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Chapter 25
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Fire and Water Chapter 26
The clacking of heels could be heard coming from the general direction of the kitchen. Sure enough, Eliza’s mother emerged around the magnificent, sweeping marble staircases and headed in their direction. She was as beautiful as ever. Liz Masters was dressed in a kneelength ivory dress with an ivy-green belt looped around her waist. Her flame-red hair cascaded straight down her back and a single strand of pearls adorned her neckline. Simple elegance. She smiled at the sight of the two of them. “Hello, baby girl.” “Hey, mom,” Eliza said as she and her mother hugged affectionately. He could tell their love had deepened since last year and that they were much closer. Seeing their relationship brought a smile to his own face. Liz stepped back from her daughter. “James,” she smiled warmly at him. “How are you?” He kissed her offered cheek, then said, “Good. Thank you for having me for dinner.” “Nonsense,” Liz waved him off. “You’re always welcome. I just wish you two could stay longer
Fire and Water Chapter 27
The sky was jewel-like, crystalline blue as James pulled the sleek navyblue Mercedes onto the causeway. Driving towards Melbourne beach, he grinned like a kid playing with a shiny new toy for the first time. He looked out over at the water and saw the blazing sun dancing across the waves, the palm trees waving lazily in the cool ocean breeze. Being in this environment brought the book he had read last night to surreal life. To him, the novel was more than just a representation of a man struggling against nature and age. It was a kind of metaphor for life. Sometimes, thought James, we go after our dreams based on preconceived notions and ideals of success and life doesn’t always work out the way we intended. But like the old man, he figured you had to keep going no matter what. Because as is the case with real life, just as in the book, there is always someone watching and learning from your example. James sighed softly as he studied the beauty all around him, the book’s characters r
Fire and Water Chapter 28
The beach was officially crowded. Up and down the strip of white sand by the water, beachgoers were walking to and fro, and loungers laid about soaking up the life-giving rays of sunshine. Out of respect for Eliza, he averted his eyes from the scantily clad girls in every direction. Lucky for them, the hotel had its own strip of beach, so they needn’t have to fight for any place to lay their things. As Eliza laid down their towels, he shucked his flip-flops and slipped his shirt off. “Hey, Mr. Six-pack, don’t give any girls a heart attack,” she taunted him. “Whatever,” he muttered. He was about to add another retort, but his eyes were riveted. Eliza had just come out of her own clothing and the bikini she had on—white with blue horizontal stripes, kind of sailor-ish—accented all of her curves perfectly. It took him a second to realize his mouth was hanging open and he was pretty sure he was drooling. With effort, he closed his mouth as she laid back on the towel. “What? You’re not
Fire and Water Chapter 29
“God,” complained James. “I look like a door-to-door insurance salesman,” he said, remarking on what he was wearing. A pair of pressed khaki chinos, white oxford button-down shirt, and navy-blue tie with diagonal sky-blue stripes were paired up with his nice Doc Martin leather boots. He wished he could have just worn his Chuck’s but Blakeney had said no. To him, he looked like a prep school snob. “I think you look handsome,” Eliza countered. During continued grumblings, she asked, “How long do you think Tres will keep the network down?” Blakeney chuckled jovially as they pulled to a stop in front of the Somers’ house. “I don’t see a problem there. I told Anita to ask him for help when she called late last night.” He laughed deviously. “She has no clue that he’s the one who crashed it in the first place. And apparently the students almost rioted when the satellite and internet shut down, so I’m sure she has her hands full.” Blakeney shook his head. “Well, let’s go.” They ste
Fire and Water Chapter 30
Christian’s eyes went wide for just a split second before indifference washed the shock away. “What are you talking about?” Rebekah asked. Then, “Christian, what is he talking about?” “I dunno,” Christian shrugged. James had to admit it, the boy had the talent to pull off the innocent charade. “James,” said Blakeney, bringing him up to bat. “Look,” he began, “we saw you in the water. You called that wave to you and forced it to go the direction you wanted it to. We know all about your ability with water, so stop pretending.” Christian shot daggers from his green eyes at James. “Whatever.” “Okay, what is going on?” Rebekah asked suspiciously. Her son was as impassive as the sphinx. Blakeney leaned forward, excited now. “Your son is quite gifted, Rebekah. In fact, I’m willing to bet that if I set down a glass full of water on the table and he chose to perform in front of you, he could swirl the contents using only his mind.” Rebekah shook h
Fire and Water Chapter 31
James was barely paying attention though, because as Eliza walked into the yard and the strengthened breeze finally met her, his eyes were locked on. He could feel a catch in his throat, his pulse ringing in his ears like a shotgun had just went off nearby, and his heart was hammering like a drum. Her red hair danced this way and that in the wind, her recently sun-kissed skin was gilded gold by the sinking sun, and her dress was whipping against her body bringing it out on display. Eliza threw him a smile as she hurried to the car and a blush rose up her face at the dazed look which had fallen over his features. She dashed to the back seat to get out of the wind. From the corner of his eyes, he saw that Christian was staring after her as well. He took a deep breath to lash up his rising temper. “I guess you’re the baggage check?” Christian commented derisively. James bent to haul in his first bag. “Yup.” he set it in the trunk, added a second and then the skateboard.
Fire and Water Chapter 32
The gas tank full, he replaced the nozzle into the pump, but as he went to grab the ejected receipt, his eyes sweeping the area, he could have sworn he had just spotted a moving shadow in the distance. A shadow with red eyes. James blinked, shook his head, then stared at the spot where he had seen the apparition. When a more thorough inspection had turned up nothing— Now, I’m seeing things . . . grrreat! —he grabbed the receipt and turned to get back into the driver’s seat. Blakeney walked up with Eliza in tow. They each had a grocery bag in hand. “What was that about?” He wanted to know. He already knew what Blakeney was referring to. “Oh, nothing. Just coming to an understanding.” Blakeney eyed him momentarily, then with a nod, he ambled into the car. “Good to go?” said Eliza, a small smile on her lips. James nodded. Holding the door open for her, he said, “Yes, ma’am.” She climbed in with a giggle and he crossed around and reentered the car as well. He turned on the car,
Fire and Water Chapter 33
“James!” Blakeney shouted from the center of the intersection, the streetlight now casting the creeping fog into a dense green mist. “James, wait!” Eliza heard Blakeney swear from her place by the car. She had just watched James sprint off into the woods after Kali . . . alone . . . again. Why does he have to always do that? she questioned herself in frustration. Blakeney spun towards her. “Eliza, stay here.” He darted off into the night in the general direction that James had gone. “Great,” she spat to nobody. “Now I’m stuck with a whimpering baby.” She was referring to the curses and screams Christian had shouted out during the soldiers’ attack. Having never seen something like that, anyone would be scared, but she figured he ought to handle it just a little better than that. Just then, Christian attempted to open the back door, his eyes still stretched wide in fear.Eliza slammed it closed with a bump of her hip. “Stay in the car,” she ordered. “Whatever,” grumbled Christian.
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