Chapter 4
Nairne walked out of the back door and
headed straight for the stonewall. Gene had insisted on coming so she allowed
him, holding him in one arm. She hadn't found Vance when she went looking for
him, thinking that he could be anywhere in the old house. As she drew closer
Nairne pulled out the key and ran her finger over the handle. She hoped that
this was the right key. When she reached the door she hesitated, wondering what
was beyond it, hoping nothing evil and wanting something exciting, or interesting.
Nairne searched for the keyhole
briefly and finding it placed the key in gently. Turning the key, Nairne heard
the faint sound of a click. Nairne placed Gene in the fabric sling on her back
and using both hands pushed against the door. It didn't budge. Leaning back,
she thought it over. Maybe I should push
harder? Resting a second Nairne pushed against it again. Finally she could
feel the door moving against her hands. With one final shove Nairne opened the
door all the way. She stood in the doorway and looked around.
Vance had been watching Nairne
struggling with opening what he guessed was a hidden door. That must have been what she was looking for. Then why keep it a
secret? He noticed that she stood in the doorway, not moving. Suddenly images
started flashing through his mind.
He
could hear the footsteps of the men close behind. The little boy knew that he
couldn't outrun then for long. Looking ahead of him he saw that he was very
close to the stonewall. Reaching it, he pushed the ivy aside quickly and
finding the door handle pushed the latch. Nothing happened. Pushing down with
both hands he realized that the door had been locked. He turned around scared.
He could see the outline of the giant men coming for him. Moving fast he continued
to run and ran only a couple of feet before a loud crack echoed into the air.
The little boy fell and his vision started to fade until it was finally black.
Vance shook his head and frowned. What the heck was that? Trying to bury
all the questions his mind was throwing around about the strange vision Vance
turned his attention back to Nairne who had started moving.
Nairne blinked a couple of times as
the scenes of the little boy started to fade away. Confused she looked around
and remembered where she was. I knew
something was magical about this place. I could sense it from the other side.
All around her were gardens, bushes and trees of all sizes. In the middle was a
giant fountain that no longer flowed. The place was unkempt, weeds growing
almost taking over the assorted flowers. Ivy grew, almost completely covering
the fountain. To her left she noticed an old wooden swing and to her right was
a giant ring hanging from the tree.
Nairne wiped her forehead. She'd been
working in the garden almost all afternoon. It was growing late and soon the
sun would be setting. Looking over she saw Gene playing with some butterflies. He's having a blast in here. He really loves
this place. I'm glad we found it. I should probably tell Vance about it too.
Returning to pulling weeds Nairne suddenly smelled rain. Looking up she saw the
dark thunderclouds at the edge of the horizon. It should be here by nightfall. Judging by how dark the clouds were
she guessed a strong thunderstorm was coming. A shiver ran up her spine as she
thought of the lightning. Standing up she decided to call it a day. Gene also
seemed to have called it a day, looking over to her waiting to be picked up.
Entering the house a wave of smells
filled her nose. Closing her eyes she breathed the food in deeply. She hadn't realized
how hungry she was. Walking into the kitchen she watched Vance moving around
cooking. A smile crept onto her face. He
is a really nice guy. I'm happy I met him. Watching him for a couple more
seconds she walked up to him and was about to acknowledge her presence when he
turned and gave her a half smile.
"Food will be ready in little
over an hour." Nairne stood there half surprised that he'd known she was
there. I keep forgetting that he's one of
us. Nodding her head she felt her face grow a little hot.
"I'm going to go clean off…"
She needed to get away fast, feeling herself turn redder. Not waiting for an
answer she turned and walked out the swinging door to the bathroom upstairs.
