Found in Time Chapter One

So I've finally decided to release the full first seven chapters of my NaNoWriMo novel, Found in Time. I've written more than these chapters and will eventually finish, but since I do intend to have this novel published someday I don't think it would be a good idea to release the thing in its entirety.

Also, please keep in mind when you're reading that I wrote these chapters very fast. There is guaranteed to be a lot of mistakes or areas in desperate need of revision. There are many parts I don't like. It's kind of difficult to go ahead and put these chapters with them having so much wrong with them, but I still really want to do it. Please leave comments telling me what you like, or if there's anything confusing. Please also keep in mind that the first seven chapters are Part One of the story. Part Two will explain a good portion of background not comprehensively explained in Part One. This may be why it feels as if some things are not properly described. Still, speak up if something seems as if it's completely out there. You might be the one to catch something I've overlooked.

So, without further ado, here's the first chapter of Found in Time!

Cover created by catherine.julia.jefferson

            The year was 1900.

There once was a house which sat comfortably in the middle of a field, and that field was surrounded itself by a large forest. The forest had been there long before there were any things such as records or maps, and the wealthy Bentley family had lived in the house since colonial America.

It was turning out to be a cold winter that year, with thick ice covering the windows and with winds that stung the skin. February 4^th was about to end; the sun had long since disappeared behind the horizon of trees. The creaking of the old house, normally a comforting lullaby, went unnoticed as a nervous tension filled the building. The only light downstairs came from the fire, where the men of the house and the youngest children had gathered. The men sat in silence while eight-year-old Leo and four-year-old Alma entertained themselves on the floor.

Compared to the rather calm and silent atmosphere downstairs, there was a great rush engulfed with excitement and anticipation upstairs. A large pair of blue-gray eyes watched from the corner of the brightly lit room. This was the second time the young girl had watched a scene similar to this, even though last time she had been pushed out because she had gotten in the way. Her mother was sitting on a chair, completely naked save for a small blanket hung over her shoulders. The girl’s grandmother, aunt, and older sister surrounded her mother― offering words of encouragement as she struggled and groaned. From how they were talking, the girl knew the time was coming.

“Ella.”

The girl was called for by her older sister. Ella grabbed a pan of warm water nearby and brought it over to her. In exchange, she was given one inked with blood with a dark rag swimming at the bottom. Ella went to place it down, yet the metallic smell was so unfamiliar and the sight too disturbing, that her hands began to shake. The water splashed over her hands. Losing control of herself, the pan clattered on the ground as its contents ran over the wooden floor.

“Oh child.” her grandmother, Jane, sighed impatiently.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’ll get it!” Ella apologized profusely.

The attention was taken away from her as her mother gave a loud groan of pain. Ella pushed the door open with her shoulder and ran into the nearby bathroom. Her hands were still shaking as she rinsed them under the water. She looked with disgust at her red sleeves, which had been white only moments before.

Desperately, she looked around for any spare towels. Most of them had already been taken into the other room and used. Graced with a bit of luck, Ella spotted one on the shelf. However, she had no way to reach it. Even if she took the stool her two other younger siblings used to reach the sink it still wouldn’t be enough. Ella heard the groans getting louder, and then her heart began to pound so much she could feel it against her chest.

“There’s the head!” an excited voice cheered from next door.

“Wait!” Ella pleaded, but even if her cry had the power to stop nature it fell upon no one’s ears.

Ella looked around the room as she tried to find something that could help her. Out of the side of her eye she spotted a broom that had been left up against the corner. Snatching it, Ella quickly nudged the towel off the shelf. It slid down the wall and into her waiting arms. In her rush to get back to the room, she tripped on the broom she had dropped and was sent to her knees.

“There!” her aunt’s voice came.

“No, wait!” Ella jumped up with the towel, dashing of out the bathroom and towards the bedroom door. Her hand grabbed hold of the knob just as the baby’s cries echoed for the entire house to hear. Crestfallen, Ella reentered the room. Once again she had missed the birth of a new sibling. The older girls tended to the screaming baby while Ella placed the towel over the spilled water and stamped on it bitterly.

“Ella dear, I’ll get this. You go tell your father and the others you have a new baby sister.” Ella’s aunt Hattie told her with a cheerful smile. Ella looked up at her with smiling eyes.

“It’s a girl?” her mood lightened up considerably. Her aunt nodded.

“Yes. So go tell them that, and then wait downstairs with them a little while until we get your mother and the baby comfortable.”

“I will.” Ella agreed.

She practically skipped out the door and down the steps. Her father, grandfather, uncle, and her eldest brother all stood up at the same time when they saw her. She gave them a large grin as her chest danced merrily with the fact she was the one who was going to deliver the big news. Being dramatic, she gave a bow and motioned wide with her arms.

“The baby is a girl.” she announced with a loud voice.

A satisfied expression came over her father, and he sat back down with the happiest look she had ever seen. The others sat back down as well, but Alma stood up.

“I want to go see the baby.”

“You can’t.” Ella said.

“Why not?” Alma pouted.

“Aunt Hattie says they need to get mama and the baby comfortable. Then we can go see them.” Ella explained. She took a seat next to her eldest brother, Peter. Alma continued her pout.

“That’s not fair. You got to see her.”

Ella didn’t say anything. She didn’t want to admit that she hadn’t seen the baby either, or that she missed the birth.

“You know what’s not fair?” Leo piped up, “Now there are more girls than boys.”

“No. There’s the same number of boys and girls.” Ella’s second older brother, Charlie, corrected.

“There’s not.” Leo persisted.

“I thought you knew how to count, Leo. There are seven girls and seven boys. There’s great-grandfather, grandfather, father, Uncle Kenneth, Peter, myself, and you. Then for the girls there’s grandmother, mother, Aunt Hattie, Hazel, Ella, Alma, and now the baby. See, it’s equal.” Charlie explained.

“That’s not what I meant! I meant us children. I wanted a little brother.” Leo complained.

“I don’t know Leo. Girls are much sweeter. Little brothers are loud, and can be very irritable.” Charlie said as he leaned slightly closer towards the young boy and rustled his hair. Leo frowned at him.

“I’d have to concur with you on that.” Peter agreed with a teasing smirk, eyeing Charlie. A smile of feigned innocence appeared on Charlie’s face, and he rolled his eyes and looked away.

