The Son Shines Brighter-pages 7&8

A sheen of sweat gathered on her forehead.  Mama told her it got really hot this time of year.  “Even if you’re inside you’ll still feel it,” she warned.  “No controlled conditions there.”

Well, better start getting used to it.  Colli folded the letter and put it in her pocket.  She had to do one more thing before she joined the others for breakfast.  She locked the door.  It would not do to have Mary or one of the others walk in on her. 

On the nightstand, beside the bed, lay a red bag.  Small and unobtrusive, she carried it where ever she went.  Through all the inspections and security stations, no one bothered to look in the secret pocket.  Colli didn’t blame any of the inspectors.  What she had wouldn’t interest them anyway.  Really, it wouldn’t interest any sane being. 

The various refreshing and cleaning articles littered the soft white coverlet on the bed.  Colli sat with the bag in her lap.  Legs crossed beneath her she pulled it to her chest and hugged it close. 

I don’t want to look at it again.  She pressed her eyes tight.  All the tears she’d shed grew, replenished, to stream down her cheeks. 

**

“Turn here, turn here,” Colli directed.  They had been searching for an hour to find the right driveway.  Then here it was.  They’d driven past it ten times.  Now, with a bright red flag to mark it, the thick iron gate swung open when Mary pulled the car off the black hardtop. 

Strange,  We should have seen this before.  Farther along a larger orange gate blocked the road.  Over the edge on one side, a fast moving river kept glistening rocks smooth and clean.  On the other, a shear stone wall blended into the rugged forest of the mountain.  On her side , the crashing torrent seemed to pull Colli toward it.  She pulled her legs up, trying to help Mary keep the car in the narrow track.  After they passed through the second gate, a border of thick evergreens spread out, emphasizing the rolling hills that grew along the sides of a small concealed valley.  At the far end, only partially hidden by boulders and forest, the spires of a strong foreboding fence offered the last protection for the intricate façade of a castle.  At least it reminded her of the history pictures she’d studied as a child.        

“Wow.”  Mary exclaimed.  She pulled the car to a stop just short of a speaker decorated with green and orange ribbons.  The streamers flopped in a growing breeze.  The solid white pole the speaker sat on added to the festive appearance it brought to the rugged landscape.  On the dark metal grilled box, one bright red button offered the only hope for making contact.   

Large green letters printed between it, and a bright sun caricature, read, Collianna O’Glacken press here to enter.

Mary shifted into neutral.  “How in the heck did they do that?”  She

“Guess they’re expecting me.”  Colli swallowed hard, trying to hide her fear.  At least she kept it out of her voice.  Mary didn’t seem to notice.

“Did you want me to drop you off and go back home?”  Mary turned her soft brown eyes to draw the answer she wanted from Colli. 

“Not really.  Could you go in with me?”  The strangeness of this land gave Colli the jitters. 

“Good.”  Mary flicked long brown hair out of her face.  “I wasn’t going to leave you anyway.  Soon as I pull up, push the button.” Mary waved her instruction.  Gears ground as she put the little red convertible into low.  Colli watched as her sister pressed one, then released the other of two small black pedals on the floorboard of the vehicle.