The Secret of Strange Waters (The Light Keeper Series Book 2) (7 page)

“Yeah, I don’t like it.” Talon sat up and stirred the fire. “I mean, we don’t know anything about any of this. Even the Internet is a dead end while trying to keep it a secret, and with you getting those headaches, how do we know this is not something that will hurt you in the long run? You’re having way too many headaches and you’re tired all the time. It worries me.”

“We’ll figure it out. Don’t worry. I think I am still getting used to it. Perhaps with more practice I won’t exert myself so much. It will be more natural like it was for Alyssa.”

“Alyssa was dead—is dead. It’s not like she’s going to be getting a headache.” With those words he let the worry really show, and I took his free hand for comfort. “I wish there was some way to get help,” he said.

“I’ll be okay. No worries.” I gave him a smile, and the conversation ended as Owen and Meagan made their way back to the fire. He took a seat next to us and pulled her into his lap, putting a strain on the ancient lawn chair.

“Meagan’s tired,” he announced. “When do you think you’ll be ready to go in?”

“I was waiting on Holly,” I answered. “Did you see them?”

“Yeah, they are walking back up the drive now.” Owen regarded the two as if it pained him to see them together. Holly was never going to be his favorite person.

“Well, let’s go then.” I stood and grabbed Talon’s hand to help him up, and we walked around to the front of the house where we met up with Hunter, who was carrying Holly on his shoulders.

“Whoa!” I laughed, looking up at her. “We’re heading to bed.” She reached out to me, teasing, and then lost her balance. Hunter steadied her, his hands gripping her knees. She took his hands as he helped her down, holding her in a tight embrace as she landed. Talon and I waited in the front doorway as Holly and Meagan said their goodbyes to the brothers. I waved to my cousins as they rounded the corner towards home, and then I shut the door.

I led the girls to my room and slipped into Talon’s across the hall to say goodnight. “Don’t let her get to you,” he warned. “You’ll scare her to death if you’re not careful.”

“Don’t tempt me,” I said. Something devious inside me imagined Meagan dropping dead from fright, her hair white from fear, and a horrible scream-face becoming her death mask. I shook off the thought, gave him a soft peck on the cheek and went to join the slumber party, hoping the Light wouldn’t make an unwelcome appearance—mostly for Holly’s sake.

Holly and Meagan sat on my bed, each texting one of my cousins. “Did you have a good night?” I asked them both.

“Yes, always,” Holly answered. “Thanks again for letting me stay.”

“Uh, yeah... thanks, Lily.” Meagan poked at her phone. “Owen is
so
bad!” She threw her head back and laughed. I guessed she was talking to us, but neither knew the private joke they had going back and forth, and I wasn‘t sure I wanted to. She stayed on the phone, texting with him, while Holly and I talked ourselves to sleep.

Talon woke me up the next morning. Mom was still asleep, which was very odd for her, but she still wasn’t feeling well. Talon warned Holly that Hunter was on his way again, so she jumped up, still wrapped in her covers, and ran to the bathroom. I thought it was kind of strange that Holly would care so much about the way she looked in the morning. She never wore any makeup and her hair was perfect in the morning compared to my unruly locks.

Meagan rolled over on the air mattress and stared up at us as Talon walked around her to sit on my bed. “What do you do around here for fun?” she asked, giving Talon a look that told me she’d like to show him her idea of fun.

“We could go riding,” I suggested. I wrapped my arms around Talon’s waist and looked up at him.

“You ever go four-wheeling?” Talon asked her.

She raked her hands through her bleached locks and twisted one around her finger. “I rode one once in my friend’s neighborhood, but someone called the cops, so we had to park it.”

I laid my head on Talon’s shoulder. “Well, that’s the good thing about living out here in the middle of nowhere. There aren’t any cops,” I told her.

Hunter walked in with Owen trailing behind him. “Where’s Holly?” he asked, frowning.

“She’s getting dressed.” I pointed to the bathroom. “Hey, we wanna go riding today.”

Owen sat on the air mattress with Meagan. “That would be awesome. Are you up for it? It can get pretty rough.” He kissed her hand.

