I want there to be a love interest

While in the hospital, Rawiya also meets Halvis. and I want Halvis, Hal, to be important to the other side of the story. Halvis gets caught up in this secret society that works to hide the reality of the sidhe's existence. He was out hiking when the eclipse started, and found himself in the center of some fairly serious stuff. The society, low on members anyway, uses this change to recruit him rather than to erase him or his memories. In so doing, they reveal to him much more than he ever expected to learn.

This was a difficult thing for me, I did want to use this as a way to help inform Rawiya, and thereby the readers, of what's actually going on. But like I've said, I feel I revealed too much too fast. Of course, there's also the issue of Hal doing exactly what he's not supposed to be doing, revealing the secrets that he learns. I ran a difficult risk with that, and Rawiya expressed some legitimate concerns. There should have been more blow back from what they'd done, but really I should have been more careful in how I handled it.

As far as their relationship goes, I did want them to be good together. I wanted moments of cuteness, and closeness. I want Rawiya to develop a healthy attachment to Hal. But I have to admit, the difficulty for me in doing this is that I don't have a lot of experience with it myself. I also haven't read a lot of girls journals to get any idea of what they might actually express or how.

One of the reasons I was hoping for reader interaction was hoping female readers might speak up and help me with that side of expressing things. Through questions, or helpful suggestions, or whatever. I could use those things to help prepare future journal entries to answer the kinds of questions they asked, to take into account the suggestions offered.

In any case, as things unfolded and Rawiya learned about what was going on and what Hal was now doing, I want for this to cause issues. See, I didn't want Rawiya to learn about Candace right off. In fact, what I wanted was for Rawiya to meet another Fairy who is openly (to her) fae. This was another event that I wanted to happen soon, I just hadn't quite figured out how.

Through this other fairy, I wanted Rawiya to learn about Hal's organization from the fairies perspective. I wanted Rawiya to know that the fairy feared the organization, feared that they would find him and take him away never to be seen again. Because of this, Rawiya found herself keeping a secret from Hal. Not just about this new friend of hers, but by this point she should be able to recognize that she can see things that others cant. Things that are actually there, she's not hallucinating. And knowing that, she'd be worried that Hal's organization might take an interest in her. So she starts keeping from Hal the things she sees. Well, she'd have already been, considering at first she thinks she's hallucinating, she was keeping that a secret from everyone. But with everything happening, it becomes harder and harder for her to hide that, because what she does find she has difficulty with, is recognizing when others can see what she normally does. When a fairy shows itself openly Rawiya finds herself acting like its not there, only to then realize everyone else can see it and is responding to it.

But the biggest thing is when Rawiya finally learns that Candace is si. I wanted there to be a definite point at which she discovers that Hal's organization, and thereby Hal, is working against the fairies. Preferably by Hal taking her fairy friend into custody or otherwise telling Rawiya to cut contacts with him. Or maybe Hal learns about the fairy and reacts badly to him, even without knowing that he's a friend of Rawiya's. This puts her on alert and strains their relationship, and even more so because Rawiya stops being comfortable with Hal at her and Candace's place.

April 3rd, 2018

My arms feel like noodles, noodles made of jello. Sam had mentioned yesterday that he'd wanted my help with something today. What he wanted was to get me familiar with working with him at the forge. Not just the modern tools, he had be pumping bellows all day.

Well, okay, not all day. Shortly before lunch somebody came driving up to the garage as we were working. It surprised me, I didn't think people would just drive up here, and so I hesitated and Sam gave me a disappointing look until he realized my attention was elsewhere. To my relief we could walk away from what we were doing and come back to it later.

The guy that had drove up was one of Sam's regular clients, Mark something or other. He seemed nice enough, though he couldn't stop looking at me and held on to my hand uncomfortably long when we shook. Sam had to ask him twice what he needed before Mark finally let go of me.

Mark said one of his horses had thrown a shoe and was hoping Sam would be able to get out to his place sometime soon to help take care of that. He also asked about when Sam would be able to get to his commission. Sam told me later that Mark wants him to create a piece to hang on his barn. Even though Sam has been up front about how much time his current piece would take, Mark keeps trying to get him to drop it and start on his commission. From the sound of things Mark can be insistent, on the verge of not taking no for an answer, but he pays well so Sam puts up with how rude he could be. He's also a notorious womanizer, Sam had discovered just this last year.

Anyway, Sam gave in a bit to Mark's pushiness and so tomorrow we'll head out to reshoe the horse since we'll be out shopping anyway. And while we're there he can take measurements and details for Marks commission. Sam did make sure to remind Mark three times that we still had a lot of work left to do on his current piece and wouldn't be able to start another for some time yet. Despite Mark's "oh yea, of course, of course," I still don't think he heard.

Since this had stopped us and it was so close to lunch, Sam and I took a break after Mark left to eat. That was when we discussed Mark, but Sam also took the chance to tell me about some of the book keeping chores he'd need me to do as a more regular duty. It struck me today who I was sitting eating lunch with. Generally at the museum I was eating alone, except on the days that Hal or Max visited. I don't think I've spent this much time around Sam before, and it reminded me of some of the issues I've had with him and how he treats Candace. I know he means well, and he seems genuinely concerned and a nice guy. I'm just not sure why he does some of the things he does.

