Year/Job
Sixth Year
I need somethin' stronger that'll last a little longer. I could use a love song |
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Post by Lydia Bradley on Dec 7, 2023 2:31:50 GMT
It was finally Christmas break. Ever since she put her party-planner hat on, time seemed to slow. She was so ready for the break to come and go. They had a party to throw, after all! Lydia didn’t want to go home for Christmas now that her mum was no longer there, so she told Ophelia she was going home with her instead. She was sure that Darren and Maeve would agree to have her, especially under the circumstances. The only problem was that Ryder had nowhere to go for Christmas. When she voiced her concern to Cy, she offered to invite him as well. Lydia was so happy. She’d get to see her brothers and spend Christmas with her best mate and her family. Then the day came and Liza excitedly packed her trunk. They had breakfast before they went to board the train and together she, Ryder, and Ophelia found an empty compartment to sit in.
The train ride was so much fun. Maybe not for Ryder, but honestly if he’d just give Ophelia a chance he’d see she was amazing. They bought themselves candy from the trolley and Liza gossiped with Ophelia while they ate it, Ryder took a nap, and then they talked about Noah and the party. She was thrilled that her big brother was dating her best mate. It had been years of persistence, but she finally made it happen. Not really it was all them, but don’t tell Lydia that. She would wear her matchmaker badge with pride.
Time seemed to speed up when they arrived at Kings Cross. The Kennys were there to pick the three of them up and off they went to their home. Liza wondered when Noah would be coming over as she climbed the steps leading into the house. The Kennys were a second family to her and this was a second home. Every summer since first year, Ophelia and Lydia would swap nights to sleepover. Most of the time, though, they ended up here. Her mum could only convince her father so many times before he’d put his foot down. Still, it was a beautiful house and such a lovely family that she never really wanted to leave. Lydia walked right inside like she owned it and carried her belongings up to Ophelia’s room. Sorry Noah, she wasn’t missing out on a slumber party. Lydia tucked her wand in the back pocket of her jeans and walked back to the living room where everyone seemed to be congregating. She hugged Cy’s parents. “Thanks for having us,” she told them with a warm smile. “Do you need help with dinner?” She was seventeen now, she could use magic freely.
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Year/Job
Second Year
help I'm alive my heart keeps beating like a hammer. Hard to be soft and tough to be tender. |
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Post by Ryder Bradley on Dec 7, 2023 2:50:13 GMT
Great. Christmas break was coming. Ryder had no desire to participate in the holiday this year. He just lost his mum and he sure as shit wasn’t going home to his father. He had fully planned on sitting in the castle by himself during break, but Lydia came to him about a week before it and told him Ophelia invited him along with them. Noah would be there, too. Ryder was a little weary of Ophelia - she had a staring problem and didn’t get personal space - but going there and being with his family sounded more appealing.
He almost regretted it on the train ride there. Ophelia was making a lot of eye contact and he just felt unnerved. Ryder thanked her for everything with their mum, but didn’t make a peep after that. He let her and Lydia have their fun and just rested his head on the compartment wall. He must have fallen asleep because the next time he opened his eyes, they were at Kings Cross. Ryder had seen Mr. and Mrs. Kenny a lot over the years, but only when they came to drop off or pick up Ophelia. He had never actually met them. Her mother was almost as eccentric as she was while her father seemed more level-headed. Ryder kind of gravitated toward him.
Mr. Kenny showed him where he’d be sleeping while staying there and he had to admit it was a pretty room. Ryder sat his stuff down by the bed and walked over to the window. It was overlooking the pond right outside and he could see a few ducks in the darkness. He smiled to himself before heading back downstairs. The house was a little wild, but in a good way. Ryder found himself pleasantly observing every room he walked into. He discovered the living room and walked in, gazing up at the hanging lights. Lydia had made her way downstairs as well. He looked over at her and saw her hug Ophelia’s parents. She thanked them and asked if they needed help with dinner. Ryder stepped forward. “Yes, thank you both. I may not be able to use magic, but I can help, too.” His mother did instill some manners in the boy.
