Scattered Souls

Chapter 8 - Too Hot to Handle

"So what would I need to do if I agree to your offer?"

"All will be revealed in due time. Just say yes and your little problem will disappear. Then we can discuss your end of the deal."

"Okay,  let's do it. " I agreed. I mean if Xypher was willing then why not?

"Tomorrow's a new day.  Farewell." and with those final words he disappeared. Leaving me wondering what happened to the deal we just made.

Friday arrived and I was still confused, my deal with Xypher constantly playing on my mind, he hadn't made an appearance since I agreed to it. When exactly would he be fulfilling his part of the deal? And how?

In the middle of my International Fiction class, I felt my phone vibrate. I sneaked a glance. It was a text from Alexa : SOS. Come over ASAP.

This text piqued my curiosity even further.

I found Scott immediately after class and we headed straight to Alexa. 

We weren't prepared for what greeted us when we rang the doorbell. A worn out version of my best friend that was covered in dark red blotches that looked ten times worse than chicken pox.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay?

"What the hell happened to you?" Scott and I blurted out at the same time.

"I know it's bad. In fact it's horrible. It's like I just started to break out as soon as I woke up. I don't even know what this is. I look so awful." she rambled on.

"Alexa, calm down. You could just be having an allergic reaction to something." I tried to reason with her.

"Yeah, it's possible." Scott agreed.  "Did you perhaps eat anything unusual? Go anywhere?"

"No, I was just at home. Had some of mom's cheesy chicken pie last night. I don't have any allergies in particular. Just woke up looking like this." Alexa looked as perplexed as she sounded.

"What about trying any new skincare products?" I asked.

"No." she groaned, covering her face with both her hands. 

"Let's get you checked out at the pharmacy down the road." Scott suggested.

After a good few minutes of convincing Alexa, we were patiently waiting to be attended to at the pharmacy.

The pharmacist told Alexa a break out such as that actually wasn't unusual. She suggested a topical ointment that Alexa should apply twice a day and advised her to seek medical attention if it worsened.

We took Alexa home and after she had significantly calmed down, Scott and I headed home too.

"Rough day, honey?" mom asked as soon as I walked through the door.

"Yeah, Alexa's a bit traumatized by this sudden rash she has. She was fine yesterday and today she's covered in red blotchy patches. " as I was reciting the days events to mom,  I wondered if this sudden occurrence had anything to do with Xypher and the deal we made the other night.  Was this him fulfilling his end of the bargain? Or was it simply a strange coincidence?

After dinner, I was sprawled out on my bed,  engrossed in my latest read, Adultery, when the tune of Strange Enchantment started playing.

I hurriedly woke up and dived for the teapot, probably touching something in the process, as I could feel the world around me spinning and turning to black again.

After what felt like an eternity spent in darkness, I opened my eyes. Feeling groggy, my head aching like I had encountered the worst hangover possible.

"Took you long enough." Xypher's voice boomed louder than usual.

I shakily made my way to my feet.  I immediately plopped down on my bed, feeling completely drained out. This feeling was becoming familiar.

"Why does this happen?" I groaned.

"What on earth do you mean?"

"Why do I pass out when I try to touch you? This is the second time it's happened."

"Well isn't it obvious, love? I'm far too hot to handle." he said with a wink.

Geez, trust Xypher to find amusement in my groggy state.

I just groaned even louder,  taking a few minutes to calm myself down and also gain some physical and mental strength to deal with him.

"I meant when I try to touch the illuminated teapot." I corrected myself through gritted teeth.

"Maybe the force field is too much for your pretty little hands to handle?" he looked confused.

"To be honest, I don't know." he added. "You're the first person that's tried to do that."

"Weren't you supposed to be all-knowing?" I questioned. "Also,  what was that with Alexa?  Did you do that to her?"

"I'm not God. And you can't fault me for upholding my end of the deal."

"My best friend is traumatized thanks to you!" I screeched.

A knock on my door shook me out of my mini meltdown. "Honey, is everything alright in there?"

"Yes. Yes it is, mom. I was just...uhm... rehearsing something for class."

"Okay sweetheart."

I breathed out a sigh of relief. I wasn't ready for anyone else to find out about Xypher just yet. As much as I hoped it was all just one bad dream, his appearance was very real.

"You're a terrible liar." he teased.

"How could you do that to Alexa?" my voice was more controlled now.

"I was just taking care of the problem, like you asked. Relax, she'll be fine by Monday. Which gives you enough time to work your magic on Jordan."

"How do you know his name? And how could I possibly work any magic on him in one weekend. Alexa will just reschedule."

"Actually, she won't. Alexa dearest is going to have a sudden change of heart and try to set you up with him tomorrow."

"Yeah right, as if that's ever going to happen." I rolled my eyes at his ridiculous statement.

"Just you wait and see. It'll come to her in a dream."