Designated Harbinger, cont. Disclaimer- in part one. Author: Lia
My parents had quite a time plotting my eventual trip to England. See, they couldn't just let me leave. No, it had to make a huge production over the next few days. Lists piled on the table and onto the floor. Mom kept muttering about a shopping spree using some very strange words. Dad was on the phone a lot. They both stressed to me hourly how serious my decision and its affects were. Never did the secret of my family seem so strenuous. The only two people I could talk to were occupied. The other two people I wanted to tell but couldn't were my best friend and my brother.
(Time: The Night Jessica Made Her Decision)
When Peter came home it appeared to be an ordinary evening. Mom, Dad, and Sis were all sitting at the kitchen table. The grownups were talking and writing notes, while my sister was reading a book. She's weird that way. Always reading and studying, when not picking on him or having fun. Even now that it's summer, she chose to go to college camp. That's not a real camp. There were no tents, crafts, woods, or smores. No, she's going to school. Like, he thought, weird.
With Jessica gone during the day, this week had been boring. Tuesday Mom called Ritchie's and arranged for him to go play at his house. It was cool. Ritchie was Peter's best friend and had a pool. In fact, that day they had gone swimming and then played other games. Peter was still wearing his damp towel like a cape from when he was pretending to be Superman.
The six year old boy was dropped off at his house. He opened the front door, paused, and took a loud breath before belting out, "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Superman!" His voice rang loudly through the house in a kid's high pitched voice. All three members of his family looked at him from where they were sitting. Jessica grinned at him. Dad smiled then began straightening papers. Mom took one look at him and demanded him outta her sight. Well, actually she said, "Hey kido. Take that towel off and put it in the laundry room this minute." Guess she didn't want him to continue running around in a damp, grass stained towel. Peter dashed towards the laundry room, towel still trailing behind him like the cape it was meant to be. When he came back, Mom was doing cooking stuff, Dad was carrying some papers upstairs, and his sister was fixing the table. 'Yum! Almost dinner time!'
He jumped into the booth and said, "Guess, what we did," "besides get dirty," Jessica answered sarcastically, for which Mom shot a disapproving look. "Nooo," Peter drawled and stuck his tongue out at Jess briefly. "What," Mom asked willing to play into his question if it'd avoid their bickering. "Ritchie and me went swimming, then played Good Guys and Bad Guys. I was Superman. You could have been Lois Lane, Jess if you didn't go to that sticky school," he said looking at his sister with disgust. School was ok, but not fun. 'How could she want to go there in the summer?' A warning look came from Mom while Jess just ruffled his sandy colored hair. 'Stop that! Sisters!', he squirmed. "Ya know, shortie. Lois and Superman eventually got married," she said smirking. Peter felt shocked. 'Yuck! Superman couldn't. Girls have cooties!' He made a gagging sound then said, "Eww! Why would he do that? It's gross!' Dad entered the room smiling and exchanged a look with Mom. "Kids," it seemed to say. Looking at his sister, they also shared looks shaking their heads. Theirs said, "Grownups."
Peter considered himself a very smart boy. After dinner, but before bed time, he took a couple of minutes to have a serious thinking session. Something had been different that night. Throughout dinner Peter's parents appeared distracted. Every once in a while they'd be silent for a moment, seem about to say something, then stop changing their mind. Jessica didn't act like a pain as usual either. Still, they didn't talk to him about whatever was going on though they definitely listened to him when he talked. At times, however they focused their sole attention on Jessica. It happened just enough to irk him and make him feel a little jealous. The fact that Walter had also been trying to talk to him all evening made him rather curious. Walt would whisper, "Watch them. Isn't there something different about them tonight? Something's going on with Jessica and your parents."
Jessica was good- being a sister, a girl, and all that; but why were they paying so much attention to her? Lately, she and Dad have been going to his office for hours. He could hear music coming from the room at times, but didn't understand what they were doing. 'Dad told me that they were studying from some of his books, but wouldn't tell me what.' When asked all he'd say is, "When you're older, Peter. You wouldn't understand right now and would be bored." That really bugged him. 'Whatever she can do, I can too! It's not fair. I might not have fun or like what they're doing, but I should decide that not them.' Sometimes Mom would be in there instead of Dad. Still, one of them would always be around making sure he didn't interrupt. Over the last month, he'd gotten used to it. Then again, now that something else is happening- he wanted to know what was going on.
