Sleep Tight, page 24
“Easy killer, even with a broken rib you don’t stop fighting.”
“It’s not broken.” Olivia called out.
“Kenji let me down so I can strangle both of them, one in each hand.” She glared at them and tried wiggling away only to wince in pain and hold on tighter to Kenji.
“I know you could but maybe save your strength.”
Once back at the house everyone went their separate ways. Kenji carried Clarissa into the med ward, she demanded him to let her down once they entered the front door, but he wouldn’t have it and took her all the way in anyways. The rest of the group went upstairs to clean any small wounds they had.
Calixto suddenly appeared and rushed over to us. “What happened?” He looked at Lusila in my arms then up at us. “Is she okay?”
“We’ll bring everyone up to speed later, first we have to take her upstairs to Amka.” I pushed my way past him.
“Let me know if I can help with anything.” He said to Ava.
She nodded her thanks and followed me upstairs.
I set Lusila down gently on her bed. She had stopped mumbling by now but still wasn’t reacting to anyone.
As Amka worked on her Jesse and Daniel led us outside.
“I’m going to my room to shower.” Jesse announced.
“Both of you go and rest, it’s my turn to watch over her.” Ava started pushing her brothers down the hall. “Shoo, go away.”
“If you need anything let us know.” Daniel yawned and waved to us as they both walked to their rooms just down the hall.
“You should rest too; we can get someone else to watch over her.” Even as I said it, I knew she wouldn’t agree.
“No, I got it thank you,” she smiled. “And thank you for carrying her all the way here.”
I nodded and gazed at her, letting my eyes roam over her face. “There’s something I wanted to ask.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“Back there when you guys were surrounded, it looked like you were in a trance. You were looking at the Kryps and then almost walked straight to them. If it wasn't for your aunt stopping you, you might not be here right now.”
She looked confused as she looked back on that moment and then a glimmer of recollection appeared on her face.
“I don’t remember.” Her face said otherwise.
“You don’t?”
“Nope. I must have blacked out.”
“Blacked out?”
“Yes Elijah. Why do I get the feeling you don’t believe me?”
“Because I don’t believe you. Was I not clear enough? I apologize.”
She sighed. “Apology not accepted.”
“Ava, come on what happened? I’m trying to help you here.”
“And I appreciate that, but I don’t remember. Honestly it was all a blur and then suddenly I was being dragged away.”
My gaze didn’t leave her face, but she was trying to look everywhere but at me, her eyes darted around as she lifted her hand and began playing with her hair. I reached for her hand and stopped her, she looked at our hands then finally up to my face.
“Why do you play with your hair so much?” I leaned closer to her.
“I don’t do it that much. Do I?” She looked surprised.
“You do.”
“I don’t know why, it’s a habit, I guess. I’ve been doing it since I was little. If I'm honest with myself it's mostly because I think I have soft hair.” She smiled shyly.
“Wow who knew you were so vain,” my voice came out breathy, and I was close enough to smell her hair again. “You know I think I have a new favorite scent.”
“Oh, you do? That’s random,” she chuckled. “What is it?”
I opened my mouth to answer but then decided against it. I was playing with fire here. Flirting with Ava and she didn’t even seem to know. She always seemed unaffected.
“I’ll tell you another time.” I stepped back, letting go of her hand.
“Oh, are you sure?”
My lips curved in amusement. “You sound almost disappointed. Am I hearing that right?”
She shuffled on her feet and crossed her arms. “Of course not, tell me whenever you want. I could care less.”
“Are you sure? I could tell you right now,” I leaned into her. “The suspense must be killing you. I would never let you suffer like that.”
Her eyes twinkled and she leaned in closer, our noses were almost touching. “I have a favorite scent too.”
“You do?” I raised my eyebrows. “What is it?”
She smirked and as I moved in to get close enough for us to touch, she backed up. “I’ll tell you another time.”
