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Ch.25 The night changes

Chapter 25

Hayden's hands gripped the bottle of water in his hands as hard as Nora's hands gripped the edge of the toilet. Birdie held back Nora's dark hair as she kneeled over the toilet emptying her stomach.

"That's good," Piper said, walking into the bathroom with a plate of cut wedges of lime. "Don't hold anything back. Just throw everything up."

Nora turned her face towards the woman with her watery eyes. Her face was pale and her lips were starting to turn an intense shade of pink. Hayden moved closer to her and placed his hand on her lower back to sooth her.

"Nora," Birdie frowned. "I am so sorry."

"It's fine," Nora leaned over the toilet once more.

"How long does she have to keep doing this?" Hayden looked up at Piper.

"Until there is nothing left in her stomach," Piper said. "We're lucky that the autura is still present. It burned off most of the brew."

"But I had like a drop in my mouth," Nora gagged.

"That's more than enough for you, babe," Piper signed. "Here, suck on the lime."

"I don't like lime," Nora shook her head.

"Nora, please," Hayden took the plate and held it up to her face. "It doesn't matter if you like it or not. You need to do whatever Piper says right now."

Nora was about to protest when another wave of nausea hit her. Hayden quickly shoved the plate of lime into Birdie's hand and grabbed Nora's hair. He gathered the silky locks into a secure hold and pulled her down onto his lap as she leaned over the edge of the toilet.

Nora's whole figure shook as her shoulders hunched over and her stomach rolled. Everytime Hayden heard that horrible little whimper, his eyes would snap up to his sister as if he could shoot her out of the sky. Birdie and Hayden had their share of fights, but Birdie had never seen her brother so angry. She peeked up at him through her lashes and tried to hide away from his gaze in the small bathroom. When Nora noticed, she looked up at Hayden and frowned.

"Cut it out!" she snapped. "She said she was sorry and it wasn't even her fault."

Hayden didn't say anything as his hard gaze turned towards Nora. His jaw clenched as he twisted Nora's hair and pushed some of the small pieces back.

"Hayden," Nora pushed at his chest with the heel of her palm. "I mean it. Stop."

"Or what?" Hayden snapped.

"Or I'll have Birdie portal me away back to my apartment," Nora threatened. "Away from you."

"She shouldn't even be drinking!" Hayden to argue while pulling Nora a bit closer. "She's only seventeen!"

"What were you doing at seventeen?" Nora snorted.

Hayden pressed his lips into a thin line and narrowed his eyes.

"I don't have the energy to fight with you right now," Nora took in a deep breath and leaned her forehead onto Hayden's shoulder in exhaustion. "My throat burns. My eyes burn. I feel funny."

Hayden's irritation melted at the sound of Nora's tired voice. His shoulders relaxed and she slowly lowered her head onto it as she pulled her legs up to her chest on his lap.

"Piper?" Hayden looked up, his voice filled with worry.

"Don't let her sleep," Piper kneeled beside the pair and took Nora's face in between her's. "Nora? Wake up. Don't close your eyes. You still have the brew toxins in your body."

"I'm so tired," Nora began to weep. "I need a nap."

"No, no," Piper shook her head. "Honey, if you fall asleep now, then you will never wake up."

Hayden's head snapped up, "Pardon me?"

"If her body stops burning the toxins then it can go to her heart and burn it up."

"Burn it up!" Birdie shrieked. "Are you sure she should be here and not at the hospital getting her insides washed?"

"She's fine here," Piper assured them. "There's no fast cure for this. We just have to make sure she stays awake and the toxin will burn itself out."

"Nora," Hayden took the girl's shoulder. "Stay up. Let's go, up, up up!"

"No," Nora began to cry. "I'm so tired. The meds Dr. Banks gave me make me so tired."

"I'm sorry, love," Hayden rose from the floor with Nora in his arms. "I can't let you sleep yet."

"I need to brush my teeth," Nora reached for Birdie. "I need mouthwash."

"Okay, okay," Hayden said. "Birdie will get it for you."

"Why am I crying?" Nora looked around at the many faces in the room. "Why am I so sad?"

"It's okay, honey," Piper patted the girl's back. "You're okay. Just breath."

"Birdie," Hayden looked at his sister. "Go grab Nora a new toothbrush."

"On it," Birdie said, rushing out of the bathroom.

"Make sure she eats the lime," Piper pointed to the plate.

"Where are you going?" Hayden asked.

"No where," Piper assured him. "I'm staying here until all is well."

"Thank you," Hayden sighed in relief. He turned towards the sink and grabbed a washcloth from the small basket. Running it under cold water, he wringed it out before turning towards Nora.

"I need water," Nora sniffled as Hayden wiped her face gently.

