22.01.15

Ayanna Kane

We sit on the stairs in silence for a moment. Dad wraps his arm around me and I lean on him. His present still shines in Thoth's feet. It's been so long since we've talked, I don't know what to say. I don't think there's anything I can say. Especially now that's he's leaving.

"I'll be back, you know?" he says, as if having read my thoughts.

"Promise?"

Dad sighs. I close my eyes, laying my head on his chest.

"What did you tell your mom?"

The usual, lies. "That I have been accepted at BAG. I've been manifesting a new school anyway, so she wasn't surprised."

"And she hasn't asked to talk to me?"

"I convinced her she doesn't need to."

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale.

"I'll scry you when I can, but I won't put it past Michael to cut off my communication for a while."

I nod. "I still can't believe he's bad."

Exhale.

"He's not. He's just doing his job. Deep down, there is a part of Michael Desjardins that cares about us."

"Do you really think so?"

"I wouldn't be seeking help in First if I didn't."

Inhale. Exhale.

My eyes snap open when I hear Sadie shout "Bast!"

Dad kisses my hair and gets up. "I think that's my cue to leave."

He's halfway up the stairs when I call "Dad!" he turns around. "I miss you."

He nods. I swear I see the faintest of sad smiles tug on his lips. "Me too, angel, me too."