Until We Fly

Chapter 17: Half Mind

As I woke up, I discovered that Köleil had slipped into my bed and was snuggled up against my chest.
Of course, I didn't mind.
My head flooded with the information about Nim's past, each small detail scraping the crevice of my mind.
To lose a baby like that...especially after all the things that had happened just prior...

"Mmn...James?"
Köleil murmured, slowly waking up and rubbing her eyes.

"Hey, Kö. Sleep well?"

Köleil just shrugged, closing her eyes again.

"Do you want to do anything today? I'm sure we're not busy. I'd like to spend more time with you since I've not seen you much the past few days."

"Yes. I would like that also."

"Hey, I forgot to ask, but how come you had struggles talking properly when the other Guardians are so fluent?"

"Well, I am the newest Guardian. It takes time to learn and I am a slow learner."

"...gosh, it's weird to hear you talking so well!"
I chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"Yes. I have got much better. Though it is weird to say I and not Köleil."

"I know. But you're doing brilliantly."

"I see you two are awake then."
Nim smiled, leaning in through the door.

"Yep. What's up?"

"I just need Köleil downstairs for a moment. And James? You should get dressed and meet us down there. Jake says he wants to take you somewhere."

"Oh, alright. Go on, Köleil. I won't be long."

Köleil, still in her PJ's, went downstairs with Nim while I sat up and stretched my arms. It didn't take me long to notice that I was still wearing my clothes from yesterday.
But with everything that had happened no wonder I'd just jumped straight into bed.

And I was sure Köleil had been in her own bed.
She must have sneaked in when I was already asleep.

I didn't mind.
It was always nice waking up to that face.

Standing up walking across the room, I opened the curtains and got blinded by the sudden light.

It reminded me of when Natalie would open them JUST as I opened my eyes.
Natalie...

I couldn't stay away forever.
There was no way I could keep hiding like this.

But how was I supposed to go back?

After hurting Natalie the way I did, how could I ever explain that?

The dark mark on my arm was growing. Slowly, but definitely growing.

Maybe I could just send her a text. To tell her I was okay.
I couldn't just keep avoiding her like this.

"James? You in here?"
Jake walked in, fully dressed in his usual dark attire.

"Maybe. What's up?"

"Hurry up and change your clothes. I know you slept in them. We need to get going."

"Where ARE we going?"

"Somewhere. So get dressed. Now."

"...well, you've got to get out first."

Jake shook his head before stepping back out and closing the door.

"Come on. I haven't got all day."
He complained.

As I changed, slipping into my jeans, I heard a small, fragile whisper.

"...JJ..."

I paused, looking around.