Grieve

Chapter 4

When I wake up, the first thing I notice is that my arm is shiny. At first, I believe I'm hallucinating, but it turns out it really is; there is glitter sticking to specific spots, and that's when I remember Daia. She must have done this to heal me. My arm does not hurt or burn anymore. There's actually not a single trace of any damage, so I move my arm closer to my face, amazed by the fairy's powers.

"Aster, you are awake." Daia squeals and flies so fast toward me that I barely see her tiny body moving. She flies in front of me and slowly slumps down in my stomach, which is covered by the sheets.

"What happened?" I ask, confused. The rays of sunshine coming from the window indicate that it's already another day. I don't remember much from yesterday, after I did what I did.

Daia has a concerned expression on her face.

"When I came back with the food, I found a guy hesitate about knocking on your door. I felt something was wrong, so I said that and got quickly in the apartment," gently, she puts her hand in my cheek and checks me out to make sure I'm fine, then keeps talking, "I accidentally left the door open, and he heard me yelling at you to wake up, so he got in and helped me."

A guy? What guy?

She must identify the confusion on my face because she takes her hand off my cheek and sits on top of my belly.

"He said his name was Evan, and he was really worried about you. Even said he would come back today." Daia explains softly and takes a glance at my arm.

My eyes widen, and I sit up in the bed abruptly, making her fall on her back and roll. I freeze when she turns her face around slowly; she is laid on her belly and focuses her angry eyes on me.

"Sorry, sorry. It wasn't intentional. It's just..." I cover my face with my hands and groan, "He's the last person that should've known about that."

She sits once again on my lap, I realize her dress today is black, and her jewelery is now silver instead of gold. Her white hair contrasts with her clothing, making her look more serious.

"Is he a friend of yours?"

I scoff, incredulous.

"I barely know him! He's just Han's grandson." My fairy protector looks at me like she's more lost than ever, "Han is my boss and only friend... wait, what time is it?"

She answers that it is eight in the morning; I'm supposed to be at the Fassi store at seven. I take her in my hands and place her on the bed before standing up and start getting ready. I'm rarely late to work, and Han will probably be worried because he knows that.

When I find my uniform and place it over my desk, Daia flies until she's in front of me and watches me with crossed arms and a frown. I stand there, looking back.

"What?"

She arches an eyebrow. There's glitter everywhere by now. My bed, the floor, the desk. And her wings flapping furiously don't help reduce it either.

"Where do you think you're going, Aster Owens?" She asks, in a deliberate slow pace.

I show her my uniform.

"Work."

"You are not working today."

I let out an amused laugh.

"I can not do that. Han must be waiting for me..." she interrupts me.

"He is not. Evan assured me he would let your boss know you were in a delicate state. I did not know he meant his grandad." Daia states calmly.

My heart starts racing in fear.

"Did he tell him?" I ask, voice hushed, wobbly. She doesn't answer. "Daia, did he tell Han about what I did?!"