Page 74 of The Wonder of You
He nods, and just like that, I walk away from my family.
No tears.
Only the sense of moving on.
This time, I’m going home for real
Chapter 52
When we arrive back at the circus, I am surprised that it’s pretty much all been taken down. It feels like a thousand years ago that I arrived with Lydia and my life changed, but it also feels like five minutes ago. Phoenix and I walked the short way back from my grandparent’s house in silence. I think he knew I wanted to take everything in. Despite the bittersweet goodbye with my dad, sister and the house, what happened with Uncle Carl is still lingering on my mind. But he’s gone now, and I can finally move on. I don’t have anything left to be afraid of. Still, I really need a long sleep after all this.
“How do we get back?” I finally ask.
“Arabella will do it for us.” He can clearly see the concern on my face. “It won’t hurt, you don’t remember?”
“Not really, I just feel like we were there one minute and then in the mortal world the next…then vice versa, you know?” I say. I try to remember properly, but my mind is foggy. I am too tired.
“That’s kind of it,” he reassures.
As we all prepare to leave, Lukas hugs me tight and Toni rubs my back.
“I’m so happy we’re finally going home with you.” All I can do is thank him for his kind words, otherwise I’ll cry. I breathe in the fresh air around me. I just need one more moment in this world, this life, to let it sink in.
By the time Arabella calls us, I am ready.
We all stand in a circle holding hands. I grip onto Phoenix firmly with one hand, and hold Maudie’s hand in my other. Henry winks at me from the opposite side of the circle and I smile at him, trying to put behind me what he did earlier. He saved my life. I am forever thankful for that, even if everything that happened was absolutely terrifying. At least Dad thinks it was only a bad dream. No one should have to live with those horrible memories. And it’s time for me to leave them behind too.
The world around us starts to disappear. My mouth drops as the cabins disappear all at once. I hear Phoenix and Lukas laugh, probably at my reaction. I am sure I’ve seen this before, but it feels new. Does a person ever get used to magic? I lived twenty-nine years, blind to this way of life. I can barely believe it’s happening now.
“Are you okay?” Phoenix asks.
“A little bit scared,” I giggle nervously.
“We’re going home, Renée.” He squeezes my hand which is all the reassurement I need.
Everything happens so fast that I cannot even comprehend the moment when Arabella shouts. “Now!” and my vision blurs.
“Renée? Renée?”
Phoenix’s voice wakes me up. I find myself in his arms in what appears to be another field. My head spins. My vision isn’t fully back, but I know I am safe. I don’t remember getting here.
“What happened?” I mutter.
“I should have realised you might have passed out; it’s been a while since you’ve moved between worlds.”
I sit up, knowing I’ve been here before, but also taking it all in. It feels like the first time. In the field sits all our cabins, but none of the circus tents. I do remember Phoenix saying we could do with a short break from the circus, and I most certainly feel like I need it. Looking around at the trees, feeling the grass beneath me, it all feels so real. So right. Home.
Chapter 53
Immortal Land
Golden Valley
2023
Walking around the field with a cup of tea in my hands feels like the true form of a safety blanket around me. The cabins are placed in a circle all facing each other. It reminds me of a family set up on a holiday park. As I walk aimlessly, taking in the many sights around me, I am greeted by Phoenix striding over to me. I instantly smile as he takes my hand in his.
“Gabriel is here,” he tells me quietly. My stomach drops. Gabriel is the leader of this world and usually a rare sight. My heart drops at what could be coming.
