Legend

Eight

EIGHT

I WAS LUCKY AGAIN, of course, since just a tiny moment after we’d put Legend back in his stable and cleaned up and I got into bed, Zxander came back.

“Krissy?” He said, as he came into the house.

“Yeah, I’m here.”

He popped his head into my room. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m getting better.” I made a weak attempt to sit up.

Amandla pushed me back down. “You better rest.” She said. She’s a pretty good actress.

“Yeah. Okay. I’m going to make dinner now.” Zxander looked at Amandla, as if debating something in his head. Then, he said, “Umm… thanks. For taking care of her.” If there was one thing that was awkward, it was when I was with both Zxander and Amandla at the same time.

“Umm… you’re welcome.” She said sheepishly.

He nodded and left my room as Amandla and I exchanged a relieved glance.

“Well.” She said, her eyes sparkling. “Today was an adventure.” Amandla loved adventures.

“Yeah.” I answered. “It was…weird.” My mind flashed back to the sight of Viola’s eyes widening. I wondered what that meant.

“Oh! I should go now. I told my mom I’d be back at five thirty. Bye.” She turned to leave.

“Wait!” I said, fiercer than I intended. “Let me escort you to the door.”

“Well, you’re supposed to be still sick.” She replied.

“Right. Okay.” I stopped for a moment, thinking. “Umm… Well…Will you go there with me tomorrow, too, then?”

“Sure. See you then.” With that, she turned and left. She must have been tired from the day. So was I. I was trying to process all that information. Witches. Immortality. Souls trapped. Hearts eaten. Magic. Hopes. Prophets. Was this world real?

The weirdest thing – why did Viola widen her eyes? Why did she suddenly seem so shocked after I’d told her Legend’s name? How was Legend special? How did he know? Who was he, really?

“Krissy! Dinner!” Zxander called from the kitchen.

“Okay.” I answered, with my voice dull. I didn’t even have to act – I was already so tired with the twisting and turning of thoughts in my mind that I looked sick automatically.

Zxander popped into my room. “Want me to help you? Here,” he helped me up. “Let’s go, slowly. Maybe it was a little bit of an after-effect of the fall the other day, huh?”

“Yeah, I guess.” I answered weakly. If there was one thing I could do, it was acting weak. Well not exactly acting, because I already am pretty weak.

He guided me towards the dining table, positioned rather awkwardly, since he was trying to support me. When I attempted to pull my chair out, I slipped, landing in Zxander’s arms, into an awkward hugging position. I hadn’t hugged Zxander for a long time, and it surprised me how strong and well-built his body had become. I’d realized it was all for me. He did all the manual labor in the house, since my father was always busy or too tired. He protected me always, as much as he could. I hugged Zxander, righted my position, and whispered in his ear, “Thanks, Zxander. For everything. You’re the best brother I have.”

He seemed surprised and tried to hide the awkwardness he felt with a laugh. “I’m the only brother you have.”

“Yes, but well... you know what I mean. Don’t spoil the moment.” I puffed, trying to be witty to cover up the awkwardness. I hadn’t realized how much Zxander had done for me. I’d always taken him for granted. He was fiercely protective of me, and worried even if I had a tiny hint of a cold. He is my brother. “ Don’t say this much, but I love you, Zxander.”

He returned my hug. “Umm… love you too, Krissy.” Once those words came out, I knew for sure he was always on my side. I didn’t even bother about the stupid nickname. He’s my brother, the best I could hope for. I considered telling him what I’d done that day, about the magic and everything, but decided against it. Maybe he shouldn’t know yet, I thought. But he’d be on my side, with me, because he is my brother, right?

I love him, and he loves me too. Now, this isn’t the stupid girlfriend-boyfriend love, which most people always think of when they hear the word love. That would super gross. Not all that romance stuff, that’s reserved for the boy I’ve had a crush on since…I don’t know when: Justin Hunter. This love is love for a brother, for a sister… And that’s the best love I’d gotten. Yet I only really realized it then.

And as Zxander pulled away, I knew that it was the best love I’d given, too.

“Come on, you’ve got to eat, especially since you’re sick now. Probably why you’re so… touchy feely.” He said as he sat me into my chair. As I stared at him, he gave me a smile. He got into his own seat, and we ate up.

…

I tossed and turned in bed, thinking. Viola’s eyes widening. Legend. The new hope … who was it? I suddenly got scared. It could be anyone I was close to. Could I handle it? Alone? Tears were about to stream out when I realized I wouldn’t face it alone. No. I’d have Amandla. I’d have Zxander. The thought soothed me. Zxander. The brother that I love. He’d be there for me. As I calmed down, tiredness pulled me out of consciousness, and into the darkness.

Until I woke up, screaming.