It didn't hit me until two days later what I actually did. Never thought that going to a school would be such a big deal. Mom and Dad talked a lot and did various errands, but it was on Friday that I realized that I had just changed the rest of my and their lives. I started feeling really nervous and guilty about that.
"What!?," my voice carried loudly. Peter also, looked around the living room, surprised. No wonder, It wasn't every day that your parents came in, turned off the TV, and announced you're moving to England. 'Why, oh, why are they doing this?,' I asked myself. "Yep, kids. We're moving. Just outside of Reading to be exact. Didn't want to say anything till we were sure, but we've been thinking about it for some time," Dad said adding to the statement Mom had just blurted out. 'Oh, like that helped.' Geography wasn't my best subject. "Isn't that the place with all the shopping outlets," Peter asked confused? Dad shook his head while Mom eyes shone amused and said, "No, Pete. You're thinking of Reading, Pennsylvania. This is in England, across the Atlantic Ocean, not far from London, the country where I was born." He tilted his head to the side then. "Oh-why?" I stilled, watching my parents. With almost as much confusion as Peter I wondered at what they'd say. I knew the reason why I was going, but for the whole family to relocate?
Dad glanced at me communicating a silent message. Whatever was said, the real reason was me going to Hogwarts. A lump of emotion had to be forcibly swallowed, guilt and love overwhelming me for what they were doing. "A while ago I applied for a job to teach abroad in England. I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up until a firm decision was made. Your father and I talked about it and feel that it would be good for you to live in and learn about the culture where I was raised. We want you to visit my old homeland. A couple of days ago, I got the acceptance letter," Mom told us.
I, myself, was impressed. Is this just a cover story, or for real? Looking at Dad questioningly, he continued, "I had to make a couple of calls, arrangements. Your Great Uncle Thomas on my side of the family lives in London and is helping. We called realtors, and made a bid on a house in Charvil. The school systems there are very good. My shop will take a couple of months to set up, but is doable. The local craftsmen are also interested in me teaching as a guest instructor." He paused then gave us a sympatric look. "It's a good opportunity. I'm sorry if this bothers you guys, but I think you'll grow to like it there. We plan to move at the beginning of August letting us have time to settle in before the school start.
'Wow! That gives us a month and a half! At least I won't be in a new country on my birthday. Damn! I'm going to have to say goodbye to Christy. I thought that I'd be home at least for the holidays and stuff. Didn't know things would change this much.' Peter, who'd been silent and openmouthed at the same time, yelled, "This isn't fair! You didn't ask us! What about my friends? This is my home!" He ran out of the room face red with emotion. Mom followed. 'Part of me is glad he left. If I saw tears in those gray eyes, I would of confessed everything.' That wouldn't have been good because no matter how smart and mature Peter is, he's still a six year old boy. They tend to blurt out private information to anyone willing to listen.
I sighed, peering at Dad. My parents had both looked resolved, yet saddened at Peter's reaction. "What is the real reason," I asked. Dad sat on the couch next to me and squeezed my shoulder. "You are just almost eleven years old, Jess. Did you really think we'd just let you go to England by yourself? We love you and need to keep you as safe as we can. That means not having an ocean between us. Now we'll be just a few hours away." He was speaking the truth, I could tell. "Will Peter forgive me?" Dad brushed hair from my eyes and locked glazes. "He is young, but resilient. He'll bounce back, get excited for a bit, and make new friends. It's actually a good time for the move. You'll be starting at Hogwarts as an English secondary school and Peter is just the right age for his first year at a primary school. All the students will be new, though he can't change the fact that he's American," Dad said smiling slightly. That made me feel a little better.