"Now? Or after you brush your teeth?" Hayden asked.

"After," Nora's eyes watered once more. "Why can't I stop crying?"

"It's just the brew, babe," Piper said. "You're okay. I promise you."

"Am I going to die?" Nora asked.

"No," Hayden and Piper said at once.

"I'm so tired," Nora whined. "I need a nap."

"You can't sleep."

"I know!" Nora stomped her feet.

"I got it!" Birdie ran back into the room with a toothbrush.

"Hayden," Piper turned to the boy. "Will you be okay here? I just have to check in with a few patients."

"We'll be fine," Hayden nodded.

"Thank you. I'll be back within the hour."

Hayden nodded before taking the toothbrush from his sister and turning to the crying girl. He applied some toothpaste onto the brush before turning back to Nora and holding it out for her. Nora took a step forward and began to brush her teeth. She stood in front of the mirror sniffling with her eyes puffy and her skin pale as she watched Hayden's reflection.

"Yes?" Hayden couldn't help but smile as he locked gaze with her in the mirror.

"You need to apologize to Birdie," Nora said after spitting out the foam in her mouth. "You're so mean, Hayden."

"She shouldn't be drinking!"

"Why are you yelling?"

"Just brush your teeth, Nora."

"I'm done."

"Good," Hayden handed her a small towel. "Let's go."

"Where?"

"I have to get you hyped up on sugar," Hayden waited for her at the door. "You can't fall asleep."

Nora stood watching the half jinn. Her eyes lingered on his face as he waited for her to take his hand.

"What's wrong?" Hayden asked.

"You've changed," Nora frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Since high school," Nora took a step forward. "You're so different now."

"Good or bad different?"

"I don't know," Nora took the boy's hand. "Good because you don't get into so many fights anymore and you're not so mean and cold."

The corner of Hayden's mouth curved up, "And the bad part?"

"You talk to me now," Nora took the small step forward and stepped into Hayden's arms.

"How is that a bad thing?" Hayden asked, leaning back against the door and pulled Nora along with him.

"It's a very bad thing," Nora said, her eyes moving all over his face before coming to rest on his lips. "It makes me think I'm standing in the center of your attention."

"Maybe you are," Hayden reached up and pushed his hand into her hair.

"Being in the center of your attention doesn't seem like a very good place," Nora frowned.

"Why is that?" Hayden's thumb traced the edge of Nora's lip.

"Because it makes me think I will fall for you all over again," Nora frowned. "And you won't even notice."

"What?" Hayden's brain started to wake up from the haze. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean," Nora sighed and leaned forward.

Hayden didn't know what to say or do as Nora leaned her head on his shoulder. Her small hands rested on his chest as she stared at their reflection in the mirror.

"Hayden...I think I am a little drunk," Nora began to sniffle once more. "It makes me want to cry."

"Nora," Hayden looked down at the girl. "What do you mean you'll fall for me all over again?"

"It was a stupid crush," Nora shighed. "In school. A very very very long time ago."

"You had a crush on me?" Hayden's heart started to race.

"I did," Nora nodded, lifting her head. "But you didn't even know I existed. You know I used to sit behind you in math."

Hayden's deep green eyes searched Nora's gaze. Her lids were heavy and she was unstable on her feet.

"It took me a long time to get over you, Hayden Heyder," Nora smiled. "I don't want to open up that can of worms again."

Hayden swallowed the lump that had formed in this throat. He had no words as he watched Nora sigh and rub her eyes. She began to yawn uncontrollably causing her eyes to water.

"How much longer?" Nora asked, her full lips pouting. "I really want to sleep."

"I'm sorry," Hayden said. "Just a few more hours."

"A few more hours!" Nora complained. "This is just fantastic! First, you make me sleep for a month straight and now I can't sleep at all!"

As Nora spoke, Hayden's chest began to tighten. She was correct. He was always dragging her into things. And even if it wasn't directly him, just her being around him wasn't always the best thing.

"How will we know I can sleep?" Nora asked.

"Piper is checking your blood toxin levels," Hayden said. "She will tell you."

Nora nodded. She tugged at her sleeves and yawned once more.

"Come," Hayden said, taking her hand and leading her to the kitchen. "Birdie, bring out the chocolates and sweets."

Birdie didn't hesitate. She walked over to the fridge and began to pull out the cupcakes and desserts they always had at hand.

"My baba loves sweets," Hayden said, watching Nora's eyes widen.

"So do you," Nora said, turning to him. "I remember."

"Cake or ice cream?" Birdie asked.

"Cake," Nora said, taking a seat on one of the stools. Hayden took the seat next to her and pulled the box of cake slices towards her.

"Here," he said, handing her a fork. "Dig in."

