"No, but no more mention of anyone before me again, okay?" I raise an eyebrow. I don't think I could handle it a second time.
He winks at me. "Got it."
A timer goes off in the kitchen. Charlie grins at me and tugs me with him. "The cinnamon rolls are done. Are you ready for your breakfast?"
"Yes, I'm more than ready." My stomach growls again as if on cue.
As soon as we finish breakfast, Charlie sighs and stands. "As much as I hate to do this, I've got to head to work. I'll come straight here when I get off."
The thought of spending the day without him sucks, but he still has bills to pay. The council still covers my bills, since I work for them. "Ugh, okay. That stinks. But I'll be here when you get back."
"Try not to get into trouble." He leans down and kisses me, lingering for just a moment.
"Not making any promises." I giggle as he pulls back.
"Have a good day, see you soon." He walks out the door and blows me a kiss before shutting it.
I finish the rest of my coffee and get up, clearing the table. Once that's done, I grab some clothes and change into a clean pair of jeans and a tank top.
I look at my phone, realizing I haven't talked to Becca in weeks. I wonder what she's been up to. Damien told me she has been getting worse, but maybe he was just messing with me. I pull her up name under my contacts and press send.
The other line rings and rings and soon it goes to voicemail. But, like always, her voice mailbox is full and can no longer accept any messages. Well, shit, I guess that was a bust.
Even though I know what Charlie says is true, I still worry about her. Yes, she's not Beth, but I still hope the best for her. I wish I hadn't gotten her caught up in all this mess.
Not wanting to wallow in these thoughts, I brush my hair and teeth. I've been home for a couple of days now and should see my parents.
I grab my keys and head out the door to my car. Sliding in the driver side, I start the car and make my way to their duplex. I turn on the music, trying to drown out the thoughts threatening to overtake me, but it doesn't work. Are they going to be upset that it took me so long to visit them? I have no clue what our dynamics are now that they are more supportive. I'm still programmed to them being critical and overbearing.
The all-too-familiar landscape comes into view that signifies I'm heading into their neighborhood. Soon the similar looking duplexes come into view and I turn down their street and pull in front of their house.
As I walk up to the house, I realize they might not even be home. Shit, I didn't even think they might not even be home. I might have come all this way for no reason. I ring the doorbell and wait a few seconds straining to hear anything on the other side of the door. Ugh, I guess they aren't here. Right when I'm about to step away, the front door opens.
Mom fills the doorway and her hand flies to her neck. Her red fingernails contrast against her pale skin. "Christina, is that you?" Her voice is almost a whisper.
Well, I guess they didn't realize I had made it back in town. "Yeah, sorry to come by unannounced. I just wanted to see you."
"Oh, no. I'm glad you did." She reaches out and wraps her arms around me, her jasmine scent filling my nose. "I've been so worried about you."
I hug her tight, then take a step back. "I'm sorry. I just needed space."
"I'm sure you did after all that happened." She pulls her shirt down, adjusting the wrinkles out of her blouse, and runs a hand through her short blonde bob. Even though she doesn't wear the same clothes she used to, she still doesn't want to dress down. "Come on in. Your father will want to see you too."
Not missing a beat, I step in behind her, following her into the family room. My mind flashes back to when the council put a hit on my parents. I had rushed here to find the guard right over them about to kill them. Of course, I couldn’t let that happened and instead he was brought to his own demise. My life has become a constant battle of horridness the past few weeks. I shake my head trying to get those images out and just focus on having a pleasant visit with my family.
Dad looks up from his spot and smiles. "Hey. You've come to visit. We've missed you." He stands and somehow his khakis aren't wrinkled. He comes over and gives me a hug. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
"Um... I'm not sure how to answer that." What is he asking? Is he asking about the next artifact? Are we already back to the old ways?
"Did you get the space you need to clear your mind?" He pats my shoulder and presses his lips into a line. "I bet having all that power go into you was rough. I get why you had to leave."
Wow, maybe he does get it. "I thought I needed space, but I was wrong. I think I might have made things worse." I hurt Charlie and then Damien came and messed with me when I was alone and vulnerable. Also, I should have been here training for the past two weeks instead of working in a diner. I let my personal issues interfere with what was important.
"Don't be so hard on yourself." He heads back to his chair and sits down. "Sometimes we need a little bit of space to be
