The Tale Of Emma Ott

"IN THAT BOOK WHICH IS MY MEMORY, ON THE FIRST PAGE OF THE CHAPTER

THAT IS THE DAY WHEN I FIRST MET YOU APPEAR THE WORDS:

‘HERE BEGINS A NEW LIFE.’ "

Dante

The Tale of Emma Ott

Wynema Taylor

Cover art by Jeanne Claesson

www.jeanneclaessonart.com

Used with special permission.

Copyright 2010 by Wynema Taylor

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce

this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever

without the prior permission of the author. For information, address

Wynema Taylor

PO Box 1295

Mountain View, Hawaii 96771

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of this author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN 978-1-4657-5847-7 for ePUB

Thank you for downloading this eBook.

Smashwords Edition

FOR

PAUL

My heart

Prologue

In my dream, I heard someone say ‘Be careful what you wish for…’ The very mention of those words scares me. I had not wished for anything. At least that was my memory.

Life stood still before me, as dark shadowy and delicately light wings hunt one another… or was it me they sought.

Winds tore at me, forcing me back the way I had come, down a twisted corridor of darkness.

My hands shook uncontrollably, matching the vibrations the whole of my body made. My breath came unevenly. I stumbled back in fear.

A wary voice tells, ‘What holds you cannot be altered. Sorrow foresees this voyage.’

I dropped down, into emptiness, into a precipice. I do not breathe, which makes me cough, and in a direct response, I choke on my own saliva.

The reverie of this long-suffering hell is of my own making. I cannot make it stop, as I momentarily weep. Miserable, lost, chaos finds me as the veil shifts…

- - -

I abandoned my pillow as I slumbered, I stirred in my sleep, a fitful sleep that I had so desperately wanted to be unspoiled, unbroken, and peaceable but I wake with a start and seeing my surroundings, I know the truth of it. Instantly I know where I am, and that it has already happened, because I am here, waking to the knowledge that the dreams were real…

Uncurling my fetal position, I stretched out my arms and legs before turning my body over. I succeed in getting myself up and sitting, despite my semi-conscious stupor. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, as a wide yawn emerged from my mouth. Short as my nap was, it felt like an eternity had passed inside my nightmare. Slowly I moved to the edge of the bed, ready to stand, but I hesitate, wondering if I could have changed any of this.

Could I have avoided the book, the one that pulled me through time, Merlin’s book, the one that started all this. I hadn’t a clue, really, but I knew that not all of me wanted things to go back to the way they were, a part of me wanted to stay here. My feelings for Thomas pulled at me.

I questioned everything, all that I had been taught. I questioned my belief system, my being, my reality, I wondered if the future was set or still changeable. I questioned Merlin’s use of magic, of mine, and of my obvious lack of skill. I suspected I was becoming complaisant within my surroundings. I could not believe the things I had done these last few months, but survival was imperative.

Silently, I answered the onslaught of questions that ran rampant through my head; it helped ease some of the tension, but only for the moment. I knew that the lion's share of this preoccupation served nothing or no one, still the mania flooded over me. There wasn’t much point to my obsessing. I knew that, but I could not stop.

I had no answers to what might happen today, or tomorrow, or any other day to come. All I knew was that I drew air in and exhaled it out, in whatever reality this was, kicking and screaming, pulled along by some fickle finger of fate, but I was alive, and right now, that was what really mattered. A thin smile crept across my face, amid these wistful moments in thought.

Then just as quickly, another truth hit me, right in the gut, ending any glint of happiness, because deep down, I knew that there were no guarantees, not to any of this. Even with all our work, we might never be anywhere but here, and with that, a tear fell. I knew that we might never get home again, and that was reason enough to cry, but I promptly consoled myself in the knowledge that Thomas and Merlin were here with me, my family now. In these last weeks, they had become a most important part of my life. I saw that now.

I have heard it said before, that when you least expect it, it just jumps out at you, life that is. For me, it happened so fast, that I didn’t see it coming. It was just there, without any warning, but I think I’m ready for it now. I want to fix all this, to stop the running, to find real answers, and to put everything right. In the same way, I’m feeling anxious, confused, even a little pissed off, but I must confess, I know it is time to end the whining. Even if no one else sees the evil that covers this world, humankind will need answers to this plight. I have to do something.

Anxiously, I hold my breath, while dark images flash before me. I have to push them away, and make myself breathe again. I am so afraid of losing myself to all this chaos.

