Balance, Kayla Williams [read after .txt] 📗

Prologue)

"Nice for you to join us Clemel," Abraham greeted sardonically.
"Well, you know how it is these days, low on numbers," he explained.
"That's what this meeting was about!" Abe shouted. The light was already dim, and it seemed to go pitch black just as his temper rose. A beaten metal table was set before them all, with maps and numerous books scattered on top. The metal began to glow wear Abe's hands were gripping the edge, something everyone was used to. Alanus stood with his eyes slitted and his arms crossed. His emotions were completely under control, different from Abraham. Alanus, as the king, had seen everything, and this didn't even faze him. Alanus gave Abe a quick warning look, before speaking.
"As I was saying, we all need to look for potential. Mabel, weren't you saying that you had found a few girls?
"A few yes, with the blood from ancesters from just a few generations back," Mabel confirmed.
"There's a start. Clemel, I want you to go looking also. Try for the best blood lines," Alanus ordered.


Chapter 1)

I watched the black caps fly into the air as everyone cheered. I threw mine up just as high and watched the silvery tip shine in the sun. I didn’t wear the gold silk draped around my shoulders like the valedictorian did. I didn’t have an over-excited look on my face. I didn’t yell like everyone else. I just kept a secret smile to myself as I tried to blend with the other black robes. I grabbed at the evil heels that cut off the circulation to my feet and ripped them off. A wave of relief rolled through my mind and feet as my toes stretched in the grass. I spotted a wrought-iron bench under a birch tree, and I glided over to it and sat down. Setting the heels next to me, I sighed. Through the crowd my mother appeared, smiling at me.
"Avery, this is amazing!"
Her hands were shaking a bit, her hair frazzled. She was getting emotional again. Mother always had too much to worry about. Anxiety filled her, even when she'd sleep.
"Mom, try to calm down." I shook my head. I wasn't sure if this was good excitement or not.
"Well, Hun, I need to take off now, so I'll see you soon okay?"
"Where are you off to this time?" It always seemed like she was somewhere else. Time did not escape her.
"Well, I'm supposed to go talk to your doctor about how you have been having leg trouble. Then, I'm going to pick up a pizza for us later," she explained.
"Alright Mom, let me know how that goes," I said. She kissed my forehead and started walking over to her van. I watched Devin find his mom all alone and he embraced her.
"I'm so proud of you sweetie!," she told him.
"Thanks Mom. Is it cool if I go over to Avery's to celebrate?," he questioned in a pleading voice.
"That's fine with me, as long as Rosaline or someone’s there."
"Yea, Rosaline is almost always there," he confirmed. He gave her one last hug and waved goodbye. She smiled back at him as he walked over to me.
“Hey Ms. Beautiful Avery,” the voice next to me cooed.
“Hello Devin,” I looked at my beloved with stressed eyes.
“Something wrong?” His forehead creased and his eyes squinted a bit.
“Yea, I'm pretty worried about college. You know, the whole leaving my friends thing and moving on? Even though, I get to keep you", I informed with a smile.
“Well yes, but you can’t let that bother you so much. Relax and enjoy what is happening today! We are done with high school. DONE! We can move on now!"
“Aren’t you a little over optimistic?,” I said as I raised an eyebrow. People were bustling all around, with so much hugging. A few caps were lying on the ground still, because they didn't care to pick them up.
Under his breath, Devin breathed, “Kill joy”.
“Excuse me? What did you say?" both eyebrows had reached my hairline now.
“Nothing sweetie,” He laughed a little, and said “Oh come on babe.”
“Are you still coming over to hang out?” I asked.
“Well duh! Who do you take me for? A stick in the mud? Hmm? I am up for fun anytime. Unlike some people."
“Devin!” I berated. I rolled my eyes as I stood up and grasped my heels. Devin just stayed there trying not to laugh with an unmistakable smirk crowding his face. His wonderful brown locks swaying in his eyes. My dark brown hair sashayed around my face down to the small of my back as I walked towards my little yellow cobalt. My little car was pulled up by the curb. It wouldn’t look like much to any bystander, but to me it was my wonderful escape. To me it glowed under its dirty rims, and seemed to always make me smile. You may be thinking I’m a bit dramatic, but think what you like. That vehicle has enabled me to get away from problems whenever I please. Driving to me is calming; it lets me get my mind off things.
Devin walked up behind me and kissed my head. I blew air out of my nose in a small laugh. I grasped the car door handle, and tried to open the door. It was still locked.
“Oh, right. Hang on a sec Devin,” I sighed. I dug in my leather purse for my keys. Pressing the unlock button, a loud beep came from the car and the lights flashed. Finally, I opened the door and got inside. Devin jumped in beside me, and automatically reclined the seat.
