Beautiful Curses: Book One (18 page)

Gabriella stood waiting near the fire, her arm resting on the mantelpiece, she wanted to present as composed and confident as always, but her throat felt a little dry, and she couldn’t help fidgeting with her ring. The door opened and she stiffened as her supposed father appeared. His height nearly reached the top of the doorway, surprising her. She didn’t expect him to be that tall. His complexion was ruddy, probably from being outside in the cold, and he looked a lot younger than mid fifties.

Must have been all those carefree years.

No stresses and worries over her as she was growing up without him.

Well that was all about to backfire in his smug face.

He looked at her tentatively before closing the door gently. Then he waited a moment before approaching, holding out his hand. “Hello, Gabriella. I’m so happy to see you again.”

She held his gaze, feeling completely numb that he was standing in front of her after all of these years. Reluctantly she took his hand loosely while examining his face. His bright blue eyes matched hers, and the colour of his hair was the same silky black, but that was where the similarities ended. His face was rounder, with bigger features. A lot like her sister.

There was a long moment of silence while they continued to study each other.

“I don’t remember you. I was too young, when you left us,” she muttered softly, finding it difficult to control her voice at first. Then she cleared her throat, not happy that she showed a moment of weakness.

Daniel patted her hand, and she resisted the urge to pull away. “I didn’t expect you to remember me. You were only fifteen months old.”

She paused again, “… So, why are you here?”

“I want to tell you all about it. But it’s a bit of a long story, so will you come and sit with me?”

He continued to hold her hand while he motioned toward the sofa. “You already know Jo came to visit my cousin and collect some valuables left with him many years ago,” he said as they took a seat next to each other.

She nodded, and removed her hand from his. “I was away, or I would have gone instead.”

“I’m really sorry about that. I wanted to meet you both together.”

Gabriella maintained eye contact, but kept her expression blank. A very useful trick she'd learned over the years.

Daniel glanced away, and looked across to the fire, like he was trying to find the words to explain. So she waited. Patience being one of the traits she needed to practise.

He sighed as he looked back at her. “I’ve been longing to get in touch with you both and then when Barley contacted me about this old family heirloom, I thought the time might be right. I left it with him years ago just after I met your mother. I thought I might be moving house and I knew it would be safe with him. Then your mother died and I forgot all about it. When Barley reminded me, I asked him to contact Sarah and have her send you both to London to collect it.  I assumed if I met you in London, you’d be more likely to listen to my story. If I just turned up at the farm, after all these years, I figured Peter and Sarah might send me away.

Gabriella gave a small nod.

“Anyway, when Jo arrived without you, I had no choice. After I told her, she contacted Sarah and asked her to come and meet me in London. Sarah decided it was better to come back to the farm to meet you. So here I am.”

Gabriella looked at him for a moment, indecisive of her next move. She did have a part to play, but she also had a question that had plagued her for years. Not that it really mattered now, but for some reason she wanted to know.

“Why did you leave us after our mother died?” she asked.

Daniel let out a stuttering breath. “I wasn't strong after your mother's death. I wanted you to have the care of a family. Sarah and Peter could provide that so much better than I. After a few years, when I felt more stable, I wanted to come back and see you. Then I thought my arrival might upset you both. With every year that passed it became more and more difficult. I convinced myself you didn’t need me and were probably better off without me.”

“You were right. Sarah and Peter are the best parents. We were better off.”

Daniel nodded with a tight jaw, and Gabriella suppressed the urge to scowl at him.

What did he expect after all these years? Balloons and a welcome home daddy sign.

Daniel rubbed at his cheek. “Yes. They have been terrific parents. I’m so grateful to them both. But I want you to know, I’ve never forgiven myself for leaving. And I truly believed that it was only fair that you knew about me. But the choice is yours, Gabriella and I’ll understand if you want me to go and have nothing to do with me.”

