There was something about walking into a house after a whole night and day at the hospital. What it was, she couldn’t exactly say. All she knew was that now that Isobel was pulling out of the driveway, and she was safely settled on the couch with a cup of warm coffee in her hands- she was exhausted. She couldn’t deny it any longer. Despite her nap at Alice’s bedside, her eyes were dangerously heavy, so close to closing it took Bambi repeating her name to wake her back up.
“Forgive me, Bambi. It seems this coffee isn’t working as quickly as I had hoped.”
She carefully avoided the concerned look on the young Witch Doctors face, sighing as she took anbother sip. Isobel’s words playing in her head.
"Alissa will be fine, you need to go home; eat, sleep, shower, pray and not necessarily in that order..." Of course, her friend was right. Now that she sat at home, she could feel the complete lack of energy she had been struggling with since she had dozed off and had that frightening dream. That lack of energy added to her emotional distress was doing little to help her- she found herself twitching occasionally with unrest and chewing the inside of her cheek in display of a nervous habit she hadn’t exhibited since she was a teenager.
Yes, she needed to recuperate. Get herself back together. She couldn’t eat right now, her appetite wouldn’t allow it, but she was content in the knowledge that the kids had all been fed a reasonable dinner. She would wash up before bed and take a real shower in the morning. What she needed right now was sleep- legitimate, 7 hour deep sleep. Soon enough, she told herself, once everyone was accounted for and ready for bed.
“I’ll likely be heading off to bed quickly enough, once Rayna has returned,”
from whatever god awful activities she’s set for herself. She finished silently, the thought coming unbidden. Curfew wasn’t for another half hour, but with the recent events, she was surprised the Necromancer had still had the gall to stay out like this. Kalya would be worried, if it was anyone else from the house. Rayna was more than capable of handling herself, though.
Even so, she had sent a text message soon after arriving home and finding her absent.
As for Ryker…well, she hadn’t crossed that bridge, yet. She knew he was here- the heavy scent of cigarettes on the front porch and his fresh scent told her that. Where in the house was a matter of debate, but as long as he was home and safe, she wouldn’t bother him. At least not yet.
“So far, Alice seems to be…a little more stable. The hospital is doing everything they can to make her comfortable, and with each passing our she’s closer to being right on her way to great recovery. They’re still keeping an eye on her, though, as her injuries are great- as three of you have seen.”
Kalya spoke frankly, though she didn’t voice the fear she still held to. Alice wasn’t completely out of the woods yet. She refused to let that crippling fear overcome her, though.
“Seeing you all lifted her spirits more than you may have realized. More than Alice may have realized, even. I’m very proud of how you’re all handling this, and thank you for giving Isobel no issues while she was in charge.” At this she smiled at them, and the warmth in that smile was genuine if not fatigued. She let it settle over them, and her gaze lingered on Ki, whom she was happy to have downstairs and a part of the conversation- even if he found himself separate and apart from the majority of the house, he was still a part of their clan. Having him here proved that.
They settled into conversations, Bambi asking questions and Kalya answering. She made syre to inquire on normal aspects opf their lives- schoolwork and club activities. Mundane everyday things that were still important, and served to provide a fitting distraction from the more awkward and hard conversations.
When Rayna finally arrived home
strange smug smile on her face, which was horribly off-putting considering the circumstances Kalya set everyone off to bed. With a quick word to Bambi, she asked her to fetch Ryker from the pool area (she had finally managed to pinpoint him) and ask him to come inside, while she went to her room and prepared her night clothes.
----
Once changed, Kalya had emerged from her room to Bambi and Ryker still being in the kitchen, talking in hushed tones. Everyone else was nowhere to be found. Clearing her throat, Kalyani leaned against the doorframe, tired eyes settling on the two as they looked at her. She gave a wary look to Ryker, mentally reminding herself to resist the urge she had to cross her arms protectively over her chest. She compromised on gripping on loose arm with her opposite hand. Not completely shielding herself away from the vampire boy, but still providing the comfort that crossing her arms would have brought.
“Bambi, may I talk to Ryker alone, please? If you’d both like to stay up a while, that’s fine. I just need to have a conversation with him…”
She waited until the Witch Doctor left them, exiting out of the kitchen door and (hopefully) going towards her bedroom.
The tiger and the vampire stood opposite each other, not saying anything for a few moments. Finally, Kalya made eye contact with him and sighed.
“Want to sit?” she motioned to the table, pulling out a chair and sitting in it with a hmph.
She rested her chin on her folded fingers, closing her eyes.
“Should I start, or would you like to?”