See Me

CHAPTER SIX

I HADN’T FULLY CALMED yet when I heard voices and the door swooshed opened.

“Robyn!”

I exhaled with relief at the sound of Mom’s voice.

“It’s so dark,” Cassidy whispered. “Robyn? Are you in here?”

“I’m here,” I replied. I wiggled around until I was able to push myself up on the bed with my legs crossed. Cassidy stumbled through the dark and sat next to me while my mom found the oil lamp and turned it on. She wore flannel pajama pants and a pullover fleece. Her face was tight with worry as she came and sat next to me. Having both of them was a comfort, a balm for my agitation.

“Why didn’t you wake me? Cassidy says there were Fae about? I was so hard asleep I didn’t even sense them. Did they hurt you?”

“Not exactly. But… I think there’s something going on with one of them and McKale.”

My mom sucked in a shocked breath. “No.”

“Freaky Fae girl,” Cassidy brooded. “What did she say to you? I couldn’t hear but I could tell it was something bitchy.”

Mom glared at her and Cassidy amended. “I mean something not nice. I wanted to run after you, but Rock held me back—”

“Rock was there?” Mom asked.

“Yeah, he was hiding, though.” Cass looked at me. “I’m sorry I didn’t come right away. I really wanted to, but Rock made me wait until the Fae left.”

I shook my head. “It’s okay. It was smart of him not to let you draw attention to yourself.”

Even Mom agreed. “What else happened?”

The last thing I wanted to do was rile up my mom and sister. I wouldn’t tell them about how Khalistah called me “large,” but they did need to know the basics of what was going on, and what I was up against if I was going to attempt to build a healthy relationship with McKale.

“She asked if McKale really intended to bind with me and he said he had to do his duty for the clan.”

Cassidy’s eyebrows flew together. “He called you a duty? Ouch.”

“That’s what this is, Cass,” I reminded her. “It’s a duty for both of us.”

“Yeah, but look at you. He should be happy and honored that he gets to bind with a hottie like you. I’d just hoped… you know.”

We were all quiet. My parents’ marriage had been arranged, but they’d met first as teens and got to know each other through letters. What started as a duty became a joy they both shared.

“This is dangerous territory, girls,” Mom said. “Where the Fae are involved, one can never be too cautious. Tomorrow we will sit down with Brogan and McKale, and have a family discussion. McKale is only human, no matter how ancient his magical blood may be. The touch of a Fae manipulates the human mind. A single kiss from her could make McKale obsess. If a human fully gives themselves to a Fae, they are lost to anything but that Faerie. They become mindless slaves. We need to find out what we’re dealing with.”

I trembled inside remembering how McKale reacted to such a small touch from her.

“I don’t think he’s, like, done anything with her,” I said. “I don’t know. He seemed pretty normal until she showed up.”

“Yeah, and then he couldn’t take his eyes off her,” Cassidy added.

“Faeries can be mesmerizing,” Mom said. “But don’t jump to any conclusions yet. Let’s hope they’ve done nothing more than share simple touches, though even those are dangerous.” She sighed. “They’re capable of ruining our lives with no thought or remorse, so do not say a word to the Fair Folk unless you are politely responding. Use great care. Especially you, Cassidy.”

“But—”

“No buts!” Mom’s voice boomed and her face was fierce. “You don’t tangle with them, child. Ever. I don’t care if they anger you. Bite your tongue off if you have to. Understand?”

“Fine, okay, but McKale better get his act together because I will give him a piece of my mind.”

“I’ll handle McKale,” I said.

Cassidy crossed her arms and gave me a “yeah right” glare that I ignored.

“Get some sleep, girls. We’ll deal with this in the morning.”

She stood and kissed the tops of our heads, waiting for us to climb under the covers before blowing out the flame and leaving. Cass rustled around, getting comfortable.

“What did Rock say when you were in the woods together?” I whispered.

“He was warning me to stay away from the Fae.”

