Orchid

We Arrange For An Appointment in the Alley of McDonald's

"Oh, is it?" Hero's tone is light and amused. "What's the problem in that? It runs in the family." I can imagine her lips quirking to the sides in a silent laugh at my distressed voice.

 "But--" I argue.

 "No buts. I'll be keeping tabs on you. And Orchid..." Her voice drops. "I'd advise you avoid the police. Did you catch Xander?"

 "He escaped."

 "Oh, well. Update me after you get the three." Hero hangs up.

 I quickly think to myself. I don't really know Alybea or Zetah, only that they're best friends. "Do you know Alybea Grace or Zetah Daley?" I ask Lucy.

 Lucy plays with her hair. "Alybea--I've talked to her a few times before. She's Arabella's maternal cousin. Zetah--no. I guess I've seen Zetah around with Aly."

 I eye her. "Do you have a car? I don't think walking around in the open--at least for me--is going to prevent me being found."

 Lucy spreads her hand apologetically. "Nope. Xander drove me here. And he has his keys."

"Then we'll travel by air." I look at the blanket of stars in the blue-black sky, the luminous moon that will light our path.

 Lucy laughs. "Aren't ya scared of heights, Orchid?"

 I swallow. "Well...."

 Damn it. I forgot about my acrophobia.

 "Well, can you burrow under the earth and give us a pathway?" I suggest.

 Lucy wrinkles her nose. "And getting myself dirty? Nuh-uh."

 An idea pops up in my head. "Lucy, give me Aly's number."

 Lucy's face is pure surprise. "O-okay. It's like past eleven now. She'll be fast asleep." But she rattles off Aly's number for me. I punch in the digits in my phone and wait.

 It rings for a long time. The second I begin to give up hope, the second I start to believe Lucy is right, a tired, raspy voice answers. "Hello?"

 "Aly?" I say. "Is that you? It's Orchid."

 A pause. "Yeah. You better have a reason for calling at midnight, or I'll kick your ass out of Earth."

 "This is really important," I press. "Have you been feeling weird? Like doing things you couldn't do before?"

 Another pause. "This is none of your business."

 "Yes it is," I retort. "Because I'm supposed to bring you to safety to Vidalia where you can harness your magic there."

 Another raspy pause. "Give me a reason why I shouldn't hang up and call the cops to track your phone."

 "Because," I say desperately, racking my mind for something to please her. "Uh...I'll drop down and give you twenty."

 A cool laugh. "Okay. Where are you?"

 "The alley by McDonald's." I can tell it's McDonald's by the smell of greasy fries and chicken. Besides, it's Lucy's favorite place to eat. By a quick nod, Lucy confirms it.

 "Okay. I'll ask my brother to drop me off there."

 "Can you pick up my sister, Arya, on the way, Jason, and Zetah? We need them too."

 A sarcastic giggle. "Wow. Anyone would think you want Jason to smooch. Ok, fine. We'll be there in five minutes, tops."

 "See ya," I whisper.