Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman

Aren’t you afraid?”
    “Well, no actually. “
    He eyed me suspiciously. “And why not?”
    “Because I don’t think Phil wants to kill me.”
    “And why do you think that?”
    “Because he told me so.”
    He gave me a condescending look and smirked. I glowered back. He wasn’t going to win this one.
    “You’re so naïve Julia. Vampires lie. It’s what they do.”
    “He wasn’t lying,” I said because I knew it for a fact and didn’t need to prove how.
    He let out an exasperated groan.
    “You’re making it very hard for me to protect you,” he said slowly through gritted teeth.
    “You don’t have to worry about it. He’s not going to hurt me. Just find out about the others and leave Phil up to me.”
    “What?”
    “He wants to reform, I know it. I just need to talk to him. Encourage him not to go to the dark side.”
    Nicholas pounded his fist into his steering wheel and cursed. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation.”
    The rage bowled over me like a suffocating gas. But I didn’t care. I was determined to hold my ground. “I’ll tell you when I’m leaving, so you’ll know.”
    “Oh thank you,” he said sarcastically.
    “Just do what you need to do. I’ll take care of myself,” I said, wanting to antagonize him.
    He glared at me and clenched his mouth shut as his emotion grew thick with irritation.
    “I should just let you deal with one and we’ll see who’s able to handle themselves,” he seethed.
    “Yeah, you should,” I said, knowing I was being completely absurd. We both knew the one behind the alley would have finished me off if I were alone.
    “Fine, since you’re feeling so brave, do as you want.”
    “I’m glad you’re finally seeing things my way,” I said but wondered why the sudden change.
    “Well, don’t blame me if something happens.”
    “I won’t,” I said, with a quiver in my voice. I started to believe he really was going to quit being my guardian.
    We both stared each other down.
    “I’m going to go,” I said coolly.
    He turned his face towards the front windshield. “Bye.”
    My stomach pitched and rolled over. I fought getting sick. All this emotion was more than I could handle and I needed to get out of the car before I lost it on his floorboard. I jerked open the handle, climbed out and closed it before he could say anything else.
    My feet practically ran down the cobblestone path, but I listened for his retort that never came. His tires crunched the gravel and spun out instead. That’s when I remembered my shells were in the trunk, but he was halfway down the street, turning the corner. It was too late to stop him.

17 - PROTECTION
    C onfused and heartsick, I walked inside the house. There were two suitcases sitting in the front hall.
    “Oh good, you’re home,” Dad said as he came out of his office with his briefcase. “Have a nice time?”
    “It was okay,” I said, trying to sound chipper.
    I went straight over and wrapped my arms around his chest. His confusion surfaced as I lingered in our hug longer than normal, hoping for some fatherly protective consolation. But it paled in comparison to Nicholas’ solace.
    “Everything okay?” he asked after I finally let go, his eyes narrowing slightly.
    “Everything’s fine. I just miss you when you leave,” I said fighting back my tears, feeling completely overwhelmed with emotion.
    “I’ll miss you too.” He kissed my forehead but still looked concerned. “I will only be gone for a week this time. I’ve been to the store and stocked up the fridge so you and your brother will have plenty of food. And I left some cash on the counter in case you need anything.”
    “Okay,” I said and sighed.
    “I have to go, though. I don’t want to miss my flight. Call me if you need me.”
    And before I knew it, he was gone.
    I slumped down on the couch and pouted. The sun had just set, trapping me until morning. And even though I’d put up a good front to Nicholas, I was scared to leave the house now.
    My phone remained quiet in my hand.
    More than anything, I wanted him to call. I needed to know he’d always be there even when I acted like a stubborn mule. But I knew he wouldn’t. And I couldn’t swallow my pride and call him—even if I regretted my actions.
    I went upstairs and took out my math book. Algebra would have to occupy my evening. But after solving one problem I found myself lost in thought, the harsh tones of our fight bouncing around in my head. I let out