Free Promises (Book One of The Syrenka Series) by Amber Garr Page A

sight, Harlan told me that he needed to
sit down. I ushered him over to the section with cocktail tables
and chairs. He sat down with a thump and immediately began wiping
his forehead with the handkerchief.
    “ Here dad, drink this.”
Kain forced a glass of water into his father’s hands started to
wipe his forehead for him. Harlan pushed him away and
tsked.
    “ Go away. I’m fine. Why
don’t you take your beautiful fiancée for a spin on the dance
floor?” When Kain and I didn’t move, he sat back in his chair and
sighed. “Go. I’m alright.” We still didn’t listen. “I promise.” He
waved us on and I grabbed Kain’s hand to pull him away from his
father. No sense in giving him a heart attack trying to convince us
that he’s okay.
    The music had changed to something
more young and hip. It took me several tries to get Kain to focus
on the dancing. I even wrapped my arms around his shoulders and
nuzzled against him, encouraging him to move. It wasn’t until
Daniel, Lily, and even Carissa joined us that he seemed to loosen
up a little.
    “ He’ll be alright,” I said
when I caught him looking towards his father again. We were moving
slowly together now, so I could feel his muscles anxious with
worry. He didn’t say anything at first but then he gently kissed
the top of my head and rested his cheek against it.
    “ Thanks.”
    I hugged him tighter and fought the
tears growing in my eyes. This was so hard on him and I admired his
strength. I knew that I would not be as strong if I was losing one
of my parents. We continued to sway until someone abruptly knocked
into us.
    “ Hey guys, save it for
later,” Vance said as he bounded into the center of the group and
began to awkwardly gyrate his body. We couldn’t help but laugh and
in no time at all we were enjoying the break dancing battle going
on between Vance and Daniel. The moves they were attempting were
real, but neither of the boys had the skill to execute them very
well. It was quite amusing to see Daniel try for a back spin, only
to get around a few inches. Vance attempted a one-handed stand, but
when he kicked his feet over his head, he fell on his side with
very little room to make it look cool.
    By this time, all of the syrenkas had
gathered and joined in with the impromptu dance competition. Cat
calls, taunting, and superficial threats were passing amongst the
group all in the spirit of fun. We forgot about our training and
responsibilities. I forgot about my upcoming decisions and Kain
enjoyed himself freely. For a few moments, everything was
good.
    If it hadn’t been for the laughing and
clapping maybe we would have heard something. But the entertainment
continued until someone screamed from the far side of the room. The
music suddenly stopped and we were all looking around, frantically
trying to figure out what was going on.
    “ Someone call an
ambulance!” a voice shouted. Everyone turned their head in the
direction of the commotion and the crowd began to move aside and
clear a path. At first I thought it was for the emergency help,
although they wouldn’t have been here so quickly. As soon as I
realized what was really happening, Kain ran screaming from my side
and down the aisle of people.
    “ Dad!”

 
     
    Seven
    The next few days seemed to drag on
through a haze of sadness and disbelief. Harlan Matthew had
apparently died before he even fell to the floor. The doctor’s
declared it was a stroke and assured Kain that it was quick and
painless. Although I doubted that those words brought any sort of
comfort to my friend. His dad was gone and once that realization
sunk in, he had a whole other set of obligations to deal
with.
    We left Florida early the next
morning. I was flying back to California and Kain was accompanying
his father to Massachusetts for a private family burial. He and I
didn’t speak much at all after that night. I stayed near his side,
helping him fend off the well-wishers and offering my silent
support. He