Chapter 5 Dad's Answer

A few months had passed since my birthday when one day Dad came home from work in an exceptionally good mood. I was outside, when he pulled in the drive.

“Hi Daddy, how was your day?” I asked.

“I had a great day. Where is Parker? I need to talk to him. Oh and do you think you could garden for a while. I need to talk to Parker, man-to-man.” Dad explained.

“He is inside I think. I’ll be in the garden if anyone needs me.” I know when I’m not wanted. I could hear bits and pieces of their conversation.

When the conversation was finished between them my dad got in the car and left. I wasn’t sure where he was going, but he didn’t say anything. I went inside to find out what was said.

“So Parker what happened with you and my dad? He left and didn’t say anything to me.” I asked when I sat next to Parker on the couch.

“Well, he knew that he was going to be getting very ill soon and he didn’t want to put you through that. He couldn’t tell you good –bye because if he did he wouldn’t be able to leave.” Parker explained holding me in his arms. I didn’t know what to think.

“Did he leave for good?” I asked. That was a dumb question; of course, he left for good. If he were dyeing and quickly then he would get as far away from me as he could to prevent any pain for me.

“Yes, all the legal papers you need are on the counter in the kitchen. Just mail them in and you will be your own guardian. Of course, I will still be your protector.” He finished lighter than I expected.

I didn’t know what to think. My dad left me to take care of things by myself. What was I going to do?

We talked for a while before I went to my bed. I gave Parker the master bedroom. I figured if I was going to be alone then I should have my protector move in. Parker was better able to explain the pain my father was about to go through. The curse that was cast upon him was not nice. His body would become as a mummy and then his skin would burn until the pain killed him. My father had a right to run away.

I fell asleep after a few hours of tossing and turning. I prayed my father would be okay. I also asked that his pain would be lessened because he did the right thing, saving me. After I had said amen, sleep came to me. That was the next dream I had of my mother.

Chapter 4: Parker's Confession

When I was dressed, I headed for the dining room table. It was Friday morning and I didn’t have much time. I decided to finish up my homework. Parker was working out before he took his shower. I sat across from my dad and waited for Parker to finish and my dad to leave for work. I didn’t feel much like talking to Dad so homework it was.

 Parker finished working out and got in the shower. My dad left after our conversation of how we slept. I ate breakfast and started reading when Parker sat down across from me; I wanted to ask so many questions I just didn’t know where to start.

“How did you sleep?” I asked over my book. He just continued to read. “Hello anybody home?” I taunted. He didn’t look up. “Are you going to talk to me?” I asked closing my book.

“I said ‘I love you’ and you didn’t say it back. Do you not love me?” His voice wavered with hurt. I was confused. He has never said…only in my…but he couldn’t have been…could he?

“I do love you. You have only said you love me in my dream last night. Is that what you are talking about?” I had to get this straight for me. In my mind.

“I was there.” He stated. He still hadn’t closed his book. “I am your protector. I have to be there if I am not then your life is in danger. Do you understand me?” His voice became hard.

“I don’t understand. How long have you? Why do I need a? How do you get in my? What is going on?” I fired the questions as they came to my mind. I missed many words so I hoped Parker knew what I was asking.

He walked me over to the couch so we could talk in comfort.

“I don’t have all the answers, all I know is that when your father traveled through time I was created by the ripple in time. Our lives are linked because of the time rip.” He explained.

My shock had overcome my mouth. All I could say was, “Go on.”

“So here we sit and I have fallen in love with you. I have devoted my life to you and I will never leave you.” He was beginning to tear up. I wasn’t sure what I should ask next.                                  

Thinking of how to ask, I decided to go with, “Parker, am I in danger? I have to know what is going on.” Then I waited several minutes and when he didn’t answer I stood up.

“We have to go to school.” I stated plainly.

Parker and I didn’t say anything to each other on the bus ride to school. It was a long and lonely ride without conversation. Once at school, Parker kissed me in the hall and as he walked away, he announced over his shoulder, “I’ll see you in Bio, I love you.” Then he ducked in the door to homeroom.

Chapter 3 The First Dream

I didn’t remember falling asleep, although I knew I was before the dream began. I wasn’t sure where I was or why it was so dark. I wondered what was in my hand. My fear was rising. I couldn’t see around me so I focused on what I could hear. Water, birds, wind blowing through leaves, okay where am I. Well if I don’t ask I may never know.

