The Secret's Path

By Melissa Saholt

Meet Sadie Sinclair, an ordinary fifteen year old girl with an ordinary life. She goes to school, has friends, and loves her family. The only thing that makes Sadie different from those around her is the fact that she was found on her familys doorstep fifteen years ago; abandoned by her birthparents. Sadie soon discovers she has an extraordinary secret. Her exploration of this secret takes her down a fascinating and emotional path that forces her to leave her hometown of Cheyenne and everything she has ever known. As Sadie embarks on her quest, readers will travel with her between worlds to find that one thing every person desires-acceptance of their true self.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491810224

Melissa Saholt

Melissa Saholt was born in China, and grew up in Minnesota, the oldest of four kids. She started writing when she was six years old, and has written almost every day since. Secret’s Path is her first published work, and was written while she was in 9th grade.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The Secret Is Out

I know when the night terrors are coming. I have a hunch, a feeling, a sort of foreboding, whatever you want to call it. I squirm around in my bed; back and forth, back and forth, from one side to the next, trying to throw off the feeling. My mind flashes back to someone who is foreign to me, someone I don’t recognize. Yet, they have an air of familiarity around them. This person cuddles me one last time. Then, I am being dropped, left, abandoned on the doorstep just outside my bedroom window. My body shifts continuously from one position to the next. Night terrors are different, made only for me. I am wide awake, my throat getting hotter by the minute. Come on Sadie! Fight back! Fight? I always did. The terrors came anyway. It was completely futile to try to stop them from coming. Tears slid quickly down my hot cheeks, producing a cooling sensation. I clenched my fists together and tossed about my bed involuntarily. My mind was racing, pounding almost. Confusion, darkness, hurt, and anger swirled around me, all begging for attention and explanations. The amount of lies I’d told my whole 15 years of life bore down on me, choking me. While the word different may not seem big to some people, it meant the world to me. The word different was the line between acceptance and rejection. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. My brain was filled with energy and thoughts that had to get out now. In a split second, I let it all out in one, horrible, blood stopping scream.

My mother rushed into my room, brown eyes staring worriedly at me. She came over and took me in her strong arms. Her brown hair fell over like a curtain, shielding me from reality.

Shh, shh, it’s all right Sadie, everything’s all right. She cooed. But I still shook like a leaf in the wind, because everything was not all right. Nothing could ever be right when a night terror enveloped me. I always knew that there had to be a reason why I got them. Mother held me until I was calm enough to talk. Another night terror? she asked gently.

I nodded. The second this month, I whispered. Night terrors were sort of normal for me. Ever since I was young, they had come. But for some reason, they’d been coming more and more. It seemed that the older I got, the more they came.

It’s okay honey. Everything’s all right. Do you want to go see Dr. Clemons again? Mother questioned.

I shook my head. I knew that seeing a doctor (especially an irritating one) wouldn’t help.

Would you like me to stay with you for a bit? Mother asked.

No, I’m fine. I said. You can leave. Mother gave me one last pat on the head before leaving. I snuggled under my covers, needing their warmth and comfort.

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The sun woke me up the next morning. I tiredly looked out my bedroom window and pulled the covers over my head, not wanting to get up. I knew everyone in the family would be giving me funny looks because of my night terror. Somehow, I managed to find my way out of bed and into some clothes. I ran down the stairs with a sigh and prepared myself for judgment.

Good morning! I said cautiously, walking into the dining room. Father and my sisters, Miranda and Bridget, were already at the table. They smiled to greet me as usual, but I could see past the façade. Everyone in my family knew about my special issue as we called it.

But I was lucky that nobody else in the town, except Dr. Clemons, knew about the night terrors. In small towns, news travels like a wildfire. If one person knew, everyone would. I sat down at the table and grabbed some bread and butter that was just waiting on the table to be eaten. Nobody talked during breakfast. It had become almost custom-like; no talking after Sadie has a night terror. They just acted as though everything was normal. Mother bustled in from the kitchen, sitting across from Father at the head of the table.

