illian sat on her beach chair while Christopher rubbed tanning lotion onto her shoulders. “So what do you think?” he asked. “Well, we’ve only been here a couple of weeks,” she replied, “and so far he seems to be back to his old self.” “It’s good to see our son serene again.” “We’re so blessed,” she said. “Where is he now?” Christopher asked. “He went for a walk along the beach—” Jillian said, “he wanted to watch the sunrise.” She ordered a virgin margarita
scowl coloring Christopher’s countenance. “He doesn’t remember her.” “It’s over.” Cristian, taking in the salt air, walked along the shoreline watching the waves crash against the beach. He stared out into the horizon as the sun arose high in the air, bathing him in its rich orange and red hues. While he stared at the sunrise, he began to see an image in his mind like jumbled pieces to a puzzle of a sunset set in a different time. He was sure he was at Central Park at
watch the beauty around him. He heard himself say, “I come here for serenity,” to an unseen person. Focusing his eyes to get a clearer picture, he saw a silhouette of someone next to him. It looked to be a woman.
“Cristian!” his father yelled, jogging toward him. “Morning,
Dad,” Cristian said. Christopher joined him in watching the sunrise. “It’s beautiful isn’t it,” he said huffing and puffing. “Yes, spectacular,” Cristian replied. He turned to face his father. “Why did you and mom want to take me on a Hawaiian vacation?” he asked. “We just wanted to do something together as a family, that’s all” Christopher replied giving Cristian a pat on the back.
It seemed to Cristian that his parents were trying too hard to please him for some unknown reason. It reminded him of when a person feels guilty over something and they overcompensate to make up for it. “Maybe it’s nothing at all,” Cristian thought, wanting to take his parents at their word. “Your mother and I want to attend Mass later, and we’d like it if you came with us.” “Okay,” Cristian shrugged. “Where’s Mom?” he asked. “Sunbathing,” Christopher replied.
They joined Jillian sitting on the chair sipping her drink, adjusting her straw hat. “Good morning, Son!” Jillian exclaimed happily. “You’re in a good mood,” Cristian grinned.
“It’s a beautiful day, we’re in a beautiful place—what isn’t there to like!” she said. She held a piece of paper in her hands. “What’s that?” Cristian asked. “Places I want to see while we’re here,” she said fumbling with the paper. “Ouch,” she cried out, getting a paper cut on her finger. Cristian stared at the blood oozing from her finger hypnotically. “Jillian,” Christopher said, alarmed, motioning for her to look at Cristian staring at her finger. “Cristian,” she said anxiously as she took a napkin and covered her bleeding finger with it. Cristian turned his eyes, staring at her calmly. “You really should get a Band-Aid for that,” he said taking a sip of orange juice.
He noticed the panicky exchange between his parents. “Okay, what’s going on?” he asked. “Why are you both so jumpy aroundme.” “Not so much jumpy,” Jillian said unconvincingly. “It’s just that we haven’t had a family getaway for so long that we have to get used to each other again.” “Well, I’m heartened to know that you wanted to spend time together, but I really want to get back to New York and back to my paintings.” “Of course,” Christopher said. “We’re only going to be here a couple of more weeks and I look forward to your new paintings.” “I just don’t like having too much idle time,” Cristian said. “You know the saying about an idle mind,” he joked. “Right,” Jillian grinned uneasily. “But for now, let’s just enjoy our family vacation,” she said, staring at Christopher who nodded his head in agreement.
After Randi filled out an application for a gun permit, she was told the wait would be anywhere from two months up to six months. Deciding instead to take archery lessons, she was now in her second week of practice. Realizing the rigors of training she would endure along with the martial arts classes, she was glad that she gave herself a pixie haircut.
Driving up to Queens, she parked her car and took out her longbow that she used for practice. She chose the longbow because she liked the D-shaped design to it.
“Randi,” the instructor said, “you’re early.”
“I’m just eager to learn as much as I can about archery,” she said. “You’re hungry—” the instructor said, “nothing wrong with that.” He stared at the leather tab glove on her hand and said, “and you’re ready.” Randi grinned, “Not too presumptuous,” she said. No,” the instructor said, shaking his head. She took the bow from around her left side and positioned herself, training her eye on the target.
“I see you’ve found your stance,” the instructor said. Randi smiled, “I know what my target is,” she said. She loaded the bow, holding the bowstring with three of her fingers and placing her index finger above the arrow. Placing the string in the second joint of her finger, she raised and drew the bow. Drawing the string toward her face and resting it lightly on her chin, she imagined her target in her mind. Picturing the vampire queen, she relaxed her finger, releasing the arrow and hitting her target in the bull’s-eye.
“At this rate, you’re going to advance right away,” the instructor said, impressed. “Not bad for a beginner.” “I just have determination,” Randi said. “Tenacity will get you a long way in archery,” the instructor said. “Good job.” “This is for Rafael,” Randi thought, “he was the best archer and best hunter I’ve known. I’m doing this for him.”
“We haven’t seen her for the past couple of weeks,” Daniel said sadly. “I know,” Anna said. “I hope this celebration brings her out of her depression.” “Everyone has been keeping to themselves,” he said. “I’ve noticed,” Anna said. “Billy has been around John more, Samuel doesn’t say much, Lisa and Cody are nearly inseparable, and Pedro hasn’t been around either.” “Things have to change,” she said. “Hopefully, this party will do just that.”
“We’re fine though, aren’t we,” Daniel asked quietly. Anna grabbed his hand. “We’re fine,” she smiled. “I just want to see Sage happy again.” “Me too,” he said. “At least she doesn’t have to worry about Pearson breathing down her neck.” “Yeah,” Anna said, wrinkling her nose. “We still have to remain vigilant for others who may want to take his place, whoever they may be.”