Chapter 5

Parents

It was December now and it was cold. I was in a pair of winter boots and a coat. Fox decided to take me shopping. She took me to lots of different stores before asking if I wanted to look at anything. I just wanted to go back to castle and drink. Whiskey or hot cocoa, I wasn't sure yet. But I wanted to drink. I pointed the nearest store I could find and it turned out to be a book store.

We went inside and I looked around. I contemplated running out, but I wasn't exactly sure if I could get far. I saw nothing I wanted so we left and went back to the castle and I shed my coat. Then I went to the cage and slugged down a few glasses of peppermint liquor. Then I took a couple of breath mints to hide scent. I sighed and wondered if I should have ran. Owen interrupted and I was taken to train with David.

Maybe all that bullshit about me improving wasn't bullshit. He still kicked me around, but less so. Right now, I was struggling to get free from his grasp. His face was awkwardly close to mine.

"Let go!" I growled.

"Why does your breath smell so minty?" He asked.

"Because unlike some people, I actually take care of my bad breath." I lied flawlessly, freeing myself.

His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing as he walked toward me. I hesitated, not sure what he was doing. I backed up nimbly and had no time to guess to as when my footwork had changed. We were grappling soon and I ended up on the floor.

"I know alcohol when I smell it, Talia." He said, somehow coolly and disappointed at the same time.

"…" I sat up.

"How long?" He asked.

I sighed; I was going to grounded forever as long as I'm here, "Not that often… Twice in two months." I mumbled.

He paused and I got up. I started to walk away, "Talia."

"If you're going to ground me again, just say it!" I growled.

"I need to talk your mo-" He started.

"You're not my parents! You just adopted me to save face." I bit.

"We are your parents." His gaze hardened.

"Well, you're doing a shit job. Owen's a better parent than you are. You don't even pay attention to me if I'm good." I said hotly.

"Is that what's this is about?" He asked, surprised.

"No, wait… Fuck. I didn't mean that." I tried to back track.

"Sir?" Owen poked his head in. I must have accidently distracted David and kept him too long.

"We'll talk about this dinner, Talia. I'm coming, Owen." He left.

I screwed up so bad. I showered and changed. Training always left me sweaty. I joined them for dinner and I waited for David to speak. "We've decided that you're grounded for two more weeks since you stole from my liquor supply. Talia, you have to start behaving again. I realize we haven't been doing enough for you, but we do care for you."

I snorted.

"Talia." Fox warned.

I stayed quiet.

"I know you're upset with me, and maybe you think your old life was better, but we can't change the fact that I adopted you. Not to save face, but because I saw someone who could do great things if they were helped." David smiled a little and it was unnerving.

"Ok." I said.

"So, you'll behave from now on?" Fox asked.

"Yeah…" I wondered if this was the right move.

"Good." David said and then we ate.

The rest of the punishment went fast. Although, I think experimenting with my powers helped. I could float a tiny bit, move things, summon things and possibly more, but I wasn't sure how far I should push. It was a bit scary. David said that we go back to my old house on Saturday.