Careless Magic book 1

Chapter 30

"Eden, there is someone here to see you," Aunt Syl's voice whispered softly but firmly in my ear.

My room was completely dark, and I was comfortably wrapped in my comforter, surrounded by feather pillows. I groaned a response and rolled over. She patted my back maternally, before standing up to open my bedroom door and allow whoever was here to see me, inside.

I heard Avalon's familiar voice and a wave of nausea swept over me. He was speaking to my aunt about accommodations or a spare room or something I couldn't quite make out. I heard my aunt turn the lamp on, creating a soft glow of light not strong enough to hurt my still sleepy eyes. I peeked one eye out from the pillow I had my face buried in and saw Avalon fidget tentatively in the doorway.

"Well you might as well come in; you have a lot of explaining to do," I struggled to lecture through a hoarse whisper. In the last twenty four hours I had begun to accept the fact that he was my brother. This was the first time he had tried to speak to me himself since he told me, but I decided it was something I always knew deep within. At least I understood there was something internal that tied us together, although I was unable to put a word to it. Much like when Principal Saint came to explain my Immortality to me, Avalon was now here to explain our connection.

"You're not mad at me?" he asked quietly and walked to the end of my bed, standing awkwardly and playing idly with the bed frame.

"I wouldn't say that. But at least I'm not planning on turning you over to the authorities," my voice grew stronger than a whisper, but maintained its' hoarseness.

"Would you like some tea, my dear?" Aunt Syl offered from the doorframe.

"Yes, please," she gave me an encouraging smile and disappeared down the hallway. "We'll be down in a second." I called after her, feeling suddenly awkward with my brand new brother alone in my room. Who knew what I had lying around on the floor?

I crawled out of bed stiff and sore. My knee and shin throbbed dully from the bloody gash covering them. My hair was tangled and wild, I had yet to shower; and my skin was filthy. Aunt Syl was kind enough to let me sleep through the day; I supposed sleep was how I emotionally healed.

I staggered out of the bedroom, but not before grabbing a hair tie that I worked my human-kind-of-magic with; pulling my tangled locks into some type of vice grip on the top of my head. I noticed the green dress from last night in a crumpled heap by my door; I glanced down quickly to make sure I was actually clothed. Thankfully I had an oversized sweatshirt and shorts on. I didn't remember putting them on, but it didn't really matter at that point, at least I was dressed. I grabbed the dress off of the floor with full intentions of burning it when I got to the bottom of the stairs.

Avalon followed me silently. On the way to the stairs we passed the guest bedroom and I noticed suitcases in the middle of the floor. I was not sure what to think of them, but was completely focused on the warm cup of tea waiting for me in the kitchen.

I tossed the dress into the fireplace casually as we walked by it on our way to the kitchen island. I lit the wood with a flick of a switch positioned on the wall next to the fireplace and glanced back to make sure the dress worked as kindle for the flame.

Once in the kitchen, I pulled out a stool and impatiently waited for the water to boil on the gas stove. Avalon followed my example and sat down on the stool next to me. Aunt Syl brought out a plate of fruit and cheese and crackers; some of my favorite munchies. I gratefully grabbed some grapes and shoved them into my mouth. I was starving.

"Amory is bringing over some Chinese food.... King Fong's," Aunt Syl explained tentatively and then smiled sympathetically. Great. Although I was excited for the lo mein en route, I wasn't especially ready to rehash the rooftop battle for Principal Saint, especially when it indicted Avalon.