Father had graying blonde hair and blue, ever serious and apathetic, eyes. He was the Village Leader of Cheyenne and always had a serious non-emotional demeanor at work. But when he was home, he’d occasionally let the walls come down and act like a normal person; happy, excited, cheerful.

Bridget sat next to Miranda, and across from me. She gave me a sympathetic glance with her gray eyes. She pushed a stray strand of dark, brown hair out of her face. Suddenly, the village chimes rang thrice.

Sadie, Bridget, it’s time for school, Father said quietly. Bridget and I got up from our chairs. I stared awkwardly at Miranda. Being two years older than me at seventeen, Miranda no longer had to go to school. With sleek blonde hair, soulful cornflower blue eyes, possessing an iridescent personality, Miranda was irresistible to most boys in the village. She smiled sweetly at me before looking down at her plate.

Before following Bridget out the door, I ran upstairs to my room. Under my bed near the headboard (on the left side) was a tiny locked box. The key was always hidden in a place only I could find. I unlocked the wooden box with an almost soundless click. Inside laid a pure gold locket and chain. The whole necklace shimmered as if injected by some kind of magical substance. I opened the clasp and hooked it around my neck, looking at myself in the mirror. The locket had an elaborate flowery pattern with a single, beautiful, indescribable blue sapphire that accentuated the subtle, blue highlights in my waist long raven black hair. My blue eyes looked at myself one last time before running out the door.

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The small town I lived in, Cheyenne, had the classic 18th century, red school house with the yellow bell above the door. The green grass adorned the edges of the property, making for perfect running terrain. The last subject I had in our classroom before I left each day was history; my favorite. But no matter how interesting the subject could possibly be, Mrs. Maria Watchman made every class torture.

She had gray hair that stopped at her ears. Sharp, aware brown eyes scanned the students as she lectured about the history of our star planet, Eridanus.

We all live on the planet Eridanus, or First Star of Crooked Running Water in Chinese. Eridanus is the flattest star known to mankind due to its extreme spinning, as well as the largest supernova devoid of galaxies. Mrs. Watchman stated, her voice harsh and grating. Our first settlers developed the planet.

Who were our first settlers? Ann asked.

Our first settlers were a group of mortals who were outcasts. They had been banished from their planet due to radical beliefs. They joined a handful of sorcerers, who had the same beliefs as the mortals and who already lived on the planet Eridanus. All of the settlers came from Earth and all the sorcerers and sorceresses came from the star named Blue Moon. They were explorers who wanted to expand Blue Moon’s sorcery kingdom. Mrs. Watchman explained. "Our planet’s life source is the water. It keeps Eridanus spinning and provides us with life. It’s also because of the water, that our planet is split into two continents, Leona and Sedalia.

Due to the different beliefs on how to control the water on our planet, the original settlers divided. Two continents evolved, each having sorcerers to guide and provide knowledge. Leona, our sister continent, stretched the limits of sorcery, science, and knowledge to create a powerful country. Sedalia, the continent we live on, took a humbler approach. They turned to the old ways of Earth and lived simply, choosing not to pursue technology. Growing further and further apart in ideology, Sedalia and Leona became independent of each other. Only in an emergency did the two agree to interact. Trade was closed and the water between the continents grew greater and greater."

I stared out the nearest window, into the schoolyard, longing for the hopefully nearby break. After the break, Mrs. Watchman would leave, and Mr. Watchman (her much more oblivious husband) would take over. Ding, ding, ding, ding. A hoard of kids ran rapidly out of their seats, reaching the doors of freedom before the last ding left the air.

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Outside the school was a vast plain of grass, perfect for running. Students roamed around, forming cliques and groups. I walked over to my friends, Ann, Sheila and Cameron.

