Once Grandma goes on to explain the basics of magic and how and when it should and should not be used, EJ tells us we will be working on learning how to meditate. Several people groan, but he goes on to explain that we need to be able to control our inner selves, our emotions, and our reactions to be able to use our powers and abilities more effectively. Some still aren't happy, but I guess they aren't going to argue with someone who is already practicing elemental magic.

EJ has us move the couches out of the way and then sit on the floor. He asks us to sit cross-legged, and he lights an incense that smells like sandalwood. He directs us through how to meditate and let thoughts that come to mind drift away. He says with enough practice and focused breathing, we could accomplish this on our own and encourages us to try these techniques outside of formal lessons. It seems like a good idea just to relieve stress, so I plan on practicing — when I can.

He explains to the witches about a method of divination using a pendulum to get "yes" and "no" answers, but after he shows us how it is supposed to work, it seems less confusing. This is something he tells us we will have to practice on our own without all of the distractions, after we meditate.

He explains that it is a good idea for everyone to keep a dream diary. He winks at me and continues saying that sometimes the subconscious is trying to tell us something when we are unwilling to pay attention, therefore, recording the dreams to look at and potentially analyze later.

I am unable to sit still towards the end of his session, and I rush to see Grandma once it's over.

After much coaxing, Grandma allows me to call my family and Danny.

After a few rings, Mom answers the phone.

"Tally! It's so good to finally hear from you."

A childish whine leaves my mouth. "I've only been here three days, Mom."

"Still, I'm used to seeing you everyday. This is a big change for all of us."

"I know, but this is only the first three days of months before I will be able to see you again."

I hear a sigh over the phone. "What am I going to do without you? Well, no matter now. Tell me what you've been up to."

"The only thing I can tell you is that I'm staying in a cabin in the mountains of western North Carolina — somewhere. We started our lessons today. There are other people here."

"Did your cousins show up?"

"Yep, both of them. They are interesting, but I can't talk about a lot of things over the phone."

"Well, poo. Dad and I wanted more details."

"How is Dad, by the way?"

"Just his usual. Working himself to death at that community hospital. I know he gets a good salary, but a doctor of his intelligence should get more — or something."

I chuckle at Mom's protectiveness of Dad. It's so cute. I hope to have that kind of love one day.

Before I can say anything further, Kait is nagging Mom to give her the phone. An exasperated 'Fine' comes before the animated voice of Kait interrupts the peace.

"Tally, you'll never guess what happened?"

"Jake McIntyre asked you out."

"Nah, he's in the past. A new guy just moved into the neighborhood."

Kait then goes into too much detail about this new guy, Connor, or something like that. After hearing about as much I can on the subject, I ask to speak to Spencer. Unfortunately, he's out for the afternoon, and I have to figure a reason to get off the phone. Then, I remember I only have a limited amount of time to make my calls.

I tell Kait I need to speak with Mom quickly, and ask Mom where Spencer is at. I know I could have called his cell phone, but I explain to her I only had so long to talk with everyone. When I finally get her off of the phone, I call Danny.

"Danny!" I squeal. Oh my lord. I sound like Kait now around her crush.

"Hey, Tally," he answers, but his voice is cold and distant.

"What's wrong? Has something happened at home?"

His answers are short and sharp. "No. We're all peachy here. Nothing new to report. How's training?"

My excitement withers until I have a hollow feeling in my chest. I choke back my tears.

"Okay, I guess. We only started our lessons today."

"You've been gone three days."

"We had to wait on someone else to arrive and then go through a ceremony."

There is so much I want to tell him, but I am limited by time and secrecy. I explain as much as I could while trying to stay upbeat. Why is he angry with me?

"What have you been into?" Maybe this will get him talking more like himself.

"Just hanging out with friends. The stuff of a boring life. And, hey, gotta meet Jared in a few minutes."

I'm stunned, and the only word I can mutter is "Okay." After a pause, I continue. "I miss you."

"Have fun with your new friends and new life." He states with a hint of sarcasm before a soundless abyss greets me.

Tears stream down my face. What did I do wrong? Why was he so hostile with me?

I try and mop up my face before making it back to the cabin. Before I even reach the cabin, the numbing quiet is broken by a reassuring voice.

"Oh love, what has you so down?" Grandma ask coming around a tree towards me.

"Danny is mad at me."

"What an arse. Why would he have a need to be mad at you?"

"I don't know. He just didn't sound like himself."

"And why's that?"

"He was sarcastic — an angry sarcastic."  

"Fool eegit. What's his problem?"

I shrug and look down at the ground.

Grandma walks closer and wraps me in a hug.

"I don't know what to tell you, Tallulah. If I could, I would find a way to get the answers out of him, but using my magic for such a thing isn't what I term a "needed expense of energy." Remember during training and beyond, you should use your magic sparingly in most situations. And wring his neck to get it out of him is a little more violent than I'd like to go, but I hope the arse clears things up soon."

I smile at this before we head back to the cabin to rest before another long day.

_________________________________________

[A/N]:

Fool eegit - idiot (https://www.thetraveltart.com/irish-slang-words-swear-expletives/)