Mom came back in about fifteen minutes later. "He'll be okay. Just feeling a little ignored and afraid right now. We need to involve him in the planning and get him excited about new opportunities and adventures there." I got up and hugged Mom surprising her. "Love you," I mumbled. "Love you too, hun. Don't worry. I loved England and am sure you guys will to. Also, now I can start feeding you some proper food," she said to me. Dad was smiling at both of us. Things were tense right now, but hopeful, and not as bad as it may seem. 'Now I just have to figure out how to deal with Peter and Christy.'
As it was Friday and camp was over, I had to wait until the next day to talk with Christy. She and I have known each other for five years. We met each other because we were the only girls who lived nearby. She loved being outdoors and is more athletic than me. I'd end up having a blast with her dragging me into some type of adventure. While she initiated the action, I'd expand it further until. Sometimes it would be a competition of who'd have the crazier ideas. I dreaded telling her that we were moving.
On Saturday I rode my neon purple bike over to Christy's after phoning. Gathering from Mrs. Mason's tone of voice, I knew that Mom had recently talked with her. Riding down the sidewalk, I passed a couple of large yards and houses. Gainesville wasn't a very large town, located about an hour and a half from Washington D.C. if you take I-95. There are a lot of forests nearby and a couple of lakes. A decent size downtown and shopping district keeps it from being backwards.
The area I ride through is made up of single family houses surrounded by grass and trees. I stop my bike as I reach her driveway. Her house was blue with white trim, a ranch, typical of the area. My family doesn't live centrally because of Dad's work. He needs a certain amount of space for his workshop. Christy's father works for the government. Not sure what he does, but I think it has something to do with computers and economics. Her Mom works for an office somewhere outside D.C. They both moved out here to live country-like. Since both her parents commute and mine don't, she tends to spend a lot of time at my house after school. I don't know what her parents will arrange now. I knock.
"Hi, Mrs. Mason," I said to the blond, brown eyed woman who answered the door. She was wearing jeans and a tee, regular summer weekend wear on her part. Barely after a hello, she was interrupted by a small blur of yellow which rushed past her, took a hold of my arm, and pulled me towards the back yard. "Hi, Jess. Mom, we'll be in the back. Let's go!," she chattered quickly. We took our seats on the swing set. Christy glazed at me, pushed off, saying, "So, what's up? My Mom's been acting weird for the last two days. At first I thought it had to do with camp ending, but when you called she looked like we just lost our dog." I grinned at her, "You don't have a dog." She nodded and swung higher, "I know that. That's why I said it was weird." Twirling around repeatedly in the swing not looking at her, I said, "My Mom must have told yours the news." Pausing to take a deep breath, I continued, "We're moving to England." Silence reigned as she stomped her feet down suddenly, stopping her swing with a jerk. "I don't know what to say. England? I don't want you to go. Do you have to go? Hope you have a good time? Miss you. Write," she ran a hand through her dark blonde shoulder length hair.
I stopped twisting untangled myself and stared. 'Sky blue, chocolate brown, terracotta, jade, dark green, and pink are her colors. Oh, I'm really going to miss her.' Nodding I told her, "I don't really like the fact I'm going away. Can't change this. My family has to go there. I'm going to miss you. We're like sisters." "Annoying sisters," she interjected with a sad smile. Nodding, "Annoying sisters that will always be close no matter what. Ones that'll write constantly and will tie up the computers using email for hours." She grinned at me, "One that'll write constantly about the yummy guys that are there with their adorable accents and will be sending me pictures and stuff making all the other students jealous." Rolling my eyes, I hugged her briefly the both of us blinking back tears. "So, we are only two weeks into vacation and I have until the beginning of August before we leave. What do you want to do?" Christy's shrugged, "Let's go find that dog of mine then I can tease you about those school uniforms you'll be forced to wear." I ignored her comment about the dog, focusing on what's important. "Uniforms?," I gulped. "Yeah, I saw them wear them on TV. All the English do. And guess what girls usually wear?," she smiled wickedly. 'Do I really want to know?' Christy told me in two words, "Plaid skirts." Groaning, I couldn't help but hope that military fatigues might be an acceptable school uniform. Did I mention hating skirts, yet?
