Twice Awakened

Chapter 16

Hearing strange grunts and growls wakes me from my sleep. The boys must be close, just as Vlad had commanded. The sun beams in the window, warming my back, I can hear someone downstairs clattering dishes and some soft chatter. My body feels sore from the day before. The illness had left it’s mark, along with Vlad, my body needed a little TLC today. No morning run or training for seven days. Rising up, I slowly creep out of bed and snail pace it to the bathroom. Taking everything slow, to prevent any dizzy spells or falling. I make it to the bathroom, do my business, and then head to my closet. Moving slowly and quietly, not to alert anyone that I was being stubborn and doing things on my own.

I sift through hanging shirts and choose a loose, airy shirt with quarter sleeves, a pair of legging that are snug, soft, and comfortable. Of course my thin cushioned socks and a comfy pair of cloth boots. I sit on the floor, changing my outfit. As I finish pulling my shirt down I feel a gush of air as the door swings open. Without looking I know it's Liz with that mom look on her face. You know the one that is concerned yet scolding.

“Damn, I have been caught,” I snicker as I sit on the floor, giving her pouting eyes.

“Don’t use those eyes on me Anya. Vlad would have had a hernia if he saw you gone from the bed, hidden away in your closet.” She folded her arms, as if she were mad. I pouted my lip a bit. Softening her expression “Dammit Anya quit doing that look. I can’t be mad with that look.” I smile and raise my hands, asking for help up. She gently pulls me up with ease.

“Can you help me downstairs?” Knowing if she didn’t help me I sneak down myself. She sighed and nodded with agreement.

“Jonathan!” She hollered over her shoulder. Thump-thump-thump-thump. I could hear he race up the stairs. Poking his head around the door he scans the room. Confused as to why we were in the closet and I, not in my bed. “Our escapee needs help going downstairs.” She thumbed over her shoulder towards me.

“Escapee you say? Being stubborn again Anya.” He snickered and winked causing a grin to spread across Liz’s face. Gently picking me up and carried me down the stairs and to the kitchen. Liz was right behind us.

“Auntie Edna, we have some company.” Jonathan gleefully called as he sat me in a high back bar stool. Liz scooting me up to the bar island, just in case of a spell. Granny was cooking something that smelled amazing and my stomach fired off its notorious growls.

“Oouuu my grandbaby is up. Let’s get you something to tame that ferocious growler.” She scooped out chicken and dumplings with veggies swimming in the broth. Inhaling the amazing aroma wafting off my bowl.

“Icle Cooleal” she spun the bowl a bit as a thin layer of ice formed around the bottom of the bowl. My eyes widened with excitement, she had performed a spell to cool my soup. “This should help replenish everything.” I excitedly dig in, with every spoonful of pure delight. Finishing up the last spoonful, completely satisfied. Moving my chair out and placing my bowl in the sink I feel that gaze upon me again.

“Do I have to break out the duct tape?” Liz startling me a bit. I shoot a smile in her direction.

“Sorry, it’s habit. After you eat you clean up after yourself. I am not used to anyone doing it for me.” I put my hands up in surrender. With a sigh Liz chuckles a bit with her sideways grin.

“No, you’ve always been such a good girl.” She had that twinkle in her mint green eyes that stirred up memories of my earth mom. A sense of sorrow filling me slightly. Glancing towards the door of the kitchen Liz knew where I wanted to go. I freeze for a minute as I sense something, causing Liz to become alert.

“Someone’s at the door.” Liz listens for a minute and as she was about to say something a tap-tap echoed down the hall.

“I got it.” Matty’s voice rang. “The internet guy is here Liz.” Seeing me at the sink. “Anya sweets your awake. Still a little peckish though.” He gives me his little side turned smile as Liz goes to greet the gentleman. Looking back at me Matty gives me a questioning look.

“I want to go sit on the swing outside.” Matty gives me the aha look and disappears around the hallway, to the closet. Hearing him shuffle a bit, he returns with a thick throw.”Front or back swing?” I ponder a bit as I bit my lip.

