Chosen Chapter 11: House Party

Part 2

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Minutes before the party would officially start, Violet was checking to make sure everything was ready. She fluffed the pillows on the couch for about the hundredth time and moved the flowers on the table a bit so they were perfect. She stopped at the mirror and looked at herself. She was dressed in a cute green top and black pants that Billie helped pick out. She could not believe how nervous she was and hoped she wasn't being too much of a control freak. She looked at the flowers again and moved them back a little.

"Vi, stop worrying. The place looks great." Billie said as she walked into the room with a glass of wine in her hand.

"What are you doing?" Violet asked. "Shouldn't we wait for the guests?"

"Oh, come on, calm down. It is a party." Billie replied. "Besides, I think you're the one who needs a drink."

"I'm too nervous to drink." Violet said. "God, is Duncan still in the shower? The guests can arrive any minute. What could possibly take that long?"

"Do you really want the answer to that?" Billie asked with a frown.

"Not really." Violet quickly said. "Do you think the room looks okay?"

"You need to chill out." Billie said. "These people are our friends. They are not going to judge you based on the fluffiness of the pillows. Just enjoy yourself."

"I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?" Violet admitted. "Sorry, I just want tonight to be perfect. I'm not used to hosting parties and stuff."

"But you've been to parties before, right?" Billie asked. "They are supposed to be fun and relaxed. Here, have some wine."

"Thanks." Violet replied as she took the glass from Billie and took a large sip. "Okay, right, fun. Did we lock the study?"

"Yes, we did." Billie said in an annoyed tone. "The magical supplies are safely stored there. But everyone coming is either magical or knows about magic."

"Still better safe than sorry." Violet said.

At that moment, Duncan came walking down the stairs. His hair was still wet and he was finishing buttoning up his shirt. She wanted to say something, but was interrupted by the doorbell. Violet quickly finished her wine and headed to the door. When she opened it, she saw Paige and Tyler standing on the porch, but there was no sign of the rest of the family. The young Firestarter was holding a large gift basket filled with all kinds of kitchen supplies.

"Hi, come in." Violet said as she stepped aside to let them in. "We're so happy you're here."

"Thanks for the invite." Paige replied.

"Paige, hi!" Billie said as she hugged her old friend. "I'm so glad you made it. Where are Henry and your sisters?"

"Oh, it's just us." Paige said as she pointed at herself and Tyler. "Henry got called in for an emergency at work, Phoebe couldn't get a babysitter and Piper's back is a little sore due to the pregnancy."

"Oh, too bad." Billie replied. "I hoped you would all come. It has been so long since I saw them. So Piper is pregnant again, huh?"

"Yes. And this time, she is convinced it is going to be a girl." Paige replied.

"So nice house you got." Tyler said to interrupt the pregnancy talk. "And here, we got you a lame gift basket."

"Hey, it's not lame." Paige called out as she tapped him on the head. "It has all kinds of things you need for a first house, like kitchen supplies."

"Thanks." Violet said as she accepted the basket. "I am sure it will be useful. So do you guys want a tour or should we wait for the other guests to arrive first?"

"How about we start with a drink first?" Duncan noted.

"A drink sounds nice." Paige replied.

"You know, I still need to remind myself not to call you headmistress." Duncan said.

"Oh, please don't." Paige remarked. "It makes me sound old. And I got a feeling I'm already going to be the oldest one here now that my sisters cancelled."

"You're not that old." Billie noted with a smile.

"Can I get you a glass of wine?" Violet asked.

"Oh, no I don't drink alcohol." Paige replied. "Anything else will be fine."

"What about you, Tyler?" Violet asked.

"How about a beer?" Tyler replied.

"Oh, I don't think so, mister." Paige remarked. "You're underage."

"Come on, I'm eighteen." Tyler replied. "It's not a school night, and it's not like I've never done it before."

"Excuse me?" Paige asked with a frown. "You do know this whole foster thing makes me responsible for you, right? No drinking."

"Okay, fine." Tyler replied reluctantly.

"So who else is coming?" Paige asked.

Just as Billie was about to answer, the doorbell rang again. As Duncan let Paige and Tyler into the living room, Billie opened the door. Violet saw it was Hope and another girl she did not recognize. Billie greeted them happily and let them in. Both of them brought a bottle of wine.