“Where am I?” I asked the empty air around me. Then I could see.

Now the fear was really rising. I had never before been fishing and really didn’t want to start in my dreams. Fishing made people stink and I hate stinking. I almost felt as though I knew what I was doing.

A bright flash of light and I was blinded again. My head hurt when I felt as though I was no longer moving. I could hear water still but it was far away. I didn’t feel anything in my hands, and didn’t care where the fishing pole was. When I could see…

I found myself in the desert in front of an old temple. I wasn’t sure to whom this temple belonged but I knew I was here for a reason.

“Where the heck am I and what am I doing here?” I yelled at the top of my lungs. I was sure no one heard me so I headed up the stairs.

I reached the top of the first group of stairs and was heading for the second when I felt a pulling in my stomach. I stopped in my tracks.

“Who do you look for? I may be able to help you find this person.” A voice sang behind me. “You are looking for your mother are you not?” The voice continued. “You look like her. I am sure if you turned around you would see just how much.”

The voice was so entrancing and I wanted to turn around I knew I shouldn’t, not yet. “I don’t think I should. I have waited my whole life to see you. I just don’t feel as though I should right now.” My fear was turning in to full blown panic at this point.

“My dear you do not have to fear me. I am your mother. I can only visit you while you are in dream state.” The Queen explained. “I have visited you in the past, but because you have not known who I am those are the dreams you forget.” She sounded almost apologetic. I wasn’t sure how to take that.

“Why have you brought me here? You couldn’t visit me at home? I would feel safer there.” I said with the panic growing even more.

“I need you to catch a Crypt Moth and bring it to me here at this spot. I cannot catch them because I am only a spirit. I have to have a human catch it for me.” She explained my presence here, I guess.

“Where do I find one?” I asked then I noticed I was in the dark again. My head was pounding and I couldn’t feel the ground below my feet.

When my head quit hurting and the ground was under my feet, again I opened my eyes. That is when I saw the most beautiful moth ever. I stuck out my finger and one landed on it. I was shocked.

“That was easy!” I said to the moth. “That is if you where what I was to catch.” I waited for the dizziness to come back but it didn’t. I looked around to see if I could just walk back to the temple. I didn’t see it anywhere near where I was. So I just sat down and waited.

That was when the dizziness came. Everything black then there was Parker. What was he doing here?

“What are you doing here, Parker?” I wasn’t mad I was curious. He shouldn’t be here.

“I am looking for a relic that the Queen needs me to find. Would you mind helping me? It would go a lot faster.” Parker replied.

I squatted down to help when he found what he thought he was looking for. As we headed back to the Queen’s temple we talked. I told him about the moth. He seemed to think it was strange that the Queen asked them both to find something she couldn’t find herself.

By the time Parker and I got close to the spot we were to hand over the items, the Queen was heading for us.

“Did you find the items?” She asked sweetly. I wasn’t sure what to say. Something inside was telling me to tell her no.

“I found what I believe you sent me to find.” Parker stated. “I’m not going to give it to you though.” He quickly finished.

“And you my dear?” She turned to me and asked, as though Parker said nothing at all. I wasn’t sure what to say.

“No, I am sorry. I couldn’t catch one. I found them just couldn’t get one. I am sorry.” I stammered. I always stammer when I lie. Would she know that? I hoped not.

“That is too bad. Maybe next time you come you will be able to catch one.” The Queen stated with sadness. I almost felt bad for lying.

Then blackness again.

When the darkness was gone, I found myself holding Parkers hands. I was so happy to be away from the Queen, I just wanted to go home now. When I looked around I noticed I had been here before.

“I started this dream here. Do you know where here is?” I asked Parker while I looked around some more.

“Don’t you want to know why I wouldn’t give the item to the Queen?” Parker asked. I really didn’t want to know but I also was kind of curious.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t you give it to her?” I asked half-heartedly. Before he could answer, my head began to hurt. I collapsed into Parkers arms.

“I love you, Kylisha.” I thought I heard Parker say as his voice faded.

Chapter 2 The Big Gift

After we went inside my dad headed for the couch and I followed. “Please explain what is going on, I have to know.” I pleaded with him while setting the box on the coffee table. I could see he was thinking about how to tell me something very important.

“What is it Daddy? Are you okay? Have you been to the doctor?” I fired off questions so fast I didn’t know how I could think that fast.

