Page 31 of Entranced By the Basilisks

Because new things make it hard for me to breathe. And today, there have been so many new things.

“I don’t think it’s fair to compare a head full of snakes to a move across the country,” I say.

Her mouth twitches. “I guess it isn’t.”

I eye the coffee mugs. It might still be lukewarm. I sip one and scrunch my nose, too cold.

“I think you should move in with them,” Ma says from beside me.

I almost spit out the coffee. “What?”

“I have a feeling about this, a gut feeling.” Her voice is soft. “You’re different around them. More comfortable than you usually are with people you don’t know.”

I open my mouth to deny it but can’t. She’s right. I’d always avoided eye contact with Jasper, but since he eased my panic attack, the intensity of him hasn’t been as glaring. And Ari, I just met him today and haven’t had any issues speaking with him or refusing his offer.

“It’s just the situation,” I say, because that’s what scientifically makes sense.

“Maybe, but the way they look at you makes me think this is much more. I trust Jasper.”

“Me too. It’s Ari I don’t trust,” I say with a snort.

Jasper is… cutting, in his regard and words, but has been so determined to take care of me. While Ari has seemed determined for something else entirely.

“Because he’s obvious with his intentions toward you?” she asks.

Impossible. No matter how flirty he is.

“He’s with Jasper,” I say.

Ma gives a laugh. “Out of all the things we’ve learned these past weeks and now with this blessing, is it too hard to believe that he may want you both?”

I narrow my eyes at her.

“It’s really unfair how quick you are with all this. Is this your way of extreme matchmaking?” I joke.

“No, if it doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel right. But you do need help learning how to control this magic you’ve been given. And they can’t seem to keep their eyes off you.”

My cheeks burn.

“I think this is the adventure you need to go on right now. Am I wrong? Are you not curious about having magic?”

Discomfort and something else churns in my gut.

“I don’t know,” I whisper. There’s been too much fear in my heart to consider whether or not I’m curious. I’ve been in reaction mode since this morning.

Am I curious?

Something of my inner musings must show on my face because Ma’s eyes soften.

“It’s time to fly, mija.”

Or fall, but I keep that to myself. I need to make a decision. One not centered on fear or a knee-jerk reaction. I shouldn’t stay around people I can hurt by accident. Staying with Ari solves that issue and opens a cascade of new experiences that seem terrifying… but would learning how to control whatever magic I have help solve things for me? I want to know enough not to put others in danger at the very least.

“I’ll stay with Ari, but I can’t consider dating anyone right now,” I say.

“Then focus on learning. One thing at a time.”

“One thing at a time.” I nod.

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