Her Quest : Magic in the Blood
Chapter 24

"What?" Sonia and Ian both shot up at the same time.

Caroline just nodded her head in answer.

"Magic?"

"Blood?"

Again they both spoke together causing a smile to break on Caroline's face.

"You two are fun to watch," she commented leaning back in her chair.

Ian and Sonia looked at each other with scowls. Sonia turned her eyes away from the intense gaze of the blue orbs.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she asked, "What do you mean by magic in my blood?"

Caroline sighed but didn't answer.

"Hey! Wait!" Ian leaned forward in his seat, "This is another one of your jokes, right?"

Caroline chuckled and they both relaxed.

"Seriously Mom?" Ian threw up his hands and his eyes flitting to Sonia as she let out a breath.

"You got me there, Aunt Carol," she smiled.

Caroline shrugged, "You were so wound up. I just wanted you to let loose and also to make up for this morning," Sonia opened her mouth, about to say it was nothing but Caroline continued, "And, as to how you brought that plant back to life? Well, it's just that you added right mixture of fertilizer at the right time of the day. The plant just revived under your care. Plants, like us, need love too."

"Oh," Sonia frowned as she thought over it then smiled as she let the matter drop, "So what now?"

"I am done here. You were upset this morning so I had this urge to see you, but it was impossible to leave shop. Both my workers took the day off and the delivery of some orders are due in a little bit," she glanced down at her elegant wrist watch, "You two head back home now. You must be tired," she got up and opened a cabinet.

Taking out a box, she handed it to Sonia, "And I got some cheesecake from Old Martha down the block, for your snacks."

"Wow!" Ian jumped up and snatched the box away from Sonia. Before he could open the box, Caroline took it back from him.

"For snacks, Ian! After you get home," she handed it back to Sonia.

Sonia looked up at Ian's pouting face eyeing the box and giggled, "Let's go then. We can't wait to get home, right?"

Ian looked at her and then grabbed her hand in one and both their bags in his other hand, "Bye Mom," he called out as he hurriedly dragged Sonia with him.

***

"Ian, can we walk?" Sonia huffed.

"We are."

"No. We are running!" She complained.

Ian slowed down to a steady pace and Sonia dug her heels in the ground coming to a stop. It made Ian stop abruptly as he was still holding her hand.

"What?" He asked, annoyance coating his words, "You can't walk? Want me to carry you?"

"I was out of breath," she mumbled as she fought to hide her heavy breathing.

"You know, you should exercise a bit," he sneered down at her.

"And you should walk like a human, not sprint like a wolf," she shot back.

Ian stiffened at her words, "You are too slow," he said looking over her shoulder.

Sonia's eyebrows shot up in unison, "Here," she pushed the box at him. Ian stumbled back, managing to catch the box while holding onto the bags.

"Just go. Stuff it. I can't run with you. You have it, I will come at my own pace," she turned around, "Can you let go of my hand now?"

"No," he muttered.

Sonia's brows knitted in confusion, "What do you mean by no?"

"The last time I let you get away, you got lost in the forest and fainted," he took in a deep breath and looked straight into her eyes, "I am not letting go of you. Ever."

Almost instantly, all anger washed away from her face as she spoke softly, "Ian. Relax. I am not going to run away from you," she sighed as his grip tightened, "Okay. But no sprinting."

A smile broke on Ian's face and he nodded his head, "No sprinting."

Sonia's lips curved as she started to walk. Ian fell in step with her. A few moments of walking in comfortable silence later, Ian spoke up.

"So..uhh, about that bracelet comment. I am sorry."

"Oh. You don't have to be. It was my fault. I lost it, not you," she shrugged her shoulder delicately.

Ian nodded his head. He was still curious as to who had given her that thing. He opened his mouth but shut it back again, not knowing how to ask.

"Hey. Is that a library?" Sonia asked all of a sudden, pointing to a brick building across the lane.

"Yeah, it is," Ian replied, still in his thoughts.

"Then what are you waiting for? Come on!" Sonia pulled him towards the building.

Ian groaned as he let her.

***

Sonia walked through the last row, a big goofy smile covering her face. Ian watched as she pulled out yet another book. She already had four big fat books cradled in the crook of her elbow. Ian sighed as he got up from the chair by the window to take matters in his hands.

"Let me carry them for you," he offered.

"No. Thank You," Ian let out another breath as she spared him just a glance.

"Your coffee's cold, Sonia," he grabbed her hand before she could pick out another book.

