Magic Wand

Bond (Chapter 7)

-Carmen's POV-
I woke up the next morning to see Thorn waiting impatiently next to my bed.

"Hey, Thorn.  Whatcha need?"  I asked, trying to hide my satisfaction.

"Like you don't know.  What did you do to Daddy?!"  She demanded.  I stopped trying to hide it.  My face split into a sly grin.

"I didn't do anything.  He saved me of his own free will.  At least I don't have to brainwash Dad to save my life."  The shock and anger at what I had said on her face was priceless.  I chose out some clothes from my suitcase to wear, went into the bathroom, and changed into my clothes.  I stuffed my pajamas back into my suitcase and zipped it shut.  Finally, I walked downstairs, feeling positively aglow.

"Morning Mom.  Morning Dad."  I chirped as I sat down for breakfast.  Dad turned to me.

"Morning, pumpkin."  I grinned at the new nickname- he was acting more and more like he had before I left, and I loved it.  He winked at me, and I winked back, remembering the scene from last night.  Maybe if I stayed around long enough, I wouldn't need to break the spell- Dad was beginning to accept me, which meant Mom was probably adjusting, too.  I scarfed down my breakfast and went back upstairs.

As I was putting my headphones on, ready to listen to some music, Thorn came back upstairs.  There were tears in her eyes.

"Why?  Why did you have to come back?!  I was perfectly fine with my makeshift family until you showed up!  Daddy already loves you out of his own free will!  Why can't I have that kind of a bond?!"  Thorn sobbed.  I blinked.  Was this because of Dad treating me like an actual daughter this morning?  Or perhaps him saving my life last night?  Still, I refused to pity her.

"Maybe because you're a demon who steals parents away from their children while their children are in college studying their butts off.  I mean, as if I didn't have enough already to stress over!"  I didn't realize how much I had meant it until it had come out.  Thorn roared in anger.

"I'll get you one of these times.  You'd better watch your back, Carmen!  You messed with the wrong girl!"  She said, turning to leave the room.

"No, you messed with the wrong girl."  I countered.  Another roar of anger before she marched out, slamming the door.  She would be back, I knew it.  And I would be waiting.

I was feeling far more confident than I should've been, but if anything went wrong, Dad would be there.  Right?