Chapter 31: Chapter 31

My eyes were swollen when I tried to open them.  My body was heavy, and I felt confused, as I struggled to sit up.  I was in my bed, and Savannah was watching me from across the room, her dainty legs crossed in front of her.

"Katie."  She stood up and slowly came towards me.  "Are you okay?"

It only took a moment for the empty pain to return, strangling me from the inside out.  "Please tell me he's back."  I looked at her, imploringly.  But I knew the answer before she said it.  I could feel it in my lonely heart.

"Katie, what happened?  We heard you screaming, and then, well, this."  She gestured at the mess around us.  The window panes didn't have any glass, and there were books all over the floor.  The wooden splinters of the desk chair were mixed with the jagged shards of window glass on the carpet, making it look like some epic battle had occurred in my bedroom.

"Dustin asked me to marry him..."  I glanced down at my hand, where the beautiful symbol of his love sparkled brightly.

"That's wonderful!"  Savannah exclaimed, then she caught the look on my face.  "Isn't it?"

"I screwed up so bad.  I told him that I was worried that our Link might be responsible for the feelings we have for each other, and that maybe we wouldn't feel so strongly without it."

She raised her eyebrows.  "I see.  I suspect he didn't take it very well."

I shook my head.  "He left me.  I lost the best thing that ever happened to me and I feel like I'm dying inside.  I was just so shocked by the proposal, that I started to doubt everything, including my feelings.  What am I going to do?"

She took my hand gently, looking into my eyes.  "The interesting thing about a Link, is that it ties you to someone on so many levels, but it can't create something that isn't there.  Most people in a Linked relationship enjoy each other's company, and feel protective of each other, but if the love wasn't there before, it's not going to miraculously appear.  Your love for Dustin is just as it would be, with or without the Link."

I flopped back down on the bed.  "I hope I didn't lose him forever.  How am I supposed get through all of this without him?"

"You are going to have to rely on your inner strength to deal with this.  He loves you, he will get over it, he just needs time.  Until then, you need to focus on what you came here to do."

"How am I going to do that?  I feel completely empty inside."

She nodded, knowingly.  "And that's exactly what you need to feel, to truly own your own destiny.  I know it hurts, but you must keep going.  Look at this room.  You are not in control of your mind, and that is dangerous not only to you, but to those around you.  You came here for reason and I intend to help you reach that goal."

"How can I focus when I hurt so much?"

"Put it in a box in your mind.  All the pain and guilt and uncertainty, locked in a box and stored in the recesses of your subconscious, until you are mentally ready to deal with it."  I realized that her lips weren't moving, and I was hearing her in my head.  "Can you do that?"

I nodded slowly, feeling my mind begin to free itself.  "Okay."

"I want to start working again tomorrow.  But for tonight, let's try to have a little fun, and get your mind off your sadness.  It's almost dinner, so meet me in the dining room in ten minutes.  After we eat, we will try to salvage what's left of today."

"Okay."

Savannah stood up.  "Katie, you are stronger than you think.  Dustin will come around, and when he does, you will know for sure that you can handle anything, with or without him."

She hugged me quickly, and left the room, leaving me alone in the chaos created from the sadness of my broken heart.  I changed my clothes, and headed down to meet her in the dining room, still questioning everything in my life.

"How are you feeling, Katie?"  Kaitlyn was seated next to Savannah, as usual.

I shrugged.  "Okay, I guess."

She looked at me, knowingly.  "I'm sorry I had to calm you down, but with the intensity of your emotions, I was worried that the house might collapse around us."

"I'm so sorry."  I began.  "I keep forgetting what can happen when I get upset.  I promise I will pay you back for the repairs, as soon as I get a job or something."  I was really going to have to consider this employment thing.  It was going to take a while of minimum wage slaving to pay for the windows I just destroyed.  I imagined myself asking, "Would you like fries with that?" for the next decade.

My stomach growled when I reached for the mashed potatoes.  It took up so much energy when I had an emotional breakdown.  "I've never been mind controlled before. Can you make me do anything you want?"