“Must you always do that?” I asked.
“Well, no… but I like to be comfy…” his eyes were shifty, and then he laughed.
I sighed, “Oh whatever.”
I put the car in drive and pulled around the black truck that was parked in front of me.
“Oooo, that’s a nice truck!", Devin awed.
I rolled my eyes and kept on driving. My house was only a few blocks away, so it wasn’t long before I was pulling into the driveway. My parents had promised to celebrate once they got home. Neither of them minded if we hung out at my house because my grandma Roseline lived with us. They knew she’d keep an eye on us. My grandma was sweet, and always tried to do her best to help out. Climbing out of the car, I then smiled at our yellow house. With the windows trimmed in white, and the brown roof, it was quite homey. It even had a little white porch at the front door, and a flower garden that my grandma tended too. Daffodils, tulips, violets and many wild flowers grew like a forest around the outside of the house, leaving a sweet smell. My grandma was an amazing gardener. She knew just how to make everything look beautiful in its own way. She wasn’t to old looking herself. She’s 65, though her hair is still brown with just some gray in the front. She doesn’t look shriveled like some old women. No, the lines on her face remind me of an old kindness. She's always been an upbeat person.
I took a deep breath of the fragrance of the flowers in the air. I walked up the porch and opened the door. I stepped inside, noticing Rosaline asleep on the recliner with a book in her lap. Trying not to laugh, I clapped my hand over my mouth.
“Devin, she’s asleep again, so be quiet. OK?” I told him quietly.
“Yeah, yeah, sure” he said.
We walked into the kitchen and I pulled out the pitcher of tea in the fridge. I poured 2 glasses for us, and took a sip. “Mmm, I love Rosaline’s sugary tea.” Devin whispered. The ice cubes danced in the glass, making a crackling noise as they melted.
"She always makes it so rich," I agreed.
"So what movie do you want to watch?" he asked.
"Hmm...what are you in the mood for? Scary, funny, action?" I wondered.
"How about something scary? Because then I can have a good excuse for holding you tight the whole time if you're scared," Devin smiled as he said it.
"Sounds good to me," I laughed. So, we crawled onto the beige couch in front of the TV and popped in Van Helsing. I snuggled against Devin and pulled an old black cover over us. I looked up at him and kissed his cheek. Devin squeezed me and held me closer. His mocha brown eyes nudged mine, and his eyes smiled. Devin brushed his lips against mine, the way he always starts a kiss. I closed my eyes and kissed him deeply. His love overtook me, and I felt his hand in my hair. I cupped his cheek, pressing my lips in sync with his. Time sped up, without me noticing, and then thought to stop. I kissed a bit slower, eventually pulling away. His eyes immediately looked like a lost puppy's.
"Do you know what time it is?," I asked.
He checked his watch and said, "It's almost five."
"My parents will be here soon," I told him. I looked back at the screen and saw a man turning into a werewolf. And, just to be funny, I cringed against Devin.
"Awww!" Devin cooed. I looked up at him and smirked, giving away my plan. He just laughed and shook his head.
"Babe, I'm not complaining," he told me. I yawned, because I was getting sleepy being all warm under the cover. I let my eyelids fall shut and I fell asleep on Devin's shoulder. I felt someone nudge my arm and i squinted my eyes at the light. I realized I was the only one lying on the couch.
"Where's Devin?" I asked my mom.
She smiled and said, "He's in the kitchen eating pizza with your dad. We brought two Pizza Hut pizzas and a chocolate cake to celebrate your graduation. I'm so happy for you guys. You know? Now you can go to college and get out into the world. You have many years ahead of you, just right out that door. I'd like you to stay with your dad and I, but it is your choice. The rest of your life is your choice. Just make sure they are wise choices if possible. Are you planning on living in a dorm or an apartment?” she asked.
"I haven't decided yet," I yawned. I could see a bit of sadness cross her face. Maybe I should go to a college somewhere close, I thought to myself. For the millionth time, she is getting worked up. Apparently she decided on this odd speech, making a simple task like eating pizza awkward. We had went over these things almost everyday in the morning before I took off. It made my head hurt.
"Mom, are you OK?" I asked her in a sweet voice.
"Yes, Avery, I think I'll be OK...," she confirmed with a weak smile. I got up and hugged her tight.
"I'm sorry I grew up so fast, Mom," I told her.
"Avery, come get some pizza!," my dad called.
"Well, let's try and have a good time honey, OK?," my mom suggested. We walked into the kitchen and I noticed five left over crusts on Devin's plate.
"Jeez Devin! You