Surviving the Dark

Chapter 8 - Regrets

I'm addicted.

Well, I know that being a pixie, having a strong connection to nature was part of me.

But I'm addicted to nature.

How do I know this?

I was only meant to be in Quelia for an extra day because I missed the bus. I've been here a week. Partially from the personal need to be around nature, and partially from the Blu siblings finding another reason for needing my help on the preserve.

I normally have an unyielding resolve. Able to say no to things I know are a bad idea. When the combination of nature and the Blu family are working against me, I feel it cracking. I took pride in my ability to keep away from potential risky situations. I would over analyse everything. Only using my head to make decisions. Lately, it seems my heart is taking over. And that can only lead to danger. Another lesson I learnt the hard way.

I'm gazing off into the distance wondering if I should leave tomorrow for the hundredth time today. Jamie then places a plate of food in front of me, bringing me back to reality.

"Miss Izzie, you have a gift." I look up at Jamie puzzled as he takes his seat across from me at the dining table.

"I do?"

"O and I thought it was just Xav that had a way of knowing what the preserve needed tending to, but it seems you do too."

I looked down to my lap. Not wanting to respond in fear of yet another lie escaping my lips.

In the week I've been here I have been staying with Jamie and Liv. As much as I keep saying I will be fine staying in a hotel room, they insist I stay with them. Xavier still living with their parents, though he does have a room he has in the apartment in case he needs to get away from them.

Living with them for a week I have grown extremely close to them all. I can't help but imagine that my siblings would have ended up like them if the Black Eyed Soulless Shadows didn't kill them.

In turn of me getting to know Jamie, Liv, and Xavier, they also wanted to get to know me. I have never been the best of telling lies, so I always opted at either remaining silent or running away. I couldn't do that here, though. So I started telling half truths. Giving enough information for them to 'get to know' me, but never going into too much detail.

Like when they asked where I was from.

"Oh, I'm from here and there. I never stay in one place for very long."

I'm telling the truth. Somewhat. I'm always in a single location for max a month, but I never went into detail of where I was originally from.

Liv had cooked dinner this time. Xav helped but from all the yelling that was going on in the kitchen, I think he was in the way more than helping.

Finally looking up from my lap to my plate, I noticed Liv had gone all out. Making a roast chicken with baked potatoes, carrots, and parsnip, there was also a few mixed vegetables too. Xavier comes out of the kitchen and places a small jug of gravy on the table.

"Every Sunday our family has this tradition of having a roast for dinner. Even though our parents are away one weekend every few months, we still like to keep the tradition going." I look up meeting Jamie's green eyes. My expression must have given away my thoughts.

"Family traditions are important. Liv this looks amazing!"

Olivia's smile becomes bigger at my compliment.

"Well don't let it go cold woman. Dig in!"

We all laughed at Liv's outburst but dug into our dinner never the less.