The Flame That Never Dies

Chapter 4, Edaline-

"I don't think Jolie's okay," Edaline told Grady as she clapped her hands, illuminating the third floor in sunlight. The room's jeweled curtains and tablecloths made the room that much brighter.

Edaline was proud of it; she'd spent all week making it perfect for Jolie and Brant's engagement party. The only regret she had was that they hadn't celebrated sooner.

"What makes you say that?" asked Grady, flicking one of the crystal butterflies that were flying around the room.

"She wasn't supposed to come home until this morning-- and last night she smelled like smoke. I asked her what was wrong, but she wouldn't say anything."

"Maybe she doesn't want to talk about it."

Edaline felt like the statement was an accusation-- and not necessarily about Jolie. They'd had an argument last night about the Black Swan; Grady didn't want to tell her anything-- he thought he was "protecting" her-- but all she wanted was to help.

"Do you think it has to do with Brant?" Edaline said. "Maybe she's missing him. Or... I don't know. She just seems so distant lately."

"She's got a lot of work on her plate, Eda. Don't you remember the Elite Levels? They weren't exactly a breeze."

"I remember," she said absently, surveying the room for any dust particles. "I think this is the best we can do, Grady. I wonder--" She was cut off by the sound of knocking. "Oh! That must be the guests. Grady, you go let them in. I'll get Jolie."

As Grady passed her by he grabbed her hand and pulled her close, kissing her on the cheek. "Jolie will be just fine, Eda. Now stop worrying and loosen up; it's a party!"

Edaline smiled and held onto his hand a second longer before letting him go. She then descended to the second floor and peeked into her daughter's room.

Jolie was sitting on her bed, staring off into space. Edaline knocked softly, and Jolie jumped.

"Mother! I... didn't see you there."

"Why aren't you dressed for the party?"

Jolie shrugged, but said nothing.

Edaline opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, but she stopped herself. She'd asked that before, and Jolie hadn't wanted to answer. She would-- when she was ready.

In the meantime, there was a party to attend. Maybe that would help Jolie get out of her funk.

"Come along, dear," she said, whisking to Jolie's closet and flinging open the door. She was met with one of the most colorful and sparkliest wardrobes in the Lost Cities-- with a few Foxfire uniforms shoved in the back. Edaline scanned the clothes for the dress she and Jolie had picked out a few weeks ago, found it, and pulled it off its hanger. "Close the door so we can see how you look in this."

Jolie rolled her eyes, but Edaline saw her hidden grin; she couldn't help but smile as well. Jolie always whined about the lifeless Silver Tower outfits-- and while Grady thought that was because Jolie was trying to hide her frustration behind "petty complaints," Edaline knew a girl like Jolie without sparkles and dresses was a very unhappy girl.

After a lot of fussing and huffing, Edaline stepped back from her daughter. Her hand flew to her mouth.

Jolie had picked out a simple dress. It was sleeveless; violet fading to lavender in a pleated skirt. When she shifted, little dots of glitter would light the outfit before returning to its original fabric.

"You look stunning," Edaline breathed.

"Stunningly tired," a young girl's voice said as Jolie stepped in front of the mirror. "Seriously, Jo-- what's with those bags? They look heavier than the ones you came home with after The Great Twenty-Four Hour Shopping Escapade."

Jolie smiled. "Hello to you too, Vertina. And before you lecture me on proper eye-bag care, let me put on my makeup."

She then went through a routine that involved an excess of glimmer dust, eye shadow, and sparkly lipstick. When she was done her whole face was glowing-- but not from the treatment.

Good, Edaline thought to herself. She's better.

"The guests are waiting," she said, pushing Jolie out the door. "I bet Brant's already here."

"Oh please, Mother. You know he's always late."

Edaline laughed and started to walk away, but Jolie grabbed her arm. "Thank you."

"For what, darling?"

"For being stronger than me."

Before Edaline could think of a response, Jolie turned and walked up the stairs.

Edaline had every intention of going after her, but her legs wouldn't move. Jolie wouldn't want her to chase her down.

She wanted many things, but not that. Not her mother-- at least not right now.

Edaline leaned against the wall and blew out a breath. First Grady, and now Jolie.

Somehow, she was going to have to keep this family together.

Whatever it took.