“Princess, I have a story to tell you. I need you to listen as I tell you; your life depends on it.” He said as he sat back on the couch to prepare for what he had to say.

“Princess, I have a story I need to tell you before you open the gift. This is part of the gift from me. Can you and will you listen?” Dad asked. “Of course I will. I am all ears!” I exclaimed. I knew this was going to be the story I wanted to hear my whole life.

         “The stories around town are true. I did invent a time machine. It was a long time ago.” He took a deep breath and continued. I stared at him with a blank stare. What he was telling me didn’t make sense to me. Why would he lie? “What do you mean you invented a time machine?” I asked. His reply, “I’m not done, please let me finish.” another deep breath. “I didn’t even know it worked when I stepped inside. The gadgets started to spin and back in time I went.” He stood to get a drink of water then sat back down.

         “What about my mother? I don’t care about some invention. I want to know about mom.” I started to cry.

Dad sat back on the couch, “Your mother was Queen Hatshepsut. I when back in time and fell in love with the Queen of Egypt. The night you were born the Great Sphinx issued a death upon your head. You must be killed. I stole you in the dark of night, traveled through time and brought you back here. For that, I was cursed. I am to die on your 18^th birthday.” My father finished and I just sat there, stunned and could not form a sentence in my head.

Dad handed me the box again and I opened it. The box contained a picture of my mother and a book. I couldn’t read the title through the tears. I picked up my things and kissed my dad on the cheek.

I had to call Parker!

Parker and I decided to meet at the pool to talk. He felt so good in my arms.

        “Parker, my mother is dead!” I cried to him. “What do you mean, Kylisha?” He asked as he smoothed my hair. “My mother is the dead Queen of Egypt, Queen Hatshepsut. She has been dead for over 6,000 years. What am I going to do?”

I knew he didn’t understand me so I just shook my head and explained everything my father just told me. He listened, but didn’t say a word until I was done. All Parker said was, “Let me drive you home.”

Once we got home, Parker told me he was going to stay on the couch tonight. If I needed anything, he would be right there. He kissed me good night and sent me to bed. No thing I was told today made any sense, I couldn't  think through it. Maybe I am just too tired to think right now. Bed sounds good. I didn’t argue, it wouldn’t have done any good anyway.

My 16th Birthday

I awoke on the morning of my 16^th birthday with renewed hope and a greater desire than ever before to find my mother. The tingle in my bones generated a felling of luck and strength to get what it was I wanted answers. My whole life my father would never answer any of my questions about her. It was always “You’re not old enough to understand. I will tell you some day, when you are older.” Then he would be lost in thought and I knew he was thinking about her. I am going to get answers. Today will be the day I begin my search. I know I can find her I have too.

“Good morning, Daddy. How did you sleep?” I asked my dad.

“Happy Birthday, Kylisha.” He said looking up from his book. My dad is the Principal of Sunset Valley High. His name is Trist Green and I am Kylisha.

“Thank you, Daddy. Would you mind if I don’t go to school today?” I asked in hopes he would let me stay home. I knew he would say no but it was worth a try.

Dad chuckled, “You know if I let you stay home on your birthday then the kids at school will not take me serious.” I picked up my favorite book, “Ra! Ra! Ra!” and started reading. My father just didn’t understand that the kids already think he is off his rocker.

“Ok Daddy, I’ll go.” I said in a defeated voice.

“Good, I have to go. I will see you in an hour. I love you Honey.” Trist said as he left for work.

“I love you too, Dad. See you at school.” I responded before he shut the door.

When I got to school, the doors remained locked. Parker Langerak, my boyfriend, greeted me with a birthday kiss.

“Hey Baby Happy Birthday!” Parker and I have been dating for three months. We have been friends since second grade when my dad was offered a position as the 10^th grade science teacher.

“How has your morning been? I hope you aren’t mad at me for not calling you. I figured you wanted to be all dolled up. Are you mad?” He asked.

“No way. I could never be mad at you for not calling me. You and I know each other too well.” I answered as we embraced. Just then, my dad unlocked the doors. It was just a normal day at school. A few happy birthday wishes in the hall but other than that, normal.