My parents had quite a time plotting my eventual trip to England. See, they couldn't just let me leave. No, it had to make a huge production over the next few days. Lists piled on the table and onto the floor. Mom kept muttering about a shopping spree using some very strange words. Dad was on the phone a lot. They both stressed to me hourly how serious my decision and its affects were. Never did the secret of my family seem so strenuous. The only two people I could talk to were occupied. The other two people I wanted to tell but couldn't were my best friend and my brother.
(Time: The Night Jessica Made Her Decision)
When Peter came home it appeared to be an ordinary evening. Mom, Dad, and Sis were all sitting at the kitchen table. The grownups were talking and writing notes, while my sister was reading a book. She's weird that way. Always reading and studying, when not picking on him or having fun. Even now that it's summer, she chose to go to college camp. That's not a real camp. There were no tents, crafts, woods, or smores. No, she's going to school. Like, he thought, weird.
With Jessica gone during the day, this week had been boring. Tuesday Mom called Ritchie's and arranged for him to go play at his house. It was cool. Ritchie was Peter's best friend and had a pool. In fact, that day they had gone swimming and then played other games. Peter was still wearing his damp towel like a cape from when he was pretending to be Superman.
The six year old boy was dropped off at his house. He opened the front door, paused, and took a loud breath before belting out, "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Superman!" His voice rang loudly through the house in a kid's high pitched voice. All three members of his family looked at him from where they were sitting. Jessica grinned at him. Dad smiled then began straightening papers. Mom took one look at him and demanded him outta her sight. Well, actually she said, "Hey kido. Take that towel off and put it in the laundry room this minute." Guess she didn't want him to continue running around in a damp, grass stained towel. Peter dashed towards the laundry room, towel still trailing behind him like the cape it was meant to be. When he came back, Mom was doing cooking stuff, Dad was carrying some papers upstairs, and his sister was fixing the table. 'Yum! Almost dinner time!'
He jumped into the booth and said, "Guess, what we did," "besides get dirty," Jessica answered sarcastically, for which Mom shot a disapproving look. "Nooo," Peter drawled and stuck his tongue out at Jess briefly. "What," Mom asked willing to play into his question if it'd avoid their bickering. "Ritchie and me went swimming, then played Good Guys and Bad Guys. I was Superman. You could have been Lois Lane, Jess if you didn't go to that sticky school," he said looking at his sister with disgust. School was ok, but not fun. 'How could she want to go there in the summer?' A warning look came from Mom while Jess just ruffled his sandy colored hair. 'Stop that! Sisters!', he squirmed. "Ya know, shortie. Lois and Superman eventually got married," she said smirking. Peter felt shocked. 'Yuck! Superman couldn't. Girls have cooties!' He made a gagging sound then said, "Eww! Why would he do that? It's gross!' Dad entered the room smiling and exchanged a look with Mom. "Kids," it seemed to say. Looking at his sister, they also shared looks shaking their heads. Theirs said, "Grownups."
Peter considered himself a very smart boy. After dinner, but before bed time, he took a couple of minutes to have a serious thinking session. Something had been different that night. Throughout dinner Peter's parents appeared distracted. Every once in a while they'd be silent for a moment, seem about to say something, then stop changing their mind. Jessica didn't act like a pain as usual either. Still, they didn't talk to him about whatever was going on though they definitely listened to him when he talked. At times, however they focused their sole attention on Jessica. It happened just enough to irk him and make him feel a little jealous. The fact that Walter had also been trying to talk to him all evening made him rather curious. Walt would whisper, "Watch them. Isn't there something different about them tonight? Something's going on with Jessica and your parents."
Jessica was good- being a sister, a girl, and all that; but why were they paying so much attention to her? Lately, she and Dad have been going to his office for hours. He could hear music coming from the room at times, but didn't understand what they were doing. 'Dad told me that they were studying from some of his books, but wouldn't tell me what.' When asked all he'd say is, "When you're older, Peter. You wouldn't understand right now and would be bored." That really bugged him. 'Whatever she can do, I can too! It's not fair. I might not have fun or like what they're doing, but I should decide that not them.' Sometimes Mom would be in there instead of Dad. Still, one of them would always be around making sure he didn't interrupt. Over the last month, he'd gotten used to it. Then again, now that something else is happening- he wanted to know what was going on.
