Spirits and Sorrows
EIGHT

The past thirty-six hours were long and miserable for Hannah.

Peter hadn’t come home since their fight the other day. She spent their anniversary sitting in their room sobbing. She was sure that their relationship was over. She knew it was logical that he would choose and return to his world over staying in the Human Realm with her though it still stung tremendously.

Heather still wasn’t speaking to her. Hannah had tried to apologize to her several times throughout the day but Heather ignored her. Odette kept casting worried glances between the two of them though didn’t say anything.

She once again made the people she loved and cared about furious with her and found herself alone. She knew she kept bringing this on herself and wished she could go back and do everything differently.

When it was closing time, Heather left before Hannah could catch up with her. She considered sending Heather a text asking to meet up but what was the point? All of her texts and calls were being ignored, this wouldn’t be different. She glumly packed her stuff to go home and wondered how she could get Heather to speak to her. Heather had a habit of holding grudges and with the things Hannah had said, it would take a long time for her to forgive her. She wanted to make amends to Heather before she left for Florida and congratulate her, something she should’ve done in the first place.

Before Hannah left, Odette called her into her office.

Hannah stood in the doorway, feeling nervous about what Odette might say. “Yes?”

“I need to speak to you.” The tone of Odette’s voice filled Hannah with dread. She knew she wouldn’t like what her mentor had to say. She sat down in the chair and braced herself.

Odette heaved a heavy sigh. “I’ve made the difficult decision to close Enchanted Sorcerery because business has been so slow and it’s costing me more to keep it open. On top of that, my parents aren’t doing well and I need to move to Indiana to be with them. Their health is decreasing and I need to be there for them.”

Even though Heather had warned her that this might happen, it was still a huge blow for Hannah to hear. She tried to keep her emotions in check and forced herself to say, “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your parents. Thank you for providing me with this job.”

“Thank you.” Odette shifted in her seat and Hannah knew what was coming. “I know you and Heather got into a fight. She told me what was said.”

“I know what I said was wrong and I’ve tried apologizing to her,” Hannah said hastily. “Trust me, I feel terrible.”

“As you should.”

Hannah dragged a hand over her face. “I don’t even know where to start to make up with her.”

“Give her space for now and be ready when she comes around. She’ll come around eventually.”

“I hope so.”

“She will. I’ve known her for much longer than you have and though it takes a while for her to cool down, she’ll hear you out.”

“How long have you known her?”

“I’ve known her since she was a little girl. I used to be friends with her parents. Her parents were never there for her like they should’ve been. She’s a brilliant girl who just needs love and guidance. She’s made mistakes in her life but her family never gave her a chance to try to make up for it. Her family never let her grow to be her person. But we’re not here to talk about Heather. I want to talk about you.

“I apologize for not checking in on you like I should have. I’ve been more focused on Heather but I’m also your friend and mentor and I should be giving you the same attention. I apologize, that wasn’t fair of me.”

“Thanks. It feels good to know at least one person is on good terms with me.”

Odette frowned. “Is something going on with you and Peter?”

Hannah told Odette about the fight between her and Peter and felt tears stream down her face.

Odette grabbed the box of tissues on her desk and handed them to Hannah. “Oh, Hannah, I’m so sorry.”

Hannah wiped the tears from her face. “Heather was right. I should’ve sat down and had this conversation with him long ago. I - I don’t know what I’m going to do if the portal ever does open.”

“Do you know if you have the strength to go back or not?” Odette asked gently. “I know what you witnessed was horrific. Peter wants to go back, you had the vision of the Iron Arrow, but you may not be able to handle going back.”

“I can’t let Peter go back alone. I -”

“You need to think about what’s best for you. This is too big of a decision to go by what someone else wants.”

“What would you do in my position?”

“I don’t know, honey. I honestly don’t. This is a difficult position for you or anyone else to be in.”

Odette stood up, walked over to Hannah, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m here for you if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Odette.”

“Anytime, honey.”

Hannah followed Odette out of the store and went home.

When she reached her apartment, she slowly unlocked the door, praying that Peter would be inside even though it was pointless.

She opened the door and felt her spirits fall when she found it empty. As she got ready for bed, she kept glancing at the door, hoping he would walk in any second but he never did.

She stayed up for as long as she could, praying he’d come home but he never did.

It hit her then that she was truly alone and she started sobbing and was unable to stop. She cried to sleep that night, wishing she could fix things with the people she loved.

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