Solstice - The Goddess Awakens
Chapter 57

Celeste never mentioned their encounter with Alex to her daughter; she didn’t even discuss it with Lola after that day. How she knew that he would be there was still a mystery to Lola, but for once in her life she let the question remain unasked. She was sure that Aibgrene would not take the news that Alex Stein was blood in the best taste.

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Celeste had been growing stronger by the day and although she wasn’t back to her full strength, her progress while at Brook Mill Manor had been impressive. So when both Celeste and Aibgrene sat her down to say it was time for them to leave, Lola was devastated. She really needed them with her but that was just being selfish. Aibgrene explained that it was best for her mother to be among her circle of friends and the many healers that they knew. She had said that it would aid her recovery. Lola couldn’t really argue with that, both women had already been through so much.

Despite herself, Lola often thought about Alex and what Celeste had told him. She found herself wondering if he had listened to Celeste, and if it had crossed his mind that there was indeed a different way.

Lola returned to university the week Celeste and Aibgrene left Brook Mill Manor. She hadn’t realised how much she missed school. It was great distraction from her worries. She had over three weeks of work to catch up on, so most of her time was spent going between classes and the library. The staff at the university newspaper were delighted to have her back working with them, as things had been hectic for them without the extra help. For the first time in a while Lola totally immersed herself in her work. She had always been sceptical of how people could concentrate on studying when they were troubled, but it did actually help to clear her mind.

Gradually her life seemed to be getting back to normal, but she knew that Carl Stein wouldn’t give up that easily. Normal service resumed for Carl and Alex Stein. Lola had caught glimpses of them in the papers and magazines. One picture was taken at a dinner at Stormont, the Local Assembly in Northern Ireland. The caption said that it was held in honour of local businessman Carl Stein for efforts in creating employment. Lola couldn’t help but laugh when she saw the Minister for Trade and Commerce standing beside Carl in the picture with a sling on his arm. The last time Lola had seen him, he was lying sprawled out on the floor of Mussenden Temple.

The first semester passed by quickly and the Christmas break was approaching. Having the car was great; it meant that if Lola felt like going home, or needed to get home in an emergency, she could. It also meant that she could share the driving with Ruby. The girls had been fantastic. They never quizzed her about where she had disappeared to on Halloween night, but Lola knew they must have had their suspicions. They were very protective of her and made sure she was rarely on her own. Lola suspected her parents’ hand in that. In truth she knew she was safe because she had the ring. Celeste had returned it to her before she left, and as long a she wore it, Lola always felt safe.

Preoccupied with assignments and preparing for exams, Lola was enjoying a rare weekend at home, helping her mum to put up the Christmas decorations. Her mum and dad had worked tirelessly and the house looked fantastic. Arthur had always placed a large tree in the entrance hall and her mum didn’t depart from tradition. A garland snaked around the staircase, fixed with a large golden bow at the end of the railing and the smell of pine permeated the house. Arthur had been on Lola’s mind all day, as he often was. It was late afternoon and it wouldn’t be long until it was dark. Dropping the small box of red and gold baubles, Lola headed for the wet room. Lifting her winter coat and scarf she walked to the car, not really sure where she was heading. Taking a right turn at the end the avenue, Lola drove towards the fort. She hadn’t been there since Arthur’s cremation. Lola stopped at the roadside, shut off the engine and pulled on her coat before she got out of the car. The iron gate at the entrance was locked, so she had to climb over it. The ground beneath her feet was solid and even though it had been a bright day the sun hadn’t been able to penetrate the frozen earth. Making her way along the two outer rings, Lola noticed how different the place was in winter. Clumps of variegated holly with scarlet berries bobbed in the faint breeze. This was the only colour and life that the fort offered now.

Lola’s familiar feet made their way to the reaching centre of the fort, as she took a seat at the foot of one of the large oak trees. Lola pulled her coat and scarf tightly around her ears, as the frigid wind lifted. Without really knowing why, she closed her eyes, recalling the countless times she had been there with Arthur and Cuchulain. She remembered every story he had told her, and he had been right, the place was full of magick. Lola felt much more attuned to it now. She could feel it ebb and flow above her, below her and all around her. She wondered if Arthur’s spirit still lingered there amongst the ancient oaks. She realised that was really what had brought her to the fort today. She longed to be closer to him. Brook Mill Manor was increasingly becoming her family’s home now and it felt less and less like Arthur’s. It was even becoming harder and harder to feel his presence in the book room and she was the only person who was ever in there.

‘I never doubted you, Lola. You’ve come such a long way.’ The voice was in her head, but Lola understood that it was not her own. Lola squeezed her eyes shut as if this would make it more real.

‘You can open your eyes if you want, I’ll still be here,’ chuckled Arthur, but Lola didn’t want to just in case it was all a dream. She wanted to keep him with her for as long as possible. ‘Although you feel alone, I am always by your side. Never once will you walk alone. Think of what you have learned,’ urged the voice in her mind. ‘Think of what you have achieved. This is only the beginning. There is still much greatness to come.’ This was Lola’s opportunity to ask him anything, she had so many questions. Where should she begin? ‘Always such a busy mind, Lola Paige! Yet you have all the answers you need,’ chided Arthur. He was wrong. She didn’t have the answers. She was lost without him. Lola was about to tell him so but she was interrupted by her cell phone ringing. Then the moment was lost and the voice was gone. Peeling her eyes open, Lola found herself alone. Reaching for her phone she answered the call.

‘Ruby. What do you want?’ said Lola, unintentionally allowing her frustration to spill out.

‘And hello to you too, Miss Congeniality!’ chirped Ruby.

‘Sorry, Rubes,’ apologised Lola. ‘You caught me at a bad time.’

‘Well I’ll not keep you then. I just wanted to tell you that we are heading back to Belfast early and that we’re gonna pick up our tickets for the Vintage Ball. You’re still going, aren’t you, Lo?’ Lola understood that there was only one answer that her best friend wanted to hear. Reluctantly, and under duress, she’d promised the girls ages ago that she’d go to the dance, plus her mum had already started to make her a dress for the occasion. Lola couldn’t see how she could back out now.

‘I’ll take that as a yes,’ said Ruby. ‘I’ll see you when you get down.’

‘Okay. See you later, Rubes.’ Putting the phone back in her pocket, Lola decided it was time to head for home. The sky had turned a deep crimson as the sun began to fade. Heading out of the clearing, the wind picked up again, and for a second Lola heard Arthur’s gravelly voice carried in the wind.

‘You hold the answers, Lola. Remember, what lies within, reflects without!’ Climbing over the gate, Lola prayed he was right.

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