A Bright new world part 6

“There’s a lot I need to tell you.” Says Lilly I say not sure what I’m feeling but the information is needed and wanted.

“Then talk.” I say bluntly.

“Aren’t you going to ask what about?” She replies and I shake my head “No, you’re here for a reason. You know something so just tell me before you leave again...” I roll my eyes at Mel punching me. “Please” I say softly, my gaze falls down to her hands and worry kicks in and a frown covers my face once again “What happened to your hands?”

I reach out and inspect the damage of your knuckles gently. “Let’s just say I didn’t use something correctly when exercising.” I look up and raise an eyebrow “exercising?” I ask in disbelief. “Like you even need it” I know the that ‘exercise’ did not cause that. “That’s very nice kiddo, but I do it to let go of my high adrenaline levels.” I look at her in shock and screw my nose up in dislike “Did you just call me a ‘kiddo’?” She waves her hand at me dismissively and I huff as I roll my eyes.

“Doesn’t matter. Better tell me how your feeling right now.” I shrug my shoulders “Fine, I guess. Don’t look at me like that. I mean it. Mel gave me some painkillers and another coat of her cream. It makes the pain go away.” I say before she thinks I’m lying. I watch her look curiously at Mel and she asks her “what kind of cream?” Mel just smiles and says “It’s just some special herbs mixed with anesthetic. Nothing that could do her any wrong. I assure you.” I smile at her and lean in more as I feel safe with her and trust her 100% without question.

“Hmm, don’t worry. I don’t doubt you” Lilly says and that makes Mel look surprise and makes me surprised too. She doesn’t even know her. “Just her actions.” She points at me and I give a look that most everyone would call a dirty look. “This isn’t my fault. They attacked me without warning.” I defensively and cross my arms.

“And why did they do that?” She asks and blink as I see it play back in my head “because they were friends with...” my voice starts to break as I talk. She bends down and takes my hand in hers gaining my attention I blush a little and either she doesn’t notice or doesn’t point it out and I thank god for that.

“You’re fine now, and he is already taken care of. He won’t get out for many, many years to come. And soon his three cell buddies will join him. He will be in a good company, of creatures just as rotten as him.” She says and I shiver. I feel you stroke my hands and it relaxes me. When you let go I feel sad and wish you would hold on longer.

“They all should be happy with their outcome. Landing in a dirty cell, and und a couple of feet underground. They should see it as mercy.” I gulp with wide eyes at what she just said. Are they dead? Or are they alive? So many crazy thoughts went through my mind. “No need to panic. They are safe and sound in their cells. They are just a bit bruised and battered. All I meant, is they could have been in worse shape. I dramatized for effect... because scumbags like that make me sick and furious. But don’t trouble your thoughts. The only person judging them will be the judge at court. I just hope she’s a woman.” I relax with what she says and and when she winks at me I relax. It takes Mel a bit longer to relax but eventually I feel her relax.

We look at each other and with all the courage and determination I have in me I nod my head and ask “so what really happened last night?” She sighs and starts walking around the kitchen as if she is working out what to tell me and what not to tell me. “Tell me, what do you exactly remember? And I will try to fill in the gaps.” She asks.

That’s when it hits me. Everything I do remember that isn’t enough and then my imagination trying to fill in the blanks scare me. Mel rubs my arm gently and I take a deep breathe, let it out slowly and fidget with my fingers trying to work out how to tell. I stop and frown.

“I don’t remember much. I needed to drink. So I went to the bar ordered a bunch of shots...” I look back up at her so she knows I’m serious “No, I didn’t drink too much I can handle my alcohol, it’s a weird thing and honestly, it sucks because I can’t be a cheap drunk. I need to spend a lot to get drunk. Anyways, I have seen a few guys playing pool and went to join. One guy wouldn’t take no for an answer he kept hitting on me, then I put him in his place. Well, I thought I did because he apologizes and buys all of us a drink. He, he, he...” I stutter as I realise what he had done. My breath hitches, He had spiked my drink. I was stupid enough to drink it. I grit my teeth and as anger starts to fill me up just like a volcano ready to erupt.

