Until We Fly

Chapter 13: Practise

-James-

I had no idea what on earth had just gone on with Charlie.

But he was right.

Surprisingly, we found Köleil pretty quickly. She was sat in the center of a large field, laid back and staring up at the sky. Though as soon as she saw me, she jumped up and leaped into my arms, as happy and cheerful as I'd hoped for her to be.

And I was so happy to have her back. I'd felt so, so very strange being without her.
Almost empty.

But I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened.
Why had I shouted at Köleil like I did?
Why did it feel as if I couldn't control what I was doing? At all?
I upset Köleil, hurt Natalie and almost made a terrible deal with JŪX...
No matter what, he couldn't trick me into killing Köleil.

But then...why was I covered in blood when Nim had found me?

Nothing added together.

I felt myself constantly glancing down at the black mark on my arm as we headed back. Where was it from? What was it?

Why was it there?

Köleil was staring at me with big, confused eyes.

"Hey, what's wrong?"
I asked her, forcing a small smile.

"...James looks sad. What is wrong?"

"It's nothing, Kö. I'm just a little tired is all."

"Hey James, I've sorted you out a room if you want to hang around for a bit."
Nim cheered, happy now she knew everyone was safe.

"Really? Wow...thanks."

"It's right beside Köleil's room so you won't have to fuss about being too far apart. I just hope you like it!"

The room...my room was awesome! Just how I'd picture a perfect bedroom for me.

Though even with an awesome new bedroom, I couldn't stop thinking about Natalie and what would happen when I went home.
Maybe it'd be better if I just stayed with Köleil , Nim and Jake for now. Either way, I had to find Jayden. Something tugged violently at my mind, telling me he was related to Keiran.
That maybe Keiran wasn't...gone.

Switching the lights off, I settled down underneath the covers to get some well needed sleep.

But it didn't take long for a certain someone to wake me up again.
Including a small tugging on my sleeve.

Opening my eyes and turning over I saw, just as I'd expected, Köleil standing beside the bed. Looking absolutely adorable in her over-sized, pink, button up pajamas.
Or 'pajamamas' as she'd say.

She stood there, shaking with an embarrassed look on her face as she rocked back and forth on her heels.

"Hey, Kö. What's up?"

"Um...Köleil...I..."

CRASH!!

Köleil let out a small squeak and jumped as loud thunder crashed outside.

Now with wide eyes from the small shock, she looked back at me.

I just chuckled, knowing what she wanted and pulled the covers up, moving over to give her some room.

Happier, she climbed inside, snuggling up close to me. I put my hand on her head, quietly humming as I stroked her hair.

With both hands, she held my shirt gently as she fell asleep.

I'll admit, my heart was thudding more than usual at that moment.

But who wouldn't have just had their heart melted? She's just too perfect.