"This whole thing?" Nora's eyes widened.

"As much as you can," Hayden chuckled.

Can't I just drink coffee?" Nora asked. "I don't need a sugar rush. I'm not seven."

"I can get you some coffee," Birdie volunteered.

Hayden thought for a few seconds before nodding. His sister snapped her fingers and a pot of bubbling coffee appeared on the counter.

"Sugar and cream?" Birdie asked.

"Lots and lots of cream," Nora said, reaching for the mug.

For the rest of the evening, Hayden didn't say much. He stayed beside Nora as she slowly drank the whole pot of coffee. By the fourth cup she had started to get jittery. Hayden wanted to cut her off but she insisted she finish the whole thing. When she was finally done, Birdie tried to get her to play some video games but Nora had to keep running to the bathroom to pee every 20 minutes.

"This is exhausting," she said, walking back into the room and picking up the Just Dance remote. "I'm tired of peeing."

"Piper said you should be good in about two more hours," Birdie checked her watch.

"That's like 5 AM!" Nora groaned. "I hate this so much."

"You made it this far," Birdie said sweetly. "Just two more hours."

Hayden sat on the couch and watched as Nora shook her head and handed Bordoe back the remote. She sank down into the space beside him and laid her head on the back rest of the sofa. Hayden leaned a little closer and nudged her with his knee when he saw her eyes were starting to grow heavy once again.

"I'm up," Nora muttered. "Don't worry."

A pool of guilt swirled around Hayden's heart as he listened to Nora's soft breathing beside him. He counted the seconds and minutes in his head until Piper showed up once more and checked Nora's blood. Hayden sighed in relief as Birdie fell to the floor dramatically.

"Oh thank god!" the girl said. "I thought I killed you."

Hayden wished everyone would stop saying that. The words rang in his ears like loud bells that were not peaceful or calming at all.

"Does this mean I can sleep?" Nora asked.

"Yes," Piper laughed. "You may sleep. You're all good."

"All this over a drop of pixie brew," Nora shook her head. She rose from her seat with a sigh and turned to Hayden. "I need a portal home please."

"Do you want to just stay here?" Birdie asked.

"No, I would much rather go back to my own bed," Nora shook her head.

"Actually," Piper said slowly. "That's not such a bad idea. You're all fine but just in case, maybe you should stay here. At least until nightfall."

"I'll call you aunt," Hayden said, rising to his feet.

"No, tha-" Nora started but the boy had already walked away.

"I'll show you the guest bedroom," Birdie smiled.

"This is your family's way of kidnapping people?" Nora raised a brow.

"No, we put them in the basement with the rats."

"Ah okay," Nora nodded.

"No rats for you," Birdie laughed. "Come on, let's go."

__________________________

After an exhausting night full of exciting events, Birdie, Nora and Hayden all knocked out as soon as their heads hit the pillow. Birdie learned Nora her phone so the girl could play her rain sounds. Hayden thought he would surely lose all sleep with Nora sleeping right next door but his body had other plans. He was too drained to even be bothered by the soft pitter patter and thunder he head through the walls.

Around mid-afternoon, when Hayden finally woke, he laid back against his pillow for a long time, just listening to Nora's rain sounds. He could almost hear her slow breaths if he concentrated hard enough.

By the time Hayden rolled out of bed and made his way downstairs, Heyder was already in the kitchen. He looked up as his son entered the room and sank into the bar stool by the counter.

"Do I want to know why I've been hearing chicken frying in a skillet all day?" Heyder asked.

"It's rain," Hayden said, rubbing his face. "Nora plays rain sounds when she sleeps."

"How sweet," Heyder rolled her eyes. "I hope she's dreaming of cute things. But please for all things holy turn it off. It's driving me insane."

"Let her sleep, please," Hayden said. "She had a long night."

"Piper texted your mother," Heyder shook his head. "Why did Birdie even find brew?"

"Gee, I don't know, baba," Hayden said sarcastically. "I wonder who drinks pixie brew in this house? It couldn't be the jinn and the witch that raised us."

"We have to finish all the bottles this weekend," Heyder sippe dhis coffee.

"Do whatever you want," Hayden yawned. "I want no part of it."

Heyder laughed as he walked around the counter and slid a mug of coffee towards his son. He was about to walk out of the room when Hayden's voice stopped him at the door once more.

"You were right," he said.

"I'm always right," Heyder snorted. "Just reminded me, about what this time?"

"About Nora," Hayden said, quietly. "She is breakable."

"Ah," Heyder nodded. "I see."

"She's been in the hospital twice since she's been working with me. Last night was about to be the third visit."

"She's human..." Heyder shrugged. "They're breakable. Don't you see how Maksim keeps Ella in a bubble?"

