Return to Eden by G. P. Ching

Author:G. P. Ching [Ching, G. P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-02-29T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

The Visitor

On the other end of Eden, Malini led Jacob into Lillian’s office. The shelf of geodes and gemstones from when Warwick Laudner walked the halls still cast colorful light across the desk, but Lillian had added her own personal touches. A framed print of Van Gogh’s Starry Night hung on the wall and a floral patterned rug covered the floor. A picture of Jacob was taped to the side of a new computer.

"What do you think my great-great-grandfather did with these stones?" Jacob asked, running a finger over the shelf in front of the window.

Malini hugged him from behind. "It probably had something to do with his gift. I don’t know for sure but my red stone enhances my abilities." Releasing Jacob, she lifted a large amethyst. "I think these stones were tools but we may never know for sure how he used them."

Lillian walked through the open door, her long, quick strides guiding her to the leather chair behind the desk. "Archibald says Warwick used them to communicate with Soulkeepers outside of Eden. I haven’t been able to figure out how they work. We might need them. No cell service here."

Malini took the seat across the desk from her next to Jacob. The metal frame and hard pad reminded Malini of the chairs in the Paris High School office and judging by their split pea color, were probably made in the same year.

"So, what did you need to talk to me about?" Malini asked.

Lillian folded her hands. "You’ve made a mistake. I know you assigned me to run this school but I can’t do it anymore. You need to find a replacement."

"What? But everything looks perfect. You’re doing so well!"

"And Laudner’s Flowers and Gifts has been closed two days this week. I still don’t know how I’m going to explain it when the Laudners come home from their cruise. I’ll have to say I was sick or something. I know this is more important, but we’re spreading ourselves too thin. I can’t pretend to help John run a business, while simultaneously running a school, and preparing my skills to fight off Lucifer."

"I’m sorry, Lillian. I know I’ve asked too much. Maybe one of the new Helpers can become more involved. Let me think about it and get back to you."

"Please do, and quickly. I needed help, yesterday. And to be perfectly honest, I never wanted this job. I’m a Horseman, not a Helper. I don't mind teaching the Soulkeepers about weapons, but running a school just isn’t my thing."

"I know. I know, Lillian. Let me meditate on it. I’ll find someone else. But promise me you’ll hang in there until I do," Malini pleaded.

Lillian sighed. "Okay. But not forever. I’m fine with going back to the way things were before we found Eden. I’m serious about this. I don’t want to do it another day. For you I will, but you better get to work on finding a replacement because I’m not sure how much longer I can force myself to do this.

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