Episode One Hundred and Fifty-Six: Call for Answers

Thinking of my family reminded me of the fudge I had stashed away. It’d go great with my mocha.

I closed my eyes and let my hands rest in my lap. Again I reached for the tiny star inside my chest and just let my thoughts rest on it, getting used to the new feel. Minutes passed that way, and at some point the Cat wandered off. Indigo floated in the hot tub, or at least it felt like that.

When everything felt solid, I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. 

Time for the hot tub, and some fudge. I probably should drink some water as well, to make sure I hydrated correctly.

Indigo snoozed while in the tub, floating with her wings out on either side of her. Her stomach faced upward. Soft snores drifted into the air.

That was so meditation and dragon magic practice. Hopefully, she was safe sleeping in the tub. Though, with how her wings were spread out I wasn’t sure she could flip over without waking.

I quietly headed inside to change, grab drinks and grab some snacks. The doorway that led to the Cat’s area wasn’t in the place it sometimes showed up, and I frowned. He probably rested inside, which meant getting to the book wouldn’t be possible.

Instead, I headed to the kitchen, snagging my phone out as I walked to give my folks a call.

My mom picked up rather quickly.

“Happy Solstice!” Her voice came out happier than I thought it would.

“Same to you! How did the family gathering go?”

“Amazing, just amazing. I wish you could have been here, but your job is your job…”

I stared at the phone in shock, my hand outstretched to grab the box of cheese crackers.

“You sound very cheery, today…” I quickly added, trying to figure out why my mom was in such a good mood. This wasn’t how I expected this conversation to go.

“Of course! The holidays always put me in a good mood. Though, Cerulean headed out early this morning, not even sticking around for breakfast.”

“Do you know when he’ll be back?” I asked, thinking of his voicemail.

“He didn’t leave a note.” I could practically feel my mother rolling her eyes. “But hopefully in time…”

“In time for what?”

“Hmmm?” mumbled my mother, as someone said something on the other end I couldn’t make out. “Oh, nothing, we’re talking of doing a family dinner next month.”

My heart clenched at the thought of missing yet another thing. Yet, her good mood made me feel better. 

“Oh, that sounds like fun. How’s Dad's health stuff going?”

“He’ll be fine,” she answered immediately, the sing-songness vanishing from her tone. “I expect everything to be cleared up in no time.”

Again, someone said something in the distance.

“Is everyone there?” I asked. “Does everyone want to chat?”

“I’m out right now, but I didn’t want to miss your call. I should get back to it. I love you!”

Then she hung up.

“What was that?” I asked the empty room, before grabbing down the cheesy crackers and filling a bowl. “I didn’t even get to thank her for the fudge.”

I slipped my phone back into my pocket, wondering what the heck was going on back home. I didn’t really have too many people I could call to see. Though, I could text Jackie. Snagging my phone, I did just that.

I sent her a quick message.

Hey Jackie, how are things at home? Is the new job with Umber working out?

I waited several seconds and didn’t get a response.

“Strange. Maybe she’s busy with her family.”

Shaking my head, I put my phone on vibrate and grabbed the crackers, along with a glass of water. The fridge tin I added to my haul after I changed into my bathing suit.

Indigo woke up when I returned and slid into the water. Her eyes widened at the bowl of orange crackers I munched on, along with the fudge tin set off to one side.

“Cracker?”

I held one out to her, and she swam closer to take it in her mouth without getting it wet. 

As she crunched down, crumbs fell into the water, but I ignored them. Somehow, they magically left the hot tub, but I didn’t know how. Even when I focused on a crumb it literally vanished without a trace of magic.

Maybe the water itself was magic, and it wasn’t Betty.

My phone vibrated on the table near the tub. I quickly picked it up.

Jackie: Things are good. Busy right now with learning the ropes and planning for the farm in the spring. So much to learn. Umber is a taskmaster.

Me: I’m glad the job’s going well! Is everything okay with my fam? Weird convo with my mom.

Jackie: As far as I know! You really should come visit. I can’t wait to hang out with you.

Me: I will in a few months. Work’s busy.

I dodged the invite about going home and set the phone back on the table before grabbing a piece of fudge.

Indigo crept closer to the bowl and dragged herself out of the tub to grab some more crackers. A few moments later, the bowl tipped to one side spilling crackers all over the table. She sheepishly glanced at me.

“I brought them for you.”

“Really?”

“They are one of your favorite snacks.”

At that, Indigo perked up and began to eat the crackers off the table without a care. Several of the orange things stuck to her wet scales. The sound of her crunching on them made me smile.

I ate two more pieces of fudge before leaning back and just letting my mind wander. A loud crash shot me upright, and I found Indigo hovering in the air with the bowl gone.

“Sorry…”

“It’s all good.” I relaxed back into my spot but felt Indigo head in my direction.

“Can we practice magic now?”

I knew what she wanted, and it wasn’t long before I sent shields at her that sent her flying high above the tub before she shot back down like a bullet. Then her wings would catch another gust of wind from my shields.

The Cat crept to the open doorway, but he said nothing. I only knew he was there because of my new sensitivity. Hopefully, this counted as practicing my magic. Dinner needed to be early tonight as my stomach growled and I smiled. Practice or not, this was fun.