It didn't hit me until two days later what I actually did. Never thought that going to a school would be such a big deal. Mom and Dad talked a lot and did various errands, but it was on Friday that I realized that I had just changed the rest of my and their lives. I started feeling really nervous and guilty about that.
"What!?," my voice carried loudly. Peter also, looked around the living room, surprised. No wonder, It wasn't every day that your parents came in, turned off the TV, and announced you're moving to England. 'Why, oh, why are they doing this?,' I asked myself. "Yep, kids. We're moving. Just outside of Reading to be exact. Didn't want to say anything till we were sure, but we've been thinking about it for some time," Dad said adding to the statement Mom had just blurted out. 'Oh, like that helped.' Geography wasn't my best subject. "Isn't that the place with all the shopping outlets," Peter asked confused? Dad shook his head while Mom eyes shone amused and said, "No, Pete. You're thinking of Reading, Pennsylvania. This is in England, across the Atlantic Ocean, not far from London, the country where I was born." He tilted his head to the side then. "Oh-why?" I stilled, watching my parents. With almost as much confusion as Peter I wondered at what they'd say. I knew the reason why I was going, but for the whole family to relocate?
Dad glanced at me communicating a silent message. Whatever was said, the real reason was me going to Hogwarts. A lump of emotion had to be forcibly swallowed, guilt and love overwhelming me for what they were doing. "A while ago I applied for a job to teach abroad in England. I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up until a firm decision was made. Your father and I talked about it and feel that it would be good for you to live in and learn about the culture where I was raised. We want you to visit my old homeland. A couple of days ago, I got the acceptance letter," Mom told us.
I, myself, was impressed. Is this just a cover story, or for real? Looking at Dad questioningly, he continued, "I had to make a couple of calls, arrangements. Your Great Uncle Thomas on my side of the family lives in London and is helping. We called realtors, and made a bid on a house in Charvil. The school systems there are very good. My shop will take a couple of months to set up, but is doable. The local craftsmen are also interested in me teaching as a guest instructor." He paused then gave us a sympatric look. "It's a good opportunity. I'm sorry if this bothers you guys, but I think you'll grow to like it there. We plan to move at the beginning of August letting us have time to settle in before the school start.
'Wow! That gives us a month and a half! At least I won't be in a new country on my birthday. Damn! I'm going to have to say goodbye to Christy. I thought that I'd be home at least for the holidays and stuff. Didn't know things would change this much.' Peter, who'd been silent and openmouthed at the same time, yelled, "This isn't fair! You didn't ask us! What about my friends? This is my home!" He ran out of the room face red with emotion. Mom followed. 'Part of me is glad he left. If I saw tears in those gray eyes, I would of confessed everything.' That wouldn't have been good because no matter how smart and mature Peter is, he's still a six year old boy. They tend to blurt out private information to anyone willing to listen.
I sighed, peering at Dad. My parents had both looked resolved, yet saddened at Peter's reaction. "What is the real reason," I asked. Dad sat on the couch next to me and squeezed my shoulder. "You are just almost eleven years old, Jess. Did you really think we'd just let you go to England by yourself? We love you and need to keep you as safe as we can. That means not having an ocean between us. Now we'll be just a few hours away." He was speaking the truth, I could tell. "Will Peter forgive me?" Dad brushed hair from my eyes and locked glazes. "He is young, but resilient. He'll bounce back, get excited for a bit, and make new friends. It's actually a good time for the move. You'll be starting at Hogwarts as an English secondary school and Peter is just the right age for his first year at a primary school. All the students will be new, though he can't change the fact that he's American," Dad said smiling slightly. That made me feel a little better.
