"Yes. We didn't want to wake you unless your fever went down. How are you feeling?" Mother inquired.
"Uh. Still tired, to be honest. Maybe I should go back to sleep," I pondered and slowly lay back down.
Mother nodded, grabbing the cloth from where it fell on my lap. She dipped it into the bowl of water on my nightstand.
I watched her quietly, assessing her appearance.
Even though her mental health had declined, she looked just as beautiful as she had when I was a little girl. When you looked at her, you wouldn't expect her to have a problem at all.
She laid the cool cloth on my forehead, and I gave her an appreciative smile.
"That feels nice," I admitted.
She smiled back, and her hand rubbed my cheek gently. The up and down sensation was rather soothing, and my eyes began to close.
"I'm sorry for all of this, Jewel. I'm really sorry," Mother whispered.
I didn't get why she sounded so sad, as if she'd committed a terrible sin. I couldn't recall what happened that she would feel the need to apologize to me for.
"I don't know why you’re apologizing, Mom, but I forgive you. Don't be sad,” I reassured her, allowing my eyes to close.
I felt her hands brush along my face before something soft pressed lightly on my cheek.
"I love you, Jewel. Please bear with me. Don't abandon me too."
Why would I abandon you? Oh, Mom . . . I'll never leave you.
I was unsure if I said my words out loud or not, but I hoped she knew I'd always love her and would never abandon her like so many others whom she trusted as friends.
We are family, and I'd never leave her behind.
* * *
“I’ll meet you downstairs.Are you sure you’re feeling better? No dizziness or anything?" Logan questioned, and I raised an eyebrow at him.
"No fever, no dizziness. I'm perfectly fine, Logan," I reassured him.
I'd been unconscious all of Sunday. I hadn't switched back as instructed, and the longer I was in my male form, the more energy it had taken, even though I was asleep.
Logan's mom had to cast a spell to shift me back, and then I spent the rest of the day resting.
Apparently, I had a fever at some point, which from Logan's mom’s explanations was normal with the extensive magic depletion and my first time doing such an advanced spell.
I remembered having a dream again about Gabriel, but it was blurry in my memory.
All I could remember was him saying that I had to end a cycle. I didn't understand what he was referring to, but my heart told me that attending Brighten Academy would lead to answers.
I also remembered Mother sitting next to the bed and apologizing, but I didn't know why.
She had done nothing wrong.
Was she apologizing for confusing me with Gabriel?
I'd gotten over it, but maybe because we hadn't talked, she thought I was still upset. I needed to see her before I left.
"Okay. I'll be downstairs with my mom. I already packed your stuff,” he reassured me, walking over and sliding his arms around my waist to pull me into an embrace. He pressed his lips tenderly against my forehead.
"Thank you. You added Alice's stuff too?" I questioned, tilting my head back to stare at him.