Silence and Ruptured Waters: Pan Chronicles Book 3

By J. M. Stephen

So far Pippa Gardiner has lost her mother in a fire, fallen in love with a Pan from another reality, the Fairy world, discovered her father was a former Pan, developed a close friendship with a satyr, and discovered she has a half-brother who just happens to the Prince of the Fairies. And that’s all been within the last year.

Now that her brother seems determined to release the apocalyptic creature known as Ruinae, Pippa has to brace herself for even more shocking revelations as she tries to save both of her worlds from the Ruinae’s followers. Most notably, the Squalus, a malevolent being who uses the oceans to wreak havoc.

About the author:
J. M. Stephen is an author and educator with a penchant for mythologies and history. She loves the woods, secluded places, reading Virginia Woolf and being out in nature. She has taught writing, literature and publishing at The Gotham Writer’s Workshop and The New School. Her articles and short stories have appeared in numerous publications. Aside from her young adult series, she is also the author of the adult biblical fantasy, Nod and four works of literary fiction. She now writes for newspaper The Deerfield Valley News in the southern Vermont town where she lives with her family.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DX Varos Publishing
• Release date: Feb 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781955065139

J. M. Stephen

J. M. Stephen is an author and educator with a penchant for mythologies and history. She loves the woods, secluded places, reading Virginia Woolf and being out in nature. She has taught writing, literature and publishing at The Gotham Writer's Workshop and The New School. Her articles and short stories have appeared in numerous publications. Aside from her young adult series, she is also the author of the adult biblical fantasy, Nod and four works of literary fiction. She now writes for newspaper The Deerfield Valley News in the southern Vermont town where she lives with her family.

Book preview

Silence and Ruptured Waters

Book III of the

Pan Chronicles

J.M. Stephen

Copyright © 2022, Jessica Sticklor

Published by:

DX Varos Publishing, Inc.

7665 E. Eastman Ave. #B101

Denver, CO 80231

This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

Book cover design and layout by Ellie Bockert Augsburger of Creative Digital Studios.

www.CreativeDigitalStudios.com

Cover design features:

Walking Woman In Pink Mini Dress by studioloco/ Adobe Stock; dark Angel Wings by lili filane/ Adobe Stock; Woman in black jeans and shirt run goes walking on white background isolation, back view by Kabardins photo/ Adobe Stock; Woman in yellow apron smile holding kitchen towel cleaning on white background isolation, back view By Kabardins photo/ Adobe Stock

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA By Sandor99/ Adobe Stock; Morning Mountain Mist at the Lassen

Printed in the United States of America

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This book is dedicated to

Svetlana Bochman

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

About the Author

Chapter One

Pippa Gardner scanned the lunchroom. It was already filling up, which was a strange sight so early in the morning. Most kids preferred to skip in-school breakfast and sleep in, rushing and barely making it to their lockers before the first bell. But today Phil and Jesse, from English class, tossed a bagel wrapped in cellophane back and forth across one of the gray folding lunch tables while Elizabeth Hosier carried a tray of oatmeal and milk over. Tina Kim, who’d scored a second audition for a minor role in Chicago in New York City, kept her head down as she studied a script.

Pippa surveyed the lunchroom for her friend Phoebe, but she was nowhere to be found. This was also an unusual occurrence. Phoebe, unlike most at Catskills High School, always ate breakfast in the lunchroom. She tried to get to school as early as possible most days but ever since they’d returned from their spring break trip to New York City, Phoebe had been hard to find. Not only was she still a little upset with Pippa after all that had gone down in the city, but she’d been super distracted at school. Phoebe was shy but she always raised her hand in class, especially English class, but ever since their return Phoebe kept her head down and stared at her phone like she had some sort of cyber addiction. Even the other kids were worried that something was going on with her. There was talk about a mystery person who kept her occupied with her phone nearly all the time.

After New York, Pippa had called and emailed her friend, who was starting to feel more like someone from her past that maybe someday she’d catch up with her on Instagram. Phoebe didn’t completely avoid her. She nodded to Pippa in the hall, she talked briefly with her in class, but only about academic subjects. Yesterday, Phoebe actually said two entire sentences to her about Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland. His name was Reverend Dodgson, Phoebe had said. And he was about as playful as he seems from his books, but he was always a brilliant mathematician. When Pippa raced after her in the halls Phoebe usually stopped and listened until her phone buzzed and then she’d look down, completely distracted. When she asked what she was up to, Phoebe usually shrugged and walked away. When she asked her friend if she wanted to hang out it was always, I’m busy, I can’t. Part of Pippa knew that her friend was still mad at her, but another part was starting to wonder what her friend was trying to keep secret.

