My body tensed up, and I gritted my teeth, ready for another disappointment. I looked in the mirror, ready to see my own reflection. I let out a little shriek of delight. I knew it would happen again!
I could see Nana and Gran in the kitchen. By the sheer number of leftovers on the counter, I knew they were making what Gran called ‘her concoction.’ That basically meant eggs with all the leftovers she could toss in, scrambled together and overcooked, as always. She liked to beat the eggs into submission until they were little bits of egg rice.
The two of them were so engaged and too far away to see me in the mirror, but I still felt joy just to see them. And now I felt hope. Sorry, Latifa, I’ll be sneaking in here all the time now.
My heart felt even fuller, and my yoga seemed like a message of gratefulness out to the universe. I took a deep breath in and out, then heard another deep breath behind me. I turned around and saw Latifa and Chanel stretched out into somewhat yoga-ish poses.
“Good morning, Chanel,” I said.
“She says, good day to you, Miss Hayden,” Latifa translated the meow.
The cats and I finished up our yoga session. (I was thankful no one was videotaping.) And oh joy! I had two fashion critics helping me select a meeting-with-the-grandmother outfit. At least Chanel’s comments were on point and helpful. Latifa was still on her Project Runway kick, which basically meant mixing odd colors and fabrics and trying to overload me with accessories, none of which I would wear this morning.
“Good morning, Grandmother.” I gave her a quick hug. It felt like hugging a tree, but a tree with a slight smile on her face. My father was sitting across from the desk. I gave him a quick hug, too. I left off a name for him whenever we spoke. Father felt too stiff, but I barely knew him, so Dad was totally out of the question. It was just a touch awkward for me, but he didn’t seem to notice. Or perhaps he was just allowing me time to adjust. We were slowly getting to know each other, and it was clear he was trying hard to build our connection. I appreciated that and felt my affection growing for this man, but something like that takes time.
I’d always been told my father had abandoned us, left when I was just hours old, taking my toddler brother with him. We never knew why, and no one talked about it. We were unaware that he hadn’t left by choice. Destiny Falls snatched him and little Axel back here. The strange control of the family or the community, or perhaps both, held them here against my father’s will. Now that I was also someone who was snatched and held, I understood.
“I have a job for you, Hayden,” Grandmother said. As was her way, there was no small talk or introduction. But since my long-time best friend Luna was the same way (gosh, I missed her!), I was okay with this abrupt start to our conversation.
“A job? Really?” I asked. Well, this made sense. I was going to live here now, and although I was continuing to run Natural Living Magazine with Luna, it wasn’t a full-time endeavor. And a job would help me feel I was contributing.
“I have gathered that you are a talented journalist, and your magazine has a healthy following.”
“Thank you. And yes, it does.”
“I have been contemplating rekindling the Destiny Falls newspaper since our old editor retired. Nowadays most people get their news online, so I would like you to create and run an updated online version of The Destiny Falls Observer. With your skills and your tendency toward gossip, this should be a perfect fit for you.”
I cringed at the word gossip, but she was entirely correct. The idea excited me! It would provide exactly the credibility I needed to investigate all the secrets of Destiny Falls and its people. My wheels were already turning.
My father stood up at that moment and set a camera down on Grandmother’s desk.
“This is the official Observer camera,” he said. “It is the only one you should use for photos in the paper.”
“I’m going to be taking the photos also?” I asked. “I’m not really a photographer.”
“You will be with this camera,” my father said.
“Leonard was the Observer’s photographer while he attended college. He’s quite talented, and can teach you all you need to know,” my grandmother said. “He can also provide you with past issues and other information to get you started. Please begin immediately.”
Grandmother stood up and nodded at both of us. “Good day,” she said. Then she walked out of the room. I felt like she should change her exit statement to, “That’s all.” She reminded me so much of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada.
“It’s a great honor to get to run the Observer,” my father told me. “You’ll get the inside scoop on just about everything, and it opens many doors.”
“It sounds right up my alley.” It so was! It had been two seconds and already I had a list of articles planned.
“And I’ll have the perfect excuse to spend some extra time with my daughter.” He gave me a big smile and a thumbs-up. “Do you have time now for me to show you the camera?”
“I have time,” I said, “but I’ve always used my phone. I’ve got the upgraded camera feature and it takes great shots.”
“That may be true,” my father said, “but this is a very special camera, used only for the Observer.”
I’ve learned that people around here rarely use the word ‘magic,’ but they often hint at it in other ways. I had a feeling this might be one of those times.
“By ‘very special’ do you mean it’s enchanted in some way?” I asked him.
“Perhaps. The camera works differently with each person
