Glisten: A Glisten Creek Novel

Glisten: Preface

Glisten

A Glisten Creek Novel

~Preface~

March 1st

15th birthday

~Cordelia~

I was so excited the day Aunt Genevieve told me we were going to visit her and Uncle Zakarry in Glisten Creek, Rhode Island for my 15th birthday. We were 2 hours out the door when we got the call; the call informing us on an accident including Aunt Genevieve at the creek. We couldn't get to Newport Hospital fast enough. It was a 3 and a half hour drive to Glisten Creek from Medina Falls, New York. They had to be the longest hours of my life. I don't know exactly how I got to sleep but I awoke to my younger sister Saera shaking me like a jackhammer. My long white-blonde hair was covering my face and my bright blue eyes stung from tears rolling down my face in gallons. Everything was blurry and my head was pounding. When my vision cleared all I saw was white. The images slowly came in clearer and I could see I was sitting in a chair next to my aunt's hospital bed. I could honestly say it didn't look good. She had a bandaged head with an IV and an oxygen tube attached to her face. I couldn't cry because my tear ducts were completely empty. But that didn't stop the lump from forming in my throat. My aunt wasn't just my mother's sister; she was my greatest role model, my rock, the one person I told everything. She was a better mother than my own mother was. I reached for her hand and found a crumpled piece of parchment balled up in her hand. I pulled it out and saw that it was a letter addressed to me. I tucked it back in my pocket and waited till everyone was asleep when I pulled it back out and read the words that would change my life dramatically forever.

Dear Cordelia,

I know that by the time you read this I will be dead. Do not fret. I was meant to die this time. I have lied to you, everybody has lied to you. I shall not be able to tell you this in person, for that I know. But secrets can tear people apart and I want you to remember how I was. The reason I'm telling you this is because there is a curse, a wicked curse. One that only runs in the blood of the Descants and the only reason I gave you up to my sister was because she was the only one who didn't carry the burden of the Descants family curse. I needed to keep you safe. But I couldn't stay away from you so I decided to play as your aunt so I could still get to see you. But as you grew up it got harder and harder knowing that I wouldn't be there for you when you most needed me. I could never be the real mother you deserved. And you had such a beautiful face but looked too much like me. I was afraid you'd figure it all out. But you were so much better, and kinder, and more beautiful than I ever was. Although your curiosity overruns you, that is your most fatal flaw but your most brilliant power too. You are also the most powerful Descant there has been for a long time. I'm so sorry Cori. But you must know. To you I have always been Aunt Genevieve, and you Cordelia Parks. As you know I took my maiden name when I married your uncle. My sister didn't so you were always Cordelia Parks. I am Genevieve Descants, and you... are my daughter Cordelia Descants. I know it will be hard to believe and if you do then it will be impossible for you to forgive me. But you must know it was for your own safety. Steer clear of water at all costs. You must look at the facts. My dear Cori please forgive me, only then will you be able to see me again. This is all I can tell you, for that I am sorry. You must accept what is, and Cordelia, please figure out the mysteries of the Descants family curse, only you can. You are stronger than any of us have been for hundreds of years. You never know when death will claim you. Please be strong, for me? Thank you for being you. I know you can do it, my little Shimmer. I love you.

Love and sincere apologies,

Your Mother,

Genevieve

Descants