Chapter 3 - Family
29th July 1815, Hartford, CT
WADE
The Triad tried to trigger Wade's ability several times during the next week. They had tried various things and Wade saw that Mike was already frustrated and bored. He felt Frustrated himself.
Bastian was immersed in a book that he said would offer a solution this time for sure. George tried to explain to Wade the ways of setting yourself in a trance. Wade couldn't take it anymore. Bastian and George had talked into him trying it before the wedding and at some point, he had given in. He glanced over to Mike, seeing him snatching his coin from his vest, and began playing with it, throwing and flipping it up and down. Bastian turned furiously, "Mike! Can you please stop doing this? I'm trying to concentrate here."
For some reason, Wade couldn't turn his eyes from the coin. He felt drawn to it but he couldn't explain why. Wade got up. Closing the distance between him and his Knight, he snatched the coin out of the air and stared at the talisman.
He had given it back to Mike when he had returned. Like a flashback, he remembered having the coin in hand when he had woken from that vision in his office then. He looked at Mike in disbelief and his gaze got stuck on the ascot Mike wore today; it was the one from Mrs. Summers.
Mike stared back disturbed. "Hey! What's that look for?"
Suddenly everything made sense. He slammed his palm to his forehead. "Of course! Bastian!" He ran over to their Scholar. "It is a personal item. I had it in my hands when I fell asleep. And I also held Mike's favorite ascot he's wearing today when it happened the second time. Let's try that theory."
"And who do you want to scare to appear in front of? We are all here," Mike asked, demanding his coin back with a motion of his hand.
Wade refused to give it back. "You will go to the printing room. It doesn't have to be a journey over half the country, right? Maybe I won't get such a mean headache when it is not that far."
Mike got up looking annoyed. "Alright, alright. I'm going," he said while heading out to go downstairs into the printing room of the Summers' newspaper.
Wade eyed the coin again. "I hope it works this time. If not we'll delay our tries for after the wedding." He laid down and closed his eyes once again, trying to relax into the meditative state like he had trained to do with George. He felt the coin resting in his palm and focused on Mike. With every breath, he pictured his brother before his mind's eye.
Wade already thought it wouldn't work. Then some kind of energy formed around him and he felt it dragging on his body until his astral body rose to the ceiling. The Guardian felt strange - disconnected from the world. He glanced down and saw his body still lying on the bed in Mike's room, his friends surrounding him. Then Wade was sucked away at full speed. His mind was spinning and milliseconds later he was in the printing room only two steps away from Mike.
His friend jumped up in shock. "Holy Mother! Wade! It worked!" Mike stared at him. "Fuck! You are looking like a ghost! You sure you are alright?" Mike came closer poking his finger at Wade's astral body. It just slid through the translucent shape like through air.
Wade glanced down at himself. "Uhm, yeah, I feel … uhm strange but okay." Then he started smiling brightly. "We made it! This is unbelievable."
"Aye, it is! And how do you manage to go back?"
"I don't know. The first time I was woken."
"Hm. How about we go up and tell the others to wake you, then you can see if you can walk around like that," Mike suggested.
They got upstairs where Bastian and George were hovering over Wade's body, stressing out. Bastian began to shake him concernedly. "Wade, buddy c'mon do you hear me? Wade? Wake up!"
George looked up at the arrivals. "Bastian," he uttered, pulling on Bastian's sleeve. "Bastian, look!"
Bastian looked up for a second and stopped moving with an open mouth. "I'll be damned!"
Mike strode over to Wade's body. "What's wrong, why are you so freaked out, Bastian?"
Their Scholar looked from Wade to Mike. "He got suddenly ice-cold and he is breathing so slow, I got scared." Bastian looked back at Wade's astral body. "Wade, go back, this is too dangerous. You never mentioned that you nearly died every time. This explains your wasted state afterward. You have to end the separation from your body."
"I have no idea how. The first time Mother woke me," Wade explained.
Bastian ran a shaking hand through his hair. "Well that obviously is not working this time."
George interrupted his shaken friend. "Stay calm, Bastian. It is all a question of concentration." He turned to Wade and instructed him, "Just try to relax and close your eyes. Focus on your physical body. Try to feel it. Maybe focus on the coin again? It is still in your hand. Can you feel it?"
