Touched by Darkness (Young Creator Trilogy) (8 page)

I really feel like today was a major breakthrough for Keagan. Ever since he died and was
reanimated by some strange miracle, Keagan has definitely been off. His behavior and actions
have been different, and he seems very uncomfortable in my presence. I feel like he has finally
realized he believes in this cause. His actions—both yesterday when he chose to have my back,
and today when he stated that he felt Haven’s ways were off—make me confident that he is on
the path back to the Keagan that I know… well, knew.

I did
n’t even realize I had lost my trust in him until he betrayed us yesterday and I was
not surprised by his decision. I guess there was a part of me expecting something to eventually
happen, but realizing that Keagan had betrayed not only me, but his family as well, hurt. It shows
how many obstacles are in my way to getting things back to how they were between us. I don’t
have the same advantage of him getting to know me first and then finding out about the Young
Creator thing this time. I wonder if there is any hope for us.

I look around at the somber faces of the adults in the room with me and feel like I should
leave the decisions to them. Maybe I need to take a break from this and see if my talents can be
utilized anywhere else. “Does anyone need anything else from me right now? Or do you mind if
I see if I can help the others?”

Helen glances around the room to see if they have anything, and when her gaze lands on
me I receive a friendly smile. Even though she has a smile on her face, I see the worry hidden
behind it. Worry not only about the people that were brought here from Haven and what their
future holds, but also about the situation with Keagan, Porsche, and Eddie. I know that Helen
cares about all of them and making the decision must be hard on her. I feel arms wrapping
around me and it’s my mom, giving me a sweet hug.

“You can go ahead and check up on things
.I’m so proud of you, Trish. You really are an
amazing young women.” With those words, she kisses me on the forehead and ushers me out of
the tent. I’m eager to escape and do something other than stand around.

The sunlight hits me right in the face, blinding me, which results in me letting out a little
girly squeak when a hand touches my shoulder. I spin around and find Keagan with an amused
look on his face standing before me.

“What
?” I’m embarrassed,so I can’t help but be short with him… which results in him
laughing in my face. I roll my eyes and turn around, stomping off. I don’t have time for his
childish shenanigans; I have things to do.

“Trish, wait up
. I need something that onlyyou can help me with.” I stop, and with a
raised eyebrow and crossed arms, I impatiently wait for him to tell me what he wants. I almost
don’t notice Sam and Chelsey standing in the shadows, talking. I wonder if there is something
that my best friend needs to tell me. I have to admit, I hope that there is something going on
between the two of them. I think that they are both great people and I deeply care for them; all I
want is for them to be happy. Most people would probably think that it’s really weird that I
wouldn’t mind if he dated my best friend, considering I had kissed and found him attractive. The
thing is,I don’t think I ever had real feelings for Sam. I was more confused about my feelings for
Keagan and was trying to find a distraction from him. Sam is a good looking guy with his blond
hair and bright eyes, not to mention that smile with those dimples.

