What can I smell? Ouch. Something hurts... I block it out and inhale again.
I can smell freshly made bread. Two different types of perfume. Obviously from inside this kitchen. I try and expand my senses. Aftershave? Ouch! Strawberry soap? A dog? Fire? Ouch! My back is burning! Garlic? Grass? Diesel? Wine? OW! I reach behind my to rub the burning part of my back and feel something sticking through the fabric of my vest top. I pull on it while my eyes are still closed and I hiss in pain as whatever it is, gets pulled through my skin. I think I hear someone gasp.
I open my eyes and my mum is staring at me in horror. I look towards Lorraine and Tessa and they have the same looks on their faces. I frown and look at the object in my hand. A large grey feather? There is a bit of blood on it but no doubt about it, there is a feather in my hand.
“Where did that come from?”
“My back?” I reply to Tessa's question. My mum grabs me by the shoulders and spins me around.
“Oh Jesus! Calissa, you have wings.” I open my mouth to say something but all I can muster up is a squeak before I start swaying. I think I faint...
TEN
What would you do if you found out that unbinding your demonic powers resolved in giving yourself wings? In fact, what would you do if you had wings, period? Me? I cried. And cried. And laughed. Then cried again.
When I finally came round from my hysteria, I was still a mess. The first thing I did when I saw that they were very much attached to my back was throw the table cloth over them, you know, just in case my dad or Ana see them. Aww, look at me, all considerate for others and stuff. Must be growing up.
In an hour, they went from non-existent to enormous. And grey. Eugh! The tops of them sit just under my neck while the bottoms reach just below my bum. I wouldn't let Tessa, Lorraine or even my mother touch them. I don't want to touch the enormous things myself. How will I get rid of them? Why do I have them? Oh God, I feel dizzy. I need to sit down. I collapse in a heap on the floor and instantly regret it because well, I have WINGS!!!! Of course they are going to get in my way. Cor blimey, I am stressed. Stupid potion. I should never have taken it.
Who cares if I can't fight against Jaxon or the Underworlders with demonic powers? I have angelic ones. I could just train myself to use them instead. I used them on that Hellhound. I could easily use them on other things too.
So, right now I am sulking out on the patio and playing with the feather that I pulled out of my back which must have been a loose feather from my wings. My wings... I will never get used to saying that. Mum comes out carrying a cup of tea and hands it to me as she sits in front of me. Oh get this, I have to sit on the railing because my now feathered back gets in the way! And the wings are tender and sore at the moment so I cannot sit on the chair. So yeah, mum is sitting on a chair in front of me. She is silent for a moment and eyes the new addition to my back warily.
“It's because you are half angel.” She says. “The binding spell must have locked away apart of those powers too. I had no idea you would get um, feathered wings. They will be from Raphael.” See, even she can't say it without hesitation. “You are going to have to learn to hide them, somehow.” She bites the inside of her cheek. I think that is where I get that habit from, I am always either biting my lip or cheek when upset, nervous or angry about something.
“How can I do that? I don't even know how to move them.” As if on cue, the wings twitch and open slightly before relaxing again. “Okay, I guess I do. Mum! How can I fight Underworlders with these monstrosities attached to me?” Tears prick at my eyes.
“Oh baby.” She stands and tries to wrap her arms around me but well, can't, so she settles for rubbing my arms. “We will figure this out, I will get Lorraine to put a hex on the house so that no demon can sense you or enter. Then we will get training. We will not stop until you have your new powers and wings under control. I will not give up on you.” She kisses my forehead.
“Will Lorraine do that? Is she strong enough? It is a big house after all.” I look up at the house in front of me. It is a big house. Not as big as the house in Suffolk but it isn't small.
“Yes I can but, even though there are two witches here; we will only be able to keep a spell up for a maximum of two weeks without it completely draining me. Tessa doesn't know how to use her powers properly yet and training her will take time. So we have a limit of two weeks to get you girls under control.” Lorraine says as she and Tessa come outside and take a seat on the bench beside my mum.
“Okay, so when shall we begin? And where, I don't want Ana seeing, these.” I gesture to my wings with my head.
