NaNoWriMo Chapter Five Excerpt

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This was the fifth excerpt posted from my novel, Found in Time.

            George, Jane, Kenneth, and Hattie all shifted uncomfortably. Henry had his arms folded, and was staring at her with a look that almost resembled interest. Ella kept her focus on her father and mother though. They glanced at each other hoping the other would know something to say. Ella waited for someone to speak, but the silence persisted.

“At least you’re all not going to try and lie to my face, I’ll give you that.” Ella said bitterly.

“Ella, this is ridiculous. You’re in no right mood to discuss this sort of thing. Go up to your room, and if you can find that you can be reasonable we’ll bring this topic up rationally.” Edwin finally spoke. He tried to hide his recoil when Ella looked at him with absolute disgust.

“I will not go, and this is not something I can be calm about! I’m tired of all the blame being pushed on me when I don’t deserve it! I’m even more tired of being too weak-willed and letting myself accept it! And you know what, papa?! There is nothing to discuss! You haven’t said anything, but you all know the truth is that you hold me responsible for what happened! You’re wrong, and all of you have to apologize!” Ella demanded.

Ella stopped yelling and waited. No one would even look at her, and they all kept their mouths firmly shut. Ella stared at each of them. When it was apparent she wasn’t going to get an apology, Ella’s chest pounded with more anger than she ever thought possible.

“Fine. I’ll go to my room.” her words were cold and sharp, “However, I’m only going because I can’t stand to be in this room with all of you.”

She turned on her heel and walked almost calmly towards and up the stairs. All the adults watched her go, and they each let out an uncomfortable exhale when they knew she was gone.

“How did she even find out?” Clara asked so quietly the others had to strain to hear, “She was in the bath for so long.”

“It must have been Jimmy. I thought I felt his presence at one point, but it was gone before I could check.” George said.

“What were we thinking? We all know it isn’t her fault, so why did it seem so right to say it was?” Edwin asked guiltily.

“Because you all were terrified.” Henry spoke while standing up, “You two, Edwin and Clara, are still settling with the fact that your son could have drowned. In such cases, it is calming to be able to place blame even if it is unjust. If that girl had any sense she would see that you were momentarily venting. No harm would have been done if her insufferable piece of metal kept out of other people’s business. Instead, she now acts as if she’s some sort of casualty of cruelty. I’ve never seen a child so self-centered and slow.”

“She is upset and scared too.” Edwin pointed out.

“And there are more respectable ways of handling with those emotions than to come down here and burden us when we are already dealing with so much. She does not know the struggle of keeping the forest of balance, the challenge of caring for an infant, or having to think about more than just herself.” Henry argued.

“That’s not what she’s like.” Clara said.

“You say that only because as a mother you are blinded by the love for your daughter. You are oblivious to the truth of how very different she is from the rest of us.”

“Father, what are you trying to lead this conversation to?” George asked.

“As observant as ever.” Henry said to him approvingly, thankful his intentions had been caught.

“What? Where are you bringing this conversation to?” Edwin asked in confusion.

“Kenneth, do you remember that trip to Gale? The one in February the day after Sadie was born where we watched Ella play with those local rowdy children?” Henry questioned, ignoring Edwin.

“Yes.” Kenneth said, just as perplexed as his brother-in-law was.

“I said something, but you did not hear me. You asked me what I said. I told you I had thought of a good idea, but I chose not to reveal it. However, now I feel it is an appropriate time to let you all in on the solution I have chosen.” Henry announced.

“Solution? For what?”

“For dealing with the reality that Ella is so very different than us, and can’t properly belong here. Now, you three…” Henry said, then he motioned towards Jane, Edwin, and Kenneth, “The three of you made a great sacrifice when you joined this family. In order to protect the secret of this forest, you were required to sever the connections between you and all those you knew on the outside. You parents, siblings, friends, anyone you ever met, we made it so they forgot about you and had no proof of your existence. Outsiders simply cannot handle being connected to this place. Our ancestors saw this first hand, and that is why the sacrifice is required.”

He paused, looking around to see if anyone was going to say anything. No one did, although they all were starting to suspect the plan he was suggesting. Henry continued.

“Ella’s body might have been born here. She might be part of this family, but her mind is that of an outsider. It is who she truly is, or why else would she be the only one born after all these years with no powers? I have not spoken of my idea for these past months to see if it was possible for her to live peacefully here, but this outburst shows me it is impossible and that her frustration and anger will only increase. It is why I propose that we send her where she really belongs. We will take away her memories of her life in this place, and leave her with a family some distance away where she can exist without the burden she carries by being here.”

“That’s a horrible idea!”

“We will not send her away!”

Edwin and Clara’s voices overlapped as they protested. The other four were left speechless at such a suggestion. Edwin and Clara continued to argue, but Henry held up his hand and they quieted.

“These reactions of yours are quite what I expected. However, do not dismiss this idea so effortlessly. As her parents, it is your duty to do what is best for her even if it goes against the desires of all three of you. The rest of us are not blind. We see how much she struggles, and how much trouble it creates for everyone. Can she really be happy here? Although my idea might seem cruel, how can we say Ella will live a better life if she is selfishly kept here because the two of you won’t let go? It is easier for her to let go of her negative emotions now because she is a child. What will happen as she becomes older? Will she not grow to resent this place? Will she not feel guilt when she understands how much her existence holds the rest of us back? Kenneth, you have already seen how guilt and despair can destroy a person. What will you do if such a situation happens to Ella?”

The color abruptly drained out of Kenneth’s face, and he looked in horror at the floor. Hattie grabbed onto him comfortingly.

“There is no reason to bring that up now!” she said angrily, “And how dare you intrude that kind of thought into our minds!”

“My pardon. However, these are the kinds of possibilities we need to consider, because that situation is a strong possibility. Jane has confided in me that she had a dream once of such a thing occurring.” Henry revealed.

“What?” Kenneth said weakly, raising his eyes to look at Jane who wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“It is the truth.” she admitted quietly.

“We are all aware of the accurate probability of Jane’s dreams. It is as I pointed out― you cannot dismiss this idea so easily. Despite the fact that you care for this child and want to stay with her, how can you truly say that keeping her here will be what is best?” Henry asked Edwin and Clara.

The two were at a loss of words. All they could do was hold onto the other’s hands.

“I will not force you to make your decision right now. This is not something to be rushed. However, if my own opinion is not already clear then I will state it plainly. For Ella’s sake, we should let her go. For her happiness, we should let her forget…..”