Have any of you read Juliet’s Return yet? my classmate Sheila asked excitedly, proudly showing off the glossy cover of her new book. As the conduit of gossip, Sheila Taylors always knew what was popular; refusing to miss a beat of the ever changing village style.

Oh, I have! It was amazing! Ann exclaimed, flipping her wavy orange hair in the air, blue eyes flashing.

I have too. I added, thinking about this book on the afterlife romance of Juliet and her Romeo. I thought it was a boring and predictable. There was so much kissing and too many near death scenes after they’ve already died.

It’s an amazing book Sadie. Sheila said in disbelief. It portrays love perfectly, and says quite a bit about life in general.

It had Juliet nearly die like three times! I argued. Do you really think that would happen in the afterlife? I mean seriously, I wouldn’t want to be weeping Juliet. She’s too much of a frail doll. She can’t think for herself.

So what, Ann asked. I don’t want to be the dominant one who always has to worry about life. Let the guy make all the decisions. Honestly, Sadie, you’re nuts to think anything else. I’d absolutely kill to be exactly like what Juliet was in that book.

I’d like to have some input when it comes to decisions. I argued. Juliet followed Romeo around all the time. Cameron, would you want me following you around like a puppy, doing whatever you asked?

That would be a little boring, Cameron admitted.

So did any of you see Johnny yesterday? Sheila questioned. I saw him at the store.

Oh gosh really, Ann blabbed. Did he say anything to you? Did you say anything to him? Do you think you’re going to get married?

Well I wouldn’t go that far, Sheila said exaggeratedly. But if destiny’s kind, we’d elope and run off to Silvermist.

That’s so romantic! Ann exclaimed.

You all know you have no chance at him. I pointed out.

"Of course not Sadie, Sheila said, emphasizing each word with a piercing tone. He’s dating your sister, Miranda. We all know that. But we can dream. We can’t all have great boyfriends like you."

Well, my boyfriend is really great, I said, smiling at Cameron.

You got that right. Cameron said. You’re pretty great yourself Sadie.

You bet I am. I said, giving him a quick kiss.

You know how weird it is that you’re dating my brother? Sheila said. I still can’t believe you’re dating, and it’s been, like, two months.

You’ll have to get used to it soon Sis, Cameron said.

That’s right. I added. So who wants to go for a run?

That’s the only thing you ever want to do Sadie. Ann complained. Well, that and swimming. How long can you hold your breath for again?

A full three minutes now. I stated proudly.

Don’t forget that she’s the fastest girl in the village. Ann added. Nobody can touch that girl if she doesn’t want them to.

That’s right. I said, getting up and running for the hills.

Everyone ran after me, but I knew no one would catch me. Unlike everyone else in the world, I ran with the wind inside me until I became the wind.

After a while, I reluctantly slowed myself down enough to keep everyone going, yet not enough for them to fully catch up. When I finally did stop, everyone around me was panting.

Man Sadie,’ Sheila panted, bending over. How can you run that fast?"

I shrugged. I just do. It’s like the wind carries me. I replied, not winded at all.

That’s crazy. Ann said, as out of breath as Sheila.

The sensation of the wind and fresh air was too good for any of us to resist. We all ran around for the rest of the break, trying to beat each other in races. Before any of us knew it, nearly everybody from the school was running around. Only Billy and Travis, the two biggest boys who thought they were all that, didn’t run. They weren’t naturally violent (the worst they ever did was steal) but they knew how to be annoying and could get very intimidating, due to their size.

Just then, I saw the accident, but not soon enough to prevent it. My sister Bridget ran around someone, trying not to get caught, and ran straight into Billy. The instant Billy was on the ground, everyone stopped.

Did someone just hit me boys? Billy asked. He held up his hands, trying to create a dramatic effect, but ended up looking pretty stupid.

What an idiot. I thought. How in the world can his Father be the town sheriff?

I think it was her, boss! Travis said, pointing to Bridget, who looked a few shades paler. I couldn’t understand that. Her confidence could knock out those two boys in an instant.