Things changed after their trip to the city, after the earthquakes and Eros. Eros—and why of all the boys—did Phoebe have to fall for Eros? He was not the sweet teenage boy with self-esteem issues and a scarred face they’d first met in the city, but a magical creature more powerful than just about any creature in her world—or the Land of the Fairies—who was hellbent on taking the bad guys’ side.

Pippa couldn’t get the last thing Eros had told her out of her head. Your mother is a natural redhead. That had stayed with her, and she’d spent the last few weeks trying to decipher what he meant. She picked the sentence apart word by word, subject by predicate, to get to the bottom of it. "Your mother is a natural redhead."

Her mother had been dead for almost a year. The medics had said they’d found her body. She hadn’t been asked to identify her mother’s body, thank God, since she’d been burned so badly in that fire, but she’d gone to her funeral, there had been a casket and crying and…. why would he say is instead of was? Was it just a slip? Somehow Pippa was sure Eros did not make slips- he was too smart, too in control, for that. And then there was the fact that she was a redhead. Pippa could only think of one reason why that mattered - the missing Sister, the final of the three Queens who had once ruled the Land of the Fairies, was known by all as the red-haired sister.

But Phoebe didn’t know all that. All Phoebe knew was that Pippa, who was supposed to be her best friend, had never been straight with her. All Phoebe knew was that whenever there was a problem Pippa disappeared and asked Phoebe to help her without any explanation as to what was going on. And this last time, all Phoebe knew was that Pippa had somehow managed to chase away the only boy she’d ever seemed to really like. But Phoebe hadn’t seen Eros grow black angel’s wings or seen the sinister look in his eyes when he spoke about Ruinae. It was better that she’d managed to give her friend a balm to affect her memory. Phoebe knew something was wrong, she knew something was missing, but she could not remember Eros. It was for the best.

Pippa watched as more kids piled in for breakfast. Christopher Michaels entered, he turned his head and started talking to someone. That’s when Pippa saw Vincent enter holding hands with Inner Earth, or Vero. This pan from The Land of the Fairies had actually decided to go by his fairy name, Vero, when he decided to move in with the Turners and to go to school in the Human world. It was a strange name, but no one really questioned it since names had gotten stranger even in Pippa’s world. There was a girl who had transferred two years ago named Plumb and a boy in Pippa’s Physics class went by Jumper.

Pan was also staying with the Turners, though he’d elected to be homeschooled. I can’t sit at a desk all day, Pippa. I need to be outside, he’d explained to her, and she’d understood. She was just happy that Pan, the love of her life, had decided to come back with her. She could introduce him to her friends. He came over for dinner with Aunt Catty. He was now just a second of shimmering away. Or better yet, he could just get into Vincent’s car and drive over.

A few kids stopped to stare when Vincent and Vero walked in holding hands. The social climate had changed as far as same sex relationships went and most kids didn’t really bat an eye at their relationship, but like anything even slightly different in high school, they still got an off-kilter stare. Sometimes the odd homophobic remark was flung at them during gym or at Vincent’s track practice. If only people knew just how different Vincent and Vero really were in this world.

So, I see you’re still into blueberries, Vincent said, taking a seat across from Pippa at her empty table.

she looked down at her tray and noticed her oatmeal with blueberries was still in front of her. They have a lot of antioxidants, whatever that means. My aunt is on this new health food kick. She has a lot to say about blueberries and kale.

Your aunt has a lot to say about everything, Vero said, running a hand through his thick red hair. Vero wasn’t your average ginger; he was the type of ginger who would have been given a modeling contract if he’d shown up at any agency in New York City. Many girls were upset when the new kid turned out to be into the male track star.

You get used to Aunt Catty, Vincent said, draping an arm around Vero and smiling. She’s a staple in these parts. Vero looked over at Vincent, then he swiped at Vincent’s thick black hair, laughing.

Everything here is a staple. It takes a lot of getting used to. You know that city, the one where I first sort of... I don’t know, got reacquainted with this guy here, Vero smiled at Vincent, playfully knocking into him. That city was all big and crazy, but this, there’s so much nature, and it’s much quieter, and yet you still have so many cars, so much noise. How on earth do you humans do it? It’s really only Queen Mab’s Clearing, and sometimes when the Lady of the Lake used to have her tea parties…. what did she call them, Soirees? The Salon…. what on earth was it?