She tilted her head to the side.  "I had to put a lot of energy into the command.  I don't think you are very susceptible to mind manipulation due to your new gifts.  The average Supernatural probably wouldn't be able to affect you.  Guardians are extremely proficient at it."

I looked at her, curiously.  "So, if someone else was to try and control me, it probably wouldn't work?"

She shrugged and moved the food around on her plate.  "I can't say for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if you were able to resist most attempts."

Conversation was strained during dinner, and I was glad when Savannah and Kaitlyn stood up, signaling the end of the meal.  "Katie, why don't you go take a shower and put on some comfy clothes.  We will meet in the parlor when you are done."  Savannah rested her hand on my arm, and I felt her calming presence flood into my subconscious.  "I know it feels like you are all alone right now, but we are here for you.  I think you just need some good old-fashioned girl time."

I had no idea what girl time meant to a two-hundred-year old Magic Caster and her Guardian, but I was willing to try anything to take my mind off Dustin.

I took my time in the shower, letting the steaming water beat down on my tired body.  I felt more alone than ever, and I wished I could take it all back.  I should have trusted my feelings instead of questioning the love we shared.  But there was no going back, and all I could do was pray that Dustin would forgive me.

Savannah and Kaitlyn were waiting for me in the parlor.  I was surprised to see them both dressed in pajama pants and tank tops, Savannah's white and Kaitlyn's red.  Savannah took my hand and led me towards the hallway.  "If there's anything I've learned in all my years as a teenager, it's that when your friend is hurting, the best cure is a night of movies, popcorn and ice cream.  I know you are feeling sad right now, but I want you to know you aren't alone."

For the first time since I met her, I felt like she really was my friend, and that's exactly what I needed.

The entertainment room was huge.  There was a giant flat screen TV that took up almost the whole wall, and the surround sound speakers were strategically placed, to give the feeling of a real movie theater.  There were various snacks set out on a side table and Kaitlyn was busy pouring sodas into glasses filled with ice.

"What do you guys want to watch?"  Savannah picked up the remote and queued up Netflix.

I shrugged and looked at Kaitlyn.  "Whatever you guys want."

"How about Teen Witch?"  She pushed some buttons on the remote.  "I love movies about witches, since they are basically Magic Casters, with a Hollywood twist."  The movie started, and Kaitlyn carried our drinks and a big bowl of popcorn to the huge wrap around couch, as we all settled in.

It was exactly what I needed, and by the end of the movie, I was laughing and having fun with my new friends.

"Did you see when she made the voodoo doll to mess with her teacher?"  Savannah rolled her eyes.  "It's not that easy in real life.  Enchanting a doll takes a lot of power, and a certain set of items from the person you want to affect.  Plus, it's like, the old-fashioned way of casting.  No one really uses voodoo anymore."

"Have you ever used your powers for personal gain?  I mean, like to punish someone who hurt you?"  I sipped my watered-down soda.

Savannah exchanged a quick look with Kaitlyn.  "There have been a few times where I have let my need for vengeance get the best of me.  Caster's learn very early on that magic is not supposed to be used for personal gain, but instead, to help others, and to keep the balance of power in the universe.  However, there are plenty who stray from that path, and use their magic to benefit themselves, even though it goes against the rules outlined by the Coven."

"The Coven?"  I asked.

"The Caster version of the Overseers.  They regulate our existence, as much as they can, anyway, and they are responsible for dealing with rogue Caster's who refuse to follow the rules.  It's normal to make mistakes, but once someone goes rogue, they become dangerous to everyone, and they can't be trusted.  The Coven decides their fate."

"Does every Supernatural group have a governing body?"

She nodded.  "There have to be rules, especially when magic and powerful skills are concerned.  If left unchecked, they could take over the world, or destroy it.  Our societies are carefully monitored, to keep our existence a secret, and the rest of the world safe.  You already know about the Coven and the Overseers.  The werewolves, shape shifters and werecats all have a higher power they answer to as well."

I thought about that for a moment.  "What would happen to Dustin if the Overseers found out about me?"

