Mermania

Of all the new beginings

bewildered by what happened. Katie scowled at me, her arms crossed in front of her. His eyes were wide with amazement. "She looks like she swallowed a basketball whole!" The game got off to a great start- the Mariners took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Midway through the second, Craig stretched and took another bite of garlic fries. "What do you think, Zach?" he asked the youngster. "Which are better, garlic fries or regular fries?" "A man who brings you breakfast?" Jen looked wistful. "Do you have a twin?" Craig's spoon slipped out of his fingers and clattered into his bowl. Kara choked on her own ice cream. Their eyes met again. Too many coincidences. few more this year; she and Craig were still figuring out how to afford having a son around the house, one word from Mr. Herd that week was that Zach was a little distracted at school, but that some time spent Craig nodded. "That's where we're at. No advice, then?" "Hi, Peyton." I nodded my head toward her sandals. "You really should wear those. The beach is full of debris." "Yes," Rema mused, "that must be it. I'm sure it has nothing to do with my well-trained horse and my excellent riding abilities." Nyler pursed his lips. "I think the ambassador wants to tell you himself," he said to Kara. Snow crunches beneath my boots, but the restless stomping of the horses obscures it. I know I'm no She was even prettier close up. Her skin looked smooth, luminous. I wanted to run my fingers along her jaw and bury them in her glossy, dark hair. I shook my head, and he nodded. "I didn't think so." "Good girl. I'm standing outside your door anyhow." "Come, brother," Gael's voice joined his father's. "I've told them how she seduced you. I've told them of her power. We know you are blameless. Just bring her out to us and you will be spared." "Hey, give my girl some breathing room!" Tara linked arms with mine and tugged me free from Shane's cornering stance. In a carefree manner, she pulled me out of the door towards the cars. "Got a name, nobody?" "What about me?" Eddie questioned. Zach's throat tightened. She does love me, he argued back silently. He dared not say it aloud- he was hungry, and Grandfather would make good on his threat to starve Zach if he talked too much. Officer Garrenton studied her for a moment before taking a seat at the dining table. Did mom know I was going to get kidnapped yesterday? Neco rubbed his eyes. "What if she shows up? What then?" Aunt Maya sounded desperate. "Hi everyone," she said. "This is my new friend, Meara. She just moves here." "Sorry to bother you again, Mrs. Fleming," Officer Garrenton greeted her in a weary but gracious tone. "We forgot to give you Zach's backpack." She offered it to Kara, who accepted it from her without a word, simply nodding once. Official Garrenton continued. "We would have brought it tomorrow, but Agent Nyler received some pictures from the undercover agent overseas who sent us Zach's photo yesterday." Rema tensed. She would rather die than allow these men to attack her. If any of them moved toward her, she'd kick him and run, even if it meant getting an arrow stuck in her back. "And don't forget Paw's water," Kara added. "And nine o'clock is for school nights. Maybe a little later for other nights." "He's good. He's been, uh, busy. Big project," I lied. I hadn't told my parents about our fight. The truth was that I barely spoke tp Evan all week. I texted him after lunch on Monday and told him that Katie thought it was drugs. I forwarded Val's picture to him, too. His replies were curt, but at least he replied. I was trying to give him space, but I was getting worried. Now they were coming to useful information, Kara hoped. "Because he knew he was going to see his parents?" Neco replied, "Not officially, but there are people out on the streets. Some are even making speeches." Kim and I climbed into the back of the truck so Mom could sit up front. I leaned forward to tease her. "What was that, Mom? Dr. Riley's favorite patient?" The guard in front of Rema continued walking without answering. "A towel? That's your one question?" Xanthus smiled. "Well, if you ever need a babysitter for future concerts, you know who to call..." "Excuse me, Mr. Dimitriou," she began. He took three steps over to her sink, turned on the faucet, and washed out his eyes. Oh right. The eyes she'd sprayed with pepper spray. She had invited him in, hadn't she? The man had turned her into an imbecile. She said it with such conviction that I almost asked her what she knew that I didn't. In the end, I just laughed. "You apparently don't get out much." The vibrant colors of the setting sun dulled to a deep maroon. The blackness of the water took over, and gulls cried overhead. "Good," Sergie says cryptically, peeking his head out of the carriage window. Turning to hi men, Darmik ordered everyone to leave. Erikk, Chek, and Borek did as instructed, but Neco remained standing against the wall. "Meara, I don't think this is a good idea." "She's just jealous." Taylor's voice spoke from behind me. She and Leah placed their trays on our table. "That's Crystal Jennings. She's a sophomore and already notorious for hooking up with all the hot juniors and seniors." "She doesn't have a clue," I said. I wasn't worried. Since Katie was my closest friend here, and Evan was my boyfriend, my mom had no reason to question why I was spending time at their house. Plus, I made a point of being home for dinner, and spending at least an hour with her every night to keep her informed of things- friends, school, and stuff. I enjoyed that time with her. I was amazed at how much better she seemed to be feeling. I guess the visit to the hospital helped her. The boy let out an exasperated sigh. "We never get to do fun things anymore. We used to go places, but now all we do is stay home. It's boring." As Kara fetched Zach's clothes, Craig dressed himself and went to the kitchen to start breakfast. Zach appeared before Kara did, sporting his own jeans and orange T shirt again. He climbed onto