All I Know

Elinora

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Jo's request didn't surprise me. What shocked me was how her demeanor changed when she noticed Alec ogling me so openly. I shamelessly cherished the way he held my eyes captive. This instantaneous bond we shared was fascinating, intimate, and raw. Though enthralling, this instinctual attraction wasn't enough to distract me from Jo's apparent jealousy.

Now the center of attention, I smoothly conceded to Jo's pointed prying. "I would be interested and maybe even suspicious of me if I were in your position. I knew you guys would have questions, so I packed the only clue I have on the subject. Well, more like I stowed it away with Holly for safekeeping."

A deep voice swept away any uneasiness, "While Jo concentrates on her skepticism, know that you don't have to tell us anything that makes you uncomfortable." Alec smiled, scratching the back of his head as he released a nervous chuckle. "I won't lie, though. I, at least, am dying to know not only what kept you away but what finally led you to us."

Holly, understanding my reference, plucked the worn envelope from her bag and passed it to me. I rubbed the soft paper, sighing as I thought about the relief of finally revealing all I knew of my ambiguous gift. Holly and Zindra listened to everything without judgment, and my intuition urged me to unveil the truth to the rest of the 7.

"All I know is what my mom wrote on this notecard and what I feel daily." I added, "If I were properly trained or at least adequately knowledgeable, I could probably show you what kept me away. But with that level of mastery, I'm sure I could've met you sooner anyway, avoiding this untrusting questioning."

I barely finished as Jo snatched the description from my hand. Her fresh hostility reminded me that I was the stranger in her home.

She rushed to read my explanation, taking in words as fast as her eyes could skim the writing.

"Let me see." Alec urged her to pass on the information.

"It doesn't matter anyway," Jo said, relinquishing the aged notecard. "Whatever magic you think you have is long lost. Ancient and forgotten. Any knowledge of these powers died with Twilight's Halo."

"Jo," hissed Zindra.

"She doesn't know everything, everything," followed Holly.

"Holly, what do you mean she doesn't know?" Alec demanded, suddenly looking up from my mother's penmanship.

I raised my hand, the interruption of a child. It was fitting; I felt like a child. I had always been naive, trusting of the world around me. That's why I kept my circle so small. I didn't want to invite in any toxicity or mistrust. It suddenly felt like even the girls I called my sisters, with whom I shared a home, kept things from me. It must've been something big, too. I could feel the conflicting emotions bouncing around the room, threatening my control, my focus.

Hand still raised, I cleared my throat, "What is everything, everything?" My voice was low, my mind whirring.

Holly's eyes flicked between Alec and me, but it was Zindra's reaction that was most unsettling. She just stared at the ground, completely retracting herself from the conversation. Zin's discomfort signaled that I was severely ignorant of my mystical lineage and this puzzling family.

Alec slid the precious notecard back into its slip, gesturing for Holly to place it back in her bag.

"No wonder you never brought her here, Holly," Jo sniggered. "You couldn't even show her who you really are, your abilities. It wouldn't make sense to introduce someone so unaware to a whole pack."

"Shut it, Jo." Alec seethed, the words barely escaping his clenched jaw. Jo's mouth clamped shut, but fire danced in her eyes as she held her stare on Alec even as he turned away.

The air seemed stale, no one daring a sound. My eyes found Alec's profile, silently pleading for him to meet my gaze. He remained unfazed, keeping his eyes fixed on the space separating me from Jo.

Coward. A voice from within spat.

"Look," I began, trying to avoid any further deceit. "All I know about my mother, ancestry, and untamed gift is on that notecard. Since my parent's death, I have struggled to find answers to questions I don't even know how to begin asking. I want to know everything--everything, everything. I want to know whatever it is you all seem to be hiding. At the very least, I deserve an explanation," I concluded, turning to my best friends, "especially from the two people I am closest to in this world."

My eyes threatened to spill the tears pooling. I had more questions, but none I could ask aloud. I wasn't willing to admit the desire I felt, demanding me to crash my lips into the face that housed those mesmerizing, mossy green eyes. I was conflicted. I had to actively remind myself of his silence, his will to join them in their deception. I was overcome with the strange and unyielding emotions of this reticent family.

"Alec," Zindra finally looked up from her shoes, "let me tell her."

"No!" squeaked Holly. "We can both tell her."

Vicky grunted from where she lay spread out on the couch, "Whoever tells her, make it quick. Curfew for the young ones is fast approaching. The real party starts once they all hit the hay, and I know Nora here will need a drink or four."

"I think Harley and I will leave you all to it. It's not necessary for us to all be here. But we'll meet up later once the alcohol comes out to play." Reese nodded in my direction, pulling Harley up the stairs behind him, "Nice to meet you, Elli. Welcome to Misfit Mansion."

Jo jogged to catch up with them after finally ripping her eyes from the hole they seared into the side of Alec's face after he snapped.

I don't blame them. I wish I could flee, too. Back upstairs to the ballroom, unstable emotions rocketing between the individuals in attendance. At least with so much external pressure, I could numb out and ignore this new reality.

No. I wouldn't choose the easy way. I deserved to understand. The embers left behind in my heart from the ashes of unanswered ponderings rekindled. "Somebody better start telling me what I seem to be missing here."

"Alec." Holly sounded like she was begging now, "She is entitled to this information."

"It's here and now, or I am taking her home to tell her myself," Zindra finished, crossing her arms in defiance as they both faced their self-proclaimed leader. They both seemed to be asking him for permission, as though it were his information to share.

"Alec, what do you know about pathoseia?" I questioned, trying to ignore the betrayal from this complete stranger that threatened to consume me. "What do you know of my mother?" My voice cracked on the last syllable, revealing my vulnerability.

The emotion in my voice broke Alec from his trance, fixating on me and my defeated posture. His arms raised slightly, almost preparing to fold me into him before stopping inches away, sucking in a breath and snapping his arms back to his sides. It seemed he began crossing the distance between us without a thought.

Turning to Holly and Zin, he commanded, "Tell her. Tell her whatever you need to, and then meet us back at the party." He made meaningful eye contact one last time, a soft smile gracing his features, "This will be a lot to process, and a drink or a joint after this conversation will definitely help. Victoria, let's make sure everyone got enough food before curfew." Seeming satisfied with his orders, he turned to the stairs.

Victoria hopped off the couch to trail after Alec, the distinctive click signaling their departure.

Any ounce of self-control I maintained since meeting Alec and recognizing the envy radiating from Jo crumbled. Tears spilled down my cheeks as two familiar pairs of arms wrapped me into a bear hug. The familiarity was comforting and newly grating. I loved these girls, but I was becoming increasingly aware of my resemblance to a fish out of water. More than that, I hated the condescension directed at me from Jo, looking to maliciously remind me of how little I knew.

I choked out a question between sniffles, "What have you guys been hiding from me?"