DELONIX [COMPLETED]

Chapter 27

Red Pov

The week rushed by in a whirlwind, leaving me with a sense of gratitude and even a touch of joy. When Jacob had mentioned that the girls at this new school would despise me, I had brushed it off as hyperbole or perhaps a jest. Unfortunately, reality proved his words true.

Whether it was the embarrassing mishap in the cafeteria that sent me tumbling to the ground or the constant struggle to find a place to sit during lunch, I hadn't realized just how infatuated the girls were with Xavier and Mr. Caddel. If only I possessed a time machine to navigate these treacherous social waters. Sighing, I found solace in the fact that Uncle J had been generous enough to provide me with a new phone. Without hesitation, I dialed Aunt May's number as soon as I reached the sanctuary of my room.

"Hello, who's calling?" Aunt May's voice crackled over the line, sounding frail and weak. I couldn't help but realize she must have been crying. Tears welled up in my own eyes before I even knew it.

"It's the Boogeyman," I replied, attempting to inject some levity into the conversation, though it seemed tears would soon flow from both ends of the line.

"R-Red," she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. I couldn't blame her-after all, I had promised to call as soon as I arrived, but I had failed to do so.

A wave of helplessness washed over me. "I-I'm sorry," I managed to stammer, my voice laden with apologies as tears streamed freely down my face.

"My child, why apologize? Please, wipe away your tears." I nodded, even though I knew she couldn't see my face at that moment.

"How have things been?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

"Not the same without you here," she replied, her words causing fresh tears to well up within me.

"I know. I hope you're safe. Has anything out of the ordinary happened while I've been away?" I needed to know in case I had to contact Uncle J immediately should something go awry.

"No, nothing of note. It seems you were their sole target," she confirmed.

"Thank goodness," I breathed, a profound sense of relief washing over me.

"So, how are things there? Tell me everything," she urged, her curiosity evident.

And so I did. I recounted the events of being pursued by werewolves, shattering an ancient crystal ball, gaining admission to the school, and making new friends. Throughout our conversation, Aunt May ran the gamut of emotions-fear, worry, confusion, and ultimately, happiness.

"I'm glad you've already found friends, Red. But is that all you have to share with me?" she probed, her tone suggesting there was something else she desired to hear.

What more could there be? "J called to inform me that he's no longer at the school. He said he needed to delve deeper into his research about you and leave his past behind," I explained, a tinge of disappointment coloring my words. He should have at least informed me.

"I had no idea when he left, Aunt," I tried to clarify, hoping she would understand.

"I understand, and it wasn't your fault for not calling. It seems their world has a different Wi-Fi connection than ours," she jested, coaxing a smile from me.

"Yes."

"He also mentioned he entrusted you to another male guardian."

Ah, so that's the icing on the cake she wanted me to slice.

"And..." I hesitated, hearing a scoff on the other end of the line.

"I know what you want to ask. J mentioned that he's taken you under his wing, so I assume he must be in his twenties, right?"