“That’s it? Did he say anything about that Fae girl and McKale?”

“No. Nothing. He told me that his clan wasn’t even supposed to be seen by them. I asked him what his clan did that was so bad and he said the Clourichaun have always liked to have too much fun, and the Fae are overly sensitive about their rules being broken.”

“Hm. That’s probably true, but I’m sure there’s a lot more to it.”

“Yeah.” We were both quiet for a while before she asked, “You don’t think Freaky Fae Girl is going to be a problem, do you?”

I did, but I didn’t want to admit it. “I don’t know what to think. I’m trying not to worry anymore until I talk to McKale tomorrow.”

“When will you give him all of his presents and stuff?”

Ugh. The bin.

“I don’t know. I can’t think about that yet. Let’s just go to sleep.”

It didn’t take long for Cassidy to doze off. I lay there for a while trying not to think about the Freaky Fae Girl. I liked Cass’s name for her. The FFG. It was nice and ugly.

No matter which way I looked at the situation, something very unsettling was going on.

I thought about the bin of gifts. At this point it would be completely awkward and uncomfortable to give it to him. He couldn’t possibly appreciate them yet. I would give McKale the presents if and when we earned each other’s trust.

I could tell it was really early when I woke. Our room was still dark and my head throbbed with tiredness. But now that I was awake I couldn’t fall back asleep. I struggled out of the bed and slipped on shorts, flip-flops, and a pullover hoodie. The fresh morning air might do me some good.

I quietly left the room and walked toward the clearing, dewy grass dampening my toes. Busy birds chattered and a few crickets still chirped. Halfway to the clearing I thought I heard music. I stopped and strained my ears, listening. A violin. I headed in that direction, heart quickening.

The sound led me to the woods. As I got closer and could make out the sound of the sad ballad, so beautifully wrought, goose bumps prickled my skin. I slowed, entering the trees, and saw him sitting on the ground against one of the larger trunks. His eyes were closed as he played the heartbreaking melody. When it ended he lowered the instrument and peered over his shoulder. His eyes only met mine for a moment before looking away.

Apparently the song fit his mood.

I moved forward and sat down near him in the dirt and fallen leaves. He didn’t move, just hung his wrists over his knees, the violin and bow dangling from his fingers. I picked apart a leaf into tiny particles. What I wanted most from him was the truth.

“Do you love her?” Please say no.

He looked up at me, appearing startled by the forward question.

“No. I suppose not, exactly. She’s…”

“Beautiful?”

“Well, there’s that, yes. But ‘tis more than that.” The words sounded as if they were being pulled out against his will. He wasn’t comfortable sharing, but this was necessary. We needed to talk.

“Go on,” I urged.

He sighed and swallowed. “When I was a wee lad, I dreamed of running away. I didn’t understand why I had to be different. Not just my height, but also that I was bound to someone while the other lads were choosing lasses of their own free will. No offense.” He looked at me. When I shrugged, he continued. “But when Khalistah would come, she made me forget about it all.”

I pushed aside the nagging jealousy and hurt feelings that he hadn’t been looking forward to meeting me. “So, you’re saying she’s nice to you?”

“In her own way. When she is, ‘tis real, not born of obligation.”

Ouch. First of all, I had a hard time believing anything from her was “real,” but I was more bugged by the obligation comment.

“You think I’m being nice to you out of obligation?”

“I don’t rightly know.”

“Well, I’m not.”

“Robyn.” He sighed and set down his instrument, moving his hands over his hair. “Ye don’t have to say that. Ye told me yerself that the Fae are makin’ ye bind wit’ me.”

I scooted onto my knees in front of him, needing him to see my eyes and understand me.

“McKale, I only found out about the Fae’s involvement while I was traveling here. I didn’t know before that, and I grew up thinking about you. I’ve looked forward to meeting you since I was six-years-old—”

A derisive laugh burst out of him, cutting me off and taking me by surprise. I sat back on my heels. “You don’t believe me?”