What do you think you were doing, huh? Travis asked, towering over Bridget.

Go away Billy. We all know she didn’t mean it. I promise, it won’t happen again, I said, stepping out from the growing crowd and in front of my sister. Now, every student was watching, wondering what would happen. Billy faced me with a scowl on his face.

Ah, Sadie Sinclair, now why do you think you can stick up for Bridget? What gives you the right? Billy questioned.

"Um, well you idiot, I retorted. She’s my sister to start with!" Billy and Travis just snickered, as if they knew something I didn’t.

"Look at little Sadie here, guys. She thinks Bridget is actually her sister. She thinks she belongs here." Billy taunted.

"What are you talking about?" I replied angrily.

You can’t fool us Sadie. We know your little secret. Travis taunted. A bad feeling slowly crept up inside of me. The question wasn’t what they knew, it was how.

Billy said, "We know you were found on your parents’ doorstep! We know that you don’t belong in this town! We know that your whole life is one, big, fat lie!"

My face turned bright scarlet in an instant. Wh-what in the world made you think that I wasn’t born here? How can you prove it? I stuttered, turning redder and redder. I was a terrible liar; everyone knew that. However, the truth Billy told was so horrendous, everyone that heard it thought it was ridiculous.

Sadie was born right here in this town like the rest of us Billy! Cameron said, stepping out.

Yeah, if you think anything else, then you’re crazy! Sheila added, stepping up. Doctor Clemons delivered all of us here. You can even ask him!

I can’t believe you thought you could fool everyone here! Tell them the truth Sinclair! Billy yelled, triumphantly.

Cameron turned to me. Is it true Sadie? Were you really born outside of Cheyenne? he asked. The tone in his voice told me he expected the answer to be no. However, for the first time, the weight of all the lies piled up, suffocating me. All my life I’d been different than everybody else, always the oddball. Everyone expected me to be normal, but I wasn’t. For the first time, I wanted to tell the truth. Yet, there was that other part of me that said I would pay if I even hesitated.

That other part of me turned out to be right. My hesitation was all Billy needed to stir up more people against me.

See? She won’t lie to your face, but it’s all true! My dad heard it from Dr. Clemons and he told me. He said she was totally different and that she doesn’t belong here! Her real parents left her on a doorstep and never came back. Ask her sister Bridget! Billy said. Everyone turned toward Bridget, who only looked at her feet.

The whole family lies! Their Father, the village leader, is supposed to be the one person whom we can trust, the one person who’s supposed to make sure everything’s okay! Travis yelled. In reality, they’re the ones keeping secrets!

Anger flittered around inside of me, bouncing off my very being. Billy had just singlehandedly ruined my life, the only life I’d ever known. Sure, it was a little fake, but I had worked hard to perfect it! All the kids in the village would hate me and my family would detest me for ruining their lives. The secret was out. Already, everyone was looking at me in disbelief.

Sadie, tell us he’s lying. Cameron said, pleadingly. I barely heard him, because something like hot energy swirled around inside of me. My emotions and energy commanded my full and utter attention. I pictured Billy and Travis on the ground after being knocked unconscious. That’s what they both deserve! I have nothing left now because of them! Nothing! How am I supposed to live normally now? And it’s all, their fault!! I thought angrily. All of a sudden I felt that hot energy flow through me and shoot out my hands. There was a powerful backfire and I fell to my knees, panting hard like I had just run nonstop for three days.

The next thing I heard were a series of screams and shrieks. I opened my eyes to see Billy and Travis lying still on the ground. Half of me hoped they were dead, but the better half of me hoped they were okay. Mrs. Watchman the teacher rushed over to them, along with several of the others students.

They’re alive! They’re alive! she exclaimed. I looked around and saw that everyone, I repeat everyone was staring at me. I stood up nervously, trying to balance myself. Mr. and Mrs. Watchman were staring too. By the looks of their faces, they were shocked at what they’d just seen. Just my luck.

