House of Forbiddens [COMPLETE NOVEL]

30: Amazingly, Everyone's Okay. I'm Still Not Really Sure How.

Christine

The past few minutes had been a bit of a blur. When I had lunged at Ocativan with the knife I'd been given, he'd dissolved into a crumbling shower of dust, now lying on the turf. But after that- after the injury "Jack" had given me, and the icy blue light that had encapsulated the stadium- hazy pain clouded my mind. I had collapsed, I knew that. I still didn't know what that blue light had been. I had been talked over by those who had rushed to my side, shouting for something. After that, I had begun to feel better, but still very distracted by the pain in my leg. I had felt myself being grabbed, wrenched from them, something pressed against my throat- a knife; with Audrey pointing her arrow in my and my attacker's direction. My heart began to pound, wondering if she'd have to shoot at me. Thankfully there had been a winged girl and the knife had been dropped from my neck. The girl disappeared. The person behind me- who I now saw was Jack- had collapsed against the ground. Audrey quickly pulled me behind herself, and they quickly exchanged words. I could see the relief flood over her face, and the happiness in her smile- when she pulled Jack in for a hug I knew he was back.

Kaden, somehow back to normal, was being helped up by some younger demigods, but exhaused. She looked over at us, then at Jack and Riley, beaming. I knew she must have been overjoyed to see us, her loved ones, all in one piece. I was given more nectar by Audrey, who along with Jack was helping me towards Kaden, and could feel myself becoming more clear-minded and aware. A cheerful voice from behind her- her father- asked if we needed a ride home. He called us crazy kids. At that I wanted to laugh; it just seemed so normal and relaxed. I knew he must have been very relieved that we were okay. Kaden nodded gratefully, eyes shining with emotion, and those of us who were going to the House- William, Riley, Jack, Ainsley, Audrey, and so on- clambered into the SUV. There were just enough seats for us. Before climbing in, Kaden went over to one of the other demigods, Annabeth.

Kaden

Annabeth was standing around with a group of demigods, sporting a few minor cuts and bruises, but otherwise okay. She turned around when I greeted her, and gave me a tight-lipped smile.

"Are all of your people okay?" She inquired, and thankfully I replied that they were.

"What about the Greeks?" I asked. She half-shrugged.

"I'm not really sure. There are some in more serious condition, for sure, but I think most of us escaped getting injured badly," she replied.

"I'm really glad to hear that." I said honestly. "How do you guys plan to get home?" Annabeth only replied, "the same way we got here. Don't worry about it. I think the same goes for most of the others here too, honestly," she then smiled and pulled me into a quick hug. "I'm glad you're okay. And i'm definitely glad we got to meet. Hopefully, if it happens again, we won't be meeting to fight." she said, and I returned the hug.

"The same goes to you. Maybe we can figure something out." I replied with a smile. She smiled back, and with that, returned to the Greeks. I did the same, making my way past regrouping demigods to my dad's car. Clambering in, we drove to the house, the ride strangely quiet. I think we all had a lot to ponder. I had come gut- wrenchingly close to losing members of my family, and that really unsettled me. But they were here, safe, and happy, so as I watched them I felt my uneasiness recede.

Christine

Once we actually got back to Kaden's house, the car slowly made its way into the garage, and we climbed out. There, in the living room, Audrey grabbed Jack and Kaden and through them drew us all into a huge group hug. I was caught off guard, but soon put my arms around the others close to me. These people were siblings, and undoubtedly they were all so happy to see each other again and know they were safe. With a jolt, a thought occurred to me- what about my family? I still didn't know where my parents were. The cloud people had just... disappeared. They hadn't left any information and I had no idea where my parents could be, what situation they were in, or if they were even still alive. I took a deep breath. That idea was terrifying, but even if it was the case, i'd be okay. These people, this patchwork family, was willing to welcome me with open arms; heck, they already had. I closed my eyes and hugged the others as they hugged me back. After a few seconds, we drifted apart, and I made my way over to the couch to sit down. More ambrosia and nectar was handed to me by Kaden, who checked up on how I was feeling. She went upstairs, along with some others, and Kaden's dad came over to sit by me. I decided to start the conversation.

"You probably know this, but... i'm not sure where my parents are." He nodded, wanting to see what I had to say first, so I continued. "I know i have a bag here, but since they're missing, I'm going to need a solid place to stay." I said haltingly.

"You're right, that's actually why I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to tell you that you'e very welcome here, and that we could set you up with a room. We could also make a trip back to your house to get some more of your things, so that you don't just have that bag," He sad warmly. At this, I smiled with relief and nodded gratefully.

"I would really like that. Thank you so much," I told him earnestly. He smiled, and pulled me into a quick one armed hug.

"Now! Let's get that leg looked at. We should bandage it." He told me, and went to go find Jack, who had me taken care of quickly. I smiled in relief- not just at the receding pain, but also knowing that I wasn't alone and wasn't homeless. It was a ridiculous thought, that they'd kick me out, but still.

Audrey

A lot of us had drifted upstairs and to our beds. I had done the same, not really knowing what else to do. But all I could to in there was think, and my brain was gonna drive me crazy if it didn't shut up. Something in particular was really bugging me. Eventually, I found myself going down the hallway and knocking on a familiar door. It opened, and Jack stepped out into the hallway.

"Hey, Audrey," He greeted me, mildly surprised.

"Hey," I replied. Great conversation starter. I didn't really know what to say, so I just pulled him into a hug. It surprised him, but he hugged me back after a moment, and then I found words.

"You really scared me back there. Me shooting at you isn't okay." I said as we hugged, then pulled back and took a deep breath. "The idea that I could have hurt, or if the very worst had happened killed, you or Christine really freaks me out. Don't do that again!" I said forcefully, making sure we had eye contact. Determinedly keeping our eye contact and putting his hands on my shoulders, he replied,

"I don't plan to. If I have any say in it, nothing like that would ever happen again." At that, his eyes and voice softened. "You know i'm really sorry, Audrey. I'm so sorry." with that, he hugged me again, and I squeezed my eyes closed to keep from tearing up. Letting me go, he looked at me, and I took a deep breath. I actually felt better after our conversation. Grabbing his hand and squeezing it to show my thanks, I quickly went back to my room, smiling. I felt relaxed and truly happy for the first time today- finally winding down after the battle, and letting the idea that we were all okay sink in. No matter what happened, we were a family- now with a new addition, since Christine already had a bag and was probably moving in considering her situation. Anything else the world wanted to throw at us, we could handle, and draw strength from each other to endure it and help each other through it.

Things were gonna be okay.

By: Nightsong

THE END