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Year/Job
Fifth Year
Heaven Help a Fool Who Falls In Love |
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Post by Ophelia Kenny on Dec 7, 2023 4:05:52 GMT
Ophelia was ecstatic to have Lydia, Ryder and Noah over for Christmas. Her parents had wanted to meet Noah anyways and it wasn’t like she was about to let Ryder go home alone, or gods forbid, stay alone at Hogwarts. She cared for the youngest Bradley, even if she knew he found her sort of offputting. That was fine, she couldn’t find it in her to be upset or feel weird about it. They just hadn’t gotten to know each other is all.
Ophelia loved being home, it meant she got to see her dogs and her family, in fact she was still downstairs with her loving pets, accepting all the kisses she got from the pair of them as she per down along their sides and pressed little kisses to the sides of their heads. She loved these dogs so much and was only a little sad that their spot on her bed would be taken by Lydia but they had their own beds in her room and they’d be just as happy on their beds.
Ophelia watched her mother sweep Liza up into a hug pressing kisses to both her cheeks when she offered to help cook. At most her mother would want them to sit in the kitchen with her while she cooked, Maeve could be very particular about the way that she cooked, but it was always good and always made with love so Ophelia never truly minded the odd tasks she was set about while her mother was cooking. And she wasn’t all surprised when her mom also swept Ryder up into a hug when he offered as well.
“I’ll tell you what,” Maeve said, her accent strong and comforting, At least to Ophelia who had missed it desperately in in all her Months at Hogwarts. ”Why don’t you lot come and sit at the island and I’ll task ya’ out as I see fit.” She finished, making Ophelia smile as she moved into the kitchen, pausing in her stride to wrap her arms around her dad, resting her chin on her arm.
“When’s your beau gonna be here Cy?” Darren asked, rubbing a hand over her back as he watched Maeve usher Lydia and Ryder into the kitchen to sit at the island and more likely than not, just keep his wife company. He watched her with adoration as he smiled slightly patting Ophelia’s back before ushering her to the kitchen as well. They’d all keep Maeve company, lest she lose track of what she was doing trying to keep up with people in different places. Anything to make it easier on her.
“I think sometime in the next couple of hours. He had practice and then he’s coming over.” Ophelia said moving to sit next to Liza taking her hand as she gave her friend a smile.
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Year/Job
Sixth Year
I need somethin' stronger that'll last a little longer. I could use a love song |
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Post by Lydia Bradley on Dec 7, 2023 18:17:47 GMT
Lydia knew she’d most likely just be keeping Maeve company, but she offered her help every time. Everly Bradley would be rolling in her grave if she didn’t mind her manners. She and Ryder followed Ophelia’s mum into the kitchen, each of them taking seats at the island. She could hear snippets of Ophelia’s conversation with her father, but she wasn’t actively listening. Something about Noah and practice. Instead, Lydia was leaning on the island with her hands flat against the countertop as she watched Maeve start setting up to cook. Ryder was pretty quiet beside her, but that wasn’t unexpected. Liza snuck a glance at him and saw he was looking up at the windows lining the room. She followed his gaze and smiled. It really was beautiful with all the plants and the stars twinkling in the distance.
Cy sat beside her, taking her hand, and Lydia looked at her with bright blue eyes. She returned the smile and gave her friend’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Noah’s coming after practice?” she asked, putting together the little she heard of them talking. He was really busy with work. Being a professional Quidditch player was demanding and didn’t allow for many days off. “Are you excited to see him again?” It’s been many weeks since they met at the Three Broomsticks.