“I’m sure if Lily can handle it, I can,” she said with a smirk. Owen glared at me. He could tell I didn’t care for her, and a part of me thought that was the point. It seemed he wanted to rub her in my face, though I wasn’t sure why he thought it would bother me. Though I wasn’t pleased with his choice, I was glad he had moved on.

Holly walked out of the bathroom and ran straight for Hunter’s arms. “We’re going riding,” he told her.

“Awesome! When?” She was dressed and ready in jeans and a T-shirt.

Hunter motioned to me and Meagan. “Whenever these two get ready. Y’all hurry up. I’m taking my girl for some breakfast.”

As they walked out, Meagan stood up. Owen’s eyes nearly popped out and my jaw fell. Talon looked away quickly. Meagan had been wearing a tank top, but not until she threw the blanket aside and stood did we see that she was only wearing skimpy panties with it. I always wore shorts with mine. With all the boys around, it was the right thing to do, but she
wanted
the guys to see her. She pranced her orange and white butt to the bathroom and shut the door. I glared at Owen. “I can’t believe that girl,” I hissed. “She did that on purpose!”

“No kidding,” Talon said, red staining his face.

Owen stood and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “Hey, if you got it, flaunt it.”

“She’s impossible,” I whispered. I’d just about had it with the both of them. Owen had gotten unbearable lately with Meagan around.

“Yeah, well, she told me that you and Holly were mean to her yesterday. You
could
be nice, you know.”

“Be nice?” I said, loudly, and then lowered my voice again. “She was the one in here judging me, pointing out what I don’t have and making snide remarks about my looks.”

“She’s jealous,” Talon said, stroking my hair. “Just ignore her.”

“What did she say to you?” Owen asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

I held back the urge to giggle at the insanity. “She made fun of my eyes and insinuated that I was so poor I couldn’t afford to decorate my room.” The petty things she said didn’t bother me so much as the nerve she had to say them.

“Maybe you took it wrong. She’s not like that,” he snapped. “She said Holly called her a whore?” I laughed, remembering what she said. “Real nice,” he added.

“She didn’t call her that. Well, not really.” I couldn’t help myself; I hid my face and laughed, thinking of Holly’s remark.

“Can’t you
try
to get along with her? For me?” His face grew pale and he averted his eyes from me. I never wanted to hurt him. It had to be hard for him, not having anyone like Hunter and me. Being the fifth wheel. Having Meagan as his girlfriend balanced things. She was important to him.

“I let her stay, didn’t I? And next time don’t put me on the spot like that! You
knew
I couldn’t say no! Not right to her face!” Taking my hand, Talon led me to the door as I watched the sly smile spread across his face.

“Yeah, I
did
do that,” Owen admitted, pulling his lips tight to keep from smiling too big. I punched his arm playfully.

Talon and I went to the kitchen, where Holly was eating a bowl of cereal.

“Started without you,” she said before shoveling a spoonful into her mouth.

“I lost my appetite about three minutes ago,” I said, getting a laugh from Talon.

* * *

We spent a few hours riding out in the trails. Holly had a blast—she bounced so high with every bump, I feared Hunter would throw her from the four-wheeler. She gripped him tight, though, and managed to stay on.

Meagan complained the whole time, which made Owen mad. They argued most of the trip because she didn’t like him going too fast, so he kept having to slow down. Owen hated being left behind. He finally got tired and suggested we go home. Hunter thought it was best, too, and made a joke about Holly getting a pain in her butt. I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the bumps, or Meagan.

After, we hung out around the house for a while and talked until it was time for them to leave. Holly’s parents still had no idea that Hunter lived next door to me, or that he was my cousin, so Talon and I drove her home. After, we stopped by the store for Mom and got some milk, cheese, and bread. Owen and Hunter took Meagan home, and I was glad. I didn’t want her to ever return, but because of the vision, I knew she would.

MOM SLEPT
IN AGAIN
on Sunday. She was feeling better, but was tired and weak from all the days of being sick. I went to visit Granny while the guys went for a ride.

A faint scream sounded from the house as I climbed the steps to the porch. I usually would give a light knock on the door and peek my head inside before going in, but this time I ran up the steps and threw the door open. Granny was coming from the hall, pale as a ghost, and clutching the collar on her cotton housecoat.

