Mother of Darkwaters: Book one of the Vessel series (79 page)

   “I will be driving up in a Bugatti,” Caroline points out the obvious, “I think acting like nothing has changed will be a bit overboard.”

   “Don’t involve your cousin into your story,” Victoria warns.

   “I won’t,” Caroline promises. She pats her mom’s hand, “Don’t worry, you raised a very smart kid.”

   “I know. But I am your mother. I will always worry about you.”

   Victoria’s head cocks to the left ever so slightly, “I thought you said that Tamara had stopped doing that sort of thing?”

   “Um - I lied,” Caroline confesses, “So I guess that makes us even.”

   “Hmm. I don’t know about that,” Victoria softly scrutinizes her daughter with her eyes, “Our reasons are very different.”

   “A lie is a lie, mom – no matter how you try to justify it.”

   “Maybe,” Victoria answers with the bitter taste of having her own words thrown back at her. Caroline grins knowingly.

   “You need to tell Tamara to make an appointment at my office.”

   “Stop it,” Caroline responds with a teasing nature.

   Victoria grins.

   “That’s what’s weird about it. Julianna brought it on herself.”

   “Nobody deserves that sort of thing, Caroline. You should know better than to say something like that.”

   “That’s not what I mean, mom. First, she almost caused Becca to hit that beat up old truck she drives. Then later, she embarrassed Becca in Greek Mythology by challenging her intellect. She really made Becca look stupid.”

   “She challenged the social order – is that what you’re trying to say?”

   “Yeah. But no. Julianna parked in Tamara’s spot after that. It was like she was setting herself up to…”

   Caroline’s words leave her as she begins to see the unfolding of a plan in which she does not yet fully understand.

   “Like I said before, if she
allowed
Tamara to beat her up, she has her reasons.”

   “This is deep,” Caroline sounds both confused and awe-struck, “You weren’t kidding about this stuff.”

   “This is not a game, Caroline. It is very real.”

   “And how in the heck could she have known about the blood..?”

   Caroline stops herself mid-sentence.

   “Nice try daughter of mine,” Victoria says while releasing her daughter’s hand, “What in the world got into you girls that you would do something so foolish?”

  Caroline acts innocent, “Demons?”

   “Not funny, young lady,” Victoria scolds, “I almost lost you. Do not joke about it.”

  Caroline looks down at the table as she sees her mother’s eyes water.

   “I’m sorry, mom. I couldn’t stop it. I tried.”

   Caroline looks up with apologetic eyes.

   “I know you did, sweetie. And it’s over now. Julianna took care of it.”

   Caroline nods within her regret. She looks at her mom questioningly.

   “But why? How did she even know? We did that ritual before we ever knew Mandie – I mean Julianna.”

   “You must not make that mistake at school.”

   Caroline nods, “I know. I’ll be careful, promise.”

   “You touched Julianna, remember? It shocked you.”

   “But I touched a lot of people. I didn’t get shocked by any of them.”

   “Julianna is different in ways that you can’t yet comprehend. She is gifted with this sort of thing.”

   “How am I supposed to repay her for saving my life? That thing almost killed her.”

   “She
did
sacrifice her well-being for you. But that means you must be very special to her. The main-prophecy bloodline does not act carelessly. And I believe this to be especially true with Julianna.”

   “But I barely know her.”

   “But she knows you, Caroline. And she found something that I have always known.”

   Caroline looks at her mom with a curious, yet guarded gaze.

   “I promise you that it had nothing to do with popularity or the acceptance of the school’s social pecking order. You are insightful, intelligent, and think very deeply. It is your inner-qualities that has peeked her interest in you. Of that, I am sure.”

   “But how can I repay her for something like this?”, Caroline questions. She waves her right hand towards the front door, “Or that?”

   “
That
,” Victoria motions towards the door with her eyes, “is not something you owe for. It is a gift. She expects nothing in return.”

   “How do you know that?”

   “It’s how our family believes. If it were not so, she would have given you a condition upon receiving the gift.”

   “Like keeping her identity secret,” Caroline answers with her understanding.

   “Exactly. And that is how you repay her. She expects nothing else. But if you break the condition, you forfeit your life. There is no slack given. She saved your life. In doing so, she had to reveal who she was – probably before she wanted to; especially, if what you say is true about school and Tamara.”