“So who does the baby look like Ella?” Peter then asked Ella with a smiling face. He was always smiling and treating her kindly. Ella felt closer to him than even her parents.

“Well…” Ella began.

She didn’t know what to say. Everyone’s attention was focused on her in anticipation for her answer. Her mind was simultaneously racing for something to say while also frozen with fright. Peter’s smile became puzzled when her answer didn’t come.

“She’s very sweet looking, and she had darker looking hair.” Ella finally managed to force out.

She had no idea what the baby looked like. Ella knew though that everyone in her family stared out with dark hair. She had dark hair herself when she had been born. Now it was fair, wavy hair that fell over her shoulders and was usually pulled back with a delicate ribbon. Charlie and her father also had lighter hair, while her Uncle Kenneth had fiery red hair.

“What are you going to name her, papa?” Alma took the attention away from Ella, for which she was glad.

“We have a couple ideas, but I think I shall wait to see her before a name is chosen.” her father answered back. He sunk back into the couch with a glowing expression. One could easily see he desperately wanted to be with his wife and newborn child.

“I do so hope…” Ella’s great-grandfather started in his quiet, but stern and crisp, voice, “that this child will be extremely gifted. I eagerly await the day she shows us what she is able to do.”

Ella’s heart dropped deep into her chest. Her great-grandfather brought up this subject often, and when he did, she was never able to look him in the eye. As she did every time, Ella turned her head away from the others and tried to focus on something else. Thankfully, Peter sensed her discomfort and instantly changed the subject.

“I think the most important part to think about right now is the health of mother and the baby. I hope the wait isn’t much longer.” he expressed.

“No, I believe it should only be a couple more moments.” Uncle Kenneth said optimistically.

“Yes.” Ella’s father agreed.

Then the conversation faded into silence. There were no other words that needed to be said. All of the older men stared into space as they listened to the sound of the dimming fire crackle. Alma entertained herself with her favorite doll that she had on her lap, while Leo was humming a nursery rhyme quietly and gazing at the ceiling. Ella fussed with the edge of her sleeve. It was now a dark brown color. The metallic scent lingered, and she didn’t like it at all.

The minutes passed by slowly. Ella found great interest in watching the grandfather clock across from her count each second. The day had gotten very late; it was only a couple minutes before the witching hour. Without warning, she yawned loudly, and felt embarrassed when she finished. However, she then realized the noise had been so loud because she and Alma had yawned at the same time. Uncle Kenneth chuckled.

“Maybe the two of you should head off to bed.” he joked.

“No!” Alma instantly fought back. “I’m fine! I’m not going to sleep!”

“Quiet Al, please.” Charlie said as he jokingly covered his ears.

“Tis alright, child. No one will force you to bed, but you must keep your voice gentle.” Ella’s grandfather spoke to her.

Alma became the quietest Ella ever heard. Alma had always adored their grandfather, and she listened to him at points when she wouldn’t even listen to their parents. She covered her mouth with her hand, and he smiled.

“Now what about you, Ella?” Uncle Kenneth asked.

“I can stay up all night.” she said proudly, although she was holding back another yawn.

“No you can’t.” Leo argued.

“I can so.” Ella defended herself.

“No way. I don’t believe it.” Leo looked at her suspiciously.

“Well, you should.” Ella shrugged.

“I won’t until you do it.”

“I’ll do it, and then you’ll be wrong.”

“If you can, I’ll give you my dessert tomorrow.” Leo betted.

“Leo.” Ella’s father said disapprovingly.

“Fine.” Ella agreed.

“Ella.” her father now said to her.

The dispute was broken by the sound of footsteps heading down the stairs. A few seconds later, Hazel appeared and she motioned for them to come.

“Everything is all ready. Everyone may come.” she spoke brightly.

Everyone stood up swiftly, but Ella’s father moved the quickest over to the stairs. Ella tried to stay next to Peter as the rest followed, but somehow she ended up in the back behind Alma. Ella didn’t try to get in front of her because she knew Alma would protest loudly. They moved up the stairs in a line, and by the time Ella reached the room, there was barely room enough for her to squeeze in.

Ella’s mother, Clara, and the baby had been moved to the bed. Ella’s father was sitting on the side of the bed, his arm wrapped around Clara’s shoulders, and his face absolutely beaming as he looked down at his new daughter. He put his face close to Clara’s and whispered something. She whispered back a couple after a little bit of pause. This continued on for a couple seconds. Everyone else remained silent for they knew what the two were deciding. It was only when Ella’s father nodded that Kenneth spoke up.

“So Edwin,” he addressed Ella’s father, “What is it?”

Edwin inhaled, and everyone in the room held their breath.

“Sadie. We are going to call her Sadie.” he said.

The older women gushed and looked at each other excitedly while the men and boys nodded their heads in approval. Clara motioned for Alma to come over to them. It was family tradition that the youngest children got to hold their new siblings first. Ella took Alma’s spot between Kenneth and Leo. She watched her crawl onto the bed and into Edwin’s lap. Sadie was placed carefully into her arms, and Alma looked around the room at everyone as if she couldn’t believe what was happening.

Leo, knowing his turn was next, moved closer to the bed. He looked at Sadie with a questioning gaze. Ella knew he was still upset that he had gotten a little sister again instead of a brother. Edwin took Sadie out of Alma’s arms and placed her in Leo’s. He actually was happy for a second, until Sadie started belting out the loudest cry Ella had ever heard. Almost everyone flinched. Edwin motioned for her to come over.

Ella had barely reached Leo when he quickly transferred the screaming infant to her. Ella expected her to keep crying, but as soon as she was out of Leo’s arms, Sadie quieted back down. Leo’s mouth opened in disbelief. He tried to take Sadie back, but she began to cry once he touched her.

“Well, that’s…..unusual.” Kenneth said to break the stifling silence that followed once Leo let go again.

“Leo, come wait over here by me.” Clara said.

However, Leo was already making his way to the corner of the room. He stood with his arms folded and his face angry. Ella could tell the adults wanted to say something, but they all knew better than to disturb Leo when he was like this. It was better to just let him simmer in the corner.