Uh, um, ah, I think- Mr. Watchman stuttered like a flickering candle. Mr. Watchman never was the brightest person when it came to different or special circumstances such as this. I probably would have been off the hook, except for the fact that Mrs. Watchman was there too.

Children, she said sternly. What is the meaning of this? What happened? Everyone started talking at once in a blur of voices sounding ten times louder than they probably were. My head pounded. Enough! I saw what happened. Go inside, all of you! Sadie, Billy, Travis, you three, follow me.

Bridget glanced at me sympathetically. I just shrugged. It wasn’t her fault for whatever happened. I looked at Cameron; he looked confused, scared, hesitant. I looked down. I have a lot of explaining to do when I get out of jail, I thought glumly. I forced myself to think about what had just happened, and not the fact that the life I had built had just been ruined. What exactly just happened? Did I just see the future? But what was with the hot energy that went through me? Something had to have happened. But what was it?

I looked over at Billy and Travis, who were now groggy and twice as slow, but awake. Mrs. Watchman signaled for us to follow her.

As we walked on, a sickening realization came over me. I knew that Mrs. Watchman had to be taking us to the one and only place where every big decision was made and naughty children visited: the judgment room off of my Father’s office. I trudged along miserably. I knew I wasn’t going to get a break just because the village leader was my Father. Family ties wouldn’t help me now. If anything, I would get a harsher punishment.

Father’s office was nothing more than a short walk across the courtyard from the school. I looked up and recognized my second home. I remembered the numerous times I’d run messages here, the times I’d visited and even occasionally dared to laugh and play in my Father’s solemn office. But at this visit, I kept my head down, praying Father was in a pleasant mood.

Entering the wooden doors, I looked up and saw three chairs, looking much like Olympic stands. Father was in the middle, Mr. Downs the advisor on the right, and Charlie, I mean, Mr. Valeman, the trainee to be an advisor, on the left. In my mind, Mr. Valeman would always be Charlie. He was my friend, my caretaker, my babysitter. Charlie was only a few years older than me and Miranda. Whenever Mother was busy, Charlie was there. I could always depend on him.

Mr. Downs and Charlie looked shocked to see me. I had always been the good and obedient child in their eyes. Why would I be there, in a place for trouble makers?

Hello Maria. What is the cause for such an unexpected visit to our humble judgment room today? Father asked. I assume there was trouble at the schoolyard? I sighed. Even though I was in a massive amount of trouble, I couldn’t help but think about the way Father spoke. When he was on the job, Father always spoke his words with eloquence and confidence. Why are we being graced by such a skillful lady much like yourself? Yet, no matter how wonderful he sounded, I had learned that he typically spoke what others wanted to hear, not what was necessarily true.

Oh Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Watchman replied, lost for words and blushing slightly. You are so kind. Without you, the whole town would collapse. I’m only the village teacher. Father shook his head like a majestic lion; minus the mane of course. I always wished for such amazing people skills like Father. He always knew what to say and when to say it.

Nay Maria, all men are created equal, and every person’s job is just as important as his neighbors. Now, let us get down to business. I highly doubt you left your job for simple small talk, Father said. He looked in my direction disappointedly. I keep my head low, not wishing to see anyone.

Right, Mrs. Watchman replied, straightening herself up. There was an incident in the schoolyard, a fight to be exact. Even though I kept my head low (where hopefully no one could see my red face), I could still feel everyone’s gaze on me.

Continue, Father replied encouragingly.

Well, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure of what happened. It all happened so fast, she explained. Father nodded understandably. I was gathering my things, preparing to leave for the day. Now, as you know, any fight that happens at the school is reported immediately to you,

Children, Father said, looking at us. Were you aware of this rule? We all nodded our heads. That rule had evaded me when I was defending Bridget. My only thought had been to protect her from Billy. You may continue Maria. Father said.

