Page 15 of Iona's Christmas
“Girl, I grew up with Warden, Undertaker and Oracle. I’ve been around those who are special for years,” I replied, trying to put her at ease.
“Yeah, I know,” Cécile whispered.
I tilted my head, running through the abilities I was aware of. “Are you a medium?”
“No, I do not see spirits, don’t wish that on me! I was more a prophet, but I seem to be leaning more towards being a seer or psychic. I am receiving visions of what will happen but also, I’m able to see the here and now,” Cécile answered.
“You’re another Oracle,” I said, grasping what Cécile meant.
“No, not an oracle… oh, you mean Oracle the person. Yes, like him, but more advanced,” Cécile replied.
“Because you have your anchor. I’m Warden’s, he says. I don’t quite see it, but I’ll go with it. Plus, it’s huge fun getting Warden riled up. So come on, tell me, what did you see about me?” I demanded as I sat down in an armchair and curled up.
Cécile regarded me as if I was an alien. I suppose I was, in a way. From my own experiences, I’d seen how individuals reacted when confronted with something different. Throw in powers that weren’t meant to exist? People became monsters.
“Just like that? No doubt or accusations?” Cécile asked, sitting down.
“Nope. If you were a fake, the club would know. Which means you’re the real deal. So come on, lady. Tell me what you saw!” I demanded.
I understood Cécile’s hesitation. Being accepted for what you are isn’t something that happens to most people. Someone always judges you or tries to change you. Life was so cruel and unfair. What the judgemental idiots didn’t realise or even try to understand was they didn’t ask to be born differently.
They went on about God’s will and abominations and blah blah, but if God was the all-seeing and powerful entity, they said, then he gave them abilities. Which means the ‘burn them at the stake’ twits were burning God’s gifts to mankind. That was how I saw it, and screw anyone who didn’t agree.
“You were a lot older than you are now. And you were surrounded by the club, and everybody was laughing and joking. It felt as if you were the glue that held everyone together. Iona, that’s your name, right? You were very important. Warden was there, and there were lots of children. I don’t know if any were yours, but the vision left me with an overwhelming sense of love and commitment,” Cécile said.
I stared at her, open-mouthed. “Have you ever been wrong?” I asked finally.
“No.”
“Never?”
“No.”
“That’s not what I expected. I’m one of the most disliked people in the club,” I explained.
Cécile frowned. “Are you sure?”
“Very. Let me tell you a story.”
“I’ll put the kettle on,” Etienne said. “Start without me; I can hear very well in the kitchen.”
Etienne’s wonderful ass caught my attention as he walked away, and I stared, bemused. I may love Warden, but Dear God, Etienne was temptation wrapped in one sinful package.
“That’s how I first felt when I saw him,” Cécile admitted, and we giggled.
“You and I are going to be great friends,” I stated and began telling Cécile everything.
Chapter Four.
Iona
Rosalea, Lindy, Cécile and I were chatting when Cipher stuck his head into the common room.
“Pigs at the door,” he said, and Warden straightened.
“Who?” he demanded.
“Who’d ya think?” Cipher retorted, and Warden cursed.