Eternal Ember

Chapter 2: Birthday Wishes Never Last Forever . . .

"Thank you for allowing me to stay, Noah, you really are good at cooking," Asher said with a satisfied sigh and a rub of his stomach for added effect after he finished eating dinner and dessert.

Let's recap a little. After we had stood in silence, him hugging me and telling me it was okay and that everything would be fine. I finally pulled away and told him that I did not know why I did that and that I was just scared for him and his family and for my family and me. He told me he was also scared and that my brother and mother would also be if we did not get back. So surprisingly we caught enough fish for dinner for his family and my family. Then we packed up for our walk back.

"It is always a pleasure to have you over, as you know." Noah says after Asher had told him thank you "Plus, this was more than Ember, me and my mom could have eaten even without mom." I roll my eyes. He always complains about how late mom comes home every night. Asher watches me and laughs but luckily my brother thinks that Asher is laughing at his comment and smiles.

At that moment Mother walks in. Asher stands up and goes to her. He takes her coat and hangs it up for her.

"Good evening Hazel, how are you? How was work at the school today? Was it good?"

Mother looks at Asher and smiles. She makes a small sound that sounds like a laugh. I suspect that she knew he would be here. She knows he is always around when something bad happens.

"All things were good today. Myself included. Thank you for asking me, that was nice of you. Also, I spoke with your mom today on my walk back and she told me what the president said." She takes a break from talking to set her bag down on the small table by the door. "Beatrice also said that she needs you back home now. She needs you with Zach and Zoey!" She laughs and looks at Asher.

We all know that the twins just do not want to go to bed. I mean they are ten after all. He taps the side of his head as if he was remembering something.

"Oh yeah, I totally got that" He waves goodbye and leaves.

A few moments later after my mom has eaten. I am in my mom's room telling her about my day. I tell her how I cried for about thirty minutes while Asher hugged me and told me it would be ok. I confess everything to her about my every thought from the tough day.

After I tell her everything she says. "You poor girl, I am so sorry that I haven't been there for you. I never even talked to you about your dad when he died . . . " Her sentence trails off and she looks like she is about to cry. I can't deal with tears or else I will cry again.

"Please don't cry, mother. I am fine. Now that I told you I feel much better."

She wipes the tears from her face "You are really?"

I grab her hand and hold it firm. "Yes, Mother I am."

She jumps up "Oh dear, I nearly forgot it is your birthday tomorrow. I have a gift for you from your father."

I wonder if I heard her right. Did she say, my father?

"What is it, mother?"

She smiles at me, "You just wait here."

And with that, she leaves me there sitting on her bed wondering what the gift would be. Maybe it is one of his old things. Or maybe it is just a note from him. After a few minutes, she comes back in with a small black box in her hand.

"Here it is Ember. I hope you like it, oh I just know you will." She gives me the small black box.

It has a gold rim around the lid and seems to weigh not much more than a four-piece of paper. It is about two inches long and one inch wide.