“The back.” Matty nods, as Granny hobbles with him towards the door. Matty startling me as he lifts me. “I could have walked.’ I stammer.

“Oh no honey Vlad would chew me up and spit me out. Nuh uh not today missy mmm mmmm nope.” I chuckle as he does his little head sway. Out the door we go, Granny tailing us, I see the cushions all neatly tied to the swing and chair. Smiling and grateful, but sad I couldn’t have done it myself. They were soft as clouds and with a little turn of a dial, I could warm them up. The air was crisp, dancing gently and gracefully among the trees in the wood line, as it always does. As Matty straightens out the throw and gently covering my legs. He nods with satisfaction. “Now remember to holler if you need something ok,” Turning to Granny. “Goes for you to gorgeous.” Granny giggles

“How about the pitcher of honey tea and three glasses, young one.” Matty smiles as he skips off inside. Hearing the window above me slide open Matty chimes out. “Any ice sweets?”

Granny shakes her head answering for both of us. It was a crisp fall day, the grass still wet from the storm. I could see the boys going against one another to the right of the field. Alex and Vlad watching carefully, joining when need be. Vlad’s back was to me and hadn’t noticed us outside yet. Matty had returned with a beautiful crystal pitcher and three matching glasses. I looked at the beautiful designs of a witch standing with a wee cat beside her.

“This is my housewarming gift to you.” Granny had an endearing look on her face. “This was once my mothers. Her mothers, and so forth. Not having any children of my own I want you to have it my sweet baby.” Granny grabbed my hand softly.

“It is absolutely stunning and the detail is beautifully done. I will treasure it Granny.’ I smile squeezing her hand a bit. Matty getting teary eyed.

‘Anya, you all are going to make me cry.” Matty dabbed the corner of his eyes. Pushing the little tea cart beside the swing. “Anya can I please do your hair? I have been dying to play with it but you never sit still long enough.” With a smile and a nod Matty heads inside to retrieve his ‘tools’.

“That young one is sweet as apple pie with ice cream.” I smile

“Yes, he is simply amazing.”

I glance over at Vlad, studying him for a bit. His skin glistened under the sun with the sweat of training. His back sculpted perfectly, his shorts hanging off his hips slightly. Sensing eyes on him Vlad glanced around trying to find the source, turning slightly and meeting my gaze. I feel joy radiate through me. His emotions mingling with my own, a faint smile crossing his lips, as he turned back to jump onto one of the boys.

Matty had reappeared wielding a brush and a bag full of items. He brushed, combed, twisted, and braided. Granny smiling as she watched Matty play with my hair. I felt a slight jealousy rise through me. Glancing from Granny to Vlad I noticed he had moved to better see me and was watching intently. I suppose Matty still being male twinged his jealousy a bit.

“I don’t like any male touching you but knowing Matthew I will allow it.” He had a slight growl to his tone through the mind link. Having a stricken face I smiled.

“You will never have to fear of me being lead astray. I am yours, all yours.” My voice calming his jealousy a bit. Alex waved his hand in front of Vlad’s face, pulling him back to the boys’ training before him. Alex waving and refocusing quickly after a returned wave from me.

Matty squealed slightly from his handiwork, Granny’s eyes flicking open to see what the commotion was. She put her hand to her mouth, causing me to panic a bit.

“That’s absolutely breathtaking on you Anya.” She beamed

Matty had waterfall braided my hair to about my crown on both sides joining them in the back leaving half my hair down, he had spun them into beautiful curls. Liz popping out upon hearing the squeal and seeing what the commotion was about, stopped a minute, having the same reaction Granny did.

“Stunning.” Liz was captivated. Matty pulled out some makeup, giving me a bold yet natural look. Handing me a mirror I touched my hair and face in disbelief.

“Matty, it’s beautiful.” I turned and hugged him tightly. Feeling that jealousy twinge a bit. Matty gathered his stuff and placed it all back in the bag. Admiring his work, tweaking little curls here and there. Satisfied he grabs his glass of tea, sits back, and sighs out of accomplishment. Watching the boys train, Granny closing her eyes rocking, everything was at peace.