Catching light Book 1

Chapter 21

"Hey Aunt Maria, I have your guest here," James said as we stepped into the small dimly lit house. It was so cute and comfy.

I walked into the living room where a plumpy middle-aged woman was ironing some clothing. 

She immediately dropped the iron on the ironing board.

"Oh my goodness! You must be Princess Eve. You are so beautiful. How are you? Do you want a glass of water? Something to eat? How about-"

"Calm down Aunt Maria. She's only one person," James said.

I smiled.

"Hello Miss Maria. I do not want anything to drink or eat, but thank you very much for your hospitality." I said.

She smiled. 

"Please call me Aunt Maria," she said.

I smiled and nodded.

James cleared his throat.

"Um, I really have to get going. The ambush starts at midnight, when we are at our most powerful. Please stay safe?"

I smiled and nodded I hated lying, but I had to.

James was about to turn around and leave, but I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"I love you, stay safe." I whispered into James' chest.

He smiled and pulled me tighter.

I remembered this moment when we were younger and he had to leave. I remembered telling him that he was my best friend and that I loved him like a best friend should. Then we parted ways.

James released me and turned away and left. I stared at the door for a long time. I hoped and prayed that he and Aaron would be safe.

Aunt Maria cleared her throat. I turned toward her.

"It must be hard to finally hear the truth. I always thought you knew the truth, well that was what they told us," she said.

"Who told you?" I asked.

"Catherine, she told us this," she said.

"Oh. Of course she would lie. Her brother and her are such a pair," I said.

Maria smiled at me.

"Are you sure you aren't hungry? I made my famous strawberry and chocolate cupcakes," she said pouting.

I laughed.

"Okay Um if it will make you happy," I said.

She smiled and rushed off to the kitchen while I sat on the black leather couches. 

Aunt Maria came back a few minutes with a giant cupcake on a silver saucer.

My eyes widened.

She handed me the saucer and I hesitantly took a small bite while she watched me carefully.

Immediately when the cupcake made contact with my taste buds I fell in love.

"Oh my goodness. This has got to be the best cupcake I have ever tasted," I mumbled.

Aunt Maria laughed and walked away deeper into the house.

I finished the cupcake in less than ten minutes and washed and dried my saucer.

"Eve, come here so I can show you  your room," she said.

I walked quickly to where she was.

She led me to a small room which had a small bed with a pink duvet and purple pillows. I stepped inside and realised that there was a big window in the wall close to the bed. Perfect!

"Here are some of my daughter's old clothes. I am sure they will fit. One is pajamas and the other pile is clothes for tomorrow." she handed me the clothing.

"You have a daughter?" I asked.

"Yes, she is part of the ambush tonight. She's a warrior," she said filled with pride.

I smiled. If only my mother were here and proud of me. But I knew that after tonight, she would be more than proud of me.

I looked down at The pajamas with were a red shirt and a Navy blue pair of shorts. The clothing for the following day consisted of a pair of black jeans and a dark purple shirt.

Looks like the universe wanted me to sneak out too. A window and dark clothing, perfect.

I turned to Aunt Maria and gave her a hug.

"Thank you for your support. Thank you so much" I said.

She smiled.

"No problem. I just want to see you get your rightful place back." she said.

She let me go and walked out of the room.

I closed the door and sank into the bed to think carefully about my plan.

Carefully piecing it together.

Tonight was going to change the world.