“The asshole drugged me but I didn’t know. Not until now. I went to go to the bathroom as I wasn’t feeling well and I remember his face in the hallway. That’s it, I don’t remember anything. Then I went there and the place is trashed, and then I went outside and the rest of the goons turned up and the cornered me. Shit when down and then I wake up here.” I lan more into Mel and close my eyes. I just need to know the truth to what happened I need to fill in the blanks of this nightmare so I can heal. Before I go to say anything or feel anything else she says “I stopped him” my eyes pop open and I frown “What? How? When did you get there? No, you weren’t there... I would have...” I would have felt you there is what I want to say but I don’t. I watch as she sits in the counter and sighs. “Trust me, I was there. I’ll start from the beginning. Let’s end with all the confusion, shall we?”

I nod my head and she begins telling me that she got there and I was playing pool with the guys. She says she sees him hand me the drink and how my body started reacting to it. She watched as I stumbled to the bathroom and he followed. “There was something really off about him... and it wasn’t just his horrific hairstyle.” She says and then disappears into her own thoughts and that’s when Mel steps in “Lilly?” And that brings her back. But I look at her confused and a little out of place she says her name as if they know each other and know something is wrong. She doesn’t even know her that well, does she?

It brings Lilly back because she says “I’m fine. I was just overthinking something. I have a very vivid memory, that’s all. Nothing crucial.” Mel nods and then asks “What happened next?” I have definitely missed something. Mel knows something I don’t. I cross my arms and a small pout covers my face even though I try to hide it and not show it I know it’s still there. Mel just shakes her head at me letting me know this is not the time for this and before I could do or say anything Lilly’s voice stops me. “I called for backup and followed him.”

I look back at her confused once again “What do you mean backup?” I ask “I am glad that you have such high regards when it comes to my person, but I couldn’t really take care of this on my own, could I now?” My mouth opens and closes before I start talking “That’s not what I meant, I was just curious... I would never let you alone in such a situation... I mean, I am glad that you had a backup, well, not that you aren’t strong or you can’t handle yourself, all I mean is that...” I ramble on

“Stop. “ she says and holds her hand up. My mouth shuts fast and I just look at her and blush. “I know what you meant. I called my friend that always helps me out in need. I have known him for years and have full trust in him.”

“Sorry, please finish.” I say softly

“The backup was nearby and came in just a couple of minutes.” She says and I sigh softly “But what happened when you started to follow him? Please tell me everything, don’t leave anything out. I need to know everything.” Her eyes on me got to much and I look down at my hands.

“I followed him to the hallway and then to the bathroom. The whole thing took a long while because your moves had been very uncoordinated, and he was very patient. He thought it was a sure win. He was wrong. When I reached the bathroom, the door to it was open and I saw the two of you there. He was pushing you against the wall and you were struggling. Are you sure you want to listen to more?” As she talks I get sick and I can feel the blood draining from my face. I swallow the lump in my throat “Yes, don’t stop. I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself.” She says as she moves about getting comfortable. “I saw what he wanted to do but he didn’t have an easy way with you. You were putting up quite a fight for a person in your state... Then something happened to the lights, some electrical surge. It got darker. This caught him off guard. You punched him in the crotch - and may I add, it was very well done. But the thing is, it only made him angrier and out of control. He punched you in the ribs, that’s why they hurt so much today. I’m sorry about that, I should have acted sooner but I had to wait a moment for my friend.” Part of me relaxes and feels joy that nothing more happened

“You’re the one because I am here right now, safe.” I say gratefully

“In a way, yes... but back to the story - suddenly something happened and the lights in the entire place went off. I heard a thud and it must have been the moment when you fainted.” My mind going a little to fast and I butt in “What did you do in the dark? Did he run away... or did he try to...” I ask slowly “No, he didn’t even have a chance to think about it. My help arrived and took care of it... Well, alright. Try not to hyperventilate here but I fired it off with a couple of punches to start with. I have a good sight, even in the dark and very feisty nature. Plus, I train - a lot.” I get this urge of protectiveness and frown “you shouldn’t have, it was dangerous and...” I start to scold you but you cut me off “No, I should have. Trust me, he had it coming. And my friend took care of the rest. Problem resolved. Done deal.”

