POWERS OF NATURE Book 1 - Into the Storm

Chapter 2

Stephanie sat at the breakfast table, her back to the wall and her face to the sun that streamed through the large windows next to the table. Her dream had woken her up, her scream resounding in her ears. When she had calmed down, realising it had just been a dream, Stephanie had noticed she was in her bed and still dressed in the clothes from the day before. She wondered how she had gotten from the car to her bed, but shrugged as she couldnt remember. After a shower and a change of clothes, she had found her mom fast asleep, her earphones still on after falling asleep watching a series on her ipad.

Stephanie shuddered in the sunlight, the dream seeming too real even in the light of day. She could still see Matt's lifeless body on the ground, the smoke rising in curls from the charred remains of his shirt over his chest, her own hands ablaze with electricity like lightning. Yesterday's storm was now a distant memory, the sky empty of clouds. A noise from the kitchen alerted her to the fact that her mom was up and she got up to refresh her coffee.

"Morning Mom." She greeted her mom as she poured more coffee. "Hi Sweetheart." Her mom smiled back at her. "You must have had a good night's sleep. You didn't even wake up when Matt helped me move you into the back of the car, or when he carried you to bed last night."

Stephanie froze, a resounding crash echoing through the kitchen as her mug dropped. They both stared at the floor as shards of ceramic and coffee spilled everywhere. Stephanie looked up at her mom. "Whoops." She grinned sheepishly, her nerves on edge, and quickly knelt down to pick up the broken pieces of her mug. As she swept her fingers through the liquid, it looked almost like the liquid was following her fingertips. She shook her head, and looked again. The brown liquid lay pooling like normal.

"How much coffee have you had?" Sue asked her, grabbing a cloth to wipe up the mess.

"Only one," she replied defensively, "you know I need at least two or three before I wake up properly." A nervous chuckle escaped her lips.

"Mmmm, maybe try using a plastic cup until you do wake up properly." Sue laughed at the blush on her daughter's face.

"So, mom, you said Matt helped you?" She avoided her mom's curious eyes, busying herself with another cup of coffee. This time she gripped it with both hands.

"Yeah, after it stopped raining and I got to the car, I found you fast asleep. I tried to wake you, buy no luck. What were you thinking falling asleep without locking the doors?"

"I must have dozed off without realising it. Sorry mom."

"Anyway, Matt and his brother were leaving at the same time, so I asked him if he could help move you into the back seat so I could at least drive us home. Really, Stephanie, falling asleep without locking the doors and leaving the keys in the ignition. That is the last time you stay out so late." Stephanie rolled her eyes as she walked back to the breakfast table, her mom behind her. "I said I was sorry. There were security guards around anyway."

Her mom gave her a stern look before continuing. "After he helped move you, he asked how I would get you into the house and I said I'd just leave you in the car till morning."

"Mom!!!"

Her mom laughed at the indignant tone of Stephanie's voice.

"I wasn't serious, Stephanie. Would have taught you a lesson though. But Matt thought I was and he drove behind us till we got home, and promptly carried you into your room."

Stephanie didn't know whether to be annoyed or thrilled. Going with annoyed, she crossed her arms and groaned at her mom. "Seriously?!"

"Well he wouldn't quit until you were in bed. I think he might have a thing for you." Her mom winked at her as she blushed again, burying her head in her hands. "Stop, mom. That's embarrassing." Sue laughed and got up from the table. "He seems nice enough, nicer than the brother who just sat in the car the whole time glaring."