The Alchemy Of Shadows

Chapter 2

March 2015

Althea

"Tell me again, why am I calculating the distance between the moon and the sun? What are scientists even for if they make me do this s**t?" Ray groaned for the hundredth time tonight.

Aaron and Ray had come over for our homework session, a routine we'd fallen into lately. Tackling our assignments together wasn’t just easier; it was actually fun since the three of us partnered up in most of our subjects.

"Stop whining, Ray. What are you? A kindergartener?" I said, rolling my eyes.

"My, my! Look at the arrogance of this child!" Ray exclaimed, clutching his chest dramatically like I'd just insulted his honor.

"Aaron, how many are left?" I asked, ignoring Ray’s antics.

"One," Aaron replied, looking up from his book.

Aaron was the smartest of us all. He could recite poetry like a professional and talk about historical wars with as much expertise. And when it came to mathematics? He was nothing short of a genius.

"I have three left. Once we’re done, we’re out of here—with or without this whiny kid," I said, pointing my pencil at Ray.

"Of course, we can’t keep ice cream waiting for someone who still cries over homework," Aaron said, chuckling.

Before Ray could retort, his phone buzzed, and his face turned serious as he listened to whoever was on the other end.

"It’s Ree. That asshole father of hers is back—probably for more money. And my baby girl is alone. Mom left an hour ago, said she wanted to spend time with Ree, but now she’s not picking up. f**k! I should’ve known better than to trust her," Ray muttered to himself, frustration clear in his tone.

"Ray, relax. Your house is ten minutes away. We can run there in no time," I pointed out.

Ray’s stepfather was a parasite, leeching off his mom even after the divorce. His visits were never pretty.

"No. You two stay here and finish your work. I don’t want you anywhere near that asshole," he said firmly, directing the comment at me.

"I’m coming," Aaron said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

"No, Ron. You’re not. I’m not dealing with him tonight. I’ll leave it to Mother Dearest—she needs to learn to clean up her own mess. And for leaving Ree like that, she deserves it."

Ray took a deep breath, softening slightly. "I’ll just take Ree out of there. Maybe to that arcade we like. It’s been a while since we had a good bro-sis session," he added with a wink, though his simmering anger was still evident.

"Alright, keep us posted," Aaron said as Ray made his way out. "And let me know if you want help teaching him a lesson."

After Ray left, Aaron and I quickly finished the rest of our work. We resumed the movie we'd paused earlier, armed with popcorn and ice cream.

Halfway through the movie, Kay came home—and something felt off. Usually, she was all smiles, but tonight, her mood was tense, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

"Hey, I’ll be back in a minute," I told Aaron before heading toward Kay's room.

"Kay, are you alright?" I asked, stepping inside.

"Oh yes, sweetheart, I’m totally fine," she replied, but she wouldn’t meet my eyes.

"Kay, stop lying. Tell me what’s bothering you," I insisted.

Kay wasn’t the sharing type. At just 20, she'd lost her sister and brother-in-law—my parents—and taken on the responsibility of raising me, a ten-year-old orphan. That loss, and the burden of being both parent and sister, had aged her beyond her years. She has always my rock. She kept giving and giving, and now she forgot what it is like to have someone else to share her burdens. Sometimes I feel guilty for ruining her life and her dreams.

She sighed, finally breaking down. "It’s all falling apart, Allie. My boss... he wanted to take me out. When I said no, his ego couldn’t handle it. Now he’s hell-bent on making my life miserable.I already told him that I will not be attending any outstation works before I joined. That was my one requirement and he was ok with it. But now, He gave me an ultimatum: either I attend this outstation meeting in Italy or quit. He knows how hard I’ve worked for this job, Allie. How can he do this to me?" Tears streamed down her face.

Kay was the strongest person I knew, a fighter who’d never faltered. Seeing her like this broke something in me.

"Kay, what’s the big deal? You’ve always wanted to visit Italy. This is your chance to shine—and stick it to your jerk of a boss. And may be he is not being a jerk Kay. May be he is being a thoughtful boss who doesn't want you to let go of an oppurtunity that could do wonders to your career," I reasoned, though I knew she’d resist.

I never understood her reason, but for as long as I remember, she never left me alone even for one night. No dates, no boys, no business... nothing could keep her away from me the whole night.

"No," she said, her voice resolute. "I won’t leave you alone for an entire weekend. End of discussion."

"Why, Kay? I’m not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself for two days. Please, don’t throw away your career over me," I pleaded, my voice rising.