Wade closed his eyes and tried to feel his body - his hand with the coin. He remembered the second time when he had been in the prison cell and he had closed his eyes, wishing nothing more than to wake in his room. There was the energy again and in the next moment he opened his eyes, gasping for air. He was on the bed with the concerned eyes of his Brothers around him. He took an uncontrolled next breath and felt cold and exhausted like the two times before. The only difference now was he knew why. "C … cold," He stuttered even though it was a hot summer day.
The others did their best to provide him with a blanket and rubbed his arms to warm him up but nothing really helped. On top of that his head felt like it would explode.
Mike took his hand, rubbing it. "Is it normal that he looks so out of it?"
Bastian answered quickly. "I don't know. He looks the same as when we found him after his second trip."
The voices of his friends echoed loud and painful in his head. "Please, be quiet! Gosh, my head…."
Wade heard George talking and every word hurt his mind like snake bites. "I'm gonna get some hot water. Maybe the tea will help. It did last time. Try to keep him warm and awake."
Wade was so miserable, he tried to hide in Mike's arms to cover himself from the bright invasion of the daylight. Mike soothed him, having him in his embrace. "Shh, it's gonna be okay."
Cramps mistreated his guts until he felt like someone was tearing his insides out. Whimpering weakly, he clutched Mike's arms tighter, "'s not … worth it … damn … feel … like … shit!"
"It's okay. We won't do it again. I promise. Easy, Brother."
*** EST ***
MIKE
To see Wade like this drove Mike over the edge. He never wanted to see him like this again. It was worse than seeing him bleeding. With bleeding, he could deal, but this! He was forced to helplessly watch him suffer all afternoon. Mike wasn't made for that. He was no nurse. Between holding Wade's hand and quarreling angrily with Bastian, he felt useless. "You knew he would suffer like that and yet you forced him to try it again!"
"I didn't know it would be this bad. Yes, of course, he felt bad after the trips, but I didn't know that it had been so much worse before we found him."
"Ah … bullocks. You were just too curious. You wanted to study him like a damn experiment," Mike spat at Bastian.
His friend got nose-to-nose with him. "That is not true! You're overreacting! He will recover. He did before."
"And how do you think Clara will react when you bring him home like this? Because if he does not come home tonight she'll be worried sick. So will his parents!"
Bastian sighed and turned his gaze, defeated. "And what do you suggest we should do, great Knight."
Mike came and stepped closer again. "Don't try me, Brother!" Mike warned.
Bastian let his shoulders drop. He raised a hand in peace. "Calm down, Mike. The last thing I want is to quarrel with you. But how should we fix this now?"
Mike turned, thinking of a solution. "We could bring him home and say he ate something bad or got sick."
Bastian massaged his temples with his thumb and index finger. "You're Probably right. Okay. But you will come with us. At least Clara has to know what happened, and you can explain it to her since I don't know how to. She knows about supernatural things. Maybe she's even seen something similar."
Mike sighed. He didn't want to meet Henry Wilmington, and as much as he hated the man he didn't want to be the cause of Wade's father having another heart attack. He'd have to stay back when they brought Wade home. Defeatedly he answered, "Fine, I'll come with you. But I'll stay in the carriage."
Bastian looked at him dissatisfied. "Alright. Let's prepare for the ride then."
*** EST ***
MIKE
The carriage arrived in the late evening hours at Wilmington Farm. They had tried to delay the drive as late as possible. Mike still held Wade in his arms, unwilling to let anyone else comfort him. Soon enough he would have to let him go on without him. At least Clara would be there to sit at his side.
The gravel crunched under the wooden wheels and they stopped. Wade grunted out in torment, looking up. "Stay with me. Father never leaves his room. It will be okay, Mike."
Mike shook his head. "No, I learned my lesson. Don't worry. Clara will be at your side. We're gonna tell her what happened, okay?"
Wade sighed, "I should have never given in to Bastian's and George's request."
"At least now you know how to avoid future unwanted dream travels, right?" Mike joked.
"Funny … " Wade whispered, exhausted.
Bastian came from the coachman's seat with George and opened the door. "Come, Wade, we'll take you inside. Then you can rest." They pulled Wade out, steadying him by tucking his arms around their shoulders, and maneuvered him inside.