“Um, tomorrow. I can't do a big spell on the house without eating, I will need to energy. So, after dinner I shall start it and then first thing tomorrow, we will start on your training.”
“Okay, where though?” I ask again.
“In the basement.” Mum answers. “It is safe down there. Was originally a bomb shelter. There are two rooms down there and some gym equipment that never gets used.” She shrugs with a tight lipped smile on her face. I didn't even know she had a basement and she has lived in this house since I was five. “I am going to start dinner.” Mum says as she starts to walk off into the house.
“No! Serena, you can't!” Lorraine practically yells to my mother. “The fumes from the hob or oven will make you ill after having that potion and what if Ana wants to join you?” Mum starts to hyperventilate at Lorraine's revelation.
“But I need to make my children dinner. I need to feed you. I need to help out with this situation while I can.” She starts breathing fast and places a hand over her heart. “Oh shit, I can't breathe.” She hisses through her teeth. I jump off the railing to try and console her but my wings end up getting caught, causing me to ping backwards into the railing. Tessa starts laughing at my mishap. Lorraine does too and eventually, mum does too. I just scowl which makes them laugh harder.
“Yeah sure, laugh at me. It's cool. I don't care anyway.” I pout and fold my arms over my chest. Mum wipes away a tear and then helps release my wings from the railing.
“I'm sorry darling. It was funny though.” Mum says as soon as I am free. I let out a ragged breath and then mum turns serious again. “What am I going to do if Ana wants to cuddle me? I can't even hug my own daughter. What have I done?” She breathes.
“Serena, it will be fine. You have controlled it before, you will control it again. Send Simon out to grab a few pizzas and if you make up something to tell Ana, like having a bug, then she won't hug you.” Lorraine is full of answers today.
After dad returns with pizzas, we eat and then say good night before I head up to my room without Ana or dad noticing my wings. I even had to eat outside so that Ana or dad didn't see the disaster on my back.
I lay down on my stomach on my bed because I can't lay on my back and I sigh. All I wanted was the ability to take on Jaxon and the other Underworlders without being weak and instead, I unleashed my angelic traits at the same time as my demonic ones. I grab a hand held mirror from my bedside cabinet and raise it up until I can see most of my wings.
Okay, I have to admit, they are beautiful. The grey is starting to fade now and they are turning a sandy colour at the tips. I want to know the span of them so I try my hardest and think that I need them open and they twitch. I try it again. Another twitch. After three of four more tries and nothing but twitching, I get frustrated. What is the point in having wings if I can't use them?
I huff in irritation and stand up. I pull off my shorts and then start to pull my top off and guess what. The wings get in the way. I can't even get changed! I scream out and punch into my wardrobe door, causing much more damage than I thought possible. Oops! Mum is going to flip when she sees the hole in the door. Not wanting to have her in here, I cover the hole with one of the Britney posters. I grab some scissors and cut through my red vest top, gritting my teeth as I do. Man, I loved this top! Now I am standing in just my bra and pyjama shorts thinking of how I am going to put on another top.
I sit and stare at the pink vest pyjama top that matches my shorts and I have an idea. Using the scissors I cut a chunk out of the top of the vest then step into the vest like I would a skirt. I pull it up and until it covers my torso and slip my arms through the straps. It fits!! Perfectly! Maybe I do have what it takes in fashion like mum. Well, if those designs are for people with wings I mean.
I walk over and climb into bed, laying on my side. I pick up my phone and frown. Bloody Jaxon! I give him permission and he sends me nine messages in two hours! For crying out loud, he's obsessed.
Jaxon: I am curious as to why u asked where I am
Jaxon: Titch?
Jaxon: Is there something u aren't telling me?
Jaxon: Aeron was asking for u today... little brat
Jaxon: Caroline is planning our wedding! HA! If only she knew... Oh, he's been talking about me with Caroline?
Jaxon: She heard me telling Aeron that I needed to find u
Jaxon: DON'T COME BACK! UNDERWORLDERS, EVERYWHERE!! ….Man, he is confusing. One minute he needs to find me, the next he wants me stay away? What the hell is going through his head? Is he schizophrenic? Wouldn't surprise me to be honest...