"I told you not to order for me," her eyes darted, running over the other books in the shelf.

"You do know Dad has a huge collection of books back home, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do."

"And also that you are a member of this library now and that you can hole up here anytime and read anything you want?"

"I know that too, Ian," she crouched down to look at the lower racks.

"And do you happen to know what time is it?"

"No. But I do know you will enlighten me."

"Sonia!" Ian raked a hand through his hair, "Its late and... and," he trailed off.

Finally she looked up at him, "And?"

A growl sounded from his stomach and Ian's face went red, "And I am hungry," he stated, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Sonia's eyes widened in realisation. She got up quickly, "Oh my God. I am really sorry, Ian. I forgot. Let's... Just give me a minute please," she fumbled and rushed to the librarian.

As promised, she was out in a minute, trying to put on her bag while holding the books.

"Let me take them," Ian offered and took the books from her.

"I will get a cab," she mumbled and got off again.

Ian let out a breath as he tried to control the laughter. He had to admit the girl was really sweet.

Just within moments, a cab pulled up in front of him and Sonia peeked from within, "Get on in."

Ian pulled up a frown and did as he was told. This is fun, he thought and tried to keep the smile away.

They got home and Sonia was drowned in worry. Ian was really pissed off at her.

Oh, why wouldn't he be? A voice mocked her, you were busy drooling over your books when he sat there starving.

She winced at the truth and watched as Ian walk up the stairs.

I will have to make it up to him, she thought and nodding, headed straight towards her goal.

***

Ian dropped his bag on the bed and placed Sonia's books besides it. Deciding to take a shower, he got his towel from the closet. Ten minutes and I get to gouge that cake away, he smiled.

Fifteen minutes later, he dashed down the stairs, showered and dressed in his night clothes, finger combing his damp hair. Coming to the base of the stairs, he stopped abruptly. His chin lifted as he sniffed a couple of times. Eyes widening, he hurried in the direction of the kitchen.

As he entered the kitchen, all he could do was gawk.

"Unbelievable!" He whispered causing Sonia to turn and smile at him.

"You were hungry," she stated simply.

"And you made all this for me?" He asked, still not believing.

Sonia shrugged her shoulders, "Well not all. I am eating too. Besides I am sorry for earlier," she finished, looking down at her feet.

Ian went to her and turned her face up with his forefinger under her chin, "If that means I always get to eat all these, then I do recommend you repeat what you did earlier all the time."

Sonia's lips curved up slowly at his words, "Really? You forgive me?"

Ian threw up his hands, "Will I still be angry at someone who made me food? Of course I forgive you, sugar."

A breath rushed out of his mouth as she hugged him all of a sudden.

"Thank you so much," she mumbled, her voice muffled in his chest.

But Ian was unable to move, his body going stiff at her sudden outburst. She hardly ever touched him. He had come to accept that whatever may happen, she will never be as open to him as she was to others

Sighing softly, he put his arms around her, content to savour the bits and pieces of her affection he received.

"You're welcome, Sonia," he whispered as he tried to relax and bask in the tranquillity of being accepted by her.

They stayed like that for a couple of heartbeats before she tried to move away. Ian simply refused to let her out of his arms, keeping them wrapped around her shoulders, while hers were around his waist.

"The food will get cold," she said and just like that, Ian snapped out of his daze. He pulled back and turned to the table.

"Yeah," he smiled, rubbing his hands together as he eyed the food, "let's eat."

Pulling out a chair, he sat down and began piling his plate high. So engrossed was he in trying to adjust everything on his plate that he did not spare her another glance. Only after he had taken a bite did he come to his senses that she was still hovering around.

"Hey. You not joining?" He asked gesturing to the table.

Sonia turned around from where she was pouring a mug of coffee, "Err, no," she walked over and placed the steaming mug by his plate, "I will be right back. I just need to change," she smiled and turned towards the door.

Ian caught her wrist before she could take a step, making her stop, "What's wrong with these clothes?" He asked as he took in her black crochet patterned palazzo and the full sleeved cream coloured crop top. It rode up but showed just an inch or so of her waist, however, teamed with those pants it looked completely modest enough to not draw any attention. He himself hadn't noticed it till then. Not that he ever paid a mind to any girl's clothing but her's was a different case.

"I need to freshen up Ian!"

"But I don’t want to eat alone!"

"Then wait a while," she suggested, trying to pull her hand away from his grasp.

"But I'm hungry," he whined, "And also the food will get cold."

