An Alchemist's Envy

Chapter 9: Goodbye for Now

I finished the figures quicker than I thought, so I curled up under my blankets and closed my eyes. Maybe I could sleep away the thought of having to leave my new safe haven.

"This place is almost like..." I stopped my word babble, afraid I might jinx myself.

'The last time I thought I was safe, I nearly died. How long until I finally find a place I can call home?'

"I'll protect you."

"Damnit, Lindsey, stop thinking of him!" I roared, throwing off the blanket and climbing out of bed. I paced around the room while trying to calm myself down. Before, he used to give me butterflies. Now...

"I want to help you."

I balled my fists and punched the wall with a loud BANG! I left a pretty decent sized hole in the wall near the window. I sighed deeply.

"Great..."

"Deary, what happened? Are you alright?" Mrs. Bradford came running into the room looking very worried and scared. Her eyes went from the messed up bed, the hole and then at me. Her face saddened once she got to me. I guess I looked pretty bad or something, because she walked over and placed a hand on my cheek.

"Deary, no need to be angry at the wall. It's here to protect us, not hurt us." Mrs. Bradford smiled softly.

"I'm really sorry. I'll fix it." I glanced at it and winced, "Might have to do it by hand, though. Alchemy can't fix everything."

"No worries," She laughed.

"Ya better fix it," Mr. Bradford's voice bellowed, "I ain't payin' ya to destroy my house."

"Again, you're not paying me." I chuckled.

"If you don't want to leave yet, try using yer words." Mr. Bradford crossed his arms.

'But words are hard... Especially for me...'

"Words ain't that hard, girl. Just open yer mouth." Mr. Bradford grumbled.

'Mind reader...? Anyway, might as well try and explain myself the best I can...'

Before I could, he continued, "However, as much as the town'd like you to stay, you need to go find your friends."

"You've brought life back into our town," Mrs. Bradford grinned, "Now it's time for you to get back to yours."

"Unless you like gettin' paid to create tiny statues the rest of yer life." Mr. Bradford added.

I couldn't help but smile and ran my fingers through my hair, "If I was actually getting paid, I would."

"Promise you'll come by and visit when you can?" Mrs. Bradford took my hands in hers, tears forming in her eyes. I nodded and hugged her gently. When I noticed Mr. Bradford stepping closer to us, I took my chance and pulled him into our hug. To my surprise, he didn't argue and he actually hugged me.

Crap. Tomorrow is really going to suck.

~~~~~~~

"Do you have to leave?"

"Best wishes!"

"I'll treasure my crystals and always think of you!"

"Our Crystal Guardian!"

"Nah, she's an alchemist!"

"Yeah, she's the Crystal Alchemist!"

"Hahahaha!"

The whole town was gathered at the station post and made this parting more like a party. Some of them made me lunches and some gave me clothes. They kept saying thank you and such, making this even harder on me.