Page 33 of An Unexpected Ascension
“On the bright side, I’ve started volunteering at the orphanage. Sister Mary said friends are always welcome. If either of you are ever looking for something to do, you should join me.”
“I’d love to!” Jessie gasps. “Oh, I love kids. Never had any of my own but always wanted them.”
“Me too. Never found the right partner.”
A flash of a man with cropped hair flits across my memory, not lingering longer than a millisecond. The face, the dread, the pain... it all spiked to a terrifying height before plummeting into nothing once more and disappearing as if it never even happened.
My mind drifts back to the tree while Jessie and Will reminisce about a childhood memory, laughing at some joke they played on their elderly neighbor. Could it help me find what I’m looking for? Can I simply press my hand to the trunk and request answers to the questions plaguing my mind?
I glance behind me, a whisper brushing my ear, slithering into my thoughts –just touch it.I won’t eat the fruit, but I’ve never heard stories of anyone being damned for just a touch. Though, Idon’t doubt that people stay far away for fear of repeating past mistakes.
“Briar?” Jessie’s voice cuts through the fog, clouding my head.
My gaze snaps to hers. “Hmm?”
“Are you okay? Do you need a rest?”
“No, no. I just... I was admiring the beauty is all.” I smile at her, and both my friends return the expression.
“Look!” She gasps, pointing in the opposite direction to a family of deer.
They frolic together through the fields of flowers. The little fawn running on wobbly, thin legs.
We coo over the adorable sight, but those whispers remain loud in my head.
Touch me.
“I-I should go,” I say suddenly.
“Already?” Jessie whines.
The blanched expression on my face must be keeping her from pushing any further.
“Alright. Let’s meet up again soon. I want to join you at the orphanage!”
“Yes! Please,” I call out behind me, eager to get out of there. “See you guys soon!”
Passing the Tree of Knowledge, I force myself into a sprint. The whispers grow louder and louder. I don’t know if the others are hearing it, but neither of them made a mention.
In the desperate need for escape, I find myself back at Galsip Falls, climbing up and into the cave. The noise of crashing water seems to steal away any unwanted thoughts. I sigh in relief that the whispers have left me and lean back on my elbows with my legs stretched and ankles crossed.
Against the waterfall, my mother’s face appears.
“Briar! You look stunning!”
Gripping the railing of the stairs, I carefully make the descent in five-inch silver strapped heels while lifting the skirt of my dress. Sparkles glitter along the hem, shimmering right up to my waist. The dress was more fitting for a ball from the eighteen hundreds rather than prom, but my mother loved it the moment she saw it. It also helped that it was Lucy’s old prom dress – our neighbor’s daughter who’s now in her thirties. Was it a little dated? Sure, but it was free.
My mother spent the last couple weeks taking it in and ridding it of the horrendous puffy sleeves, leaving it that much closer to perfect.
My dark hair lies curled and heavy against my bare shoulders, draping down my back. I feel like royalty, I feel as if I’m on stage with my eyes closed, dancing until my heart nearly floats away. I feel happy.
The doorbell rings and my mother, gripping the edge of the stair railing, takes a struggling step toward the door.
“I’ve got it, Mom!”
“Nonsense.” She leans back from the railing to gain some much-needed momentum and stretches for the knob.
“CiCi! Honey, come in. You look so beautiful!”
