24. Chapter Twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-four
I scroll down and continue reading the article from a few years ago about the Tree of Life. This is the fourth article I've read and, so far, they are all useless.
After the conversation with my grandmother, I woke up and found myself sitting on the chair, John looking down at me with a wrinkling brow. It’s nice to know he cares. That we are in this together. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without his help. I know I couldn't wake up my grandmother, but I can't help but feel relieved knowing I made it easy for her. Even if only a little.
I close the browser and open a new one. I'm looking for museums nearby that are related to trees. The only one I can find is two hours away and only one with a botanical garden.
I take advantage of the daylight and the fact that John will be sleeping to go check the place out, happy that John has decided to return to his hotel room due to his hunger and lack of sleep.
On the way to the museum in Jackson, I stop at a convenience store and buy three cans of energy drink. I usually don't drink caffeine much, but recently, I have felt the exhaustion terribly.
I don't know if it's from the excitement, or from the loss of the magic, or from John’s renewal in the first place. Maybe it’s from everything all together because I find myself having trouble seeing straight.
I finish the second can as I park the car in the museum parking lot.
Moving past the guard, I buy a single ticket and enter. Old Capital Museum is the most historic building in the county. I wonder when the Tree of Life was moved here as the building was built in 1839.
I walk from hall to hall. As I pass the court chamber, I can’t help but gawk at the Greek architecture. Everything is simply breathtaking, from the display art to the small details of the wall.
After an hour of walking among the other visitors, trying to blend in with everyone, I feel my patience running out. I go up the stairs after discovering no trace of the Tree of Life on the first floor. I could ask one of the guides, but I prefer not to attract unnecessary attention.
Just as I decide to give up and seek help, I notice a security guard coming down the stairs, back to the first floor.
He knows how to direct me. Not consciously, of course.
I go down after him, looking to the sides while in awe of the tiles. I catch him entering a side room. I slow my pace and decide to wait for him to come out. After what feels like an eternity, he leaves the room and heads in the opposite direction. I quickly sneak in, glad to find the room empty and even happier to find exactly the room I need. The security room.
I sit down on the leather chair, sneaking a glance at the screens before starting to play with the cameras. First floor, second floor, third floor, botanical garden—there it is. Protected under a dome in the middle of the room, with space for people to walk around, prying at it with curious eyes .
Letting out a strangled breath, I smile as I feel relief wash over me. It’s here. Closer than ever.
Granny, soon you will wake up. I will make sure of it .
Leaving the room, I come face to face with a different guard.
“What are you doing here?” Startled, I blink. “Miss?”
“Sorry, I lost my way. I thought it was the bathroom,” I reply before moving fast out of his reach.
Ignoring his calls after me, I hop down the stairs to the hall, praying the people around me cover my tracks.
I make my way to the first floor and to the door that leads outside. When I realize that I can’t fight my way pass the people at the doorway I just wait for everyone to pass through. Anxiety gawking its way into me. I'm so close.
When all the people before me enter the greenhouse, I quickly scan my surroundings. The garden in giant with trees and plants so special I haven’t seen before. The smell that hits me is a mix of herbs that makes me feel automatically more relaxed. I notice a crowd being gathered at the middle so I push to see what’s it all about. I don’t make it far when I realize it’s the tree. You can’t miss its beauty. It’s presence. When I'm near enough, I put my hand on the glass and close my eyes.
I take a deep breath and imagine my hand reaching towards the tree. I run my hand over the leaf and summon the power slowly, without attracting too much attention. All I need is a flash of magic to feel the push of the tree.
I feel nothing.
I try again.
Still, I feel nothing.
Opening my eyes, I fight a wave of disappointment as I suddenly feel the need to shut up every person in the room so I can concentrate. The conversations around me distract me, and I find it hard to get attached to the tree. The couple next to me won't stop talking about their last fight because the man forgot to throw out the trash. The group on the other side keeps boasting loudly.
Fuck.
I need a better plan.
Exhaling, I step back.
Time for plan B.