Of Witches and Warlocks: The Complete Series

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Anticipation for the new day greeted me when I woke. Immediately, I rolled over in bed, to look at Vance. "Good morning," I said with a smile, only to discover he wasn't there. There was no trace of his bedding and both of my pillows were on the bed.

A streak of fear shot through me and I jumped up. Was I losing my mind? Had it all been a dream?

"Vance?" I called, rushing to the bathroom door and knocking. No answer. I turned the handle and peered inside. No Vance.

Running through my bedroom, I dashed into the hallway.

"Vance?" I yelled from the top of the stairs, not caring if everyone in the house thought I was hysterical.

"I'm in the kitchen!" his voice floated back to me.

Relief flooded through me and I placed a hand over my heart. He was still here. It hadn't been a dream. I hurried down the steps, around the corner and into the kitchen, surprised at the sight that greeted me.

Krista and Vance were making breakfast together, and they were smiling and laughing about something.

"Good morning!" Vance said, as I approached. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you. Although I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when I woke up and you were gone."

He looked surprised. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I had some trouble sleeping so I got up early and came downstairs. My mom was already awake also."

"Your mom?" I asked, realizing he'd used words my Vance would have.

"Yeah." He smiled. "She and I have been up for quite a while. We've had a very good mother and son visit this morning, haven't we, Mom?" Turning from the scrambled eggs he was stirring, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

Krista responded with a wide grin and placed a peck on his cheek. "Yes we did, and it was wonderful!" She was positively glowing.

I felt like I'd gone to sleep and awaken in the twilight zone. I must've had a puzzled expression as I watched them, because they both turned to glance at me and busted up laughing.

"Come sit down, Portia," Krista said. "I'll tell you all about our discussion."

I stared at Vance for a moment longer before I joined her at the table. She reached out to grasp my hand.

"Thank you for giving your memories to Vance," she began. "I think they'll really help him with his transition. Even though he can't remember things, it at least gives him memories to deal with," she explained. "Vance asked me to tell him about his childhood this morning. I had so much fun going back over my memories of a happier time. He was able to identify with things because of what you had given him."

"Where are the dishes?" Vance interrupted, and he began to randomly open cupboards.

"Second door on the right," I said absently, watching him move.

He quickly produced three plates and brought them to us, setting a place for him as well, before he carried the pan of eggs over and dished out servings. Going back to the stove to get the bacon and sausage, he also grabbed a small saucer laden with several pieces of toast, placing it in the middle of the table.

I pondered his actions and how comfortable he appeared to be. Feeling the need to help out, I went to the silverware drawer to get utensils, while Krista got the milk.