I watched as the miles between my friends and I added up. There was a longing to run back to them, mixed with the excitement of my new life with the family I had thought to havehad died twelve years ago. As I relived the past few weeks in my head, I wondered how so much had changed in such a short time. Somehow, I had gone from an orphan with no friends to having my parents back, a girlfriend, a best friend, and the closest thing to a big brother. Mix in that I am part witch and part werewolf, and it would leave even the sanest person’s head whirling.

As I spun around in my seat, I rested the back of my head on the headrest and glanced around the van at the mishmoshmishmash of people crammed in it, but couldn’t help but experience a void where my aunt and uncle would should be. Although they had set into motion twelve years of pain and suffering for my family, they had been the only parents I had known, and their not being here was bitter sweet.

“You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, kid,” George Barlow said from a few seats in front of me, jarring me back to reality.

Not knowing exactly how to answer, I shrugged as I resumed my diligent scenery watching. Next to me, and taking up the rest of the bench, was my German Shepherdshepherd, Buddy, who lifted his head momentarily to examine me. Content that I was not in imminent danger, he dropped his headit before rolling onto his back, kicking into me and shoving me tighter into the farthest end of the seat.

“Take all the space you need,” I teased as I rubbed his belly, hearing a small grunt and long exhale.

“You want to move?” my father asked as the corner of his lip lifted, seeing Buddy’s position.

“Nah, it’s ok. He’ll likely just follow me to that row,” I said.

An awkward silence fell over the van again as the adults slowly turned back in their seats, everyone except for a large male with long, auburn hair and matching beard. Not wanting to acknowledge Kelly’s stares, I shifted awkwardly in the seat, which earned a series of grunts from Buddy as he tried to maintain his position. I met Kelly’s green eyes, which seemed full of concern, leaving me squirming in my seat.

“You miss them. You’ve got a great pack and I know you’ll see them again.”

My eyebrows rose as I stared at him, somewhat dumbfounded. Although I had limited time with him, I had never taken Kelly for a sensitive soul. Based on my initial encounter, he came across as more of the ‘act now, think later’ type, and the thinking part seemed to be optional most of the time. This “go get ‘em” attitude had led him and one of his den mates to falsely imprison my friends and me. With a quick shrug, he turned back in his seat as he added, “Plus, you have that whole mind-link thing with them going for you.”

Still somewhat shocked, I almost missed his subtle nudge to connect with my friends. Although I am still not sure how I had done it, I’d had accidentally created a bond with them after being they kidnapped us, allowing us to communicate telepathically. A smile tickled the corner of my mouth as I turned inward, searching for those bonds, which that helped to rebalance me when life seemed off. 

In my mind’s eye, I saw our connections as different colors that protruded from my chest, with each color representing a different person. The thick chords represented my parents, with a warm goldenrod symbolizing both my fathers, while a deep lavender stood for my mother. My friend’s’ chords were thinner, and varied in color, usually based on their current mood. Regardless, they always seemed to glow brightly, like beacons calling out to me.

Allowing myself to drift inward, I sensed the warmth of white run up my legs as it enveloped my body. Instantly, I relaxed as I watched the three chords beaming brightly. Picking up each tether, the energy from them gave me a sense of peace, knowing they were all safe. I lingered on the tether that glowed with a pale- pink hue, knowing it was Izzie. Still unsure if they were aware of when I checked, I let go and pulled back to reality. As I opened my eyes, and I saw all the faces in the van watching me.

“Are they still there?” my mother asked with a smile on her face.

As the heat filled my cheeks, I tried to force a smile back, unsuccessfully.

“They won’t forget you. Especially after all that you have been through,” she added.

“I promise you will see them again. We just need to make sure you are safe first,” my father added.

Nodding, I dropped my head back again as I turned to the window. I didn’t want to be this person, but I had my life turned upside down worse than ever before. It was like someone had placed everything in a giant mixing bowl at high speed and dropped various parts of it into different bowls with no regard for its consistency and or evenness. Everything that had made sense for the past twelve years was now wrong, and trying to reconcile it in my brain had become more difficult than I thought it would havebe.

