouth.
“Marina,” I turned to see my grandmother waving from the patio door. “I'm
starting to make those cookies you wanted to bake. Are you ready to help me?”
“Yes, Gram,” she replied. “Sorry, Daddy, I promised I would help.” Standing
up and smoothing off her dress, she turned and headed towards the house.
“Wait,” he said, pulling the leaf out of her hair and handing it to her. “It looks
like you have a hitchhiker.”
"Thank you." Young Marina giggled. She took the leaf and then broke into a
run.
Watching my father, I could see him inspecting the area. He seemed to be
looking for something. From the house, my grandmother stood staring at him
with a worried look in her eyes. The odd interaction made me wonder.
Regarding my father for one last time, I said, “I miss you.” Then, I walked
back to the house without looking back.
I found Gram and Young Marina talking in the kitchen.
“You are right, Marina. We should introduce them to your mother and father.
Why don't we plan a special party this weekend?” Gram suggested.
Around her, I could see the four balls of light bouncing up and down in
agreement.
“Now, drink this and let me know what you think of the taste.” I watched my
grandmother hand my young self a crystal vial on a silver chain filled with purple fluid, similar to the one that I drank.
“It's really sweet." She licked her lips and tipped the rest of the vial's contents into her mouth. With a feeling of both sadness and wonder, I watched
my younger version consume the liquid. When Young Marina collapsed into
Gram's arms, my grandmother gently rocked her.
Her soft words were filled with pain. “This is the only way to protect you. I
hope you will, one day, understand why we couldn't tell them.”
Tears flowed from my eyes. It explained why I always thought I would lose
things I loved. Suddenly, the world spun around me, and the images blurred. I closed my eyes to push back the nausea. As everything slowed, I opened my eyes and found myself in my grandmother's arms, once again.
