The World I Knew Isn't The Same Anymore

Chapter 14 Mundane for a Day

Francine Smith's mind is racing with thousands of thoughts as she sits at her blank desk with her hands delicately folded together. However, the silver of hope protruding from her chest grows as she thinks about being able to go back to Heaven. All she has to do is get Bree somehow to Sebastian.

Ring ringgg.

The sound of her phone knocks her out of thought as she stares at Arthur Arundale's contact lighting up on her screen. Just through that one conversation with Sebastian, she places her bet to keep it completely hidden.

Slowly she shakily picks up her phone, "hello?"

"Hello Franince," Arthur's voice is radiant and booming on the other side. "I heard about what Bree did the other day, Stan informed me."

One of Francine's duties is to inform the Royal family about the students progress, especially one they have high interest in. When she heard about Bree controlling her fire to the extent of completely neutralizing and abolishing a target, it completely slipped her mind to reach out to them. "Oh yes!" She tries to make voice seem happy, but even to herself it feels distant. "I'm so sorry I didn't reach out earlier - I was actually planning on calling later today," she lies.

Arthur doesn't sympathize, rather he says "that is incredible progress to make in just a month and a half," he remembers her telling him that when Bree came here she had no idea what she was capable of, or even how to use her abilities.

"It is truly wonderful, right?" She pauses for a second thinking about the next words to say. "She's in a top notch academy and has made good friends with her classmates. I'm sure Chase and Izabel have been helping her out." She continues to recall Sebastian's words, Bree is different than Genevieve, much more powerful than she could ever have been. And it scares her to think about, because if it's true, Bree truly is the beginning of the prophecy everyone is so afraid of. But then she's reminded of Heaven and all worries seem to vanish.

"I want you to keep a close watch on her," Arthur demands. "We already know Genevieve was a force to be reckoned with. I want to come see her-"

"No," Francine blurts unintentionally. She doesn't want to risk Arthur using his abilities on Bree, or her, at the moment. She fears if he sees far her deal with Sebastian would be ruined. "I- I mean," she stutters and then coughs slightly. "I will do that and keep you updated. But for now all the students are still riled up about the code red, I fear that if they see you around their nerves will be more elevated."

Arthur stays silent for a second, and even though she can't see him she can tell he's been taken aback. Francine isn't the type of person to say no to him - or any Royal. But he remains level headed and replies with "that is understandable. We're in the process of discussing some future matters here, so maybe it is a good idea to hold back on another visit."

Francine silently thanks the angels. "What exactly do you envision for Bree?"

"To be good," he says bluntly. "She's incredibly powerful and could be a great asset to all of Valencia. But with her family history, her mother gone astray and father disappearing off the face of the planet after committing himself to darkness and demons... it's worrisome."

"That is understandable. I can assure you she is in good hands here, and the friends she made are good company," Francine's heart begins to pound against her ribs with anticipation.

"Thank you, Francine. We'll stay in touch," and with that he hangs up the phone leaving Francine to silently sit with her thoughts again.

The past week has felt like a waking dream for Chase. Going cold turkey on smoking and drinking feels like a part of you being ripped out from the inside. He didn't anticipate how different his body and mind would feel after just quitting everything at once. But a part of him does feel healthier - in a sense - because he's less forgetful and able to train his body longer than normal, or maybe that's just him pushing himself to forget that he's completely sober.