I shake my head that can’t be all of it “No, there must have been more, you have to explain in the between stuff. How did I get home? What happened to me, you have to tell me! I don’t remember!” Mel pinched me again but before I can say anything Lilly starts talking “Alright, fine. Please stay calm and I will tell you all the rest.”

Mel moves her arm up around my shoulder calming me down even though she pinched me. She knows that if she didn’t hold me and keep me calm I would be losing it right now because you told me to stay calm. “She’ll be fine now, please continue.” Mel says as she rubs my arm.

“When things were taken care off, I checked in what state you were and the damage that was caused to your ribs. Don’t worry, your honor wasn’t harmed in any way.” I can’t help it but I profusely blush “Ramsey - the backup, helped me to transport the walking dirt to the police and you to your flat.” I look at her questioningly “How did you know where I lived?” Has she followed me before? I ask my self. She gives me a long stare and lifts an eyebrow “Your ID was in your back pocket.” I don’t know why I’m questioning her after all she did save me “How did I get to my flat?” It doesn’t seem to faze her and she answers them all “You were being carried in by a man the size of a small mountain. But don’t worry, he didn’t even feel the weight... you do live high though, so the only thing conscious and in pain were my feet.” I nod “And he carried me inside as well?” I ask not sure I like the idea of a strange Amman in my house even if he was helping me. “No, he had to take care of the dirt. So I got you to bed.”

I gasp a little at the thought of her putting me in my bed. “Well, obviously not in my arms. You do have some weight on you... so pardon, but I had to drag you there. Then I made sure you were alright, covered you with something and left. The doors had an automatic lock so the I left the keys with you. I gave your ID back and put it where I found it, though it wasn’t easy with those tight jeans of yours.” My jaw drops and I hear Mel chuckle behind her and and she stands up to pretend she busy over doing the already clean dishes. And as Lilly’s eyes are back on me I close my mouth. She smiles innocently at me “You have a very lovely place. A bit small but charming.” I smile sweetly at her but it doesn’t last long as the pain takes over. I take a few breaths to calm the pain.

“Thank you. I like it small, it’s just me there so I don’t need much space” I then remember what she said about my pants and give her the evil eye “...and my pants aren’t that tight. “

Her smile turns a little wicked “Oh, they were tight, it’s a good thing I didn’t have to take them off, of you.”

Mel snorts And heads for the exit saying she hears a customer. We all know no one is there she would have locked up when I was in here. I look back at Lilly and I’m at a loss of words my mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water and I feel it get redder and redder. I go to stand up but my head starts to spin and I feel like I’m going to pass out. I sit back down and look at the door Mel went out hoping she didn’t see what happened. I sigh with relief that she didn’t and I look back up at Lilly and look her in the eyes “Thank you for everything, really you saved my life. I owe you big time. Is there anything I can do to repay you?”

Her expression turns serious as she comes towards me and helps me up. I look at her with gratitude “No, you don’t owe me anything. But then again, there is this one thing.” She takes a step closer to me and I tense up. She places her hand in my shoulder she bends and leans in so her face is just an inch away from mine. She tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear and my heart is a beating mess. She leans in further to the side, her lips to my ear and whispers “do this for me....stay out of trouble, little girl” and with that she walks out.

“I I I” I stutter and can’t even think of anything. Mel walks in with a giant smirk on her face and that pulls me back into reality and I groan “I’m not a little girl” I cross my arms and pout. She raises a brow and looks me up anddown “you sure act like one.” I roll my eyes at her but then soften my tone and expression “can I stay with you tonight please?” I ask softly no sure I want to go home alone.

“Yeah honey you don’t have to ask. You know that. We can stop by your place and get some things.” She walks up to me and wraps me up in her arms. I wrap mine around her and I feel safe, warm and loved. Never did I get that from my parents.

