Chapter Thirteen - Tommie
1390 Words
My phones chimed and I stopped kicking the bag. I took few seconds to soak up my face with my shirt and catch up my breath. Exercising was exactly what I needed. Too much was going on lately. When I practice, I didn’t have to think. Goddess knew I was an overthinker. I had clearly a lot on my plate lately and I won’t be able to turn a blind eye much longer. I spent the entire day avoiding reality. And Niall. I couldn’t face him and have him bring Esmée back in the conversation again. I was being so obviously awkward that he was suspecting something. I had to be more careful.
I looked at my phone. It was him, texting me again. He tried all day to be in touch and I dodged everything. What a coward. I made sure I wouldn’t bump into him at uni, I hid to have lunch and left as soon as the last class was over. I even biked to school so he wouldn’t wait by my car. What was wrong with me ? I was supposed to help him, not to flee him. It had been long enough now.
Niall – Starting training tonight ?
Tommie – Sure. What time are you available at ?
Niall – I am now.
I smirked. I should have known he would say that. So typical.
Tommie – Just finish practising. I need food and a shower. I’ll pick you up in an hour.
Niall – Go take your shower. I’ll cook for you. I’ll be there in 30min.
Tommie – Wait. How do you know where I live ?
Niall - I’ll tell you in 30 min ;)
I stared at my phone. I was still impressed to discover how much I was wrong about him. Not in a bad way. I just thought about him as white little lamb, except that the lamb was greyish and seemed to be hiding sharp teeth. Intriguing.
My next concern was for Oz. He has been away for the last twenty-four hours. I knew why without asking but I pretended I didn’t. It was easier for him. He had that habit of barging into my home without asking permission. Not that I cared but as his relationship with Niall was still uneasy and Oz had a terrible temper, I would hate them to bump into each other if I could avoid it. I started typing on my phone again.
Tommie – Are you coming home soon ?
Oz – Probably tomorrow. I’ve had everything that I needed. Why ?
Tommie – Just to know. I’ve got so many things to tell you. So much happen in such a short amount of time.
Oz – I guess you don’t wanna talk about it over texts.
Tommie – No I don’t.
Oz – Do you want me to come home now ?
Tommie – There’s no need for that. I’ve got everything under control.
Oz – Be careful and call me if you need me.
Good. Everything was settled. I casted an eye on the clock. I needed to hurry or Niall would come upon me half naked. I crossed the house from the basement to my bathroom. Showering after a good session honestly felt as good as the session itself. I always enjoyed feeling my muscles relax under the water pressure. I couldn’t afford to dawdle though. I quickly washed my body and my hair before exiting. Rolled up in my towel, I headed to my stuff. One of the great joy of behind a witch was that I could instantly dry my hair. A swift wrist gesture later and it was dry and shiny. I’m certainly not the kind to overuse my power but this spell was really handy. Especially when I was so short in time. I put on some sport leggings with a grey vest top. I pull my hear in a high poney tail – like most of the time – but didn’t pull any jumper on. I was still feeling quite warm from the shower. I didn’t get time to prepare what would be necessary for the magic session that the bell rang. Already ?
I went downstairs to open the door. Niall was standing there. His hair was a bit tousled by the wind and his cheeks were a bit pink too. He was wearing his usual warm camel suede jack above a white jumper and black trousers. A bag pack was hanging on one of his shoulders.
« How far were you to be here so fast ? » I questioned suspiciously
He smiled but didn’t answer.
« Can I come in ? »
Actually, I was still debating but finally allowed him in. Niall thanked me and passed me by, giving me a glimpse of his after shave. Oh goddess, I needed to chill. Or maybe to release some s****l tension ´cause I was clearly overreacting here.
After closing the door, I lead him in the kitchen.
« This place is huge. Do you live alone ? »
I climbed on one of the kitchen bar chair before answering.
« I do. You know that my parents are not really around. It’s a family heirloom though. I just inherited it. »
« Isn’t it too big for one person ? »
I glared at him. It was actually but I’ve been living here alone since I was 16. I was in full rebellion mode and Greer – and everyone else – was really close to chop my head off. I won the right to remain here alone as long as I behaved. I’m not sure how they managed to look after me but I’d never underestimate witches so I did as I was told, to be in peace.
« It wasn’t always the case. I remember a time all three of us were living here: my mom, my dad and me. Then it was just me so I moved to the mansion before coming back here. I’m used to it. And Oz is often around. »
It seemed to me that Niall tense up a bit but it should have been my imagination. He dropped his stuff on a chair before saying.
« I bet he does. » Then like nothing happened, his smile was back on. « Tell me what do you want to eat ? »
« To be honest, I’m not even sure I went to the grocery store. I might not have anything to eat. »
He gave me a dead look, like I was nuts.
« Seriously ? You would let yourself starve ? »
« Or I just order », I answered, shrugging
He shook his head like I was a lost cause. Was that half baked wizard judging me right now ?
« What ? »
« It’s important to eat properly. Don’t tell me you don’t even have three meals a day. »
« Actually I do because it’s important in order to keep mana levels regular. But when or where I eat is not really a concern. »
He said nothing but his eyes were way talkative enough. If he was trying to piss me off, he was certainly doing great.
« Are you body shaming me ? »
« No, your body is perfect. »
He realised what he just said and got all confused. He started to stutter.
« N-no ! That’s not what I meant ! I mean, yes you do have… but that wasn’t s****l or… f**k. »
I laughed. He was really talented to hang himself with his own rope. Maybe tormenting him a bit would be fun… I leaned on the counter and whispered in a seductive tone:
« Is my body your main concern ? »
He looked more and more confuse, that was hilarious. I should do this more often.
« I’m just concern about you getting the right amount of food », he mumbled « This is what I get for being thoughtful. »
« What a cute boy. Boyfriend material, really. »
He ignored me and opened the fridge instead.
« Every training requires a good amount of energy right ? So let’s do this. »
He seemed way more enthusiastic that I was. That night was far from over.
- Writer