I blinked realizing what just happened. I fought the urge to laugh and instead acted hurt. “Ouch.”
“I’m a quick learner.” She shrugged and struggled to hide her smile.
“I’ve created a monster.” I teased.
“Yeah, you have only yourself to blame. I’ll tell you when you finally tell me.”
“Deal.” I stuck my hand out.
She looked down at my hand, shaking her head she chuckled and took my hand. “Alright deal.”
She had a firm grip, but her hands were as soft as petals. I looked down at our joined hands. “You have a good grip; I think you’ll ace your next interview.”
She laughed but kept holding my hand. “Thanks, you too. Looks like we were both taught well. I judge a person by their handshake.”
“Oh yeah same here, I always judge a person by their handshake.” I grinned down at her.
Our hands were still together, neither of us making the first move to let go. I steeled my grip on her hand and squinted down at her.
She understood right away and tightened her grip, she made her best attempt to glare at me intensely. We were having a silent battle. Who would let go first and who could win the staring game.
And I was more than content to play this game. Her small hand was warm and soft in mine. It molded perfectly into my hand, a perfect fit.
“Ava?” Kenji’s voice cut through our silent battle.
I was annoyed now but still didn’t want to let go first. Ava decided to be the first one, she glanced behind me and let go but gave a frustrated sigh.
“Looks like I win.” I whispered.
“This time,” she glared at me again as a small smile pulled at her lips. “Next time you won’t be so lucky.”
“I look forward to it.”
“How is your aunt Ava?” Kenji now stood next to me looking like he would rather be standing in between us.
“What happened? She’s not ‘tia Lusila’ anymore? That was quick.” I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall.
Ava looked between us confused. “What?”
“Nothing, just ignore him; some people will do anything for attention.”
I chuckled. “That’s right I'm a sucker for attention.”
Ava covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. I grinned pleased with myself while Kenji glared at me.
“She’s inside with Amka,” Ava said. “I don’t know if she’ll ever be herself again. She’s been through so much; I don’t know how to help her.”
“Don’t do that to yourself,” he squeezed her arm and let his hand linger there. “She’ll be alright. She has you and your brothers here to help her get through this. She'll come around.”
“Thank you, Kenji.” She hesitated for a moment her eyes flicking to me for a second and then back to Kenji. “Seriously that’s sweet of you to say.”
“And I’m here for you guys.” He gave her arm one last squeeze before finally letting go.
Ava started backing up towards the door her hand landing on the doorknob. “I better get back inside. It’s going to be a long night.”
She gave us both a small smile as she opened the door. “Well good night, guys.” She lifted her hand up, giving us a quick peace sign before slamming the door shut.
My lips curved with a small smile, the look on her face and her awkward peace sign just made my night. Turning around to leave the smile quickly vanished as I meet Kenji’s glare.
I winked at him knowing that would upset him even more.
“There you are!” Mom’s voice rang down the hall. Her face was flushed, and her dark hair was up in a quick ponytail. She quickly acknowledged Kenji with a tight smile before turning to me. “We need to talk.”
“Is this about Lusila? We didn’t have time to let you know what was happening, but everyone is okay.”
She waved her hand. “No, no, it's not about that, we can talk about that later. I need to talk to you in private. Now.”
Her expression was wild, she glanced between me and Kenji quickly. She was flustered. I nodded as she glanced at Kenji, his expression was blank, and he was already starting to back away from us.
“Goodnight, Kenji.” Again, she gave him a tight smile, nothing close to her warm welcome just hours earlier.
“Goodnight.” His voice was tight and forceful.
Something strange was going on and I was apparently the only one not caught up. I gave him one last glance, suspicion obvious on my face.
“See you later Kenji.” I walked away from him throwing up my own peace sign as I followed mom downstairs.
The ticking of the clock hanging above mom’s head had been the only noise to be heard for five minutes. I knew it had been five minutes because I was staring at the clock, watching its arms fall and fall, my mood going with it.
