BIG BEAR CHAPTER 1-2
1104 Words
VANESSA WAITED IMPATIENTLY for Emma Jane and Cat to return from the university. She'd let Cat know where Emma Jane was spending the day and knew they'd planned to meet up at the school and then take the bus home together. Vanessa had texted her sister immediately after speaking to Evelyn, but it had taken Cat and Emma Jane another hour to get home, as Cat had still been in classes when she'd gotten the message. During that time, Vanessa had talked with Evelyn about her life and business, although she’d stubbornly refused to elaborate about the possible fix to the physical barrier in Vanessa's relationship until Emma Jane was also present.
Vanessa understood why, but her frustration caused her to pounce on Cat and Emma Jane the minute they came through the door. She practically dragged them into the living room, then had to wait impatiently for Cat and Evelyn to hug before they'd sit down. Emma Jane nodded a polite hello as they all sat on the couch, eager to hear what Evelyn had to say. To Vanessa’s relief, Cat put the conversation on track immediately.
"I'm glad you made it. I know how busy things are for you now. I wish you could come by more often to just hang out, but I get it. So, what did you find out? Is there a solution?" Cat leaned forward intently.
Evelyn nodded solemnly. "There is a way, yes, but it’s super dangerous, because you know that’s how stuff always seems to go for us."
Vanessa nodded, acknowledging the truth of her words but wishing she'd just get on with the details already and stop trying to build tension. "Danger's cool. I eat danger for breakfast. What do I have to do? Because I'm ready to do it."
Evelyn shook her head. "It's not that simple. It's going to be a massive undertaking. From what I've seen in my dreams, you guys are going to have to head to the Rockies and hike some crazy, dangerous paths before you can even find where the item is hiding. That's without any added excitement, which I’m certain will interrupt your journey at a few points."
Emma Jane spoke quietly. "Is it guarded?"
Evelyn looked at her approvingly. "Yes, it's guarded by the spirit of Big Bear. He was a fierce warrior known to have strong integrity. You'll only be able to reach your goal if he finds you worthy."
Emma Jane nodded, a small smile playing across her face upon hearing the name. "I look forward to the challenge. I've heard of him before, but only in passing. He signed some treaties with the Canadian government and was said to be a very shrewd chief. He was called Mistahi-maskwa, which means 'much bear'. He was responsible for improving some of the conditions of his people, the Cree, and he held out until the early 1880s before finally signing Treaty 6, which gave his people rights in exchange for the Crown taking their lands. I can only hope I'm up to the very high standards he set for wisdom and bravery."
"So maybe he'll be a nice bear, like Winnie the Pooh?" Vanessa asked hopefully, but Emma Jane just blinked at her in response.
"Unlikely, with our luck," she said, somewhat morosely.
Vanessa looked at Emma Jane, then at Cat as a serious concern popped into her head. "Cat, you won’t be able to come this time, will you?"
Cat grimaced. "I could probably try. Maybe I can take a leave or something?"
Vanessa shook her head, trying to smile and reassure her sister, even as her heart sank at the reality of the situation. "No, I’m thinking this is probably part of the quest. We need to be able to do it together without help from anyone else. Now that I think about it more, it would be like we're cheating. Bringing someone with us doesn't feel right."
Cat nodded slowly as Evelyn smiled.
"I believe you're right, Vanessa," agreed Evelyn. "Part of the quest for you to be together is for you to make it through adversity without help from me, your sister, or anyone else. That will make it much, much harder though, especially for you, Vanessa. You’ll run the risk of getting very sick, or even worse."
Emma Jane regarded Vanessa with stoic sadness, before she spoke. "I'll understand if you don't want to do this. It's very risky, spending long periods of time together, especially without Cat's assistance to heal you from my presence. Even with Cat nearby, we've had problems when we’ve forgotten ourselves."
Vanessa raised her chin, clenching it stubbornly as she looked at each of the girls. Her gaze came back to rest on Emma Jane when she answered. "It's something I have to do. It's time for me to show some of the restraint you've had to have your entire life. Evelyn, do you know the exact location where we're supposed to go to start this hike to find this magical amulet thingy?"
Evelyn shook her head. "I don't, I'm sorry. All I can tell you is that you'll have to go to the Canadian Rockies. I'll write down all the details I can remember from my dreams. The rest is up to you two; you'll have to read the signs and follow where they lead." She sighed, lifting a hand helplessly, then letting it fall again. "I wish I could give you a road map, but I'm pretty sure this is another part of your quest."
Vanessa nodded, then stood up. She felt motivated to do something outside of her own small universe for the first time in what felt like forever. She knew she could be dramatic and impulsive, which made this quest seem as though it was designed specifically to test her strength of character. While she was sure the trip would also be difficult on Emma Jane, Vanessa believed that her love had more character at baseline and so far, this journey sounded more like a personal challenge for her own particular flaws. Yet, as a McLean sister, nothing was guaranteed to get her stubborn side up and working faster than a personal challenge.
"Well, I think I'll go and pack some warm clothing. I'm guessing the mountains in Canada in November can get pretty cold. I'll see what I have, but I'm positive we'll have to go shopping for hiking gear." She looked at Emma Jane, in her trusty uniform of jeans and dark t-shirt and nodded. "Yup. With Emma Jane's limited wardrobe, we're definitely going to need a trip to the store."
Emma Jane looked at her clothes. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
Evelyn and Cat started to laugh and Emma Jane groaned with the realization of what she was up against. "Oh, yeah. I should have remembered. Canada plus mountains plus November. First on the list I guess is the need to buy some layers."
- Writer
