Maglins and the Infinite Quest

22

Charles Moore

After Pipher had left Maglins, leaving me a note saying goodbye, I was pretty much alone. I'd like to think I'm not dependent on Pipher, but it's nice to have someone that wakes you up, brings you food, and reminds you to do certain things.

I rolled out of bed, packed my things and hung out for a few hours before my parents arrived in the carriage. The trip home was long, but I was excited to be going home for a few weeks.

As soon as I got home, my younger brothers and sister ran to me at the door to welcome me home. My older sister Marley took some time off work to come home and see us all. She works as an investigator/detective in a larger city.

My younger sisters, Elle and Brooke look quite different since I was home last. My twin brothers, Laurence and Kasper look much older as well. Elle is about two years younger than me, Brooke is about four years younger than me, and the twins are about seven years younger.

Marley came out of the dining room with her daughter Quinette in her arms. It's an odd name but who am I to judge?

"Hi Marley," I said, walking toward her.

"Nice to see you back," Marley said. She offered to let me hold the baby to which I shook my head. Children were not really my thing but growing up with younger siblings I've had no choice but to be around them.

We lived in a large house and we came from a good bit of money but we all grew up to be humble. Our dad is a doctor which is where most of the money comes from but our mom either stays at home to take care of the twins or goes to work where she makes a decent amount of money.

I took my bags inside and up to my bedroom. It felt cold and empty even though there was plenty of furniture and decorations. I threw myself on my bed and stared at the ceiling for a few minutes. Before long, I was up on my feet and heading downstairs.

There wasn't a lot to do except spend time with family.

Downstairs, my parents were in the kitchen cooking together. Even though we had plenty of money to hire a chef, there were some things we liked to do together.

The twins were playing in the living room with Marley and Quinette was taking a nap.

It's hectic living with four younger siblings and a young niece.

It also meant that even something as simple as family dinners became complicated quite quickly.

"Did I miss anything when I was away?" I asked, scooping some food for Brooke.

"Dad got a promotion at work," My mom said.

"I'm working over at the hospital in Halford now," He said.

"Isn't that where you used to work?" I asked, looking toward Marley.

She thought for a minute, "It was just outside of Halford,"

Once we all had food on our plates, the chatter lowered to only the occasional "Can you get me some more," or "Can you pass that?"

"How are your classes going?" My dad asked.

"Quite well, I'm learning a lot actually," I said, "Beginners aviation is treating me well,"

"Have you made any new friends?" Marley asked.

"There's Pipher Green who's my roommate, Anna Bennet, and a few more," I responded, "Piphers starting classes to become a doctor, and Anna to be a scientist,"

"Since when does Charles have friends?" Marley teased, causing a domino effect of laughter around the table.

I laughed as well.

"Other than that, it's been quite normal," I said, "Oh and," I coughed, " I joined the annual Christmas writing contest and made third,"

I stood from my chair as they were all congratulating me and took a bow.

"And my roommate Pipher who helped me, he got first,"

"Have we ever met this Pipher kid?" Marley asked.

"No," I responded, thinking, "You're always working anyway,"

"Gotta make a living somehow," Marley said in response, she was right.

"I should talk to him about visiting sometime, either on spring break or during the summer,"

"We'd be delighted to meet him," My mom said and my dad nodded in agreement.

Once dinner had concluded, Marley left Quinette and the other four downstairs with mom and dad and followed me upstairs to my room. She sat on my bed next to me.

"How have you been?" She asked.

"Quite well," I responded slowly, "Why?"

"I've just come in here to find something to tease you about," She began laughing. "Do you like any girls?"

"It's a long story," I answered. It was true, I wasn't quite sure what had happened so how could I tell her.

"Tell me about it," She begged.

"Why do you seem so interested in who I spend my time with?" I asked.

"Why are you trying to change the subject?" She said, "I haven't seen you in forever and I just wanted to say hi was all,"

I began to feel bad. "I'm being completely honest with you when I tell you it's a long story. I don't know how I feel toward any of the girls I know,"

That was the honest answer.

"You make it hard for me to make fun of you," She joked as she left.

Once the door shut I was alone with my own thoughts which might now be so bad if Marley hadn't come in to ask me about my love life. I liked one of my classmates for a brief while and one thing led to another and she kicked me out of her dormitory, never to speak to me again.

I couldn't be that unlikable that a girl kicks me out of her dorm and acts like I don't exist.

***

It was now Christmas morning and I was woken up to the sound of Elle, Brooke, Laurence, and Kasper running around downstairs. Both of my parents were downstairs taking care of them all, letting Marley and I sleep.

Once we were called downstairs though, we sprung out of bed and went downstairs to avoid making the kids wait.

Mom started singing a Christmas song, causing the kids to sing their hearts out, especially Elle. Elle could sing for hours at a time and not get bored of it.

We all sat down either in a chair or on a sofa while Mom handed out presents.

We all got new shoes and clothes as well as things that suited our hobbies. Brooke got a sketchbook and some coloring books as she's the family artist. The twins got some short and simple books that were at their reading level. I got a few novels that I began to read as soon as possible.

To end off the night, I gave all of my siblings a hug goodnight as well as my parents. I spent the last few days of my holiday break soaking up some air outside and spending time with my family.

This was what being home felt like and nothing will ever be comparable to it. Having the twins tug on my hair and shoelaces and Brooke drawing me a picture to bring back to school. I can't forget about Marley's attempts to try and make fun of me and tease me every chance she got.

I wouldn't trade any of it for the world though.