I smile slightly. Allie isn’t one to be sympathetic, but comments like these made me happy.
I miss my dad.
“So, when are we doing this?” she asks.
Before I can reply, the front door opens, and I cancel the spell that I had put up so no one could hear us as Uncle Liam appears in the doorway. He’s handsome, and with blond hair, he sometimes reminds me of my own father, although no one can beat my dad.
“Hey, you girls should come inside. They’ve decided the destination,” he says.
“Destination?” Allie asks.
“For our little trip,” he answers with a smile.
“But I haven’t shared my list.” I try not to sound offended, but I am.
“I’m not sure, but you will be staying the night and leaving for the Academy together with my boys.”
“Staying the night? I haven’t brought anything,” I point out.
“We’ll find you something, don’t worry. As for the destination, why not come and ask the rest? It wasn’t exactly my idea,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Well, I do want a word with whoever decided this,” I say, walking towards the door, keeping my tone polite although I’m extremely annoyed inside.
Oh, I hate this!
Uncle Liam steps back, and we walk past him. I enter the lounge, where the mood is a lot lighter than it was earlier.
“Where are we going?” I ask, looking at Uncle Rayhan and Aunty Delsanra.
“Down by the River Thames; we’ll book out a cabin, and we’ll get to spend some time together.”
What an awful choice for a trip! What are we, poor?
“May I talk to you in private?” I ask Uncle.
He smiles, looking a little amused, and I don’t know why, because this is not funny!
“Sure thing.” He kisses Aunty’s forehead before he stands up and walks over to me. I look at Aunty Raven.
“May we use the dining room?”
“Of course! Go right ahead,” she replies with a smile.
I lead the way to the dining room, and the moment Uncle shuts the door behind him, I frown, showing my displeasure.
“I’d rather not go to the River Thames. I was thinking maybe Utah, or Greece, or Dubai. I mean, I’d settle for Scotland, or Wales.”
“It’s safer to remain in England,” he says apologetically. “But we can plan a destination holiday at some point.”
“This is awful.” I cross my arms, and Uncle smiles.
“I’m sorry. Any way I can make it up to you?”
By changing the location, maybe?
“It’s fine.” I sigh. “But Uncle Liam said we’re staying tonight. I haven’t even brought my clothes, and I am not going to wear someone else’s underwear.”
“Don’t worry, what else is Ahren good for?”