We have weathered the initial storm, emerging a tangled mess, where most things are upside-down, although a couple of windswept bits have surfaced amazingly right. For me, Thomas was the right. Still, my feelings for him pull at me, am I wrong in wanting him to want me? I hope he feels something of the same. Considering the circumstances that brought us together, our bond is complex at best.

On the other hand, how will I survive living in this past? It has been too long since I have had real peace of mind, and I do miss my old life, with all its modern conveniences, my easy breezy life, my contemporary life. I even miss school, but that seems like a lifetime ago. Regardless, the bad stuff just keeps coming and I want it to stop.

My mind loops Katy Perry singing ‘Teenage Dream’, though I heard it in my own context. Was that how I wanted to see things now, how I needed things to be, how I wanted Thomas to be? I didn’t know. Maybe I did want to just go for it, with no regrets, to run away, and to never look back. The only thing I did know was that my heart skips a beat every time Thomas looks my way.

It seemed my soul-searching raised more questions than I had answers, I still could not believe that all of this was real. I thought back on the last few months, to when it all started. I wanted to make sense of the path my life now followed, but nothing helped, and I was not sure if we could fix the blunders to the timeline.

I just wanted everything to be whole and happy again, but not every fairy tale has a happy ending, and there is always another monster.

So, I pick myself up and walk out the door of my bedroom, while all the memories of these past few months comes flashing back on me…

Chapter 1

Emma

The clang of the bell signaled the end of class. Immediately I closed my algebra book and gathered up my things. Paper, pencil, calculator, they all went back into the bag I carried in between locker stops. Algebra was an all right class for me; I could hold my own even if it was not my favorite.

Standing up from my desk, I saw the teacher watching me. Brusquely she nodded. ‘Freaking weirdo,’ I thought as I returned the sentiment in my own terse nod, and then hastily walked toward the back classroom door. I hated it when the old hag watched me, regularly I felt shadowed by her deep-set eyes. To look at Ms. Matula, you would think she was one hundred years old. The old math teacher wore her scraggly gray-white hair in a bun that carelessly escaped onto her frayed black shawl. Her plain black dress matched the dark lace-up granny shoes she always wore and her thick burnt-toast colored stockings sagged at the knee.

Agnes Matula had a lanky look to her. Not an ounce of fat separated the paper-thin skin from her bones. Her hands were like a cadaver, long colorless fingers so withered and dry it made you wonder how they could still be in use. She made my skin crawl. All she needed was a witch’s hat to complete the look. I shook the feeling off as I stood in line with the rest of the class trying to exit the room. I kept my back to her but I knew she still stared; she always did, there was no need to turn around and confirm my fears. I saw no logic in her obsession with me, but admittedly, she bothered me.

Once outside the door I headed for my locker in C hall, hoping Victoria and Dottie were not too far behind. As I rounded the corner of the last blue-gray hallway, I saw Victoria already at her locker rummaging through her stuff. Dottie followed me about a minute later.

The clamor inside Feaser High School was noticeably loud, but it was time to go home and Friday at that. The scale of our voices amplified to be heard over the packed hallway. This was classic end of the school day reality…chaos at its best.

Hey Emma, what’s with the dark cloud? Victoria asked as I approached.

Oh, it’s Ms. Matula, what a Borg. She weirds me out. I said, running the combination of my locker lock.

She is a strange bird, Em. Just don’t let her get to you. Victoria encouraged me.

I know, but why does she watch me like that? It’s not natural. Maybe I should ask for a different class. With the semester just started, this would be the best time, and I just don’t know if I can put up with her for the whole year.

Maybe you should if you feel that strongly about it. I heard she’s retiring after this semester.

Yeah, well, good. I should still ask for a different class.

Cheers! Dottie said as she reached her locker and began to open it.

The strong smell in opening my locker suggested it was time to take my gym clothes home for a good washing. I sprayed a little flowery perfume inside the military gray metal cubicle before I shoved the dirty clothes into my rucksack. The two girls stood waiting patiently, watching as I shoved too many clothes into too small a space, but I got them all in finally.

I had been best friends with Victoria and Dottie since the first day I moved into the neighborhood. They had helped me navigate not only the halls at school, but also our neighborhood in London. We all lived within two blocks of one another.

Are we still on? Victoria asked as Dottie and I both closed our locker doors.

Sure. I said as I looked at Dottie.

Yeah, let’s go. Besides, I have to stop at the market. I promised Mum I would pick up a box of her ‘much loved biscuits’. I get to keep the change. Dottie stated as she put the only book that she held inside her large purse.

So where do we want to go first. You want to go somewhere to eat or the Mall. I asked.

