Unbound (Unbound, Book 1) ~Formerly Casting Power~

Chapter 29

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Nancy and Aubrey-Lynn were debating whether wake me from just outside of the guest room when I woke up. I got up and opened the door without saying a word, then turned and went to the dresser to pull a brush through my tangled hair. Sifting through my clothes, I knew I couldn't wear the same dress I'd worn to the funeral after having slept in it, so I put my pajamas on and turned to meet Aubrey-Lynn and Nancy's wide eyes.

"I can change at home, right?" I asked, and they raised their eyebrows in unison. Somehow, that struck me as funny. I couldn't believe I'd never noticed how much alike they were before.

Aubrey-Lynn cleared her throat. "We can take you in through the back. I told everyone that nobody is supposed to go back there."

"Okay," I said. "We should get going. It won't look good if we aren't there when everyone arrives."

They exchanged another look. It felt good that I could surprise someone at this point. An almost-giggle escaped. It must've been delayed shock, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't hold it back. The looks on their faces... Well, their expressions just made it more hilarious. My hand flew to cover my mouth to try and hide my laughter, but not even the ache in my throat could deter the sound.

"What is so funny?" Nancy laughed and even Aubrey-Lynn started to join in, soft and dignified. "Why are we laughing?"

"I have no idea." I waved my hands through the air. Tears slid from my eyes and I doubled over as tiny cramps formed.

Aiden came to the doorway to see what was going on, and with one look at his confusion, our laughter intensified. Aubrey-Lynn couldn't help herself anymore, and the soft politeness of her chuckle turned deep and hearty. An outsider looking in would think that we were throwing a party rather than preparing to honor the death of a loved one. But that's what people who practiced the Craft did—they honored rather than mourned loss when Death arrived.

"What's so funny, girls?" Aiden leaned against the doorframe with his hands in the front of his suit trousers. He looked as tired as I felt despite my having just woken up. How much had he taken on so that I could grieve?

"They are laughing at me. Or with me, I guess."

Nancy, still laughing, said, "It was contagious."

"I can imagine." He crossed his arms, built not from a gym but a natural affinity to sports.

"You had to see their faces, Aiden. It was priceless."

"I'm glad you are finding some semblance of pleasure. However, the gathering will be getting underway soon and from the looks of things, Noreena needs to get some clothes first. The bus is leaving in five minutes," he proclaimed, winking as he patted the doorframe with his hands and turned to leave.

"We'll be right down," Aubrey-Lynn promised, sobering. "Come on. Get your stuff."

We had less than five minutes to gather everything we wanted to bring to my house. Then, true to his word, Aiden was ushering us into the car. In ten minutes, I was home. Or what was supposed to be home. Without my mother to greet me, it was like the word lost all its meaning, leaving me hollow once more. I felt like a guest—out of place and unsure of what I was supposed to do.

Navigating through the early arrivals congesting the driveway, Aiden parked in the underground garage. I made it inside without being seen and ran to my bedroom in my pajamas to change into a pencil skirt, white ruffle-collar blouse topped by a black long-sleeved cardigan, and strappy black shoes with buckles aligned along the sides. My hair went into a high bun and I wore no make-up. I topped the outfit with the amulet my mother had been wearing when she died, allowing me to feel her presence.

Exiting the bathroom after one last look-over, I ran head-first into Jules, who was poised to knock. He smiled, hesitated, and then wrapped me in his arms for a tight hug that lasted a moment longer than what Nancy would deem appropriate.

As he let me go, he cupped my face and looked into my eyes. "How are you doing?"

I shrugged and bit my lip. It was the first time I'd seen him since we went bowling.

"Yeah, I know. That was a stupid question," he said. "Come here."

He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side. He looked handsome cleaned up. His blonde hair was slicked back out of its usual flop, and he looked taller decked out in a suit and tie, almost dignified. He'd even shaved for the occasion, which was cause for celebration in and of itself.

Finding my voice, I ignored the woe-is-me attitude I wanted to dive into and considered what my mother would expect. "How are you? How are your parents doing?"

"Okay, I guess. I think we are all just trying to remember her life at this point. I hope that's what you try to remember. She wouldn't want you to grieve for her."

Not grieve for my mother?

That was like telling me not to breathe.

I nodded and we walked down the stairs. Some of her friends from the memorial would be here. Maybe they mourned her death in one while celebrating her life in the other, keeping some sort of balance.

"I don't know how long I can handle this," I said, my voice muffled by the lapel of his jacket.

"I'll save you whenever you need me. Just say the word."

Word.