My dad rented the Le Petit Shark Pool Center for my birthday. I was able to invite all of my friends and no one who did not receive an invitation can use the facility today. Yeah I know I am spoiled. My dad use to call me “Princess”. Whatever I asked for I received. The guy with the crew cut is Parker. The blonde-haired person is Lisa Bunch, the person in the orange shorts is Michael Bachelor, and the Brunette is Melody Castor. They are my best friends. Anyone else was just an acquaintance.

After my party, I went home and found my dad grading some homework. “Hi, Dad, Thank you for the great party! I had so much fun!” I exclaimed as I walked through the door.

"That’s great, Princess.” He said but he didn’t look up.

“What did you call me? You haven’t called me that since I was six. Are you okay?” I asked with true concern.

“Oh, yeah I am good. What did you get from your friends?” He didn’t sound like he wanted to hear so I saved him the trouble of listening. He was trying to work and he didn’t want to be bothered until he was done.

“I have a ton of homework. Can I tell you when I am done?” I waited a few moments and just sat down when he didn’t answer. “Do you think we could play a game or two of chess after homework?”I asked after a few moments. That was when we did our best talking.

“Sure, if that is what you like.” He replied while chewing on his correction pen.

Before I went to bed, my dad and I played a friendly game of Chess while I told him about the gifts.

“Melody got me Photography Vol. 1: Taking Off the Lens Cap. I wasn’t sure why, she knows I don’t have a camera. When I looked at her funny she just stated, “Bookworm!” So I didn’t think anything of it for a few moments.” Melody and I share that quality. We have shared every book we have ever read with each other.

“The recipes for Falafel and Shawarma came from Michael.” I showed him the index cards Michael hand wrote for me.

“When they fell out of the card he blushed and said, ‘When you get good at makin’ those would you invite me for dinner, or you could just bring me a plate,’ then everyone started laughing. You know Michael.”

Michael is the tight end of our football team. He could eat the whole town out of house and home. The boy just loves food.

 “Parker gave me the best gift. He got me the Hikon QX40di Gladiator.” I said excitedly.

“Wow. I didn’t know that was what you wanted. I could have got you one a long time ago.” My dad said. Then he started to laugh, “Checkmate. Want to play again?”

I don’t know what shocked me more, losing to my dad or if it was the sadness in his eyes even though he was laughing.

“Yeah, why not, I already know I am going to lose.” I said laughing with him.

We played one more game and talked more. “Lisa got me the ‘Dead-ly Delights’ fishing book.” I told my dad. I have never fished before so this was a strange gift. On the other hand, it was a book, and I do love to read.

Just then, it dawned on me that I had been dense. Everything has a connection to Egypt.

“What is going on? Why did all my friends get me things with an Egypt theme?” I questioned my dad as the rage grew inside me.

“Checkmate again. I need to teach you how to play chess.” He said trying to change the subject. “I haven’t given you my gift yet.”

While I put away the chess pieces, my dad held a beautifully wrapped box.

“I know I could buy you anything but the one thing you want most.” He said with strain in his voice. I wondered if my dad was feeling ok. I know he hasn’t been feeling well for about a month now but he wasn’t talking about it.

“Do you think we could go inside and talk while you open your gift?” He asked before I had a chance to open the box.

“Sure.” I tucked the box under my arm, my dad put his arm around me, and we walked inside.

The Queen's Daughter Intro

Prologue

The Green Family

This is Trist Green, my Dad. My dad and I have always been close. If I ever had a problem, he was there. We play chess to relax and talk. I never feel like I can’t ask him anything, except the two main questions I have had all my life. He was an inventor. I say was because he gave it up when I was born. Stories around town are that my dad invented a time machine. I don’t believe these stories because no one could ever travel through time. I have my suspicions about what my dad could have done though. Of course, my dad denies he ever invented anything worthwhile. That being said the first question is, “Did you ever invent a time machine?” Then the other question is, “Who is my mother?” When these questions are discussed and you look deep into my father’s eyes, you can tell he is hiding secrets.

I am Kylisha. I am almost 16. I have never met my mother. I don’t even know her name. That is the secret my dad is keeping. He has kept this secret for 16 years and I am going to make him spill his guts before my birthday is over. I want to know who my mother is. Growing up in Sunset Valley has been good for me. I have many friends, but only a few close ones.

I am just a normal teenage girl, or so I thought. I babysat many of the kids in town and made some good money. I bought books and my own computer with this money.

 I enjoy reading and doing homework. I know that isn’t normal. I mostly enjoy hanging out with my friends and ditching school occasionally. That is normal, right?