Two
“Dad?”
My voice echoed through the house. His car was here, but the house felt empty. Did he go somewhere with Juliet?
I peeked into his office and bedroom then realized the gym door was closed. As I cracked it open, the low hum of the bike greeted me. I waved at him in the mirror. He pulled out his earbuds and smiled.
“Hey, how was school?”
“Fine.” I eyed him. “What are you doing home?”
I could count on one hand the number of times he was home before me on a weekday and not working on his phone or in his office.
“I’m behind on my training for our race, so I took the afternoon off.” My mouth dropped open, and he chuckled while continuing to peddle. “It’s not that shocking.”
“Yes, it actually is.” I leaned against the weight rack.
“How are things going with your training?” he asked as he leaned forward on the handlebars.
“Good.”
“I don’t mean for the race. I mean with Tessa and Gavin,” he said between breaths.
I smiled. “Oh, right. It’s fine, I guess. I haven’t been asked to do any new tasks lately even though they said Sky and I would have something soon.” I shrugged. “I’m not sure if they’re waiting on me or there’s something else.”
He reached down and changed the resistance. “I’m sure there are several pieces that have to come together.”
I loved that even though he didn’t know much about the Society or my assigned missions, he tried to understand.
“Can I try something?” I asked.
He nodded.
I focused on finding the source of my ability within the depth of my chest and slowly let it expand out. Dad’s eyes widened as the light broke from the center of my sternum, enveloping me before stretching. Without my having to even try, it grew and swallowed Dad and the bike.
“Huh,” I sighed. I could still try with everyone I knew, but it might be a wasted effort. The only problem was with Gavin. If I could bring Dad in on my first try, then it had to be something between me and Gavin.
“That’s amazing.” Dad looked around the room, his face shining with awe and pride. “It’s beautiful.”
I smiled and slowly pulled it back in. “Thanks. I should have shown you sooner.”
“I’m glad you did now. You’re incredible, Avalon.”
My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it out and read the message Tessa sent. “I’ve got to head across the street. If you need me, let me know.”
“Sounds good.” He picked up a towel and wiped his forehead as I walked out.
Maybe Gavin had changed his mind, and I could finally practice with him and work through our trouble.
I let myself into the Adler’s house and immediately heard voices in the kitchen.
“Hi, honey,” Tessa greeted me with a hug before stepping back.
“Hi.” Sky waved at me from the other side of the island with a cookie in each hand.
I laughed and shook my head. “You sure know how to make yourself at home.”
He stuffed one into his mouth and smiled.