Read The Dark Rising for Free Online

“Vance asked me to tell him about his childhood this morning.  I had so much fun going back over my memories of a happier time.  He was able to identify with things because of what you had given him.”
    “Where are the dishes?” Vance interrupted, and he began to randomly open cupboards.
    “Second door on the right,” I said absently, watching him move.
    He quickly produced three plates and brought them to us, setting a place for him as well, before he carried the pan of eggs over and dished out servings.  He went back to the stove to get the bacon and sausage before he grabbed a small saucer laden with several pieces of toast, placing it in the middle of the table.
    I pondered his actions and how comfortable he appeared to be with things.  Feeling the need to help out, I went to the silverware drawer to get utensils for all of us, while Krista went to the fridge to get the milk.
    Vance came next to me, reaching above me to grab some glasses.  He gave me a quick grin when he leaned in and I realized he seemed happy.  I followed him back to the table, where he pulled my chair out for me, and he pushed me in before sitting down.
    “You seem surprisingly normal this morning,” I said, giving him a quizzical look.
    He chuckled at my comment and I relished the sound.  “Does that bother you?”  He took a bite of his food.
    “No.  It just confuses me,” I replied, still watching him.
    He smiled at me before he reached out with his hand to pat my leg.  “I’m fine,” he said.  “You don’t need to worry.”
    He seemed so much like himself, I was beginning to wonder if he had regained his memory and wasn’t telling me.
    “Aren’t you hungry?” he asked, nodding toward my plate.  “We made this breakfast because we wanted to surprise you.”
    I glanced back to my dish and dutifully picked up a fork, but I had to turn to look at him one more time.
    “What?”
    “Do you remember things?” I asked him point blank.
    He shook his head.  “No, but the memories you shared are resonating with me.  When I saw Krista this morning something in me recognized her as my mom.  I’m sure it’s because I experienced the images you showed me from my own point of view.”   He paused for a second.  “I don’t know how to explain.  I just feel … less lost.”
    I stared at him.  So he noticed feelings for his mother, could he feel anything for me too?   The questions rolled around in my mind.  I wanted to ask him, but I didn’t want to press him.
    “Would you like to go for a motorcycle ride after breakfast?” he asked before he continued eating.
    “That sounds nice,” I said both surprised and happy by the request.
    “Do you think that’s wise?” Krista gave him a concerned glance.  “People think you’re dead.  What if someone sees you?”
    “We can both wear helmets,” Vance said with a shrug.
    “I guess that works.  Would someone recognize your bike though?”
    “We’ve been gone for months,” I reminded her.  “I don’t think anyone has seen it recently enough to make the connection.”
    “That’s true,” she agreed.
    I finally stabbed at some of the food, putting a bite of eggs in my mouth.
    “This is delicious!” I smiled over at him, when I had finished swallowing.
    “Thanks!” he smiled back.  “I had a good teacher,” he added winking at his mom.
    “Are my parents still sleeping?”  I looked at the clock.  It seemed awful late for them to not be awake.
    “No,” Krista answered.  “Your mom had to go back to work this morning, and Sean’s at your grandma’s doing research to find out if there’s anything to help Vance’s condition.”
    “Ahhh,” I replied, taking another bite as I heard a knock at the front door followed by the sound of it opening.
    “It’s just us! Brad and Shelly,” Shelly’s voice floated into the house.
    My eyes flickered over to Vance and I jumped out of my chair running intercept them.
    “Hey guys!” I said excitedly