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Year/Job
Second Year
help I'm alive my heart keeps beating like a hammer. Hard to be soft and tough to be tender. |
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Post by Ryder Bradley on Dec 7, 2023 18:23:31 GMT
Ryder wasn’t really a quiet kid, but recent events left him feeling resentful and depressed. He’s been a broody boy since Everly died and he wasn’t quite sure how to shake off this funk. He followed Lydia into the kitchen and took a seat beside her. The kitchen was just as pretty as the rest of the house, his gaze was pulled to the glass ceiling with plants hanging everywhere. Ryder watched the night sky for a while until he heard Noah’s name mentioned. He looked over at his sister and Ophelia and listened in on their conversation. Once Noah was here, he’d feel a lot more comfortable. It was just hard being in a strange house with people he didn’t really know for the holidays, but he knew that Lydia trusted them and so he was willing to try.
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Year/Job
Fifth Year
Heaven Help a Fool Who Falls In Love |
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Post by Ophelia Kenny on Dec 7, 2023 19:11:00 GMT
Ophelia nodded enthusiastically leaning herself closer to Liza. It had been so long since she’d seen Noah and she really was just happy that he was going to be here. And that he was going to meet her parents. They hadn’t stopped asking about him since she’d sent her mom an owl explaining everything, not to mention the owl their Headmistress had sent. “Very excited. A little nervous. It’s been weeks… and we’ve been sending letters almost everyday but it’s… it’s different.” She hoped things wouldn’t be weird, but she could understand the anxiety that Ryder and Noah might have about being over here, especially Noah.
Maeve was quiet as she listened to the kids speak, using magic to keep the pot on the counter stirring as she chopped the vegetables the way that she liked them. As hard as she’d tried she’d never quite been able to get the knife to chop them the size she liked, and while Darren could do it she almost preferred the monotony of doing it herself. It was relaxing. No use in using magic for every little thing under the sun when she could very well just use her hands. “What do you kids say we have a fire in the library after dinner, yeah?” Maeve asked after the girls’ conversation lulled. Part of her was a touch worried about Ophelia’s new relationship, but over the years Ophelia had come far from the little girl who needed to stay a year behind to catch up to where other kids were socially. Plus, she couldn’t imagine that dating her best mates brother meant the boy had any ill intent, he’d known Ophelia for quite a bit at this point, probably knew her faults. But it was engrained in her to be worried about her daughter, she couldn’t help it.
Darren was quiet as he walked the rest of the way into the kitchen, squeezing Ryder’s shoulder gently as he passed, trying to give the boy a bit of comfort as he made his way over to his wife, putting a hand on her back from where he stood beside her, out of the way enough for her to cook but staying close enough that she knew he was there to help if she needed it. “I think that sounds like a great idea, Mae.” He knew Ophelia would agree too, it was hard enough to keep her inside. That had been part of the reason why they’d made the outdoor library in the first place, to keep her from wandering very far at night.
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Year/Job
Sixth Year
I need somethin' stronger that'll last a little longer. I could use a love song |
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Post by Lydia Bradley on Dec 7, 2023 19:49:24 GMT
Lydia may be a little envious of Ophelia now that she was in a relationship, but only just a little. She loved love and was so happy they were finding it together; she just kind of wished there was someone for her. It was fine, though, she’d happily continue playing matchmaker for the rest of her days. They had romance novels for a reason. “I’m sure he’s feeling the same things right now,” she told her friend with a smile, giving her hand another squeeze. Liza didn’t know if Noah ever reached the ‘meet the parents’ stage in a relationship before. Aside from his snogging in corridors, she didn’t know what went on in his past relationships. All she knew was that he was different with Cy and that was the most important thing. She’s seen a positive change in her brother since he’s been hanging out with her.
Maeve was chopping vegetables and Lydia watched her, kind of spacing out with the rhythmic movement. She thought of her friends back at school and wondered whether they were enjoying their break so far. Carter had to be just as excited as she was for the party. Rory was probably having fun with his family. Bella… well, she didn’t know about Bella. She lived with her aunt and uncle so she was sure she was home with them, but her father was trying to worm himself back into the picture and she knew what it was like to have a disappointing father. Maeve’s voice brought her out of her reverie and she blinked a few times before she understood what she was saying. “That would be lovely, Maeve,” she replied fondly, glancing over at Ryder who said the same. The outdoor library was one of her favorite places in the Kenny home. “I’m sure you’ll love it,” she told Ryder. “Lots of books and it’s a pretty sight.”
