Tempted (House of Night #6)(72)

You're right, Grandma. I'll remember. I'm me, and that's not going to change. Zo! Plane's boarding! Heath called. I gotta go, Grandma. I love you! My love goes with you, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. I got on the plane feeling renewed by my grandma's love. She was right. I needed to balance what I knew about Kalona and what I thought I might know about him. My positive attitude was reinforced by the cool jet we were getting to fly in. It was all like first class with huge leather seats that lay all the way back and super-thick window coverings, which I immediately went around and pulled down. The sun's not out there right now, dork, Aphrodite said. I'm just taking care of this right now in case any of you forget--I made air quotes around the word--to close them later. I'm not going to burn up your Warrior, Aphrodite said. Then my Warrior would have way too much to do.

I will never be too busy for you, Darius said, taking the seat beside her and lifting the arm that separated them so they could snuggle. Barf, Erin said. Moving to the back of the plane so we don't get Aphrodite sick, Shaunee said. Is there a beverage service on this plane? Damien asked. I hope so. I could use some brown pop, I said, loving that everyone was sounding as normal as I was suddenly feeling. Lenobia said we'd be on our own on this flight, but I would bet you could forage around after we get airborne and find something to drink, Darius said. I know where they keep the pop, Stark said. This is the plane that flew me from Chicago to here. I'll get you some as soon as we take off. Then he gestured to the empty seat next to him. Sit by me? Hey, Zo! Heath called from farther back in the plane. I saved you a seat back here. I sighed.

You know what, I think I'm going to sit over here by myself and just try to sleep. Jet lag is a killer, I said, choosing a seat midway between Heath and Stark. I'm taking a Xanax. I know how to fly, Aphrodite said. I'll be ready to hit the stores the second we touch down in Venetia. Stores? Shaunee called. Shopping? Erin said. Perhaps we should reconnoiter with Aphrodikey, Shaunee said. Excellent idea, Twin, Erin agreed. I smiled to myself as the Twins moved up to seats across from Aphrodite, who sneered at them, but launched quickly into an enthusiastic list of the shopping possibilities in Venice. Here. Stark handed me a blanket and a pillow.

It gets cold in planes sometimes, especially when you're trying to sleep. Thanks, I said. I wanted to tell him that I would like to curl up with him, but that I wouldn't like how that would make Heath feel (who was now in a big debate with Jack over whether Macs or PCs were better). Hey, it's okay. I understand, Stark said, lowering his voice. You're the best Warrior in the world. He smiled that cocky little grin I liked so much and kissed the top of my head. Go to sleep. I'll keep a psychic ear on your feelings. If things get weird, I'll wake you up. I'm counting on that, I said. I curled up with the blanket and pillow my Warrior had given me, and fell asleep almost before we were airborne. If I dreamed I didn't remember it.

Chapter Thirty-three

I still disagree with you, Lenobia said. But it's my decision to make, right? Stevie Rae said. It is. I just wish you would reconsider. Let me come with you. Or even Dragon--he could accompany you. Dragon is still too messed up from Anastasia's death, and you're pretty much in charge here. The way things are going, I don't think it's smart for you to leave the school right now, Stevie Rae said. Look, I'll be fine. I know them.

They're not gonna hurt me, and even if they've lost every bit of what's left of their minds and they do try to mess with me, they can't. I'll call earth and smack them around or somethin' like that. Don't worry. I've handled them before. This time I'm hopin' I can talk them into comin' back here with me. I think bein' back at the school would really help 'em. Lenobia nodded. That is logical. Return them to where they last felt normal and perhaps they can find that feeling again. That's kinda what I thought. Stevie Rae paused, and then added in a soft, sad voice, I still argue back and forth with myself sometimes. Sometimes it feels like the darkness is so close to me that I could touch it.

And I see it in my group--the ones who also found their humanity. It's not always easy for them, either. Maybe you'll always have a choice. Maybe the line between good and evil is less clear for you and your red fledglings. But does that make us bad? Or worthless? No, of course not. Then you can see why I have to go back to the depot and talk to the other kids again. I can't turn my back on them. Zoey didn't turn her back on Stark, even though he shot me--which sucked and wasn't very nice of him, by the way--but it turned out okay in the end. You will make a fine High Priestess, Stevie Rae. Stevie Rae's cheeks went all hot. I'm not really a High Priestess. I'm just all they have. No, you are a High Priestess. Trust that. Trust yourself. She smiled at Stevie Rae. So when will you return to the depot? I think I'll be sure the red fledglings here are set.

You know, get the rooms straight and get stuff for them to wear and all. Plus, they have to be put back into all their classes, which is a real pain in the butt since the classes change every semester. But I'd like to get back there tonight still. Tonight? Are you sure you shouldn't wait until tomorrow? Shouldn't you get settled here first? Well, the truth is I don't really know if we can settle here. Of course you can. The House of Night is your home. It was our home. Now we feel better resting in the earth during the day. Stevie Rae gave her nervous grin. It makes me sound like I should be in one of those stupid slasher movies, doesn't it? No, it actually makes sense. You died. When that happens to any of us, all of our bodies return to the earth. Though you were resurrected, you still have a connection with the earth we do not.