Chapter 5

“You’re late.” Mom turns on the light and spins around in her chair. “I’ve always wanted to do that.” She smiles and I have to laugh, it is a classic scene.

“I’m sorry I’m late but it’s only a few minutes after midnight, and I would like to point out that I did text you that I was running late.” I wave my phone at her and she sighs and stands up.

“I know, you’re a good kid.” Mom pauses and looks around the room. Oh no. “It’s been a while since our last preparedness drill.”

“Mom, seriously?!” I groan and quickly grab her wrist, trying to work up the energy to use my powers to get out of the drill.

“Don’t even think about it, young lady,” Mom unlatches my hand and tosses a bag at me. “We need to train more, one day you will be able to influence others without having to touch their wrists.” I shrug and look down at the floor but I put the bag on and strap it into place.

“Fine, let’s go. Same location?” I ask, kneeling down to make sure my laces are tight.

“For now,” she nods and looks down at her watch. “Go now,” she says but I’m already off, I know I can start as soon as she gives me my go-bag.

I creep through the backyard avoiding the light and staying deep in the shadows. The neighbor’s dog senses my movement and starts barking. I focus on his yard and there’s a squeak as his ball hits the far fence and his barking quiets as he goes to chase it. The only reason that worked is because I’ve taken care of their dog before and I know he has tons of balls laying around the yard, they’re small and easy to lift. It does not cost me much energy. I turn back towards the woods and wonder how my mom always finds us a house that backs onto the woods. I pick my path randomly, changing my direction every few hundred feet. Survival skills for the magically gifted are often very similar to those without magical powers.

I get through the woods and dart between two fenceless houses and across the street into the train station. The train station is dimly lit but I find the darkest corner and take my seat. A few seconds later, I see my mom exiting from a door that says “employees only”. She looks around the room but can’t find me, she starts to look worried. I give it a few more seconds before making my way over to her, remaining in darkness until I slide up beside her.

“Hi, there,” I say and take a step back as she throws her elbow back. I narrowly avoid a direct hit as her elbow skims my shirt. She turns and it looks like she is about to go for another blow before she recognizes me and puts her hand over her heart.

“Jeez, Charlie, don’t do that to me.”

“Sorry, mom,” I chuckle and drop into the seat behind her. She keeps her back to me but looks at her watch.

“That was better than last time, surprisingly,” she says, impressed.

“Why can’t we just teleport?” I ask for what seems like the millionth time. Mom sighs. “We’ve done it before. Nothing bad happened.” I try to point out but she just looks over her shoulder at me with a sad expression. I drop the subject like I always do. “Can we go home now?”

“Yes, we can go home now. You have a big day tomorrow.” I stand up and she loops her arm through mine and we carefully make our way back home, taking a different route than the ones we used to get here.

When we get home, mom sets the alarm then takes my bag back from me and sets it inside the hall closet. There are other bags around the house, every few months she’ll go through them and change out clothes or run a wash. She is always prepared.

“Okay, go get some sleep. Do you need a ride tomorrow or is Emily coming to pick you up?” Mom rubs her eyes and yawns, she should have been asleep hours ago, I know she has to wake up early tomorrow.

“Yeah, Emily is picking Elizabeth up first then she’ll come to get me next. And you don’t have to worry about me for breakfast.” I remind her and she nods.

“Right, you all have your traditional first-day breakfast. What is it? Iced lattes and scones, right?”

“Orange scones, specifically.” I smile and then hug her. “Night, momma.”

“Night, sweetie. I love you, have fun tomorrow.” She squeezes me tight and then releases me to go to bed.

“I love you too, mom.” I squeeze her back and then head off to my bedroom, where I quickly pass out.