VII. Let's Go

James came bursting through the front door. “We have to go now! Grab your things let’s go!” I didn’t even have time to put Annabelle in her car seat, we just grabbed the bags, her seat and jumped into James’s vehicle. “James what exactly is going on?” I said as I strapped Belle in her seat. “I was being tailed on my way to you. I don’t know who they were. I lost them about halfway, but that doesn’t mean that they still can’t catch up. We have to hurry and get Annabelle to your aunts before they know where we are and what we’re doing. Then..” I cut him off “James! You need to tell me what exactly you found! I need to know what is going on!” He grabbed his brief case from the passenger side floor and handed it to me. “Here everything you need to know is right here.” I took the case from him and popped the latches opened. I took a deep breath and opened the case. There was an old tattered book. It was a royal blue with golden letters that were so faded I could barely make out what they read.

 I opened the cover and read the title on the first page. “ Pila Fati” It was Latin. I turned the page, more Latin. “How am I supposed to understand this? It’s all in Latin James.” I said confused and a little upset. “I know, I don’t understand a lick of it either except the title. The title means Ball of Fate in English Eden. This book has to tell us more about that ball you’re carrying. I looked up the author and turns out she is dead. She obviously died many years ago, but I found a relative of hers though that could shed some light on the matter. Her name is Agnes, she is 82 and lives in the same city as your aunt. I called her and I didn’t even have to explain, she is more than willing to help us. We can stop there after we drop off Annabelle.” I looked back at the book. This ball must be really important if there is a whole book about it. “So we’re supposed to just trust what some 82 year old woman has to say? Who knows who this woman really is or if she is even sane!” Nikai had a point. “She is sort of right James. How do we know if we can trust what she says?” James looked at me through the review mirror. 

“We are just going to have to wait and see what she says. Like I said, I didn’t even tell her anything about you or the situation yet. I just said I found this book and would like to know more about it. So far she has no idea that we have the ball or anything.”  Annabelle started whining so I made her a bottle and gave it to her. “Okay well, we will go to my aunts, drop off Belle and then we can head to this Agnes lady’s house. We need to figure this out quick. I don’t like the situation we are in at all.” I said with a sigh. “None of us do sis. But we’re doing it together and I know that if we’re together we can do anything. If Aunt Liz is as wonderful as mother was, Belle will be just fine and in good hands. Our family is strong we got this.” Nikai was right. There is no strength like family. “Okay, were coming up on your aunt’s drive. She really lives way out here doesn’t she?”  I looked out the window. I haven’t been to Aunt Liz’s since I was a little girl. I don’t remember much, just the smell of sweets. We pulled in her drive and followed it to the house. It seemed to trail forever through the woods. It almost reminded me of my driveway, but longer. We arrived at the house and it was more beautiful that I remembered. It was a cute little cottage made from small round stones. It had a soft, hay like roof with a little stone chimney bellowing smoke. The windows were all steamy and lit up. She had beautiful flowers everywhere and their fragrance was breathtaking. It was so cozy. I grabbed Annabelle and headed for the door. James and Nikai grabbed the bags and followed. Before I could knock the door opened just a crack. “Hello? Aunt Liz?” I asked as I slowly pushed through the door. The smell is just as I remember. Sweet smells of something baking in the oven. The fire was a blaze in the fireplace and there was a hot steamy cup of tea on the table. She had to be here. 

I set Annabelle down by Nikai who also looked puzzled. I walked the hallway back towards her bedroom and bathroom. “Aunt Liz?” I called out again. “OHHH!” I nearly peed myself. “Oh sheesh Aunt Liz you scared the life out of me” I took a step backwards and tried to catch my breath. “Oh dear I am so sorry! I didn’t hear you come in at all! Come, come! I just made a pot of tea!” She grabbed my hand and led me out to the kitchen. “Aunt Liz, I really do appreciate you looking after Annabelle for a few days. Are you sure you can handle it?” She was getting cups out for tea. “Now dear, don’t you worry. Your mama used to leave you with me all the time. We will have a wonderful time. What is it exactly that will be taking you away for a couple days?” I felt bad because I knew we had to go. “I am sure you guys will have so much fun. It’s a really long story and we really don’t have time to sit and chat. I am so sorry. I will have my cell phone on me at all times so you can get ahold of me if anything happens.” I picked up Belle and held her close. “Mommy loves you so much Belle. I will be back as soon as I can I promise.” I kissed her forehead and handed her to my aunt. “Really hun, don’t worry about us. We will be just fine. You go do what you have to do.” We started walking out the door. “Thank you so much Aunt Liz. I will be in touch.” We got in the car and pulled out. Aunt Liz stood in the door way holding Belle waving goodbye. I hated leaving her when I knew things were so crazy. “Okay let’s go to Agnes’s.” I said as I wiped away tears. I need to start figuring things out. The faster I do that the faster I can get back to Belle.