Elysian House: The Bitten Elixir [Remake] (1)

Chapter 8: Veil

Chapter 8: Veil

"So any pretty girls there?" My mother asks me one afternoon as I stand behind Elysian House, in the courtyard. Maya is off at the food court, while I was sat on the park bench, holding the phone up to my ear. I sigh, because I knew my mother would just have to ask something like that. "Any potential dates?" 

I wanted to say no. Because if I say yes, my mother will squeal, demand to know who it is, want to know everything I know about them and beg for me to come home so she can do my hair, makeup and dress me like a doll. I know that from experience. When Jasmin asked me on the first date, my mother did exactly that. "Yes, I do, actually." I confess, wincing when phase two commences. Her squeal pierces my ear. 

"Who, who, who?" My mother asks me, and I can picture the look on her face right now. She's probably chewing on her fingernails in anticipation. "Is she pretty? How pretty? Is she nice, sweet, or smart?" 

"She's pretty, mom. Very pretty," I cross my legs on the park bench, resting my elbow on my knee. My cheeks are reddening. "And nice and smart and sweet." 

"Oh, what's her name?" My mother continues to persist. 

I wonder if she'll remember Olivia. If I tell her that I met Olivia Chase again, after all these years, I wonder what she'll say. 

Maya slips down beside me, with a soda cup in her hand, chewing on the red straw, while she stares me down, brow lowered in curiosity. 

"Her name's Olivia." I don't tell her her last name. Olivia seems like a vague enough name so she won't know who I'm talking about. 

I'm right. 

"That's a pretty name." My mom says. "How's school there, then? Besides you being the center of attention to someone else." 

"It's good," I say through gritted teeth. "Hard, but good." 

"Make any friends?" 

I look over to Maya, who's still watching the side of my face as I have a conversation with my mother. "Yeah, I did. A few." 

"That's good. As long as everything's okay there, sweet pea." Someone speaks to my mother and I hear her laugh. "Oh, Rile, Ricky wants to speak with his big sister." 

My face splits into a grin when I hear my little brother's voice talk from the other end of the phone. "When are you coming home?" He asks me, and I can hear his pout. It makes me grin wider. 

"I'm so sorry, Ricky. I had no idea you missed me so much." 

"Mommy won't let me come see you. She says it's not a place I'm welcome at yet. When do I get to come and see you?" 

"Uh, I don't know, little buddy. I'll make sure you come and see me real soon, okay?" I promise, raising my voice higher than I would normally talk. "In the meantime, make sure you stay a good boy. And no talking to girls." 

He giggles. "I'm talking to you." 

I feign a gasp, through my smile. "How dare you! You're already breaking the rules!" 

He giggles again before he passes the phone back to my mom. 

"All right, baby. I have to get going. Ricky's gotta get up early." 

"Why?" I ask. 

"Ricky made the soccer team. He has a game coming up." She says, sounding like she's looking at him with a proud smile. It makes me feel a bit sad that I missed that. And I'll continue to miss more. "But don't worry, I'll tape it, so you won't miss a thing."