“Granny!” I shouted, rushing to her side. “Are you all right? I heard a scream!” I took her cold hand and led her to the kitchen table. Plopping down in her seat, she put her elbows on the table and held her face in her palms. I thought she was sobbing, but then when she finally took her hands away, there were no tears, only a look of frustration darkening her expression. She shook her head and inhaled deeply. “Granny, please tell me, what’s wrong?”

She waved her hand at me to dismiss the incident. “I’m fine, just got a little startled, no big deal. I swear, sometimes I think I’m afraid of my own shadow after watching those late night horror flicks.” Her lips parted with a forced smile, and she lifted a shoulder dismissingly. I wasn’t buying it. Granny had never been one to scare so easily. She’d known about the Light and the marks on the wall, and even had her own experience with it when she was younger. In all the times she retold those stories, she didn’t seem afraid. She didn’t like the thought of meddling with such things as the supernatural, but once she found out about my gift, she stopped trying to deter us from learning what we could. I eyed her suspiciously as she got up and went to the sink to wash some dishes. She busied herself, hoping I’d drop it, and then she changed the subject. “Lily, I want you to help me keep the boys away for a little while on Wednesday evening. Can you do that?”

“Yeah, I’m sure Talon can help me think of something. Why?”

“Their surprise will be delivered, and I want to make sure it’s ready. I want to invite Holly over, and I guess Meagan, too.” She sighed and stared at the ceiling a moment before looking back down to the sink. “I don’t know. There’s something about her I don’t like. I wonder sometimes if she
really
likes Owen. She doesn’t treat him well.” Even though I agreed with her, I shrugged. She didn’t treat Owen right. I was shocked he put up with her, especially when he could have any girl in school, but it seemed wrong to talk harshly about Meagan to Granny. Besides, she was only trying to keep busy to avoid talking about what happened. “Now that Holly—what a treasure! She’s perfect for my Hunter. I wish Owen could find someone more like her.”

I agreed. “Yeah, Holly is great.” She was becoming my best friend. Probably the best girlfriend I’ve ever had, though I wasn’t able to share my secrets with her, either.

“How’s your mom?” She wiped the counter, scrubbing certain tough spots with vigor.

“She’s better. I’ll tell her you asked about her.”

“Good, I was beginning to worry about her. She may be missing Tom. I suppose that could make her feel bad. She’s had quite a week. Hunter told me she found out about you and Talon.” She stopped scrubbing and looked up at me. “That had to be a shock.”

I let out a long breath, remembering Mom’s initial reaction. “Yeah, but it’s so much nicer not having to be so secretive. Although, I do kind of feel like she’s watching us even closer now.”

“Oh, I’m sure she is,” Granny said. I had a feeling Granny was watching Hunter and Holly a bit closer as well, and I was certain she
needed
to be watching Owen and Meagan. But, again, she was only busy-talking. From the way her hand shook, something still had her on edge. After another failed attempt to get her to tell me, she decided to retire to her chair for a nap.

* * *

Later that night I sat in my bed and finished my paper that was due the next day. Our crazy English teacher wanted us to write our thoughts. Everyone thinks it is an easy assignment, since we could write about anything as long as it was one full page. However, I usually had to edit my thoughts so I didn’t reveal my gift. As soon as I finished, I summoned the Light. It was coming easier to me now, this time appearing in the center of my room. I stretched out my hand, and it came forward. I locked my eyes in on it and found myself in the vision. I’d hoped to find out more about Talon and Meagan, but my intentions failed.

I was sitting with Talon on the living room floor, and my eyes fixed on a precious baby boy in front of me. It was the little face of the baby we decided shouldn’t be. My heart ached, and I wanted to cry, but Talon seemed so happy. He got down next to him and kissed his little bald head. Then he looked up to me and smiled. I’d never seen him like that. He reached down and picked up the tiny one, and cradled him in his arms. They were so much alike: their eyes, their noses, and hair. He was the perfect little match to Talon. And I loved them both.