“Trish, are you even paying attention to
me?” Keagan’s words bring me back from my
thoughts and I focus on him.
“Sorry,I was thinking about Sam.” This time it’s Keagan that rolls his eyes.
“I don’t care about your girly infatuations.” He glances over his shoulder and notices
Sam and Chelsey. “Seems like your buddy is moving in on your boyfriend.” I meet his gaze
when he turns back around.
“Sam is not my boyfriend, Keagan, you are.” Why in the world did I just say that? As
soon as the words are out of my mouth, I want to suck them back in. But since Ican’t, I do the
second best thing and pretend like itdidn’t happen. “So what was it that you needed my help
with?” Keagan is still staring at me, and I have no idea what the expression on his face means.
Crap, why did I have to say that? I think he’s finally getting over the hate part toward me and is
looking at me more like a person, and then I have to say something to make him uncomfortable.
Keagan steps right up to me and I hold my breath; he is so close that I can feel his breath
on my cheek. “Let’s get one thing straight,Young Creator.” Tearing my gaze off of his chest, I
look up into his eyes, momentarily getting lost in them. However, his words bring me right back
to reality. “I don’t remember what happened between us, but regardless nothing will ever happen
again. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
Releasing my breath, Ican’t help but look at his lips, which are inches from mine. I can’t
help but wonder if I kiss him, if his memories will return. I have heard that muscle memory
brings back memories. So I decide to take a chance and throw my arms around him, pressing my
lips to his. For a second I think that it may be working because he kisses me back, but as quickly
as it started it ends. Suddenly, he shoves me back … hard. Hard enough to actually result in me
sitting on my butt. Keagan glares at me.
“You know, I’m really trying here. I get that something was going on between us, but I
need you to keep your distance. You are making me really uncomfortable, don’t you understand
that?” He is shouting at me once again, and I notice that several people who were walking by
stop and are openly gaping at us. I can feel my cheeks flush, but decide to not show how
embarrassed and hurt I’m by yet another one of his rejections.
“I just figured I’d see if I could jog your memory. No need to get your panties in a bunch!
It was just a harmless kiss.” Rising, I brush the dirt off of my pants. When I look at Keagan, I
notice a slight pink stain gracing his cheeks. Good,I’m glad that I embarrassed him. Sometimes I
feel like Keagan needs to be brought down a level or two. Such a hot head.
“Let’s just pretend that it didn’t happen,” he murmurs.
“Fine by me. Like I said,it was no big deal, Keagan.” It’s interesting to see him so
uncomfortable. As long as I have known him,he’s always been cocky and self-assured. Now he
is standing in front of me, shifting nervously on his feet and not looking at me. There is a part of
me that wonders if I may have jogged his memory after all. I better just let it go for now, though;
I don’t want to push too hard and disturb the uncomfortable peace that we have come to. “So,
like I was asking, why did you come looking for me? You said you needed my help with
something.”
“Uh,yeah, that’s right.I did come looking for you, didn’t I?” He gets lost in his own
thoughts for a minute, which reminds me of how Aunt Tisi always sinks into her head all the
time when I’m trying to have a conversation with her.
“Sooo …” I tap my foot impatiently and start looking around, losing interest as I
remember that I wanted to go check on things.
“Umm, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind fixing my bed.” I wait for him to continue
because I haveno idea what he needs me for. “Maybe put a nice queen with a Tempur-Pedic
mattress in my little tent. I will even just take the mattress. I’d totally owe you one.” Keagan
asking for anything would surprise me, but him begging and telling me that he would owe me
one totally shocks me. I think he can tell by the look on my face that I’m shocked, because next
thing I know Keagan goes off on a tangent. “Look, I usually wouldn’t ask for something like
this, but my body is so sore. I haven’t been able to sleep well and can’t properly protect you or
do my duty if I’m unable to concentrate. Therefore, I figured I should suck it up and ask for your
help.”
I’m totally floored, but who am I to deny my personal Guardian any request he makes
that will enable him to do his duty? I triumphantly do a happy dance in my head, but make sure
to look completely serious when I reply,“Sure, Keagan, that’s no problem. I would be happy to
do anything I can to make sure that you can do your duty. Let’s go to your tent so that I can see
whereI’m placing this big, comfortable bed.” We walk through the camp, receiving a lot of
smiles and acknowledging nods from some of the men. It must be a guy thing because I have
never seen women greet each other with nods. I chuckle quietly and receive an inquisitive look
from Keagan, which I decide to ignore.
We arrive atKeagan’s tent, and as I walk through the entranceI’m not surprised to see
that everything is neat and perfectly organized. I roll my eyes, and with a quick look at the
military-style cot it has transformed itself into a comfortable looking queen bed with a down
comforter and plush pillows. When I turn to Keagan, joy radiates from him. Before I know what
is happening, he has jumped into the bed and is laying on it with arms and legs splayed wide. He
wiggles aroundon top of the covers, which makes me crack up. “Keagan,you’re silly.” I
momentarily forget about the awkwardness between us and jump on the bed with him, laying my
head in the crook of his arm.
I’m reminded when he instantly stiffens and pulls his arm out from under my head.
Closing my eyes, I lay there for a minute, trying to pretend that he didn’t just once again hurt my
feelings. I feel him shift next to me and peek at him; he’s sitting up and rubbing a hand over his
short hair. He clears his throat, which makes me completely open my eyes and sit up on the bed,
turning my body in his direction. “Thank you, I really appreciate the bed.” Just when I’m about
to reply, we are interrupted by Riley, who comes into his tent without any forewarning.
“Hey Keagan.” She stops when she spots me and a smile lights up her stunning face.
“Are you two back together? Keagan,I’m so glad that you finally remember her. I knew it would
just take time before your memories came back. I didn’t want to rush you,but you don’t know
how relieved I’m that you’re back with Trish and not messing around with that backstabbing
skank of a Guardian, Porsche. I can’t stand that girl and it took every ounce of self-control to bite
my tongue.” Her rambling stops when she throws herself at Keagan, who easily catches her. He
looks at me and lightly shakes his head; I think he wants Riley to believe that he remembers me.
“Anyway, the reason that I came to see you was because Tisiphone and Maximus are asking for
you. I gotta go look for Chelsey and Sam, too,so I will meet you two in the main tent.” With
those words, she is up and out of the tent before I can even process what just happened. I can’t
believe Keagan let her leave here thinking that he and I were back together. I reallydon’t
understand why things always have to be so confusing. Men say women are complicated, and
don’t get me wrong I agree, but at the same time men are just as confusing … only in a different
way.

