Neither (The Noctalis Chronicles 3)

“I am sorry, Ava. If I could make it go away, I would.”

“I know.” We stay there for a few more moments, and then Viktor, with Texas on his back, and Helena appear.

“They really have to stop doing that. It's freaky,” Ava says, getting out of the car to meet them.

“We have to go, because we have to work, but do you want us to come over later tonight for a powwow? Maybe around nine?” Tex says.

“Sounds good. Just hang out in the backyard and we'll meet you,” Ava says.

“Works for me,” Tex says. “Onward, faithful steed!” she says with her fist raised. Viktor complies, vanishing into the trees. What a pair they make.

“You can take that worry off your face, Ava. He's fine,” Helena says.

“Who the hell is she? What is she doing here?” Ava says, barraging Helena with questions.

“Well, I'm not quite sure I got to that. She said she was changed and doesn't remember who it was. She said she woke up and didn't know where she was and started traveling, realizing that she needed blood. It all sounds very far-fetched. I am sure she is hiding something, but she's a very good liar, even though she's new. I think if I had more time with her, I'd be able to find out her real story.”

“How's Jamie?”

“Attached. She's got him under a spell, but that would have happened if she was human. Too bad she isn't.”

“Jamie? This is my Jamie you're talking about? I just can't believe it. He's never gotten attached to anyone, and he just met her. How is that possible?” Ava says.

“Love,” Helena says.

Ava scoffs in her head, but looks at me.

“Stranger things have happened,” I say, kissing her hand.

“This is batshit crazy.”

“Indeed.” I can't help but agree with her.

Helena blinks. “Well, I didn't know leaving India I'd encounter more drama than on one of those reality shows. I love those things.”

“Can you do me a favor?” Ava asks.

“Sure thing,” Helena says.

“Can you watch Jamie and make sure he's okay? That she's not going to hurt him? I don't think he'll take my calls and I have to know he's okay.”

“Of course. No problem. Although I won't be the only one standing outside of his window and watching.”

“I really didn't need to hear that,” Ava says. I try to push her worry away. Helena will take care of Jamie.

“He'll be safe.”

“Do you promise?”

“Sorry, babe. I don't do promises, but I give you my word that I won't let her harm him. She's new and fast, but I'm older and stronger,” she says, flexing her arm.

“What about Di?”

“Let's deal with one thing at a time, okay?” Helena says, giving me a look. I blink, telling her I understand. Ava doesn't catch it.

“See you later.” She waves and is gone.

“No more,” Ava groans, putting her hands over her eyes again. “Hey, I have something to bounce off you. My teachers are doing this thing where they're letting me off the hook for my exams because of Mom. I don't want special treatment, because people are already talking about me, but I don't think I can handle studying for finals and all this other crap.”

“You should do whatever you feel comfortable, but don't push yourself too far just so people won't talk about you. Who cares what they think?”

“Well, it's not just that. I don't know. I don't want to use what's happening as an excuse to be a slacker. There are other people who go through terrible things that don't get a pass. It just seems kind of like cheating.”

“It is not cheating to accept help.”

“It feels that way.” I take both of her hands, shooting pleasant feelings into her body.

“Whoa. That was nuts,” she says, her eyes wide. “It was like a shot of happy drugs. Do it again.” I comply and she giggles. “Okay, I think I need a shot of that every morning. It's better than caffeine.”

“Anything for you,” I say, kissing both of her hands. It is so easy for me to be happy around her. Why should I not share it? We smile at one another and she lifts herself up on her toes to give me a kiss.

Ava

It's actually a relief to walk into my house and deal with my human problems. Dad is in a better mood, and he and Mom are giggling on the couch at something.

“You're not doing anything that's going to scar me for life if I come in there, are you?”

“No, come in,” Mom calls, giggling.

Dad's tickling her mercilessly. I haven't seen him do that in a long time. I worry that it's not good for her, but then I figure what the hell. If you can't enjoy a good tickle fight, life's not worth living.

“What did you do today?” I say, flopping down on the recliner.

“Well, we went for a walk, Sam helped me in the garden and we were just about to start making dinner. Nothing too dramatic.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Good. How was school?” I want to just tell her it was fine, but I can't.

“Well, word has gotten out.” I don't really need to say more. They glance at each other. Dad leans his elbows on his knees and Mom clasps her hands together. Parental listening poses. I tell them about how all my teachers have decided to let me off the hook for finals.

“I mean, even if I do crappy the rest of the year, they're all going to give me A's. It doesn't seem fair, but I don't know what to do about it. I mean, I would really, really like to not have to study for finals.”

Mom and Dad do that silent conversation thing and it reminds me of Rasha and Kamir.

“I think you should take whatever they will give you. You have far more to deal with than anyone your age should. Take the help.”

“It feels like cheating. Other people have bad lives and they don't get free passes.”

“Life isn't fair, baby. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take something when it's handed to you.”

“You didn't call the school and tell them, did you?”

“I didn't have to. I'm sure Mae or Liz told someone and it got out pretty fast.” The flowers are still all around the house, but they are starting to wilt, drooping in their plastic vases.

“Great.”

“Don't worry, Ava-Claire. It'll work out, okay? You just have to believe that.” She sounds like Peter.

“Okay.” It's easier than talking myself into circles again. “So you think I should do it?”

“Why not? Then I can help you with your projects. It'll be more fun. Remember the colonial costume?”