"What is going on with you? Just because Danny can't see the truth doesn't mean that it isn't there." Spencer starts.

"But in a way he's right. I've never stuck up for myself. There has always been someone there to help."

"Is that the truth, or are you looking for a reason that proves Danny right?"

"The truth."

"But what about that guy at the cabin who was bothering you, didn't you take care of him on two different occasions?"

"Well."

"Don't try to back out of this argument. You came home a different person. A better person. Please, don't give up on your future. Go back and train. You won't know your full potential if you don't go back and try."

"I need to think about this."

It doesn't take me long to agree with Spencer's assessment. I have become a better person in the small amount of time that I have been away training. I need to go down and talk with Grandma.

Walking to the window seat, two shadows hover at the edge of the woods. Who are they and are they trying to send me a message? Today I will follow them. I put on my hiking boots and go to the edge of the forest. The shadows are no longer there, but when looking into the woods, they are down the path I've worn from my room to my sanctuary. I keep up with them until they seem to fade into the surrounding trees. This path leads to my special place, so I proceed to travel along it. There is new growth and some sort of stones near where I usually sit. When I get there, I slowly sit and observe the new things in the area. There is a small patch of lavender there, and I wonder if Grandma found out about this place. Taking in the scent from the lavender plants, I start to examine the stones sitting on some sort of tiny handmade table. The biggest crystal on this homemade altar is an amethyst crystal in a deep purple color. Definitely Grandma. "I love you, Grandma." I send out through our connection before I close it off. I need time to think and process everything. There are also numerous stones such as tiger's eye, clear quartz and turquoise.

Clearing my mind, I meditate on nothing but the sound of the wind in the area. It is a gentle breeze today. Energy bubbles up from the Earth, the soil and the plant life. The energy seeps through me from the sun shining down on me. I imagine sitting around one of the bonfires back at the cabin. The heat and the laughter that always seems to accompany any time we all gather together. They are my family. They are my extended family outside my parents and siblings. Yes, my adoptive parents hid that fact, but it doesn't change the years of love and understanding they gave me. The lessons learned from them. I am getting stronger and more independent. I still need my family here in Applewine, even Danny—when he's not being a jerk. What's going on with him?

The crack of a twig alerts me that someone has entered my space. Leaping up, I arm myself with the smaller knife I have on the side. A nearby oak becomes my hiding place. When I see the shade, I pounce.

"Tally, what the hell?"

"Daniel Sinclair, you decided to try and sneak into my secret place."

"Um ... well ... can you please put that knife away. You're kinda scaring me."

"And you kinda are a jerk." I say while placing my knife back in its holder.

He looks down at the ground. "Yeah."

When he looks up, his eyes are glistening and my heart melts. How can I be mad at that?

"Let's go sit down and talk."

"What's all this?" Danny asks, pointing at the altar.

"Just a gift from someone reminding me who I am now, and where I've come, and letting me know that an opportunity still awaits me, if I choose."

Danny looks out over the clearing and scratches the back of his neck.

"Hey ... well ... mmm ... sorry. I'm sorry I said those things. I'm just scared."

"What would you have to be scared of?"

"You'd leave and forget about me." He chokes out.

I've never heard him like this before.

"Hey." I say trying to get his attention.

I grab his hand and tinglings run up my arms. He turns and when I try to pull away he holds tight to the hand he grabbed.

"You're just being silly now. How could I ever forget you?"

"All those other people you're meeting might be better than I. Maybe you'll decide never to come back to Applewine."

"Danny. Danny, look at me." I huff and grab his chin and pull his head around to look at me.

"I could never forget you or any of my loved ones here in Applewine. No matter what I had to do, I'd find some way for us to spend time together, and I don't just mean on holidays. I don't know how it would be possible, but I'll find a way. Can I promise you something?"

He swallows and nods.

"I promise I will find a way for us to spend more time than you could want. Either I come here or somehow I convince someone to let you come there. I won't ever forget you."

A long pause fills the air.

"I promise. Hey, watch this." I concentrate the energy in the air and the energy between the two of us. A gentle breeze that shifts some loose debris around us starts. I cause it to swirl and twist, and I try to create something amazing.

Suddenly something, or someone, is now pounding on my mental wall.

Grandma.

