Chapter Seventy-seven
They were sitting in the garden of the manor. It was Livvie's favorite part of this place they'd come to call home.
They had been here just a few days and Livvie could see the sense of peace come over Caleb. She would make sure they didn't leave here again. Here, in his country - this is where they truly belonged.
Caleb gazed over at her and said softly. "The slayer's daughter is here."
"Well. You knew that would happen." Livvie replied. "Caleb. Are you sure he wants to do this?"
Caleb stood and moved over towards a rosebush, it's blooms red as blood. Snapping one off he ran the petals over her cheek and then handed it to her. "He came to us sweetheart."
Livvie sighed as he leaned in to kiss her. "To save Katrina. Caleb, even you know that he's not here willingly. If he thought he had a choice he wouldn't want this."
Caleb wasn't going to let her spoil it. "I don't care how he came to be here. He's here, he's fulfilling his destiny. I'm not asking questions."
Livvie knew what was at stake. She knew this was what Caleb wanted - it would be what would make him happiest. But she honestly didn't know if she could do it. Could she sit there and watch her son give up everything he believed in to make his father happy? She wasn't sure. Part of her wanted him to join them. Part of her wanted to have him with her forever. But the other part knew that though he'd have eternity to live Colin, as she knew him, would die the minute he was turned. He would be changed in so many ways. Her sweet little man would be gone forever.
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She dreamed of him. Kate fell under quickly and in her mind she saw Colin. He was sitting in a room filled with beautiful ornate antique furnishing, rich silks adorned the walls and thick carpets lined the floor. His guitar sat in a corner, looking neglected.
She saw his face and his eyes looked so empty. She wanted to run to him and throw her arms around him and hold him tight. Kate could see him but she felt so far away.
He stood and walked to a window, looking out on the grounds below. He looked angry and so unbelievably sad. In her dream she saw herself running up a long staircase, reaching a door at the top out of breath. She reached for the doorknob, finding it locked. She pounded and tugged trying desperately to get inside. She pleaded with him. "Please. Please Colin. Don't…"
Kate woke with a start, her heart racing. She'd better get moving. If she didn't act soon she might be too late.
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"Hey Angel Face, what are you still doing up?" Rafe said, smiling at the sound of her sweet little voice. It was the first chance he'd gotten to call.
"Daddy!! Hi! I'm hanging out with Quinn and Aunt Abby." Becky stared at her feet. "Aunt Abby painted my toenails pink. They're very pretty."
He could see her wiggling her toes in his mind. The image made him grin wider. "I'm sure they are." He said.
"Why didn't you say goodbye to me?" Becky said with a bit of a pout. "Grant didn't either."
"We did so." Rafe said with a laugh. "You just are such a sleepy head you slept right through it."
"Is Romania fun?" Becky asked then.
"It's not exactly fun – but it's nice. Maybe sometime I'll take you here."
"Wow. Cool!" Becky was already wondering what it would be like. "I've never been anywhere but Disney World. Is it true there are real castles there? Not like Cinderella's. You know how Cinderella's looks really pretty outside but inside it's just a place you can walk through or have dinner."
He remembered how heartbroken Becky was when she found out Cinderella really didn't live there. He decided then and there that someday he'd show her a real castle - if it was the last thing he did. He hated his kids to be disappointed. "There are. You'll see for yourself someday. Where's your mom, sweetie?" Rafe asked.
Becky twirled around as Abby looked on and smiled. She was so glad they called. Lynnie sounded good when she spoke to her moments before and Rafe seemed to think they were close to ending this current nightmare. It was nothing but good news.
Becky yawned herself as she answered him. "She's asleep. She just fell asleep about an hour ago. Do you want her to wake up?"
Rafe was disappointed but decided he would try to catch up with her in the morning. "No honey, let her sleep. You get to bed too. It's past your bedtime. Just tell her I called."
"OK." Becky promised. "Did you find Katie yet?" She asked him then.
"Almost, sweetie. We'll find her and we'll all be home real soon. Until we get back, you take care of your mom for me OK? Make sure she gets sleep, drinks her milk and eats her vegetables."
Becky took his words very seriously. "I will." She said solemnly. "OK. But Daddy - I won't make her eat broccoli." She added as she made a bit of a face. "It's gross."
Rafe was reminded again of how much he loved his children, when they were little especially. He took a deep breath and tried not to laugh. It was no use. He chuckled as he said, "OK no broccoli. I have to go now. You be good for your mom and Aunt Abby. I love you Angel Face."
"I love you Daddy." She said with a sigh. "Tell Grant and Lynnie I said hi and I love them too."
"I will." He said, a bit surprised at how much he missed them already "Bye sweetheart."
Rafe hung up the phone, still smiling. Now that they were in Singhisoara, he was sure Kate was right nearby. Bringing her home wouldn't be easy he knew. She wasn't going to leave without a fight. At least he knew now that she wouldn't be fighting alone.