The attention was turned back to her, and Ella got to see her sister properly for the first time. Sadie did indeed have dark hair. In fact, the little tuft of brown hair sitting on her head was so dark that it almost looked black. Sadie opened her eyes a little and met Ella’s. For an unexplainable reason, Ella’s breath was taken away. She felt as if she was being looked back at with the soul of a person much older than the infant she was holding. It was like Sadie was already aware of everything.

Ella didn’t want to let go of her, but before she knew it, Charlie was already standing next to her. The process continued on. Sadie was passed from Charlie, to Hazel, and then to Peter. Kenneth and Hattie went next, followed by George and Jane. Last in line was Ella’s great-grandfather, Henry. He had watched the minutes pass with an unreadable expression. His face did not move as George shifted to hand Sadie to him. Henry took her almost unwillingly.

What happened next changed everything.

As with what happened with Leo, Sadie let out a loud cry when she was placed in Henry’s arms. However, it was a singular loud cry, sounding almost like anger. Everyone in the room gasped in shock as white light suddenly surrounded Sadie’s body. The light unexpectedly flashed brightly, blinding everyone in the room. Henry let out a loud grunt of pain. He would have dropped Sadie if George hadn’t already been grabbing her away.

Ella grabbed onto Kenneth’s arm to steady herself. The flash had blinded her, and her vision wasn’t returning. She tried blinking and closing her eyes for a couple seconds. The world was still white when Ella opened them back up. She tugged on Kenneth’s shirt.

“What?” he asked. His voice rang and echoed in her ears.

“I can’t see anything.” she answered quietly. Ella sensed him shifting to check her eyes.

“Oh dear.” he mumbled.

Without any other explanation, he placed his large hand over her eyes. His hand began to shake and an immense warmth came from it. Ella stood still. Her heart was racing as if she had been running for miles. She blinked furiously when Kenneth removed his hand. The whiteness had gone and she could see properly. However, she flushed when she realized everyone was looking at her. Of course it would only happen to her, and not anyone else.

“Are you alright?” Clara asked, concerned. Ella nodded.

At that, everyone’s gaze turned back to Sadie. She looked innocent snuggled in George’s arms. No one knew what to say, but George then let out a loud laugh.

“There you are, father,” he spoke to Henry, “The child has already shown what she can do. Not only is she able to manifest her powers, but they were strong enough to blind Ella.”

Henry studied Sadie before he spoke.

“It does change my feelings. I was upset when I found out the two of you were willingly adding yet another child to this household...” he turned to Edwin and Clara with a slightly disapproving glare. The two were unfazed.

“We felt the family just wasn’t complete.” Edwin explained with a smile. Henry ignored him and continued on

“However, this child is amazing. If she can show us her powers not yet an hour after her birth, then she will be something special indeed. Her skills will make up for the lack that we have.”

Ella inhaled sharply, but didn’t make any noise. The words stung her entire body. It was subtle, but Henry always found some way to bring her face to face with reality. Everyone knew he was referring to her, for she had been cursed to have been born into the family without any powers of her own. Of course she had tried many times to bring them out, but the fact was that she was normal. Being normal in the Bentley family was not a good thing.

Ella turned her head away from the others and waited for the conversation to continue. No one would fight back against Henry’s silent attack towards her― they never did. He was the leader of the family. His words were pretty much law. Ella would deal with his hatred towards her as best she could, but he had made it his mission to remind her of her position whenever possible.

“There will be plenty of time to label her as special. For now, we should let Edwin finally hold his child, and we should let the three of them get some rest.” Jane announced to the family.

The adults nodded. George handed Sadie to Edwin. Since he was the last to hold her, she would be in his grasp the longest. It was to signify the child’s status as his, while also reminded him of his duty to be her protector. Ella wasn’t thinking of that as she left the room with everyone though. She was silently letting go of her hurt feelings. As she began to move towards the direction of her room, a hand was placed on her shoulder.

“Hold on a moment, dear. Jimmy is done resting. Come to our room to collect him.” George told her with a smile.

Ella’s heart brightened up, and she nodded with a smile of her own. Although she and Jimmy had only been separated for a few hours, she had missed his presence greatly. Ella followed George and Jane down the hallway to their room. George quickly went over to his nightstand table and picked up a small, wooden box. It would have been plain save for the intricate golden swirls engraved into it. Ella took the box when George offered it to her.

“He should be well for some time now.” George explained.

“Thank you.”

The clock in the room chimed. It was fifteen minutes past the witching hour. Weariness began to fall upon Ella again. She did her best to fight it off. There was still a little bit more she wanted to do.

“Goodnight child.” Jane said to her, hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

“Goodnight nana.” Ella replied, hugging back.

She bid goodnight to George as well before leaving to head towards her own room. Taking the stairs to the third floor two at a time, Ella quickly reached the upper hallway and her room. Once she sat herself down on the edge of her bed, she opened the clasp on the box.

Inside was a frog that yawned when the lid was open. If Ella hadn’t known any better, she would have thought that he was real. The truth was he was simply a toy brought to life by George.

“Good morning dear Jimmy. Did you enjoy your rest?”  Ella asked.

Jimmy moved as if he were stretching his muscles before jumping out of the box and onto her lap.

“I never do enjoy being put into that box, but I will admit I feel much better. We let the amount of power in me run too low this time. It was getting hard to move.” Jimmy replied.

His mouth did not open, but Ella heard every word as if he had spoken. He was actually communicating to her telepathically. Ella loved Jimmy’s voice. George had told her that Jimmy’s body was shaped in the form of a white-lipped tree frog. Since his kind was indigenous to Australia, his voice had the accent. Ella had to just believe it was true since she hadn’t met anyone from Australia before.

“I’m sorry about that. I should have asked grandfather for help sooner.” Ella apologized.

“Not to worry. Even if I did stop working, I would be fine once your grandfather re-infused me with energy.”

“I suppose.”

“So, I assume the child was born then?” Jimmy changed the subject.

“Yes. It was a girl. Father and mother named her Sadie.” Ella explained.

“That is a beautiful name.”

His voice quieted as he finished the sentence. Ella’s eyes had drifted away from him. She stared intently at the floor, her face hard as she tried to keep any emotion from coming through. Ella sighed inwardly. No matter how hard she tried, it was impossible to keep a fake face in front of Jimmy.

“What is wrong?” he asked.

“I messed up again. I spilled a tray of bloody water. My sleeves are ruined, and because I had to get a towel to clean it up, I missed another birth.” Ella offered for explanation.