"I'm sorry I have to go."

"Why?"

"Grandma is calling me."

"I didn't hear a phone."

"Come with me, and I'll explain on the way."

He shakes his head vehemently.

"You're scared of my grandma."

"Hell yeah, I am. She can be scary when you cross her."

"Well, if you plan on visiting me, you'll have to cross paths with her, so you might as well get your ass handed to you now." I laugh.

We stand up and head out of the woods. The shadows appear to my left at the corner of the treeline. I smile and nod. I'm still not sure who they are, but they always seem to be around when I need a boost.

No sooner have we cleared the treeline, Danny is already asking questions.

"So what's all that with your grandma calling, without a phone, I might add."

"Grandma and I have this link between us. I know you've heard of telepathy. We can telepathically communicate with each other. We have our own "channel" if you want to call it that. Mick and I have one too."

He stops dead. "Mick?" He questions with sadness.

"My cousin, you dummy. Her name is Michaela, but she prefers to be called Mick."

A smile lights his face. "Okay. What's this communication like?"

"Not too different from ours, in a way. We can only feel each other's emotions and pain when we are close, but I can actually talk with them in my mind, when we are close enough. Mick has one with another Elder. That was accomplished by a ritual."

His forehead crinkles.

"It's a long explanation. I don't have enough time today. Look, we're here," I say pointing at the shop across the street.

Danny stops dead, once again.

"Come on chicken. It will only hurt for a small amount of time."

When the familiar shop comes into view, I stop, close my eyes, and take a calming breath.

"Grandma." I yell into the shop as I open the door.

"I'm in the back. What do you need?"

Going to the back, I wait until Grandma is in view before I speak.

"I'm sorry." I whisper.

"What's that, love?"

"I'm sorry for quitting."

She begins to stride up to the front of the store.

"Fool eegit! What the heck. Are you thick? Had Love here so upset she quit. I know it was your doing - you gobshite."

"Ya ya I know. I'm a fool, idiot, asshole, selfish child."

I chuckle at Grandma's expression. I think he shocked her out of words.

"I'm sorry I put Tally through that and she quit. I didn't want her to quit, I just ... well ..."

"You didn't want her to leave." Grandma adds softly.

He nods.

"It's okay, a stór. Everyone can be afraid sometimes. What you have to do is have faith. She won't leave you forever. Look at your hands."

I look down and try to release his hand, but he holds tight.

"We'll find a way for the two of you to see each other. I'll figure a way."

"I told you." I whisper, but Grandma smiles.

"She's a smart one. You need to hold on to this one. Find your way, your passions, your path, while she's training on the islands. Time will fly by and I'll make a plan. Hey." she says to get his attention.

He looks up at her. "I promise I'll figure something out. Just have faith and quite a bit of patience. I'm not sure how long this stuff will take."

When Danny nods, Grandma continues "Okay. now go to the hospital and visit your sister, love. We leave tonight."

"Already?" Danny asks and it's my time for a few tears to fall.

"I'm sorry, but yes. Our timeline has been escalated, and we have to leave for the islands soon. Probably in the next week or so, as soon as arrangements can be made. Go enjoy your afternoon." She says before she turns and disappears in the back.

I drag Danny out of the shop and we walk towards the hospital. I need to enjoy the little bit of time I have left with Danny and my family.

________________

[A/N]

A Stór - Means 'my treasure', usually used to express affectionate friendship, especially for parent and children relationships.[]

Thick

In some countries, like the UK, you'll hear someone being referred to as 'thick' as a way of describing them as stupid.

In Ireland, at times, you'll hear someone being referred to as 'a thick' or 'the thick'. You can also say 'an awful thick'. It's used to describe someone stupid, also, but for whatever reason, we throw in a 'the' or an 'a' before it.

Gobshite (a much-loved Irish insult)

Another one for describing someone that's done something stupid or for using against someone that you just don't like. This Irish insult is arguably one of the best known, thanks to its use in the magnificent series.

For example, "That Maura one is some gobshite. She's only after putting diesel in her aul one's petrol car. The things f*cked".

Eejit

Another one for describing someone that's a bit dense.

For example, "That eejit is after locking his keys inside the house again. I'm going to have to go over there with a clothes hanger and try and get the door open".

[]