Jaxon: HA! I sound like a crank … Glad we agree mate.
Jaxon: Going to ring u
I check the time for that last message and see it was sent less than five minutes ago. Maybe he won't actually call me. I barely finish the thought when my phone rings and I see Jaxon's name pop up on the screen. I smile.
“Hi stalker.”
“That's no way to greet your future husband. I am wounded.” I hear the laughter in his voice. “So...”
“So, a swarm of Underworlders huh?” I bite my lip.
“Yep. I am leading a group of them but another group is lead by another demon. Not too sure who.” I can imagine him scowling. I have seen his scowl enough times to know what it looks like.
“Can I ask you something?” I ask.
“You just did...” Smart arse. He pauses. “What?”
“Why is it that one minute you want me to tell you where I am and the next you are trying to keep me safe?” He goes quiet and I wonder if he hung up, I pull the phone from my ear and see that he is still on the line. “Jaxon? You still there?”
“Um, yeah. Still here.” He whispers.
“Okay, well?”
“I don't know the reason but I need to be honest with you. That kiss was the first time I haven't drained someone of their life or injured them. It completely shook me for the fact you were utterly unfazed. I had no affect on you and it bothers me.” The serious Jaxon I knew before all this happened is back. Yay! “I don't know whether or not it is because you are half angel or what but I do know that since that kiss, you are mine.” His? Oh that's not caveman like at all.
“Yours? You told me you wanted to, do things, to me that would make me beg for you to stop! You text me a million times a day. You even managed to come to me while I was sleeping and I don't know how you managed to, but you pinned me down and told me you were going to make me CRY! Don't you dare tell me I am yours, you are a psycho Jaxon. I actually miss the brooding, silent, grumpy guy who used to pick up his little brother from my house. Where has that guy gone? I sure as hell don't like this one.”
“You want the mean, quiet me back?”
“I think I really do Jax.” Jax? I'm giving him nicknames now, apparently.
“Fine. You can have him back. I was just making light of this situation.”
“Making light of it? What is so funny about demons wanting me dead and the brother of the boy I babysit is going to be the one that does the deed? It is psychotic Jaxon.” I massage my temples to relieve the sudden headache I have.
“You're right. As much as I am a demon, I know when something is wrong.”
“Okay, so are you going to stop toying with me?” I ask, hopeful. He laughs and its a sound I wouldn't wish upon anyone hearing. It sounds so evil, so deadly, so sickly that I feel weak and light headed. Though that could be the potion I drank earlier.
“Like hell I am. I said I knew it was wrong, not that I was going to stop. I am a demon Titch. I don't have a remorseful bone in my body.” Liar. “I do want you dead too.”
“Fine, then do me a favour. Stop telling me to be safe if you find this funny. I hate you Jaxon Cray. I hope one of us dies very soon because I never want to hear your voice or see your voice again.”
“That can be arranged Titch.”
“Go to hell dickhead.” I hang up and scroll through my contacts until his name comes up again. I hold my thumb down on his name and press 'block' before chucking my phone to the other end of my bed. It is then that I notice that I have tears running down my face. Crying over Jaxon? What is wrong with you? He wants you dead Calissa. He thinks this is a game. Get over it. Get over him... I know my argumentative brain makes sense but why does it hurt so much? I end up pulling a pillow over my head and cry myself to sleep.
ELEVEN
The next two weeks are pretty uneventful on the demon front apart from the fact Tessa, mum and I have been getting our powers under control. Within the first two days, I managed to be able to touch Tessa without harming her. Ana can now hug mum without being killed or hurt. It took over a week to get that under control though. Tessa got her powers under control instantly. Guess being a good witch runs in her family and it turns out Tessa has her grandmother's mind reading ability which gets very annoying at times. There is one succuba ability I haven't figured out how to use yet. Teleportation. According to my mum, succuba can faze in and out of places, mainly at night when their prey is sleeping; which I find extremely creepy might I add.