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Year/Job
Second Year
help I'm alive my heart keeps beating like a hammer. Hard to be soft and tough to be tender. |
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Post by Ryder Bradley on Dec 7, 2023 19:58:28 GMT
He knew that Noah and Ophelia were dating and honestly it confused him. Noah didn’t seem to like Ophelia any more than he did, but maybe he just got to know her. Lydia was always saying that he should give her a chance. It wasn’t that he felt like she was a bad person or anything - he knew she was good - but he had a hard time getting over the staring. A heavy sigh escaped him. It was Christmas, she invited him here, he might as well try. Ellie and Emma would probably berate him for being rude if he didn’t. Maybe Lydia was right and he’d end up liking her. “What do you guys write about?” he asked her, choosing to take an interest. He and Noah didn’t write all that often, but he’s gotten a few letters so far this year.
Ophelia’s mum piped up and asked about a fire in the library. He hummed softly as Lydia replied. “Yeah, that sounds great,” he said with a small smile, glancing over at Mr. Kenny as he squeezed his shoulder. Lydia told him he’d like it, calling it a pretty sight. Ryder glanced around the room they were currently in. “Well, if it’s anything like the rest of the house, I’m sure I will.” He did like to read, particularly about wand lore, but he had memorized those books a thousand times over by now.
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Year/Job
Fifth Year
Heaven Help a Fool Who Falls In Love |
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Post by Ophelia Kenny on Dec 7, 2023 20:22:20 GMT
“Mostly about school, his practices… how he’s doing.” Ophelia told Ryder, skipping over the part where they talked deeply about his emotions, she got the feeling that those parts of the letters were reserved just for her for the time being. Noah was still plenty private with his emotions, not that Ophelia could blame him, growing up the way that he did with his dad. It had to have been hard. She couldn’t imagine what it had been like when both of her parents had been so supportive from the start. They really did play a crucial part in her being so… well.. sympathetic and caring. If they hadn’t she wasn’t sure what would have happened to her. Wether she would still be the same person she is now. Nature versus nurture and all that affect.
“The library is beautiful. You’re welcome to read whatever you find about the house as well, Ryder.” Maeve said as she moved the vegetables into the pot and glanced inside to make sure everything was coming together as it should be. She hummed quietly as she glanced into the oven, checking on the rolls that were in there. “We built the library when Ophelia was young. Kept her from running off into the woods.” Maeve continued, a smile on her face as she turned back around, dusting off her hands. “Well. That’s got to cook for about an hour. If you’d like we can go out there now? Maybe have dinner outside? It’s a nice night.” She hadn’t considered originally when she’d brought it up, that the food she was making still had about an hour left to cook.
Darren stayed quiet this time, letting the kids speak up on what they wanted to do, his hand finding it’s way back to his wife’s lower back as she returned to her spot leaned against the counter, chuckling to himself as he thought about the construction of the library. A necessity disguised as a fun little project. He’d only managed to lose Ophelia once before him and Maeve had decided that it best to ward the perimeter of the house to keep her from escaping into nature. ‘Return to the trees’ as Maeve had once said, though that hadn’t calmed Darren’s nerves any at the time. He was pretty sure it was one of the only times he could remember him and his wife really fighting. He’d been terrified and Maeve had thought it was quite funny, until she’d been missing for longer than ten minutes. Thus the library was born so she could explore but only to a certain extent.
