Everly’s sorrow turned to anger. “Did she get out?”
Ten nodded. “She did, but Maria was never the same. It was said she spent the rest of her life walking alone on the beach near the shipwreck, waiting for Sam to come home to her.”
“Dad, I don’t like that story!” Everly stood up and grabbed her rainbow unicorns, giving them all a hug.
“Me no like!” Ezra agreed with his sister. He held out his plastic sword with the point on Ten’s heart.
Ten rolled his eyes dramatically. “There’s one more piece to the puzzle. People claimed Maria was a witch.”
“What?” Everly gasped. “A witch! That makes the story even worse. So many of my innocent sisters died because people around them were jealous or just plain mean.”
Ronan grinned. He’d helped Everly work on a project about the Salem Witch Trials last school year and he’d been impressed with her anger over what happened in their city and her vow to never let another witch be harmed ever again.
“You’re right, Everly, it’s not a happy story, but Ezra’s gift mentioned Sam Bellamy, which made me think maybe there’s more to this story than we already know.”
Everly turned back to Ten, her earlier anger gone. “What do you mean, more to the story?”
“I’m not sure.” Ten shrugged and got back to his feet. “Let’s keep our gifts open on this trip and see where it gets us, huh?”
“History gets stuff wrong all the time. Maybe you’ll find out the truth about Maria and Sam.” Ronan got off Everly’s bed and hugged his daughter. “Pack all the stuffies. If your suitcase is overflowing from stuff you buy on the trip, there’s room in mine. Okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.” Everly looked up at her father. “I know Uncle Fitz wants to go somewhere on vacation that’s not haunted, but if Maria or Sam needs my help, they’re gonna get it.”
Ronan grinned at his daughter. “Don’t ever change.”
“I won’t. You taught me to fight for people and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do for Maria and Sam.”
Ronan had no doubt Everly would be true to her word. As he walked into Ezra’s room to kiss his son goodnight, Ronan couldn’t help but wonder if history had gotten the love story of Sam and Maria wrong. Maybe Everly would discover what really happened between the star-crossed lovers and set history to rights.
4
Tennyson
After the last minute debacle of things going missing before they’d left on the Memorial Day Weekend trip, Ten made sure everything was packed the night before, especially Mr. Moo. He’d snuck into Ezra’s room after the little boy had fallen asleep and Moo-napped the cow, stuffing him into Ezra’s backpack, which Ten left near the front door with all the other luggage for the trip.
At half past seven, Ronan took all the luggage outside, where he and Jude loaded it into the van, while Ten made breakfast for the kids. Cold cereal in paper bowls, so that they could be thrown away with the trash, which he would bring out before they left.
Another difference in this trip was that the adults had placed a grocery order they’d be able to pick up on the way to the rental house. He figured the more they did before they’d even left the house, the easier the trip would be. Especially when the notorious Cape traffic was factored into the equation.
All Ten needed to do now was get everyone into the van. They were running on schedule with a little time to spare. “Okay, guys, finish up breakfast and hit the bathroom one last time before we leave.”
“Me first!” Ezra bounced out of his seat and ran toward the restroom.
“Wash hands and face, Ezzie!” Ten called after him. “I’ll know if you didn’t.”
A loud groan came from the behind the closed door.
“Done!” Ezra ran out of the bathroom and toward the living room before Ten intercepted him. The little boy slapped his still-wet hands against Ten’s cheeks. “Me wash. All keen.”
“Yup, you’re all clean.” Ten wiped his face on Ezra’s shirt. “Daddy’s waiting for you by the door. Go get him.”
“Bye, house!” Ezra called out and dashed away from Ten.
“I’m ready to go too, but I won’t wipe my hands on your face.” Everly pointed to Ten’s left cheek. “You missed a spot.”
“Thanks, little miss.” Ten grabbed a paper towel and dabbed his cheek with it. “Are you ready to go?”
“All set,” Everly agreed.