“Well, fixing your sleeves is easy.” Jimmy pointed out.

He hopped onto her right arm and placed his front feet on her stained sleeve. A faint glow appeared around her wrist. Within seconds the stain grew fainter and fainter until it disappeared altogether. Jimmy moved to her left arm and proceeded to do the same.

“Thanks.”

“Now tell me what’s really wrong.” Jimmy said before Ella had even finished the word.

Ella thought Jimmy would be satisfied by her lie. She knew he would have seen through her deception, but she had hoped that he would let the real reason slide. That was not his way of doing things though. Between them, no secrets were to be left unspoken. Ella slumped a little and looked away again.

“Ella.” Jimmy said commandingly.

“I don’t want―”

“Tell me.” he demanded, once again interrupting her before she could finish speaking. Ella sighed, a real one this time. Silence passed before she finally spoke.

“Sadie has already shown signs of power. When great-grandfather tried to hold her, I don’t know if he scared her or if she doesn’t like him, but she used a flash of Light to hurt him.” she explained slowly, “It blinded me, but no one else of course. You know, great-grandfather hated that father and mother were having another child. Now he thinks she’s going to be really special. He believes that she will make up for the lack that comes from me, although he didn’t state it quite so openly.”

“I thought I’ve taught you to stop paying attention to that nasty old prune of a man.” Jimmy said after taking the information in.

“I don’t pay attention, or at least I try. It stills hurts. But, it’s not really what he said that bothers me. It’s…” Ella trailed off.

“It’s that your newborn sister already possesses what you want so badly.” Jimmy finished the thought for her.

Ella nodded. She turned around to look at the potted flower on her windowsill. Placing Jimmy on the bed, Ella went over to it. With a forceful tug Ella ripped the flower out and threw it away.

“This again?” Jimmy asked, almost impatiently.

“Yes.” Ella answered without hesitation, “I know you and everyone else don’t believe me. I was supposed to show signs of powers before I turned two, and since I didn’t, it was decided that for whatever reason I don’t have any at all. You think it’s my imagination, but I feel as if I have something in me. It’s as if there’s something bubbling below a barrier. Maybe if I keep trying hard enough, then my powers can break free.”

She placed the now empty pot on her nightstand. In the drawer was a packet of flower seeds. Ella took a couple and planted them in the soil. She closed her eyes, placed her hands on the rim of the pot, and began to concentrate. Jimmy hopped next to the pot.

“Your family has done everything to sense power within you. Even Charlie, whose ability to sense such things is the strongest that anyone has ever seen, can’t feel anything radiating from you. Even if there were powers being blocked for some reason, we would at least be able to know they were there.” Jimmy started.

Ella ignored him and closed her eyes tighter. She pressed her skin harder against the clay and concentrated. She imagined warmth flowing from her hands, the seeds sprouting, and beautiful flowers growing. So great was her determination that she almost believed what was happening was real. Still, her eyes remained closed. Jimmy spoke to her softly and sadly.

“I don’t tell you the truth to upset you, but I don’t want you to fill yourself with hope only to be crushed when the reality grabs hold of you.”

Her muscles loosened, and Ella opened her eyes. Nothing had changed. There was no sprout, let alone a flower. She dropped her hands to her sides and looked at Jimmy.

“I know.” she spoke just as quietly and sadly, “I just want to ignore reality for a little longer.”

“No good can come from that.”

Ella didn’t say anything or move. It was only when she heard footsteps heading down the hallway that she raised her head. Grabbing the pot, Ella opened the door to see who was there. It was Alma, dressed in her nightgown and presumably heading to the bathroom before she went to sleep.

“What?” Alma asked, annoyed. Ella ignored her tone because she knew Alma was simply tired.

“Sorry. It’s just that I accidentally forgot to water my flowers and they died. Could you grow them for me?” she requested kindly.

Alma yawned and lazily placed her hand against the pot. Green sprouts instantly peeped through the dirt, and after a couple more seconds the pot was filled with flowers. Ella smiled at Alma before letting her go on her way. Jimmy, who had been watching from the bed, said nothing as Ella reentered the room.

Ella placed the pot back on the windowsill, and silently got ready for bed. As she dressed, Jimmy went over to the fireplace. Flames shot from his open mouth and started up the dying embers once more. He easily levitated another log on top of the coals. By the time he was finished, Ella was already curled up in bed.

“Shouldn’t you go brush your teeth?” he chastised gently as he jumped onto her shoulder.

“I’ve already got a mother, Jimmy. You’re just supposed to protect me from Light and Shadow.” Ella mumbled sleepily.

“Well, your mother is a bit preoccupied right now. I’m sure she won’t mind if I step in for the moment.” Jimmy pointed out. Ella groaned and pulled the covers around her tighter.

“Just let me sleep, and if you don’t, I’ll put you back in the box.” Ella warned.

Jimmy eyed the box. In it, he became nothing more than a toy again. The only reason he went in from time to time was so George could put powers in so he could continue to move. His metal body was unable to regenerate powers unlike the human Bentleys.

“Fine.” Jimmy agreed. He moved to his normal spot next to Ella on her pillow.

Ella closed her eyes, and her mind instantly let go of everything that was bothering her. The only thing she cared about now was sleep, and within minutes, it found her.

Hurriedly buttoning up her coat and thrusting her hands into gloves, Ella followed her siblings outside. The sun had broken through the gray clouds for the first time in two weeks, and they didn’t want to miss their opportunity to enjoy the nice weather. Leo and Alma were already kicking snow at each other while Hazel and Charlie avoided the spray by holding a conversation next to the house. Ella followed their example and stood nearby. She was content to watch her younger siblings fooling around.

“How nice it would be to be young again.” Jimmy said wistfully from her shoulder.

“Oh, come on now. You’re only….how old again?”

“It’s been fifty-seven years since I was made.”

“And you’ve been kept in perfect condition. Plus, you can’t even feel physical pain, so I don’t know what you’re going on about.” Ella said as she eyed him.

“So you say, but you know nothing of the curse of being a metal toy frog!” Jimmy spoke dramatically.

“You’re weird this morning.” Ella laughed.

“I’m trying to play a part. You’re supposed to go along with it.” Jimmy said indignantly.

“Sorry.” Ella rolled her eyes while smiling.