He loves to talk about his work, and I kinda get the feeling that he doesn't have anyone to talk about these things with. He's passionate about his work, and it shows. I know when we're all together he doesn't say much at all, and it gives him this quiet private person type vibe. But out at the forge, sitting there eating lunch with him, he could just go on and on. And it's contagious, he makes me excited to see the finished product as well. We lost track of time while we were eating, but since we don't clock in or out Sam wasn't bothered by it. Which is good since he's the boss.

Anyway, he showed me the books and Marks account since we had just talked with him. There was nothing to do with them now, but at least this way I'm familiar with where things are. And it gave my arms a chance to rest before heading back to the bellows. At least I wasn't swinging the hammer, it's no wonder Sam's arms are as big as they are.

We ran a little late finishing up. Sam apologized but said sometimes that happens and hoped I was okay with it. I reminded him that my only other responsibility was to be there for Candace, and that was a responsibility given to me by him. But I did mention that should anything else come up I'd be sure to let him know. And then I remembered that my brother was planning on being in town in a couple of weeks and that I'll be wanting to be able to spend some time with him. Sam was cool with that, and if he's always this easy going I think I'll like working for him.

Anyway, I'm home now and writing down thoughts for Efe's letter. Just getting out what to say and how to say it, not even an official draft. I know I'll have to tell him my new address, and that means explaining why. I'm just not sure how much detail I need to go into. And of course there's Hal and I, which again I'm not sure how to summarize. The problem with both of those things is that I can't seem to say anything without there being a conspicuous omission. But I can't not say anything about em, otherwise he'll come home wanting to know what's wrong. I don't want to not send anything, and I don't want to just say "see ya when you get here." I want to tell him about the new job though too, which would also require some explaining.

If it takes me too long to do this the letter won't get to him in time anyway.

I can hear Candace getting around. I should get something started if I want anything to eat before I go to bed.

March 31st, 2018

It's been a while since Hal and I had spent time together, intimately, and last night it showed. With all the changes happening and everything going on... And it felt great, such a release. But at the same time, things were different. I don't think Hal noticed it, but I did. We were caught up in the moment, and that might explain things. Our last time was over two weeks ago, which was also our last date.

Either way, it meant that I didn't get home last night, so I'm actually writing this journal entry late. We hadn't planned on me staying there.

Yesterday morning Max came over and helped me go through the last of my stuff. As quickly as I packed up and moved out, it sure seems to be taking forever to unpack. Though really, it's mostly small stuff and memories at this point. Things I need to decide if I want to keep or toss. Considering how long Max and I have been friends, and how close we've been, this was a trip down memory lane for the both of us. So we really only got through one box.

Max had been curious about how things went with Sam on Friday, and now she really wants to visit and see his place for herself. I had thought he'd have already showed her, but I guess not. Of course I mentioned my ruined clothes and needing to get some new outfits if I was going to work at Sam's forge. Max is always thrilled to go shopping, and when we came out of my room we found Candace up and about and invited her to join us. Usually we'd go to the mall, but this time we found ourselves at Rockmount Ranch Wear. The three of us looked way out of place, considering, but then this is Colorado so no one really mentioned it. Anyway, I am now the proud owner of some proper jeans, a couple of flannel shirts, and some gloves my size that could still probably fit within the gloves I'd borrowed from Sam on Friday. The lady at the register seemed amused by our excitement at my new job.

Afterward we got some lunch, which was when Hal texted. He had come over like I had suggested only to find us not answering the door. I was happy to have him come join us, but Max and Candace boxed up our lunches, paid our bill, and had me home so fast my head was spinning. They practically dumped me in Hal's arms and said they'd put my work clothes on my bed.

Hal hadn't had anything to eat, so I actually ended up getting two lunches yesterday, though I hadn't eaten much of my first and didn't get much for my second. We had a nice afternoon, and while there was no planned date, I think we both needed it to be. Hal had even called up Brigida and asked if they could skip a week. He was expecting her to be harder to convince, but she just said okay and asked if everything was alright. Hal admitted that he was just looking to spend some time with me, and Brigida was cool with it. I guess Hal and I were both expecting things to be like at the museum.

We rented a movie, but we didn't watch it. Still fell asleep on the couch though. Not complaining at all. Like I said, it was a good night.

This morning we got around, took a shower, had breakfast. It felt comfortable, nice. And I spent the whole time thinking about how he wasn't telling me about what he'd been doing with The Order, or his classes, or if they'd found anything recently. Only to then realize I wasn't telling him anything about working for Sam now, what we'd done at his shop, my dizzy spell. I mean, I can't tell him about the stables, and that was awkward enough considering when we were both at the museum we could talk about the things we weren't supposed to tell anyone else about. But I'm just so used to us talking, and we weren't.

It didn't feel like we needed to. We just weren't.

Maybe that was what was different about last night.

Leave it up to me to be concerned about something that felt so good.

While we had the morning together, I did need to get home since I didn't have a change of clothes. He still had my over night bag from his last place, so that was good at least. And he needed to work on his school stuff. So he brought me home and dropped me off. I've been doing laundry and putting yesterday's shopping away. I was worried about waking Candace, but she seemed to sleep through it. She's just starting to get around now and was wondering what I wanted for dinner.

I don't think I'll do a journal for tonight, unless something comes up in the next few hours. I do need to get to bed soon though if Sam's going to be picking me up again before dawn. It'll be the first day of a whole work week, and during the typical work week no less. I'm actually kind of excited by that.