The Lady of the Lake used to have parties? Pippa asked.

Soirees, Vero corrected. Much fancier than a party. And they did not rival Queen Mab’s parties. She didn’t throw water nymph weddings and whatnot, but she used to cut a proverbial rug. Vero smiled and laughed, moving closer to Vincent. But I don’t think she’s going to be having parties anytime soon. Not with you-know-who down where I’m supposed to be.

But you’re up here with me, Vincent said. Vero smiled at his boyfriend, and they hugged briefly.

You know, I’m all for love and all that, but you two make a romantic comedy look like a break-up.

Oh, your boy will be here by the bell, waiting for you like he always does, Vincent replied. But you know, with all that’s been going on with the oceans up here, I’m really wondering if Our Lady down in the Lake has any time on her hands.

Did you hear about that tsunami in China? Pippa asked. And then all those ships went missing.

I really feel sorry for those military crews. We still can’t find the crew of the Morrisontown, Vero said. I’ve been scanning the news, there isn’t much, but I just... something is going on with Water. Pan and I should talk to Vati soon. These things... and now with that oil rig... it just disappeared.

The price of gas shot right up after that one, Vincent said.

But at least the earth’s core seems to have settled, Inner Earth added. I really hated feeling responsible for all of that destruction.

None of that was your fault, Vincent said to his boyfriend. The Queens made you live alone down there with so much on your shoulders and when they knew about Eros did, they lift many fingers?

It’s all okay now. I get to live with you, Vero said. Vincent smiled at that, calming down.

Pippa looked up at the clock high on the wall above the blue doors out of the cafeteria and noted that the bell would ring in a few minutes. Just then Phoebe walked in. Her long black hair was pin straight, and her bangs made her look much older than she was, but they also made her look more innocent. She was wearing a flowing spring dress that was such a soft shade of pink that it almost looked white. If she’d had flowers in her hair, she would have looked just like one of Queen Mab’s fairies.

Phoebe held her books in front of her chest like a shield. Her eyes darted back and forth around the cafeteria like she was trying to hide from something. She glanced at the line, which was still long despite how late it was getting, then turned toward the vending machines. Before she reached them, Phoebe’s eyes met Pippa’s. Pippa smiled and waved to her old friend. She considered gesturing her over, but she wasn’t sure what would happen. Phoebe, even before their fight, had been a little shy. She didn’t know Vero very well and since she’d started avoiding Pippa just after the field trip, she hadn’t had time to get to know him.

Phoebe’s face flashed some recognition and she almost smiled back. Instead, she started texting someone and turned away, completely distracted. She didn’t even bother grabbing anything for breakfast. Earlier this month Pippa might have followed her, but after a couple of weeks of chasing her down only to be ignored, she wanted to give her friend some space,

Who is she talking to? Vero asked. The other day in Chemistry she got in trouble for texting in class. Phoebe never does that.

It’s like there’s someone she’s talking to. Someone more important to me, Pippa thought out loud.

You sure you don’t want to go after her? Vincent asked.

No, it’s better this way. She’ll come back when she’s ready.

I still don’t know why she’s staying away from you. You two seemed pretty close before, Vero said.

We were. Now we’re not. Look, she doesn't know who I am or what Eros is, and she can’t know that and that is causing a rift.

You could tell her, see what happens, Vero suggested, shrugging.

You know very well we can’t just go telling—

I know, I know, but I don’t see how not telling her is helping.

Look, she knows, she knows even if I’ve made her forget, that something is up. She has a deep unsettled feeling that the world isn’t what it seems. I know that feeling from experience and it’s not pleasant.

You’re half Pan, so it’s different, Phoebe is all human, Vincent said.

The human world must know something is up even if they can’t explain it. The world is changing, nature is out of whack. It’s not just random geysers and tsunamis, but there’s something about the very fabric of nature that is going wrong, and humans feel it. That’s why they’ve been acting all crazy with the environment and politics. Some people are on one side and other people are on another side and they go crazy at each other. Yes, humans are prone to disagree, but people have gotten much more hostile and it’s because humans can sense him—Ruinae. They know he’s coming even if they don’t know the word ‘Ruinae.’

I think you’re right, Vero said. Humans are attached to the Fairy World through nature. Your kind might not know the facts, but they know something is wrong.

But that doesn’t mean I can or should tell Phoebe everything. That kind of information could really break a person if it isn’t handled right.

