Flutter

Chapter 16- Book of Shadows

For the millionth time, my train of attempted meditation derailed as my mind swarmed with pointless thoughts.

I swore and got up from my spot on the cushioned floor, my joints aching from sitting in the same position for so long.

Making my way to the kitchen next door, I approached Tara with a defeated look.

“I can’t do it. I can’t focus at all, no matter how hard I try or what I do,” I slouched onto the chair beside her, frustrated out of my mind. The tea she placed in front of me to drink remained untouched, my body suppressing all appetite.

“Give it time. You will not get it on your first try, Robyn. Nobody does. Take care of your body, then try again. It’s been a long day,” Tara reasoned soothingly. Her reasons were like balm on my metaphorical wounds.

I nodded solemnly and got up, gathering my things. “Again, I’m so sorry about how I acted when we first met. I was so rude towards your openness and your beliefs, I was scared and didn’t know what to do. I plan on fixing everything. Thank you for giving me a second chance.”

Tara smiled, her eyes holding a motherly love. “Don’t fret over something that we are past. You’re only a child, we are all only children and we all make mistakes. Remember to relax. Listen to your body. Breathe. We’ll practice again tomorrow after lunch.”

I gave her a smile back and took the small leather book that she gave me and make my way back to the hotel, keeping her words in mind.

Just as I was getting into the elevator in the hotel lobby, Kyanna came out. “Hi Kyanna. How are you?”

“Robyn! Hi. I’m okay. I’m actually going to meet Saul. Get some stuff sorted out. How have you been?” she asked, dark shadows under her eyes indicating a bad week.

A thought popped into my head. I could try looking at her aura. “I’m alright, I went out to get some things sorted out too. Haven’t talked to Tora or Saul in a while. Heath and I have been getting along well though. Good luck with Saul.”

No matter how much I focused my eyes around her, I couldn’t see any colours. The air remained clear.

“Heath is a great guy. Awesome friend. Keep him close,” she started with a small smile. “And thanks for the luck, I’ll need it. Things haven’t been so great with Saul and I. He- he just keeps lying and lying and I’m so tired of it. I want to be happy. Everyone should be happy.”

Her eyes glazed over as I watched her helplessly, my heart aching at her pain. I threw my arms around her, rubbing her back. “Don’t be sad. Keep your head up.”

She wiped her tears away after we let each other go, trying to smile.

“You know what, give me your phone number. Don’t hesitate to text me if you need anything at all. Even if there is no reason, call me. Also, I need to make sure you stay safe. It’s getting late, so be careful, just message me so I can have a peace of mind knowing you’re okay,” I lectured.

We swapped phone numbers and I gave Kyanna one last parting hug, ‘Stay safe.”

“Thanks Robyn. I needed that. Have a good night,” concluded and left the hotel.

In the lobby, the grandfather clock chimed, indicating midnight. Stepping into the elevator, I checked my messages. 11 texts from Jared, 5 from Heath, 15 from Mariam, 10 from Beau, and 20 missed calls in total.

There was no point in replying to any of them since I was already outside my apartment.

I unlocked the door, assuming Jared and Heath had both left eventually, when I didn’t come back. As soon as I had taken a step into the kitchen, I was bombarded by Jared and Heath. They rushed out of the dimly lit living room and into the dark kitchen, blocking off the entrance.