Free When Lightning Strikes (Lightning Series Book 1) by Kathleen Rovner Page B

twisting her wedding ring as she said this.
    “We don’t know anything for sure yet. Just because there has been no sign so far doesn’t mean that it won’t still happen.” It sounded like he was placating her.
    “I’m torn. She wants to dance so much that it may be better that it doesn’t happen since it isn’t possible to have a normal career.”
    What in the world were they talking about?
    “But, at the same time, I don’t like that she and Jamie will inevitably grow apart.” Her mom paused. “They are so close, which is normal, but it is sad that it has to happen this way. He understands, but it’s been hard on him keeping this from her while trying to deal with everything.”
    “I know. He feels that all of this is his fault. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have to move back. It is making everything worse.”
    Something was going on with Jamie? That was why they were moving. Her anger faded to concern. She pictured her dad comforting Jamie yesterday, sheltering him.
    “She can’t know about any of it. It is the way the Tribe chose eons ago. It is for everyone’s protection. We don’t have any choice. You know that. We have to think about Jamie too. She will have a choice when the time comes. If it were up to us, we would do things differently. One day she’ll understand.” Dad’s voice was soft, and she wasn’t sure she heard him right.
    “You know I don’t agree. It feels wrong. No one should be asked to make that choice. It isn’t fair. She has a right to be angry and upset. If things were different, I could stay here with her until you both return, but they won’t allow it unless I choose to leave you and Jamie.” Her mother sighed. “It feels like the same battle we had to be together all over again. Your family has to be pushing for this.”
    His family? His parents were dead.
    “I know, but it won’t work. You are stuck with me for as long as you can stand it.”
    It was quiet for a few minutes. Julie pictured her dad giving her mom a hug and kiss. She heard a soft sigh after a minute. A chair scooted back.
    “I wish we had more time this morning. I would take you back upstairs. The kids are still asleep, but you have always liked the kitchen, Andy…” His words faded out.
    Her mom giggled.
    Ew.
    Julie backed up the stairs quickly. She didn’t want to hear any of that. Quietly she made her way past her brother’s room, stopping to pause as she noticed that the light was on under his door. She couldn’t hear anything from the room, but she held her breath as she walked heel to toe as quietly as possible.
    ♦

Chapter 7: Island Paradise
    ≺≻
    W hen she felt the first bump, Julie pulled her drooling cheek off her arm. She looked up and out the car window. They were crossing the mile–long bridge to the island. They were here.
    The gaps between the bridge’s concrete slabs bumped the SUV slightly as they drove. She couldn’t remember much of the ride. All the fighting must have worn her out since she fell asleep shortly after they left the house. The sun was setting, so she must have slept all day.
    The island was in a bay, and the water was never choppy. If this were a vacation, she would have liked the effect of the colors as they played across the still waters of the bay. The orange, red, pink, and purple stretched across the water like long fingers reaching out to the bridge from the mainland.
    She glanced around the car and saw her brother and mom were asleep too. Lir was driving the car and didn’t know she was awake. Julie looked back outside. She hadn’t spoken a single word to anyone in the car today. She didn’t intend to now.
    Her foot bumped the suitcase stuffed under her seat. She’d packed the one bag this morning. She didn’t bother with any of her dancing stuff. It made her sad. What was the point?
    Her mother had insisted that she leave most of her jeans, t–shirts, and sweatshirts behind. The movers would take care of it all, and they would get