KADE PART 4
“Kade? Kade honey? You come out and talk to Kas.”
Her nannies voice moved through the halls getting dangerously close to Kade’s hiding place. The small heating vent under the main stairway was where Kade went when wanting to be alone. The warm air rushing up from a small opening in the back always seemed to make her feel better as it ran through her hair.
It wasn’t working as fast this time though. Kade tried desperately to control the tears. How could they turn me away like that? And Mordi didn’t even care to show up? It was true they never really got along but she was their sister. It didn’t make any sense.
The thoughts brought on even more sobs, and it seemed like forever before Kade finally cried herself out. She allowed the sounds of hot air racing through the vent to lull her into a numb calm.
Kade thought about everything that happened in a new mind set this time, detailing each event and its resulting effect leading her to where she was now. Sorrow started to be replaced with determination as she sorted it all out. I’m through crying over things I can’t change!
She wiped away the tears and took a deep breath. Things wouldn’t change unless she made them. No one is going to make me feel this way ever again! Slowly stretching her legs out of the tiny cubby hole, Kade prepared herself to enter the world anew.
That’s when she realized Kas wasn’t calling for her anymore.
Kade poked her head out from under the stairs and was surprised to see Kas sitting patiently on the bottom step. Her big brown eyes looked deeply into Kade’s green. “All better, honey?”
Crawling out from her hiding spot, Kade stood and brushed the dust off her knees. “How long have you been sitting there?”
“Long enough. Figured you’d come out when you were ready.” She stood as well and extended her hand. “Let’s go get some food. I hear they have pudding.”
“Have you always known where I hide?” She had thought her secret place was unknown to everyone but should have guessed Kas would figure it out.
“I have always known. I also know when you go there, you want to be alone. I just got tired of walking around is all.” Her smile warmed Kade’s heart. There was nothing she could hide from that woman and nothing that woman would hide from her. She took Kas’ hand and walked with her to the meal room just around the corner.
Before entering, Kas stopped and looked down. “Now child, you know Kas will always be here for you, right? Don’t you think on those worthless brothers any longer. Kas is your family now.”
Kade smiled back up at her. “I know. They never liked me anyway. Not sure why I expected them to want me with Mom gone.” Her smile wavered but she put it firmly back in place remembering the vow she made to herself. “Come on before the pudding gets warm!” She let go of Kas’ hand and ran to get in line. Pudding made everything better.
Kas came up behind her and leaned down for a hug. “So, what does Kade plan to do now?”
She hugged her back then let go. She stood up straight and said with as much confidence as she could muster, “I’m going to become a healer and stay here. That way I can help others.” Her confidence ebbed a bit so she added, “Do you think I can do that?”
Kas patted her head playfully, “You can do anything you want. I know you would make a great healer.”
That lifted Kade’s spirits greatly causing her to jump around. Tomorrow would be a very good day. Tomorrow she would start her new life.
