couldn’t free himself. That pretty much sums it up.”
Jenna’s mom paused for a second when Jenna mentioned the energy ball, then started chewing again. “That’s great. I know it’s been hard, but I just want what’s best for you, honey. I think that since you have proven you can protect yourself you deserve a break. I’m officially giving you the rest of the week off.”
“Wait! That’s not a good idea,” Alex snapped. “Now is the time she needs to be working harder than ever. She can’t just stop training.”
Erin glared at Alex. “She can and will. She has done nothing but work hard these last few months.” Then her face softened. “I appreciate you helping her, but she needs a break. She’s still a young girl and needs to live life while learning how to manage her Nephilim side. It’s important she doesn’t forget what it’s like to be human.
Alex shook his head in protest. “I want you to know I’m against it. There are still people out there hunting us,” Alex said anger simmering in his eyes.
Jenna swallowed hard, lifted her chin and met Alex’s gaze. “There will always be people hunting us,” she pointed out. “I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me without any arguments. Now, I’m not asking you, I’m telling you. I’m taking a few days off from training.” After everything Alex had done for her, Jenna hated being mean to him. But, she really needed some time away from her Nephilim training to feel human again.
Alex shot up from the table. “If that’s what you want. But don’t blame me if your powers regress.” Without waiting for a response he stormed out of the kitchen and into his room.
Jenna watched as Alex rushed out of the kitchen. She didn’t understand why he was making such a big deal out of her taking a few days off. It would do them both good to relax. I’ll talk to him later , she thought as he slammed his door shut. After he calms down .
“So, what do you want to do tomorrow?’ she asked turning toward her mom who was deep in thought.
“What?” her mom responded after a moment.”
“What do you want to do tomorrow?” Jenna repeated.
“I’m sorry. I was thinking about something your father once told me. But, that’s not important right now. I have tomorrow off from the diner. I think we should go into town and look around. There are a few stores I’ve been meaning to check out but haven’t had the time. Why don’t you go through your clothes and see what you need. We’ll get it tomorrow.
“Sounds good,” Jenna said standing up. “I already know I need a few shirts. I’ll see what else.”
“Thanks,” her mom said. “And, Jenna, good job today. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Jenna replied. As she left the kitchen, she thought about going to talk to Alex, but changed her mind as she passed his door. She was sure he was still mad about being overruled by her and her mother.
Still excited about her victory over him, she quickly made her way up the stairs and into her room.
“She whirled around her room as she sorted through the clothes trying to decide what she should get rid of. She didn’t have much. Everything had been lost in the car fire so when they got to town they had picked up just the necessities. Most of those clothes were already worn out or stained thanks to the training.
After finishing she plopped down on her bed and grabbed the mystery book her mom had bought for her last week on her way home from work. She loved to read mysteries. They were her favorites. She’d had a whole shelf filled with her favorite ones at her old house. She couldn’t bring herself to give any of them away, figuring that someday she would read them again.
Maybe it’s time to start a new collection , she thought as she settled back on her pillow and opened the book. She soon found herself deeply immersed and unable to put it down.
JENNA woke the next morning smiling with her victory over Alex