"It depends."  She mused.  "They would launch an investigation, and assess the danger that you posed to their existence.  If they decide you are an asset, they would most likely begin tracking you, and you would have to adhere to the rules they set for you.  Dustin would probably be reprimanded, and they would charge him with keeping you under control.  If you became a threat, he would be held responsible."

"What if they saw me as a threat?"

"They would eliminate you and charge Dustin with treason."

I felt my insides constrict.  "Oh God."

"Katie, once you learn how to control your powers, you will be an asset to any faction.  The Overseers will realize this, and it will be in their best interest to keep you close.  You won't be able to avoid detection forever.  When the day comes that you meet the Overseers, you will be ready."

I wasn't completely sure about that, but I figured Savannah knew better than I did.

"Should we watch another movie?"  I could tell that Kaitlyn was trying to change the subject.

I shrugged.  "I'm trying to keep my mind off Dustin, so I'm up for anything."

She grabbed the remote from Savannah and started scrolling through the movie list.  "Let's watch a scary one.  We can turn off all the lights, and just leave some candles burning, to get the perfect atmosphere."  She stood up and started shutting off the lamps in the room.  "Savannah, the candles."  She requested.

Savannah waved her hand and the candles ignited.

"How do you do that?"  I asked, amazed.

"It's actually very easy.  It's all about visualizing it in your mind.  Remember how I said that control of all your powers hinges on your ability to work within your own mind?  The concept transfers to things like elemental manipulation as well.  I imagine the wick, then I see it lighting, and poof!  Fire!"

She turned towards me.  "Do you want to try it?"

"Do you think I can do it?"  I looked at her skeptically.

"Only one way to find out."  She stood up and blew out the candles, plunging us into darkness.  "Get comfortable and clear your mind like you practiced earlier."

I sat still and closed my eyes, trying to clear all the stress and drama from my mind.

"See the candle in your mind."  She instructed.  "Notice it's shape and color, and visualize the wick especially.  Can you see it?"

I nodded.

"Now, imagine the wick lighting.  See the flame in your mind."

I allowed myself to picture the wick, watching it go from a small spark to a substantial flame.  I opened my eyes, but the room was still dark.  "Maybe I don't have that kind of power."  I felt slightly let down.

"Rome wasn't built in a day."  Savannah replied.  "Try it again.  Clear your mind and picture only the candle.  See the entire process, from darkness to flame."

I closed my eyes again, and shut out everything but the image of the candle.  I took a deep breath, and imagined the wick catching fire, slowly at first, then faster.

"Katie, open your eyes."  Savannah whispered.

When I opened them, the room was no longer dark.  One of the candles on the side table was burning brightly.  "I did it!"  I murmured, breathlessly, and turned to her.  "I did it!"  I exclaimed, louder this time and hugged her.

She was grinning from ear to ear.  "I never doubted you.  Now, try it in reverse.  See the flame, and try to extinguish it."

I closed my eyes and saw the burning candle in my mind.  I noticed the colors, and could feel the warmth of the flame.  I watched as it slowly got smaller, eventually burning out.  When I opened my eyes, the room was dark again.  I couldn't contain my excitement.  "I can't believe I actually did it!"  I jumped up and down like a little girl.  "That was amazing!"  I felt adrenaline shoot through me, and at the same time, all the candles in the room ignited.  I stopped and looked at Savannah, my eyes wide.  "Did I do that?"

She laughed and nodded.  "I think your energy spiked, and your mind was still focused on the candles.  I have never seen anyone pick that up so quickly."  She looked genuinely impressed.

For the first time since my training began, I was excited to learn more about what I was capable of.  The initial fear of the unknown was beginning to decrease, and I couldn't wait for the next challenge.   "What should I try now?" The theme to Rocky played in my head.

"We have plenty of time to work on new stuff tomorrow."  She replied, putting her hand on my arm to calm me.  "Let's finish our movie night.  The candles are lit, and Kaitlyn seems to be excited about the creepy flick she has picked out."

"Okay."  I forced myself to calm down and return to girl's night status.  "What are we watching?"

"A classic."  Kaitlyn responded.  "Carrie by Stephen King."

"A movie about telekinesis?"  I gave her a look.  "Are you trying to scare me?"

"That IS the point of a scary movie."  She handed me a glass of wine.  "Just think of it as an instructional video."

Savannah and I giggled.  "Can we work on telekinesis tomorrow?"  I asked her.

"We'll see."  She sipped her wine.  "Now, back to the movie."

Scary movies weren't really my thing, but it was interesting to watch a movie I had seen a few times, from a different perspective.  I empathized with Carrie, and her fear of her unknown 'gifts', and hoped that I wouldn't go crazy trying to master mine.

"See, she doesn't really have control of her power yet, and everything is scary to her."  Savannah observed.  "It's a common problem among newbies."

"Newbies?"  I raised my eyebrows, and smiled.  "Is that what I am?"  I drained my wine glass.

She nodded.  "Yes, you would be considered a newbie, albeit a very prolific one.  I am extremely impressed by you, Katie.  The amount of raw power you have coursing through you is amazing.  You catch on quicker than anyone I have ever met."

Her compliments made me feel more confident than I had since this whole training thing had begun.  "I hope I don't kill everyone at my prom.  Do they have prom in college?"  I felt heady from my glass of wine.  "Of course, who knows if I will ever get back to school.  I'm pretty sure I'm failing all my classes already."

Savannah gave me an understanding look.  "You have a long time ahead of you for formal education.  This is the education that you need right now."

I sighed.  "I know you're right.  It's just so overwhelming.  Sometimes I expect Dumbledore to walk in and give me one point for Hufflepuff."  I stood up and went to refill my wine glass.

"Not too much, Katie."  She warned.  "You don't want to be feeling poorly for tomorrows session."

I poured a half glass.  "I just need something to help me sleep.  It's been awhile since I've slept without Dustin next to me, and I'm not looking forward to tonight."

She watched me, her light blue eyes concerned.  "I'm really sorry, but I know in my heart that he will be back.  He just needed to blow off some steam.  I'm sure he was hurt when you questioned his love instead of accepting his proposal.  But you are Linked, and he won't be able to stay away forever."

I tossed back the last of my wine and set the glass on the table.  "I think I need to go to bed.  Thank you so much for everything you did for me tonight, and everything you have done for me already, and everything you will do for me in the future."  I rambled, drunkenly.  "I was nervous to meet you, you know.  I had no idea what to expect.  Then I meet you, and you look like a little girl."  I giggled.  "Like the prettiest little girl I have ever seen, but still, it was hard to imagine learning all this stuff from someone who looks like an eighth grader."  By now I was babbling.  "But you are truly the most amazing person, er, Magic Caster, I have ever met."

She put her arm around my waist and led me towards the stairs.  "Let's get you into bed."

"Yah, I'm kinda dizzy, so that's probably a good idea."

My room was dark and cold when Savannah helped me into my bed.  "Try to get some sleep, sweetie.  I know it hurts right now, but it can't hurt forever.  I'll see you in the morning."  She leaned in and hugged me tightly.

I watched her leave before I reached over and grabbed my phone.  I checked the recent calls, and was depressed to see that there was nothing from Dustin.  I knew it was a bad idea, but I dialed his number anyway.  It went straight to voicemail.  Just hearing the sound of his voice tore at my broken heart.

I waited for the beep.  "It's me."  I began.  "I have to go to sleep now, and I have no idea how to do that without you.  I'm so sorry, please forgive me.  I never have and never will love someone like I love you."  I looked down at the engagement ring on my finger.  "I want to be in your arms right now, making plans for our wedding.  I know I screwed up, but please give me another chance.  I love you."  I sighed, and pushed the end button.

I made sure the ringer on my phone was turnedway up, just in case he called back, and snuggled into my cold bed.  Thanks to the wine, sleep claimed me almostimmediately.

A/N-Poor Katie! Has she really lost Dustin? Of course, a little wine can help that heartache. What do you do when you are sad? Vote and comment below! Luvs as always!! AM💙