The Clearing: Origins

Chapter 20

Lovedae kept Victor home from school for the rest of the week. Again, he unburdened his soul, telling her everything from the debilitating dreams to his belief that he'd become a hindrance to the family. She and Dr. Mason countered his arguments with heavy doses of logic, and his confidence slowly increased.

"I didn't save Papa," said Victor as he and the doctor sat in the study. "The last three years of suffering is my fault."

Doctor Mason gazed at him sadly. "Life is finite. We are blessed with a beginning and an end. To lose the end is to lose your humanity."

He remembered the professor saying those exact words and took comfort from them.

Lovedae assured Victor he bore no blame for his father's death. "You mustn't play God. Had you brought Craig back, you'd have crossed a line." It shocked him when she apologized. "It's my fault for asking you to do just that when we found him. He was dead, Vic. Craig's heart failed, not you."

The professor's death had been a part of life, part of being human. Victor hadn't realized how her words that fateful day had affected him, bestowing him with the burden of failure. He'd fed himself large portions of guilt for the last three years, quite an unhealthy diet. 

She took his hands. "Vic, I beg you to heed my words before it's too late. The more you dabble with magic, the further it takes you from us and your humanity. You'll be forced to choose between us or the magic at some point. Let it go." Lovedae's features hardened. "And never take your siblings into that lion's den again. Exposing them to the magical realm was stupid and irresponsible."

Victor hung his head, knowing she was right. "I'm sorry, Mum. It won't happen again."

Lovedae pulled him into a light embrace, and his head rested against her shoulder. "You know the Duo, Vic. They'll push, prod, and plead to get into trouble. They see magic as fascinating, not dangerous. It doesn't belong in our world, and we need to avoid it."

He peeped up at her. "Does that include Kristy, Mum?"

"She's chosen to live like us. But if that changes, then yes, even Kristy becomes taboo." He felt her smile. "I don't think that'll be a problem. Someone likes you."

Victor squirmed with embarrassment, and Lovedae laughed before her voice sobered. "Your father isn't out to get you. He loved you. It's been you all along."

He'd been the creator of his nightmares, punishing himself to the brink of insanity. With Lovedae's words firm in his head, Victor forgave himself. The guilt dissipated as the nightmares no longer had a purpose, and they ceased to trouble him.

For the first time in months, he slept like a baby.

The weather grew steadily colder. Maddox stayed as far from him and Kristy as possible. The only downside was losing the still salty Gabby as a chemistry partner. Luckily, a new student transferred into the class and didn't seem to mind risking his life by working with Victor.

The days crept by, but finally, the school holidays began. The snow hissed on the biting winds of winter as it floated to the sleeping earth. Lovedae assured Victor that she and Dr. Mason would attend the festival with the Duo, leaving him free for his date. The younger Grants agree to this plan, happy their mother had taken an interest in socializing again.

The night before the festival, Dr. Mason strolled into the family room where Victor and the Duo sat playing video games, the noise deafening with their shouts, screams, and groans.