As I walked through the double doors of my summer destination, I let my father’s memories give me strength.
“Just breathe…” I whispered, through tight lips. Greeting my arrival was an exotic fountain of water that filled almost half of the foyer. Staring at the details of the fountain I became entranced. A dark and smooth statue of a beautiful woman standing inside a small pool that seemed to disappear into the floor. The water fell from an opening in the ceiling above and trickled down her back as she looked over her shoulder at whoever walked through the front entrance. On her back were large wings that reminded me of ice, and the falling water crept and caressed the lines etched inside them. The water angel’s eyes seemed to follow you if you moved. I leaned from side to side just to prove my point. I was right.
“Wow. That’s cool,” I said to her. Without thinking I reached out with one finger and pushed it into the thin wall of water that streamed just below the angel’s wings. I expected the water to be ice cold, but I was wrong. It was warm, very warm. It made me think of my dad’s touch. Quickly, I removed my small backpack from around my shoulders and placed it onto the floor. Then, with a pop of the building tension in my neck, I rubbed my hands together and closed my eyes.
“All right, angel of paradise, check this out.”
With a puff of hot air from my lips, a ball of fire spun to life inside my entwined palms. It glowed yellow and white with orange and red highlights. As my eyes pulled together even tighter, the ball of fire morphed into the shape of a small vortex. The tornado twisted for a moment before flattening into a disc of fire. It looked like a Frisbee-of-death. Extending my palms out flat to mirror the new flying saucer shape, I began to bounce the flames up and down. I opened my eyes to watch my magic. I loved pushing my abilities.
“Cool,” I said, proudly, and focused my powers. The burning disc fell back into the familiar shape of a ball and I cautiously extended my hands into the rolling water. The fire hissed as it fought the rushing waves, but never went out. I pushed harder and thick trails of smoke danced up to the ceiling. The water tried its best to penetrate my flames, but they couldn’t. Eventually the water fell along the sides of the fire with tiny embers of wet sparks popping from its sides. The fiery orb grew a little bigger before changing one last time.
As the shape of a heart burned before my eyes, I said, “Perfect.” The angel stared down at me with her intense gaze and I shot her a quick wink and placed my arms at my sides in triumph. From behind me came a voice…
“Not bad, Madi Lee. You really are a light, aren’t you…”
“Aunt Asia!” I squealed, and barreled into her, squeezing her with all the strength in my arms. Her cool arms wrapped around me with a comfort I hadn’t felt since my dad.
“Neat trick, little lady. You’ve been practicing,” Asia said, admiring the burning heart.
“A little.” I smiled. I loved visiting my Aunt Asia…well…she wasn’t really my aunt, but since my dad died she’s been there for me in any and every way possible. Her and my mom have had a bit of a bumpy history together, but recently they have supported each other, just like family.
“So, an entire summer here on the island…what will we ever do to keep ourselves occupied?” she teased, and a ear-deafening crash of thunder rolled over the top of us. It shook the walls and extinguished my heart of flames within the water fountain. We both laughed and hugged each other again.
“I’ve missed Maui,” I said, picking up my bag. “I’ve missed you.”
“Madi, you’re welcome here as long as you like. You, my little firecracker, are home,” she said, absolutely.
“Where are the girls?” I asked, with a curious eyebrow raised.
“Your sisters are out practicing their surfing skills, among other things,” she teased. “Now, come with me.”
With a bounce in my step, Aunt Asia showed me to my room. It was located on the third floor of her enormous house and decked out in simple, but classy furnishings. With another squeal I dove onto my bed and inhaled the fresh scent of the bedding. It smelled like cherry blossoms. Everything around Asia did.
“This is going to be the best summer ever!” I cheered. Asia leaned against the doorway with her arms folded and watched me for a moment.
“Of course it will be. Now, call your mom, you know how she worries about you,” she smiled, wickedly. “When you’re done, come see me on the terrace. I have a homecoming present for you.”
“Really? Okay, I’ll call my mom after I unpack.”
Two minutes later I was calling my mom, assuring her this was going to be the perfect summer. I was safe, I was loved, and I’d be back home in sixty days. She made me promise to Skype with her every night before bed and to have a good time. When I was done talking to my mom I ran out of my room and raced for the house’s unbelievable terrace.
