“I must stay with you. It is my duty.” Stubborn lion.
“I wish you could, but our situation will need more thought and processing. Please go with Vincent.” I walked over to run my fingers through Amari’s thick mane. Part of me was still shocked that I could do this. Touch a lion and understand him. But most of me felt oddly comfortable. Like this was a natural thing for me.
“I love you.” Vincent’s arms wrapped around my waist, his lips pressed against my cheek. “Let’s go, big guy.” He released me and offered his hand for the lion to touch. Amari turned his head, not happy with this turn of events.
“For me, please. I’ll check on you later.” I swore the lion rolled his eyes, then scooted his head to connect with Vincent. I stepped back and waved them off as the lion closed his eyes when the orange magic brightened.
Once they vanished, I plopped into a chair and stared at the carpet where they’d just stood. It was amazing how complicated my life had become in just a few weeks. Powers, Vincent, and all the revelations that came with that. Now I had a lion friend.
Chasity rolled out of bed and shut herself in the bathroom without a good morning or hello. Another something that I didn’t know how to deal with. She was almost old enough to go on her own, and while I loved her, I couldn’t take care of her without losing myself completely. Did I know what that meant? Nope.
When she finally emerged, looking fresh and styled, I decided to make my move.
“Hey, got a sec?” I called out, and she scoffed before slamming her bedroom door. Using my powers, I opened the door and asked again.
“Fucking door. What? What do you want?” She stomped out while tossing a red sundress on.
“What do you need, Chasity? Believe it or not, I do care about you. I want you happy and safe. But I recognize we go together like oil and water. So what do you need?” My fingers fiddled with the hems of my sleep shorts.
My sister stood there, eyes narrowing at me like she was waiting for the angle or trick.
“No trick, Chasity. I want to take your life into consideration. Do you want to move out of the city? I can find a job anywhere. Do you need to switch schools? I don’t want you in the foster system, and you aren’t old enough to cash in your inheritance. So what do you believe will help us get through the next few years together?”
“I can live on my own.” Arms now crossed over her chest, she tapped her foot.
“I have no doubts. You are smart, and cunning, and get whatever you want. But is that what you really need? Right now, your focus is on school and being a teenager.” Albeit a naughty teenager. “Once you’re on your own, you’ll have to work, pay bills, rent a house or apartment. It’s not easy.”
“I know that. I’m not stupid. Why do you think I’m still here? Just stay out of my way, ok? Don’t bother me, and I won’t bother you. I’m not going to get in trouble, or pregnant, or in jail. I’ve got plans, and those would fuck it up.” She waited for me to agree, and oddly her wishes felt ok. She didn’t need me, and she didn’t need another mother.
“I can do that. Breakfast is in the kitchen. I’ll be back to cook dinner later. If you need anything, just send me a text or something.” We were a very dysfunctional family. I waited for her to stomp off now that we agreed on how things proceeded, but she stood still.
“When Mom and Dad died, I didn’t need another mom. I’d rather be estranged sisters than have a forced caretaker. Just do you, ok? I’ll be fine.” With those last words, she left for her room, and a deep exhale rushed out of my lungs. I guess that was as close to a truce as we’d get.
An alarm beeped in my room, and I cursed. I had fifteen minutes to toss on scrubs and get to work.
“You’ve got this, E. It’s all working out. Lions, time traveling, superheroes and all.” I rushed to my room and was ready with ten minutes to spare. I didn’t say bye to Chasity, which made me feel like a failure, but it was what it was. I poured a to-go cup of coffee and left.
When I made it to the hospital, there were a few patients who needed extra attention. But overall, it was an easy day. When my lunch break came around, I waited in the picnic area outside for Vincent.
Minutes turned to an hour, and he hadn’t shown like he said he would. I bit back the fears and intrusive thoughts that he left me. He wouldn’t do that.
Suddenly my phone beeped and a notification from the Hero Society popped up.
Your time to shine, let’s get you suited up. Headquarters in thirty minutes. - Draco
Calmly, I walked back to the nurses’ station and made up a lie to end my shift early. A kind blonde woman who’d just started offered to take over my patients until the next shift. She needed the money, and I thanked her with a hug before leaving to get suited up.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Vincent
I searched for Emily at the hospital but found Phillip—holding an older watch version of the communicators we had in the future.
“She’s on a job.” He handed it to me, nodded once, then strutted out of the hospital. Her location beeped on the watch, and I found a private place to jump from.
I arrived in the bushes across the street from the largest bank building in Seahill. You’d think criminals would learn not to mess with this city with all the heroes residing in it, but they still tested us.
I noticed Leon first. His gray leather-looking pants and long sleeves were designed for speed, and a tight-fitting mask covered his face. The hero resembled a linebacker and carried three adults on his shoulders, out of the building. The man had super strength and speed. In my timeline, he spent most of his time with the retired spy Lilith, his wife. They sailed and did hero work, and I appreciated their simple life. They had each other, and that’s all they needed.
