Page 28 of Soul

“My little girl now knows what an affair is and has learned a fine insult today. Maci has a mind like a sponge. She soaks everything up. She’ll remember that and watch her use it… and in the correct context as well!”

Soul laughed, and I gaped at him. My anger chewed on itself for a few more moments before I also saw the funny side.

“Oh, shit. I can’t imagine who Maci will use that on,” I cried, giggling.

“She’s a handful. But I agree, she’ll use it in the right context,” Soul said, still chuckling.

“Lord help that child,” I replied, leaning back against my car.

“Ain’t no helping her, there’s nothing wrong with her,” Soul declared, his eyes warm. “How are you feeling?”

“Calmer now. I guess it doesn’t matter either way. They’ll be joining a new school when we leave.”

“You don’t have to move, Bryony. None of us would ever hurt the kids. Why don’t you come over for a drink later and I’ll tell you what happened to me. It ain’t pretty. Maybe Priest can come too if you’re not uncomfortable, and you could listen to our stories?” Soul offered.

I studied his eyes; they were kind and open. Soul was offering me a hand in friendship. As much as I didn’t want to accept it, there was something genuine about him.

“Okay. The kids go down at eight as it’s a school night. Say eight-thirty?”

“Yeah, want us to come to you? That way, you don’t have to leave them alone?” Soul offered.

“That would be really kind,” I agreed.

“See you then, Bryony,” Soul said and ducked back down. I headed into the house and sighed. I do keep getting into these situations!

Chapter Six.

Soul

Iwas nervous. Only my brothers had known my story up till now. Telling Bryony was a huge step, but somehow, I knew she would handle it with care. Her daughter had the same ability. Bryony wouldn’t be cruel or dismissive of it. In fact, I believed she’d listen carefully indeed.

Priest came, and surprisingly, Blue accompanied him.

“Don’t have a power, but ain’t letting you two do this alone,” Blue stated.

Damn, that was good of him. We walked over to Bryony’s and knocked.

She opened the door a few moments later and looked surprised to see three of us. Wariness crossed her expression.

“Sorry to jump on board, ma’am, without an invite. I don’t have abilities; I thought you might want someone else who doesn’t. Balance it out a bit,” Blue explained, and Bryony cocked her head.

Finally, she nodded. “Come in, we’ll go into the front room as the kids sleep at the back. Would anyone like a drink?” she asked.

“I brought you a bottle of wine,” I announced, holding my gift out.

Bryony’s face softened. “That’s kind of you, Soul. Thank you. Can I offer you a beer?”

Priest sheepishly held up a six-pack, and Bryony laughed.

“Take a seat. You wanted to tell me your story,” Bryony said.

“Yeah. My mom passed when I was two.” I settled in to tell her. “I don’t remember her. I had a sibling, Lila, who was nine years older than me. Lila was my sister, my mom, and a hero. I worshipped her, especially as she was exactly like me. She sensed lies, too, but she had Mom to help her. Lila was eleven when Mom died, so she’d learnt a lot.”

“Damn, Soul, Lila was a child looking after another,” Bryony murmured.

“Yeah. She was my world, still is. Anyway, Mom passed, and Dad became an alcoholic. A functioning drunk but a mean one. He hated us kids because our abilities scared him. Dad wasn’t bothered with us, but he had loved Mom, and we were all that was left of her. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if Mom hadn’t died. Would Dad have started drinking or not? Who the fuck knows?”

“But it’s a question that bugs you.”

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