Before Jimmy could say anything further, a small whirlwind gust was next to Ella. Peter appeared there in the blink of an eye. This caught Leo and Alma’s attention, and they rushed over.

“It’s about time.” Leo huffed.

“It’s good to see you’re so cheerful already.” Charlie smiled at him, but he also proceeded to push him slightly. Leo quieted up.

“Sending another letter, were you?” Hazel questioned knowingly with a teasing tone.

“Oooh, to Brooke! What did her last love letter say?” Alma asked in the same teasing voice.

“That is none of your business.” Peter said, keeping composed despite their bantering.

“So you don’t deny that it was a love letter then?” Ella pointed out.

This caught him off guard though. Peter opened his mouth to say something, but he found no words to say. The rest of them looked at him with intrigued gazes before a slight blush finally appeared on Peter’s cheeks.

“So what are we playing?” he abruptly changed the subject.

“Mine Crossing!”

“Mine Crossing!”

“Snowball fight!”

“Mine Crossing!”

Charlie, Ella, Leo, and Alma all shouted an answer at the same time. As usual, Ella’s was the odd one out. Peter turned to Hazel.

“What do you want to do? I don’t mind either way.” Peter said.

“Well, I’ve never been good at snowball fighting...” Hazel answered.

“Mine Crossing it is!” Leo cheered loudly.

“Let’s get the playing fields set up.” Charlie took charge.

The rest of her siblings began to move forward, but Ella hung back. She dug her heel into the ground with a passion. Only Peter bothered to turn back to see where she had gone. He ran over to her.

“Come on now.” he motioned forward. Ella shook her head.

“We can have a snowball fight later on.” Peter told her.

“It’s not that.” Ella paused before lowering her voice, “I don’t care that my game wasn’t chosen. You know I can’t play Mine Crossing properly. I cause my team to lose every time.”

“Then be on my team. Stick by me, or have Jimmy help you.” Peter suggested.

“Doing that takes all the fun out of playing.” Ella countered.

“Why don’t we try it out first?”

“We have tried it out. It ended up horribly, remember?”

“You shouldn’t have to stand there watching us though.”

“I like standing and watching.”

“Now that’s a plain lie.” Peter said as he tugged on her hand, “Just give it another chance. Every game is different, and you could miss out on a good time.”

Ella didn’t have anything further to say. Peter kept playfully tugging her hand forward. Ella tried to yank it away, but he wouldn’t let go. She did her best to hold the straight expression on her face. It didn’t take too much longer before she broke down. Ella smiled and laughed.

“There we go.” Peter said brightly, “Now, let’s go get this thing started.”

The two of them jogged hand-in-hand over to the others. Charlie had just finished explaining that each team would set up their field on one side of the house, following the rules that the teams couldn’t see the other’s field. Hazel, Charlie, and Alma had formed a team. Leo was waiting for Peter to join him, and he frowned when he saw Ella coming too.

“Wait, she’s not playing with us, is she?” he asked with disbelief.

“Of course she is! We wouldn’t have equal teams if she didn’t play.” Peter said.

“That’s fine. With her we’ll definitely lose!” Leo complained.

Peter abruptly slapped him on the back of the head. Leo glared up at him.

“Shut your mouth. It doesn’t matter if we win or not. We’re playing a game.” Peter reprimanded him sternly.

“Fine.” Leo mumbled, rubbing the back of his head.

“Good. Then if that’s all settled we need to get our mines placed. Hazel, Charlie, and Alma are already moving over to their side.” Peter said.

The others had already been walking to the other side of the house, and had missed the commotion going on. Charlie had drawn the lines to make up their team’s rectangular field. Ella stood to the side and watched Peter and Leo set up the mines. It had been a while since she had played, so Ella went over the game in her mind.

The rules were really simple. Each team had a rectangular area out of sight of the other team. The players would use their powers to make a predetermined number, usually ten, of mines. The mines were snowballs with air compressed in the center of the sphere. If stepped on, they would explode in a flurry of snow. One had to walk around the minefield avoiding mines while searching for crystals― balls compacted into ice. Once the two teams hid their mines and crystals, the players would switch fields. Points were lost if a mine was detonated and by how long it took to finish the game. Points were gained depending on how fast the crystals were found.

In the game it was much easier to lose points than it was to gain them. If a team managed to gain a positive scoring, then they played incredibly well. It hadn’t surprised Ella when she had found out the game had been invented by her father and Kenneth during the first winter they had both been at the house. Only the two of them could come up with the ridiculous point system used.

Overall, it was easy for her siblings to play. Since powers were used to keep the mines compressed, they gave off a slight aura and could be detected if one kept close attention. Ella, on the other hand, had no such ability. No matter how careful she was, she would always set off the most mines, and thus her team would lose. Having Jimmy or someone else help her only made her feel like she was a burden, but of course she felt that way playing without help. It was why, like with most games her siblings started, she stood on the side and watched.

It was exactly what she was doing now. She had no choice but to stand and watch Peter and Leo set up the field without her. Ella knew Peter was trying to make her feel better. Honestly, she hated being left out, but participating usually had worse results. She picked the lesser of the two when she could.

“I’m surprised you haven’t tried to convince me to let you help.” Ella stated when Jimmy began to shift on her shoulder. She spoke quietly so Peter and Leo couldn’t hear.

“You can be the most stubborn thing in the world when you want to be. I won’t fight a battle I’ve already lost.” Jimmy replied somewhat humorously.

“I’m glad to see I’ve taught you well.” Ella smiled.

“Just don’t get yourself hurt like that one time.” Jimmy teased.

“That was Hazel’s fault! I’m not the one who accidentally kicked a mine into my face!” Ella explained.

“Ah, those good times.” Charlie’s voice suddenly spoke from behind her.

Ella jumped forward from fright. Normally, there was a small gust of wind preceding a transport. Charlie had always been able to transport without creating such a disturbance. He often used it to his own advantage.

“Hey!” Leo called to him, “You’re lucky we just finished or else I would be calling you a cheater right now!”

“How very rude of you. I only want to see if you three were ready to get started.” Charlie said, being sarcastically offended.

“Then why didn’t you ask telepathically?” Leo continued.

“Because it’s fun to get you all riled up.” Charlie smiled largely. Leo’s usual frown appeared on his face.

