The Wish of a Broken Heart

Pressing Matters

October 19th
Sunday

~Cara~

After sending Tira home, we begin a long and exhausting mini press conference. People are shocked, stunned, angered, excited, fearful, and more. I think we went through the entire spectrum of emotions during the telling of our stories. I was so glad when Kura came back with a force stone lounge. It surprised everyone nearly as much as when I started to collapse.

Most felt terrible for keeping us and a few worried about our health. I felt good about a few of the people. The General took their names down and invited them for a press conference after we had rest and were checked by medical personnel. He announced the exchange program and encouraged people to apply. In the same breath, he warned them of the protections that would harm those with ill intent.

I was just glad to be home again. No fear of attacks and some semblance of normalcy. It feels a little weird now. They say home is where the heart is. Mine is torn in different directions until we're safe and healed.

We can’t stay on Earth. We have a journey to complete in a short amount of time. Too bad we can’t rig a helicopter or airplane to run on magic. We have to be in contact with the ground for the Ak’hajj. No rubber soled shoes either. It’s an insulator. It will block our connection to the earth. Boo.

Then there’s the whole needing to be healed thing, the mission to help people at the next Ak’hajj stop, getting to Isilmëmírë, and… I’m too tired to deal with all of this! I sigh in frustration and exhaustion.

We were going to nap with Tira after stumbling in and dragging ourselves to my bedroom. The scene waiting for us was funny and sweet. My bed isn’t normal. It’s multiple memory foam beds cut and put together in a half decagon shape. I made it for sleepovers, for when my nieces and nephews want to snuggle, and for when animals need me. I custom-made sheets and a waterproof lining. It takes up a lot of room, but it’s worth it!

Currently, it’s covered in children snuggling and piled on each other in adorable positions. Thankfully, the office has a king-sized Murphy bed. The office furniture folds nicely into the walls. We set it up as a spare guest room a long time ago. We never needed it until now. Tavi, Kura, and I barely fit on the bed. Mum brought another twin in and set it across the bottom. She kissed all of us on the cheeks and welcomed Kura to the family.

She’ll come back and wake us at five for dinner. I have no clue what time it is, but everything hurts. I’m more exhausted than I’ve ever been. Mum smiles gently before leaving the room and closing the door.

She was conflicted before the conference. As expected. She is very traditional and was far from being okay with me having two mates. Thankfully, Amanda’s recent history and living with Peter, Tiníléí, Anela, and Tammy has helped her look at things from a different point of view. Jokes about me being “too much for one man to handle” were whispered with low chuckles... If only they knew.

After hearing Kura’s story, Mum became protective and angry at the people who hurt him. Her wolf snarled, and Papa Larry had to hold her. He wasn’t much better, but he’s able to control his anger better. Their protective nature helped seal their acceptance. They surprised him when they pulled him into a hug. He looked awkward being squeezed by them.

I’m sure we will have hiccups along the way. I’ve read about relationships like ours in books. The worry of treating each other fairly and finding balance. We need time with each other individually and together. Not just hanky-panky time, either. It’s the little things that make the difference.

Tavi loves watching movies with me. Tavi and Kura love hunting and have plans to go together. They want to take me on a fishing date when I’m better. Kura and I are both dragons, so we can always fly together later. He promised to teach me air combat, and Tavi promised to teach me land combat. Neither will spar with me, though. Ever. They’re afraid of hurting me.