The Storm Spirits
Chapter Sixteen

“You know you could just solve this by having a civil discussion,” I returned. “Zack’s a very reasonable guy.”

He snorted. “You didn’t grow up with him.”

“I guess I didn’t.” We were silent for a minute, and Grayson turned his back to me, clasping his hands behind his back and staring out at the ocean. “So, why didn’t you guys just have that conversation in your heads with your telepathic link?”

“Apparently he wanted you to be aware of the conversation.” His head was now cocked to the side. “Zack just informed our brothers of my demands … argh!” He shook his head multiple times.

“What happened?” I tried to get up, but fell on my butt again.

“One of our brothers is directing thoughts right at me, and I can’t see through him!” He grabbed his head in both hands, rather annoyed.

“Why?”

“Why?” He gave a short laugh and looked at me. “So I can’t sense their discussion of course! They’re trying to talk in private.”

“Oh.” I slouched against the lighthouse. “How far are we from the main part of the island?”

“Not far, don’t worry yourself. It won’t be hard to get you back to your precious nana.”

“I wasn’t asking about that, I was just asking so I know how far I have to walk later.” I glared at him. Silence fell over us, and neither of us spoke until light flashed again.

Grayson stepped forward eagerly to where Zack and four other young men stood. “Well?”

They held up their hands. “Let Char go,” Zack said in a defeated tone. “We’ll go back with you.”

Their evil brother began a celebratory dance. “I knew you’d come to your senses! Go on, untie her.”

Zack came over to me and hurriedly began untying my wrists. “He didn’t hurt you while I was gone, did he?”

I shook my head. “No, we were mostly quiet. Why’d you do it, Zack?”

He smiled faintly. “We didn’t want a human involved with our problems any more than she needed to be.”

“So you’re saying you’re going back into slavery so that Grayson won’t hurt me?” Zack nodded. “Wow … that’s … that’s really pretty romantic!”

He shrugged. “I’m just trying to do the right thing.” He nodded to his brothers. “Them, too.”

“You’re going back into slavery, though, aren’t you?” I could almost hear Grayson snarling at me, but he seemed to be holding back.

“Perhaps, but it’ll be easier knowing you’re all right.”

He finished unwrapping the rope from around my wrists, and I threw my arms around him, despite the shocks I received. “Thank you.”

“I’d do just about anything for you, Char.” He hugged me back, and my body tingled from the natural electricity he gave off.

Grayson tapped his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

“Just a minute.”

“Fine.”

Zack looked back at me. “Don’t forget about me, OK?”

I laughed a little. “Forget about the time I dated an alien? How I could I do that! Just don’t forget about me.”

“Forget about the time I dated a human? Never!” We laughed together before he sobered. “Be safe, and I wish you success. I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too.” I smiled a little bit, but sadness was setting in. “I’ll see you again, right?”

Zack’s smile was so sad, I felt my eyes well up. “Goodbye, Char.”

Grayson grabbed his arm. “Let’s. Go!”

“All right!”

“Bye, Zack.”

“Bye, Char.”

Wind swirled in my face, and I closed my eyes so nothing would get in them. Sand hit my face, water sprayed, then settled. I ventured to open my eyes … and I was alone. No one was there, not even a hermit crab. A low rumbling startled me, and I looked up. The clouds that hung above the island were moving away, out to sea, and it began to rain. I watched the ship go, the rain soaking me to the bone.

Reality sank in, though, and I realized that I truly never would see Zack again. Tears sprang from my eyes, and I buried my face in my hands. Above me, it seemed like the brothers were crying with me, because the storm raged. It took its sweet time, but within half an hour, the ship was gone, and the sun was out, shining bright and turning the once cloudy day in to an excellent one for tanning on the beach.

After untying my ankles, I stood up and began walking slowly back to the main part of the island. Nana was sitting on the front porch of the apartment when I got back, wringing her hands. She jumped to her feet when she saw me, but waited for me to climb the stairs. “Char!” She threw her arms around me. “Oh, Char, are you all right? Let me see you.” She held me at arm’s length and immediately spotted something on my neck. “Oh, dear, what happened?” She touched my neck.

“What? Oh, Grayson tried to strangle me when I said something upsetting to him.” I rubbed my neck, unsure of what she’d seen. “I’m all right, though, Zack got there before he could do much harm.”

Concern was written into every part of Nana’s face. “How is he? Zack?”

I sighed and leaned on the railing. “He went back with Grayson. They all did. I hope that was the right call. Zack said he was trying to do the right thing.”

“He is a fine young man, whether or not he really is an alien.”

I nodded. “I agree.” I sighed. “Nana, can we go home? I’ve had enough excitement for now, and the beach is only reminding me of what I’ve lost.”

Nana started for the stairs. “Of course, dear. Shall we stop for one last supper on the way out?”

I realized my stomach was growling, and I nodded. “Great idea!” We got in the car and drove downtown.