Gabriella played with her long locks of black hair. “I’m not sure. I mean, I am curious. As a little girl I imagined you coming to take me away and buy me pretty dresses and put me on your shoulders and parade me around the village. But that was a long time ago. I’m over that now. And I don’t really know how you’d fit into my life.”

“Any way you want. As little, or as much as you like. I want you to have the choice. It might be best if you think it over. Sarah has asked me to stay at the farm, but if you prefer I can stay in the village.”

She took a moment. Treading carefully. “In a strange way it’s like I know you, even though I don’t remember you. What memories do you have of me?”

Daniel smiled for the first time and water welled in his eyes. “The best memories. I treasure those memories. You were the most adorable baby girl. I took care of you when your mother was at work. You loved watching me build block towers and then you knocked them down. I still remember how much fun we had together.”

“Huh!” She looked into Daniel's misty eyes, and blinked, still feeling absolutely nothing for this man. “I suppose you could stay. I assume Jo wants you here.
She’s
always wanted to know about you.”

Daniel grimaced. “Perhaps. I think she’s still working out how she feels. It’s been hard for her too.”

“Jo’s always cautious meeting new people and doesn't make friends easily. I’m worried about her actually.”

“Oh? Why’s that?”

“You don’t know her so you probably think it’s normal for her to be with James. Well believe me, it’s far from normal. Jo has never liked boys. She has no idea what she’s doing. She’s headed for disaster.”

“Maybe you should talk to her.”

“I intend to. I just need to get rid … I mean ... get her away from James.”

Daniel rubbed his chin and gave her a small smile. “I could ask James to come with me to the village in the morning. Give you two a chance to catch up.”

Gabriella widened her eyes, like she thought that was the best idea in the world. As if she needed his help. She had other ways to get rid of James, but once again, she needed to play her cards carefully. “That might work. It’ll look less contrived if you ask James. Spencer will be out with Beth, and Peter plays golf on Saturday. Sarah has loads of work to catch up on.”

Daniel smiled again, looking both relieved and pleased, just how Gabriella wanted him to react.

“It appears we have a plan, I’m glad I could help.” Daniel squeezed her hands as they left the lounge and Gabriella didn't offer any resistance.

After all, their first meeting went exactly how she wanted it to.

Jo woke early the next morning, thinking about the day ahead. If everything turned out as they planned, it might actually draw her and Gabriella closer. Now she knew the curse had been the reason they'd drifted so far apart, it gave her hope she could re-establish a good relationship with her only sister.

Jo went over every detail of the story they’d concocted. They were up late the previous night trying to guess her possible reactions and how Jo might counteract them. The bottom line, to make sure Gabriella listened, and more importantly, believed their story.

Trying to keep her nerves in check, Jo decided to get up and keep busy. She heard the murmuring voices of Daniel and James as she made her way to the kitchen. “You two are up early,” she said, as she kissed Daniel on the cheek and then moved toward James, who pulled her into his warm embrace.

“How are you, love? Did you sleep at all?” Daniel asked, with a furrowed brow.

“Yeah, I did actually. Being back in my own bed must have given me a false sense of security.”

James held her tight against him. “You don’t have to go through with this, we can find another way.”

“There is no other way. It will be alright. Ella will come around.”

James stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head, but didn’t say anything. Jo knew he didn’t agree, but she had to keep positive and hope their sisterly bonds could save them both in the end.

Daniel broke the silence. “Now James, we have a part to play today. I’ll ask you at breakfast to take me into the village, so Gabriella thinks she’s alone with Jo.”

“But we’re not actually going, because I’m not leaving Jo for a second,” James responded and Jo smiled.

“We’ll drive down the road, double back and hide somewhere close by. Jo will be able to call us if she needs help.”

James pressed his fingers into the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. “I still find it difficult to believe what we’re dealing with. I wish there was another way.”

Daniel frowned. “We don’t know how dangerous Rowellyn is. Jo certainly knows—having seen what those rings can do.”

