pits.
Michael watched Jonathan introduce Ed to the group. According to Jonathan, Ed was apparently twelve too, though small for his age. Michael guessed that Jonathan had some sort of astral use for Ed that had to do with their mission. Ed also had an English accent. Michael consoled himself that at least it wasn’t Stu.
“Yeah, I’m staying with my aunt this summer, to visit America,” said Ed by way of introduction. “We’ve already seen the Grand Canyon and New York.”
“Wow!” said Mira, impressed. “I’ve never been to New York.”
I’m going to take you there in twelve years , thought Michael, suddenly tired again.
“It’s brilliant,” said Ed, with enthusiasm. “But my aunt had a fall and hurt her leg so I’m stuck here for a bit, while she mends.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” said Mira. “I’m sorry about your aunt. Who’s your aunt by the way? I can stop by and bring her some treats. I’m sure my mom’ll want me to.”
Oh great . Now we’re in a jam just like I was trying to prevent.
But Jonathan already had it covered. “Mrs. Carmichael is his aunt. And I’m sure she’d love a visit sometime.” Michael looked incredulously at Jonathan, who just winked. That must mean he already had an astral version of Mrs. Carmichael ready to go. Ed would have needed a place he called home, Michael guessed. When had Jonathan gotten so advanced?
Mira continued, “Well, there’s not much that happens around here.”
Zac burst out laughing. Michael shot him a dirty look.
“Sorry,” said Zac. “Just thinking of a joke.”
“Kids,” said Jonathan, making an inside dig at Zac. Onie smirked.
“Anyway,” he said to get them all back on track, “I told Ed you all would all be interested in learning some of the things he’s taught himself.” Jonathan cast a pointed look at Michael. “I’ll let Ed explain.”
The rest of the group, other than Mira, looked confused, but turned to Ed.
“Well, they’re all kind of interesting really, and this one’s not that hard to do.” Ed glanced shyly at Mira. Mira smiled at him. Michael wanted to gag.
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go! Mira is supposed to be infatuated with me, and I show Mira around the astral and how to take care of herself. Just like before. Now who knew what’ll happen? He wished he had some antacids handy.
Something must have shown on Michael’s face, because Jonathan walked over to him and whispered, “Trust me bro. It’s okay. Don’t forget you have a twelve-year-old’s emotional makeup, so it seems worse than it is.”
Ed continued. “Well, I started teaching myself dream work when I was really young. I can do lots of things. The official word for this is the astral, and it has its own laws and rules though, you know.”
Mira was excited. “I always believed in other worlds.”
“Yeah, well, they exist. Jonathan knows.” Ed pointed to Jonathan, deferring to the oldest kid here.
“And Michael knows some too,” added Jonathan fast. Michael was thankful for his brother trying to keep things the same as they were over twenty years ago. Not that it was working.
“So anyway,” said Ed, with a sly look on his face, “one of the first things I could show you is how to find each other in dreams. Meet up like.”
Mira was so excited she couldn’t stand still. Michael looked at her and remembered that was part of why he fell in love with her. Always adventurous. Always exploring and learning. They were a good match.
“Um, sounds great?” said Zac, who wasn’t sure how to reply sincet they were off script.
Onie and Lu said they were on board because if Jonathan was running this, then the plan must be solid.
The burn dug into Michael just a little more.
Trina looked skeptical. Never one to mince words, she said, “Look, I don’t know you, kid. I know Jonathan introduced you, but astral world traveling is a precarious business. You look like you’re about nine. It’s hard to take you