March 30th, 2018

Oh man, I'm beat. I'm in fairly good shape, I do work out regularly, but my job at the museum wasn't physical. Working with Sam, I'm not sure I'll need to go to the gym that often any more. Granted, I'm not the one swinging the hammer or anything, but just helping him move things around and cleaning up that shed was much more active than I'm used to. And that was only half the day. It's a good exhausted feeling, but still...

The thing was, I wasn't even working for that long. The first thing we did when we got there was to take a tour of the place. I figured it was a garage off some alley somewhere, no he's got land and a beautiful view of the mountains. But after that, it is just a garage at the end of the road. We walked the property so I'd know it's limits, which it is fenced but good to know anyway. It's not a lot of land, but more than my parents complex easily. At the foothills though it's not level, there's a deep ditch that runs through the property cutting off a chunk from easy access. It's level as far as where the garage sits and some area around it, but the foot hills start right behind the garage. Beyond the ditch is unworked, it's practically forest and we didn't even go over there. On the main side there's the garage, and his office inside. Well, he calls it his office, it's basically a desk in the corner. Then he's got a couple of tool sheds arranged around the parking area for somewhat easy access. The rest of the level area he has set up the project he's been working on. The pictures he'd shown us didn't do it justice, the thing is huge. Sam finally explained to me that he's been working on a new stables for the Renaissance Festival. The pieces he's working on will tie together with wooden fencing that a carpenter friend of his is working on. Sam's making the gates and levers, as well as display posts and a commissioned coat of arms for the Black Knight. He said once he and his friend are done it'll take up the entire tournament grounds and allow for multiple riders and their horses.

Sam was all sorts of excited to be sharing his project, which he'd been before. But because we didn't have any real explanation, we didn't get it at the time. Now I get it, and it is very exciting. Of course, I can't tell anyone.

The tour actually took up a lot of the day, it wasn't just showing me the project he's working on but all his tools with some explanation of how they're used. He needs me to know what they're called so that I can fetch them for him, and if I have to help him with something he needs me to know what to do. The forge itself is impressive, he's got a fire pit so he can do things the old fashion way, but also a more modern setup using torches. He's rigged the fire pit with a mechanical blower since he doesn't typically have a helper, but he mentioned wanting to make use of me since I'll be here to do things "right."

He had picked me up at the butt crack of dawn, so it was still early when we'd gotten there and chill. But the morning sun was working hard at warming the place up and I can imagine it'll get hot during the summer. Sam mentioned that during the summer he'll probably switch to later hours. We'll get there when its hot, but the foothills will put the garage in shadow and things will cool down quickly. It's during the winter months when he comes up early to work so that he has the sun to keep things warm.

By the time Sam had finished showing me around, it was already after noon, so we stopped to take a break and eat lunch. It was strange for me to have packed a lunch, considering I had always eaten at the cafe at the museum. And my single sandwich and chips was not enough. I know Sam's a big guy, so I didn't pay too much attention to how much he had packed. But after I'd finished off my sandwich and chips, I was still hungry and here Sam had stuff that he could snack on for the rest of the day. Fortunately he was kind enough to share.

While we ate, he explained my first project, which was to rearrange his tool sheds. He's got stuff all over the place, and they need to be cleaned out, organized, and everything. He had gotten started working on it over the winter, but since this commission came in he's spent all his time working on it and hasn't been able to clean. He gave me a general idea of how he wanted things organized. In the end though he told me to do what I could and if I needed to do things differently, to just make sure he could find what he was looking for.

I got started on that after lunch only to have a dizzy spell before I'd gotten too far. I was digging out sheet metal from a scrap pile and could feel it coming on. When I dropped the sheet I was holding it made a lot of noise, which brought Sam running. He recognized what was happening quickly and ran to get my water and bring it to me. It was a wake up call for the both of us, realizing that we'd probably be working apart a lot of the time. After I'd regained my sense of balance we talked about what could be done in the future just in case. Considering all the noise that either of us might be making, Sam wasn't sure my yelling would work to get his attention. So he wants to install an alarm system that I'd have a remote to. If I felt an attack coming I could press the button and he'd know. That way if I'm in a position to get hurt he can be there to help.

I'm not sure how I feel about that, it's nice that he's being so thoughtful and concerned for my well being. But I've never had to worry about or announce my attacks so publicly. Just the thought of setting off an alarm is making me feel self conscious. I know I'll be doing a lot of stuff around the place to help him out, but I also expect that I'll be spending a lot of time at his desk getting his books in order, which was what was mostly talked about going into this. If I have an attack then, I don't have to set off any alarms. Sam's right though, that sheet metal was sharp, and it's a good thing I was wearing gloves. But if I'd fallen against any of it, I could have seriously hurt myself. So I understand Sam's concern, and agree to him installing the alarm. I just wish I could think of something less blaring.

I've ruined my jeans, and stained my shirt. I knew not to wear the nice outfits I wore to work at the museum, but I didn't expect I'd get that dirty. I also wasn't prepared for the temperature change through the day. Now I know why Sam dresses in layers like he does. I couldn't wear my coat 'cause it was too hot, but if I took it off I'd freeze, there was no happy medium. So I'm going to have to go shopping this weekend to find some more appropriate work clothing.

When we got home, Max was already there visiting with Candace. She was sorry she hadn't been able to give me much help, but she wanted to see my new arrangement and had a present for me as a housewarming gift. It was a reading lamp for my bed so I wouldn't have to turn all my lights on at night, something I'd always been meaning to get but never had.

