Cards
1135 Words
Cole
I walked into the hospital, and I saw that Andrea was awake. I know that Eric said that they would be fine, but at the same time, I am relieved. I could see from her facial expression something was wrong. She’s listening to Amber and Eric’s conversation, but her overall expression looks worried. She looks at me, her face looks annoyed, and she turns back to the discussion.
Uh oh, what does that mean? What am I missing? What exactly did I do?
“Ah, Cole. It’s good to see that you’re okay. Did you get lost?” asks Amber. Her eyes gave me a knowing look.
“Not lost, I was looking for information. Those giants were for hire. They also don’t believe that they’re just working for the wizard.”.
“That makes sense as to how he keeps slipping through our grasp. He has help. But how did you figure all of this out?” asked Eric.
“If I told you, then you would probably think I am crazy.”
“My sisters and I can link to each other and share energy, and Andrea can direct any water she comes in contact with. Plus, a whole other host of untapped abilities. So try us,” said Amber.
I rub the back of my neck. How do I explain this ability without sounding like a Lunatic?
“I can go back in time some. Not in person, but it’s like I can trace energy back in time. It allows me to hear previous conversations and see who was there previously.”
“Wow, time travel. That is a new one even for us,” said Eric.
“So what do we do now?” asked Amber.
“I’m not sure, but my friend Circe wants to help. She is great at tracking; we’ve done this sort of thing before. The Wizard and Witch Counsel are looking for him as well. As he has come close to exposing their kind. Considering the last time that happened, the humans burned them at the stake, I can understand their concern.”
“So they don’t want to help us with the first attack, where we lost countless lives, but as soon as he makes himself more visible, they’re all up in arms.” This comment came from Andrea.
This war she speaks of brought us together, but I know that is a sore spot for all of them. A fight involving multiple species and packs. There would have been more deaths if Andrea hadn’t struck a deal with my father.
“How are you feeling?”
I asked as I reached Andrea’s bed.
“Like I’ve been hit by a bus, mostly okay.”
“..I was a bit worried there,” I said. Seeing Andrea and her two younger sisters hit the ground and not knowing what was happening. Not being in control is not something that I’m used to.
Her face softens.
“I hate to say it...but that might be something you’ll have to get used to. It feels like my sisters, and I are always in danger.”
I saw the tiredness on her face. Just how long had they been surviving like this? Barely keeping each other alive. Barely scraping the surface of what they can accomplish. They’re powerful beings, but there has to be a better life for them than constantly looking over their shoulder.
I had been helping with their searches but not stepping on any toes. Not taking the lead and not revealing as much as I know in the process. Not disclosing everything that I’ve done to be who I am today. I don’t want to scare my future wife away, but if I don’t do something soon, either she or one of her sisters might end up dead soon.
“A penny for your thoughts,” says Andrea, and it brings me back to the present. How she manages to be so happy and cheery amid everything going on is a gift. I appreciate how her temperament is so opposite to mine. I’m always thinking and only speaking when needed. Yet, she is always warm and full of fun. She’ll talk to anyone and spread her warmth to those around her.
We’re opposites, but in a way, that works. Less like oil and water, but more like Day and Night.
“Thanks; I guess I’m more tired than I realized.”.
She then takes my hand in hers, and I can feel scars on her palms. I wonder how many of those kept her alive. Has this woman ever been safe? Like truly safe? That bothers me for some reason. I’ve had to live by the sword for most of my life. That is the last thing that I want for my wife. I want her to be happy and thriving. I can feel a spark of motivation building in my gut.
“Andrea, if you weren’t a guardian and my fiancée, where would you see yourself?”
Her pretty face looked confused for a second.
“…I’m not sure. I’ve never really had another option. Besides keeping myself and my mother alive and now my sisters.”
“What is something that you do for fun?”
“..I like music..I like to sing…guess I’d learn how to play an instrument.”
I cracked a half smile, “that makes sense with you being part mermaid…should I be afraid of wanting to drown myself after hearing you sing?”
She rolled her eyes, “those are sea sirens, they’re evil mermaids, and I’m not one of them.”.
“Good to know,” I say, fully smiling at her, and she rewards me with a laugh and head shake.
“You’re impossible, Cole”.
“Along those lines, what do you like to do for fun, Cole?” Asked Amber. I noticed then that they had stopped talking and were watching Andrea and me.
“…I like to play cards and gamble. Even if money isn’t involved”.
It’s boring, but after years of being a soldier and general, cards were a typical game in the camps.
“So if you like games that require strategy, you’ll have to play Amber. She is unbeatable.” Said Eric.
“…but that’s not fair! She has that thing where she can tell if someone is lying,” Said Andrea.
Ahh, another ability that probably has more use than just for card games.
“Shhhh, Andrea! I like winning,” said Amber.
“I’m down for a challenge. You can lie for more than one reason on cards.” I said with a small smile.
“A Double date then!” Said Eric.
Author’s Note
Thank you for reading!
-Joy
- Writer
