Chapter 10
Jasmine
“I still can’t believe you didn’t introduce us,” I said with a pout.
Charlie glared at me through the rear view mirror. “I didn’t even know you were in the car until I got in.”
“There was still time!”
“What’re you talking about? Esmer was already inside and probably getting scolded by her aunt.”
“All right, you two,” Uncle Vic grumbled. “That’s enough arguing for one evening.”
Lightning cracked overhead and spurts of rain hit the windshield. The wiper blades came on, squeaking occasionally as they made their way across the glass. Charlie crossed his arms and burrowed back against the passenger seat, glaring out at the rain like a child. Uncle Victor was no better; he scowled as he came to a stop and then turned his head sharply in both directions before accelerating into the intersection.
I knew I shouldn’t have come, but I wanted to meet the girl who’d made my brother think about someone other than himself. I’d gotten a glimpse of her through the dark windows of my uncle’s police cruiser. Esmeralda Barnes was long and thin, but carried herself with enough confidence to attract attention. Her reddish-orange hair had been a splash of color against the shadows. I hadn’t been able to see much of her face, but I thought she looked good in my brother’s windbreaker. I leaned forward as much as the seat belt would allow and poked my finger through one of the holes in the prisoner cage. The tip touched Charlie’s shoulder.
“Did you get her number?”
“No.”
“Did you get to hold her hand?”
Charlie snorted and turned away from me. “Why would I want to hold her hand?”
Uncle Victor was watching us out of the corner of his eye. It seemed I wasn’t the only one who was curious about my brother’s outing.
“I have it on very good authority that holding hands is a common desire for people who are crushing on each other,” I said, smiling sweetly.
“I already told you; I’m not crushing on Esmer.”
“Well, I think you are.”
“Me too,” Uncle Victor added and then pretended to cough when Charlie sent him a withering look.
“Oh, so you’re talking to me now?”
“Jasmine, tell your brother I was only commenting on what you said.”
“I can hear you just fine!” Charlie said. “I’m sorry I stormed out on you guys. I’m sorry I didn’t answer my phone. I’m sorry I made you worry. Are you happy now? Can we skip the Five Stages of Vic’s Favorite Punishment? I didn’t go far. I didn’t get hurt. I didn’t get into trouble. I never do. Jesus, I’m not a kid anymore.”
“I’ve only ever had one rule,” Uncle Victor said, raising a finger for emphasis. “One rule, Charlie. You may not be a kid anymore but you’re still cursed. What happens when you have a vision and collapse in public? What happens when you get hurt? I can’t help you if I don’t know where you are.”
“If something like that happened, I would handle it. Because I’m an adult.” Charlie twisted around to aim his death glare at me. “Esmer and I are just friends so stop talking about her like we’re going to get married or something. It’s not a big deal that I’m hanging out with a girl from school. Just drop it, will you?” Then he faced forward again and continued his staring contest with the windshield.
I leaned back into my seat, biting my lip. Uncle Victor sighed heavily through his nose and turned on his blinker. Charlie shifted a little in his seat, occasionally brushing his cheek with his shoulder as if he had an annoying itch.
After a long period of silence, I said, “The windbreaker still smells like her, doesn’t it?”
He flushed. “Oh, shut up.”
December 14th, 1911
Dymeka’s fear has come to pass. It is nothing short of surreal, unfathomable. I can hardly believe it actually happened but Dymeka always suspected it would.
We were in Salvador, Brazil, when we found them. We had just gotten back from an expedition to the South Pole and our return ship made birth in Salvador, when we both felt something strange. I can only describe it as a sense of unnatural peace, as if we were meant to be there. No sooner had we stepped foot on the docks when we heard Izz and Segil’s names. They had new names, of course, but there was no mistaking their reputation: Revolution.
The whole town buzzed with both an excited and fearful frenzy of the possibility of an oppressive leader being usurped. We were instantly anxious despite the strange sense of security we felt, most likely caused by our proximity to our immortal brethren. We decided to stay right by the docks to be gone the instant our next vessel was ready. We inquired of them that night at the tavern we resided in, only to receive a lengthy description of the foreign couple who seemed far too interested in setting up some sort of political standing for themselves in this city’s vulnerable state.
Within a few hours, we received an intimidating invitation to visit the esteemed revolutionaries’ home by some rather fierce-looking men. I knew Dymeka wanted to run immediately but I held his arm firmly and nodded ahead. Dymeka led me amongst the guards and we traveled only a few moments down the street to the compound.
We were immediately brought to the dinner table and offered spectacular food and wine by Izz and Segil. Their appearance had much changed, mostly their hair and wardrobe, but I still recognized my dear friends. I cried a little, feeling so complete with them again but knowing full well we were not friends.
We soon began to quarrel. My emotions caused Dymeka and Izz to be defensive. Segil was irritated by me instantly. They made it clear how little they thought of us. They accused