Jumping up, I leave the tent without a look at Keagan, knowing he will follow since we
were both summoned. I know I’m right when I hear quick footsteps behind me. He catches up to
me and matches his stride to mine, which leaves us walking side by side. Sadness overcomes me
momentarily when thoughts of us running together cross my mind. Thankfully we reach the tent
before my thoughts can turn even darker.

As we enter, the air seems thick with tension, which surprises me because I have never
seen anything except great camaraderie and agreement between the grownups. What I have
walked into is the complete opposite; nothing but crossed arms and scowls on their faces. My
mom walks over to me with an uneasy smile on her face and puts her arm around my shoulder,
pulling me close. I lean into her. I know she’s not my birth mother, but thatdoesn’t mean that
she is not my real mom orthat I don’t love her just as much as if she had given birth to me. Love
… it’s such an interesting emotion and there are so many different types. There is the love that
you feel for your family, which is something that is completely natural and makes you always be
there for those in your family and take for granted that they will also always be there for you. I
know I’m the perfect example of that.

When I still lived with my mother in Florida and it was just her and I, there were so many
mean things that I said to her. But even when my mom was in tears from something I said, there
was a part of me that knew she would forgive me and I always knew not to cross a certain
boundary. I was so angry with her most of the time because I felt like she was trying to make me
her personal prisoner and refused to let me live my life. Naturally, now I understand why she
made sure that we were hidden from the outside world since my birth mother, the Fury Allecto,
was trying to find me so that I could help her end the world. Remembering Haddie, I wonder if I
would have turned out the same way as her if I hadn’t been taken in by the woman who has her
arms around me.