“We’re almost at Millstone Landing,” Mitchell announced from the front seat.

Buddy jumped to attention next to me as he tried to pace in the tight space.

“Good timing. It looks like someone needs a potty break back there,” my father teased while Buddy gave a small yip in agreement.

As we pulled up to the large wooden structure, the size of it took me aback again. Although their pack referred to it as a cabin, the structure was far from that. The front of the building was massive, encompassing three stories with a large, covered area for guests to arrive under an oversized awning, which that rose two- stories high. Suspended in the center hung a large antler chandelier, which I had missed the first time they forced me into the house. 

The front of the house contained two massive doors with intricate designs carved into them. No longer fearing for my safety, I could now fully appreciate them. The left door held a scene of wolves running in the forefront through a wooded area which that extended across to the right door. This door contained a road that wound in an upward design, ending towardstoward the top with a howling wolf on its apex, and a full moon surrounding it.

Millstone Landing gave the sense of entering a five-star man-cave resort. Large stairs flanked the foyer on either side, curving upward to a hidden landing above us. Just beyond was a large sitting room, which held multiple oversized leather chairs facing an enormous stone fireplace and theatre system. Past the sitting area was a floor-to-ceiling window that opened out onto the mountainside scenery. Drawn to it, I took in the expansive view of the brilliant fall colors speckling the majestic mountainside.

“I can watch this view all day,” a voice spoke up from behind me, causing me to jump slightly.

Next to me, George was staring out at the scenery, avoiding eye contact. 

“It’s even more beautiful than the last time I was here,” I said.

Frowning, George finally glanced over at me before turning back to the view. As he cleared his throat, I noted a hint of red rising Aalong his collar, I noted a hint of red rising along his neck, although it never reached his face, as he cleared his throat.

“Err, yes. It was still early in the season and the leaves had not fully changed.”

“I was also a bit more distracted,” I teased.

George’s eyes widened slightly as he turned to me, which caused me to chuckle.

“I think a more southern Southern welcome is due this time around,” George answered as he straightened his shoulders.

“As long as it doesn’t involve the cage and idle threats, anything will be an improvement,” I added.

“No threats this time, and definitely not that room. You are a guest here,” my father announced as he grabbed George’s shoulder, causing the large man to gulp visibly.

“Of course! Now let’s get you fed and your pup walked,” George announced as he dashed to the kitchen, leaving me and my father by the expansive window.

“How are you doing? I know the last time you were here was not under the best of circumstances,” my father asked with concern in his eyes.

“I’m ok,” I said as I looked down the hallway to the room Marcus, Brian, Izzie, and I had all been captives in.

I was seeing the house with fresh eyes, without the fear and apprehension attached to it. With another glance down the hall, I felt a pull to see the room where we had spent so many hours waiting for what we thought would be my demise. It was also in that same room we had realized there was a connection between us that had not been there before.

“Actually. C…can I see the room again?” I asked hesitantly.

“Are you sure?” my father asked, concern etched in his face.

A knot grew in my throat as I nodded before looking back down the hallway.

“George, is the cage open?” my father asked.

A panicked George shot his head around the corner of the kitchen and looked almost like a gofer gopher popping its head out, searching for the predator that had been stalking him. Seeing his face caused my father and me to laugh.

“He just wants to see the room again. No one is going to be locked in.”

Relief washed across his face as his features relaxed and the color returned.

“It should be empty and open. I’ll have Mitchell go with you. He’ll have a spare key if it’s needed.”

George’s head disappeared behind the wall, where we picked up the hushed voices of George and Mitchell. Turning back to the view, my whole body relaxed and, for that moment, it was as though I was a normal fifteen-year-old on a small vacation with my parents. Appreciating the warmth of the mid-day rays blanketing my face and torso, I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes until the jingling of keys from behind us broke my meditative state.

As I turned, I met Mitchell’s eyes, as he cocked an eyebrow and gave me a crooked smile.

“Did you forget something in there?” he asked.

“No. I just want to see it with fresh eyes. If that makes sense.”

Mitchell shrugged as he led us to the room. With a quick twist of the knob, the door clicked, and he pushed it open. Standing in the doorway to the last place I spent extended time with my friends, my head seemed to sway as the memories from that night rushed back. Drawing in a deep breath, I steadied myself as I walked in. 

