Muddy Water

Chapter 12 Life

Life seemed to fall into step, school, homework, running. Melinda and I went to our first bonfire and heard all the legends of my people; the guys ate a ton of food and drank tons of soda. Sam never bugged me, I know he saw my change threw the eyes of Seth and Paul but he knew to stay away. He knew the Cullen's were my friends and there was no changing my view of the world. In fact he wished he could change his so he could have less stress and fear. He let Leah run with me more often than bossing her around, he hated himself for what had happened; in truth he still loved Leah but was bound to Emily and he was torn up over it. Melinda spent a lot of time at the Cullen's and looking at my genetics; sometimes having a genus for a sister was cool. I was hoping she could find something to help Leah.

Graduation was just a week away and Bella was freaking out about her decisions. I would never tell Edward because I knew he would do anything, say anything and use anything to get her to change her mind. Honestly I thought her fear was normal, it was more about how she would be as a vampire and not wanting to kill anyone. Of course I only knew this because we talked when she came over to the reservation. Just like Edward, I could not hear her thoughts.

Melinda and I got our plane flights booked, Alice helped us order some new cloths just for Florida, we had them sent to Aunt Nanette's house. There was no need for them here, 12 weeks in the sun, on a beach and being a witch was going to be fun. My sister was sad, she didn't know how to be away from Seth, their attachment was nuts. I made sure our cell phones were set up so she could call him. I wasn't paying rooming changes so I had it set to switch to Florida as our home state while we were gone.

Graduation day came, I saw Edward and Bella get out of the curser. Chief Swan was smiling, he loved the thought of Edward in trouble. They walked over towards me, just like me, Bella had left her hair down; Edward kissed her and walked off to his spot in line. I did not see Alice anywhere. Bella looked troubled so I got out of line and went to talk to her. Jessica Stanly was ranting on about something and didn't notice Bella wasn't paying attention to anything she said. I pulled Bella out of line,

"Are you okay?" She looked at me then started speaking in a rush."

"So this redheaded vampire that has been after me is Victoria, I know you have helped track her a little.I think she and the newborns that are in Seattle are part of the same thing and I was just talking to Alice the one who was in my bedroom is part of it all too. Someone is looking for me, that someone is Victoria and she has made an army to kill me."

I looked at her and saw all the pieces fit together. "Do you want or need me to stay, I can cancel my flight."

"No, go to Florida and get some sun; I don't think anything will happen anytime soon. If you are needed for something you will get a phone call."

"Are you sure?"

She laughed, "I have a huge vampire coven and bunch of whiney wolves,I will be ok. I am more worried about them; So with you and your sister in Florida I will feel A little better know you two are safe."

Mrs. Coop came running over to where we had walked off to, "Get back in line they are moving. We jogged over to the line and got in at the last min before we went into the gym.

Eric's speech was boring; it was one of those generic ones about change that had several bad jokes in it. Names started being called faster then diplomas could be handed out. I heard lots of cheers for us and Bella. Edward was confused as to why Alice was translating in her head, but I knew he would freak if he knew what was really in there.

Aunt Nanette was with Sue and Harry when we met up. Sue took our caps and gowns from us as soon as pictures and our goodbyes were done. Our flight left Seattle 10pm so we took off right after Gradation. The drive was relaxing and I was able to make all my anxiety about leaving go away. Aunt Nanette had found a witch covens for us and was telling us all about them. She was more excited than Melinda was when Carlisle had given her contacted info for geneticists in Florida. I was thinking about how nice it would be to just be a witch again and not worry about the wolf; I fell asleep not long after takeoff. Melinda woke me when we were landing at our first stop. We all ran for our connecting flight and the seconded leg to our journey east.

It seemed to take forever to get to Florida; it was early morning by the time we landed. Aunt Nanette had her car there in long term parking so we were able to leave as soon as we got our bags. It was an hour drive from the air port to Nanette's house in Matlacha. I was too tired to be excited about the horses, all I wanted was sleep. I text Sue to let her and Harry know we had made it and I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up around noon, I went and showered, I wanted to go horseback riding. I could hear, feel and smell all the people who were down stairs. Some of the coven was in the living room talking to my sister about the full moon ritual we would be involved in. I stayed upstairs and listen longer then was polite; I don't know why, all I wanted was to get back to a normal life; but I was anxious and I didn't know if it was mine or someone else's anxiety, I wasn't hearing any in the words being said, but I definitely was feeling it and maybe I was having some my own because of it. I wish I didn't hear thoughts or feel and taste others feelings, it made me feel all creepy and crazy.

I walked downstairs and into the living room, there was coffee, tea and snack foods; everyone was staring at me as I walked over and poured me a large cup of my favorite herbal tea, chamomile and lavender. I took a large banana blueberry muffin and sat down in an overstuffed arm chair.

Melinda looked at me, "Still tired?"

I nodded as I nibbled on my muffin.

"Arya, this is Emma, Liza, Olivia, winter and jade, they came to say high and invite us to dinner to meet the whole coven and let us know that the full moon ritual will be done by you and 4 covens will be present."

My sister sat there staring at me waiting for my response. I took a deep breath, I could feel the panic in me building into a cold heat and that could not happen here. If people found out about werewolves they would freak and I would get into a ton of trouble.

"It is nice to meet all of you. Is there a reason I am being chosen to lead this ritual and not another?"

Emma smiled, "I talked to the other high priests and priestesses and we all agreed that you are the most powerful of any of us and we would like you to preside over this ritual. We are all very excited and have a few with some powers that will be joining in the circle. We also left it up to you to decide who would be what element and we left a spot for your sister."

I got up and got chocolate milk and another muffin. "Am I doing July's or Augusts full moon ritual?" I could feel Emma's excitement.

"What one would you like to do?" I turned around and headed back to my chair.

"We are not returning to Washington till September, so I will do the August one, that gives me time to write one."

"Awesome sauce" Jade was smiling "If you need anything let me know. I will make sure you have it."

Melinda and the others started making lists, I got up and headed out to the barn, all I wanted was to ride.