The bell rang just as Pippa finished her fruit. She took one long drink of orange juice before grabbing her backpack and turning to go. See you in Advanced Algebra, Vero said, smiling at Pippa.

Can’t wait to see if A + B still equals A+B, Pippa replied as they all got up to go, following the horde of students marching toward the exit at the same time.

School was uneventful, just as it was almost every day. Even with things going on in the Land of the Fairies, Pippa still had English and Advanced Algebra, Music Theory and Drama Club, along with Earth Science and Psychology. Pippa had settled into a routine here, a predictable sequence of events that was never interrupted during the school day. She made sure she went to class. She didn’t skip time in the Land of the Fairies, and she never used her ability to shimmer to cheat on a test or get herself out of the work she needed to do for the Human World. She was part human after all, and she was hell bent on honoring that part as well.

It wasn’t until the final bell rang, that the excitement that built in the pit of her stomach the moment school let out, came to a head and she felt like a little kid standing wide eyed in front of her birthday cake about to blow the candles out. After school, every day without fail, Pan waited for her. He stood outside with his hands in his pockets, blond hair just a little tussled as he looked out for her. Pan used to run to Pippa when she got out of school, and she used to run to him, but the other kids would stop and stare too hard and the daily reunion started to feel way too dramatic. Now they tried to stay calm each time they were reunited for the day.

Pippa power walked extra quickly when she saw Pan standing by the flagpole with his arms at his sides. Hey stranger, Pippa said as she approached him.

Fancy seeing you here, he replied, taking her in his arms. She held Pan close, smelling the woods on him. She felt the strength of his muscled arms and shoulders and the softness, the kindness, of his hands as he held her for another second before letting her go so he could look at her. Whenever Pan looked at her it was like his eyes searched her face and he could see something bright, something special. His face melted and he smiled all the more as he slowly, softly, moved in to kiss her. Every time Pippa was with Pan, she was sure she was in the presence of another worldly force.

Pippa knew some of the kids at school were watching as they kissed near the flagpole. Why don’t you get a room, was usually uttered by a passerby at least once a week. But people were used to Pan’s presence after school in the weeks since he’d been coming each day.

I missed you, Pan said, smiling. He reached up and ran his finger softly along her cheek.

I missed you too, what did you do today in ‘homeschool?’

Nothing much, Pan shrugged. I spent some time in the woods. Then I shimmered over to the Land of the Fairies to see how they’re doing. The Lake is turning an odd shade of green. I’ve never seen it change color before. I didn’t think it could.

Is the Lady of the Lake sick? Pippa asked, a pang of worry flashing across her stomach. There was a lot to worry about where the Land of the Fairies was concerned. If the Lady of the Lake was sick, that might explain all the strange things happening with Water in her world. Water was a very important element and if something were really wrong it could affect the entire planet.

I don’t know, she wasn’t there. She wouldn’t see me. I talked to Queen Mab though. She wants to see us soon. She has news about her son.

I don’t know how she can keep us updated on him when he won’t see or speak to any of us.

She’s the Queen of the Fairies, you’d figure she possesses power beyond us mere mortals…or pans. She could defeat that power hungry prick in a heartbeat if she really wanted to, Pan said. His eyes scanned outward and in another second Vincent and Vero approached.

Prompt as usual, Vincent said, holding the keys to his mini cooper. The Turners had given Vincent a mini cooper to drive around, since he couldn’t very well shimmer everywhere. Vincent was a capable driver, but the car was small and when all four of them piled in, things got cramped. But it was better than having to walk.

I missed Pippa, it’s hard being away from her all day, Pan said as they started walking through the parking lot to Vincent’s car.

You could go to school here, Vero suggested. I know you’re a free spirit but it’s really not so bad. I didn’t think I could do it, but here I am.

Pan shook his head and looked out thoughtfully. Every time I think about starting at Catskill High, I get all sweaty and freaked out and I just want to run in the woods.

Pippa put her arm around Pan. She felt the muscles of his back as he turned to look at her. I totally understand him. Besides, it gives us time to miss each other.

Vero looked over at Vincent just as they reached his car. I don’t need time to miss this guy, I’ve spent enough time away from him, he said, referring to their breakup. Apparently, they didn’t want to repeat any part of that performance.

Vincent unlocked the car and they all crammed in. Pippa and Pan took the back, cuddling close in the middle seat as Vero sat up front with Vincent. As he started the car some of the guys from the track team passed in front of it and waved to Vincent. Can making it to practice this Saturday? one of the guys asked and Vincent waved back that he would.