"I see it now," Hayden sighed.

Heyder knew this was what he had wanted. But the hollow look on Hayden's face tugged at his heart.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked, walking back to the counter.

"Not really," Hayden shook his head. "I like her...and I don't want to see her get hurt because of me or because of my world."

"I know that feeling," Heyder said.

"The right thing to do is to let her go, right?" Hayden looked up at his baba.

"For her safety? Yes..." Heyder nodded. "And for your peace of mind."

Hayden nodded slowly once more. He felt his father place a hand on his shoulder before moving it to his head.

"You both will be miserable if anything happens to her," Heyder explained. "You will blame yourself and she will hurt knowing you're blaming yourself."

"I know..." Hayden muttered. "But..."

Heyder knew what was coming. He braced himself because he knew that look all too well.

"I really like her, baba," Hayden said. "When she's around me.....I feel....I feel different. Good difference."

"I understand," Heyder frowned. "But sometimes, when you really care for someone, you have to put your own feelings aside and do what is in the other person's best interest."

"I know, I know," Hayden felt his heart sinking in the cold ocean.

"You'll be okay," Heyder said slowly. "It's better that it stops here...before either one of you falls too far."

"You're right."

_______________________________

Nora sat in Maya's office as the witch scanned her head for any sign of the autura. Hayden and Birdie stood by the window and watched as Nora gripped the fabric of the dress Birdie had let her borrow.

"Okay..." Maya said after almost an hour of scanning. "I think we're all good."

"No more autura?" Nora opened her eyes.

"No more autura," Maya smiled. "I think it burned out faster while trying to fight the brew."

"At least something good came out of that," Nora said under her breath.

"How are you feeling?"

"Disoriented," Nora said honestly. "I am so ready to go back home and sleep in my own bed and wera my own clothes."

"You're free to go," Maya patted her knee. She turned to her son and smiled, "She's all yours."

Hayden pushed away from the window frame and cleared his throat. He could feel Nora's eyes on him as he lifted his finger and summoned a portal.

"Ready?" He turned to look at her.

"Yes," Nora nodded, rising from the armchair.

Hayden didn't say anything as he watched Nora say goodbye to his mother and sister. He heard Birdie apologize once more for the brew and Nora assured the girl there were no hard feelings. It was an accident, could have happened to anyone.

"I hope we see you soon," Maya waved. "I love having you here."

"Thank you, Mrs. Heyder," Nora smiled. "You're too kind."

"Bye, Nora."

"Bye," Nora said before she turned to look at Hayden. "Ready?"

Hayden nodded. He took a step forward and hooked his arm around the girl's narrow waist. Hayden looked down and watched Nora's pupils dilate as he pulled her closer and placed a hand behind her head. Their gaze met for a few seconds before Hayden guided her head and tucked it under his chin. Nora's hands gripped his shirt as he lifted her feet off the ground and stepped through the portal.

"This is never going to get better, is it?" Nora asked as Hayden sat her down on her feet in her apartment.

"Probably not," Hayden said.

"Thank you," Nora looked up. "For the portal."

"You're welcome."

"What's wrong?" Nora frowned.

"What makes you think something is wrong?"

"You're not..." Nora pulled back slightly to look at the boy properly. "You're not smiling...and you're saying the bare minimum."

"It's been a weird few weeks," Hayden slowly pulled his arm away from Nora and took a small step back.

"Yeah," Nora nodded, watching the half jinn carefully. "It has been. But....at least the autura is gone, right?"

"Yeah," Hayden nodded.

A silence fell around the living room the pair stood in. Nora stared at Hayden as he stood with his hands inside his pocket and his eyes on the photo frames on the wall beside them.

"So...?" Nora began quietly after a long pause.

Hayden turned to her and raised a brow.

"The autura is gone..." Nora continued, her voice the only thing Hayden could hear.

"It is..." Hayden said.

"What does...." Nora hesitated. "Where does that put us?"

Hayden's heart stopped. This was it, he thought.

"You were right," he said the words slowly and painfully. "Whatever we were.....feeling...."

Hayden thought he heard Nora gasp. But he couldn't be sure. His head was pounding and his heart was racing in his chest.

"It was all because of the autura..." Nora finished for him when he couldn't.

Hayden nodded, "It's a good thing we didn't make those dinner plans."

"Yeah," Nora nodded."Good thing we didn't."

"Nora..." Hayden looked up and his breath caught.

"Hayden..." Nora frowned.

"I'll see you around?"

"Yeah," Nora nodded. "Of course."

"Okay," Hayden took a step back and a portal opened. "Bye, Nora."

"Bye, Hayden."    


:( What do you think of Hayden's decision? 

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