“We have to tell her.” I rose from my seat.
“No, we can’t,” mom dabbed at her eyes. “She’s going to hate us. She's going to run just like her dad.”
“No,” the word flew out of my mouth. “She won’t do that. We’ll stop her. I’ll stop her.”
“You can’t say anything Elijah,” Dad clutched my arms as he stared me down. “Let us talk to the council first. Maybe we can stop it.”
“But she should know, she should at least be warned about it.”
“Not if we can stop it, then there’s no need to even worry Ava about this. For now, trust us and keep this to yourself. No one else knows.” Dad let go of my arms. “I’m trusting you, Elijah.”
I let out a frustrated sigh as I fell into my seat slamming my hand on the table so hard it shook. Damn it! I loved my parents. If they asked me for the world, I would get it for them. My loyalty to them was unmatched.
But now.
Now Ava was changing that. I wanted to be loyal to my parents but there was a part of my heart that was begging to be loyal to Ava. To change how I saw things.
Mom knelt in front of me, her grey eyes showing signs of aging. She always looked younger than she really was. But now as she cupped my cheek with her hand, I saw her age finally catching up to her.
“I know this is hard for you to keep from her,” she whispered giving me a little wink. “I see how you are with her. This can’t be easy for you to hear.”
The urge to yank away from her and deny what she was saying was squashed by the respect I had for her. I gently kissed her forehead and took her hands in mine.
“Okay I won’t tell her anything.” I had a moment of hesitation before saying, “I promise.”
“Well, I told him I was pregnant, and I hope it’s twins.” Priya’s voice echoed through my mind and then out.
“For the baby shower you guys need to make sure we have a clown and a giant inflatable robot.”
I grabbed a piece of hair and twisted it around my finger as I nodded my head in agreement to whatever Priya was saying at the moment. The embarrassing and unforgettable moment from that night still burning through my brain. Why did I give them a peace sign? Why. Just why.
Who gives a peace sign when saying goodnight? Me apparently. Why did I enjoy torturing myself by being so awkward?
“Ava, I want you to be godmother.”
At my name my eyes blinked, while my brain urged me out of my daydreaming. My head nodded automatically to what Priya had just said even though I was oblivious to what it was. She was now watching me intently and I was finally aware that Sky and Olivia were also watching me, their faces amused.
“What?”
“You tell us,” Priya’s glimmering silver gown winked at me as she sat beside me. “Will you be godmother to my twins?”
My mouth fell open in shock and I’m sure my eyes were bulging out of my head.
“Priya... wait what? No... yes? Wait, what is happening?”
The girls began laughing. Realizing it was all a joke I let out a sigh of relief and smacked Priya’s arm. “You scared me. I really thought you were pregnant.”
“No way, I think we can all agree I’m not ready for kids.” Priya shivered at the thought.
“None of us are ready for that.” Olivia chimed in.
“Hear, hear.” Sky lifted an imaginary glass.
“Our little foot always daydreaming.” Priya shook her head in amusement.
Occasionally her and Sky would still use the nickname they gave me when we were six. “Everyone gave me their opinion on this dress, now it’s your turn.”
She stood up in front of the mirror again and twirled for me. We were at a boutique trying on gowns for the ball that was taking place in only two days. Everyone was excited about it.
Wendy told us that they used to have a ball every year but when dad ran away, that stopped. So, the younger generation had been buzzing with excitement all week.
I had been holding off looking for a gown but today the girls dragged me against my will. Well not entirely against my will. I did feel bad and let them drag me here, the girls had insisted on waiting for me so we could all go together to find a gown, but I had kept coming up with excuses.
Excuses that I knew they all saw through but were patient with me all the same.
Now here we were, Priya trying on her fifth gown. I tilted my head studying it from every angle. It was a floor length billowing gown with a slit just to the side, of course Priya would never wear a dress that didn’t allow at least a small view to her legs. Its sleeveless heart shaped bodice was cinched and sparkling at us. And it was silver, her favorite color.
