Chapter 6 The Awakening of Defense

Alice Harrington: “A children’s home? My dear given school, studying, and your job, when did you even have time to volunteer?

Isabella Reed: “I went there basically any time I was free. No one really wants to help so I go there as much as I can. I love spending time with them.”

Parker Harrington: “I think it is very respectable that you don’t want to leave them in a bind. I will make sure we have a driver ready for you.”

Isabella Reed: “That is really ok. I can walk if I remember your house is only two or three miles from school.”

Cater busted out laughing. The Harrington parents looked appalled.

Isabella Reed: “I’m sorry… Did I say something wrong?”

Carter reached over and grabbed my hand.

Carter Harrington: “You definitely didn’t do anything wrong. That is just absolutely not going to happen. We would never let you walk both ways. That is a failure on us. I know this is hard because you have never had this before but… please let us do this for you.”

I looked at this family offering me the world wondering if this is what is really means to have a family. I took a moment to digest what was happening, they waited patiently for me to respond.

Isabella Reed: “Alright but I will work hard and try and make you proud. I will become the best healer I can be.”

Parker Harrington: “Isabella, you were already exceptional without any kind of power, I am sure now you will surpass that. We will need to see what your actual power is given your abilities in the healer area, you will likely be gifted in that, but we will see.”

Isabella Reed: “I guess we shall see.”

Alice Harrington: “Why don’t you walk Isabella to her room Carter? You still need rest sweetie. Carter, make sure she is situated. I will send some hot tea up for the two of you.”

We got up from the table, Carter grabbed my hand again and we walked upstairs. When we got to my room, he walked me over to the seating area.

Carter Harrington: “Are there any changes you want to the room? I gave mom the information I had. This seating area I picked myself, I wanted it to flow with the room but also be comfortable and functional. The books on the shelf are for healers, but I also included some defensive, offensive, minor powers, and some light reading with some fictional adventures, mysteries, and love stories. I know how much you love reading, I wanted you to have a good variety.”

Isabella Reed: “I love everything about this room. The colors, the details, everything. No one has ever treated me like this. Everything I have was either bought by me or given at a cost. I have never had anyone treat me like this.”

A knock on the door paused our conversation and a maid brought in our tea, setting it on the small table in the area.

Maid: “Sir, Miss, I made sure to bring some honey and sugar for your tea.”

Carter Harrington: “Thank you Mary.”

With that she left the room. Carter poured tea in one of the cups adding honey to it. He passed it to me and then made his own.

Isabella Reed: “Carter, you are so much more than I deserve. I wish I knew everything about you like you do about me. I will have to learn how to accept all this.”

Carter Harrington: “Isabella, because of the Nythbane you couldn’t feel the connection between us. I don’t blame you for that. I said it before and I’ll say it again, we have all the time in the world.”

Isabella Reed: “I am so excited that we have this chance.”

I set my cup down, I carefully and slowly reached my hand out waiting for him to stop me, I traced my fingers across his jawline. He set his cup down, eyes never leaving mine. He leaned in being just as cautious as I was.

It seemed like we were both waiting for the other to pull away but instead we both leaned in closer. We each stopped faces close enough to touch, breathing the same air.

Carter Harrington: “Tell me to stop.”

Just as he got the words out, I closed the space between us. It felt like lightning had struck. The kiss started slow but grew into so much more. We kissed for what felt like a moment and a lifetime all at once. My hand moved from his face to his chest. We moved closer to one another, the kiss deepening. Carter’s hands pulled me so that I was on his lap, straddling her. He pulled me close his hands continuing to roam.