Brody Carmichael
P.S. Please say you will go.
P.P.S. If you don’t say yes, you can still keep the bike.
P.P.P.S. Say YES!
Attached was also Brody’s phone number. Mina jumped up and down in excitement and showed her mother the note. She rushed inside and grabbed the cordless phone from its hanger by the fridge. Her fingers were shaking so badly, she had to redial the number twice.
When Brody’s deep voice answered the phone, Mina almost lost her nerve and found she couldn’t immediately speak. “Mina, is that you?”
“Yes, it’s me.” She smacked her head wishing she could have thought of something better to have said.
“I missed you after school. Is everything okay?” “Yes, it’s fine. I’m sorry, it was um... family business that kept me from meeting you, but don’t worry. I wasn’t in any danger.”
“Oh!” He sounded relieved. “Is that why you called?”
Mina smiled into the phone. “I called because I love the bike. Thank you. When did you have time to find one just like it?”
Brody laughed softly into the phone, a whisper of breath that made Mina shiver in delight. “I actually ordered it the same day I rode yours over. I was going to tell you about it in the car but decided to surprise you instead. So have you decided about the dance?”
Mina couldn’t keep the smile off of her face. “I don’t know if dancing is how I would want to spend my birthday.”
“Friday is your birthday? I didn’t know. We can do something else, if you want.”
“No, I think spending my birthday with you would be the perfect gift.” Mina smiled over the phone.
“So decide on what fairy tale couple you would like to go as and then give me a call. I would prefer to not go as the frog prince if you get my drift. Green and slimy doesn't look good on me.”
Mina was pacing her room and thinking of some of her favorite fairy tale characters, when she passed her bedroom mirror. She stared at her reflection and touched the fabric of her red jacket, a reminder of the many piles of red clothes that littered the floor. Mina realized that no matter what fairy tale princess or character she would try to go as, the Story would keep making her into the same one.
“How about Red Riding Hood?” Mina intoned sadly.
Brody’s voice brightened. “Then I will be your hunter. Never fear, Mina, I’ll keep the big bad wolf away.”
Those words sent a tingle of dread through her limbs. She felt the power of the Story at work and actually feared that very conclusion.
***
After the phone call, Mina climbed out her window and made her way up to her rooftop retreat. It was just after dark when Mina pulled out the red notebook. She decided to look through the Grimoire where her mom wouldn't worry. For Sara, out of sight, out of mind, really was the best medicine. Mina reclined in the lounge chair and flipped through the notebook's pages. Still only one story. She caressed the lines and spoke to the Grimoire.
>“I can’t,” Mina whined.
“Yes, you can.”
“No, I don’t think I can anymore. I’m cold, tired and don’t want to hurt you.”
“Mina, you have to. Your life depends on it.” Jared was getting angry. “I told you I can’t.”
“Do it for your brother. Do it for Charlie!” he yelled. “Do it for your father!”
That is what made Mina step back and blink in surprise. How did he know so much about her father? Was this some sort of sick joke? Mina gripped the stupid knife and felt herself go tense in preparation to attack. He was lying to her; or as he said, manipulating the truth. He knew more than he was telling.
“What do you know about my father?” Mina yelled angrily, hot tears burning in her eyes.
“I know that he was full of himself. James didn’t think he needed help and wouldn’t take it when offered. He tried to face the Story on his own terms, unprepared, and paid the ultimate price for his stubbornness. And you’re going to end up just like him if you don’t prepare yourself,” Jared called. Mina felt her body tense up like a tightly wound spring. “You’re weak,” Jared continued. ”If you don’t get stronger, you’re going to doom your mother to mourning not one child but two.”
That was the final straw; Mina grabbed her wooden knife and jumped at Jared, trying to push him more than hit him.