After I washed the stink off me we had dinner, and Hal even showed up to join us. Sam even accepted the invitation to stay. It was a nice evening, though there was the awkward bit where I explained to Sam and Max that I wouldn't be joining them on Saturday evenings for the conspiracy dinner anymore. Max was excited to think that Candace and I could host here, but of course Sam doesn't want Candace involved and I don't want to be involved any more either. She accepted my decision, though I'm sure I'll hear more about it the next time we're alone.

Anyway, my new schedule with Sam is working during the week and having weekends off. So I'll have time more in line with Hal's schooling and we're excited about that. But of course Hal's been training with Brigida on Sundays. So Saturdays will likely be our day, until he goes off to dinner with the others.

Hal wanted me to go home with him tonight, but I still have a lot of stuff do here. And I'm fighting off sleep just trying to write this down. I told him to come by tomorrow for lunch and we could do something in the afternoon.

March 29th, 2018

Today was a nice day to myself to just organize my thoughts and my things. It's odd though that it was that way.

When I got around in the morning, Candace had a large breakfast prepared for me. Much larger than I'd ever need, so there were a lot of left overs. It was excellent food, sausages and eggs, pancakes, toast and jam, oatmeal with fruits and nuts, juice, milk, she really went all out and wanted to welcome me into her home. It was flattering, and I thanked her profusely. But I was also noticing that she was still wearing her clothes from last night. I don't think she slept at all, a thought further evidenced by her going to bed after we cleaned up, and she slept most of the day.

So I tried my best to keep quiet, though I was sorely tempted to put on some music. But like I said, it gave me peace to just take care of my own things. Hal stopped by for lunch, and since we'd been texting I knew he was coming and met him outside. We went out to eat and let Candace sleep, but Hal took advantage to celebrate me turning over a leaf so to speak.

Sam called later in the day, and that's what woke her up. He didn't seem surprised by her sleeping through the day though. He just wanted to check in on us, see if we needed anything. Candace still seems a little bitter about him not visiting all the time, and spit out that we didn't need anything from him. I was much more diplomatic as I passed her response.

Still, now up, Candace was happy to get around and we had a good evening. We got into the left overs and had breakfast for dinner... which I guess was her breakfast anyway. And then we talked for a while. I was curious about what shows she liked to watch or what music she liked to listen to so that I could tailor my own habits to hers. Though from the sound of things, even when she leaves the TV on she doesn't watch it. But she was curious about my own tastes and the shows and movies I liked to watch. I mentioned that it might be useful to get a streaming service, she said "Okay, how do we do that?" I mentioned that it'd have it's own bill, and she pulled out the credit card Sam had given her and handed it to me.

So I signed us up and we watched "Willow," A movie that I've always enjoyed. Candace really seemed to enjoy it too. And then she helped me with some more unpacking until I finally said I needed to get to bed so that I can join Sam tomorrow for work. I hope I haven't offended her with that...

But on the same note, I do need to get to bed, I've already stayed up later than I would have liked just to write this out.

March 28th, 2018

I overheard a conversation between Sam and Candace while I was in the other room today. I don't know that it was a conversation I wasn't supposed to hear, but it did seem strange. Sam was comforting Candace that I'd be here for her if she needed, that he was just a phone call away. I didn't catch the whole conversation, so I'm probably taking things out of context. It sounded like Sam's been coming here every night to check on her, and now that I'm here he won't. Maybe Candace's amnesia has her grasping on to the familiar, which in this case was Sam visiting every night. And if he's not doing that anymore, maybe she's panicking about it. Either way, when I joined them she seemed fine. And they never brought up the conversation with me, so I didn't ask about it.

Hal had come by during his lunch break, and helped me a bit with my unpacking. Not much though 'cause he needed to eat and get back. While we were talking though he mentioned a building that had shown up mysteriously in Denver. And then promptly apologized remembering I didn't want to have anything to do with those things. With all the moving over this weekend, I've had my head down and wasn't paying attention to the news anyway. Kinda wondering what else I'm missing.

Anyway, it was a reminder to me that these things are happening, that they aren't just stories in a conspiracy. I told Hal it was fine, some things I won't be able to ignore, and they are happening. I just didn't want to know about the things he was getting in to, that I didn't want to be included in any more trespassing or otherwise illegal activities.

After he left though curiosity got the better of me and I turned on the TV to see if there was any news. Sure enough there's a new building on Sheridan between Sloan lake and Colfax. City officials can't explain how it got there, there's no building permits or anything to allow for its construction. But there was no construction either, or deconstruction of other buildings. It's like it appeared between two buildings as though it had always been there, but yesterday there wasn't any room between those buildings. So this is another instance of things folding or unfolding to reveal more space than there had been before. I still don't know exactly how that works.

What Hal was mentioning though is that he's finding it interesting that this new building appeared in line with the existing buildings. That the whole building appeared, in it's own space. Rather than replacing another building, or merging, or only half showing up. Or for that matter, showing up in the middle of the road, or set back away from the road and not connecting with the sidewalk.

The building itself resembles an old tavern. Looking at pictures, it makes me think of The Prancing Pony or other such taverns found throughout movies and books of historical or fantastical setting. It even appears old, as if it had always been there. Well cared for, but old.

