Part 32 (2/2)

”Then why didn't she stop it from happening?”

”I don't know. She would never tell me and she still doesn't like to talk about it. But truthfully, I believe it's because she wanted Baro and me to get out. I think she wants the Royal families separated.”

”That's really strange,” I noted.

”Yeah. I guess so. I don't know why she wanted us separated, but knowing my mother, there's a reason for everything she does.”

For a moment, Gabe seemed far away, lost in thought. I wasn't sure if I should keep asking him about such a sensitive subject, but he didn't seem uncomfortable- only pensive. And I was really, really curious.

”She has a theory, you know,” Gabe spoke again a few moments later. He was looking at me now; his dark gray eyes were fixed on mine. ”About why gypsies are the way they are. Do you want to hear it?”

”Sure,” I replied.

”Most gypsies think we're blessed, especially the Royals. But she doesn't think so. She thinks we're cursed.”

Intrigued now, I asked, ”How so?”

”Think about it. You probably know of wealthy gypsies. But do you know of any that are renowned? Do you know any gypsies who became famous leaders? Presidents? Scientists? Do you know any famous writers, actors, singers?”

I contemplated on it, searching my mind for someone I knew who'd received any of the t.i.tles he mentioned.

”My friend Lina is a belly dancer,” I pointed out. ”She has over a million hits on YouTube.”

He shook his head. ”Bigger than that, Lo. Can you think of a gypsy whose name will be remembered throughout the ages?”

”I guess not,” I said, giving up.

”It's because we are an apathetic people. We don't care about life the way normal people do. Normal people strive to solve the next big equation, creating technology or writing the next great novel. But we don't strive for anything. We all know we'll just end up dying and the cycle will start all over again. We don't care about leaving legacies.”

I thought about what he'd said. I guess in a way, he was right.

”Then what are we doing here?” I asked him.

”That's the big question. And that's why we're cursed. We go through life searching for the meaning of it all. We wander aimlessly, headed for the next place or person who might give us some answers. I would say it's wanderl.u.s.t that drives us, but I don't think that's the right word.” I watched as his eyes grew hazy. ”No...I think it's more of a wander-love. In a way, we understand what's most important. In a way, normal people don't see the world as clearly as we do. But then again, they haven't been as jaded, either.”

I frowned. ”That's kind of sad.”

”It's our burden to bear,” he told me. ”My mother believes there is a reason we carry it. And it's another reason why I agreed to let you go on with your lives, without remembering who you are. I wanted you to feel the small thrills of life.”

”I think it was there, anyway,” I admitted. ”Nothing fazes me. I never wanted to forget anything, especially you.”

Something flashed in Gabe's eyes, but he quickly looked away.

”I'm sorry it didn't work out as I had hoped.”

”Don't be,” I said and placed my hand over his. The touch startled us both and he stared at our hands. I quickly took mine back and breathed in a deep breath.

I hadn't even thought about my actions as they were happening. Reaching for Gabe's hand came so naturally. Like I'd done it a million times.

I knew I couldn't keep pretending in front of him. Pretending I didn't miss him after a century apart. Pretending I didn't love him...pretending I could exist without him. I wished I were brave enough to tell him that. Instead, I merely closed my eyes and let myself fall asleep.

Later, I awoke with my head crooked into Gabe's shoulder, his arm around me. We were landing. I lifted my head and drew myself away from him again. I wondered if it was the last time I'd ever touch or speak to him again.

FORTY.

I was groggy while walking up the porch steps to my grandmother's beach house. The long plane ride had left me really jetlagged. At the same time, it felt nice coming back to Clearwater. There were things I hadn't realized I would miss so much. Like the roar of the ocean waves, the salt in the air, the breezes...I guessed that meant this was becoming home to me now.

Home.

It was such a strange word.

”So, how long are you staying for this time?”

Miriam was waiting by the door. It was barely seven o'clock in the morning, but she'd known my flight would arrive this early. I'd called and left her a voicemail about it yesterday.

I was a little intimidated by the prospect of facing her. I wasn't exactly sure how she would react to my coming back here.

”Actually, I'd like to stay permanently- if that's okay with you.”

I watched as the corners of my grandmother's mouth curved into a sly smile. In that one small smile, all my fears were immediately put to rest. ”I like that idea,” she told me. ”Of course, you'll have to go back to school.”

I gave her a little salute. ”Straight away.”

She nodded. ”Okay, then, it's settled.”

”Thanks, Grams.”

”Child, you don't have to thank me for something you never had to ask me for in the first place.”

I smiled back at her. It suddenly occurred to her to ask me, ”So, Christo is okay with you being here?”

”Well, he isn't exactly thrilled by the idea. But amazingly, he's letting me make this choice for myself.”

”Well, I'll be d.a.m.ned.”

”I know, right? He's almost a decent and respectable person now. He said being in jail gave him 'perspective.'”

My grandmother snorted. ”I wouldn't go that far. Your father can put his boots in the oven, but that don't make 'em biscuits.”

It was way too early in the morning to try to understand Miriam's idioms, so I just smiled and we walked inside.

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