Every junior and senior with a car bottle-necked the only exit out of the sweeping parking lot when school let out but once they were on the road to Pippa’s aunt Catty’s house, the streets were clear. Once they arrived, Vincent turned into the gravel driveway of and parked just outside garage. Pippa’s aunt’s pink Jetta was parked near the house as well and she was sure her aunt would soon come out to greet them. Birds chirped and glided through the branches of the trees overhead the moment Pippa got out of the car. It was almost summer, soon they would be on break and her aunt was trying to get her to take some art classes at the Community College where she taught.

At least it’s a nice day, Vincent said, stretching his legs as he exited the car. Just as Pippa looked around, the screen door to the house opened and Aunt Catty appeared. She was wearing a long floral skirt, something bohemian, and a blue and green flannel shirt, which probably meant that until very recently she’d been sculpting in her studio.

Hello, hello, children, Aunt Catty called, extra chipper as the screen door bounced on its hinges as she rushed outside. Aunt Catty looked as if she was perpetually in a hurry for something, which was interesting considering the fact that she was usually late for just about everywhere she went. How was school? Excited for the weekend?

The weekend, yeah, Vincent said. I have a research paper in English I need to work on.

We both have a date with the library this weekend, Vero said, draping an arm around Vincent. I have a paper for Social Studies. What is up with this world and writing constant papers?

Aunt Catty smiled sweetly at Vincent and Vero. Then she looked over at Pippa and Pan. Do you two have any plans for the weekend?

Just schoolwork, Pippa said, looking over at Pan she couldn't help but smile at him. Maybe we’ll buzz over to another universe, she kidded. It was a game between the four of them. How much could they say about the Land of the Fairies without Aunt Catty catching on?

Oh, you, always teasing. You know, all of you are always welcome to come over for dinner. I’m trying this new recipe for fat free, no carb avocado chicken.

Sounds great, Vincent said. Pippa wanted to make a face at her aunt’s new health food kick but Vincent, who was used to the plainer food in the Land of the Fairies, still found any kind of food that came from her world delicious. Pippa had a more experienced palate.

Well, I’ll leave you to it. I just wanted to say hello. I’m working on something inside, art awaits! Aunt Catty cried boisterously, turning back to return to her work. Pippa loved how much her aunt was into her art, which was really starting to take off. She’d had a show a few weeks ago where one of her sculptures of three women connected at the base, got a lot of attention. The local paper did a write-up on it and someone from the Berkshire Museum had asked if they could show it in one of their local artist exhibitions.

She’s really taking off, Vincent said when Aunt Catty was out of earshot. How’s it feel to be living with a famous artist?

It’s great to see all her hard work starting to pay off. She was always okay with money. She inherited this house from her parents and so when she returned from art school and living in New York, she had a nice place to live and work. And she always had the job at the Community College. Her art did okay, but she deserves this attention, Pippa said.

It’s funny your mother didn’t take this house, Vero said. She was also her parents’ daughter. She could have taken it.

She wanted Aunt Catty to have it. She said she had a feeling in her gut that my aunt was meant to have this house. My mother wanted to live in California. She used to tell me that all her life California was calling her. Even though she grew up here, she always knew she was meant to live in California and so after college she just moved, and the rest is history.

The rest is history, Vincent said.

Pippa, we can always shimmer over to California if you want to see it. I know you don’t like doing Land of the Fairies stuff for personal things but at the same time, call it a mental health day or whatever, Pan said lovingly. Pippa was always surprised when Pan used terms like ‘mental health day,’ that were so ingrained in her world vocabulary. California is near the ocean, and that might be where we need to focus right now. I’m worried about the H2O in your world.

Have you heard from Water? Vero asked. Like a stormfront coming in on a sunny day, his tone changed. He used the getting-down-to-business voice the Pans used when they discussed Pan stuff.

I haven’t. Water wasn’t there when I visited the Lake today. Maybe she’s busy. But strange things are happening in this world. I hope it doesn't get worse, Pan said.

What do you think it is? Pippa asked. She inched closer to Pan and took his hand.

I’m not sure. I hope it’s all just coincidence, Pan replied.

But we all know coincidence isn’t a real thing, Vero said. Something is up.

Something is up, Pan repeated.

Cold shivers ran down Pippa’s spine at this talk. She’d just dealt with Inner Earth’s issues, and before that the Forest had been in trouble. Now Water—and with Eros trying to let Ruinae out it felt like something more was coming. Then again for so long something more had been coming. Something sinister pervaded the air.