As my bare feet touched the soft stone-made terrace, I saw Asia immediately. She was leaning against the railing staring out over the island. Rain was anxiously waiting to fall from the swollen sky and drench us, but she wouldn’t allow it to fall just yet. Next to her was my gift wrapped in a large red bow. I ran up to her.
“Is that mine?” I asked, wild-eyed.
“Yes,” she said, softly.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, noticing the serious look in her eyes. Aunt Asia only had that look in her eyes when it came to one thing, my dad.
“Was this my Dad’s?” I asked, gently. She nodded yes, and it looked as if she was about to cry. “I love it.”
“Me too,” she whispered. Slowly, she leaned in and kissed me on my cheek and walked past me. It was painted on her face how much she still missed my dad. Just before she disappeared around the doorway of the terrace she turned back to me.
“I love you, Madi Lee.”
“Love you too.” I smiled.
Quietly she entered the house leaving me with my new gift. It was one of the few things that connected me to my dad. With care I reached out and removed the ribbon loosely tied around it. I pulled the gift closer to me, placing it in my lap as I admired its sleek and perfect shape. Gently I let my fingers fall along the strings of the electric guitar, strumming it to life. The sound of the chord whispered along the terrace, awaking crackles of lightning in the darkening sky. I let my hand trace the outline of the black and blue instrument as a sadness crept up my ribcage. My hand slid over my heart as it doubled its pace in my chest. My fingers wrapped around the trinket my dad had given me when I was a baby. I spun the charm inside my fingers gently and the theatre masks felt cool against my skin. Touching them always centered me. Heat radiated from my core, settling my emotions.
“Love you, Dad,” I sighed.
With a small smile I stood up and placed the guitar’s strap over my shoulder and tucked the gift behind me. It dangled from my back as I made my way into the house and raindrops chased my every step.
Time for my adventure to begin…
THE FIRE LIVES ON
“Thank you for experiencing the final act of my emotional series. I couldn’t have finished this roller coaster ride without your help and support. It has meant the world to me that you have followed my words this far. One day I’ll find a way to repay you all. Until then…
Read on. Rock on.” ~Mads
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Madison Daniel has finally gotten a decent grasp on this whole “writing thing” and he plans on continuing as long as the voices in his head demand it. As always, he uses music to help the reader get lost in his worlds. Many amazing adventures are on the horizon and he cannot wait to share them with the literary landscape.
This is only the beginning…you’ve been warmed.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
Every book in my series has ended with a special thank you to someone who has helped shape the series, whether they knew it at the time or not. I write because I have to. I create because it is a part of me. I am and always will be, an artist. This shout out is for a fellow dreamer, a brilliant and wild spirit…
Thank you, Allyn.
LITERARY SOUNDTRACK
In Embers is a living, breathing work of entertainment. It is meant to be enjoyed and consumed with a musical playlist. Each chapter is bookended by a song that resonates with the story and its characters. I have enclosed that musical playlist. Feel free to follow my lead or download your own playlist. Please do not illegally download. Support and embrace your favorite artists.
Look, listen, and fade away...
