Before the Ever Green (BTEG #1) ✔️

Chapter 18

Mom goes to the door, to find a small letter. I don't really care what it says, but apparently Mom does, because she opens it immediately. I am sitting on the sofa reading my book. She comes to sit by me and read it. I guess I am a little curious, so I close my book, and read it over her shoulder:

Dear Mrs. Ember

I would like to inform you that your daughter is requested at the nations capital along with yourself on the 25 of January. We cannot provide details at this very moment, but if you do not show to the meeting, further actions will be taken to get you here. No luggage is needed, but if you wish, the train tickets provided will allow 1 carry on per passenger.

Thank you for your time,

Mr. O'Riley of the Bulletin

"We're not going," Mom says

"But, if we don't, 'further actions will be taken to get you here'," I read, and she sighs, before speaking, "I have a bad feeling about it,"

I stand up abruptly, "Why, Mom? What is there to feel bad about? Mr. O'Riley wants us at the capital on the 25 of January. Unless you feel like telling me why the bulletin gives you bad feelings, I am going."

"Addilyn," She says, "I am your Mother. You are not going unless I say so,"

"No."

"Excuse me?" she says, "I am trying to protect you!"

"From what?" I ask

"They know,"

"What the hell do they know, Mother?"

"They know of your powers," she is almost crying, now. We almost never get into fights, but when we do, she cries.

"W-what powers?"

She sighs, "You have my power. Your father knew, and that got him killed. Everyone is afraid of me, and I didn't want them to be afraid of you, so I never told anyone-not even you."

"What exactly is your power?"

"I won't tell you, Addilyn. You'll be safer if you don't know."

"How will it be safer? If I have powers, I should know what they are in case I have to use them. I need-I need to know, and I need to know, now."

"No," is all she says before going to here room, and locking the door. I go to my room, and I want to throw a million things, but I don't. I just sit there like a stupid lump on my bed. I can feel a tear roll out of my eye, but I just push it away. Why didn't she tell me? Why wouldn't she want to tell me? How is it better if I don't know?

I am going to the capital, maybe they'll give me answers. Maybe they won't, but at least I'll be away from my mother for a little bit. I am still holding the note in my hands. I am reading it over and over. I have one week to get ready. I'll tell Mom I threw it away. I'm not sure if she'll believe me, but at least she can think I'm not going.

I am looking at it.

2 tickets.

2 little tickets, and I have to choose. And, I know who I choose. I just hope they choose me, too.

I climb off the balcony, and down the oak tree. I am trying to be quiet, as I run into the forest. I follow my little rock path to the shed pas the bridge. I knock on the door, and it swings open, "Addilyn?" He asks, and I smile. I feel bad, because he looks like he was asleep. It's odd, because it's only 5. I am thinking about the eclipse last night, when I ask, "Will you come with me... to the capital in a week?" I feel so lousy, the way I asked, but I explain to him the conversation with my Mom. I trust him.

Though I can see a little fear in his yeas, he says, "Yes,"

"Okay, we leave in one week, and my mom doesn't know. She can't know." I say, "It'll be our little secret." I turn to walk away, but stop, "We'll have to wake up early, because the train leaves at 6 a.m."

"I'll be ready,"

"Thank you," I say before actually turning and walking away.

I follow the path back to my house to find Mom outside, I just tell her I was in the meadow and she gives me a hug. She tells me how sorry she is for keeping it a secret, and she tells me she was just trying to protect me, but I'm only half listening. My mind is a week away. And, I realize, I have to start packing.

1 carry on.

That was all I get.