I even found an interview with a little old man claiming to be the owner. From his perspective, all the guests just disappeared that same night, and his neighborhood changed. He's not sure how he got here, but he's happy to offer room and board to travelers and visitors. He said at first he was thrilled with those visitors who came out of curiosity, but they didn't order much nor did anyone ask for a room so he's not making money off them. Now he's got city officials demanding to see his kitchen and rooms to make sure they're clean enough and he's insulted that they would think he's not. And until they give their okay, he's forced to close his doors. The other thing is that his employees have all disappeared too, so he needs new employees. And a business licence, he claims he inherited the business from his father, and that it's been operating for generations. What's he need a licence for it now?

In a way, it's amusing, if unfortunate. But in line with everything else... There's still no word on that town that disappeared, though it seems everyone who lived there is now accounted for. They are all now displaced too, no jobs or homes. It's a little odd that only this one building appeared here, and I looked over ever interview I could find. No one seems to be asking the old man where he was to begin with. Or if they did, his answer or lack of answer isn't reported.

The old man... His name is Morcant, that's all they'll publish. I don't know if it's a first or last name, but it's the only name he'll give I guess. For that matter I wonder if it's even spelled correctly. And his Tavern is named after him: Morcant's. The only sign is a picture of a lake, though it's unclear if that lake is Sloan Lake or what. There's no writing.

I asked Sam and Candace about it during dinner. They hadn't heard anything about it either, Candace has been busy helping me, and Sam his project when he's not helping me. They both seemed concerned about it, but like me we're helpless to do anything. Candace hoped Morcant's former employees and guests are okay. Sam wondered how they were left behind if Morcant himself stayed with the building.

Another day, another mystery I guess.

I'm feeling good about what I've got done. I still have a lot of stuff in boxes, but they're less important. My clothes are back in the dresser, I've claimed the bathroom for myself, and I'm in a position where I can start living day to day. I'd like to get some shelving or something that I can put things on. And I've got a lot of pictures I need to hang. I had asked Sam for a few days, so he wasn't expecting me tomorrow, I'll use that to see what more I can do, or maybe just to settle in. But Friday Sam was hoping I could come by the shop and at the very least he can show me around and get me introduced to what I'll be doing.

March 26th, 2018

Not a whole lot to say, spent most of the day packing and moving again. Dad had to work, as did Sam, even Mom had her project down at the library to work on. The advantage being that Hal was able to come by and help move. Candace was there to help as well, but with three of us in Hal's jeep, that didn't leave a lot of room for boxes.

Candace and I spent most of the morning packing what we could, of what was left to pack. And while Hal had a lunch break we got in a trip, but that didn't leave him a lot of time to eat. So Candace and I fed him after he helped bring in what we'd shipped. Then he had to leave and Candace and I took the bus back to my parents place to get some more work done. With most everything packed we started cleaning up after me so that Mom wouldn't have to. When Dad got home he helped us with another trip, but then he left us here and went home.

So I've actually got most of my stuff here now, though it's all still in boxes. I still have a few things left at home, and if Candace and I want to be complete we'll go back and finish cleaning tomorrow.

Then I'll have to unpack everything.

For as fast as this has been, its still starting to feel like it's taking forever. I've been trying to unpack since I'm here and unable to do anything else, but it's like I don't know where to put anything and I don't know where to start.

Oh well, I have time. Sam's not expecting me to show up for work until I'm comfortable to do so, but he's also not going to pay me until I do. Still, my "true" job is to be here for Candace, and I don't know how that's going to work out as far as paychecks and stuff. So I also need to get to Sam's forge so I can talk with him about that. No stress, just stress.

March 22nd, 2018

Today started out normally enough. Hal called up and asked about going to the gym and picking up Candace. He said he had the day free if I wanted to do something, but he knew I generally had plans with Candace. Of course, if he could be of help at Candace's he was willing and able. I told him that Candace and I had plans, but we needed to talk. I told him I'd check in with Candace, and get back to him.

So when I called Candace up, I let her know what was going on. She encouraged me to take the morning to talk with Hal and that I could join her whenever I was ready. So I called Hal up and asked if we could go somewhere we could talk. Hal suggested his place, of course, but I felt more comfortable in a neutral and public area. So we agreed to meet at the cafe down on 25th.

I told him I wasn't comfortable working with The Order. That I was no longer comfortable with him working with The Order. I won't prevent him from doing so, or ask him not to, I won't even make it a condition on us remaining together. I don't think that'd be fair. But I wanted him to know that I'm not comfortable with it anymore. To that end, I turned down their offer. Though I seriously considered asking if they'd just pay me to stay quiet. But part of me is still worried about how they'd react to such threats.

I understand that it's an incredible opportunity for him. His schooling is paid for and he's allowed, encouraged even, to continue to pursue his education at his own pace. And having a similar offer is tempting to me. I do want to go to college after all. But I wasn't prepared to lose my job again, especially not like that. I want my education to get me into a career that I can stay with, and I don't want some shadow organization pulling my strings and putting that career at risk. And no, I don't consider it okay that I could just get another similar job somewhere else.

I told him I was happy with our relationship, but I knew that it'd have to change going forward. I'm willing to try if he is, but I want to step back from The Order and all our conspiracy talk.

Hal listened, and he accepted my decision. He wants to continue with our relationship, which was good to hear. But he's going to want to have someone to be able to talk to about all this. For now, he'll see if he can make do just chatting with Brigida, and I suggested that Max has always been interested in conspiracy theories. Hal actually mentioned that it might be nice having someone to escape all that with. But I don't think he's ever going to be able to tear himself away, and I think he's aware of that too.

