The Unveiling - Modern Magic: Book 1

Chapter 26

---------------------------------

Chapter 26 - Dear John

Groceries were gathered, chores were divvied up, and tutorials on operating my grandfather's TV were given. I spent the remainder of the day channel surfing. Wednesday, I went into work with my grandfather. The Reed Point Marina wasn't a tiny operation, but definitely wasn't heavily commercialized. One of the owners was on site, a kind man who was quick to clap my grandfather on the back in greeting. The marina had a parking lot around a third of a mile long, lots of parking available for cars of those out on the water and for boats waiting to be launched. The main boat launch was large enough to handle 80 foot yachts with ease.

On the water there were more boat slips than I was willing to count, as well as several covered options for those who were interested in further hiding their boats from the weather. On the land there were a few larger buildings spaced out with signs for the companies currently renting the space. With a quick glance, I could see a huge variety of companies covering what I would assume would be anything a boat-owner could want for care and use of their nautical vehicle. For the owners and visitors, there was a nice looking restaurant which I later learned was family owned.

The whole marina was a nice place. As Alistair warned, it was definitely looking like it was getting busy. Even with the number of people moving about for various duties, most everyone still took the time to great each other as they passed. The only slightly negative thing I noticed was what looked like good-natured competition between two workers sporting uniforms from different companies renting space. That was expected, but it was nice to see there wasn't any animosity despite the competition.

I worked with my grandfather in the main repair dock. It had two sections, one on the water for boats that didn't need to be on land for the repairs - these were usually electrical issues, motors troubles, or other things not directly connected to the hull of the boat. I was glad to hear that we weren't responsible for cleaning the bottoms of the boats. I could easily picture the build-up of various substances on the bottom of a boat that hadn't been moved for months. I followed along with my grandfather's instructions for the various repair jobs; these mostly involved 'go get this' or 'run over ta building 16 and get a spare fuse for me.' I didn't mind being a runner while I was learning to be more helpful. At the least, with all the running around, I wouldn't have to worry about gaining weight.

The week passed smoothly, and Friday rolled around. I was anxious to hear how Diana's first day went. Albeit this was just training and safety things, but her impressions of the lab would already be forming. My grandfather and I pulled into the garage after the day's work. I handed the mail to my grandfather, having grabbed it back at the end of the driveway. He sifted through the letters, bills, and other items as I stretched. "Got a letter for ya, Lad." I looked over, confused. "Looks like it's from a Lassie." His voice shifted to a questioning teasing tone. He waved the letter at me before I snatched it from him with a laugh.

I looked at the return address, my smile was quickly followed by confusion. It was from Diana. I felt Alistair's questioning gaze on me, but I opened the letter, I tried to fight a worrying dread that was forming as I couldn't determine why she would have written a letter.

Zane,

I hate doing this by mail. You told me phone and email is too risky to talk about things like this, and so this is really my only choice.

I can't do this anymore. I was trying, I promise you I was. Magi, magic, history I never knew, the fear, the lies. I can't do it. I don't want you to think I'm judging you. I understand the reason for all of this, and generations reinforcing this behavior makes perfect sense based on what you've told me of Magi history. It's just not something I can do. I can't live with part of my life a lie to others. I can't worry about whether I'm doing the right thing when I say or don't say something about the work I'm going to be doing. I can't juggle the lies, even if I completely believe it's probably for the best.

I'm so sorry it has to be this way. I love you. I truly do. There's nothing I wouldn't give for you to be just another normal human just like me. I know this is silly to think about because you and I have no control over how we're born, but I know that I can't live this kind of life.

I wish I had had the courage to tell you this before you left. You deserve to hear this in person, not on some stupid letter. I love you. I'm sure some part of me always will. I hope that everything going on blows over, that everyone like you can stop living in fear, and just live your lives. That belief won't change, and I really hope you're able to find someone who can live this life with you, and share it with you as you deserve.

I hope you know that I never meant to hurt you, and I wish with all my heart that I had another way of telling you this, but I couldn't let you wait for me all summer, knowing how I feel.

Please be safe, and I hope you can find someone to share your happiness with.

With deep regret,

Diana

I felt a heavy hand rest on my shoulder. Alistair must have been watching the changes in my expression as I read the letter. I felt my eyes burning. I couldn't be mad at her. She had every right to want to not participate in this kind of life. I just had no idea this was worrying her this whole time. Maybe I just saw what I wanted to see. Maybe she was more uncertain. Whatever the reason, I couldn't help but think I had to have missed something that could have fixed this. I felt no anger, only loss. Diana is an amazing woman, and I'm sure whoever she chooses to spend her life with will be one of the luckiest people in the world - it just wasn't going to be me.

---------------------------------

A/N:  This was NOT planned from the beginning!  And in fact it shocked me when I realized it was the path that the characters were taking!  Part of me hopes that my readers get saddened by this, because it means you're attached or invested in my characters, but I am sorry it came around!  Poor Diana.  Poor Zane!  :(