Let’s eat first. I am starving. I skipped lunch to make up that stupid geography test. Why do we have to take that class anyway, is geography even relevant anymore. Victoria questioned as she held out a folded up map to me.

I don’t want it, besides I usually Google it if I need to know where something is. I said as we worked our way down the main hall. Ignoring me, Victoria stuffed the world map deep into my rucksack.

There aren’t any new places on this planet to map, are there? Dottie thought for a second then concluded, So yeah, I’d say it’s a cheerless class to be taking.

With that, we walked out the front double doors of the old school building. The sun glowed alive and bright in the mid afternoon blue. A few cotton ball clouds made their way across the sky. Autumn had already begun to turn the greens of summer into the familiar fall shades of brown, red, and gold.

Hey, did you see Mara in school today? Victoria questioned as we descended the stairs that led us off the campus grounds. We walked down the sidewalk toward the traffic light.

Yeah, showing too much skin, borderline illegal don’t you think? What’s up with that? I stepped off the curb as we waited for the traffic to clear so we could cross the street. She needs some help. You two talk, maybe you should say something.

Let’s do fast food today. I’m sick of the fish pie place. Dottie pleaded.

What? You don’t like my fish pie. I love fish pie. I declared as a wide grin formed. Both girls shook their heads no, as they pulled me off the roadway, and back onto the curb. To further prove their point they each stuck a finger in their respective open mouths as if retching from my dreadful food choice. They laughed while my protests fell on deaf ears.

Did you eat like that in the US, or is it something you picked up after you moved here? Dottie asked.

I shrugged my shoulders joking, I guess I just have a more sophisticated palate than the two of you. With that, Victoria looped her arm inside of mine, steering me squarely down the middle of the sidewalk.

Yeah, well let me tell you what I think. She said as the three of us continued towards McDonalds. Dottie quickly stepped around, taking hold of my other arm.

No, Vic you have it all wrong. she protested, You’re supposed to say; ‘Now here’s what I would do!’ we laughed as Dottie impersonated my brother John; he started nearly all of his conversations that way, thinking he was just way to cool.

Proposing that she secretly liked my brother, I declared. Why don’t you two just get on with it? At first, I got no reaction, but then Dottie’s face went all pink.

Eww… he’s too young for me. She argued, even though he was only a year behind us.

Still laughing, we entered the eatery.

It took no time at all to order our food. It took even less time for the girl behind the counter to grab the burgers, fries, and soda cups, putting them on the tray. We got our drinks, napkins, and catsup then looked for an empty booth.

Once we put our food and drinks on the table, Victoria sat down across from me, and Dottie sat next to Victoria. I carried too much gear to make room for anyone else to sit by me.

Vic laughed at something Dottie said, which I missed. I had focused my mind on the burger I was eating. I rarely ate burgers but when I did, I wanted a gut bomb like this one.

I watched the two girls talking as I chewed my food. Victoria was a slight blonde-haired creature with hair to her waist, and big blue eyes. She looked like a pixie to me at times. Dottie, a brunette, was not much taller than Victoria’s five foot five stance, maybe by an inch or two. Dottie had hazel brown eyes, and an olive complexion. We were a complete set you see, with a blond, a redhead, and a brunette. I was the shortest of the three, standing at only five foot two.

We were all fifteen, but I was the oldest, I would be sixteen first. My birthday was less than three months away, but I was not the leader of this pack. That job Victoria had inherited. Dottie and I were both happy to let her have it. She was our decision maker, the tiebreaker. It worked well for us.

The two of them intently stared at me, waiting for me to answer. I had to blink my eyes to refocus.

What? I said after I swallowed the bulk of what was in my mouth.

Where were you just now? I bet you didn’t hear a word of what we said. Dottie questioned.

Sure I did. You were talking about shopping, right?

Wrong. Victoria answered. We were talking about maybe going to a movie. I asked what you might want to see. What were you thinking about? Victoria said as she picked off some of the bread from her hamburger bun then laid it on the paper wrapper the burger came in.

I don’t know, somewhere out in space I guess. I can’t go to the movies this weekend, folks have plans. I watched as together, the two girls picked up their drinks, almost in unison, and drank as if cued to do so. I smiled at them and then went back to eating my fries and catsup.

We wasted no time devouring the sustenance before us. We each wadded up our trash before heading to the garbage bin, finally walking out the door and back out into the sunshine. We had spent a whole twenty-six minutes from getting our food to walking out the door. Not a speed record but we did not like wasting good shopping time dallying over food.