Tires crunched over the gravel driveway and all four friends turned their heads at the same time. They weren’t expecting anyone, and Aunt Catty would have mentioned if she was expecting a visitor. A silver car drove toward them. She didn’t know the car and she couldn't really see the driver, not with the glare from the sun bouncing off the windshield. Who could that be? Vincent asked.

Expecting company, Pippa? Vero asked.

No... I don’t know.

The car drove slowly, like an old lady with her hands on the wheel at ten and two. Once the car was parked in front of the house it sat idle for another second. The driver sat up front for another moment before the door opened and Phoebe got out. Pippa glanced over at Pan, who smiled lovingly at her.

Ohmygosh it’s her! Pippa said, surprised and excited that her old friend had come over. Her heart raced, then it skipped a beat, at the thought of Phoebe actually deciding to see her.

Talk to her, we’ll wait, Pan said supportingly.

Phoebe stood awkwardly in the driveway, hugging herself like she didn’t know what to do with her arms.

Phoebe, hello. It’s great to see you. Are you okay?

Yes, it’s just…. Phoebe started, flustered. Look, I tried calling your cell a couple times and you never answered. Pippa fumbled in her pockets and grabbed her phone. She’d turned the ringer and the vibration setting off for school and hadn’t bothered to turn them on. And I would think maybe you didn’t want to talk to me, but then, it’s you. You never know how to work your phone. Phoebe smiled and they both laughed for a second.

Well, that’s true. I turned the ringer off, didn’t even notice.

Sounds like you, Phoebe replied, getting more comfortable as she slouched her shoulders and stopped hugging herself.

I’m glad you’re here, Phoebe. I’ve wanted to talk to you.

Thank you, it’s just…. Phoebe seemed to be losing whatever footing she’d had just seconds before. I need to talk to you about something kind of personal.

You can tell me anything. After all the help you’ve given me, you don’t have to be shy. She smiled at her friend to coax her along, but Phoebe glanced at the ground and would not make eye contact.

It’s just... I’ve met someone, this boy, and I really wanted to talk to you about him. don’t know him that well, I met him online and I’ve never seen him-

You met a boy online? You haven’t even seen a picture? Don’t you think that’s odd? Or dangerous? Pippa had learned all about safely meeting people online in school and not offering a picture was definitely a red flag.

I can’t explain, but I like this boy and I trust him. I didn’t come here for you to lecture me, not after you show up to a school trip with a boyfriend, I’ve never heard of that appears to have known you your whole life. But this is just... I know him so well. We talk every day, and now he wants to meet in person tonight. He said he’d meet me anywhere and I thought maybe here. It can’t be at my house; my parents would see him, and you know how they are. And I want you there. I would feel better with a friend nearby.

I don’t get why he wouldn’t give you a picture of himself. Have you talked on the phone? Do you know anything about him, like where he goes to school or who his friends are? You saw the video on online relationships. Do you know how many red flags you’re raising? Pippa didn’t like sounding like an overprotective teacher, especially since Phoebe was just starting to come around to her, but none of this sounded good.

Look, we get along really well, and I really like him, but he said he wants to meet in person before we move forward and so tonight—

Tonight, like after dark, after dinner? Why not now? Pippa asked. Her stomach sank. Phoebe had met a guy and she wasn’t sure who he was. She’d never even seen a picture of him. He was just a voice, a few messages online. For so many practical reasons this did not seem safe, but for other reasons, like the existence of a magical world that was closer to her friend than she knew, Pippa was scared for Phoebe. Okay, come here for dinner tonight, then have him meet you here. Not for dinner, I’m sure he doesn't want to meet my aunt, but Pan—Leo—and I will be around, we’ll all meet together. But you could come to dinner first. Pippa’s heart raced at the thought of Phoebe catching that slip when it came to Pan’s name.

Okay, I’ll come to dinner, and we can meet afterward, Phoebe said thoughtfully. I’ll text him that. Thank you.

What did you guys talk about when you met?

"The Iliad, she said, and Pippa’s heart sank. That had been what Phoebe and Eros... Aaron, had first bonded over. He said he used to live in New York City and now he lives nearby."

"You talked about The Iliad. Phoebe do you know anything else about him?"

Pippa stop it. I like him, okay? I’m not going to do anything stupid.

Phoebe’s eyes grew dark and sharp, and Pippa knew to back off. "Okay, okay. Great, you like him. Then I’m happy to help