“Are you trying to play with the minds of my teammates, little brother?” Peter asked with a raised eyebrow as he approached the four of them.

“Never.” Charlie’s smile did not waver. Peter eyed him suspiciously.

“It does not matter. We are all set, so let’s go ahead and start. Jimmy, would you mind being the time keeper for the game?” Peter asked.

“It would be my honor.” Jimmy replied and bowed his head.

He jumped off Ella’s shoulder. Small gusts of wind appeared under him as he hopped higher and higher into the sky. Ella watched him over her shoulder as she, Peter, and Leo made their way to the other side of the house. They passed Hazel and Alma on the way, and the two gave them confident smiles. Their team didn’t say anything, but after they passed each other, Peter silently made a snowball and pelted Hazel firmly in the back with it. The three of them ran before retaliation could be had.

“Remember that fair play should be kept between all players.” Jimmy’s voice rang throughout each of their minds.

Now standing next to the minefield they would be searching, Ella looked up into the sky. Jimmy was hovering above the house, creating a constant stream of wind to keep him up in the air. He was in the only one in the household that was able to do such a thing. It was too complicated for any human to achieve. The wind needed to support hovering had to be much stronger, and that meant there was less control and a greater risk of falling.

“Ella and Leo, you two start off searching the south side. I’ll take the northern half.” Peter suggested.

Ella and Leo nodded and went to stand on opposite sides of the southern half of the field. They waited, and it wasn’t too much longer before Jimmy’s voice appeared in their minds again.

“All players are ready to begin. When I say go, you may enter the field and begin your search for the crystals.” he instructed, but then began a ridiculous countdown, “Three…..two…..one…..ready…..set…..and…..almost…..there…..we…..will…..begin…..soon…..”

“Jimmy!” Ella called up to him angrily.

“Fine, fine. GO then!” he relented.

Peter and Leo stepped immediately into the field. Ella hesitated. The snow had been smoothed over so there was no indication of where the mines or crystals had been hidden. For all she knew a mine could be right on the edge where she was. Her first step in might possible set her team back.

“Enter the field, Ella. It will be fine.” Jimmy said, speaking only to her mind this time.

Very carefully, Ella took a step into the field. She pressed her foot down slowly so if there really was a mine, she could have the chance to notice it before she detonated it. Her first move ended up being uneventful. With a bit more confidence, Ella cautiously moved further into the field. Leo had already covered a fair amount of area. Although she wanted to find a crystal, her main objective was to do her best to not set off any mines.

Ella glanced over to Peter as he made a sudden movement. He had been about to take a step when suddenly retreated.

“There’s a mine right here.” he announced to them.

Ella felt better. It was one less mine she had to worry about. Leo let out an excited noise, and shoved his hand into the snow. When he stood back up he held a crystal.

“Good job, now we’re in the l―” Peter started

“Both teams have simultaneously found a crystal.” Jimmy announced.

“No way!” Leo pouted.

“We’ll just have to find the second one quicker.” Ella encouraged.

“Exactly.” Peter agreed.

The three began their search again. Minutes passed by in silence. Ella knew Peter and Leo were concentrating hard to sense the mines. She had never gone this long without causing them to lose points, and her heart was beating from excitement. Maybe Peter was right after all.

As soon as she began to enjoy herself, the tip of Ella’s boot contacted with something under the snow. She froze, expecting the mine to explode all over her. However, nothing happened. Ella tapped the object ever so gently. It was hard and solid. Ella couldn’t believe her luck.

“I found a crystal!” she spoke happily. She had never found one before. Unfortunately, her merriment was short lived.

As her hand closed around the ice ball, she was startled when her fingers made contact with another sphere. There was a muffled ‘boom’ and a blast of snow hit her face and sent her falling backwards. The trap set by her siblings turned out to be even dirtier than simply placing a mine next to a crystal. Ella watched in horror as the first detonation set off five others. Six mines had been placed together in a line. Setting off one would activate the others.

“The second crystal on the east team has been found, yet six mines have been detonated.” Jimmy made the announcement.

Ella flushed with absolute embarrassment. She covered her face with her hands, and tried hard to suppress her overwhelming desire to cry.

“Agh! Now look what you’ve done!” Leo yelled angrily.

Ella didn’t move. Even the cold snow she was sitting in didn’t affect her. All she wanted to do was run inside to her room. Peter came over to her, and stood her up by lifting under her arms. Ella made no effort to help, and kept her eyes firmly locked on the ground.

“I believe I’ve already said this, but everything’s fine. It wasn’t your fault. It was a nasty trap. Leo or I could have set it off just as easily. And look, you found a crystal. We still got some points.” Peter encouraged her once more, leaning to try to see her eyes.

Ella wanted to make eye contact with him, but found it impossible to bring her head up. She heard Peter sigh ever so lightly.

“And you,” he was now speaking to Leo, “Stop being such a brat, or you won’t be allowed to make the trip to Gale today.”

The warning clamed Leo up, because the look on his face had shown there was a lot more he had wanted to say.

“Stay by me now. If we find the last crystal fast enough we can still win.” Peter told her.

“The second crystal on the west team has been found.” Jimmy announced right afterwards.

“We can still win.” Peter repeated.

He took her hand again. Ella made no protests as she followed him around the field. Since most of the mines had been set off, movement was much less restricted. Peter and Leo managed to find the last three, so their efforts went into finding the crystal. Unlike the mines, the crystal had no power aura, which meant discovering it was pure luck. Peter shuffled through the snow with his feet, and Leo began kicking in wide arcs. Ella began to feel slightly better when Jimmy announced two mines had been set off on the other side, but his next announcement made everything worse.

“The west team has found their final crystal.”

“Don’t stop looking.” Peter instructed to Leo, who had grown upset at the news.

It was half a minute later when Leo’s furious kicking finally revealed their side’s last crystal. He paid for finding it with a sore foot.

“And with the east side finding their last crystal, the game is finished. Please meet at the center for the announcement of the winners.”

“Like it’s even necessary.” Leo mumbled bitterly.

Ella continued to hold Peter’s hand as they met with Hazel, Charlie, and Alma at the place where they had originally passed each other. Ella was doing her best to appear unfazed by their imminent loss. When Alma came into sight, she was just as covered in snow as Ella was. Even so, she was holding two of the crystals. Alma had always been exceptionally lucky. Ella wondered if Peter and Leo would have lost without her anyway. With Charlie being able to easily sense and avoid the mines, and Alma getting the crystals, they were a formidable opponent.