He shook his head at the ground. “I believe ye want to keep yer family safe from the Fae, and I can respect that. Ye do no’ have to pretend.”

He was so jaded. It made my heart ache.

“McKale, you were the one who brought it up about how your clan doesn’t usually force bindings. How was I supposed to feel?” He opened his mouth to say something, but I kept going. “Look. It sucks that we’re being forced, and maybe I’m being naïve, but I want to make the best of this, don’t you?” When he didn’t answer, I asked, “Do you want me to leave? Go back home?”

“Are ye ready to leave so soon?” The look he gave me was tough, but I could sense the hurt underneath.

“No.” This was frustrating. “But I was ready to leave last night. I wasn’t feeling very welcome.”

“Has the clan not welcomed ye openly?”

“I meant welcomed by you.”

He dropped his eyes again, touching the smooth wood of his violin.

“Forgive me,” he whispered. “I…”

Before he could finish we heard Brogan calling him. McKale sighed and we both pushed to our feet. I wiped debris from my bottom and followed McKale out to the clearing. Brogan uncrossed his arms and softened when he saw me.

“Top o’ the morning to you, Robyn.”

No, he did not just say that. Cass was going to flip when I told her.

“Good morning, Brogan.”

“Yer father’s requestin’ that we have a discussion first thing this morning. We’ll break our fast soon after.”

Break our fast? Oh, my gosh—breakfast! Another cute thing to make Cass happy. The seriousness on Brogan’s face kept me from smiling as he turned and headed back in the direction of the huts with McKale and me following. Before we got there, my family came walking out. Cassidy hadn’t even bothered to change out of her pajamas for the family meeting.

Brogan led us all to the end of a row of tables under a thin canopy. A palpable tension banded around our group. Brogan and McKale sat together on one side of the table. When I came around the other side to be with my family, I caught the not-so-friendly look on Dad’s face as I sat next to him. Uh-oh.

McKale and his father made quite the pair. Brogan sat up tall and McKale slightly slumped, as if he didn’t want to loom too much higher than the older man. They both propped their forearms on the table and linked their fingers in the exact same way. Brogan looked up at his son.

“The Masons are concerned about yer commitment to this pairing, and rightly so. Last night was the first time I’d ever noticed the interaction between ye and the Shoe Mistress. Have ye compromised yerself, son?”

The Shoe Mistress? What the heck did that mean? And I squirmed a little at the question about being “compromised.” Yuck.

“My commitment to the clan has never wavered, Father.” McKale’s voice was quiet and careful. “I cannot ignore the Shoe Mistress when she speaks to me, or deny taking her hand when she offers it. Ye know we cannot slight their kind.”

A sarcastic cough sounded from Cassidy at the other end of the bench.

“McKale, dear.” Mom reached across the table and patted his hands. He lifted his eyes to her with politeness. “We all want this to work out. As for Robyn’s father and myself, we are mostly concerned that the two of you will be happy. That means there can be no future… relations”—insert cringing from me here—“with this Fae, no matter how great or small.”

McKale nodded and lowered his eyes as if humiliated.

Brogan clapped his hands together and puffed out his chest. “Now that we’ve cleared that up, when can we expect the binding ceremony to take place? The Summer King’s mistress will want to be notified.”

Gee, no pressure or anything. McKale and I shared an embarrassed look before both staring down at the table again. Dad cleared his throat next to me.

“Robyn will turn eighteen in less than a month’s time. We would prefer if they had at least that long to get to know one another.”

Brogan’s tense brow showed that he worried the timeframe was excessive, but he nodded his agreement anyhow.

“Very well, then. Please accept my apologies for the unpleasantness of last eve. Surprise portal openings never bode well. They usually occur but twice a year—once for ordering shoes and once for delivery of the goods. We weren’t expecting them again until summer’s end.”

