“Grow up, Steele,” I muttered to myself as I picked up my phone to read the text.
So, I have a guardian. He’s a great horned owl named Walter.
I couldn’t stop the smile as I read Liam’s words. I was about to reply when the three dots popped up showing he was typing.
Can I call you?
Yes, give me two minutes, I replied as I took the phone out to the backyard.
Two minutes later I was sitting on an Adirondack chair in the middle of Isaac’s yard when my phone rang.
“Hi,” I said, shoving aside the unexpected and strange excitement coursing through me. Something about being on the phone with him made me feel like a teenager talking to her school crush.
“I should have told you about Walter.”
The sound of his voice made me regret leaving him. The urge to run back to his house was so strong I held the phone tighter.
“Yes, you should have.” He laughed a little, and I clenched my legs together at the sound of it. “How long has he been with you?”
“As far back as I can remember. I was around your age when he showed up at my door.”
“And exactly how long ago were you my age?”
He didn’t respond right away, and my tension returned. “I need to know anything I tell you, anything we discuss, stays with us. Can you do that?”
“Of course,” I said without hesitation.
“Okay. I will just say, it was well before we went into hiding.” His statement shocked me into silence. I couldn’t think let alone speak. “Ember, are you still there?”
I swallowed and took a deep breath. “Yeah, uh-huh, I’m here.”
“I’ve shocked you.”
“You did. That makes you... ancient.” Ancient was an understatement, but it’s what I stuck with.
“Yes, you could say that. Are you okay?”
“Yes. It was just unexpected.” Then it hit me. “Do you remember the picture I showed you?” He fell quiet again. “Liam, was that you?”
“Can I come over? I don’t want to discuss this over the phone.”
I nibbled my lip as I thought about it. “No. I’ll come to you.”
I hung up with him and called Isaac.
“Hey, I just spoke with Liam. I’m going to his place to talk things out.”
“Okay,” he said with a grunt. “You sure you’re okay with that?”
“Yes. I wanted to tell you so you don’t think I went after Stella without letting you know.”
“Yeah, thanks. Text or call if you need anything.”
Liam and I settled ourselves in the backyard gazebo. It was becoming my favorite spot at the house. The sun had set, and the outside lights were on, bathing the yard in a soft golden glow. I studied him in the dimness of the fairy lights. His hair looked black, and his eyes were almost as dark. I thanked whatever magic we have that he didn’t look anywhere close to his actual age.
He met my eyes and smiled. “You’re staring. Looking for some sign of my age?”
“Yeah. I know it’s impossible, but thought I’d give it a shot.”