Jo kissed James to reassure him. “I promise to call if I need you and you can do your super hero stuff.”

James took his arm from around her waist and leant across the bench to switch on the kettle again. “Fine. Let’s start breakfast so I can concentrate on something normal, otherwise I’ll lose my mind.”

Daniel smiled faintly and winked at Jo before taking the eggs out of the fridge.

Spencer had gone to see Beth. Peter stood in the hallway organising his golf clubs. Sarah wandered off to her office. James and Daniel had left for the village.

Now everyone was where they were meant to be, Jo decided to light the fire in the lounge, knowing Gabriella would seek her out as soon as Peter drove off. She patted her pocket containing her phone and the package with the family heirloom. An actual ring, Daniel had found of his mother’s.

The front door opened. “I’ll see you all this afternoon,” Peter called out and shut the door.

Jo’s heart pounded. She never imagined she’d be afraid to talk to her own sister or be willing to lie to save herself. Those years of dealing with Gabriella’s dismissive attitude and being ignored had provided Jo with a good defence system, but if she did decide to become like Rowellyn Jo couldn’t imagine anything more hurtful.

Just as Jo added another larger log to the now roaring fire, she heard the door click. “I’m glad to find you here, can we talk,” Gabriella said from the doorway.

Jo took a deep breath and gazed into the flames.
Here we go.

She swallowed and then turned to look at her sister. “Sure, I’ve been waiting to talk to you too.”

Gabriella moved into the room, closing the door behind her. She sat on the sofa, curling her legs up underneath as she sipped the coffee she’d brought in with her. “I suppose you want to show me the family jewels.”

Jo stood, wiped her hands on her jeans, and took a seat next to her. “Yeah, I have them here, but what did you want to talk to me about first.”

In any of their conversations Gabriella always had the first, last, and usually, only words. Jo wanted her to think she was in control of the conversation as per normal.

Putting her cup on the wooden side table, Gabriella folded her arms. “I’m worried about you and James. You're still at school and he’s at Uni. He’s bound to find someone else. You should break it off now, before you become too attached and get hurt.”

Gabriella raised her eyes.

Jo needed to play this part well. She had to keep a level head. Even though her words stung. “Ella, I’m fine. I’ve never been this happy.” Gabriella continued to raise her eyes, but Jo ignored her and added, “In fact I hope you experience it one day too. I worry about you sometimes …”

Gabriella burst out laughing and shook her head. “Jo, you're so naive. I’ve had plenty of experience. I have other priorities right now. When the time’s right I’ll find the
exact
person I want to be with. Don’t ever worry about me.”

“I hope so. It must be the worst thing in the world to never have someone. If things don’t work for James and me, there will be someone else. Now I know what it feels like, I can’t imagine being without that in my life.”

Gabriella looked across to the fire. “Let’s leave it for now,” she said quietly, then her intent gaze settled on Jo. “I just hope you’re not hurt so badly that you’re left pining over James for the rest of your life. You need to be careful.”

A nervous tingle shot down Jo’s spine. Gabriella’s words held more weight, than she realised, and it unnerved her.

“Now, did you want to talk to me about something else,” she asked.

“I er… wanted to ask how you felt about our father. It must have been difficult hearing about him on the phone, then meeting him in person. I’m trying to give him a chance at least …”

“There’s nothing to understand,” Gabriella interjected. “He left us. I don’t believe him when he says it was a hard decision. Now we’re older he just waltzes in here, ready to stake a claim. Sarah and Peter have brought us up and he never once tried to be part of our family. No letters or contact for seventeen years. I said I didn’t mind him staying because I thought that’s what you wanted. He means nothing to me. Peter’s my father. Daniel will never hold that title.”

Jo bit her lip to stop from jumping to Daniel’s defence. She wasn't prepared for Gabriella’s verbal assault. She was revealing more of her true colours than Jo expected, and it continued to unnerve her.