Mike watched them, feeling guilty. The front door opened and Clara came running to them. "My goodness. Wade, what happened?"
Mike heard Bastian explain. "He will be okay. Just give him a couple of days to recover."
"Recover? From what? What have you done to him? Is he drunk? Where is Mike? Does he know about this? He promised me he'd watch out for Wade."
Mike sighed. He needed to explain this to Clara himself. Cursing, he left the carriage, hoping Henry would not see him. "Clara, let me explain…" he began.
Clara threw herself on Wade, whispering words Mike didn't understand. Then she met his gaze and shot him an angry look that made Mike shudder. "Bring him to his room, Bastian. I have to talk with Mike."
He swallowed hard while she closed the distance between them. "I'm all ears, Mike," she said, putting her hands on her hips, waiting.
"Uhm, we … uhm, Wade is a psychic," Mike began clumsily.
"What? That doesn't explain anything. Why is he in that condition?"
"We tried to gain control of his ability. It manifested itself two times before and we wanted to know how it works to be able to have the upper hand on it. We didn't know he would feel this bad. The two times before he was alone. I'm sorry. If I would have known I would never have allowed it."
Clara sighed, frustrated. "What is this ability about. As Wade's wife I have to know every little detail about it. Come in and tell me about it while he gets settled."
Mike shook his head vehemently. "No, I will not come inside."
"That is ridiculous! Henry said these words to you in a rage. I'm sure he will not freak out over a simple visit," she stated.
"Clara, please, I don't want to cause trouble," Mike pleaded.
She gave up for now. "Well then, you'll have to wait in the carriage until Bastian and George explain it all to me."
Mike nodded. "He'll be okay, Clara. Don't worry." He turned and climbed back into the carriage.
Mike waited nearly an hour. His butt already hurt and he wished he had his horse with him and could ride home. But as it was he waited and hated every second of it. Wade was right. All this trouble wasn't worth the benefit of a dream travel.
*** EST ***
3rd August 1815, Hartford, CT
WADE
Wade needed two days rest before he was back on his feet and two further ones to feel able to ride and work. The official version was, he upset his stomach. Today he was in Hartford and after he was done with the farm business he headed to the Summers to meet Bastian and Mike. He wanted to discuss the wedding ceremony and their parts in it.
Wade found Mike stressed out for no obvious reason cutting firewood. And when Mike cut firewood he was angry about something and needed something to destroy. So Wade was careful. "Hey, Mike. You alright?"
Mike let the ax sink and wiped the sweat from his forehead. His sweaty shirt was plastered on his torso. He still refused to reveal his scars though the weather was hot. The only thing he had undone were his suspenders which hung loosely in a loop at each leg.
Mike walked over to the water bottle at the backdoor and drank it nearly empty before he answered him. "Wade, I thought you'd come later."
"Well I'm here now. What's wrong with you? Don't try to fool me, I know you. The only time you cut wood is when you have something on your mind."
Mike sighed and took a seat on the cutting trunk, splashing the rest of the water from the bottle to his face before brushing the cool water from his eyes. He looked at Wade uncertainly. "It's about the wedding … I think it isn't a good idea to be your best man."
Wade was dumbstruck. "What? Why?"
"Your father hates me. He forbade me to his house." Mike answered, looking to the ground.
"My father is not able to join the festivities. He will stay in his room anyway. And for the record, It's my house now. He signed the farm over to me as an early wedding present. So I officially allow you to enter Wilmington Farm."
"Congratulations, Mr. Wilmington, sir." Mike said playfully respectful. "And has the great landlord thought about a solution for his sister too? I have no idea how to act or what to say to Diana."
Wade understood now. This was Mike's main problem. Wade had waited too long to tell his sister about Mike's return. He had no idea what it would cause but he was sure Diana would be distraught.
In the end he had told her about it during one of his visits - which was actually three months after Mike had been back from the dead. Diana had been shocked and shed bitter tears over the news. Though she was grateful that Mike was alive, Wade saw how she fell into despair over it. She had excused herself to her room and didn't come out for the rest of the evening, leaving Wade to play with little Cole.
