The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 24 Reasonable Arguments

There was some scurrying behind the door and a whispered conversation I couldn't quite make out. Finally, it swung inwards, revealing the blonde-haired woman from the picture, dressed in faded jeans and a stained pink blouse. Behind her stood a teenager that was nearly as tall as her mother. The girl's dirty blonde colored hair was braided back tightly and she was standing ramrod straight, like a soldier at attention.

"Welcome to our home inspectors, we-"
The woman began.

"Wait, you two aren't inspectors."
She interrupted herself.

"No, we are not."
Kyle said softly, pushing back his hood.

There was a moment of confusion before I saw her come to realization. Her hand flew to her mouth and with wide eyes, she looked Kyle up and down.

"Asher?"
Her voice shook as she spoke.

"Hello, Tanya."
His eyes were misty as he said her name, and I caught sight of his hands trembling.

"Mom? What's going on? Who is this?"
Kyla questioned suspiciously.

Tanya appeared to be at a loss for words. After a long pause, she turned to her daughter with a guilty expression.

"Kyla, this is Asher Donovan."

The teen eyed Kyle.

"Okay, that doesn't explain why you look like you're about to cry."
She responded.

"And, he's your father."
Tanya finished, staring at the uneven floor.

Kyla blinked once, twice. Then without warning, she flew forward and wrapped her arms around Kyle's chest. The surprise was evident in his eyes but I saw a warm glow there as well, as he slowly closed his arms around the young girl. When she pulled back, there were tears streaming down her cheeks and a fierce expression written across her features.

"Why did you lie to me?"
She hissed at her mother.

I took a step back, not wanting to be in the middle of the mother/daughter drama.

"You told me he was dead."
Kyla scowled with a fury that starkly reminded me of Kyle's angry face.

Tanya's eyes flickered to Kyle and then back to her daughter.

"Hon, it's complicated."
Tanya started.

"Complicated? Really? Yes, I could see how it would be so hard, to tell me my father is alive!"

"Kyla."
Kyle said her name gently.

She turned to face him expectantly, watching him like he was an angel complete with a glowing halo.

"Your mother clearly was protecting you. You see, while I may not be dead, I am a Keeper, and that's as good as dead, give or take a few years."
He explained.

Kyla's eyes widened.

"If you're a Keeper then why don't you look like one? Where's your mask? Your tattoo?"

"I'm not here officially, so the mask was left behind. The tattoo, however,"

He rolled up his sleeve.

"Is right here."

"I think perhaps you should come inside."
Tanya offered, her eyes fixated on the black markings.

We stepped into the dimly lit apartment gratefully as Kyla clicked the door shut behind us.

"So if you're my father, who are you?"
Kyla pointed towards me.

I pushed back my hood, letting my silver hair down.

"Astrid Coften, pleased to meet you."
I introduced myself.