   “It is,” Caroline confirms.

   “Then you must understand that she has her reasons. And you must repay her by keeping her secret.”

   Caroline pauses within her thoughts before answering.

   “I will. It’s the least I can do for her. Besides, I don’t want to get whacked.”

   She grins, but her mom doesn’t seem to share the same amusement.

  
Knock - knock - knock.

   Caroline jumps up from the table and runs to the front door. She jerks it open. A man stands there smiling.

   “Ma’am,” he says with a nod, “Your garage has a new tenant right now.”

   He hands Caroline the keychain, turns, and leaves the porch.

   The excited cheerleader shuts the door, turns, and dashes through the house until she reaches her garage through her house’s entry.

   “There’s my baby,” Caroline coos as she takes in the Bugatti’s beauty.

   The blue-metallic paint job is a perfect match to all of her friend’s vehicles, but hers seems better. Four painted blue hell hounds adore the left and right side of the car. Each hound has a gold dog chain around its neck with an initial. From left to right, each initial reads:
R
,
C
,
J
, and
T
– the reflection of the S.V.C’s names…well, the ones that matter anyway.

   “It
is
beautiful,” Victoria quietly says from behind her daughter.

   “Yes it is,” Caroline agrees with a sense of reverence to her tone. She clicks a button on her keychain.

   “Alarm is set,” a woman’s voice speaks clearly – almost human-like, “Please stay clear of the vehicle.”

   “Whoa.”

   “I have to agree,” Victoria says with a grin.

   Caroline flips the garage light switch. The four hell hounds glow.

   “Oh yeah – now that’s what I’m talking about. Right there.”

   “Pretty snazzy,” Victoria agrees once again.

   Caroline turns and follows her mom back into the house.

   Victoria watches as her daughter closes the door. When she turns, Victoria takes hold of both of her hands, “If you make the choice to follow her it is lifelong. Never forget what it means to struggle. Always keep yourself humble. Money is
very
seductive. Do not let it cloud or distort your judgments and decisions.”

   “I won’t,” Caroline answers. Her eyes widen with panic as her memory jars itself against her thoughts, “What am I going to do?! We have a pep-rally tomorrow!”

   “One of the gentlemen escorting me handed me a note from your cousin. There will be a make-up artist here in the morning when you get up.”

   “Are you serious?”

   “I am.”

   “This is blowing me away.”

   “Welcome to your family.”

   Caroline hugs her mom, “
You
are my family.” She steps back with her hands on her mother’s shoulders, “Julianna is still on probation.”

   Victoria smiles appreciatively while patting her daughter’s right hand.

  Julianna sits in her rusty brown truck. From her spot in the third row, she has a clear view of S.V.C. Row. Jennifer, Rebecca, and Tamara are gathered around Jennifer’s blue Bentley. They seem to be gawking over Rebecca’s senior invites to the Amy Lee party.

   Julianna observed Tamara glancing at her earlier. But since then, the tall cheerleader hasn’t acknowledged her presence. It is disheartening. Julianna tried not to fall in love whenever she felt it coming on. But fighting it made it even worse.

   Julianna perks up when she see the blue Bugatti.

   “Here we go,” Julianna whispers as though someone might hear.

   A blue-metallic Bugatti, slowly, drives the street in front of the school from left to right. Students and teachers alike stop to stare at the beautiful machine. Tamara pats Jennifer on the shoulder and says something. Julianna takes in the triumphant sight as her cousin waves at her friends while she makes the pass. The Bugatti takes the first right on the next street and makes a roaring sound as Caroline revs its engine upon entry into the parking lot.

   Caroline finds two open slots in S.V.C Row and parks diagonally across them both. She gets out of the vehicle, holds her keychain above her right shoulder, and activates the alarm. The cheerleader never looks back.

   “You
do
know how to play,” Julianna amuses, “Good for you. At least I got one right.”

   Julianna opens her squeaky driver’s side door, locks it, and slams it shut. The older truck doesn’t respond well to a gentle touch. She double-checks her blue sparkle fingernail polish on her nails, readjusts her blue sweater, and heads for S.V.C Row.