So we'll see how things go, and I'm glad we had this talk. It was nice afterward to hold him again and be held by him again. I did miss that.

Afterward he brought me to Candace's, and made the decision to go work on some of his own things.

In a way that was good, because I wanted to be able to spend some time with Candace and maybe see if I could identify what Sam was talking about.

Things went well, it was windy and cloudy today, which made it less enjoyable to work outside. Fortunately we were working with the small pots and seeds, so we could do that inside. Candace seemed to do well, even when I had a dizzy spell just before two. But as well as she seemed, I think I am seeing what Sam saw. She was waving her hands over one of the pots she had just planted, and was getting frustrated when nothing happened. Then there was her humor, which wasn't very humorous. She was mocking, especially toward Sam. When we first met, I remember her being dismissive and condescending toward him, but she seemed to come to accept him and even bond with him after coming to live here. But today, and even yesterday the way she teased him about asking for help with the table saw, she mocked him. It made me uncomfortable.

I finally called her out on it though, asking why she was harping on him so badly. She acted like she wasn't even aware she was doing it. And it seemed genuine, which is troubling on its own. Afterward she seemed to go back to herself. She stopped harping on Sam, and when he showed up later for dinner, she seemed to try to make it up to him.

I'm not sure what's going on with her, but I do think it'd be good to keep a closer eye on her. So over dinner I talked to them some more about the offers they had made me. I'll have to talk to my parents, though at the moment I feel like they're pushing me out anyway. But I'll take the empty room, that way I can just move my stuff in rather than having to claim things that are already there.

I'm not sure how much of an assistant to Sam I'd make, but for a time it'd be nice to have a little bit of cash coming in and I'd like to see his forge and stuff. So I'll try that out for size, and if I like it I can keep doing it. But if it's only part time, I'll still have to find another job. And when that comes alone we'll have to reassess my assistance to him.

Reaching that decision really seemed to take a weight off my shoulders, and if I'm not paying rent, maybe I can still save up and go to college rather that get another job.

When Sam was taking me home, he asked about his other offer, making my primary job be to be there for Candace. I told him I wasn't comfortable with us making those arrangements behind her back. But I also admitted I'd seen how she was acting differently, and I had to agree that maybe she does need someone there. So if he wanted to pay me a bit more on the side for doing something I'd do anyway... who was I to turn down more money?

Don't remind me about the tubing trip. I've got a different situation now, and with that comes different priorities.

I'm tired now that I'm home, so I stayed long enough to say good night to Mom and Dad, and then came up here to my room. I'll talk to them tomorrow about moving in with Candace.

March 20th, 2018

Hal finally stopped texting today and allowed me space.

I spent the morning doing chores knowing full well Mom was there. She was happy to see me out. I had been out yesterday of course, but I'd pretty much hid from her and Dad so it's not like they saw me out. She did want to talk and while still disappointed in what I'd done, she felt it was time I accepted the consequences and moved on. To that end she was encouraging of me to find another job. And I do have a lot of money saved up, I could probably put in for some loans, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid and go to school.

It's just that I'd been working toward a scholarship through the museum and had hoped to do that this summer and start in the fall.

At least Mom wasn't dumping on me. Though I was still getting disapproving silence form Dad. Even with her encouragement, I still have an ultimatum on the table.

I have time now, I could go look in to admissions and financial aid at the college. But I still have bills that need to be paid, so I'll need a job either way.

They've been pretty adamant that I not spend time with Hal any more too. So when I got my chores done around the house, I left saying I'd be out looking for a job. Then I called Hal up and asked if we could meet somewhere. He picked me up at the next bus stop and we headed back to his place.

Hal was tripping over himself to apologize. He said he knew how much the job meant to me, but then he turns around and reminded me of the job offer with The Order. They'd pay for my schooling, and I'd earn enough money that I wouldn't have to worry about it. Then I could go out and do anything. He forgets that I'd also be trespassing secured areas and losing my job on a regular basis. I don't know what kind of career I could make out of that.

It's a tempting offer though. If they're going to get me into this kind of trouble, I may as well make them pay for it and take advantage. I told Hal I'd think about it.

I couldn't stay out forever though, and I wanted to make it look like I'd tried to get jobs. So I asked Hal to bring me home and stop by every fast food joint on the way. That way I could walk in with a pile of applications to fill out.

March 19th, 2018

Hal and Max's spring break started this week. I still hadn't responded to Hal's texts or his messages and I'd just about turned my phone off to stop getting calls when Max's name showed up on my screen. After spending most of yesterday in bed, and even most of this morning, I was feeling like I needed to get out. So I welcomed Max's invite to go get something to eat.

I ended up telling her everything that'd happened. She let me be disappointed in myself rather than adding to it, and counseled that I talk to Hal and let him know that I'm not angry at him. It was a nice long chat, and it's been a while since just us two did something. Max was feeling good about her midterms, she's already gotten most of her grades back and they're all A's. This next term she's got a project for one of her classes to create a short film and she's looking forward to that.

Candace texted while we were at lunch to let me know that the stuff she'd ordered from the garden supply store had arrived. She's looking forward to my days off so I can help her in the back yard. I couldn't bring myself to respond.

My parents were much more calm after I'd returned home. They still lectured me on responsibility and making the right choices and stuff. I guess Hal had come over while I was out hoping to catch me and instead caught an earful from Mom. Still, I have an ultimatum on the table to find a job, get into college, or find another place to live.

Feels like I'm getting kicked when I'm already down.

