Thunder and Lightning

Chapter 8: Practice

Monday was normal. Her affinity with numbers made calculus a second language. Chemistry clicked with her nature. Magic, for her, was science not yet understood and the sciences spoke to her spirit revealing truths of the universe. She studied each topic thoroughly, though it was not her chosen career path. She arrived at her door at 4pm after a productive Monday. Nzinga reached for her matches on the tiny table. They weren't there . The hair on her skin raised , her Eye snapped open. She reached for her cell and sent Kitt a message

Help

Kitt's spirit appeared immediately and searched the house. Within seconds, she reported that nothing or no one was there. Nzinga grabbed her emergency bag from the false ceiling tile, left out the door and sped down the stairs. She felt a dark presence near her but her Eye saw nothing. Once outside she felt relief and a sense of security to be surrounded by witnesses and daylight. She took bright streets and walked in groups of strangers. Finally she arrived at the warehouse and knocked. Badru opened the door and smiled. "You moving in?"

Nzinga confidently, though slightly embarrassed responded, "no, but I do need to stay until my sister can clear my space."

"What happened?" He opened the door so she can walk in.

"Something was there. I don't know how it got in or what it could want. But there was a presence. My sage and matches were missing and the room didn't have my scent there. It smelled of - of nothing. I suppose I could get a hotel or something..."

Concern flashed in his eyes that now looked more feline than human. He picked up his phone and dialed. "Mac, can you send pixies? I need them to clean, replenish some items and a couple of them can stay on as keepers of the home. $100 a month and all living expenses covered. Yeah, yeah. Starting today. Thanks" he finished his conversation and started toward the kitchen.

"I didn't need that, but it's sweet. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself" Nzinga remarked.

"I know , just helping. You certainly don't need my protection. But how about some dinner? I was making Ramen."

"I'm good on the nitro soup."

He turned around and grabbed two red bowls,black chopsticks and headed to the stove . He poured broth then noodles, a slice of ham and laid a fried egg on top. "Eat," Badru commanded.

Whatever she thought was negated after smelling the beautiful bowl. She was happy, and her aura turned a sunny yellow. She peeked back at him, he was a glittering gold.

After dinner he got up and closed the blinds while she, in a returned gesture, washed the dishes, packed the leftovers away and wiped down the countertops.

"I'll only be here for 2 days. My sister should be here by then and I'll ask Dave to help."

His Aura turned dark green. "Settle down, he's the man that owns the natural food store at the bottom of the brownstones on 2nd. Besides, I don't need to saddle you with these issues. Thanks for letting me crash for a couple days."

"Our update is tomorrow. I finished the last edits and emailed it to you." He huffed.

"I'll present ." Nzinga declared.

"Fine. Do you wanna go through it now before we email the read ahead to the professor?" he asked.

"Sure," she refused to give in to whatever jealous mood he was in.

They both sat on the couch and typed away for hours. The presentation was perfect... almost too much. But the work was a distraction to what has lingered at home for Nzinga. For them both, work was a delay to the night.