Airplanes

5. just talking

Kylee couldn't sit still, she was bouncing off of the walls; a great big bundle of excitement and anxiety and nerves. Today was September 1st. Today, Kylee would be leaving for Hogwarts.
She ran downstairs, almost tripping on the last step and falling on her face, and slid into her respective chair at the breakfast table. As soon as she hit the chair, a plate full of pancakes were dropped in front of her, a block of butter smeared on top and dripping with syrup. Kylee thanked her mom and dug in right away; there was no time to waste, she still had to get upstairs so she could pack and get ready, after all. Finishing in 5 minutes, Kylee bolted back upstairs and slammed her bedroom door shut, fishing her trunk from under the bed and tossing anything she might need for school inside. After pushing down the last items, the remains of her phone and the book she brought from America which had yet to disappear, she lugged the heavy trunk to the front door.

"All set?" Mark asked from the doorway of his office. Kylee nodded once in response. Then, as a second thought, ran over to hug her father. He looked surprised for a moment but wrapped his arms around her.

"Dumbledore will be here, soon" She mumbled into his chest, closing her eyes and listening to the soothing sound of his heartbeat. "I'm gonna miss you, Daddy"

"Mon doux ange" He whispered, kissing her forehead.

"Mon ange gardien" Kylee whispered back, eyes brimming with tears.

"You should go, it would be rude to keep Dumbledore waiting and you've still got to say goodbye to your mother and brother." Mark smiled fondly, ruffling Kylee's hair. She closed her eyes in concentration and opened them in satisfaction when she heard Mark's gasp of surprise followed by a deep chuckle. He stroked the now rose-coloured locks and then leaned down so Kylee could hear his next words.

"Don't tell your mother, but I like it. This colour looks good on you and I honestly think this could be a great learning experience for you, going to this Hogwarts place." Kylee smiled happily, glad to know Mark wasn't disappointed or mad at her in any way. He was supportive and encouraging and loving and gentle. Kylee never wanted to leave the comfort of her father's arms but he was right: she still had goodbyes to take care of and Dumbledore would arrive to pick her up soon. So, she slipped away from Mark, making her way to the kitchen where her mother was doing the dishes and Jay was playing with a spoon.

"Want some help?" She asked, stepping beside Kira and sinking her hands into the suds. Kira smiled gratefully. Together, they finished the chore and once their hands were dry, rid of any leftover bubbles, Kylee all but threw herself into Kira.

"Bye, Mom" Kylee said once she'd pulled back from the embrace.

"Goodbye, Kylee. I hope Hogwertz treats you well."

"Mom, it's Hogwarts, not Hogwertz" Kylee giggled in amusement.

Kira pressed her fingertips to her lips, trying to hide the small smile that had formed "My bad, I'll have to work on those."

Kylee gave Kira a quick kiss on the cheek and then turned to her baby brother. Jay continued to twirl his spoon with one hand, the other curled into a fist and shoved into his mouth. Kylee grimaced, pulling that hand out and wiping it off in a dishrag and then leaned down to hug him tight. She kissed his temple and then picked up the spoon he had proceeded to drop on the floor, waving it in front of his face. Pleased when his eyes followed the spoon as though in a trance, Kylee held it still for him to grab. He did so, giggling all the while and Kylee realized just how hard it would be for her to leave. But, before she could have second thoughts and possibly back out, the doorbell rang and Mark opened the door, allowing them inside.

Professor Dumbledore was dressed in baby blue robes, his half-moon spectacles shimmering in the light that came through the window. "Kylee, are you ready to go?"