Vance had just turned off the stove burners
when Nairne walked into the kitchen. She didn't say anything, going to the
cabinets and getting two plates out. She set the plates on the island and
pulled out a baby bowl. Vance walked over to the plates and started making them
as she walked over to the sink. Nairne stared out the window at the approaching
storm. She hated storms, especially when there was lots of lightning. Turning
away from the window she grabbed some silverware and walked into the enormous
dining room. This room could easily fit at
least fifty people. The table alone can have twenty. Like we are ever going to
fill them all anyways. Walking back into the kitchen she grabbed the two
made plates and the baby bowl before walking back into the dining room. Gene
was already in a chair, propped up with pillows.
Vance sat in the living room staring
at the giant meadow painting above the fireplace. Nairne and Gene had gone to
bed some hours ago. Thunder clapped throughout the house followed by lightning.
Movement roused him from his thoughts as he turned towards the door. Standing
there was Nairne holding Gene. She looked pale and Gene looked like he was
about to cry.
"W-would you mind if we s-slept
in here tonight?" Nairne spoke shakily. She felt stupid asking to stay
with him because of some thunder and lightning. A loud rumble of thunder
sounded and seconds later lightning flashed. Nairne jerked violently at them
and Gene buried his face into her nightgown. Vance was surprised by her
question and quickly saw how scared they were of the storm.
"Yea, sure go ahead, make
yourselves comfortable." He stood up and helped make a bed for Gene.
Nairne stayed close to him the entire time. He kept glancing at her terrified
face. Finally when he was finished he sat back in the chair and watched as
Nairne tried to calm Gene down.
It was after
"I probably look really funny
being afraid of a storm. I never used to be...of course that was before they got me. I'm afraid of a lot of
things because of them…." Nairne trailed off staring into the fireplace.
Vance just watched her, surprised that she had told him something personal. She
broke out of thought and looked to him apologetically.
"Sorry, you probably don't want
to hear about my problems, or about them."
Her voice was soft. He looked away and shook his head.
"I don't care what you talk about
really…." Nairne smiled gently. A question popped into her mind. She
looked at him for a few seconds.
"If you don't mind my
asking…..why did you work for them. I mean you don't
have to answer if you don't want to of course." She added the last part
quickly. He thought about it for a few seconds.
"Because that was everything to
me. I don't remember my parents, and Urgan raised me from a small child. I had
been trained as their top weapon. After a while I realized what I was doing and
when I found out some of the things they did to you and what they planned on doing to you I flipped."
Nairne became suddenly slightly nervous.
"H-how much did you see…..?"
She spoke quietly, her voice a little shaky. Vance turned to her and gave her a
reassuring smile.
"Don’t worry, I didn't read the
whole thing, I couldn't force myself too. I won't tell anyone what I do know. That is your business."
His voice was gentle and calming. Nairne calmed and nodded her head. I really trust him. Now, with a lot more
than my life. Gene started whimpering. Looking over she picked him up and
laid him against her. He soon became quiet and fell back asleep. Vance watched
her care for him. Nairne sensed he was watching her and looked over to him.
"When is his birthday?"
Vance asked. Nairne looked down at the sleeping infant and looked back up to
him.
"I don't honestly know. He might,
but he's never told me. His parents are dead I believe. Probably killed trying
to protect him from being captured. Surprised aren't you. Thought I was his mom
right?" She looked at him with a sad smile. Vance felt sorry for her. I'm sure lots of people thought that and
figured you a disgrace of society.
"Actually no, I knew you weren't
his mom. Even with your baggy clothes I could tell that you've never had a kid."
Nairne looked at him surprised. Her face turned slightly red and she looked
away. Vance realized he'd embarrassed her and watched her face go slightly red.
Looking away he stared at the meadow painting again.
Nairne could feel her eyes getting
heavy. The thunderstorm was practically gone, only every once in a while could
she hear thunder and rarely saw lightning. The fear of the storm was also
disappearing. Exhaustion was taking hold of her body at a fast pace. Leaning
against the sofa arm, she laid her head on a pillow and watched Vance. Does he ever sleep? I don't think I ever
have… Her mind also started to drift towards sleep and finally her
breathing slowed.
Looking over Vance noticed that Nairne
had fallen asleep. Smiling he sat and watched the young woman and baby sleep
peacefully.