Wicked

Chapter Twenty-Four

The words fell from my lips and once they were out there-there was no taking them back. Especially, these words -- that I was a Witch, in a Coven, and related to Sarah Good. I let it all: about mom lying to us and making Gran cover it up. I didn't mean to make it sounds so aggressive and accusing, but there were definitely parts that were a tad out of line. I couldn't help it it was how I was feeling. 

Gran sat there, listening. If she was surprised I couldn't tell. Once I was done, she was very quiet. It wasn't an awkward silence like you might imagine. It was surreal. After the past couple of months in Salem, finding out everything I had -- and here I was, telling Gran. It seemed like a milestone or something. 

"Little Bird," I held my breath. "Merry meet, I am so glad you finally know everything. I apologize for all the secrets, you understand why I had to, right?" She held me at arm's length, about to hug me. I met her sage eyes, forgiving her instantly.

"Of course," there were tears prickling in the back of my throat. "I was never mad at you. I even understand why mom hid it from us. I know about James and how he died, Ryan, Kate's dad told us." She held me tight, almost out of necessity. 

"That poor boy," Gran whispered, as tears rolled down my cheeks. "Promise me you and your Coven won't go looking for trouble. I know it's impossible, especially in this town, to stay away from it, but just don't go looking for it. Please." We were still hugging, so she couldn't see my face. She didn't see the struggle in me. 

"Okay, yes I promise." But it was an empty promise. 

I knew I was still going to go with them on the Full moon to try and stop the Draug -- or whatever it was. I wasn't fully convinced it was a Draug, but maybe a psycho. I wanted to talk to Gran about it, pick her brain to see what she thought. I thought against it though, realizing that would classify as looking for trouble. I couldn't take a risk or her trying to stop me, so I kept my mouth shut.

"Jeeze, who died?" I would recognize Dara's snarky voice anywhere. I didn't even have to turn around to know it was her. She was leaning against the doorway, then walked to the fridge, pulled out a soda and took a long chug. 

"No one, we were just talking," Gran responded calmly. I don't know how to she handled Dara.

"Uh huh," she didn't sound convinced. Had she heard us talking? I hadn't exactly been quiet. "Anyways, when is my mom coming home? I need to talk to her about this whole grounded situation. It blows." She took another drink and then set it down on the counter. 

"She said she'll be home Friday. You could always call her." Gran offered. 

"Didn't she get a new phone?" I asked, twisting around to see Gran. She pursed her lips, deep in thought.

"Not that I'm aware of. She sent me a short email text-thing yesterday saying she was planning on coming home Friday. " I believe Gran, but why would my mom tell Mr. Gellar she got a new phone? And why would she have him tell me that? I shook my head, excusing myself to my bedroom. I was exhausted. It wasn't just physical, but mostly mental exhaustion. 

When I was upstairs, I scrolled through my social media apps. Addie had posted a photo of the two of us, I "liked it" and was composing a comment when I received a text from Daniel. I hadn't responded to his suspicion about why I was with Ivelyn and the others. Now, he was asking if he could pick me up tomorrow. I text him back instantly, saying yes.

I was about to go to sleep, when I pushed the covers back, sitting upright. My garnet hair splayed down my shoulders. I wet my lips, trying to find the right words. 

"Levi," I called, feeling stupid. "Are you there? I need to talk to you." I raised my voice a little, wondering if that even mattered. "Levi." My tone nearing on begging. Sighing, I gave up and tried to fall asleep. Levi never came, but the nightmares did. I felt them creep towards me, then as I entered my REM cycle they hit me with full force.