Valkyrie couldn't sleep. Another nightmare had woken her at around 4am. It was now 5.30am, and she was laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. It was quiet, save for the sound of the low wind outside and her own steady breathing. She picked up her phone and clicked on the speed dial. Skulduggery picked up on the second ring.
"What are you doing up so early?" He asked immediately.
"Can't sleep." Valkyrie replied "Any new cases?"
"Just two. First is a double-murder. No magic involved apparently, plus the victims were friends with both sorcerers and mortals. Really scales it down. The second is pretty much wrapped up. Boy cheats on girl, girls gets jealous and explodes boy's brains with an energy blast. A very nasty sight apparently, but she's in custody."
"Haven't you been busy."
"It's actually feels very good to be back at the Sanctuary, doing detective duties, and that sort of thing."
"Yippee for you. I saw you at the funeral."
"I wasn't technically at the funeral, I just found myself in that general area at that general time."
"So you're stalking me?"
"Not at all, merely coincidentally following you. How are things back at home?"
"Go ahead and change the topic why don't you."
"Thank you, I did." Skulduggery said, almost happily. Valkyrie groaned and sighed.
"Home's fine." She muttered "We watched a film last night. Ate popcorn."
"Sounds nice."
"I guess."
"Wasn't it nice?"
"No, it was an ok film. I'd just like some sleep, you know?"
"Talking on the phone probably won't help."
"Well I've been awake for an hour and a half doing nothing."
"The nightmares are that bad?"
"Yep." Valkyrie sighed.
"Well staying in bed probably won't help either. Get out of bed and do something, have a drink, eat a snack, listen to some music, read a book. The time will pass faster. You could even mediate if you wanted to."
"Very funny. Like I could stay still for that long."
"It was just a suggestion."
"Whatever. Have you found any more information on Voldemort?"
"A few bits here and there, quite a lot of old wizarding newspaper clippings, quite a few new ones denying his return, whilst insulting Mr Potter and Dumbledore. Not many leads as to where he is now though. There's the incident at the Ministry, but that's the problem with these bloody wizards, they can apparate anywhere they want to without a trace. Making this job a nightmare."
"So you're having a great time?"
"Very funny."
"I'll call you later."
"Bye Val."
"Bye." She hung up and sighed, running her fingers through her hair. She waited for a few minutes more before getting out of bed. It was colder than she expected as she shuffled downstairs, as quiet as she could possibly be. It was definitely dark outside, as Valkyrie found out when she walking into something heavy and solid. She cursed, searching the wall for the light switch. She cursed again when she found it, squinting against the sudden light that hit her eyes. She had walked into a wooden chair, stubbing her toes on it. She collapsed on the sofa in the living room and sprawled herself out on it, sighing. She curled up, wondering whether she could ask Ghastly to make her a dressing gown that was both warm and protective. That would be useful.
"Stephanie?" She jumped, falling off of the sofa. She groaned and rolled over.
"Mum, hi." She muttered.
"What's wrong honey? It's not like you to be up so early."
"Just a nightmare." She muttered, getting up and sitting on the sofa properly. Her mother walked over and sat next to her.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She asked. Valkyrie shook her head.
"Anyway, why are you up so early?" Valkyrie turned her head to look at her mum.
"Well, I was woken up by your father snoring, and then I heard a creak on the stairs, and then I heard a bang and a swear word."
"Oh, yeah. Stubbed my toe. Sorry."
"If your father had heard you he would have rubbed your mouth out with soap."
"Which is why I love you because you're so amazing and would never tell him." Valkyrie smiled slightly as he mother broke a smile, a small laugh escaping her lips. She rested her elbows on her thighs and sighed.
"Are you alright?" she asked. Valkyrie nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine." She muttered. Her mother raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah. Just tired." Valkyrie smiled, but Melissa wasn't having any of it – and Valkyrie could tell.
"What's on your mind, honey?" She asked, shuffling closer, wrapping an arm around her daughter's shoulder. Valkyrie racked her brains for an excuse.
"It's…" she began, thought again, sighed, and continued "It's just this new school, and being away for ages. I just, wasn't expecting it you know? And… what with Carol…" Valkyrie's voice trailed off, and her mother wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Family deaths are always hard, sweetie, but there's nothing we can do except remember them for who they were, and carry on loving them. I didn't think you and Carol were that close, but if you were, then I'm sorry darling."
"We weren't that close, but… it's not fair. She doesn't deserve it."
"I know, honey. But life isn't fair. It's just the way things are."
"Yeah, I know."
"And as for the school, I'm sure it's lovely. It'll be nice to meet some new people, learn about new things. I'm so proud of you for getting in, honey."
"Thanks mum."
"There's no one bullying you is there?"
"No, most people are pretty friendly. There's a few people, but I can handle them if they try anything."
"That's right. My strong little girl." Valkyrie smiled slightly, but guilt and sadness were clawing at her inside.
"Why not make a photo album of all your new friends. Then we can see them too. Or write letters over the holidays." Valkyrie smiled.
"That's a good idea mum. I might just do that. But, I'll have to take photos of you guys too, so I can show them."
"Well my beautiful face has been longing for some camera time." Her mother smiled, and Valkyrie couldn't help but smile back.
"Do we have any empty photo albums?"
"Check the cupboard, your father has all sorts of junk in there. I'm sure you'll come across something. Have you done your Christmas shopping?"
"I only got back 2 days ago."
"So?"
"So no, I haven't."
"Well, I was hoping we wouldn't have to go out anywhere, what with this dangerous driver on the loose…"
"I think they caught him."
"They did?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"I didn't know that."
"I did."
"Obviously."
"But anyway, yeah, I think they caught him." Valkyrie said. Her mother sighed.
"Well, at least he won't be able to hurt anyone else."
"So, can I go Christmas shopping?"
"Hmm, oh yes. But I'm going with you."
"Why?"
"Just in case. Haggard seems to be going downhill nowadays, I don't know what's going on with the world. Seems like no one tells anyone the truth anymore. Right?" Valkyrie nodded, tongue thick in her mouth as she smiled falsely.
"You'd always talk to me though, right dear?"
"Yes mum."
"About anything?"
"Of course." Valkyrie hated the way her stomach churned when she looked at her innocent mother and lied straight to her face. Was it the right time to tell them? "Actually…" she started.
"Yes?"
"Um, I've kind of… I've been… offered a job… when I leave school."
"Really? What kind of job?"
"Um, helping out with the police force."
"That's a dangerous job." Her mother frowned "Especially for a young girl."
"I'll be safe." Valkyrie said quickly "I'd have a partner and everything."
"They don't expect a decision right away, do they?"
"I guess not."
"Maybe it would be best if we talked as a family about it, when your dad's not snoring upstairs."
"Maybe. I'm gonna go back to bed."
"Goodnight dear."
"Night." Valkyrie stood and walked upstairs slowly. God where had that come from? One lie had turned into another lie that would undoubtedly turn into another lie. Valkyrie hated lying. But at least now she could introduce Skulduggery. Maybe if she eased them into the truth it wouldn't be so bad. She hoped so. But she didn't know if she'd ever tell them her biggest secret, about Darquesse. Seems like no one tells anyone the truth anymore. Right? Right.