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Year/Job
Sixth Year
I need somethin' stronger that'll last a little longer. I could use a love song |
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Post by Lydia Bradley on Dec 10, 2023 2:03:00 GMT
Liza was quite familiar with the library and the story that accompanied it, but she listened anyway as Maeve talked about it. Ophelia was so much like her mother it was uncanny, though her mother was perhaps a little more tempered. Lydia squeezed Cy’s hand, tossing her a smirk. “Always been a wild thing, haven’t you?” Maeve said that dinner still had about an hour to cook and suggested they go to the library now. Dinner outside would be nice, too. The wards around the house kept the cold from creeping in too much, so a nice dinner under the stars with a fire to light and warm them sounded amazing. Liza jumped off her seat and pulled Ophelia along with her as she headed to the library. Maybe she could get enough alone time with her mate to talk more without people listening in.
They plopped down on the couch, the sound of a hundred crickets chirping in the background. “So what are you going to do when Noah gets here?” Lydia had no idea what her brother would do in the next two weeks and part of her wanted to be prepared. There were possibilities running in her mind, but she wanted to hear from Ophelia before jumping to any conclusions. Where was he going to stay? They were obviously going to kiss, but like, how much? Would Lydia just end up feeling like a third wheel? She had a lot of questions and only a very little bit of time before everyone showed up.
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Year/Job
Fifth Year
Heaven Help a Fool Who Falls In Love |
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Post by Ophelia Kenny on Dec 10, 2023 3:12:32 GMT
Ophelia laughed at Lisa’s comment, tucking her head in a moment of embarassment. She got the feeling there’d be quite a few of those these next two weeks despite how rare they really were for her. When Liza got up Ophelia followed, giggling quietly as she fell into step behind her. Overhearing her Mother murmur something about ‘giving them a moment to gossip.’ Which was perfectly alright with her as she settled in next to Lydia, pulling her knees into her chest but tucking her feet under her friends thighs, wiggling her toes just because she knew it would make Lydia laugh. She looked to Lydia as she spoke again, nudging her hands with the long strands of her hair, running her fingers through it as she idly though over the question. What was she going to do? Maybe cry. She really missed him. Hug him at least? Or would he be uncomfortable with that considering their company? She frowned, starting to braid her hair as she thought.
“Uhm…. I don’t know, actually.” Ophelia said, giving Lydia an awkward smile. “I’ve-… thought about it a bit.. but I don’t know what he’s comfortable with. He’s staying in the spare room next to mine though. I figured-… he’d probably be more comfortable in there?” Not that he wouldn’t be comfortable with Ophelia, but her bed was small and her room was so full of stuff that they’d practically be on top of each other. It was perfect for her and Lydia though. Besides she didn’t know if she was ready to try and sleep next to Noah, the thought made her… incredibly nervous.
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Year/Job
Sixth Year
I need somethin' stronger that'll last a little longer. I could use a love song |
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Post by Lydia Bradley on Dec 10, 2023 3:35:58 GMT
There was never a moment spent between the two of them where one or both of them weren’t giggling. Laughter was contagious, but the laughter of your best friend was even more so. Cy tucked her bare toes under her thigh and started wiggling them and Lydia laughed out loud as they tickled her. “Stop!” she giggled, smacking her lightly on the arm before asking her question. Liza watched Ophelia carefully as she thought it over, her fingers nervously braiding her hair. This was her first relationship. She understood the anxiety that came with that. Lydia knew her brother was good, despite his facade he gave the world, and she knew he’d take her advice. Shortly after Lydia found out about them getting together, she wrote to him just two words: GO SLOW. He didn’t write back, but she knew he got the hint.
“I don’t know, actually.”
Lydia offered her friend a soft smile, reaching out to hold her hand as she continued talking. “Well, yeah the spare room I’m not sharing you with him like that.” She needed her girl time. “Besides, he already said he’d go at your pace. And I maaaay have told him to go slow.” Lydia shrugged, giggling. “Well you weren’t gonna!” If she interfered too much in her friend’s life, she wasn’t aware of it. She just thought she was looking out for her. “Noah listens to me,” she said more seriously. Okay, maybe he didn’t most of the time, but he did when it counted. She knew he wasn’t going to make her uncomfortable. “I don’t think you could do anything he wasn’t comfortable with.”
