Song of Sirens

Chapter 13

Hot water was swirling around me as I lay in the bath, reading a newly received letter from my father. I don't know how it got through the blizzard. I was still upset from last night, but this hardly made me feel anything at all, I didn't even care. My hand shook a little as I read the letter, his impeccable handwriting in black ink shining on the white paper.

I smiled when I first discovered this letter had been sent to me, assumed it was an invitation to come home for Christmas. But it was not.

Steam rose from the water around me, making my hair stick to the sides of my face. I could hear the the blizzard smashing at the window above me, and Kat asleep in our room.

Olive,

I assume by now that you understand why we've never gotten along well. I trust you've also discovered your magic. And understand why I must say what I am about to say. I do not want any part in your life from now on. You will gain all my possessions when I pass on, but I do not want to see you again. Magic is not for me. And please don't come home for Christmas. Or expect a gift.

Kind Regards,

Derick Lane

I read the letter several times, then put it underwater and let the ink run out, like black blood swirling through the water. I then set it on the edge of the tub, letting it dry in the steam and climbed out.

My hair was braided quickly and I climbed into a soft white sweater and faded denim jeans before grabbing the letter and throwing it in the bin.

I walked out of the bathroom, letting the steam out and waking Kat up.

"Kat, time to get up," I call across the room, putting some purple sneakers on.

"Why?" Her voice is muffled by the pillow her face is buried in.

"Because you told me to wake you up when I get out of the bath. Well, I'm out of the bath," I stand and walk to our door while she mumbles a reply. "I'm going downstairs to have breakfast."

"I'll come down later," she lifts her head to speak, brushing red waves out of her face.

"Alright," I shut the door behind me as I reply.

I make my way down the stairs quietly and make my way into the kitchen, where I find Vicki and Dylan. Making breakfast. For everyone apparently.

"Good morning Liv," Vicki gives me a quick look before returning to the stove and Dylan gives a small smile whilst stirring something.

"Morning, where's Julia?" My voice is a little husky as I look around for our housekeeper.

"She can't come out in the blizzard, she's snowed in, and called earlier to let us know," Dylan quickly explains, before returning all his attention to his task.

"Oh, fair enough," I nod and give a small smile, putting my hands in my pockets. "Do you guys need a hand with anything?"

"Um, no, I don't think so." Vicki gives a quick look around the kitchen, before her eyes fall on stacked plates and cutlery. "You could set the table if you'd like?"

"Yeah, sure, I'm on it." I smile and grab everything, setting each place with everything as usual, all the while thinking about my father's letter.

He couldn't even call himself my father.

Why did he have to say that?

The table is set completely before I walk back into the kitchen, where Zoe and Alice are now helping Vicki and Dylan.

"Is there anything else I can do?" I smile, watching Dylan attempt to fit everything in the fridge.

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Everyone appeared soon after that and we all ate together as usual, but afterwards I was excused from cleaning because I helped in preparation. I headed up into my room and opened my laptop, checking my email before there was a knock on the door.

I shut my laptop and stand, walking to the door quickly and opening it with a smile.

"Hey," my voice is quiet and I'm smiling.

"Hey, can I come in?"

"Sure," he walks in and I shut the door behind him.

"Are you alright? You left breakfast pretty quickly." Those eyes. Stunning. Crystal. And they see right through me.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I give a small smile.

"Really?" He wraps me in a hug, my face in his neck. He smells so comforting.

"Yeah, I just got a letter from dad, that's all." My chin rests on his shoulder and I'm standing of my toes to reach so high.

"What about?" He pulls back and meets my gaze.

"He's, um, going on a business trip over Christmas and said I cant go home to an empty house. Not exactly sure what he expects me to do though," I smile slightly, it wasn't completely a lie.

"Oh, I see," he raises an eyebrow and narrows his eyes, smiling cheekily.

"Yeah..." I let my sentence trail off, not knowing what to say.

"I suppose you could always come to my place from Christmas, meet my parents and such."

"I cant intrude like that!"

"It's not intruding if I invite you," he smiles, trying to hide his obvious nervousness.

"Nate, really?" I can hardly contain the grin on my face.

"Yeah, Liv, I'd really like that," his face is just so perfect and sweet and kind and generous.

"Thank you," my smile is so wide it almost hurts.

And he rewards my happiness with a kiss.