"I hope you don't mind I brought my friend Darcy along." Hope said.

"Of course not. I'd say the more the merrier, but I've always thought that was a lame saying." Billie replied. "Either way, come in."

"Hi. Nice to meet you." Darcy said. "I've heard much about you. And just so you know, I am completely aware of magic, so no need for secrecy."

"Good to know." Billie replied. "Paige and Tyler just got here."

"Great, it has been a while since I saw her." Hope said with a smile.

"I'll show you to the living room." Billie said.

As Billie led the girls to the living room, Violet put the gift basket on the side table by the door and checked her phone. She hoped Arthur did not get lost in his work again. Ever since the valley, he had been obsessing over what happened, so she was a little worried about him. She sent him a text to remind him about the party and joined the others.

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Just outside, twins Nick and Nathan Ross were heading to the party. Nathan was looking forward to it, as it finally gave him a chance to do normal couple stuff with Duncan. However, his mood was a little ruined by his brother's sulking attitude. Nathan just hoped Nick would not embarrass him or do something stupid. He wanted to make an effort to get along with Duncan's friends. After what happened with the Tribunal, it was time for a fresh start.

"I can pick up on your thoughts, you know." Nick remarked.

"Just try to act a little normal, please." Nathan replied.

"Do we really have to go to this thing?" Nick asked with a frown. "I get that you want to, but why did I have to come?"

"Duncan invited both of us." Nathan said. "This a chance for us both to prove we're not, you know, evil warlocks."

"But these people are not our friends." Nick replied. "I'm sure they only tolerate us because you're with Duncan."

"Then maybe you should try making friends. You were always so good at that." Nathan remarked with an eye roll. "At least when we weren't robbing people instead."

"Ah, good times." Nick said with a smile.

"I'm serious. We actually have a reason to stay here now." Nathan said as he grabbed his brother by the arm. "We have a clean slate. And I am not going to waste it."

"You mean you have a reason to stay." Nick replied as they stopped. "I don't have a place to belong here. Why should I stick around?"

"You're still thinking about leaving?" Nathan asked worried. "Even if I want to stay?"

"I guess so." Nick replied doubtfully. "I mean, just because we're twins, doesn't mean we have to always stay together, right?"

"Well, if that's what you want, then I can't stop you." Nathan said disappointed. "But before you run off, can you at least try to fit in and play nice for once?"

"Fine." Nick said. "Let's just get this over with."

"Oh crap." Nathan suddenly said. "We forgot a gift."

"So what?" Nick asked with a frown.

"Isn't that something you're supposed to bring to a housewarming?" Nathan asked.

"Who cares?" Nick replied with a shrug. "If they ask why we didn't bring anything, we'll just say it's because of our poor upbringing."

"We can't always use that as an excuse." Nathan said.

"Then we'll say we're just broke." Nick replied. "That's not an excuse, that's just true."

"Good point." Nathan agreed. "Alright, let's just go."

The twins soon reached the house. As they rang the bell, Nathan realized he was a bit nervous. He wasn't sure he could do the normal thing. After a life of being criminals on the run, it all felt fake somehow. However, he instantly felt a bit better when Duncan opened the door.

"You made it." Duncan said.

"Well, we couldn't miss an amazing party like this." Nick remarked sarcastically. "So where is the beer?"

"It's in the kitchen." Duncan replied with a sigh. "And for what it's worth, I'm glad you came."

"Uh, thanks." Nick replied doubtfully as he headed inside.

"He is new to the whole friendly interaction thing." Nathan explained as soon as Nick headed inside.

"I noticed." Duncan with a smile. "So are you sure you're up for this?"

"A whole night of worrying what people think of me? Wondering if I'm good enough?" Nathan remarked. "Sure, sounds like fun."

"Oh, I've been doing that my whole life." Duncan replied laughing. "Don't worry, it gets easier."

"Good to know." Nathan replied with a smile and they kissed in the door opening for a moment before heading inside.

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Billie smiled as she turned the music down a bit and grabbed a bowl of chips to go around the room with. The party was slowly getting started and people seemed to be having a good time. Duncan was talking to the twins and Tyler, while Violet was chatting with Paige. Even though it was a small party, Billie was still glad she was with people she cared about. She needed some quality time with friends, without another magical emergency or drama. She poured herself some more wine and joined Hope and Darcy on the couch.