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Year/Job
Fifth Year
Heaven Help a Fool Who Falls In Love |
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Post by Ophelia Kenny on Dec 10, 2023 3:58:58 GMT
Oh she was grateful for the interference honestly. A lot of the time Lydia caught things that Ophelia didn’t and more often than not Ophelia needed the guidance in the right direction. She kept braiding her hair as she listened to Lydia speak, another giggle escaping her. She had honestly been a little scared that Lydia was going to try and sleep in the spare room and she was going to be stuck trying to awkwardly deal with her anxiety. Though it likely wouldn’t last long, she just wasn’t ready for that part yet. Not when they’d only really gone on one date and it had been orchestrated by Lydia. “I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know how I would have faired without you.”
Ophelia paused before speaking again, letting go of her hair as she looked up at Lydia, glancing around to make sure her parents hadn’t appeared in the doorway before her next question. “Do-… has he ever really dated anyone before me?” Ophelia asked. Plenty went unsaid with that question because she didn’t quite expect Lydia to know in detail, but still, there had to been rumors at least. Maybe she’d be better off asking Noah? But that made her nervous too. It was all just so new to her that she didn’t know where to step. “I know lots of girls fancied him. But… I don’t think any got closer than arms length?” At least as far as Ophelia knew. But Lydia had always been the social butterfly of the two of them.
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Year/Job
Sixth Year
I need somethin' stronger that'll last a little longer. I could use a love song |
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Post by Lydia Bradley on Dec 10, 2023 21:35:22 GMT
Lydia was probably closer to Ophelia than anyone except her mum. They were more than friends, they were family. Of course, if she and Noah got married they’d legally be family, too, which was exciting. But it hardly mattered because she was already her sister. Ophelia voiced how happy she was that Lydia was here and Liddie squeezed her hand tight, smiling. “Love you,” she told her sincerely. She really did. Ever since they met, Lydia felt like it was her job to look out for her friend. And that’s just what she’s done.
When Cy started glancing around, Lydia copied her, seeing that they were still alone. She leaned forward a little, knowing that what she said next was gonna be juicy. Her question, though, caught her a little off guard. Has Noah dated anyone before? I mean, yeah sure he’s dated some people but… Ophelia clarified what she meant and Lydia nodded, her brow furrowing as she thought about it. He’s had girlfriends before, but he’s never brought one home. He also didn’t talk about them with anyone as far as she knew. He certainly hasn’t met the parents of any of his girlfriends, she thought. Liza hummed thoughtfully, her own fingers working their way through a braid. “I don’t think so,” she said at last, glancing over at her mate. “I’ve never met any of the other girls he dated and they never seemed to last that long.” It was like there was a new girl every other week and she only ever saw them together at school. “I’d say you’re definitely a first for him.”
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Year/Job
Fifth Year
Heaven Help a Fool Who Falls In Love |
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Post by Ophelia Kenny on Dec 10, 2023 22:47:59 GMT
“I love you too.” Ophelia said, a smile on her face as she listened to what all Liza had to say on the matter, letting out a dramatic sigh as she leaned over to put her whole body weight against her friend, just short of actually laying on her as she sniffed her frustration. Why did this all feel so… scary maybe? It felt so much more nerve wracking than it had any right to be. She was fine. Noah had never given her any reason to be this anxious over something so trivial in the scheme of things. Especially with coming to terms with her being a seer. Relationship issues seemed so mundane.
”Why does this feel scarier than having dreams and visions that come true?” She hadn’t even considered that she could potentially have one of them about Noah. She already kind of had, but the thought filled her with dread, so much so that she grabbed onto Liza’s shirt, having to take a deep breath, the rest of her body stalling as she tried to catch up.
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