About an hour later and halfway through my phone book, a knock came on my door, "Lee, can I come in?" It was Maria.

"Come on in," she stepped in smiling meekly and holding a gift between her hands. Followed closely behind her was Yosuke, "Not you, you stay out."

"We will discuss your behavior later," his voice was cold, but he did as I told him.

"I'm sorry it took me so long, I whipped this up before coming over, and I'm glad I did. Who is that guy?" She was looking at the now closed door. I didn't know what to tell her, the truth?

"He's my father," I whispered.

"What, but, how? Were you adopted?" I shook my head, "Then how is he your father?"

"It's complicated."

"Try me," she wasn't letting this go. She never let anything go. She would become a great reporter someday.

I looked at her and smiled weakly, and began with last night and ended with that man. She was silent for a moment, but smiled, "I always knew you were a weirdo."

"Hey," I couldn't help but smile.

"Well here, take this and I want you keep in touch with me," she handed me the box and smiled.

The box was wrapped in turquoise and red wrapping paper. Nothing special, but the colors looked good together and made me a bit happy inside. I carefully pulled the wrappings off. Inside was a beautiful wooden chest. It smelled like cedar. The cover had the Eye of Horus etched into it.

"Did you make this?"

"Yep, happy birthday. Now open it up," her smile was still intact but there was something the matter.

I opened the box and pulled out a red velvet pouch. I could smell sage and thyme the strongest, but underneath that was rosemary and something else I couldn't place. It smelled beautiful.

"It's for protection and to keep evil spirits away," I wrapped my arms around her squeezing as hard as I could, "Can't…breathe…"

"Sorry," it was supposed to be sincere but came out in a giggle. "You always were my favorite witch," I teased. In all actuality, she had helped me out many times before when I had troubles with stalkers and thieves.

"I'm gonna miss you so much," tears were falling from her eyes.

"Please don't cry." The sound of the doorbell filled the house, and Maria was suddenly smiling, "What did you do?"

"I kinda sent a school wide text message saying you were leaving," I groaned and waited for everyone to flood in.