Page 49 of Icy Heart, Empty Chest
My stomach started making angry sounds, likely from ignoring it too long. I got up and moodily poked at my coffee maker. My stomach felt sour, ready to digest my insides. I was certain there wasn’t much in the house but I made do with some toast to start. I doubted I was going to go for anything too rich. I wasn’t sure my nerves were going to let me go much more than that.
It was Wednesday. I hadn’t showered in days. Maybe after I changed his ice packs I could get in the shower. I tottered back to his side and pulled the now-melted ice packs off him.
His skin was still warm but his green looked less like acid and closer to his actual tone.
I shut the fridge and trudge to the shower. I keep the door cracked in case of noises. I reach my hand in and yank on the nozzle, trying to get it as hot as I can possibly manage. After stripping down and stepping in, I tip my head back into the spray.
We were ten.One of the parents in the neighborhood had a sprinkler on and we were running through. I loved water like that. Light and floating through the air. We were young and summer lasts forever when you’re that age. “Come on, Cora! Watch how high I can jump!”
We were nine,playing tag in the school yard. I knew Damien could run faster than the other kids but he always slowed down near me so I could tag him. He tripped over a rock and wenthead over heels. The rest of the group moved on but I ran to his side. He was scowling at his knee, bruised, grassy and bleeding. I put my hands on either side and let the blue tingles fly. The cut sealed up and I was able to brush off the rest of the dirt. He got up and took my hand, flying off with his incredible speed to get with the rest of the group.
We weresixteen doing a group presentation on the effects of advances in technology on the Fae Wars. I had done my part, albeit quietly, and Damien took over. He was projecting to the group, being his natural charming self. I remember I couldn’t stop staring. I almost missed my mark to speak again. He smiled at me and I at him. There were some choice words afterwards from less savory people but I could block out who I wanted. It was just him.
We werefourteen and in the museum. I was telling Damien about the vase on the table, the colors and symbols, reciting what my father had taught me. He looked over, fascinated, and exclaimed, “You’re amazing, Cor!” He was chided by passing staff for his volume but it didn’t matter.
I had been standingfor a while and my shower was growing steadily colder. My body jolted and I quickly slathered on some body wash. Grabbing my towel I wrapped it around after stopping. I didn’t hear anything else.
Rubbing both hands over my eyes, I peered into the mirror. Slightly more humanoid.
After scrounging for some clean clothes, I plopped myself back in the chair, facing him. Sighing, I tipped my head back, staring.
I opened my eyes again when the glare from the sun hit me. Shit. I had lost time. This is what I get for sleeping in the chair. He hadn’t changed. I dragged myself up to the bathroom, grabbing a wash cloth and towel. If that was the first bath I’d had in days, he was likely the same.
It would probably be the most awkward bath he’d ever have if he was awake. Still in a pair of shorts, I scrubbed up and down his limbs, neck, chest. At least he was a bit cleaner now. I was mostly satisfied and turned him again while I was kneeling.
The rest of the day passed with crossword puzzles and books. Around 5:30, I noticed a familiar sheen of sweat on his head. I dropped what I was doing and got up, promptly going to my knees with dizziness. Oh right. My food and water intake had been minimal today. Dummy, I chided myself. You can’t heal him if you’re running on fumes.
I replaced the ice packs and went to my fridge. An apple, peanut butter and some ice-cold water was enough to dull the headache and stop the spinning.
At six I heard a knock and opened the door. Jace was easily 110 years old with some white hair through his silvery strands. He looked alarmed at my appearance.
“Woah, you OK, kiddo?”
I sighed. “I don’t really have time to explain but bottom line is, I’m helping someone else.”
Eyes widened, he nodded, handing the turquoise crystal to me. I slid it to an adjoining table and handed over the painting. His eyes brightened and slid over the canvas.
“Pleasure doing business with you. Let me know if you need anything else, OK?”
I nodded gratefully. “Thanks, old friend.”
He turned and I closed the door.
I stopped. Did I need the crystal? Should I just try it on my own? I promptly rejected both. I’m not sure why my magic wasodd a few days ago at Filla’s but I’m taking no chances. I’ll take the power boost. Besides, I don’t know if it’ll make the slightest bit of difference.
I set the crystal at the head of the couch, grasping him lightly at the wrists. I summoned up the magic as best I could but opened my eyes and saw nothing.
Relax, Cora, relax. You’re blocking yourself. Think of something good.
Only a few days ago I had told him that I missed him and I was his friend and I’d fight for him. There, a little spark. Keep going. He hugged me in the bar. I told him how proud of him I was.
Little Dae and Little Cor running around together.
There was a warm glow across my closed eyes. My magic looked like golden licks of fire. I had never seen it take that form before but I’d never used a crystal before. The flames seemed alive as they crawled over his form, up his arms, under and around his head. I pushed harder, determined to rid all fever from him. I could feel the strain come on quickly. Feels like a block on your ribcage, pushing all the air from your lungs, cramping up your whole back.
I let go before I passed out. I got to my feet, shakily, and tumbled towards my water bottle. I suck it down greedily.
Damien looks better though. Not sweaty or off color. I swear my magic even gave him a collagen boost. The scar’s still there though.
