Heart of Glass

Chapter 17

As Amelia had said, they returned to Sherwood the following day. The waited until late that night before departing.

"Did you tell Dad you were going?" Paige asked.

"I'd have to actually see him to do that," Ariel muttered. She hadn't seen him in two days and frankly, she would be happy if she didn't see him again.

Though things were still rocky between her and Paige, they had reached a level of understanding and both had promised to keep in touch; Paige so she could know how Ariel's treatment was going – and Ariel so she could make sure nothing further happened with the Smithers creep.

Lainie was the only other person there to say goodbye. "You better message me everyday," she said fiercely. "And if you have any more trouble with you know who –" she glanced at Amelia who was listening, to make sure she didn't know who she meant "– you tell me and I will be on the first flight over there to kick her ass."

Ariel promised, while mentally kicking herself once again for ever pushing her best friend out of her life. Lainie had immediately declared a disliking of Kestral after hearing of the incident when they went to town. Even though Lainie didn't know her, it was comforting to Ariel to know that she had her back.

Saying goodbye one last time, Ariel also said goodbye to her Grandpa. Her body still hurt and she didn't think it would ever heal, but every day was becoming easier to bear. Ariel felt that strange sensation as Amelia took her arm and looking at her best friend and her sister one last time, she closed her eyes.

It only took a matter of seconds. Amelia released her arm and she opened her eyes. They were standing in the kitchen back at Sherwood. Orange sunlight was streaming through the window as the day was just beginning.

"Should we have some breakfast while we wait for the Doc to get up?" Not waiting for an answer, Amelia started pulling out food from the fridge. "I know how to make pancakes, toast and cereal."

"The three basics then." All Ariel wanted to do was go to bed, but Amelia said she was going to have to stay up all day to get back into her normal routine. Stepping by Amelia, she placed her bag of cupcakes she'd made sure to bring with her on the bench and put the kettle on. She found the largest mug in the cupboard; she was going to need numerous caffeine infusions if she was going to survive today.

Footsteps sounded in the hallway and Ariel turned to see Autumn step into the kitchen.

"Morning."

"Oh!" She jumped, clutching her chest. A leaf fell from her hair, landing at her feet. "You're back!" She broke out into a big smile and gave Ariel a hug.

Ariel held her gingerly. Her body looked frailer since she'd last seen her. The leaves covering her face were pale yellows and browns, their veins contrasting starkly against her eyes.

"Yeah, we're back." She moved back to the coffee. "There's a good chance I'm going to be cranky today but I'll try to restrain myself."

"That's okay, I know the time zones must be difficult. How are you holding up?" Autumn bent over the island, watching her carefully.

"I'm okay. Not great, but it's getting easier." She offered Autumn a cup of tea and she accepted gratefully. "What about you? Are you doing okay?"

"Of course," she said into her tea. "I'm fine."

Ariel didn't believe her for a second. The kitchen got louder as Amelia started cooking the pancakes. Stepping closer, she lowered her voice. "What's going on?"

Autumn glanced at her quickly before her eyes slid away again. "There's nothing wrong with me, really. I think I've done something to upset Emily. She snapped at me a few days ago and since then she's been ignoring me. I'm not sure what I did..."