Ethereal Madness

Chapter 57- Back on Track

I took a deep breath.

So my mom is in prison. My father is manipulating or threatening everyone in the house that knows about it. I sighed. And knowing all of this, I still don't have any answers to any of my problems. I know Ória said to get others on my side, but it's easier said than done. I can't exactly walk up to Tucker and tell him to be on my team.

You could always go visit her, Miss Mya chimed in out of nowhere, as she occasionally does. Though admittedly it hasn't been as frequent, which has been kind of nice. Been awhile since I've had my thoughts to myself. Especially as a blood relative, I doubt they'd deny the visit, she continued.

I could, but...

But? She asked.

I don't wanna.

And why not? She pushed. She could be the key to all your problems. The answer to your questions. Is it really worth glossing over?

I just...don't know if I want to see her. All I've seen from her is flashes from my imagination and the occasional memory that returns to my head. I haven't seen her in so long. She might just reject me. Or not recognize me. She may not care about me.

A warmth filled my body, like I was being hugged but even without opening my eyes I know there was no one near me. Huhu. You're adorable Arthur. Is this really what happens when you're scared?

"Scared?" The words that left my lips were foreign and I couldn't make sense of them. Scared? Of what? Of Miss Mya controlling the mansion like zombies and having them go after me? Of the Amazons putting me in a fight to the death? Of Eris becoming a dark Angel and destroying the town? Of the creature in the amusement park? Sure, I could admit to those. They were terrifying. But scared of seeing my mom, there's no way. I wasn't scared. It just sounded really uncomfortable.

You seem to forget it's not only your thoughts I can read, Miss Mya said. You're emotions. Your heart. They're just as visible. Oftentimes more than your thoughts.

I put my hands over my eyes and sighed. This is so frustrating. Even with a demon capable of all the knowledge in the world, I still feel trapped. The person I want on my side more than anyone, the one with too much influence, is Sophia. But for that, I need to get Olivia over the house and talking to her. Despite saving Tucker and his friends I don't feel any closer to him and even knowing some of Mary's past there's still an an invisible wall around her. Just what am I supposed to do?

You know Arthur, I appreciate you going and asking others for assistance. Myala started. Even her. You're growing in such a beautiful way and I can't wait to see what the finale will be like. However, I can't help but realize you haven't asked the 'demon capable of all the knowledge in the world' for help lately. Is there a reason for that?

I just didn't want to rely on you so much. I can't have you solve everything.

True, that would make a boring story indeed. However, sometimes the sphinx is the only one who has an answer to the riddle.

I frowned. Okay, what do you suggest I do then?

She chuckled. It's simple really. Too simple even. To the point where I'm almost impressed you hadn't thought of it.

Then what is it?

I noticed you asked the kid from the district and Clarissa, correct?

Yeah? Where is she going with this?

Did you ever think to ask the ones who moved in recently?

Recently moved in? Is she referring to Roxanne and Eris? Umm, I told them about my problem, I said.