Bounding down the stairs, I feel like a two year old on Christmas morning. There she was; my answer to everything. Crystal.
No, not in that way; she's my brother's soulfinder for crying out loud. But she was still, most definitely, the answer to all my problems.
"Someone's eager," Crystal laughs, watching me come to an abrupt stop at the bottom step. I smile nervously, running a hand through my hair.
"Sorry, it's just you know I've been waiting and stuff and now you're finally like-" I ramble, only causing Crystal to laugh again. Just then, Xav appears; can of coke in hand.
"So, let's get this party started!" He cheers, punching the air before looping his spare arm around Crystal's shoulder. Crystal smiles adoringly, pecking his cheek but pries from his hold.
"Sorry, Xav. You're gonna have to sit this one out." Xav's face drops instantly, his pleading eyes turning to me. I hold my hands up, completely innocent. It was Crystal's rule – she wanted it to be private. She was the newly-discovered soulseeker; a one of a kind. It was insane that she existed, let alone happened to be the soulfinder of my dopey brother. Xav hits me in the chest.
"Hey, I'm not dopey." He frowns mockingly but nothing could dampen the mood.
"Come on," Crystal ushers me into the living room, kissing Xav goodbye before closing the door. I settle myself on the floor, eager to get this going.
"Ok, Will." Crystal draws in a breath, stretching out her back before sitting opposite me. She brushes her curly hair from her face, revealing her model-esque features and olive skin.
"You need to drop all your shields and just relax, try not to think of anything too specific." I raise my eyebrows at her. How could she think I could relax and have an empty mind when she was about to unveil the biggest thing in my life?
Taking a steady breath, I drop my shields and close my eyes, willing myself to stay relaxed. I feel Crystal dip into my mind, her prescence not sending off any danger signals from my gift. I'd inherited it from my father, the ability to sense danger. I feel Crystal poking around; searching for something to tie too. After a few moments, I feel her leave and she giggles profusely. Opening my eyes, I frown at her.
"What are you laughing at?" I demand, maybe a little too harshly. Crystal apologises and looks at me, smile spreading from ear to ear.
"I'm sorry, Will. It's just, she's the complete opposite of you." She lets out another ironic giggle and I roll my eyes, eager to find out more.
"What did you see?" I press, wringing my fingers in anxiousness.
"Well, she's English. South Eastern to be exact. Short hair with the cutest little face – she puts us all to shame. She's petite but fiery," Crystal's eyes mist over again, sensing her prescence for a moment again.
"She knows she's a savant." She tells me to which I nod, glad at the fact. I knew it had been hard for Sky; finding out she was something she never expected.
"I can't tell what her gift is," Crystal frowns, closing her eyes.
"But I can tell she's powerful, especially for a little English girl." Crystal opens her bright eyes again, smiling at me once more.
"So, where do I find her in England?" I ask but Crystal shrugs, looking sorry.
"You'll need Zed's help on that one." She chimes and I nod, but a wave of sickness spreads through me. It wasn't that I didn't want my family's help, of course I did. It just felt… private. I wanted it to be special and happen kind of naturally, I suppose. Unlike anything else that ever went on in my life. But, as Crystal had put it, Zed was the only way I would know where to find her exactly. After all, England was a big place.
Little brother to the rescue Zed's voice sounds in my head, causing me to wince slightly. A moment later, the one and only strides through the door and into the living room.
"By the way," Zed starts, sitting down next to Crystal with a smug expression.
"They're all outside listening." He nods at the oak door, where I could almost picture everyone pressed up against it.
"Great," I mumble, shaking my head with a small smile. I shuffle anxiously, watching as Zed takes Crystal's hand and his eyes slip shut. He also begins laughing.
"Why is everyone laughing!" I exclaim, the seriousness of the situation getting to me. First Crystal, now Zed.
"Sorry bro, it's just Crystal was right when she said she's the opposite of you." Zed chuckles, Crystal shooting me an apologetic look. I wave it off, keeping my level-headed reputation.
"Right, well I say you should probably board the next plane to England as the perfect opportunity is coming up. This Friday, a massive fun-fair is taking place and she's planning on taking her little sister there." Zed opens his eyes, removing his hand from Crystal's and fixing his hair.
"It'll be fine, Will." He assures me, but I don't take much comfort in his words. Judging by the fact that everyone seemed to be laughing, I wasn't quite sure how this was going to play out.