The Unveiling - Modern Magic: Book 1

Chapter 22

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Chapter 22 - Change is Never Slow Enough

As dinner came to a close, I offered to help my mom with the dishes as my dad continued to talk with Diana. From what I overheard, he was getting some basic information on her background and contact information to pass along to the research lab. I took the time while my dad was distracted to focus on my mom. "What are you going to do?"

That stress and worry I saw earlier was still evident in her movements and expression. She wasn't worried about Diana. This project was weighing on her as it just started to weigh on me. "I don't know. I've always told myself that it would be easiest if he went his whole life never knowing about this part of the world. He would be safer, secure, and wouldn't spend time doubting his understanding of existence. You remember how he was when they announced Pluto wasn't classified as a planet anymore, but this? This would be orders of magnitude worse."

I couldn't help but nod along. I honestly don't even know if I believe her choice was right or wrong, but her analysis of his reaction was spot on. The only thing we both didn't know would be how he would be after that reaction. I finished drying a plate, stacking it with others ready to be put away. "Zane, you need to visit your grandfather. I have no idea how safe it will be here over the next few months. Maybe this will blow over, but..." She glanced to the entryway where Diana and my dad were smiling and talking. "He told me the Governor is - obsessed with this. It's probably goading from Angela, but the result is the same. He won't give up easily. And I want you far from this city if anything goes wrong."

It wasn't hard at all to see my mom's concern in her eyes as she stared into mine. I reluctantly nodded, promising the only thing I could. "I'll think about it. I mean really think about it. This is just a lot to process right now."

My mom nodded, trying to smile to reassure me. "Just let me know. I'll make sure you can get to Vancouver as soon as possible if that's what you decide." I gave her a hug. I'm not sure if it was more to reassure her or myself.

Diana and I smiled and said our goodbyes before climbing into my car. We drove a short way before I pulled into a Walmart parking lot, mostly empty at this time of night. Diana must have picked up on my mood because she said nothing for the short drive, waiting for me to put my thoughts into order. I found that I was gripping the wheel tightly enough to leave my knuckles white from the pressure. I took a deep breath as I slowly released the wheel, actually feeling a light ache in my hands.

"I thought this was dying down." Diana nodded, I wasn't surprised at all that she had made the same connection between the research project and the events of Easter Sunday. I turned to look at her, thankful to have the chance without having to worry about the road. "My mom really wants me to go to Vancouver. She's worried about the degree of interest the Governor has in this project." Diana's eyes met mine. The parking lot lights reflecting in her eyes made them appear to shift between silver and light gold.

"I really want to go for this internship. I mean, maybe they'll tell your dad that they've already picked a candidate? Maybe they aren't taking an intern this summer. There's a lot I don't know, but I really need to try. I can't let this kind of opportunity for my future slip by." Diana seemed a little nervous. Did she worry that I would disagree?

I smiled to her. It probably wasn't as bright of a smile as I would like to show her my support, but I had a lot on my mind. "You're absolutely right. You can't pass up a chance like this. It might not directly connect to your work, but any research lab internship will be a boost to your resume." Her unease faded as Diana smiled at me in return. My hands found hers and I held them firmly. "Besides, it could be handy to have someone 'on the inside' with that project." Even I knew I wasn't mostly joking, despite my attempted tone.

Diana's hands went rigid. "Zane, I can't. If I get this internship, I can't be some mole or spy."

In hindsight, I did the worst possible thing I could have done right then. I shook my head and smiled, trying to mitigate the wrongfulness of my suggestion. "It wouldn't be like that at all. Having more information can only protect those of us who aren't doing anything wrong with our lives."

Diana's hands slipped out of mine, her eyes showed more hurt than the night of the alley attack. "Zane, you can't ask me to do that. I agree; what's happening to you and other people is wrong, but this is my future. If anything ever came out that I was leaking research information out of a project, my whole career would be over. Everything I would or could accomplish would be gone. It wouldn't even matter how much I had accomplished. I can't do that, and I can't believe you're asking me."

I stared, speechless for several seconds, mentally berating myself for the idiotic request. She was absolutely right. Asking that of her was not only morally wrong, but a completely unreasonable misuse of our relationship. "I- I'm sorry. It was a slip. I'll never mention it again." She nodded, but that hurt never left her eyes. I started the car and drove back to her apartment. She climbed out, muttering a good night and heading up to her door without looking back.

I had really screwed up with Diana. I knew I would have to find a way to make it up to her. Once I got back home, I found I was a lot more tired than I expected. It wasn't long before I fell asleep with my mind whirling, guaranteeing a less than restful night.

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Sunday, I organized a flower delivery to Diana's apartment; included was a message that reassured her of my love for her, and my hope for a wonderful experience with her internship. She called me later that day. Her voice wasn't back to the happy tone I had become so used to hearing, but she thanked me for the flowers. I was perfectly fine with taking all the time needed to regain her trust.

During our conversation, she mentioned getting a call from the laboratory, and she had an interview set for Monday afternoon. I was astounded by the speed, but I suppose they were close to a decision for the summer, and my dad's recommendation opened a window for her. I was happy for the chance that came through, and I wished her luck for the interview, even though I was sure she wouldn't need it.

We spoke for a little while longer, and I realized that I had already come to the conclusion that I would head to Vancouver for the summer - but only the summer. I hoped Diana would hear my hope and intention to return to her. We had easily weathered shorter breaks during Thanksgiving and Christmas from the year before, so I saw the summer as the next milestone in our relationship. As our conversation ended, she didn't reply to my "I love you", but I pushed my hurt aside. It would take time.

My next call of the day was to my mom, letting her know my decision. I could hear the relief in her voice, even if the worry and stress was still present. She promised to take care of the flight arrangements and contact my grandfather. Sure enough, less than an hour later, I received an email of a flight confirmation for Monday morning. She wasn't kidding when she said "as soon as possible". I felt myself hesitating. I had thought it would have been for the end of the week. I really wanted to be there for Diana after her interview and patch things up a little more before I left.

Things may have been changing just a little too fast for me.