I finally sent Hal a text. I told him that I wasn't trying to shut him our or anything. I apologized for ignoring him and explained that I just need time to process. Then I turned my phone off.

March 18th, 2018

I've barely gotten out of bed today. I went downstairs around two to get something to eat. Mom was there and wanted to know what happened. I told her that Hal and I stayed after hours in the museum hoping to catch who was causing the troubles at work. She flat out told me that was stupid, that it was the security guards whose job it was to do that. She's very disappointed with my decision, and I can't blame her. I only half listened to her lecture, and then I went back upstairs and crawled back in bed.

When Dad came home he yelled at me too. I didn't go down for dinner.

Hal's been trying to call me all day. I've turned my ringer off so I don't have to hear it. He texts too, desperate to talk to me. He thinks I blame him, or that I'm angry with him. I'm not happy with him, but as much as anything I'm angry with myself for agreeing to do that at all. At first he kept trying to reassure me. When he realized I wasn't going to answer, that's when he started trying to plead his case and beg me to talk. I still haven't responded to him.

It's getting dark, Mom and Dad have gone to bed. I'm going to go grab something to eat real quick and then come back to bed. I don't know what I'm going to do tomorrow.

March 17th, 2018

What have I done?

Last night there was a break in to the museum. And this time it was almost identical to the break ins we had been reading about in the cities that Nephmesu visited during his tour. The difference was that the museum didn't respond to it as a break in, nor did they report it. Just that a door had been found unlocked and we all heard about it as though someone had forgotten to lock something up before we left at night.

That's what triggered Hal and I's attention, though of course Hal was only learning about it when he visited for lunch. He and I were both thinking it, we didn't need to voice our thoughts. As he left he said simply "We're doing this." and I couldn't disagree.

He showed back up later before the museum closed, and since everyone still knew him there was no issue with him coming into the back and being chummy. Just before we'd start doing the closing announcements he mentioned needing to use the restroom and disappeared in that direction.

Later I would mention that he was already outside waiting for me as though he had passed through and the others just hadn't seen him. I counted down my till as fast as I could mentioning that Hal was waiting for me, so that it could appear that I was one of the first to leave. I ran back to my locker in a rush, but of course rather than grabbing my stuff and going I met up with Hal who was hiding. He had made friendly with one of the aids who had a key into the locked areas and using the skills Tim had taught him stole the key. In that way we were able to lock ourselves into one of the areas that should remain locked through the night and escape detection.

Hal informed me later that if they had changed the key code on the pad since he'd left, we'd have been screwed. I'm not happy with him about that.

We waited long enough for the guards to settle into a predictable routine and avoided the cameras by not going anywhere. Then we waited longer for any indication that something was up. Hal was sure that however anyone was avoiding detection, it would affect the guards and we'd notice it. That was what he was waiting for.

And he wasn't wrong. As night fell and the museum became truly dark, Hal suddenly started yawning hard and his head nodded forward. Quickly he grabbed a charm out of his pocket that he explained would protect us from the magical influence. He and I held it tightly between our hands for minutes while he continued to yawn, which of course caused me to yawn in response. With all that yawning I was starting to feel tired, and then Hal looked up at me and said it was over. He took the charm back and put it in his pocket and then we carefully made our way back to the door.

Back out in the hallway, we crept up the stairs watching for guards. Up on the second floor we finally found one, passed out on the floor with his flashlight laying next to him. Hal turned back to me and smiled and after that he stopped trying to be so sneaky confident that we wouldn't be discovered.

We stopped into the wildlife exhibits quickly to see if anything was happening there, but Hal was impatient about getting to the Egyptian mummies exhibit. There was nothing to find so we made a beeline to Nephmesu.

At first nothing looked out of order, and Hal's impatience began to show. He stationed me there to watch over Nephmesu while he explored the rest of the exhibit hoping to find something.

While Hal was gone though I watched as Nephmesu stepped into view. He wasn't resting in the sarcophagus as we expected, but rather he'd already been down the other hallway leading to his chamber and was returning. Hal had gone back the way we'd come otherwise he'd probably have run right into the ancient.

The other thing was that Nephmesu didn't appear like one would expect a mummy to appear. He wasn't wrapped up in his bandages, nor was his face or body gaunt. He looked fully alive, and was dressed in a nice modern suit. What gave him away is that he looked nearly identical to the renderings that scientists had generated to put a face on him for the public. He was much darker than expected, though not as dark as Sam. Also his face was younger, and he had a scar on his forehead that no one could have expected. Finally he was wearing all the jewelry that accompanied his mummified form.

There was also a sense of power that radiated from him. I'm not sure I can explain it properly. It's like the area around him was charged, like static electricity. But it's not like I felt if I were to try and touch something I'd be shocked. More like there was a potential there that anything could happen.

I watched him, peeking from around the corner behind which I hid, terrified that he'd discover me. But like Hal he was confident that he wouldn't be discovered. Instead he just paced, like he was waiting for something. Rather, he was waiting for some one. From the lobby came a noise that in the silence seemed loud, the click of one of our lobby doors as it opened, and then closed. I couldn't call out to Hal, but I had hoped he'd heard that and that he would be mindful enough of what it'd mean.

Nephmesu heard it too though, and fortunately for me the more direct rout to the lobby was down the other hallway. Nephmesu actually looked down to his clothing and smoothed it out, checking to make sure he looked presentable. It was almost a nervous action, and at the same time when he looked up he assumed a demeanor befitting a king.