   “Where did you get that?”, Rebecca questions loudly while walking towards her bff. Tamara and Jennifer are close behind Rebecca. Julianna picks up the pace so she can hear her cousin’s response. She, purposefully, failed to give Caroline a cover story.

   “I had an aunt who died,” Caroline recites her rehearsed answer, “I never even got to meet her. But I was left with some money.”

  
Nice.

   “I know for a
fact
,” Jennifer chimes in, “You have to go through a literal hell to get that car – let alone a customized version of it.”

  
Crap.

   Caroline pauses for a brief second before shrugging her shoulders, “Yeah that’s what I hear. My mom was in on the family secret until it was ready. She figured there was no hurry to bring up my aunt until everything was in place.”

  
Quick on your feet.

   “Well that is a beautiful ride and I’m jealous,” Rebecca says while checking out the four hounds of hell from a distance. She looks to her left and sees Jennifer eyeing the car as though it is the sexiest thing in the world.

    She grins, “I think Jennifer’s panties are wet.”

   “You’re disgusting,” Jennifer says while gently shoving Rebecca on her left shoulder.

   “It’s a great pick, Caroline,” Tamara says, “Your mom did us justice.”

   “Thanks,” Caroline says while glancing over to Julianna.

   Rebecca questions, “Why can’t I feel our bond anymore?”

   “Geezus Becca!”, Caroline scolds while motioning towards Julianna with her head. The other three S.V.C members turn around.

   “Hi,” Julianna waves innocently. She glances to Caroline, “Nice car. It’s pretty.”

   “Pretty,” Jennifer shakes her head, “You don’t know the first thing about cars, do you?”

   “Sorry,” Julianna says while looking downward.

   Tamara speaks, “Becca has the invites ready, but she still needs the time.”

   Julianna looks back up. She makes a pointed effort to land her gaze upon Rebecca.

   “Can I see?”

   Rebecca walks over and hands Julianna a folder. Julianna opens it and examines the paper within. Each page has dark blue edges, a gold swirling border, and the inside is a light blue. Julianna closes the folder and hands it back to Rebecca.

   “I see you left out Amy. I’m impressed. They’re perfect.”

   Rebecca’s blue eyes light up as Julianna feeds the goddess.

   “Time?”, Rebecca questions.

   “Nine on Saturday,” Julianna informs, “That’s when she’ll be ready. But we need to get everyone else there earlier, sevenish maybe?”

   “Gotcha,” Rebecca answers as though she is the ultimate professional party hostess.

   A moment later, Rebecca’s blond brows lift, “Hold up.”

   She looks at Tamara, “I thought you said you were going straight home yesterday?”

   “I did,” Tamara gives Becca a strange look, “Why?”

   Rebecca reaches down and grabs Julianna’s right hand and lifts it up, “Then how did you know what brand to buy?”

   “I gave her a quick rundown whenever I seen her at my mom’s office yesterday,” Caroline quickly answers.

   Rebecca releases Julianna’s hand and turns to look at Caroline, “And why would she be at your mom’s office?”

   “Appearances,” Caroline says with a duh-factor within her expression, “The school would wonder why she didn’t show up after they offered to pay like that.”

   “What’s your problem?”, Caroline turns the tables on her bff.

   Rebecca turns towards the school, “Nothing.”

   The head cheerleader begins walking. The other members follow her lead. Julianna has a strong desire to laugh, but she refrains. Caroline is performing wonderfully. Unfortunately, the same things cannot be said about the other three.

   Tamara is beginning to look like a complete loss. And with this loss, Jennifer will be tougher to approach. If Tamara withdraws, Jennifer almost certainly will follow suit. Rebecca will be even tougher than Jennifer. She resides on her own planet – the planet of Becca. But her cousin, Caroline, seems to be a sure win.

   Tamara walks side by side with her limping bff, Jennifer. They follow Caroline and Rebecca. Julianna travels in the rear. She is the only one in the group with no cheerleading outfit.

   Upon entry into the school, the fours cheerleaders turn left, Julianna follows them. Rebecca, Caroline, and Tamara make their way towards the gymnasium; whereas, Jennifer takes a detour into the girl’s restroom. Julianna passes the restroom door and walks over to her locker. She opens it, and retrieves a book for her first period History III class. When she closes the locker door, she grabs her phone and begins texting.