The Magic Within

Chapter 4: nightmares

Chapter 4: Nightmares

Ryley made lasagna and salad for dinner and after we all finished eating, I helped them clear the table and load all the dishes into the dishwasher. Ellvie told me I didn't need to help clean but I needed to do normal things and cleaning felt relaxing. As I found and pulled the broom out of the pantry closet and started to sweep the kitchen, Ellvie poured Ryley and herself another glass of this thick red wine. I could smell it all the way across the room sweet and bitter at the same time. Ellvie hopped onto the counter next to where Ryley was leaning. They were so sweet and so kind to take me into their home. They looked so happy with each other. It made me wonder who I'd left behind in my past. Who was the one who gave me my amulet? As I thought about it I felt it pulse against my chest. It felt alive. Was there someone who missed me so much it made their heart ache? And why weren't they looking for me? I guess I wasn't that important to anyone if they hadn't found me yet.

"I think I'm gonna head upstairs to bed. Do you need anything else?" I spoke quietly to hide the shake in my voice as I put up the broom.

"No you're fine love. Get some rest and we'll see you in the morning. If you need anything from us our room is the first one on the right at the top of the stairs."

"Thanks Ellvie. Goodnight." I turned and started heading down the hall to the stairs.

"Goodnight." Ryley and Ellvie replied at the same time. I made my way up the stairs and down the hall. I flipped the small lamp beside my bed on and shut the door as I walked past heading to the dresser. I slide open the top drawer. Tons of bras and underwear. At least I knew I wouldn't run out. I pulled a new pair of underwear out then shut the drawer. I opened the next one and found a couple t-shirts and tank tops. Closing that drawer I opened another and found long sleeved thermals and other long sleeves. I pulled out a blue oversized thermal and shut the drawer. I walked over to the door leading to the bathroom and found the light switch on the wall.

The first one was low lighting. It was calming. On the counter by the sink was a tooth brush sitting in a holder next to it was a new tube of toothpaste. Turning on the water I ran the toothbrush under it and added toothpaste. As I brushed my teeth I explored the drawers to see what else I now owned. Under the sink were several roles of toilet paper and a few cleaning supplies. In the drawer closest to the door there was a hair dryer, straightener and a curling iron. In the next drawer, I found hairbands, a couple big hair clips, and some bobby pins. I opened the mirror cabinet above the sink and found hairspray, and other hair products. I looked in the last drawer by the sink and found tons of makeup. All brand new. Everything was new. I couldn't believe they'd spent all this money just for me to stay with them. Behind me was a huge claw footed tub. Candles were set up on a small table next to it and on the floor by the foot of the tub were three bottles one shampoo, one conditioner and one body wash. I looked around the corner and found the toilet and shower. They shower had it's own bottles of soap. In the corner of the room there was a little storage cabinet. I opened it to find razors and a couple other bottles of shampoo, conditioners and body washes. As well as some bubble bath soap and other herby bath stuff. I looked through and found some for relaxation and stress relief, another for sleeping. Even one for passion. I closed the cabinet and walked back to the sink spitting and then rising my mouth out with water then mouthwash.

I pulled off both of my shirts and slid out of my jeans. I slowly unwound the wrap from around my chest and placed it in one of the drawers. I pulled on the thermal. Flipping the light off in the bathroom I walked over to the vanity and saw more makeup strewn across its surface. Amongst these up was also lotions and perfumes. I opened a drawer on the left and found a brush. I yanked the clip out of my hair and quickly brushed through all the knots. As I lay the brush down I examined myself in the mirror. There was a small amount of bruising along my right cheekbone. It seemed to be mostly faded now though. A little makeup and I'd be able to cover that right up. Dr. Harvey said my wrist should stop hurting in a few weeks and I can stop wearing the brace whenever I'm ready. The ribs will take a little longer to heal and I'm going to have to go back to get the staples in my head removed and the stitches lining my left side holding the skin covering my ribs together. They told me it was strange and they didn't know where it had come from but I had been impaled with a rod of iron and it had barely missed all my vital organs. They had said it looked as if I were stabbed after the accident. Not during. It was just one more strange thing. I wouldn't let it get to me though.