Along the right wall were two full beds and a worn-out nightstand between them. They had mounted a TV across from the beds, which seemed to be there more for show, since we had never found a remote for it.

I made my way to the window where we had spent much of that night, trying desperately to see around the van that had brought us to the house. Looking at the wood-paneled walls, I remembered Brian taking in the room’s design after Mitchell had explained how it was actually a metal cage embedded within thick concrete and adorned with dense hardwood to add a decorative touch. To enhanceadd to the security, the glass was bulletproof, and the door was lead-lined, containing industrial gradeindustrial-grade locks on it. Typically, rogue werewolves spent a night or two here until they calmed down. That night, they were still trying to determine which one of us was the threat, so we were all locked in.

Scanning the perimeter of the window, I found an indent in the hardwood and ran my hand over it as I remembered the frustration at our situation, which that had caused me to punch the wall, leaving a crater in its wake. Creating a fist, I matched the indent with my hand and stared at it as I repositioned my fist over and over within the depression, still in shock that I had produced such a blemish on the wood.

“You did that?” my father asked.

I nodded without turning to him or Mitchell, who was still in the doorway.

“That’s very impressive. What is this, hickory?” my father asked Mitchell.

“Yes. We were going with durable and attractive,” Mitchell said as he came to stand next to us.

“Looks like he added quite the dent to your collection of scars in here,” my dad added as he scanned the wall.

As he assessed the damage, Mitchell shot me a glance out of the corner of his eye whileas he continued his examination. Finally clearing his throat, he turned to walk back to the door.

“We fix nothing in this room unless it seems to degrade the integrity of it. These wounds help to let the next inhabitant know that the room is impenetrable, and they are better off just sleeping it off.”

I nodded as I walked to the bed closest to the window and sat on its edge as I pulled the pillow up to my nose. Breathing in deeply, I could still smell the delicate aroma of vanilla and roses from Izzy’s shampoo. I placed the pillow on my lap and hugged it tightly as I rested my chin on it, wishing that Izzie was there in its place. Getting I was getting lost in the thoughts of her,, it only brought me back when my father gave a quick cough. Standing, I nearly dropped the pillow and fumbled to catch it before placing it back on the bed. Behind me came a small chuckle and I turned to glare at Mitchell. 

“How about we go see what George has cooked up for us?” my father suggested with an understanding expression on his face.

Relieved that he avoided helped avoid the awkwardness of the previous few moments, I took any suggestion and ran with it.

“I think he made some pan-fried catfish,” Mitchell added.

Smiling, I followed the duo to the door, turning around once more to take a last glimpse at the room, before closing the door, literally and figuratively, on that chapter of my life.

In the kitchen, a conglomerate of men surrounded the large wooden table, filling their plates before heading back to the various parts of the house like scurrying bees inside a hive. Near the head of the table sat my mother, leaving the head seat for my father, who took it without question. I choose the seat opposite my mother as George and Mitchell filled in a few of the surrounding seats, leaving the far end of the table accessible to the men who continually filtered into the room.

“So tell me about Emerald Creek. It has quite the reputation with the para community,” George started, attempting to fill the silence.

“I don’t know about a reputation,” my mother answered with a chuckle.

“What is the para community, and why does Emerald Creek have a reputation there?” I asked.

“Para is what many paranormal beings call themselves. As far as Emerald Creek, it is the only place that I know of where most fae groups are living peacefully in one area,” George answered.

“They also glamored it to hide from the rest of the humans,” Mitchell added enthusiastically before he regained his rogue facade.

“Someone said a human could walk right through it and not even realize they were in the center of the town,” Kelly added from the doorway.

Chuckling, my mother nodded., “Yes. Something like that.”

Listening to the men beam about my future home left me curious to learn more while I looked at my parents, waiting for a further description.

“What does he mean by fae? Is it all fairies on the land?” I asked nervously, wondering if I should know the terminology.

“Fae can refer to all paranormal beings, although most think of the fairy-folk alone when they use the term,” said my father.