"Oh for God's sake Ian. I will be back in a couple of minutes. I just need to get out of this top, it feels uneasy on my shoulder."

Ian let go of her hand as soon as the words were out, "Come fast," he mumbled.

She nodded once and then hurried out of the room.

Ian looked down at his plate. Pushing it away, he picked up the mug. Slouching back in his chair he tried to relax his mind as he took the first sip of the coffee.

Nevertheless, it seemed a bit difficult. He had come to the conclusion that he was changing. The simple fact that he was waiting for her and not gobbling up his food was reason enough. He was the one who would never wait for anyone, ever. It was just clear that she was somehow becoming his foremost priority.

"But why?" He whispered to himself, "No one affected me like this before." He placed the mug back on the table and got up, running his hand through his hair, "Hell! I even disliked her in the beginning!" He paced in front of the counter, "What is it about her that made even me warm up to her in just a few weeks?"

He stopped by the sink, placing his hands on its edge as he looked outside the window trying to form an answer to his troubles.

A few minutes later, he heard her footsteps rushing into the kitchen before she exclaimed, "I'm back!"

Ian turned at the cheerful lilt of her voice. He looked at her, clad in a light blue t-shirt, which looked soft enough to be ages old, and loose track pants. Her dark hair were up in a bun, a few tendrils already having escaped, framing her face. A face that was split in a beaming bright smile. The one that made your lips quirk up involuntarily in response.

Ian smiled at her as she walked in and filled up a cup of coffee for herself. Turning back she walked over and sat on a chair. Grabbing a plate, she was about to start when she saw him still standing by the sink, "Come on," she urged, jerking her head and his feet moved on her command.

Ian sat down but kept looking at her. The smile was still there on her face as she methodically put up a piece of waffle on her plate, then turned to get a piece of the French toast.

She put down the plate before her and then frowned, "You forgot the cake!"

Quickly she cut up a big slice for him. Seeing no space on his plate, she got up and fetched another for him. Serving the cake, she sat down and started eating. Ian shook his head as she forgot to get some for herself.

They completed their meal, Ian still trying to come to a solution to his problems.

Sonia got up, cleared the table and started washing the dishes, all the while talking about this and that, a smile always on her lips, a light in her eyes.

The dishes done, she turned around, wiping her hands on a towel. Ian saw as the smile slowly faded and the light dim in her eyes.

She frowned as she rushed to him, bumping her injured leg on a chair, but hardly giving it a thought as she sat facing him.

Ian looked at her, refusing to show any response to her questioning look.

Why am I changing? What is happening to me? When did I, all of a sudden started to care? And why the hell do I even care about her? A girl I had not known for more than a handful weeks.

"What's wrong Ian?" She asked, "Are you angry? Did you not like the food?" When she didn't get an answer, her eyes went big as she exclaimed, "It's because you had to wait for me. Is it not? I'm really sorry for that."

It was then, right at that moment, when Ian found the answers. And it was right in front of him.

She was pure, he realised. Her heart was pure. She was like a warm gust of wind on a cold winter morning, a ray of sunlight in a storm. She was a beacon of warmth, which made everyone simply fall in love with her. She was like freshly fallen snow. There was no darkness in her although she was surrounded by it all her life. She smiled, but worried for everyone even if the person didn't give a shit about her. Hated by her family, criticised her whole life by the society, she never let the seed of hatred take a root in her heart. Being alone in a whole new world, she still had the guts to keep herself together and the utter faith to complete a quest that a person twice her age would hesitate to accept. For who knew if her father even had the idea of her existence. And even if he did, will he care to listen about the heartbreak he received ages ago.

And above all, she had the heart to forgive all those who left her stranded alone, to face the world.

Ian understood it was her, the genuine self, a simply unadulterated person that was changing him. It was this selfless being who was urging him to care and it was her heart that was making him yearn for more of her company, her laugh, her silly talks, yearning to just bask in her light.

A smile broke slowly on Ian's face as he got all his questions solved out one by one, "No. The food was good," he said looking at her, "I was just thinking about running down to the store and getting you some ice cream so you can curl up with your book and enjoy it."

The doubts disappeared and she beamed up like a child, "Wow. That's so wonderful." She smacked her forehead with her hand, "Silly me!" She got up and turned back to clean the counter with a damp dishcloth.

"And yes. I would like double choco fudge."

Ian laughed as he got up, "Right away, sugar," and ran out before she could retort.