Mom came back in about fifteen minutes later. "He'll be okay. Just feeling a little ignored and afraid right now. We need to involve him in the planning and get him excited about new opportunities and adventures there." I got up and hugged Mom surprising her. "Love you," I mumbled. "Love you too, hun. Don't worry. I loved England and am sure you guys will to. Also, now I can start feeding you some proper food," she said to me. Dad was smiling at both of us. Things were tense right now, but hopeful, and not as bad as it may seem. 'Now I just have to figure out how to deal with Peter and Christy.'
As it was Friday and camp was over, I had to wait until the next day to talk with Christy. She and I have known each other for five years. We met each other because we were the only girls who lived nearby. She loved being outdoors and is more athletic than me. I'd end up having a blast with her dragging me into some type of adventure. While she initiated the action, I'd expand it further until. Sometimes it would be a competition of who'd have the crazier ideas. I dreaded telling her that we were moving.
On Saturday I rode my neon purple bike over to Christy's after phoning. Gathering from Mrs. Mason's tone of voice, I knew that Mom had recently talked with her. Riding down the sidewalk, I passed a couple of large yards and houses. Gainesville wasn't a very large town, located about an hour and a half from Washington D.C. if you take I-95. There are a lot of forests nearby and a couple of lakes. A decent size downtown and shopping district keeps it from being backwards.
The area I ride through is made up of single family houses surrounded by grass and trees. I stop my bike as I reach her driveway. Her house was blue with white trim, a ranch, typical of the area. My family doesn't live centrally because of Dad's work. He needs a certain amount of space for his workshop. Christy's father works for the government. Not sure what he does, but I think it has something to do with computers and economics. Her Mom works for an office somewhere outside D.C. They both moved out here to live country-like. Since both her parents commute and mine don't, she tends to spend a lot of time at my house after school. I don't know what her parents will arrange now. I knock.
"Hi, Mrs. Mason," I said to the blond, brown eyed woman who answered the door. She was wearing jeans and a tee, regular summer weekend wear on her part. Barely after a hello, she was interrupted by a small blur of yellow which rushed past her, took a hold of my arm, and pulled me towards the back yard. "Hi, Jess. Mom, we'll be in the back. Let's go!," she chattered quickly. We took our seats on the swing set. Christy glazed at me, pushed off, saying, "So, what's up? My Mom's been acting weird for the last two days. At first I thought it had to do with camp ending, but when you called she looked like we just lost our dog." I grinned at her, "You don't have a dog." She nodded and swung higher, "I know that. That's why I said it was weird." Twirling around repeatedly in the swing not looking at her, I said, "My Mom must have told yours the news." Pausing to take a deep breath, I continued, "We're moving to England." Silence reigned as she stomped her feet down suddenly, stopping her swing with a jerk. "I don't know what to say. England? I don't want you to go. Do you have to go? Hope you have a good time? Miss you. Write," she ran a hand through her dark blonde shoulder length hair.
I stopped twisting untangled myself and stared. 'Sky blue, chocolate brown, terracotta, jade, dark green, and pink are her colors. Oh, I'm really going to miss her.' Nodding I told her, "I don't really like the fact I'm going away. Can't change this. My family has to go there. I'm going to miss you. We're like sisters." "Annoying sisters," she interjected with a sad smile. Nodding, "Annoying sisters that will always be close no matter what. Ones that'll write constantly and will tie up the computers using email for hours." She grinned at me, "One that'll write constantly about the yummy guys that are there with their adorable accents and will be sending me pictures and stuff making all the other students jealous." Rolling my eyes, I hugged her briefly the both of us blinking back tears. "So, we are only two weeks into vacation and I have until the beginning of August before we leave. What do you want to do?" Christy's shrugged, "Let's go find that dog of mine then I can tease you about those school uniforms you'll be forced to wear." I ignored her comment about the dog, focusing on what's important. "Uniforms?," I gulped. "Yeah, I saw them wear them on TV. All the English do. And guess what girls usually wear?," she smiled wickedly. 'Do I really want to know?' Christy told me in two words, "Plaid skirts." Groaning, I couldn't help but hope that military fatigues might be an acceptable school uniform. Did I mention hating skirts, yet?