We arrived at Evie’s to warm greetings all around. I settled down on the couch with a poodle on either side of me, mindful to stay off my feet as much as possible. Cruz nervously pulled the gown out of its garment bag and presented it to Evie. He needn’t have worried; the dress was an absolute showstopper and I could tell that Evie was pleased before she even tried it on.
“Told you so!” I smiled at Cruz as Evie rhapsodized over the lace and fine handwork. She excused herself, taking the gown to her dressing room, while Cruz paced nervously, toying with his eyebrow piercings.
“Relax,” I said, getting up to give him a reassuring hug. “It’s beautiful.”
“Do you really think she likes it?” he asked. Evie’s squeals of delight echoed in the background.
“I’m not sure …” I teased him, and he squeezed me tightly with relief.
“Ack!” I gasped. “I don’t need a spinal adjustment!”
“Sorry.” Cruz smiled sheepishly, kissing both of my cheeks. “I’m just so happy!”
I beamed at him; his joy was infectious, and delighted me as if it were my own.
Evie came floating out, looking beautiful. The cut of the gown flattered her, and its golden blonde lace picked up the undertones in her hair. Cruz had worked relentlessly, putting his heart and soul into this piece, and it showed. He circled around her, checking the fit and noting tiny alterations he would make.
“I have news!” Evie beamed. She’d called my father with congratulations, and he’d invited her to join our group at the award ceremony in Oslo. She had her travel agent rework our plans and made reservations for suites at the Grand Hotel. She reminisced about some of her previous visits to the award ceremonies, telling us all about the beautiful architecture in the charming city.
“I can wear this gown to the banquet!” cried Evie.
“I still can’t believe I’m going to Norway! And now I’m going with Evelyn Pond!” Cruz put his hands on his cheeks and shook his head like it was just too much to take in all at once.
Evie reached over to give Cruz a peck on the cheek. “You’ll absolutely love the shopping!” she enthused.
Cruz started peppering her with questions about where we would go and what kinds of clothes he should pack.
“Darling, bring an empty suitcase and we’ll find some wonderful new things. The Scandinavian style is absolutely fabulous! I’ll show you all the best places.”
I gave her a big hug, grateful for her kindness to Cruz. “I’m so glad we’ll have you there.” Evie was family, a part of us, and I was overjoyed that we were all drawing closer together.
I smiled wryly when I remembered how much I had resisted the move to Aptos. The place had changed me, and now I realized that it had always been a part of me, and that I belonged there. I thought of Ethan, and realized he had become part of me too. I felt a happy little chill run down my spine as I counted my blessings.
When the wrenching pain hit me right behind the eyes I reeled backwards, nearly crashing into an end table. Cruz was by my side in a flash, steadying me and backing me up to the sofa. I struggled to catch a breath, the wind completely knocked out of me by the shocking vision that was being projected inside my head.
I saw a vivid image of Ethan, and it terrified me.
I could see his face clearly, surrounded by a stormy sea. He wore his wetsuit along with a look of unimaginable agony. My blood ran cold and my heart clenched tightly, seizing my chest in agony. I couldn’t breathe.
“Marina! Marina!” I could hear Cruz’s voice echoing from far away, and a rushing sound like the sea swept through my mind until I opened my eyes to find myself lying on Evie’s couch.
“No …” I whispered, looking into Cruz and Evie’s frightened eyes. I sprang to my feet.
“Cruz–I have to go back. Something’s going to happen to Ethan! Something bad.”
“What? What’s going on?” said Cruz, hands on my arms. “Marina, you need to sit down.”
“No!” I yelled ferociously. “This happened before, the last time we were here!” I looked at him intensely. “We came home to find him in the hospital!” I turned to Evie. “I saw something–a vision of him. It came true last time and now it’s happening again.”
She looked stunned. “Fatima told me you could …” her voice trailed off.
“Aunt Evie, I have to get to him. I love him.”
“I know, sweetheart,” she said, coming over to give me a hug.
“My God! The contest!” My heart pounded with a flood of adrenaline as I thought about where he was. My hands were shaking and I was starting to panic, hyperventilating.
Evie looked at me solemnly and nodded. “Cruz, you’d better drive her back.” She hugged each of us quickly, and kissed me on both cheeks. “Be careful, my love.”