Page 38 of Supernova

I lifted a brow in question. “Were you literally waiting out here just to tell me that?”

“Would you have preferred I waited inside the bathroom?” Cue the wicked smile.

“No, no. This is fine,” I said in surrender. I raised my eyes to meet his. “Thank you … for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you—and all the extra training.”

“If you want to show your gratitude, I can think of a few things I wouldn’t be opposed to.” His eyes twinkled with excitement.

“Way to ruin the moment,” I dryly stated as I walked away from him, heading towards my bed.

He laughed as he casually followed.

“I left a protein shake on your bedside table.” His tone was so nonchalant, like he hadn’t just said he had not only made me a drink but brought it all the way up here, left it on my table and then waited for me outside the bathroom just to inform me.

I turned to look at him, surprise clear on my face.

“You’re gonna need it to recover.”

Before I could say anything else, he started walking down the steps.

“Catch you later, Pocket Rocket.”

CHAPTER 24

I thought it was about time I called my sister and checked in on home. It had been a while since I’d spoken to Celeste. In fact, I hadn’t heard her voice since I left, only talking to her via text. I was a horrible sister.

Not that I was making excuses but things just got so hectic here with the strict routines and all the extra hours I was putting into my training. When I did have some free time, I didn’t have the energy required for a phone call. But it was time to stop putting it off and have the conversation my sister deserved.

The phone rang a few times before I heard Celeste’s smooth voice. “Venus?” She sounded slightly frustrated, like she was looking for her phone. My sister surprisingly was probably the only girl her age that wasn’t glued to her phone. She was likely studying with it buried somewhere under the large pile of books.

“Hey Celeste,” I breathed out in relief, pleased to hear the familiar sound.

“It’s about time you called!” She proclaimed.

“I know.” It was all I could say, pausing for a moment before changing the subject. “What were you doing, you sounded flustered when you picked up.” Was I deflecting the conversation? Probably.

“Studying.” I knew her too well. “I have a test next week.”

I laughed. “I miss the sound of you scurrying through papers.”

“Oh trust me, you’re not missing out on much. Things have been … interesting at home.”

“How’s mum?” I dared to ask.

“She’s good. She’s mostly the same. I haven’t been the nicest daughter recently so I can’t report much. I’ve been trying not to be home as much as possible. And when I am home, I’m locked in my room. Before you say anything, I can’t help it, I just need time to forgive her. It’s all just too unbelievable.”

“Celeste, it won’t go away just because you don’t want to deal with it. It won’t change anything.”

“I know. But I just can’t think about it too much right now.”

I didn’t blame her. I basically ran away so I didn’t have to deal with it. But in some ways, me coming here and learning how to be a Knight was my way of dealing with it.

“That’s fair,” I sighed.

“Mum seems lighter though. Guilty for keeping it from us, but lighter. And Xari stayed for a while so she had some company at least, which I think she really needed after everything.”

“That’s good.” There was another pause in the conversation. “Celeste?”

“Yeah, Vee?”

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