“I love you
,Mom.” The words just feel right, and when my mom’s face lights up with
happiness I’m glad that I followed the impulse to tell her.
“I love you, too,Trish.” She squeezes me tighter and places a kiss on my cheek. Just
then, Chelsey and Sam make their way into the tent and it makes me think of the second type of
love. The love for people that are not related to you, but make such a huge impact in your life
that you can’t help but love them, and know that you would do anything for them. I meet
Chelsey’s gaze and give her a reassuring smile. Last to make their way into the tent are Porsche
and Eddie, followed by Riley. Porsche gives Keagan a smoldering look and tosses her hair over
her shoulder. Chelsey and I look at each other, both of us rolling our eyes, which makes us crack
up.
I hear Keagan clear his throat next to me, so I turn toward him. I take in a deep breath,
momentarily lost in both the comforting smell of Keagan and those big blue eyes, which are as
deep as the ocean. He makes me think of the love that so many books are written about. That
earth-shattering, soul-stealing, mountain-moving love. The love that leaves you breathless and
makes it impossible to focus on anything except that person. When they are not around it feels
like a piece of your soul is missing, and only once they have returned do you feel like you are
whole. I tear myself away from Keagan’s stare, scared that so much emotion could be brought to
the surface by gazing into his eyes.
“Now that we are all here, we need to tell you about some decisions we have made that
will impact all of you. I don’t like beating around the bush, so I will get to the point right away.
We need to face the musicand return all of you back to Dalton Academy.” Maximus’ words
shock all of us, but simultaneously starts a rush of words from all of those that this decision is
affecting.
I stand there in stunned silence.It’s as if everything around me has slowed down, and I’m
watching a movie that is barely moving. I see Eddie shaking his head from side to side in slow
motion; words leave his mouth,but I don’t hear them. Keagan is standing in front of his parents,
their gazes are locked and words are also exchanged between them. When I finally turn to look at
my mother, I find her observing me in silence. I shake my head from side to side in denial; I
don’t think it’s the right decision. How can I just return to class and act likeI’m a normal
teenager if the fight for human-kind is going on around me? This must be a mistake. I finally
meet Aunt Tisi’s eyes, who has turned into my mentor, and I see that she is watching me …
waiting for my reaction. All at onceI’m pulled back into the room. I can now hear the angry
words that are being thrown all around me.
“Wait!” I say loudly. Surprisingly, everyone around me quiets down and turns their
attention to me. “Even though I feel like this is the wrong choice, I’d like to know what’s behind
you making this decision.” I trust these people, and one thing that I’ve learned about them is that
they really care about us. I don’t feel they would make this decision because it’s the easiest thing
for them. Therefore, I need to understand the bigger picture.”
“You may remember the night Haven was attacked by Allecto and her people. That was
the first time they were able to break through our protective walls… ever.” We are all shocked
at Maximus’ words,but I don’t understand what it has to do with the decision to send us back to
Dalton. “Chelsey has to go back and return to her everyday life.” It hadn’t even occurred to me
that we disappeared out of nowhere, and that the police have probably been looking for us. I can
tell that the same thought is crossing everyoneelse’s mind at Maximus’ words. Chelsey appears
shocked and covers her gasp with her hand. Maximus raises his arm to catch everyone’s attention
once again, then continues,“There is nothing to worry about, no one knew that any of you have
been missing.”
“How is that possible?” The words that I was just wondering come out of Chelsey’s
mouth.
“I used one of my gifts. I can make humans see whatever I want them to see. All of you
have been attending class and going about your everyday life.” This comes from Aunt Tisi, who
has been quiet until now. Suddenly, I remember that she is capable of this. I still can’t believe
that ithadn’t crossed my mind once to worry about what everyone thought about us
disappearing. I guess the only excuse that I haveis that there’s too much going o
n.
Now that that’s been cleared up, Maximus continues,“I know you all want to stay and
help, but this place is not safe for you. We can’t afford to have those here that we feel may be a
threat.” He glances at Eddie and Porsche with those words. “Not only that, but we have a lot of
work here and wecan’t take care of all of these people and constantly have our guard up about
Allecto. Therefore, we have decided that the best place for you is Dalton Academy. There is a
reason why we sent Guardians there, and why your mother and I decided it was the safest place
for you, Trish. Even though Dalton Academy is just a normal human boarding school, it was
built on ground that was blessed by Artemis. This means that the Furies, including Tisiphone and
any person that may mean harm to those at Dalton Academy,can’t cross the boundary of the
land. It is the safest place for all of you.”