“So, then I am part fae?” feeling It felt awkward to think of myself in this new light.

“I guess in the broadest of terms, yes, but most identify with their para side,” he continued.

“But I have two para sides. Which do I consider myself?” 

There was a pause in the room as everyone seemed to contemplate my question. 

“Both. There is no need for you to choose one. You are unique and should embrace both sides of who you are,” my mother chimed in.

“So, what is it like there? Emerald Creek?” I asked.

“It’s a rather large community now, with different groups scattered throughout. Initially, it comprised just Deagen, your father, and Ime, but over the years, we gained many lone wolves looking for a place to call their own. Although your father never forced a pack mentality on them, it eventually formed naturally and has flourished. After many years of being a wolf pack, we had a large bear community request to join us when their leader stumbled upon our encampment,.” she continued.

My father chuckled, saying, “Karl was so confused, until he realized your mother had hidhidden us behind a cloaking spell. He smelled and sensed us, but could never find where we were.”

“How did he get in, then?”

“We sensed them too. Deagen had been watching from a far and eventually approached them. After talking to Karl, we realized they needed a place to settle down off the grid. We invited his group to join us and discussed the specifics of their stay in Emerald Creek. They’ve been there ever since,” my father addedexplained.

“You actually played a vital role in helping us come to an agreement,” my mother added.

“Me? How old could I have been?”

“Just shy of your third birthday,” she added noted with a smile.

“You seemed to sense the tension in the house and continually kept entering the office. Initially, we would try to send you out, but you kept sneaking back in. Although you said nothing, you kept trying to crawl into Karl’s lap. He finally rewarded your persistence when he succumbed to your tiny demand. Without hesitation, you scrambled up and positioned yourself on his legs and leaned forward onto his chest, grabbing his face with your little hands. Initially, you just stared at him, but eventually, you started mushing his face around as though trying to find it under the beard,” my father said with a chuckle.

“What was I trying to find?”

“We never figured it out. Karl thought his beard fascinated you. But it may have been his scent. Being a bear, he smelled different from the rest of us in the Creek creek until that point,” my mother answered.

Imagining the younger version of myself assaulting the large bear leader caused me to laugh, and I felt a kindredship forming with this mysterious land. The thought caused me to pause. This is was not a strange, new place. Emerald Creek is where I came from. It was my home, my actual home. But just as quickly had as my heart lifted, the thought of my aunt and uncle flashed in my head and my heart sank. They were the reason I no longer remembered this place, causing anger to bubble to the surface as I considered all my parents and I had missed out on.

“You feeling alrightall right, kid?” George asked uneasily.

The large man, who could have doubled as the Brawny paper towel mascot, was nervously shifting his attention from me to the light fixture above us, which was now swaying slightly above us.

“The last time you got upset, I wound up upside down before being dropped on my head!”

Remembering the image, I calmed myself and smiled at the two men before I stood to slow the orbit of the chandelier.

“I was afraid for myself and my friends that night. I thought you were going to hurt us. To be honest, I didn’t realize I could manipulate the wind like that until then. I’m sorry that I hurt you, but I would have donedo the same thingit again if I were in the same position.”

“I’ll remember that,” George answered with a slow nod as he glanced back at the now motionless chandelier.

“So what other groups are in Emerald Creek?” I asked, trying to normalize the tension in the room again.

“I’m losing track. Let me think. We have witches, and a multitude of were-folk, including bears, wolves, tigers, a jaguar, hyenas, and a few foxes. A recent migration of Elves elves joined, and there are also a few types of fairies, mostly Astrial astrial and Solariansolarian.”

A surge of electricity ran through me at the recollection of the fairy types being the same ones as my aunt and uncle. Before we had separated, they had revealed that my aunt had been an astrial, or moon fairy, and my uncle a solarian, or sun fairy. Their species each prefer different parts of the day, but they had defied the odds and spent the better part of a century as a mated pair.

“Like Uncle Roman and Aunt Cora,” I announced, instantly regretting using the names I had grown to know them by.

Next to me, I noticed the muscle in my father’s cheek clench repeatedly as he gripped his hands into fists before releasing them.