“I need to tell you something. I’m not okay things have been happening and you’re going to think I’m crazy, because I’m definitely feeling crazy.” I say as I let go and step backwards. My head spins again and I sit back down on the seat. Mel rushes and sits down next to me “are you okay? What’s wrong?” She asks me worried and I just look at her grateful that she cares about me. “Mel I’m fine just a head spin. I need to tell you for the last I don’t even remember how many days well since my Aunty called me in sick, where I was asleep for nearly 24 hours.” She nods saying she remembers. “Well I went for a run after work. You know my normal run into the forest that takes hours? Yeah well I was there and back in minutes and not only that there are Lilly’s growing in there but I don’t remember seeing them on the way in. So I stopped and then a branch feel but it didn’t hit me Mel. It should have but when I put my hands over my head nothing happened. I looked up and it was just floating there. Then it went flying away from me. Not only that strange things happen everywhere. Just for instance today. Those men. Mel look at me. I would love to say I could have taken them on my own but I haven’t done enough training to do that. Plus I haven’t done boxing training in months. I snapped his leg as if it were a twig. A twig Mel his leg was as thick as my two combined honestly I don’t know what the fuck is going on. Oh and not to mention my ribs should be inside my lungs right now but there is nothing. My face is busted but my ribs are not I don’t understand that.” I tell her everything.

She just looks at me almost as if she’s guilty of something. I narrow my eyes at her “what do you know that I don’t know?” I ask accusingly and she sighs “look I will fill you in once we get home.” I shake my head “no tell me now Mel. You don’t even blink when I tell you things are going crazy and you look guilty and just What Is going ON.” The lights smash and I squeal and jump and Mel just sits there as if this happens all the time.

I start breathing short and fast this concerns Mel but she knows what’s happened and knows what to do. She takes my hand and puts it on her chest and she puts hers on mine in the same spot “slow down and breathe with me.” I nod my head and follow her lead. Deep breath in hold it and deep breath out. I repeat this a few times until they happen on their own and I’m calmer “I’m sorry and thank you” I say softly.

“Have you been having them often? The panic attacks that is.” She asks with concern and I shake my head “no” I say softly “okay well all that is happening to you is what’s meant to happen. You have powers Ray and you were born with them. Your legacy is to destroy some very evil people. I’ll get into more detail later but I’m a healer. I was brought up getting told the stories and how one day I might have to protect you. Though I was told you weren’t even in this country. Sorry off track. I have powers just like you but more healing and I practice the healing magic that’s why your ribs are healed. Those pills I gave you were sugar pills, placebos. The gel is a homemade remedy to help smaller pains but I needed that so I could touch you and use my magic. I only half healed you before you took off but when you came back worse, you collapsed and I bought you in here and I healed you fully on the inside.” I look at her with a blank expression not sure how to take it. Then I burst out laughing.

She sits up straight and crosses her arms “you’re funny. Magic and fighting evil” I smack my leg as I continue laughing “Raven!” Mel says my name in a tone that makes me stop and look at her “are you serious?” I ask. She gets up and grabs her phone. She opens the camera and shows me my face and I frown as I see the cuts and swelling. It’s going to look horrible tomorrow. “What am I looking at? I know I was a dick I shouldn’t have gone.” I say not sure what she wants me to say.

She stays quiet and puts her hand on my face. She closes her eyes, my face feels a little tingly and I look in the camera. My eyes widen and he removes her hand. I stand up and touch my face. “It’s gone.” The pain was gone “how?” And Mel smirks “magic.” I sit down as shock takes over. “I’m tied can we go home please?” I ask.

She pulls me in for a hug “sure sweetie. Let’s go.” I get up and follow her to her car. I get in the front passenger and just look out the window. The drive to my place is silent besides the radio playing. We pull up and I get get out “do you need help or do you want me to wait here?” She asks and I can hear how concerned she is, I give her a small smile “I’m okay. You wait here.” I say and I go up stairs.

I pack a bag for the night and I reach up on top of my fridge for some sleeping tablets but I found something better. I put it in my pocket and lock up. I get down to the car and throw my bag on the back seat. “Okay let’s go.” I say with a small smile. I still don’t know what I’m meant to think about all of this magic stuff. It’s too overwhelming.