“Things happen,” my father said, and though the words were pleasant, his face was still in scary-mode. “I believe they came to make sure Cecelia and I honored our agreement. I’m sure the rest of the summer will work out just fine. Won’t it, McKale?”

Oh, dear. That was dadspeak for stay-away-from-the-Fae-and-don’t-hurt-my-daughter.

Or else.

I wanted to crawl somewhere and hide. Or better yet, shrink into a mini Robyn-chaun and jump on the back of the nearest sheep that could whisk me off somewhere where boys weren’t forced into being with me.

McKale straightened and met my dad’s eyes. “Aye, Mr. Mason.”

Brogan stood. “Well, then. Glad that’s all settled. I do believe I smell our morning meal preparing. Let us visit the kitchens and then we’ll eat in the open air this fine morn.”

My parents thanked him and followed.

“I’ll be right there,” I told them. Cassidy scooted closer to me and McKale didn’t move from his spot across from us.

“Well, that was awkward,” Cassidy said once the adults were out of hearing distance.

I looked at McKale, but he was intent on studying a groove in the wooden tabletop, running his thumb along it.

“Can I ask you something, McKale?” Cassidy spoke, then she forged ahead without waiting for him to answer. “What do you think of my sister so far?”

“Cass!” Could my family possibly humiliate me any further this morning?

“What?” She eyed me before turning back to McKale. “So? What do you think?”

I clenched my teeth.

“I don’t believe it truly matters what we think of one another,” he said.

“Wrong.” She leaned forward. “There’s no time to be negative and bitter. It may not matter to your clan or the Fae what you two think of each other, but we Masons are not a clan, we’re a family, and it matters to us. So tell me. What was your first thought when you met her?”

My breathing went shallow. As uncomfortable as this was, I wanted to hear his answer. Plus, he had to pass this “test” in order to gain Cassidy’s approval, which meant a lot to me. Would he even play along?

Please play along.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, and then his jaw rocked back and forth slowly, highlighting the line of red hair that ran along its edge. Other Chaun men began to filter into the clearing, carrying their plates. I felt Cassidy getting uptight next to me. Just as I was about to tell her to forget about it, McKale whispered.

“She reminded me of the Irish Hollyhock.”

“The what?” Cassidy asked.

He shook his head. “Nothing. Never ye mind.”

She crossed her arms and glared at him. A Little Man was walking nearby and she called out to him.

“Excuse me, sir?” She smiled and waved him over. McKale’s face froze. “Can you please tell me what the Irish Hollyhock is?”

“Well, certainly then. It’s a flowering plant that grows taller than meself. The bigger it gets the more it blooms with color. They’re sturdy and quite stunning, really. Does that answer yer question, miss?”

Cassidy beamed a large smile at him. “It sure does. Thank you so much.” He nodded and walked to his table. With her arms still crossed, Cassidy faced McKale and cocked her head.

“You could have just said you thought she was pretty, but I like the Hollyhock thing even better. And just in case you’re wondering, she thinks you’re cute, too.”

Kill me, please.

A slight tint colored McKale’s cheekbones as Cassidy tapped my arm. “Come on, Robyn. I’m hungry.”

“Wait,” McKale called. We stopped. He captured my eyes and my insides cartwheeled. “Robyn… about last night. I hope ye’ll accept my apology.”

His brow was creased with the strain of everything. Filled with a strange mix of trepidation and hope, all I could do was nod. I was too shaken to chance a look backward as we walked away. Cassidy bumped my hip with her own, and I pressed my lips together.

“See, aren’t you glad I asked? He thinks of you like a flower!” She giggled.

“Not a flower,” I corrected. “A sturdy plant.”

“Covered in beautiful flowers! And sturdy is good. I’ll cut him a little slack for now. I’d hate to have to embarrass him in front of the clan.”

I bumped her hip back, hoping more than anything there would be no need for anymore embarrassing confrontations at all, this summer or ever.