Wade sighed, "Mike, she's known about you being alive for long enough. I'm sure you two can handle this like adults. I can not change how things went wrong. But can you just do me the favor? I want you at my side on this day. It's important to me, Brother."
Wade saw how Mike struggled. Was it really still this bad for him? It was over two years now. Eventually Mike nodded defeatedly and picked up his ax again to return to his work. Wade stood there for a moment longer, studying his friend. He thought Mike even hit a bit harder at the logs he mauled. There had to be a way for the two of them to deal with things as they were. At least now he was sure the heartache mauled Mike just as badly as if it was fresh, like the cut he caused the logs. He had to speak with Diana about the matter, or maybe with Clara first. If he told Mike about Cole being his son, Wade knew his friend would fight his way to Diana and him with everything he had. Wade shuddered over the idea of what Mike would risk for his sister. Things were okay as they were. Diana was okay. Well, Mike wasn't okay, but Wade was sure he would be if he finally let go of Diana and didn't know about Cole. Wade swore to himself he would not tell Mike about his son as long as possible. It would be for everyone's good.
*** EST ***
MIKE
Finally Wade left the yard. Mike had picked up where he left off cutting wood, putting all his anger and fear into the work. But as soon as The Guardian went inside to see Bastian, Mike put the ax away. He had no idea how he should survive the wedding. Although it was good to see Wade and Clara happy together, and by God, he wished them all the luck in the world, he was nevertheless jealous of their happiness.
Mike took a few logs from the ground, heading with the load to the shed. If someone watched him they would think he was storing the wood away. The real reason was finding a place to hide away with his dark thoughts.
Eventually Mike had to go inside or they would search for him. He left the shed for the house and changed into dry clothes before he headed to the others who were already settled at the dining table. Putting on his best Poker Face, he entered the room and endured Wade's plans without any objection.
*** EST ***
DIANA
A week before the wedding, September 1815
Diana had mixed feelings about coming home. She was glad to see her mother but was still at odds with her father. She was looking forward to seeing Wade and so was Cole. Wade had played with him the whole day when he visited the last two times, and she wished Marcus would show any kind of interest in the boy, but he completely ignored him. And then there was Mike. She had been beside herself at hearing the news that Mike had returned home and had been a prisoner of war in Canada. Not a day goes by that she doesn't struggle with doubts that she shouldn't have agreed to the marriage with Tanner. But what other choice did she have then - pregnant and unmarried. What would she say to Mike? She felt she had given up on him much too quickly - had believed the few uncertain words of the letter too naively. He would be mad at her for sure. Maybe he doesn't even think of her after all this time.
"Mama, wanna unca Wade." Little Cole said clumsily with the few words he knew.
Diana pulled him on her lap from the spot next to her, kissing his dark waves of hair. "We will be at the farm soon, honey. I think maybe another hour and there will not only be your uncle Wade but also his bride Clara. She is a nice one. I'm sure you'll like her. And you'll meet your Grandma."
Marcus raised an eyebrow on the seat across from her in the carriage. He wasn't happy about the society engagement he had to join. He had complained for weeks about being bound in Connecticut for several days. She tried to ignore his bad mood.
Diana had come to terms with Marcus. She endured the weekly bedding he did. She was relieved that he hadn't made her pregnant with a child of his own so far. Maybe he couldn't and this was the real reason he had taken a wife already pregnant so willingly.
All the love she had to give she showered on Cole and thanked God every day that he had blessed her with Mike's child. Marcus had heard about Mike being alive but so far said nothing.
Diana had thought of writing to him but everytime she tried to think of the right words she had no idea how any words would make this situation any better.
The hour passed quickly while Diana read to Cole and they played with his wooden horses. Marcus didn't even glance up but was immersed in his own books.
The carriage turned into the long alley leading to the farm. Diana steadied Cole upright on her legs so he could watch the scenery passing by. "This is already the Wilmington property, honey. In a few minutes we will be at the farm."
Cole began bouncing with his little legs and began laughing excitedly, shouting, "Fam, fam, fam," which brought him an annoyed glance from Marcus.
*** EST ***
WADE
His parents were already in their rooms and he had stayed with Clara at the table while she finished her dessert. The Tanners had been driving to Hartford. Diana wanted to visit some of her favorite stores while Marcus had combined the journey to Diana's family with a business meeting with one of his partners.
