Of Fire and Ice

I do not own the series W.I.T.C.H all I own is the plot.

A/N Sorry it's been so long since I've updated again but I will probably update more after I'm done with summer school. Please bear with me if this differs from the books in some ways. I hope you'll enjoy this installment.

Chapter 16

I hear my mom yell "TARANEE COME DOWN YOU'VE GOT COMPANY!"

I groan and obey not knowing what to expect out of this event. It's probably one of our ever endearing relatives, so I put on my polite smile and walk down stairs. I look at the lady and it was my counselor from school. "Huh what is she doing here? I wonder if it is urgent or does she want to make sure that I tell my parents?" She offers a gentle smile to me and I hear her mind tell me. "It'll be alright Taranee; I'm only here to observe your family life."

I keep my smile to not give any hint that something was wrong. I stand beside my parents and my father seems familiar with my counselor. He hugs her and says, "It's been a long time Clarice how's your husband?"

She smiles and says, "Oh the same absentminded personable thing that he is. The only thing he can remember and even quote it is various forms of the laws of this state."

My dad laughs and says; "Well I sure do miss working with him. True he can't remember daily life things but he sure is sharp when it comes to the law. He also was my golfing partner at the old lot."

My mom actually smiles and doesn't have the heated anger that she usually has. My mom smiles at Clarice and asks, "Would you like something to drink?"

She smiles and politely says, "Water if you please Mrs. Cook." My mom actually doesn't give her the 3rd degree. My dad looks at his friend with confusion but still a friendly attitude. I ask, "Would like some snacks?"

She smiles and says, "Why yes Taranee have any you would like for me to try?"

I nod and get some of the small snacks, in the cabinets. Mom walks back in the living with dad and Ms. Clarice. I had a hard time arranging them like I wanted them to do. Suddenly I hear Ms. Clarice asks, "So Lionel, have you noticed your daughters withdrawing behavior?"

I can hear the confusion in his voice as he asks, "Withdrawing Clarice, she seems fine to me a little shy but fine."

I can hear the thoughtful but a slightly bitter tone as Ms. Clarice says, "Yes, she is shy but haven't you even wondered why she barely talks to either of you?"

I hear an uncomfortable silence between my parents and Ms. Clarice. I walk in with the snacks even though they aren't neatly in place. I could see the stern cold look in my mother's eyes and apparently Ms. Clarice notices and asks, "Mrs. Cook you're daughter is quite creative even if it isn't in perfection isn't she?"

My mom pauses for quite a while and answers, "Yes I suppose you're right."

I smile and ask, "Would you like to try some mom?" Mom tastes it and looks shocked. Ms Clarice smiles and takes one herself.

She asks, "Mrs. Cook have you been back to work?"

My mom sighs and says, "I have to wait a few more years before I can regain my position as Judge Cook. Since the crime I committed was out of self defense my boss agreed to allow me back on the bench after about 2 years after I get out of the correctional center."

Ms. Clarice eyes seem to get a little hard as she asks, "Have you communicated effectively with your daughter?"

My mom suddenly gets defensive and asks, "Since when has it been your concern CLARICE ANNABELL MURRY!"

Clarice's blue eyes shown bright and says, "It became my concern when I noticed your bright daughter, showing a fear of getting to know others, having a closed mind to wonderful things around here. Tell me JUDEG COOK; are you guilty of pushing your daughter too hard?"

My mom looks really stuck and asks, "Why are you asking me such a question?"

I feel horrible and blurt out, "NO MORE PLEASE I'M A BAD AND SELFISH DAUGHTER! I'M SORRY FOR EVER TELLING MY FEELINGS ANYONE!"

I run upstairs with such a fiery speed, and determination to hide away. Once I get to my sanctuary I slam that door and jump what seemed like across the room to my bed. Cry till I was so tired I couldn't even dream up a tear, nothing seems to help this void but this is still my home. I'd go through all this pain again because this is my home.

Well this is my latest chapter. I know it's a little shorter then the others but I hope you enjoy this chapter. I will probably be updating more frequently.

Glorygirls4ever: Thanks for the review, but I notice you erased all your stories. I wish you didn't but if you felt you had to then ok. Hope you enjoy.

Harryrulesmyworld: Thanks for your review, and no putting yourself down about your latest chapter. It's a creative way to aid a hint of humor. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter.