A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan Chapter 14

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I shove half the cash into my purse and the rest I drop off in my room. I’m not willing to walk around holding that much cash. It’s just asking to be mugged, or for me to accidentally lose my purse… When I return, Ashton is waiting for me by the front door. He still has no shoes, but I suppose we can take care of that first when we get to work. I’ll need to keep an eye on him during my shift too. Sure, he’s an adult. But he’s in a strange place and it would suck if he got himself lost or in trouble while I’m stuck arguing with some customer about the price. of plastic bags. An idea strikes me and I rummage through my bag and pull out a pen.

“Can I have your hand for a second?” I ask. Wordlessly, Ashton holds out his hand. I flip his hand over and scribble my phone number on the inside of his forearm.

“If

Omething should happen while we’re out and we get separated and you need to find me. Ask someone to call this number. Some people are jerks and might not want to help, but in general most people are willing to help someone out.” I tell him with a smile. Ashton runs a finger over the numbers.

“This is the number to your… uh…” He struggles for the word.

“My phone.” I finish for him.

“Yes, it is. If you stay here long then it might be worth getting you your own phone. But we can play that by ear.” He tilts his head and I correct myself for using the idiom.

“Sorry, I mean we will make decisions as they come up rather than deciding right now.” I

explain.

“Oh, I understand.” He stares at the number a little longer before dropping his arms.

“Are we leaving now?” he asks.

“One moment.” I stick my head into the kitchen and wave to dad.

“Bye dad. I’ll see you later, have a nice day.” I tell him cheerfully. Dad sighs and nods.

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Rule 14- Treat red lights like unexpected dance breaks in your epic carpoci karcie…

“You too Kat. Be safe.” He says with a pointed look and I roll my eyes.

“Sure thing dad.”

Ashton and I head out to the car.

“This is my car. Dad got the tyres fixed for me this morning so it’s safe to drive.” I tell him proudly. I love my car and I’m thrilled that it’s been fixed fast.. I thought I was going have to do without it all week. Ashton contemplates the vehicle and walks around it slowly.

“It looks different to the car from yesterday.” He says and I nodi.

“Yeah, there are a lot of different types of cars. They’re made by different companies and. there are different styles that cost different amounts.. My car is cheaper than mayor Simmon’s, but I love it anyway.” I open the passenger side door for him.

“Here, you can sit up front with me and watch me drive if you like. You’ll have a better view here too.” I explain. Ashton awkwardly climbs into the car and I make sure his hands and legs are safely inside before I close the door and move around to get in the driver’s side. Ashton has already located the seatbelt but he is struggling a little to get it done up. After a moment of fiddling he manages to clip it in and he seems proud of the accomplishment which makes me smile. It’s a bright morning which reminds me of Ashton’s light sensitivity.

“Oh, I totally forgot to ask. Is the light still bothering your eyes? I have some sunglasses somewhere if you need them.” I offer.. Tim pretty sure Ashton has no idea what sunglasses are, but he shakes his head anyway

“I am fine. I have adjusted from the portal travel and the light is no longer causing me discomfort. Thank you for your consideration.”

I start the engine and Ashton tenses up a little. He clutches the armrest as I back out of the

driveway.

“Your car moves. backwards?” He asks, a little alarmed.

“

, it can go forwards on backwards. I control which one.” I explain some of the technicalities of driving, as we head out in the light early morning traffic. It’s an easy drive to

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Rule 14- Treat red lights like unexpected dance breaks in your epic carpool karaok

work. Only about ten minutes and at this time we probably only see about other . stop at a red light and wait. Ashton looks around out the window and seems to be waiting

something.

“Why have you stopped?” he asks.

“Oh, the light is red. The lights are to direct traffic to avoid cars coming in different directions from colliding. If the light is red then it means stop. Green means and the yellow light is sort of a warning to slow down because the light is about to turn red.” Asht still confused.

egs

nt

re,

“But if the lights are to prevent collisions, why are they red now? There are no other

approaching.” He points out. He’s not wrong. I’m watching an empty intersection.

“That’s true. It is pretty annoying when this happens. The lights are set on a timed system something. I don’t know exactly how it works, but they change automatically. If the traffic were busy like it will be in about an hour from now, they would make a lot more senser. Sometimes the road rules are inconvenient, but ultimately they aim to make driving safer: it’s best to follow them. Plus you can be fined or even lose your licence if you break ther rules.” I explain.

“Licence?” Ashton prompts.

“Oh, right. You have to be certain age and you have to pass a test to prove that you are competent driver before you are allowed to drive a car. If you lose your licence ddeddoeck driving or something you won’t be allowed to drive until you can get your licencedbbakkw can sometimes take years. It’s important to follow the rules, even if they are drogowenien seemingly pointless. Like waiting at a red light when there is no other traffice.I hanswer,

“Hmm, your ‘road rules‘ seem very complicated.” Ashton states. I shrugg

“Maybe a little bit, but you get used to them and most of them dodihve a good reason be

the if you think about it.” I pull into the carpark at work.

“So, what did you think of your first look around town in the daylight? bask.

“It is interesting. I do wonder why there is so little green Everything is covered up with

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Rule 14- Treat red lights like unexpected dance breaks in your epic carpool karaoke

buildings or paths.” He seems less impressed by

“Yeah, it’s not great sometimes. A lot of people don’t like nature all that much. They find it inconvenient. There are places with more grass and trees though. If we find time I’ll take you to see some.” I promise and Ashton nods, satisfied with my offer.

“Well, we should head inside. Technically I don’t think I’m meant to bring you in until the store opens but I think they’ll let me get away with it just this once. I want to pick out some clothes and shoes for you before I’m due to start work which is in about twenty minutes.” I glance at shirt he’s wearing.

“By the way, where did you get that shirt? Did my dad leave it out for you or something?

meant to get you something but you already had it covered when you came to breakfast.” I question. Ashton shakes his head.

‘No, I did not believe it would be wise to ask your father for a shirt to borrow given that he seems to disapprove of me. This shirt is actually part of my glamour.” He admits. My eyebrows rise.

“You mean you aren’t really wearing a shirt?” I ask, a little incredulously. I didn’t realise that glamours could change clothing although I should have considered it. Now I’m kind of jealous, that would be really cool.

“I am not. Is that a problem? I thought that this would be an acceptable solution until we are able to acquire appropriate items.” He seems concerned and I wave his worries away.

“Oh it’s fine. As long people don’t know it isn’t a problem. Let’s head in.” I tell him cheerfully.