I grinned. “This is the one.”
“Are you sure?” She twirled around to the mirror. “You aren’t just saying that so I don’t try on more gowns, right?”
“I promise I’m not,” I winked at Olivia and Sky while they giggled. “Priya, you look beautiful. But if you don’t love it then keep trying on gowns, we have all day for us to find something.”
She looked at herself for a couple more seconds before turning to us with a grin. “You’re right, this is the one.”
We all applauded and whooped. She bowed and gave us a wave. “Let me get out of this dress and then Sky it’s your turn.”
After Sky walked out of the dressing room with her gown on, we immediately shook our heads. She frowned and looked in the mirror. “No? I didn’t think it was that bad.”
“It’s a very pretty dress.” Olivia said quickly.
“But it washes you out, you look way too pale.” Priya added.
Sky touched her face and nodded in agreement. “Oh, you’re right I didn’t even notice.”
She walked back into the dressing room. We all had pre picked gowns waiting for us to try on.
When Sky walked out again, we gasped. She was in a lilac tulle gown, her bodice had white vines reaching just past her waist with off the shoulder sleeves to match. The bottom of her gown was a forest of elegant flowers and leaves.
“That’s the one,” Priya jumped up. “And you don’t look washed out!”
“I love it. I think you’re right.” Sky smiled at her reflection.
“Ethan is going to pass out when he sees you,” I teased.
Sky blushed and tried hiding her smile. “Stop it, no he won’t.”
“I think Ava’s right,” Priya grinned. “And if he doesn’t, I’ll knock him out myself. I expect all of you to do the same if Blake doesn’t pass out when he sees me.”
“You got it.” I saluted her and laughed while Sky went to change.
“Olivia, you’re next, get in there babe.” Priya ushered her into a dressing room.
Sky came out and joined us while we waited for Olivia. I was expecting for us to dismiss the first dress she came out with, but I was wrong. We all stood up and clapped as she came out.
“Olivia! First time is the charm.” Priya beamed.
“You look like a princess.” I gushed. And she did, her dress fit her beautifully. And the color. A light peach gown with dusty blue chiffon draped over it, the chiffon cinching just past her elbows. She was glowing.
“Can I wear this home?” Olivia twirled in front of the mirror. “And no jokes about Jesse passing out, we are going just as friends.”
She caught my eye and smiled; I was the only one who knew she would much rather be going with Arlo. She had just told me that she hadn’t seen him since that night I followed her. From how she explained it he seemed to be putting her off, but she didn’t see it that way.
Olivia walked into the dressing room to change, and I walked into mine. I looked at the red and black gown I picked and sighed. They were beautiful but I felt nothing looking at them. I stepped out in the black one first and stood with my hands on my hips while the girls shook their heads.
“No, you need some color.” Priya said.
“This color washes you out, trust me.” Sky added.
I walked back out with the red dress and again another vote on no for this one.
“Well, those are the only two I picked.” I turned away from the mirror.
Olivia smiled and walked away while Priya and Sky ushered me back into the stall.
“We knew this would happen, so we found the perfect dress for you.” Sky said.
Olivia walked back with a black bag in her arms, she was wrestling with it as she handed it to me. All three of them pushed me into the room and shut the door.
“You guys are sneaky, and I don’t like that.” I yelled through the door.
“Just hurry up.” Priya yelled back.
I unzipped the bag and gave a small gasp. I wanted to yell at them through the door, what were they thinking? I could never pull off something this beautiful. I was afraid to even touch it.
Grabbing the hanger, I pulled it out of the bag and hung it on the door. My hands gently ran over the material. It was a pale mint green tulle gown, and on top of that was a thin layer of white tulle with the tiniest crystals, making the dress sparkle. A vine of leaves and small branches danced around the bottom of the dress.