What a disaster. Wade had talked to Diana and heard the same concerns from her about meeting Mike as from him. He didn't know what to do about the two. Obviously they were still convinced their love had been something undying or whatever one could call it.
He sighed heavily and caused Clara to look up from her plate at him. "Are you alright, my dear?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking about Mike and Di."
"Is there a problem with the two you haven't talked about with me?"
Wade felt depressed about the matter. "It's just that I talked to them both and it seems they both are afraid of meeting each other at the festivities. How should I keep them from each other with Diana being my only sister and him as my best man?"
Clara reached over the small side table they had settled at to enjoy the dessert and took his hand supportively. "Maybe it's better to force the two into a meeting so they have the chance to talk without the wedding in the background."
"I don't know if that will do any good. My worst fear is that my married sister throws herself at Mike again without caring about the consequences. Tanner would freak out if he knew how the two still feel for each other. I'm not sure if they're just imagining that they're still so in love with each other." Wade rubbed his head in frustration.
Clara wiped her mouth with the fine napkin and put it down. She got up and walked over to her man. She straddled him sideways and began to stroke her fingers through his thick brown curls. It felt so good to be caressed like that. Wade closed his eyes and relaxed.
"How about you let things just happen? You can't control everything. Maybe they are made for each other? Don't worry so much about everything."
Wade opened his eyes again. Clara looked at him, full of love. He brought his hands to the small side of her back and pulled her closer into a kiss. "I love you, Clara Rutherford. I'm sure you were made for me."
She giggled and kissed him back. "Clara Wilmington," she corrected. "You should get used to that."
Wade smiled amused, "Yes, ma'am. Your wish is my command."
She teased, "Don't get naughty."
Wade wetted his lips. "I love getting naughty with you." He felt her warmth radiating on his lap and his pants got uncomfortably tight. She gave him a lewd look that washed all good intentions of waiting until after the wedding from him. Between touches and kisses he mumbled, "God, Clara I want you like nothing else."
Their moaning and breathing increased to an unsuitable loudness in the middle of the dining room as Clara finally pulled his hand from her hip. "Let's move to my room, Wade."
He would do anything she wanted. He let her lead him upstairs to her room, carefully closing the door, locking it. He couldn't wait any longer; he needed her now.
It was silent, the carpet concealed every noise of their motions. Wade took her hand, carefully brushing with his other over her cheek. She looked like an angel. "And you advised me to just let things happen, is that correct?"
Clara nodded, smiling blissfully. "I'm already all yours, no matter if there is still a week until it is official," she breathed.
"And I'm all yours, Clara Wilmington."
*** EST ***
CLARA
She was happy and felt relaxed like never before. The world could fall apart around her and she would still smile in Wade's embrace. Wade got up searching for his pants in the pile of clothes scattered across the room. Clara flipped over onto her stomach, her feet in the air and watched him, devouring his every motion. The sun shining through the window bathed his perfect body in sunlight and she sighed, already longing for him again. "Remind me to take care that no other woman will ever see you like this," she said when he had finally found his pants.
Wade stopped dressing and looked puzzled. "Why? Am I that scary?" he joked.
Clara giggled. "No, Wade!" She threw a pillow at him, laughing. "Because you are all mine and I don't want the others to know what an adonis-like body hides under your clothes. I'd have my hands full to keep them away from you."
Wade slipped into his pants, closing the buttons. He gave her a warm smile and bent down, cupping her cheeks to kiss her lovingly. "Don't worry. I'm gonna try to keep my shirt on, sweetheart. Do you need my help with dressing?"
Clara sighed, "Yeah that would be good. I don't want to explain to Samantha why I need help to get dressed in the middle of the day. Clara slipped into her underdress and let Wade bind her corset.
"Are you serious that it has to be this tight? Can you even breathe like that?" Wade asked her, shaking his head in disbelief.
"You have no idea what women have to go through to look appreciated," she answered.
Brushing her hair to the side, Wade placed kisses to the back of her neck. "I love every inch of you and I prefer you wearing no clothes at all."
Clara turned. "Well for this we have to live in the wilderness before you see me running around naked."
Wade pulled her closer. "I've heard in the west there is enough wilderness to discover for us."
"Maybe we should move there," she joked.
