Page 9 of The Watcher

“It’s not for us to know what the gods think or want. I simply tell their stories. The tales of the ancient ones have been handed down for generations. That doesn’t make them true.”

Lily took a shuddering breath. Her bravado wasn’t convincing, but she managed a small smile, trying to mock the moment a bit.

“Are you friends with Jessica or Avni?” Kateri asked.

Lily laughed shortly. “Um, no. I was friends with Avni in elementary school, but then I got glasses and my parents got divorced, and well, I guess I was too much trouble for her.”

Kateri nodded. “Getting older is hard on everyone.”

“I know,” Lily said. “But if she was going through something difficult, I would help her.”

“Not everyone is as brave as you. Some people keep their feelings hidden behind mauve nail polish and highlights.”

Lily laughed for real this time. “I wouldn’t mind a little nail polish from time to time. But I play piano. It chips off the moment I put it on.”

Kateri warmed to the subject. “Are you any good?”

“I know I’m supposed to be modest and say no. But yes. I’m really good. When I’m practicing alone anyway. Recitals are awful.” Lily shuddered.

Kateri felt scars burning, a sure sign that Lily was even now being modest. Lily was a piano prodigy, Kateri was sure of it. “I remember. But playing piano in public is like everything else. Practicing might not make it an easy task, but it will help you feel prepared to fight the jitters and show them what you’ve got. Speaking of practicing” — she pivoted subjects smoothly, — “let me tell you the incantation to protect against the Frog God.”

“What if he isn’t real?”

“Then you’ve learned something useless. It wouldn’t be the first time.” Kateri grinned at Lily.

"Like my California state history course? What am I going to do with the information that 'The Los Angeles Angels' when translated to Spanish literally means 'The The Angels Angels?'"

Kateri ran it through in her mind. "Wow. You're right. Interesting factoid."

Lily stared in disgust; teenagers were gifted at showing disgust.

"Sorry! Are you ready?"

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

Kateri repeated the incantation, one phrase at a time, and Lily repeated it after her. When they finished together, the fire flared again, more quietly this time.

“How did you add chemicals to the logs?” Lily asked. “I didn’t even see you do it.”

Kateri didn’t answer because she hadn’t added anything to the logs. Not this time. Instead she said, “Don’t worry. You know the incantation now, and like you said, the Frog God probably isn’t real. I guess if I want you to take away something from this whole night, it would be to never allow a man, especially a stranger, to convince you that you’re in love before you’re sure of it yourself.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Kateri saw Naira coming back from the longhouse. “Someone is looking for you,” Kateri said.

Lily looked down at the dirt and sighed. “I’ll remember what you said. Thanks for talking to me.”

“Thanks for keeping me company,” Kateri replied.

“Lily! There you are. Better hit the head before lights go out!” Naira called.

Lily waved goodbye to Kateri and headed outside the fire circle. She didn't hesitate to step over the line in the dirt.

Kateri waited until Lily and Naira were out of hearing distance before she said, “Joe, no one likes an eavesdropper.”

Joe came out of the shadows beyond the firelight. “I wanted to see what she would say. Every night, Lily has been freaking everyone out with her nightmares.”

Kateri mocked him. “I doubt a guy like you puts much stock in what she says anyway.”

Joe scowled even more. “I don’t.” He stalked toward the fire and stared into the flames. “Lily lives on my street. Always has. She’s always been a loner. She reads all the time,” He sneered as though this were the most detrimental thing you could say about a young woman. “Everybody picks on her, and she just takes it.”

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