The three of us walked the two and a half blocks over to Baker Street Market Center. There would be a halfway decent shopping center waiting for us. It was not the nice new massive mall, that was too far to get to this late in the day, but it would do for now. Besides, it was on our way home. Another half block would take me to the old used bookseller; we did not have the time to walk the extra thirty minutes for me to find a proper retail bookstore. So today, for me, it would be all about used books.

Routinely, I walked past the old bookseller’s door on my way to and from school. But it had never crossed my mind to go inside the store, until today. So when I called my Mom after we finished eating and told her where I wanted to go, she asked if she should meet me there. I said ‘No’ of course. She caved in when I promised that I would stay glued to both Victoria and Dottie until I got home. I promised I would be careful and safe. Then I promised I’d be home before supper.

It had been over ten months since my family moved into our new house and neighborhood. These days I felt comfortable walking through the area alone and even cherished the little bits of freedom I had at last attained. Mom did not need to follow me every place I went.

It still felt so restricting always having to report in. My friends did not seem to be explaining where and when they were going. I didn’t always enjoy my every move being controlled by my parents, by my mother. She wanted to know, every minute, where I was, what I was doing. She only gave in to my own cell phone when she realized she could always get hold of me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family but Mom did not need to know everything I did, even though she thought she did.

But, today somehow felt different. Mom wasn’t going to be hovering. She had given in so easily, not once did she go over all the rules and their countless regulations, as she usually did. For the first time she gave me the freedom to do my own bidding. It almost felt like a trap, but at the same time, I felt alive doing and going where no one followed. It was a great feeling, I truly felt comfortable in my own skin. The city was breathing and I was in harmony with it. I felt like I belonged. However, spending the rest of the afternoon rummaging through some horribly cluttered antiquated bookstore was not what I had had in mind. Still, the three of us decided we would go inside the store spending no more than ten minutes.

Oddly enough, my original plan had been a simple one. Look for a book that I could use for my health class book report. As it turned out, there would be nothing simple about any of what was to happen. Really, how was I supposed to know that by my walking through that bookseller’s door, I would inadvertently head down a path that would change me forever?

Chapter 2

My thoughts focused momentarily on my homework assignment as I twisted the old knob of the bookseller’s front door. School had already been in session these last few weeks. Fall semester for me had always been easy, when everything seemed uncomplicated and trouble-free. The best time of the school year, a new start, where I spent time chatting with friends, catching up on summer events, talking about everything from hair, to clothes, music, and boys, anything but school. In any case, it kept me out of trouble and I made decent grades.

A set of old bells attached inside the top corner of the door resounded ding-dong ding all through the store as we walked into the shop for the very first time. It felt deserted, well, except for us, and the old guy working behind the counter. I hesitated as the door closed behind me.

Instantly I realized that the place was not old, it was ancient. The shop smelled moldy, dusty and the walls almost oozed grime. I could actually see fine dust particles floating around the frame of a nearby window. Without warning, I sneezed, and then coughed as I breathed in a second lungful of stale air. Automatically my right hand flew up and covered my mouth, while I questioned if I really wanted to continue inside the store. I grimaced at Victoria and Dottie. They frowned back, but we kept moving forward feeling a little too embarrassed to leave the place so hastily. Vic and Dottie both stood looking at one another before anyone spoke.

Ooh! This place is nasty. Do we really want to do this? Victoria finally said, not much above a whisper. I saw the old man behind the counter watching us, but soon went back to his reading. He sat on a tall stool next to an antique cash register. The old cash register had large metal push buttons, like I’d seen in some old black and white movies.

Why can’t we go to a proper store? Dottie questioned as we worked our way farther inside.

No time. I answered dully.

I’d rather go to WHSmiths or Foyles. Vic added. We should have time to at least make it to Waterstone’s, that’s not so far.

I can’t. You know I promised my Mom I would be home before dark. Besides, if I go there and I am late getting home, they will ground me forever. I just can’t. I paused, taking in a lungful, I would be in so much trouble. This is my only choice. I said grimly, Besides, I told you, my folks have plans for the weekend, a family thing I can’t get out of, so I need to get this book report done.

Sure, I remember. No, you are right, let’s do this now, and get it over with. Victoria answered.

No one spoke for another minute as we looked about the place. The old guy at the register looked up once more then went back to his book.

Hey, I would understand if you guys wanted to go on. I can meet you later. I said at last.

No, we can hang for a few minutes. It’s not so bad. Dottie said with a forced smile.

Yeah. Victoria whispered.