Flame

Chapter 9: An Explanation

The next morning I woke to the sound of foreign birds chirping outside and splashes coming from the balcony. I looked around the room before glancing at the clock next to me. It was 5 o'clock in the morning, which was odd being as well I'd normally be fast asleep. The fact that I was in a different bed and a different country altogether must have confused my body because I certainly don't like waking up early in the morning... I can tell you that!

I sat up in my bed and swung my legs round, being careful as not to rustle the sheets too much. I didn't want to disturb my dad, who was fast asleep and snoring soundly.

I tiptoed towards the double glass door that would lead me to the balcony. With the twist of the doorknob the door opened and I slipped through. Despite how early it was, the strong heat almost knocked me off my feet! The room we were in was air-conditioned and although it was a lot hotter than it would have been at home, it was quite cool compared to out here.

I took a seat on the small plastic chair and took in my surroundings. We had a lovely view of the large pool; in fact, we were right in the middle and were opposite the building that was the main reception. There were two palm trees either side of our balcony, which got me thinking. If there were a fire (Which of course there wouldn't be because I'd never start one in such a beautiful place and Ryan was here to stop it if it ever did happen) we could just slide down the trunk of the tree. Then again, I doubt it would be as easy... or as comfortable.

I looked at the pool as I realised where the splashing had come from and gave a small chuckle to myself. I couldn't believe I hadn't guessed who was in the pool at this time earlier!

"Ryan!" I shouted, loud enough for him to hear, even though he didn't surface. We were only a couple of blocks high because dad's never liked heights.

"Hey! Scale-face!" I looked around the blocks of balconies to see if anyone was awake. Nobody was, so I thought, maybe, just maybe, I could try and practice with my inner element.

I stared at my hand and thought of all the things I hated, which was quite easy because there were a number of them. Unlike last time, it wasn't a flame that appeared on my finger. Instead, a whole ball of fire flickered in my palm, giving off a strong heat. I smiled in shock, took one last look around to see if anyone could see me and aimed it at Ryan.

The fireball flew to the pool in a flourish, rolling, flickering and sending small sparks up into the air. Finally, it landed on the surface of the pool, just in front of where Ryan was about to swim.

A huge wave of water splashed over the fire that was surprisingly still standing strong, and then completely eliminated it. Smoke rose into the air and another, smaller splash erupted from the depths of the water, revealing a red faced Ryan.

"What are you doing Edana?" He aimed his angry tone at me.

"Ooo, you use full names when you're angry" I joked "How did you know that was me anyway?"

"Who else would throw a fire ball at me?"

"Point taken" I shrugged and took a seat on the plastic chair next to me as he got out the pool and grabbed a towel

"Are you excited for today? I am," I said

"I'm more calm than excited, but yes, I guess I am"

"You always seem to be calm"

"Water's calm isn't it?" I shrugged "Have you told your dad about the story yet?"

"No"

"Well you need to. And you need to do it soon" he stated, sending me into a silence. After a moment or two, a thought popped into my head about Ryan saying that he's calm because water is. I mean, it's a bit unfair that our personalities are like our elements right? Why can't we just be... Ourselves. Whatever that is.