"Hm, sounds intriguing, no responsibilities and no one to keep me from you. But before we plan that, we have to meet my sister and Marcus. They wanted to be back at eight and spend the evening with us."
"Well, you mean you will spend the evening with Marcus while Diana and I will play with Cole. He is a heartbreaker, even at one and a half," Clara answered. She had played with Cole every day since they had arrived and loved every minute of it. She couldn't wait until they would have their own children. Maybe she could convince Diana to visit more often.
*** EST ***
The Tanners came back from Hartford in time. Cole was pretty exhausted from the exciting day and had fallen asleep during the ride. Clara accompanied Diana to lay him down for the night.
Clara smiled over the peaceful sleeping boy and watched Diana placing a kiss on his forehead before she carefully tugged a fine crocheted baby blanket around him. She frowned for a moment while she studied the pattern of it. It was similar to the small tartan patch Mike wore attached to his jacket. Well, probably it had nothing to do with Mike. Still, Clara was naturally curious. They walked out of the room before she asked, "That is a nice baby blanket. Did you make it yourself?"
Diana smiled. "No, it was a gift from Mrs. Summers when Cole was born. She made it. I'm sure she will make you one for your firstborn too. I know she loves crocheting."
"I'd love that. I can't wait to have kids with Wade. Cole is such a cutie. If you ever need someone to watch him I'd be thrilled to do so," Clara offered.
"Thank you, Clara. I'll keep that in mind. Wade is good with kids, at least with Cole. Cole was so excited to visit his uncle Wade at home."
Clara smiled. She had seen Wade with Cole. Diana was right. Wade loved kids. "Marcus has to be quite proud of his son."
Diana froze, "He is not."
Clara didn't understand. How could a man not be proud to have a son. It was what all men wanted. "Oh, I didn't know. I must confess I saw some kind of tension between you two. I will be a kind of sister to you soon. If you ever want to talk about anything. I'll be there. I'm a trustworthy person. I know how to keep secrets." Of course she did, she was the former Guardian's daughter and soon the Guardian's wife and she had learned early that information was the mightiest of weapons.
Diana looked at her for a moment before she pulled Clara into Wade's office to have some privacy. When the door was closed Diana sighed. "Cole is not Marcus' son. I was forced into this marriage. That is the tension you sensed." Diana let out a weird laugh. "God, this is the first time I said it out loud. Forgive me. I shouldn't have…. "
Finally everything made sense. Clara had wondered before. Cole's impressive eyes had caught her attention from the first moment she'd looked at him. She knew only one other person with such an eye color. Then Wade's concerns . Even the blanket. Now all the little details became a picture and what it showed broke Clara's heart. She quickly pulled her close, bringing her arms around her. "Oh Diana. Is he Mike's?" Diana just nodded in her arms, bursting into tears. "Your parents married you off because everyone thought Mike was dead?" Another nod.
Diana sobbed heartbreakingly now. "I don't know what to do. Mike doesn't know and telling him wouldn't do anything good. But doesn't he have to know he has a son? I wish he would have never left for this stupid war and we had just run away together. Now it's too late and probably he has long forgotten about me."
Clara felt so sorry for the two. Diana didn't know how wrong she was - how fiercely Mike still loved her. But he couldn't know about Cole. This would only cause more damage to his soul and he would for sure get out of control. She knew Mike well enough to know he would do anything to get Diana back if he knew she had been forced into this marriage pregnant with their son, maybe even kill Marcus. What would be the end of that? They'd have to run away with nothing or Mike would be hanged for murder. Clara shuddered over her dark thoughts. They were a bit overdramatic, weren't they? "Diana, listen, you're right, you can not tell Mike about Cole." She gently brushed the tears from the young woman's eyes. "I'm so sorry. But I know he has not forgotten about you."
Diana looked up, confused. "How can you be sure about that?"
"Let's say we had a talk and you came up. I can not tell you more without breaking my promise." Clara soothed Diana until she had calmed down. "Who else knows about Cole?"
"Only Wade, my parents, and Marcus," Diana told her.
"I see. Do you think you are ready to go back downstairs?"
Diana nodded, brushing the rest of her tears away. "Clara, can you do me a favor?"
TBC
A/N: I'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts about the story.
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