"So what is going on here?" Billie asked.

"Billie, you can help me." Darcy said. "I've been trying to convince Hope to come back to Berkeley for weeks now. Help me out."

"I think that's a great idea, Hope." Billie said. "You should finish school."

"I'm not sure if I can." Hope replied. "Just because the last few months have been peaceful, doesn't mean the box is suddenly safe. Demons will always come after it."

"Just because you're the guardian, doesn't mean your life has to revolve around that stupid box." Darcy remarked. "You deserve a life."

"I agree." Billie said. "The box is important, of course, but so are you. You should be able to do what you want."

"I guess." Hope replied. "I will think about it. You're right, I don't want the box to rule my life, but I can't risk unleashing the sorrows ever again."

"Okay, let's just change the subject for now." Darcy said. "Billie, what is going on with you? Any guy in your life at the moment?"

"Uh, no, not right now." Billie admitted. "I need a break after the last time."

"I heard about what happened with Jake. I'm so sorry." Hope said.

"Jake?" Darcy asked curiously.

"Long story. Depressing story." Billie replied as she took a sip of wine. "Next subject please."

"So what is going on with you and the hot straight twin?" Darcy asked. "I saw him checking you out earlier."

"Nick?" Billie called out. "Oh, God no. We flirted once, but that's only because he was trying to kill me at the time."

"Excuse me?" Darcy asked shocked.

"Oh, yeah, the twins used to be sort-of evil." Billie replied. "Not interested in that."

"So what about Tyler?" Hope asked suggestively.

"Tyler?" Billie replied. "He is just a kid."

"Oh, he is definitely not a kid anymore." Hope replied as she looked at the muscular teen talking to the other guys in the corner. "Sure he is a little young, but he obviously has a huge crush on you."

"Please, he is a hormonal eighteen year old." Billie remarked as Tyler noticed them looking and smiled at her. "He has a crush on anything with a nice rack."

"Well, you guys suit yourselves." Darcy said as she stood up. "Formerly evil or not, that Nick is just too yummy to ignore. First a short bathroom break and then I'm going in. Wish me luck."

"Good luck." Billie and Hope said at almost exactly the same time and Darcy walked away.

"Are you sure he is not dangerous?" Hope asked.

"No, he's still a jerk, but he's harmless now. Come on, let's get a refill." Billie replied.

Billie dragged Hope up from the couch and headed to the kitchen. As they walked away, the wall next to them rippled and a shadow appeared. The demon's face appeared and he smirked as he selected his first target. The demon faded into the floor and followed Darcy. As she reached for the bathroom door, the demon opened a vortex of shadows behind it. Darcy's eyes widened in shock when she saw it, though she was pulled in before she could barely make a sound and the door slammed shut. Picking them off one by one was going to be easy.

Xxx

At the end of the street, Arthur appeared through swirling blue spirals behind some bushes. After all, he figured it was not a smart move to freak out the neighbors by teleporting in the middle of the street. As he started walking to the house, he noticed Violet had sent him a reminder already. He was about to text her back when more swirling spirals appeared in front of him. Arthur stopped in his tracks and was shocked to see Bryant appear before him.

"You!" Arthur called out angrily.

"Calm down." The other Wizard replied. "I am here to talk."

"Why would I want to talk to you?" Arthur asked. "You nearly got me and my friends killed in that valley. Not to mention, you stole an ancient and potentially dangerous artifact."

"I knew you could get out of there." Bryant said. "It was never my intention to get you killed. The boss would be very angry if that happened."

"The boss?" Arthur asked with a frown.

"Yeah, he wants to meet you." Bryant replied. "I think you'll want to hear what he has to say."

"You really think I'm stupid enough to fall for that?" Arthur asked.

"This isn't a trap." Bryant said. "You're looking for answers. I can take you to someone who can provide those answers. Answers about the Wizards."

"And what does this mysterious figure want in return?" Arthur asked.

"All he wants is for you to listen to him." Bryant replied as he extended his hand. "Just you though. No strings attached."

Arthur hesitated as he stared at the other Wizard. He knew this person should not be trusted, but this was an opportunity to finally get some real answers. Perhaps it was a risk he should take. He wanted to know once and for all. Eventually, he caved and took his hand. Bryant nodded and teleported them both away to an unknown destination.

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