“I- I mean Nick and Sophia,” I corrected as my shoulders dropped.

Prior to being kidnapped, Nick and Sophia had been my parent's best friends. After they took me, we went into hiding and changed all our names. Nick became Roman, Sophia became Cora, and I went from Christian to Jace. Since being reunited with my parents, it has been a point of discontent between the three of us. Understandable, ; they can only see me as Christian, but I only know myself as Jace, and don’t want to lose that part of who I am. To avoid having to pick a name, everyone has come up with various nicknames for me to avoid having to choose one or the other.

My mother, watching both mine my and her husband’s reactions, tried to find a balancing point.

“Yes,” was all she said before she continued reviewing the inhabitants of the creek.

“We have many other fairies and I believe Pixiespixies, but have lost track of them as they seem to decide amongst themselves who stays and who goes within their area. They are very private and, most times, you won’t find them or their homes. To be honest, they will only reveal themselves if comfortable enough to do so.”

I sat mesmerized by the multitude of species I had never known existed prior to a few weeks ago. 

“Would you look at that? The day is getting away and you still have at least twelve hours left on the road. Why don’t you stay here tonight and start fresh tomorrow?” George suggested.

My parents exchanged an uneasy glance before looking at me.

“Are you ok with that?” my father asked.

Initially, I felt my back stiffen, which caused my parents to do the same., but But seeing their reaction allowed me to reevaluate the request, and I relaxed as I reminded myself that I was a guest. 

“Sure. As long as I have a different room this time,” I teased.

“Absolutely! You can even have my room,” George offered nervously.

“It’s a suite with a spare room attached on the top floor, away from the rest of the house. So you will have privacy.”

“We couldn’t put you out like that,” my mother answered.

“Nonsense. To have Luca Volk and his family staying anywhere other than my quarters would be insanity,” George retorted.

My father’s position in the supernatural world still left me in a state of wonder. Although he had not set out to do it, by creating Emerald Creek, he had established an almost god-like persona everyone seemed to be drawn to, but also feared. My mother had explained his need to keep the peace required him to be stern with the rules and regulations of the Creekcreek. This visage seemed to have spilled over to those outside the community as well, judging by the actions of the Millstone Landing pack.

“Kelly, can you grab their bags and bring them upstairs?” George asked.

Kelly jumped to attention as though someone had shot him in the rear and he quickly disappeared behind the wall to retrieve our stuff from the van while we made our way to our new accommodations.

When George had said his quarters were private, he wasn’t kidding. The main room encompassed most of the third floor and had very large wooden planks along the walls and vaulted ceilings, with the wood beams exposed for an added effect. In the center of the far wall stood an enormous, king-size bed with a large chandelier made of antlers hanging above it. Chuckling, I wondered if George had received a deal on them, since they seemed to be repeated so often throughout the house.

On the wall opposite the bed was an immense window which that extended from the floor nearly to the ceiling, withceiling. There was an ornate detailing of stained glass at its apex, which casting a whimsical light show that danced across the floor as the sun began its slow descent. 

The decor was in tones of deep burgundies and rich greens, and seemed to match the flannel shirts George liked to wear. Across from the bed was a large, river rock wall with a built-in fireplace that looked through to a room on the other side. The last time I had beenwas in this room, I had been exhausted and still in shock at seeing my parents for the first time and had missed itthat. Crouching down, I tried to peer through the opening of the fireplace where I could see through to the another room.

To the right of the fireplace was a set of double barn doors that opened to the bathroom. Inside, they replicated the river rock along a wall that extended from the ceiling to the floor with a large, clawfoot bathtub positioned atop of it. The most impressive feature was the waterfall, which emptied somewhere behind the tub.

As I did the last time I was in this room, I tried unsuccessfully to search under the tub to determine where the water was draining to. A large skylight encompassed a major large part of the room and bathed the room in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun.

Next to the tub was a glass enclosure with multiple spigots extending out of various positions from the remaining three walls. 

Moving past the tub, George walked through a second door, which opened to the room I had seen beyondthrough the fireplace. They decorated it similar similarly to the main room, but it seemed to act more like an office than a bedroom. In the far corner stood a massive bookcase with a large extension desk which that appeared to be made of mahogany. Positioned behind the desk sat a large, executive wingback rolling chair in deep- burgundy leather. Opposite the desk was a largehuge window with a seat nestled within it, overlooking the back of the house. Along the posterior wall was a queen-size bed with a billowing comforter in a patchwork of delicate browns and greens, and a plethora of pillows atop it. 

Allowing my inner child to come to life, I walked over to the bed and turned, dropping backwards onto it as the mattress melted around me. Almost immediately, the tug of sleep hit as I tried to stifle a yawn.

“Looks like you need a nap, if not a good night’s sleep,” my mother teased as she watched.

“The bed is so comfortable, it’s hard not to want to fall asleep immediately.”

Following my lead, my mother turned and dropped back next to me, letting out a small sigh as she sunk sank into the bedding as well.

“I hope our bed is this comfortable,” she teased George.

“It’s even better,” he proudly chimed in.

“Is there anything you need?” my father asked me as he extended a hand to help my mother up.

Lying there, I took a quick whiff of my shirt and winced. As I sat up, I looked to the bathroom and remembered the amazing infinity shower and smiled.

“I think I’m going to clean up before I lay down, if that’s alrightall right?”

“Mi Casa casa es you Casacasa,” George stated incorrectly, causing me to cringe slightly.

Smiling, I wanted to correct him, but decided against it. I then imagined Izzie’s mom wide- eyed at both the incorrect verbiage and accent, and let out a small chortle. 

After my parents had left, I walked into the bathroom and found a fresh towel and toiletries on the vanity. Undressing, I made my way to the shower and examined the sea of knobs while Iand tried to remember how George had shown me to use it the last time I was here. With some tinkering, I successfully turned on the shower and basked in the gentle warmth of the water as it rushed over my skin, allowing the events of the past few weeks to wash away. 

Once back in my room, I snuggled into the bedding as I stared up at the wooden beams above, while a smile crept across my face. Rolling over, I stared out the window at the magical fall scene outside and wondered what my friends would say if they knew my current location. Then I remembered I could talk to them and felt a rush of excitement fill me.

Rolling onto my back, I allowed myself to sink into my cocoon of white. At the center of my chest, the tendrils of light in brilliant blue, green, and pink pulsated as though they were calling me. Cautiously, I tugged on them, like I was ringing an internal doorbell while I waited for a response.

“Hey, Jace! lLong- time, no hear. What has it been? Five hours?” Marcus teased.

“Something like that. I thought you guys would enjoy hearing where we stopped to stay the night,” I baited.

“Oh no, you’re not back at Millstone, are you?” Izzie asked in a panicked voice.

Smiling, I answered, “Yes, but this time I am in a suite next door to my parents.”

“I hope they’re treating you better than the last time we were there. Hospitality is definitely not their strong suit,” Brian answered in a mildly irritated tone.

“Well, it was after they realized whose kid you were,” Marcus teased.

“Definitely better than the last time. They fed me, and only caused me to bring forth one small windstorm.”

“Oh, great. I’m glad they’re keeping to their roots. How bad did you leave the house?” Marcus asked.

“Firmly planted on its foundation. Only the chandelier swayed slightly,” I joked.

“What are you guys up to?” I asked.

Izzie giggled, “Right now, I’m watching Brian trying to look natural as Zoe is staring at him.”

“Of course you would think this is funny. I’m surprised you haven’t figured out how to loop your sister into our mental conversations yet. It would definitely make my life a thousand times easier!” Brian announced.

“How are your families?” I asked.

“They don’t seem to remember anything that happened. My parents think you moved two weeks ago, but are otherwise completely normal,” Izzie announced.

“My mom and Aunt aunt Lilly didn’t remember what happened either, but Aunt Lilly guessed that there was something a missamiss when we got back. She cornered me and made me spill the beans about our adventures. We decided not to loop mom Mom in, for now. But having Aunt Lilly in on it helps to keep me feeling sane,” Marcus answered.

“Zoe and Alyssa definitely suspect something is up. They vaguely remember splitting up, but remember nothing after that. I give it hours to days before they tackle one or both of us to find out what is going on,” Izzie guessed.

