“Collianna?” Trevan’s voice preceded him from the eating area. “Mommy says you aren’t going to stay.” Munching on a small gooey chunk of bread, his words took on his mother’s accent with elongated s’s and clipped r’s. “Don’t you like me?” Tears of hurt welled in his eyes.
Colli tried to fight the guilt that built in her. “I like you.” Automatically she held out her arms, then lowered them. “I, I just…” She couldn’t find the words to explain her resistance to this gentle, kind hearted child.
Finishing his sandwich, Trevan sat down once more beside Colli. He laid his head in her lap. Soon his soft easy breathing let her know he slept.
“You would be good for him.” Illianna smiled. “Now we just need to convince you to stay. Jovan?”
His vague smile expressed his lack of control. “It has to be her choice.” He turned to Colli. “Take this.” Jovan pressed a cold metal disc into the palm of Colli’s right hand. “Now it’s time for you to leave.”
Colli sighed. It’ll be good to get away from this fairytale castle.
“I think you will find it interesting.” A knowing smile spread across his face once again. “More than that. I think it will convince you to accept your destiny.” He held his hands out to Trevan, who slipped easily into his father’s embrace. “We’ll leave you with Illianna.” He walked to the far end of the room. The fire blazed warmer than Colli remembered when she entered.
“Ouch. Colli.” Mary pulled her hand away.
“What? Oh yes.” Collie rubbed her hands together, warming the disc. “Sorry Mary. I need to get you out of here.” Collie pulled Mary toward the door. “No need to go with us. We can find the way.”
“Here. You’ll need this.” Illianna followed them to the door. She handed Colli a square device that would hold the disc. Illianna pulled the door open. “I hope you reconsider. It would be terrible to waste your gift.” Illianna shrugged. “But I understand. It must be your choice.” Her frown softened. “When you talk to Nianna give her my love.” The door closed between them, leaving Colli to wonder how Illianna could know her intention to contact Grams.
Mary didn’t hesitate. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. Fast.” Illianna’s brother’s laughter followed them through the forest as they made their way to the car.
“Good riddance,” he called. Mary pressed hard on the gas, carrying them back onto the blacktop of Highway 75.
Mary didn’t slow the car until they pulled up to the driveway. No words passed between them. Colli tucked the disk and player in the small red bag next to the folded paper, the prescription, she hid from everyone. Before Colli got out of the car she turned to Mary.
“Can I ask a favor?”
Doubt drew a shadow over Mary’s face. “What kind of favor?” she asked.
“Take me to the airport. Now.” Colli couldn’t … no, wouldn’t give up the freedom she’d reclaimed when she walked away from the academy.
“What’ll you tell Dad?” Mary turned the key. The engine sputtered to silence. “He thought you’d stay for a while.”
“I. Uh. I’ll just tell him I’m homesick.” Colli shrugged. “That is close to the truth. I need to go home. Or at the very least I have to get away from here.”
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