Mum said that she will teach me how to do that when I am less tired. She said it takes a lot of energy and mind power to do it.
Dad was a bit upset when he discovered I had inherited my birth fathers wings but I guess that is expected. Besides, can he really moan? It was his idea to have the potion too. I have managed to keep the wings hidden from Ana so far although we had an extremely close call three days in. I was in the bathroom with Tessa while she brushed them and Ana came bounding in asking if I could do her hair and she saw the wings. We were able to convince her I was going to a fancy dress party as a bird though. She bought it. After about ten days, I figured out how to open and close the wings, after twelve, I was able to flap them. Today, fourteen days after gaining my wings, I am going to learn how to fly.
I have to admit, after all of the training we have undergone, I am absolutely exhausted. Jaxon remains silent despite from one or two dream drop ins here and there. One of my dreams he came in and said I 'felt' different and that he wished he could see me. Another dream, which was last night, he dropped in and shouted that he was in pain and instantly disappeared again. I haven't seen him though, just hear him each time. I could have sworn I felt him watching me two nights ago however, I couldn't see anything and I know it must have been my imagination as the house still has the hex on it to keep our scents hidden.
So right now, my mum, Tessa, Lorraine and I are standing in a desolate field, hidden by another hex and I am preparing to fly.
“Right, make a run and jump and then flap your wings.” Mum says. I scoff. She makes it sound so easy. I take a deep breath and narrow my eyes. “Ready, steady, go!” I take off into a sprint and as soon as I have a decent, inhumane speed going, I close my eyes and jump. I think the worlds highest jump is around two and a half metres. Me? Yeah, try nine. The second I am in the air, I flap my wings as fast as I can. At first I feel as if I am falling but then my hair whips around my face and I open my eyes. I am most definitely not falling. I am soaring. I am floating. I am one with the clouds. This feeling is incredible. No wonder birds do this all of the time. It is surreal on so many levels. I grin like a Cheshire Cat as I fly around the perimeter of the field and then land, astonishingly, gracefully in front of my mum. Who by the way, has the look of a proud parent in her eyes. Score!
“That was awesome!�
�� I shriek with glee as soon as I tuck my wings back into my back. Oh yeah, I learned how to make them vanish too. Tucking them in as far as I can makes my bare back look human again with giant wing style tattoos on my back. It's like they shrink, flatten and turn invisible. I can't even feel them when they are tucked away though I do know they are there. I CAN FLY!!!
“Owwww. I wanna fly.” Tessa pouts and I giggle. “Mum, why couldn't my dad be an angel too? Why did he have to be him?” Ooh. This is the first time Tessa brings up her dad in over two weeks. He hasn't bothered ringing her or anything and she hasn't bothered contacting him either. Lorraine has contacted Tessa's sister, Christina, a few times and Christina said that she hasn't heard from her dad either but she drove past his house and saw the TV on one night and the bathroom light on another. So, he is still alive, much to Tessa's dismay. She seems so much happier now that she isn't living with him. There is the spark back in her pretty blue eyes, that practically vanished a year and a half ago.
“Come on then.” I hold out my hand for her and expand my wings again. She looks up at her mum for permission. Lorraine smiles and nods her approval. Tessa squeals and hops over to me and takes my outstretched hand. I tell her to wrap her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. This image would be a male's perfect dream. Ha! “Hold on tight and do not let go.” Tessa nods against me and I wrap an arm around her waist and start running. I go slow at first because there is extra baggage of course, not that I can't handle it with my new found strength and then I sprint. As soon as I am ready and I know Tessa is still gripping onto me for dear life, I jump into the air and flap. Tessa's screech pierces my eardrums and if she wasn't holding onto me so hard, I would have let her go. I wrap my other arm around her and continue to fly. I look down at my best friend and she has her eyes scrunched closed. My body shakes with silent laughter. “Open your eyes Tess.” I mind think to her. I know she can hear me. She freaks me out with that power of hers all the damn time. She slowly opens her eyes and turns her head to that she is facing the same direction I am.
Demonic Angel (A Touch Of Magic) Page 8