We didn't have to wait long before someone joined us, approaching from the expected passage. This someone was also a male, his skin was lighter than Nephmesu's though still darker than mine. I couldn't quite make out his features, he never did look my direction. His hair was cloudy white as though he were as ancient as Nephmesu's actual age. His form was solid though, like he was still in his prime. Both men were skinny like Hal, but this newcomer moved in a way that made me think of Sam. He was also dressed well, but not regal like Nephmesu. It made me think back to how Nephmesu had straightened his clothes, and made me wonder why Nephmesu was nervous to meet him rather than the other way around.

Like Nephmesu though, he also brought with him a sense of power. But this was different, as though the air itself became more dense, as though there were something tangible about it. Again, I'm not sure my explanation does the feeling justice.

They greeted each other formally, the body language universal. But once the formality was over, they seemed to become more familiar to each other. I get the feeling that they knew each other at least somewhat well. They remained professional, but comfortable.

They did talk, but I couldn't understand the language. Hearing them I was reminded of clips we have used to show us how the ancient Egyptians might have sounded. I suspect that's what they were speaking.

They seemed to come to an agreement, and then they shook hands. That was when Hal tapped me on the shoulder. I bumped the wall as I spun around, bringing my hands up to my face terrified that I'd scream. It was later that I learned Hal didn't see anything, but in the moment I could only think that he was completely unconcerned with the meeting happening right in front of us between two people who could probably squash us like bugs. Hal apologized for startling me, and started to explain that he wasn't finding anything in a volume far too loud. Seeing the fear on my face though he stopped and asked "What?"

I turned to look back down the hall, but both men were gone. When I turned back to Hal he asked again what was wrong. I told him what I'd seen and Hal looked down the hall hoping to see what I was talking about. Of course by then there was nothing to see. When he turned back to me I noticed behind him a guard approaching with his gun drawn.

The police were called, we were handcuffed and dragged outside. I just about pissed myself. Hal kept whispering to me "Don't worry, don't say anything, and don't worry."

I kept my trap shut, I was more terrified of what I might say than anything. Hal remained infuriatingly calm in the face of all of it. It might have had a calming influence on me, but once the CEO arrived with head of HR all I could hope was that they wouldn't recognize me.

They talked to the police and security, glancing in our direction every so often. Before too long a lady arrived approaching those talking about us. Hal said, "She's here," as though that explained anything. She was tall, almost as tall as Hal at least. She was dressed professionally, and had dark full hair that reached down to her mid back. While they talked a security guard arrived carrying a box. There were some questions, the guard shook his head and put the box down before walking away.

It felt like an eternity passed while they discussed our fate. Eventually the box was passed to me, it was the contents of my locker. They approached me and asked what had happened, why we were there, what we'd seen. I didn't hear Hal's answers, I just stared into my box. Finally Hal touched my shoulder and guided me away. We followed the lady who had come late back to her car. Inside Hal introduced her as Brigida Sarto, his college.

We won't be charged, and The Order would make sure nothing shows up on our records. But I also don't have a job any more.

Hal spent the evening trying to reassure me. We went out to get a late dinner, but nothing could fill the hollow in my stomach. I told them what I'd seen, but Hal said he didn't see anything. Brigida was kind, said she was happy to finally meet me. She thanked me for my help and told me not to worry, The Order could offer me a job if I wanted. I told her I'd think about it and asked if I could go home.

I don't know what I'm going to do.

March 16th, 2018

Hal is convinced he can hide in the museum to stay after hours. That he can then continue to avoid security so he can catch for himself whoever or whatever is causing the issues we've been having. He's also convinced that the who is in fact Nephmesu himself. And I know I've entertained that idea, but that's not possible. But even if it's not Nephmesu, if Hal can pull this off as he thinks he can, he'd be able to figure out who it is. And God help me, he's just about got me convinced as well.

I was hoping that after Monday things might settle down. I'm not sure why I hoped that, the only indication was that things were getting worse. Some of the other employees are talking about a ghost that's haunting the museum. I wouldn't be surprised at this point to learn it was goblins. But I had hoped that they did what they were trying to do and that was the end of it. It wasn't.

Today we had guests all day reacting to the wildlife displays moving. Some thought that we had used the days closed to install animatronics to make them come to life or something. Others were complaining that the movement was scaring themselves or their kids. By the end of the day we had someone posted in the display to try and catch the movement, and in the few hours they spent there they couldn't report seeing anything. Though I hear they felt like they were constantly seeing something move out of the corner of their eyes.

Hal had his last test this morning, so when I told him about this stuff at lunch he was determined to spend some time in the wildlife display for himself. Hal said it was like everything was moving just at the corner of his vision. But when he'd turn his head, everything was normal. He heard a few kids react to something, but when he went to check it out neither he nor the parents were able to find what the kid had reacted to.

Convinced that Nephmesu had something to do with it, Hal went into the Egypt exhibit to see if he could find anything there. He was still there when I got off and joined him, and he said he wasn't noticing anything. Nothing moved, not even out of the corner of his eyes and it all seemed normal. But he said he felt something was different and he couldn't explain how. I didn't see, sense, or feel anything to confirm what Hal was experiencing. Hal wanted to take me through the wildlife exhibit real quick to show me that, but with the place closing down we needed to leave.

The only thing is, he can't do this without me. He needs someone who works there, and that's me. So I can't just agree to let him try, I have to join him.