ENSHROUDING LIGHT

THE GOODBYE

CHAPTER 29

THE GOODBYE

Her dad jumped forward and wafted the faint violet mist that was left in place of Adaeze and Tom. 'What the...?'

'How on Earth?' her mum cried.

Her dad turned and grabbed Nevaeh. 'How's this possible?'

Nevaeh's mum sat and began tapping her temples. 'I don't understand...I don't understand....this just isn't right!'

'What's going on, Nev!' Her dad shook her. 'How am I better? Who was that bloody woman? How does that bubble thing work? What is...'

'Sit down.' Nevaeh pushed him into his chair. 'I'll make us a pot of tea, and then I'll try to explain.'

Dawn broke as she walked into the kitchen. As a few rays shone through the window, she sighed. Tom would be confused right now. Adaeze would take care of him, and Mark would take over once he woke, but he'd be asking them all sorts of questions. And once she'd explained everything to her parents, he'd have his answers; she'd tell him the next part of his dream was right; he wouldn't be able to see them again.

After making the pot of tea, she spent all morning explaining who and what she and Tom were, where they were from, the power she'd obtained in the hope to save Tom from his fate, and the truth about Adaeze and Mark. Her parents held expressions of amazement, awe, confusion and disbelief throughout but, once she showed them the light in her hands, they broke into tears, apologising.

'There's something you're not telling us, isn't there?' Her dad searched her eyes and face.

She nodded and hung her head.

Her mum let out a heavy sigh. 'What is it?'

How could she peer into both of their sorrowful eyes and say it? 'I have to say...goodbye to you. You're not safe if we stay in your life. The Corrupter will kill anyone I'm close to.'

'I don't care who's after you,' her dad said. 'I can look after myself!'

'It's not as easy as that, Dad.' She rubbed his arm. 'It's for your safety. I've seen what he can do, and it's more than vicious.' Images of Mark's parents flashed through her mind.

'There's always a way,' her mum said.

'There isn't. He will slaughter you! He'll even laugh as he revels in the pain he's causing, just to get at Tom and me. You are not safe! I'm sorry, I have to say goodbye.'

'No!' Her mum's eyes filled with tears. 'I won't have it! You can tell that Moderator of yours that we won't lose you.'

'I'm going to get Tom to come and say goodbye. Phone Frank and tell him what's happened. Tell him to come over because we need to say goodbye to him too. I'm sorry. Adaeze,' she called before they could protest.

Another flash and Adaeze entered the living room. She walked towards her parents. 'I'm so sorry.'

They stared coldly at her like she was to blame, their shades darkening.

Adaeze just smiled, taking every ounce of their contempt like it was perfectly understandable, just like she had so many times from her over the years.

'We'll be back soon. Get Frank!' Nevaeh said, taking Adaeze's hand.

'Are you alright?' Adaeze asked as they landed in her bedroom.

Nevaeh brought her hand to the compression inside her chest. 'This is harder than I thought!'

'I know, beautiful,' Adaeze said. 'You can change your mind...'