“Brian has gone silent. Has Zoe attacked him already?” Marcus teased.

“No, but I’m having trouble listening to her and you guys at the same time.” 

Izzie burst out laughing within my head, which brought a smile to my face.

“What happened?” I asked.

“Zoe just pounced on Brian and has him pinned, demanding he fill her in on what is going on.”

“You could save me!” Brian pleaded.

Imagining the petite frame of Zoe, Izzie’s older sister, pinning Brian caused me to laugh out loud. Although he outweighed her by at least one hundred pounds and had close to a foot on her, Zoe was feisty, and would never be the damsel in distress.

“And miss this? No way!” Izzie chortled.

“Aww, man. Now I want to watch it. Do you think it would be weird if I just showed up?” Marcus asked.

“Yes!” Brian and Izzie answered simultaneously.

“Can I please have my brain back? Pretty please? With Sugar sugar on top?” Brian pleaded.

Now laughing hard enough to earn a stitch in my side, I calmed myself enough to answer.

“I’m actually getting ready to lie down, anyway. Thanks, you guys. I really needed this.”

“Good night, Jace. You should suggest locking George, Mitchell, and Kelly up in the cage,” Marcus suggested.

“Tempting, but I think they earned their forgiveness rescuing me from Iabriaria.”

“Ok, I guess we’ll let them slide this time. But remind them of your exceptional powers a few more times. Just to keep them on their toes,” Marcus suggested.

“I’ll think about it.”

“When you get a new phone, give me an actual call. So that we can talk… without company.” ,” Izzie hinted.

The heat in my cheeks grew as I made a mental list to get a new phone as soon as we were in Pennsylvania.

“Definitely! I’ll let you know when we arrive,” I answered.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll know. You still transmit your emotions pretty well,” Marcus reminded me.

“Whatever had you angry left me in deep water with Zoe when I threw a pillow at her for no reason,” Brian answered.

Izzie laughed. “I had enough brains to go to my room when I sensed it coming.”

“I don’t have a room here, remember?” Brian retorted.

“You could have gone out to the garage,” Marcus suggested.

“I don’t know what would have been worse. Walking away from her mid-kiss or throwing a pillow at her head,” Brian said, half exacerbatedexasperated.

“I’m going to venture a guess that the pillow was a poor choice,” Marcus teased.

“Ya think? I think I’m still sporting the red mark on my cheek from it.”

“I will try to keep my emotions under control for the rest of the night. I’m going to bed now. Talk to you all tomorrow,” I assured them.

“It’s Saturday. Don’t ring connect till at least noon,” Marcus chimed in.

“I won’t.”

I allowed the internal bonds to release as I relaxed and opened my eyes to the warm glow of the fireplace that my parents must have started while I was talking with my friends. Sitting up from my bed, I looked out at the inky sky that was highlighted with the various shades of muted reds, yellows, and oranges down below. I then tried to peer through the fireplace to see where my parents were. Unsure if they were busy or possibly downstairs, I laid lay back on the bed and closed my eyes, preparing to fall into a hopeful, dreamless sleep when there was a knock on my door.

I opened my eyes and sat up to see my mother peeking her head through the door.

“Are you going to sleep?” she asked shyly.

“Yes, I was about to close my eyes. Is everything ok?”

Stepping into the room, she smiled as she approached the bed, sitting next to me.

“It’s been twelve years since I tucked you in. I know you’re too old for it, but at least being able to give you a hug before you fall asleep…,” her Her voice trailed off as she looked away. 

I saw the pain and realized the need in her voice, so I scrunched further into the sheets and stared at her until she met my eyes.

“What?” she asked uncertainly.

“I’m ready.”

“For what?”

“For you to tuck me in.”

Her face lit up, and I caught the hint of a tear cross her eyes as she gathered the sheets and tucked them in tightly around my arms and legs. Before she stood, she leaned down and kissed my forehead gently.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

“Good night, sweetheart.”

Turning, I watched her walk towardstoward the bedroom door that separated the two rooms, where my father stood, smiling.

“Goodnight, Dad,” I called to him.

“Goodnight, son.”