Jimmy floated down from his high perch, and placed himself back on Ella’s shoulder. Hazel, Charlie, and Alma looked at him expectantly.

“Both teams scored four hundred and seventy-five points for finding the crystals. The game lasted for thirteen minutes and seven seconds, resulting in a four hundred and four point time penalty. The west team set off two mines which creates a sixty point deduction. Overall, their score is……” Jimmy paused for tension.

“Eleven.”

Hazel, Charlie, and Alma cheered and gave each other quick hugs. It had been two years since a team had achieved a positive score.

“Now for the east team. With only the time penalty, they would have had a score of seventy-one. However, six mines were set off for a deduction of one hundred and eighty points. This leaves their score at……negative one hundred and nine.”

Leo folded his arm in frustration, Ella’s expression didn’t change, and Peter simply shrugged his shoulders.

“There have been much worse scores.” Hazel reminded them.

“Exactly.” Peter agreed.

He looked down at Ella. She managed to smile lightly. She was wishing now that she hadn’t agreed to play, but things hadn’t gone as terribly as they had in the past. It was something she would get over soon enough.

“All of you! It’s time to get ready to leave.” Hattie called from the window she had just opened.

“We’re coming.” Peter answered for them.

Ella’s hand was released, and the six siblings made their way back into the house. They knew they weren’t going to have much time to spend outside. Today was one of their trip days to Gale, the nearby town. The Bentley family had helped the town get started when settlers first arrived in New York. They owned many of the businesses, and within the last fifty years, had extended their reach throughout the entire state. Many people wondered how they did it. It wouldn’t have been possible for Ella’s family if they didn’t have their powers.

Henry, George, Edwin, and Kenneth made almost daily appearances to Gale, but for the others they usually forgot the town was there. They went to visit three or four times a month. Ella and her siblings were given a bit of spending money to purchase whatever they wanted.

Ella was the last one to enter the house. The wooden floor was quickly covered with melted snow. As Ella made her way up to the room, she turned her head to watch Hattie quickly take care of the mess. Her aunt dropped a towel on the floor, wiped up as much water and snow as possible, and then used her powers to heat the towel so the moisture would instantly evaporate. By the time Ella reached the stairs, the floor was perfectly clean.

Taking the stairs two at a time as was usual for her, Ella headed towards her room with determination. When she finally reached it, she closed the door behind her. Ella took her coat and boots off and left them on the floor. She lay belly down on her bed, buried her head, and wrapped her arms tightly around her pillow. Jimmy had been about to scold her for throwing her things on the ground, but moved quietly next to her now.

“Don’t cry.” he said gently.

“I’m not crying!” Ella replied indignantly.

Her head shifted and Jimmy could see there was no threat of tears. Ella returned her face to the pillow.

“Sorry. It’s hard to tell sometimes.” Jimmy apologized.

“I just need a moment.” Ella’s voice was muffled by the pillow.

Jimmy nodded despite the fact that Ella couldn’t see him. He jumped off the bed and onto the floor. He had started to us the same technique Hattie used on the towel so he could dry Ella coat, when she suddenly startled him. Ella was yelling into her pillow and kicking her feet against the mattress. She would have been worried that someone had heard her if she had not asked Jimmy long ago to cast a barrier around her room that stopped noise from reaching the hallway. After a couple seconds of her fit, Ella quieted down and remained motionless.

Jimmy watched her to see if she was going to do anything else. When she didn’t, he went back to his task.

“Feel better?” he asked once he was done.

“A little.” Ella’s muffled reply answered.

“You should start changing if you don’t want to hold everyone up.” Jimmy suggested.

Ella slowly propped herself up. She wasn’t looking forward to changing into her “normal” clothes, as her family called them. The clothes her family dressed in would be considered indecent if they were to wear them out into town. The hems of her dresses were considerably higher than what other girls her age wore, although at the moment Ella was actually wearing pants. Since it was winter she had been wearing boots, but normally she, Leo, and Alma went around without shoes.

As much as she detested the stuffy, heavy clothes she had to change into if she wanted to go to Gale, Ella put up with it because going there was always a fun experience. There was so many people and buildings, and something new was always coming into the stores. Ella usually spent her money on hair ribbons, books, and the occasional toy. She made sure to leave a little of her money left over. It went into a knit bag she hid under het mattress. While Ella wasn’t sure what she was saving the money for, she figured it would come in handy someday.

Ella thanked Jimmy when she picked up her coat. She took out her favorite “normal” outfit from her wardrobe. It wasn’t the warmest, but it was the one she could move the most freely in. Ella quickly changed before putting her coat on again. Jimmy hopped into the pocket, and the two were headed back downstairs.

Hazel appeared behind her. The two of them were the last to gather for the group heading to Gale. Edwin and Clara were staying behind to take care of Sadie and hopefully get some rest.

“Everyone is here now. We’ll head out in a second, but first things first…” Kenneth said before taking out a small stack of money.

He handed a five dollar note to each of the siblings except for Peter. He had begun to work with the businesses, so he had earned his own money to spend. Ella liked the five dollar notes the best. The design had been changed the previous year, and they now featured a Native American named Running Antelope on the front. Ella folded the note and placed it in her pocket next to Jimmy.

“Alright. The rest of you can go ahead. Peter, I’ll need your help with Ella since Edwin isn’t coming.” Kenneth requested.

Within seconds, a gust of wind swept through the entrance of the house and everyone except for Ella, Kenneth, and Peter were gone. Kenneth took hold of her left hand while Peter took her right.

There were three large fences that kept curious people out and the forces living in the forest contained. Each was separated by half a mile of distance. There were gates at each fence, but it was easier for the family members to transport outside the first one rather than walk the whole way.

Obviously, Ella wasn’t able to do the same. Someone had to help her. However, the amount of energy it took to bring her along that distance was too great for one person. The first time her father had tried it when she was a toddler had caused him to pass out. It was still difficult with two people, but it was manageable.