SONG CREDITS & PLAYLIST
“Watch Over You” by Alter Bridge
Mark Tremonti, Myles Kennedy
Universal Republic Records © 2007
“Hurricane” by Theory of a Deadman
Kara DioGuardi & Tyler Connolly
The All Blacks B.V. © 2011
“Bother” by Stone Sour
Corey Taylor
The All Blacks B.V. © 2002
“Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics
David A. Stewart & Annie Lennox
Sony BMG Music Entertainment © 1984
“Beautiful Disaster” by 311
Nicholas Hexum
Volcano Entertainment III L.L.C. © 2004
“Help I’m Alive” by Metric
James Shaw, Emily Haines
Metric Productions © 2009
“Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage
Garbage
Almo Sound © 1995
“I Don’t Care” by Apocalyptica
Adam Gontier, Max Martin & Eicca Toppinen
Jive © 2008
“Stars” by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Grace Potter
Hollywood Records Inc. © 2012
“Rise Above This” by Seether
Howard Benson
Wind-Up Records LLC © 2007
“Say” by John Mayer
John Mayer
Aware Records LLC © 2006, 2007, 2008
“The Only Exception” by Paramore
Josh Farro, Hayley Williams
Warner Bros. Music © 2010
“Room To Breathe” by You Me At Six
Matthew Barnes, Daniel Flint, Josh Franceschi, Max Helyer & Christopher Miller
BMG Rights Management UK Ltd © 2014
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Sting
Polydor Ltd, A&M Records Ltd ©1983
“Volcano” by Damien Rice
Damien Rice
Vector Recordings/ Warner Brothers Records © 2003
“Love Is A Battlefield” by Pat Benatar
Holly Knight, Mike Chapman
Capitol Records © 1983
“Again” by Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz
Virgin America © 2000
“Love Remains The Same” by Gavin Rossdale
Gavin Rossdale & M. Frederiksen
Interscope Records © 2008
“Running” by No Doubt
G. Stefani, T. Kanal
Interscope © 2003
“Take A Bow” by Madonna
Madonna, Babyface
Maverick, Warner Bros. Records © 1995
“Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis
Noel Gallagher
Creation © 1996
“Leader of the Broken Hearts” by Papa Roach
James Michael/Papa Roach
Red Level Three Music © 2013
“Bad Blood” by Bastille
Dan Smith
Virgin Records Ltd © 2013
“Angel” by Theory of a Deadman
David Brenner, Tyler Connolly, Joseph Dandeneau, Dean Back
Roadrunner Records Inc. © 2014
“Forever Can Be” by Ashes Divide
Billy Howerdel
The Island Def Jam Music Group © 2008
“Eternal Flame” by The Bangles
Suzanna Hoffs, Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg
Illegal Records © 1987, 1988
“Don’t Go Away” by Oasis
Noel Gallagher
Creation, Sony Music © 1998
“If You Could Only See” by Tonic
Emerson Hart
Polydor/A&M © 1997
“Cool” by Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani & Dallas Austin
Interscope © 2005
“Sour Girl” by Stone Temple Pilots
Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo
Atlantic © 2000
“I Never Told You” by Colbie Caillat
Colbie Caillat, Kara DioGuardi & Jason Reeves
Universal Republic Records © 2009
“Never Say Never” by The Fray
David Welsh, Isaac Slade & Joe King
Sony Music Entertainment © 2009
“Monster” by Meg Myers
Meg Myers, Andrew Robert Rosen
Atlantic Recording Corporation © 2012
“Love & Death” by Tokio Hotel
Dave Roth, Patrick Benzner, David Jost, Tom Kaulitz, The Matrix & Bill Kaulitz
Universal Music © 2009
“Familiar Taste of Poison” by Halestorm
Elizabeth Mae Hale, Howard Benson, Dave Bassett
Atlantic Recording Corporation © 2010
“Shatter Me” by Lindsey Sterling
Mark Maxwell, Lindsey Stirling
Lindseystomp Records © 2014
“Love…Thy Will Be Mine” by Martika
Martika, Prince
Sony © 1991
“If I Die Young” by The Band Perry
Kimberly Perry
Universal Republic Nashville Records © 2010
“Let Me Go” by Avril Lavigne
Avril Lavigne/Chad Kroeger/David Hodges
Epic © 2013
“Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, Timothy Mosley, Jerome J-ROC Harmon, James Fauntleroy
RCA Records © 2013
“Elastic Heart” by Sia
Sia Furler, Thomas Pentz, Andrew Swanson & Abel Tesfaye
Universal Republic Records © 2013
“Here & Now” by Seether
John Stephen Humphrey, Troy William Mclawhorn, Shaun Morgan Welgemoed, Dale William Stewart
Wind-Up Records LLC © 2011
AFTERSHOCKS: PART 4
~ Here and Now: Seether ~
Max:
I know when we started this journey together you didn’t expect me to die. Hell, how can I still be telling you my story if I died?
The truth is my story isn’t too far off from yours. We all have demons. We all make mistakes. We all will be forgiven. So, here are a few suggestions to guide you…
Love like there’s no tomorrow.
Live with no regrets, life’s too short.
Find your smile and hold onto it.
Share your light.
Be brilliant.
My story ends here, but my love does not. Not by a long shot. My love lives on within my daughter and her story. My soul courses inside of these pages. It lives on through you. I, live on through you. I burn for you, Dear Reader.
Until the fires return…
Hand on heart.
Max
* * *
In Embers
By
Madison Daniel
©2013/2014