The vision faded, and I lay back trying to make sense of it all. I couldn’t tell Talon. No way. I figured he didn’t want to hear it, and it would only cause more problems. I yawned big and closed my eyes, hoping to fall asleep soon.

I found myself lying on my back, completely bathed in light. It was so bright and blue that I squinted. My eyes scanned around me between blinks, hoping to find my Light, but it was not there. Waves rushed under me, bobbing me up and down; reminding me of the times I’d floated on a raft, yet under me there was no raft and no water. I was freely suspended—floating—and I started to panic, my legs and arms flailing about, trying to find something to cling to. A pounding heartbeat filled my ears so loudly it had to be mine. I let out a scream, and it seemed to echo into the expanse around me.

I hoped something would come into focus, but there was nothing there. I was caught in a limbo; a place I’ve never been in the visions I’ve had before, but this was not a vision. It was a dream. The realization caused me to fight to waken myself. Before I opened my eyes, I heard a voice boom out, “Help me!” My eyes opened as I gasped, part of me wishing I hadn’t left so soon, the other part sure it was for the best. I sat up, feeling the pain shoot through my temples from my earlier vision.
It was just a silly dream.
I opened the bottle I kept beside my bed and swallowed two pills. Lying back down, I tugged the covers up around my neck and stared at the ceiling until it disappeared behind my heavy lids.

Despite the pills, I woke up early the next morning with a pounding headache, remembering the strange dream. I’ve had many since coming to Bragg, but this one was different. I dismissed it as normal—most likely a product of the headache forming in my sleep. I could barely open my eyes, and once Talon figured out that I had had another vision, he would want to know all about it. But this vision I just couldn’t share. I got up to take some more medicine and hoped it would work fast. I managed to beat Talon to the bathroom and got myself ready early. Being up before him would be suspicious, but hopefully he wouldn’t say anything.

No such luck. As soon as I stepped into my closet to get my shoes, he staggered into my bedroom, rubbing his eyes and flipping on the lights. “What’s all this?” he asked, waving his hand at me. “Did I oversleep?”

I squinted at the bright room. “No, I just happened to wake up,” I said with a shrug. He stood there staring at me, a little unsure, and turned back to his room to get ready without a word. He didn’t say anything else until we got outside and the sunlight hit me, and he caught me wincing.

“Are you okay, Lily?” he asked, opening the door to the truck. Owen was on his way over to say hello while Hunter was still inside, talking to Granny. He leaned against the truck and ate his protein bar breakfast as Talon awaited my answer.

“I’m fine.” I tried to force my eyes wider, only to regret it.

“You don’t seem so fine,” Talon said. He glared at me accusingly. I wasn’t sure what he was thinking.

Owen inspected me with squinted eyes while turning up his chin and tilting his head to glare at me sideways. “She looks normal to me, Thomas.” Owen liked disagreeing with Talon, and by his snippy use of Talon’s last name, that was what he was trying to do.

Talon climbed into the driver’s seat. “Did you have a vision last night?”

I couldn’t lie, but I couldn’t tell the truth, either. I tucked my chin and averted my eyes. Owen read my body language, and after giving me a knowing look, spoke up. “So what if the girl gets a headache. She’s probably sick of you. Lay off.” I leaned my head against the door, waiting for the argument that I could feel coming on.

“Butt out, Riley,” Talon said, as Hunter walked up.

“Whoa, excuse me. I was only coming to say good morning,” said Hunter. He had no idea what just happened, but I was thankful for his distraction. The guys went to their own car and followed us out while I closed my eyes and relaxed until the medicine finally kicked in.

* * *

At lunch, Owen came to the table. Worry plagued his face and he was chewing at his lip, which was unusual. “Lily, can we talk?” he asked. Meagan glared at us as she took her seat across from me. She turned her head to Talon, who looked at Owen suspiciously.

“Sure,” I said. He reached out his hand to help me from my seat and led me outside to a bench on the sidewalk. “What’s wrong?” I put my hand on his shoulder.

“Coach is sending out a letter to everyone today. He’s gonna start drug testing within the next week.” He leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. “A lot of the other players are mad at me. They think I‘m on steroids and enhancers. Some of the parents have been making complaints and I am starting to get threats.”