"It’s not about you, sweetheart. It’s about me. I just... I can’t leave you unprotected. I won’t do it," she said, more to herself than me.

Frustration bubbled over. "Why are you being so difficult? When will you stop seeing me as the broken ten-year-old who needs constant supervision? I’ve grown up, Kay. Can’t you see that?"

"Is everything okay, girls?" Aaron’s voice startled us both. He was standing in the doorway, concern etched on his face.

"No. Nothing’s okay," I snapped. "Kay’s being stubborn again."

Aaron listened as I explained the situation, nodding thoughtfully.

"Ok... I think I got a hang of your problem. You don't want Kayla to lose her opportunity for your sake," he said looking at me for which I nodded.

"And you are afraid for her safety, which totally makes sense, by the way," he said turning towards Kay making me glare at him.

"Kayla," he said, turning to her. "What if I stayed here while you’re gone? I’ll make sure Thea’s safe."

"You’d do that?" Kay asked, her voice soft with hope.

"Absolutely," Aaron said firmly.

"No," I interjected, panic rising. The idea of Aaron staying over was unbearable. He’d find out—there was no way he wouldn’t.

"Kay, it’s not necessary. I’ll be fine," I tried again, but Kay wasn’t listening. She had a spark of hope in her eyes making my protests die before they got a voice.

Kay was lost in deep thought for a moment giving me time to think over this sudden development. Maybe I will be quiet until she leaves and then ask Aaron to leave. Yes, that will work.

"Allie. Are you ok with this darling?" Kay asked me.

"Yes Kay. Totally. Now, make a call and let that boss of yours know you are going," I shouted with excitement dripping in my voice.

"Kay. I am going to pack your stuff," I said and jumped down the bed running towards her closet.

"Okay. Just don't over do it Allie. Its business and its just for two days," She shouted making her way towards the bathroom. As if I would ever listen to her.

Within no time, she was all set to leave. Her flight was booked for 10 at night, and she had an hour more to reach the airport. Her boss, Mr.Jerkface offered to pick her up and so now, the three of us are gathered in the living room, waiting for him to show up.

"You ll be fine right?" Kay asked for hundredth time tonight.

"I will Kay. I am a big girl now," I said in an attempt to make her frown turn into a smile.

"You'll call me if you need something, okay. My phone will be on always. So if you need anything at all, call me. And by any chance if you can't reach me, call Jake," she said again. Jake is my uncle who lives few hours away. He is older than Kay but younger than my mom and just as crazy as Kay is.

"I will Kay. Please stop worrying about me. It's your dream Kay. A trip to Italy with your hot boss. Don't ruin it worrying about me," I said.

"Italy was my dream Ali. Not with that asshole," she said making me and Aaron chuckle.

Door bell rang, disturbing our chat, announcing the arrival of Kay's boss. She jumped little in her place but immediately regained her composure. Aaron answered the door while Kay kept giving me last-minute instructions.

"Hey ladies," he said entering the living room making Kay roll her eyes. She had a good friendship with her boss until he asked her out.

She quickly grabbed all her belongings, and they made their way towards the car.

"Please take care of her Aaron. Please be careful," she said to Aaron with a hug.

"Takecare baby girl," she said holding me tight in her arms for few moments. I could feel tears forming in my eyes, and I knew the same was happening with Kay.

"And for both of you guys. No funny business," she said pointing her finger at me and Aaron.

"Shut up Kay," I grumbled.

"Ohh stop being boring Kayla. Let the kids enjoy," her boss spoke which earned him a glare from her.

"Have fun Kay," we shouted and with that, she left, leaving me to face tha challenge of sending Aaron home.

Once we went back in, we continued watching the movie we started. We ordered our favourite pizza and had the best time like we always do when we are together.

By the time her boss arrived, Kay was packed and ready to go. She hugged me tightly, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Take care, baby girl," she whispered.

As she left, her parting words hung in the air: "No funny business, you two!"

Aaron and I laughed it off, but as the hours ticked by, I couldn’t shake the growing sense of dread.

When it was finally time for bed, I tried one last time. "Aaron, it’s late. You should go home."

"I’m not going anywhere, Thea. I promised Kay I’d take care of you," he said, resolute.

And that was that.

I curled up next to him on the couch, determined to stay awake. But at some point, the warmth of his arms and the comfort of his presence lulled me into sleep.

I didn’t know how it happened. I didn’t know when.

But I slept.

And that was my mistake.