Dark Talez Book 1 Red

Last Goodbye

I walked into the living room of my Nanas cottage to find Randon awaiting me. He sat on the couch with his elbows on his knees and his hand clasped. As I entered he lifted his head and his eyes grew wide as he drunk in the sight of me. I could see in his eyes he still felt the same passion I felt for him. The same yearning bond that called us together. Even my Nana had said he would be the only one I could trust through this.

Random cleared his throat as he held out my red cloak. The red cloak my Nana had make me so long ago.

.

“Are you ready?” he half whispered.

I plastered on a smile and nodded my head. I walked over to him and slid my arms in the invisible slits in the robe and slid the hood over my head.

After locking up the cabin Randon held out his elbow for me to take. I looked at him for a moment but instead of taking his help as I would have before, I walked ahead of him on the path. I could walk this place with my eyes closed. People around here needed to realize that poor Katya was no longer as weak as she had been.

"You won't let me assist you, but you seemed to be having great assistance from me in the shower moments ago, Katya.” Randon chuckled surprising me by his boldness.

I cleared my throat and pushed the embarrassment I felt rising in my cheeks, back down.

"Don't be so childish, Randon. Can't a woman bust a nut without a man thinking he is the only one she fantasizes about.” I mocked him.

“You know as well as I do, Katya. You will never feel with anyone else what we had together.”

I had no response to this because I knew in my heart that he was right. No one would ever have my heart aside from him, and no one would know my body the way he did.

"Anyhow, this isn't the time for such a talk. Let’s get today over with so you can go back to you're incredible life in New York City shall we?” he angrily growled.

“As much as I'm sure this will disappoint you Ran, I have decided to stay in Grimm Hollow per my Nana’s wishes. We all know what Nana’s will is going to say. I will not be giving my mother and father anything that she wishes they not have.”

After that Randon remained quiet, I'm sure he was stunned by my omission. But Nana knew something about myself and Grimm Hollow that I didn't. More importantely about the wooded area surrounding Grimm hollow. It was time to find out who I was and where I belonged. It was time to stop running.

After walking for what felt like forever we finally reach the burial grounds. In Grimm Hollow, we didn't prepare funerals as the rest of the world did. The body had been on display for two days. The first day was so that the ancestors could take her home to their realm. The second was the day we would pay our respects. We did not use caskets, we used large vines weaved into a box with a lid that would also be weaved together once the box was covered. Once she was returned to the ground from where her body came, the vines would grow and take root. A tree would grow in it's place. We never knew what kind of tree it would be. It was always different. Some were pine, some were, redwood, and some were even dogwood. Those were the ones who were truly in touch with their spiritual side and what I was guessing would grow over Nana’s grave.

As Randon and I entered the circle were the services were being held everyone seemed to be looking at me. I felt their scrutinizing gazes, and heard their angry whispers. Most of this town had been terrified of me since the day of my christening. I simply ignored them and took my place in the front row of chairs that we're cycling the box that my Nana lay in. It was already closed due to the graphic nature in which she had passed.

What I wouldn't have given to say goodbye.

I pushed the knot in my throat down, I refused to cry in front of these people. As everyone took their seat the services began. Our high priestess led the services asking for blessing from our ancestors. After he blessing and speech we all lit a candle on the altar that my Nana’s woven box sat upon, then we took our turns whispering our goodbyes. Once everyone had their chance to say goodbye we watched as the box was lowered into the ground. Everyone began to dispersed during this time but I stayed. I stayed until every inch of dirt had been replaced in the whole were the shell that was once my Nana lay.

"I'm so sorry Nana. I won’t let you down. I promise.” I whispered as my eyes looked at the fresh dirt mound that was how covered in flowers and candles.

A touch on my elbow made me jump and I turned around to see Randon’s familiar face. He pulled me into him, wrapping his arms tightly around me. He knew I hated to show these people any sign of weakness, he knew how much my Nana meant to me, and he knew that I felt safe within his arms. He knew exactly what I needed.

As I set there wrapped in his arms I smelt a familiar aroma on his clothing. A woman's perfume. I shook my head and pushed the jealousy that was forming inside me away. That was one of my business I had left him. He was free to do as he wished.

After Randon held me while I wept he hid me and allowed me to dry my eyes in private. I then accepted his hand that he held out to me and let him lead me out of the woods into the opening where his car awaited us to take us to my mother and father's house where we would have the reading of the will.

.

This was going to be a hell of a meeting.

As we pulled up to the mansion Randon looked to me while we waited

On the gate to open.

.”So you're really staying?” he asked as if he hadn't believed me earlier.

“Yes! It's only right. It's time I face my fears and besides that my Nana left me a letter. I need to stay, at least for now.” I explained as the gates opened and we entered pulling up to the mansion.

“For what it's worth, I'm happy you’re home, Katya.” Randon looked at me as he placed the car into Park.

I looked over at him and smiled. I genuinely smiled for the first time in years.

“So am I. And I'm so sorry about your father. He was a great man.”

“Thank you, and yes he was. I only hope to be half the man he was.” Randon whispered as his eyes seemed to be off in some faraway memory.

“You are more.” I blurted out. Tandons eyes widened but he quickly regained his composure. So quickly I was sure I had imagined it.

“When will you tell me what happened to her? " I asked Randon my voice barely above a whisper as I plucked at the in bile fuzz on my dress.

“Not now, not here.” He replied firmly. I decided he was right and nodded my head not pushing him for any more information.

“Now let’s go listen to my mom throw an absolute fit, shall we?"