“Owen! You’re not doing drugs, are you?” I demanded with a gasp. Surely he hadn’t been so stupid and careless.

“What? No, Lily! Don’t you get it? The Water!” His leg was shaking and he twisted his fingers together nervously.

“Oh, I forgot about that. Are you still going every night?”

“Most nights. I missed a couple here and there when Coach called for early practice. What will I do? There’s no telling what will show up! Hunter never did get his test kit for the Water.”

“You need to tell Hunter,” I said. “Besides, he already knows.” He looked at me, mouth gaping, as if I’d told on him. “He guessed, but I didn’t confirm. You really thought he wouldn’t catch you sneaking out?” Owen should have known better. I was surprised Granny didn’t know—if she didn’t—because not much got past her.

“Did you tell Talon? Be honest.” He searched my eyes and waited on my response.

“No! He
does
know that I am worried about you, but he doesn’t know why.”

Owen pressed his lips tight to fight his grin. “Bet that’s driving him crazy.”

“I don’t see what it would matter if I told him.” Keeping secrets in our circle seemed ridiculous to me, especially since all of my abilities were exposed.
Except for that one vision
.

“Because, I don’t want anyone to know about it. I never wanted
you
to know. Like you don’t want anyone knowing your secrets.” He turned his eyes away from me.

“I’m not going to tell him, not until you give the okay. You can trust me,” I reminded. “But we really should tell Hunter, and you need to quit taking the Waters.”

“Okay. I will. I’ll tell Hunter right now. I know what he will say. I’m going to have to quit the team.” He stood and took my hand to help me up, then held the door open for me. When we walked in, the bell was ringing. I hurried to see Talon, but he was already headed to class by the time I returned to the table.

Owen stopped Hunter to talk, and Meagan stalked off to find her other friends, so Holly and I walked on to class together.

“I don’t think Talon was too happy about you and Owen taking off together.” She raised her brow as we walked down the crowded hall.

“We had to talk. It was important,” I said.

“I think it’s the secrets that bother him most. He barely spoke, even with Meagan rambling on at his side.”

“At his side?” I asked. She was sitting across the table when I left.

“Oh sure, as soon as you and Owen hit the door, she
borrowed
your seat—just moved right in.” She rolled her eyes. “That girl is something else.”

“But Talon ignored her?” I asked, giving her a hopeful glance.

“Well, as much as he could. You know he won’t be rude.” She was right—he’d never be that.

I felt bad that Talon had gotten upset. I figured he was mad since he didn’t wait, and I expected him to give me the silent treatment on the way home. He was still bruised from the night I snuck out with Owen. Then again, he might still be upset from this morning. He knew something was up.

“Sorry about lunch,” I apologized as I climbed in the truck after school.

“It’s okay,” he replied. “I missed you, though.”

His words made me warm inside. “I missed you, too. Oh, hey, I just remembered. Wednesday, Granny wants us to stall the guys after school. She wants Holly and Meagan to come over, too. She’s getting the guys’ birthday present delivered.”

He leaned in close, brushing his lips with mine for a soft, quick kiss. “What is it?” he asked.

“You’ll see. I promised Granny I wouldn’t tell a soul.” I breathed in his scent while he was still so close, and he pressed his lips softly to my neck, giving me kisses down to my collarbone and back up, ending with a bright smile. He was very tempting, but I shook my head and giggled.

“Fine.” he smiled. “Guess you still can’t tell me Owen’s big secret, either.”

“No, not yet,” I said with a smirk. “I hear you had a nice close chat with Meagan today.” I changed the subject and watched his smile fade.

“Holly told you about it, huh? I swear that Meagan chick is impossible. She didn’t shut up the
whole
time, mostly talking about herself. She didn’t miss Owen at all.” That was no surprise to me. It was obvious Meagan was using Owen. I was pretty sure it was to get closer to Talon. I only hoped I was wrong. Lost in deep thought, I stayed quiet the rest of the ride home.

We pulled up to find Mom’s car in the driveway. She left for work this morning, so we weren’t sure what was wrong. “Looks like Cate’s sick again,” Talon noted.