Awakening (Book One of the Eklektos Series)

Chapter Twenty Four

One of the many things that did not come easily to Kali was being the centre of attention. Some people, especially at Camelot, seemed to think that she was good at everything. But she was useless in social situations. She was just lucky enough to have met people that accepted her so easily that she didn't have to try. They put in the effort and seemed content that she was just there. She felt guilty sometimes, coasting by; she knew they deserved better.

Kali was tense on the walk across camp, but she was determined to be positive. Eliza was grumbling under her breath and Kali hated to seem ungrateful so she schooled her expression into one of optimism. When they arrived, Kali didn't need to fake the blushing cheeks and the nervous laugh. Eliza relaxed, and the others quickly reminded her that it was enough for them that she was there. She didn't have to pretend to be any more than she was.

Kali was surprised by how happy she was for the fuss. She usually didn't really take note of her birthdays; it didn't seem like that big a deal. She spent most of them alone anyway, so there was little point in celebrating. But with her friends beaming at her, with all their hard work decorating the space around her, it felt special.

Willow and Sage had grown and weaved banners of twisting vines and flowers, braided with intertwining branches. They covered the walls and the ceiling, so it was like walking into a fairy grotto. Tom and Carl had strung up fairy lights under Jem's watchful eye while Eliza had kept her busy.

Jem wasted no time in telling her that Ben had smuggled a bunch of helium balloons in, which were floating in the centre of the room. There were a few platters of food arranged in a buffet on her kitchen counter. And under the balloon was a small pile of brightly wrapped packages. Presents.

Taking it all in, Kali was overwhelmed. Tears sprung to her eyes and she bit the inside of her lip to keep it from wobbling. Carl was closest to her so he got the first hug, then she made her way around the room. Tom was last, a big bear hug that told her he knew. He understood. Tom had been the only person that had ever made note of her birthdays when they were kids. Brushing off the overpowering well of feeling, buffeting her from all sides, she muttered "Prick."

Tom laughed. "Knew you'd like it." Tom ruffled her hair and asked how she was feeling. "Your hippie friend said you had some trouble yesterday?"

Kali half-smiled at the fact that anyone with dreadlocks was immediately a hippie to Tom. "Nothing major." The lie stuck in her throat. Nothing major? She could feel Jem glowering, but she shook herself and said "Just wasn't feeling right. Jem convinced me to get some rest."

Tom frowned, but he didn't push it. "Maybe he is good for something, then. Are you alright?"

"Half left." She joked, faking a smile.

"Kali..." He stopped himself and sighed "Just be careful."

She faltered, but replied "Don't worry so much."

"That's the benefit of being the big brother. Worrying and pissing you off."

"You're an expert at both." She muttered drily.

Tom smirked "I try."

Kali giggled, wiping her treacherous eyes, and they guided her to grab some food. Once they were all settled, Tom decided a distraction was in order. He elbowed Sage in the ribs and the satyr glowered at him. Tom's stony eyes fixed on him pointedly until the penny dropped.

"Presents!" Sage bleated suddenly, shooting to his hooves.

Tom snorted, everyone soon joining in when Sage blushed right to the roots of his tight curls. He cleared his throat, stamped a hoof, and attempted to sound dignified as he explained "It is time to open the presents."