A whirlwind slowly spun around the three of them. Ella watched as Kenneth and Peter concentrated hard. Even with the two of them working together it took much longer to actually transport. Eventually, the energy picked up. In the time it took to blink, a massive force of wind pressed down on her. It stung at her skin and overtook her hearing. The sensation disappeared just as fast as it came. When Ella opened her eyes, she found the three of them now stood next to the rest of the family outside the first gate.

They all began to make their way down the tree-lined dirt path. Peter stumbled when he took his first step. He wasn’t used to assisting with a transport, but he quickly recovered his balance. From the first gate it wasn’t a long walk to the town. After a minute or so they rounded a corner and the town came into view.

From this point on, everyone was allowed to separate. Leo and Alma went off together as they usually did. Their first stop was always a store that had a constant change in the sweets they sold. Henry, George, Kenneth, and Peter actually had work they had to check up on first, so they went in a group down the street. Hazel and Charlie went their own ways, and Ella did the same. Since they would be in town most of the day, Ella wanted to wait to buy things that she would have to carry around otherwise.

Gale was quiet this morning, but then again, it was a Monday. The trip was supposed to have been the day before, but Clara’s long labor and Sadie’s birth had changed the plan. Ella passed a few people as she walked, but no one paid her any attention. That was fine with her. She was still feeling down, and the time alone was giving her a chance to clear her head. Being in town always helped her in that regard.

And so, Ella walked. She went around the entire town. She spotted Leo and Alma in their favorite store, and at one point, caught a glimpse of Hazel in the distance. Jimmy sat quietly in her pocket. Sometimes she felt him move to peek and see where they were, but otherwise he rested. Eventually, Ella lost track of how much time had passed. Gale wasn’t the largest town in the area, but it took some time to go all the way through it.

Ella decided it was time to check out one of the normal stores she visited when she suddenly heard cheerful shouts coming from nearby. Across the street was the park where a group of children her age were running around and playing. It appeared there were in the midst of a snowball fight, although mostly the girls in the group were trying to avoid the boys rather than attacking back.

After watching for a minute, Ella realized that one of the girls had spotted her. She was surprised when the girl motioned for her to come over. Ella hesitated. She rarely had contact with children other than her siblings, and wasn’t sure if crossing the street was a good idea. The girl motioned again, and despite some reluctance, Ella obeyed. The rest of the children noticed her coming, and joined the first girl as Ella reached them. They stared at her with curiosity, which made Ella feel nervous.

“I haven’t seen you around here.” one of the boys stated.

“Did you just move to Gale?” another one asked.

“I’m Ella Bentley.” Ella answered, anticipating their responses.

“Oh, so you’re part of that weird family then.” the third boy spoke.

“Don’t be rude Sam. Her family helped our store out, and she seems perfectly normal.” the first girl who had motioned reprimanded her brother.

“How come you don’t attend school with the rest of us?” another girl continued the questioning.

“My mother teaches us, she’s very intelligent.” Ella replied.

“Not today though?” the same girl asked.

“She gave birth to my little sister last night, so she’s resting. What about you all then?”

“Our teacher is sick, and there’s no one to replace him.” a fourth boy answered.

“Is it true your family practices witchcraft?” the last boy blurted out.

At that, Ella had to laugh. Her ancestors were some of the first colonists to arrive in America. They had moved inland to the forest when the area was still unexplored territory. When others eventually came, they were surprised to find colonists already settled. Her ancestors were considered strange, and rumors that they practice witchcraft became popular. However, since her family helped so many settlers get their homes built and their businesses started up, they eventually had won the respect of the people. The rumors had never fully gone away though.

“No, not at all. We simply enjoy our privacy.” Ella explained.

Some of the children didn’t seem convinced, but no one said anything further on the matter. The nine children introduced themselves. Although the introductions went fast, Ella was able to at least remember all their names― Walter, Samuel and Dorothy, Harvey, Ralph, Glenn, Caroline, Eliza, and Josie.

“Do you want to join our game? Us girls will be equal with the boys then.” Caroline asked.

“Like it will do you any good. All you girls do is run away.” Ralph teased.

“I’ll join. My siblings and I have snowball fights all the time. I’m very good at throwing.” Ella told them with a smile.

The girls looked excited, and the boys indifferent. It was clear they believed Ella was talking herself up. Ella followed the girls to their designated base, which turned out to be a pile of large rocks. There was enough room for the girls to huddle down and be hidden from sight.

“None of us are very good at this. The boys throw too hard, and we can’t aim at all.” Josie explained sadly.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got an idea.” Ella told her confidently.

All the girls looked at her expectantly. Ella felt weird for a moment. It was a rare instance where she would be the leader in something. As she explained her plan, her confidence grew. The other girls agreed with what she suggested. They put their plan into action and made as many snowballs as possible.

It was when they just finished that they heard their boys emerge from their hiding area, a group of trees. They were running towards them preparing to dominate. Going along with Ella’s plan, all the girls crouched down as low as possible against the rocks and were silent. The boys, expecting the girls to jump up and run away, slowed down and then stopped upon reaching the rocks.

“Are they not here?” Harvey asked.

“Oi, come out will you?” Walter said as he kicked the rocks.

Glenn peered over the rocks. However, the girls were down too far for him to see, so he pulled back.

“They’re not here. They must be hidden somewhere else.” he said.

Ella smiled. She had only guessed the boys would be lazy enough to look over the rock and not bother walking around to the other side. It was beyond her why they didn’t.

“Well, where did they go then?” Ralph asked impatiently.

Ella nodded to the girls. The boys had turned around and let their guard down. It was her team’s chance to attack. The girls all stood up with multiple snowballs in hand. The boys shouted in surprise as they were suddenly pelted. Since they were so close, the other girls had no problem hitting them. Ella quickly scrambled on top of the rocks, and let out a constant stream of hits as Eliza handed her snowballs that Dorothy was making.

The boys were quick on the retreat, but the girls followed. Ella didn’t even remember when she started laughing. She had now forgotten all her negative feelings as she was now having the best time. With her leading the way, the girls followed and left the boys powerless.

Unbeknownst to her, Henry and Kenneth had finished their business and were walking where she had originally been. They had spotted her, and watched silently as she had led the attack. Kenneth smiled and laughed occasionally. Henry watched impassively with calculating eyes.

“This is where she belongs.” he muttered quietly to himself.

“What was that?” Kenneth asked curiously.
“Nothing.” Henry answered, “I have simply thought of a good idea.”