Gifted Ones

Chapter 12 Haven

By the time we reach the park I'm sitting on the edge of my seat, leaning forward as if that will help me reach my dad any faster. As soon as the car stops I jump out, practically climbing over Annalise, to her annoyance. I throw the door open and scan the area, searching for the familiar crop of blond hair and easy smile.

We are parked in a lot that boarders the green hills of the park. Clusters of trees are dotted across the manicured lawn. A winding path travels around them with benches at regular intervals. People of all kinds mill around the area. Joggers run by in their running garb right next to a family of four and a couple holding hands.

And then I see him. He's sitting on a bench about one hundred yards off with his head low and his elbows leaning on his knees. He doesn't look like he usually does, with his ever-present smile and glittering eyes. In fact, he looks dejected and brooding. But in that moment I don't care, because he's alive, and I was so afraid he wouldn't be that words can't describe it.

"Dad!" I yell, running towards him with speed I didn't know I possessed. "Thank God! Dad!"

He looks up in surprise and I can see joy take over his face as he sees me, just like how he used to be. "Haven?!"

I throw my arms around my neck, burying my face in his shoulder. My eyes fill with tears and I bite my lip to stop myself from crying once again. He squeezes my shoulders before pulling away.

"Dad, I. . . I mean. . . Mom, she-" I start.

"I know. Sweetheart, I know." His eyes fill with pain and regret, overwhelming the joy once again.

"But, you. . . I heard that you are a Mage! Please tell me that's not true!"

He hangs his head, eyes closing. "If I told you that, I'd be lying. I'm sorry, Haven."

I wince and step back slightly. "You lied to me. My whole life, you were lying to me. The whole DAMN TIME!!!"

"Haven I-"

"Why didn't you tell me?!" I shout at him. "Why didn't you just raise me knowing about this world?!"

"Haven, we just wanted to protect you. We wanted to cut ties with them and keep you safe. I always just wanted to keep you two safe."

"IF YOU WANTED TO KEEP US SAFE, YOU WOULD HAVE STAYED WITH GARRET!!!" I screech, my hands clenched in fists at my side. I'm almost appalled at myself. But it's true. Every word. "I am human, Dad. And if Gabriel takes over, I would be one of the oppressed. Just because you close your eyes, that world is still out there. Just because you ignore him doesn't mean he'll stop. And by ignoring him, you let him rise to power. Because you did nothing!"

"Don't speak to me like that young lady!" He commands. "You don't have responsibility over a child, you have no idea what you would do in our situation!"

"I'd like to think that I'd fight him rather than run away with my tail between my legs like a coward!!!"

"ENOUGH!!!" Garret bellows. I didn't even realize that he had come up behind me. "The past is past, Haven. I don't blame him for what he did. He had a family to protect."

I open my mouth to protest.

"I know that if Gabriel rose to power you would be doomed anyway, but the benefit of his membership in the clan is overwhelmed compared to the risk of one of you dying while in the clan. What passed seventeen years ago is history. The only thing we can change is what we are doing now. We have more important things to talk about anyway." He nods towards my dad. "Show us the clue."

Dad tears his eyes away from me and reaches into a messenger bag I didn't realize he was carrying. "Here," he says, pulling out an old looking piece of paper. "This was the clue in the envelope. I think I've solved it, but you might want to have a look anyway."