Well, I went out to wait for my husband, and saw that it was an ordinary end of the school day. The children were playing tag, nothing unusual. I saw my husband approaching, talked to him briefly, then I saw these three arguing. Mrs. Watchman said.

So, I thought to myself, oh dear, another fight. I simply detest fights, you see. But before I could say a thing; Sadie, well, I’m not sure how to describe it without sounding crazy. Mrs. Watchmen replied, a bit hesitantly.

You can continue Maria, none of us here will think any less of you. Extraordinary things can happen in the most ordinary places. We need to know everything that happened so we can judge everyone equally. Father said calmly.

Well, Mrs. Watchman said nervously. Sadie looked quite distressed, obviously trying to suppress her anger. The boys were laughing at her. Then, well, Sadie opened her palms, and let blue light shoot out and hit the boys! Then they fell to the ground.

Blue light? I asked, against my better judgment. I didn’t throw blue light at anybody! Father, I didn’t do that to anyone! I was just mad at Billy and Travis!

Sadie, let Mrs. Watchman finish. We shall decide punishments later. Father said.

Oh, well, I-I was so worried she’d killed them! You can only imagine how relieved I was that they were alive. That is all, Mr. Sinclair. There’s no more of the tale to tell. But after what we all saw, I believe a truth has been discovered. I believe Sadie is a witch! Mrs. Watchman said.

I stared in shock at Mrs. Watchman, biting my lip to keep words back. Me? There is no way I can be a witch! I may be different, but not that different! Questions raced about my head, each demanding attention. I felt like I was about to pass out.

Ha! We knew you were always different Sinclair. Billy snarled. You probably already knew what you were too! You and your family are such liars.

Billy! Do not talk poorly about the Sinclair’s! Mrs. Watchman scolded.

I’m afraid that Sadie cannot be a witch. Father said calmly. With that single sentence, all of my questions stopped. Sadie is definitely not a witch. Witches do not exist in our world, as far as I know. However, it is possible for Sadie to be a sorceress.

I went numb as the questions began spinning around in my head. The brain storm from this morning picked up where it left off with a whole new wave of questions. There’s no way I’m a sorceress! I would’ve known! It’s ridiculous!! I thought.

Dear me, Mrs. Watchman shouted. The child is about to faint!

I’m fine. I just need a minute to think. I thought, trying to express my thoughts into words. The headache and exhaustion I’d had earlier came flooding back all at once. Those were my last thoughts before I saw darkness; peaceful, inviting darkness.

CHAPTER 2

Bittersweet Decision

I slowly opened my eyes to find faces all around me. Distant voices bounced off my ears, none of the sounds completing words.

Praise the Lord! She’s up! Someone said.

Are you all right Sadie? Another asked.

I nodded. I’m just, shocked about what my Father just said I guess. I replied. Slowly, each individual face came into view. Charlie, Father, Mr. Downs all stood over me. I rubbed my eyes and looked around. Everything was coming back to me crystal clear.

Where are the others? I asked, noticing that a certain duo I’d like to beat up was missing from the room at the moment.

They received their punishment and were sent home. Now that you’re awake, I believe we have some business to take care of, Father said slowly.

I got up from the floor and stood in front of the three chairs, awaiting my punishment.

Sadie, this is a very serious matter, Charlie began. Your Father, I mean Mr. Sinclair, decided it was too big for us.

What do you mean? You’re the judgment council. You make all the decisions. I protested.

Your Father said that this is more of your decision than ours. He’ll talk to you personally in his office. Mr. Downs said, gently. I gaped up at them, unable to grasp exactly what they were telling me.

Go on Sadie, it’ll be all right. Charlie said, encouragingly. Numbly, I followed my Father to his private office. I’d only been there once, and that was with Bridget after we’d just got caught in the middle of a dare. I’d never been in there alone and in trouble before. Father entered the room first and sat at his deck.

Come and sit down Sadie, Father said gently. I obliged cautiously, taking the seat right across from him.