"You're being too hard on yourself. Just because you're not taking care of all her physical needs doesn't mean it isn't draining on you, Jewel. You've given Mother all you can to help her and have made a lot of sacrifices to ensure she’s happy. Maybe you’re right. I think . . . to me, you need a break. Everyone needs a break from a repetitive lifestyle or routine. I think doing this will shake things up and be a little fun. Think of it as having a whole new persona and no student but Logan knows it's us," Alice suggested, standing up and coming to sit next to me.
She pressed her hands against my cheeks, turning my head to face her.
"This could be our calling to make a difference. I don't know how it would do anything to change others’ lives, but I think it will give us an opportunity to figure out what we wanna do to help bring more good to the world,” she proposed.
I stared into her hopeful eyes, understanding that she didn't want me to miss this opportunity due to my insecurities. She wanted me to start living in the present, rather than dwelling on the past.
I smiled. "I'll give it a shot."
She grinned, her eyes pooling with tears, and she quickly blinked them as she moved away.
"Ah. A fly went in my eye,” she announced dramatically as Logan walked back in, raising an eyebrow at Alice who rushed past him to the washroom.
"She hates showing her emotions, huh?" Logan inquired. I rose and nodded, walking over to him. I slid my arms around him, giving him a hug.
"What's this for?" he asked, returning my embrace.
"Thanks for accepting my weird, insecure self and my even weirder familiar," I joked, but I honestly meant it.
Logan was a rare example of the human race—the type I knew people dreamed to have in a partner. I just wanted him to know how much I appreciated his love.
"I like weird," he joked but kissed my neck and held me tight.
We pulled back to stare at one another, and I leaned up to give him a kiss.
"I especially love when you kiss me,” he whispered, his lips brushing against mine.
"I'll do it as often as I can," I reassured him.
Logan wasn't the type to always tell me what he liked and hated, but I felt since our relationship went to the next level, he'd been a lot more open with me.
"Want to try again?" he asked.
I nodded excitedly. "Yes!" I cheered. He laughed at my excitement and gave me space to concentrate. Alice returned but she was in her owl form, flying into the room and onto Logan's shoulder. He reached out and petted her head, saying she didn't need to be so shy which resulted in her poking his hand with her beak.
"Ow. Never honest," Logan grumbled but turned to me with a smirk on his lips.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yes. Let's try this again." I pumped myself up, closing my eyes.
"Hoot!" Alice encouraged, and I smiled.
Here it goes.
* * *
"HOLY HOTCAKES. I'D TAP THAT!"Alice exclaimed.
"Hmm . . . I have to admit, I'd totally kiss you." Logan nodded, his arms crossed over his chest.
"This is totally not funny," I declared, looking over to stare at the both of them.
"I wasn't kidding. I'm dead serious. Where's my fan? Thank goodness I'm a familiar and don't need to deal with these silly hormones females experience. Look, look. I bet Logan's growing hard for you." Alice laughed when Logan's face grew beet red. He turned around, facing away from me.
"I am not!” he shouted. Alice laughed harder.
"YOU SO ARE! Turn around and let me see." She laughed so hard tears were in her eyes; she wrapped her arms around her stomach before falling off Logan's chair.