Jo nodded. “I suppose that’s fair. I still feel I should give him a chance. I’ll wait till I know him a little better. But thanks for letting him stay.”

Gabriella smiled faintly then got up and went to stand by the fire. “Was there anything else?” she asked.

Jo remained sitting and looked at her. “Yes.”

“Well?”

Jo fiddled with her ring. “It’s complicated.”

Gabriella scoffed. “
Complicated?
I’m sure I’ll keep up.”

“Alright.” Jo swallowed. “I wanted to ask about your ring.”

“What about it?” Gabriella caressed the ring in question.

“I found out something. Something about our past …”

Gabriella arched a brow. “Yeah?”

“But … um … can I … um look at your ring first.” Jo held out her hand, hoping Gabriella would give it to her.

“I never take it off. I’ve noticed you never take yours off either.”

Of course it wouldn’t be that easy.

“No. It’s very special. I like to keep it close. ”

“What are you looking for?” Gabriella held her ring up to examine it.

“I’m not really sure. I have to see it first. I’ll take mine off as well, if you like.”

Gabriella looked at her for a long moment, “Alright,” she said as she started to pull the ring from her finger.

Jo took hers off and laid it on the coffee table and Gabriella laid hers next to it. Jo quickly picked it up before she had time to change her mind.

“Have you ever noticed anything unusual about it?” Jo asked blankly turning Gabriella’s ring around in her fingers.

“What do you mean, unusual?”

“Well, when I visited Barley, Daniel's cousin, he asked me about my ring. He told me it belonged to Daniel's sister and she’d sent them to us.”

“Daniel's sister? I thought Daniel sent them.”

“After talking with Barley it actually makes sense.” Jo took a deep breath. Dreading her next question. “Ella is there anything you want to tell me … about your ring?”

Her question hung in the air for a few seconds and then Gabriella frowned. “No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Honestly, Jo … What are you talking about?” Gabriella’s frown deepened.

Jo removed the brown paper package from her pocket. “This is the family heirloom. I want to show you, but I need to know the truth, first. It could be dangerous otherwise.”

Jo held Gabriella’s ring in her hand and stared at her willing her. “I’ll ask once more ...” She paused for effect. “Is there anything unusual about your ring?”

Gabriella narrowed her eyes as if weighing up her options and fidgeting with the buttons on her jumper.

Jo sat holding her breath, praying that she’d done the right thing, and there wouldn’t be a stalemate. If Ella refused to tell her she couldn’t risk continuing. She put her hand in her pocket and felt for her phone, just as she thought about pressing Sarah’s number, Gabriella moved to stand in front of her. Jo looked up, trying to read her expression, but she appeared calm and composed as always.

“Alright. …”

Jo sucked in a quick breath, her heart racing.

“I did discover something ...
unusual
.”

Jo nodded encouraging her to continue.

“First, you have to promise to keep it a secret. And, second, you need to tell me everything that you know.”

Jo nodded again.

Gabriella shrugged. “I discovered it accidentally when I was ten. My ring pauses time for about a minute.”

Jo bit the inside of her cheek, as he heart beat sped up. “Pauses time? How?”

Gabriella pointed to a small clasp underneath the silver cage that enclosed the ring, “See there, if you flick it, the cage opens to reveal the sapphire. You push down on the stone and time stands still.”

Jo let out a low whistle.

“It blew my mind the first time it happened. I discovered the clasp by accident and was so happy to see the sapphire I ran my fingers over it and felt it move. Of course, I had no idea what it could do.”

“How did you know?”

“I came downstairs and discovered you all frozen, watching TV. I remember thinking you all looked like a real life 3D painting.”

“Wow! Just wow!” Jo fanned herself, trying to look impressed, but she was more impressed at Gabriella’s admission.

Gabriella reached out and picked up Jo's ring. “So, what about yours? Does it do anything
unusual
?”

“Yes. I only discovered it recently. I never thought it was special but I liked it and wore it because it was the only memento I had of our father.”