“Amanda – ” Daniel began.
“Don’t call me that.” Mandy snapped. She was more than a little cranky. She had a migraine the size of Texas, but Daniel wanted her to do more. More, more, more – always more.
“You have to – ” he was interrupted by the sound of a knock at the door. “Excuse me.” he said. “Stay here and practice.” he left the room and popped back in again. “And we’re going to work on your mental talents – not matter how much you complain.”
Mandy stuck her tongue out at his back as he left and briefly thought about leaving through the back door – or a window. Mulling it over, she figured it would be better to stay. Maybe if she were lucky, the business at the door would be important and he’d dismiss her early. perked up a little, she thought about what he had said. He had said to practice – but he didn’t say what to practice. She stood, and headed over to the guitar in the corner, picked it up and began to play a little bit. She could hear voices in the background, but she tried to ignore them and focus on the music instead.
A few minutes into it, and she felt more relaxed then she had since she’d been there. She hummed along as she played chords, shutting out the room and getting lost in her own thoughts – until Daniel clearing his throat brought her back to reality. She set the guitar down in its stand, and turned, prepared to be snarky, but she stopped short of it, as he had company. She vaguely remembered him – he’d stop by Brandon’s once in a while for chess, and he was at poker night. What was his name again?
“My apologies for interrupting your studies, but I needed to speak with Daniel.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind heading home.” she leaned down, picking up her purse.
“I didn’t say to leave, Mandy.”
“You’re not the boss of me.” she snapped, her headache making itself known at full force.
“Mandy was it?” the stranger interjected, trying to intervene and smooth things over. “As in, Brandon’s ghoul, and daughter to Claude?”
“Yea, that’s me.”
“I’m not sure you eve caught my name.” he offered. “I’m Jakob.”
“Nice to meet you Jakob.” she replied.
“What was it you were practicing? And what are you supposed to be practicing? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“I don’t mind.” she said, dropping her purse back to the floor before she sat back down. “I’m supposed to be practicing the various magick spheres of influence. I was trying to practice chords on the guitar.”
“Oh…so you’re a mage then?”
“Yea.”
“How long have you been playing?” he said, indicating the guitar.
“Not long – a few months total, but it’s been a while. My instructor has had a busy schedule and hasn’t had much time for me.”
“That’s a shame.” Jakob replied. “Who was your instructor?”
“Not sure if you’d remember him or not…but it was Jett.”
“Average height, dark hair, broody looking with tattoos?”
“That’d be him.”
“Interesting. Well, it’s a shame he doesn’t have time for you. If you like, I could teach you.”
“You play?”
“I am skilled at a good many things.” Jakob replied with a smile. Mandy found herself smiling back. He wasn’t bad looking, and he really was a charmer…Stop it. She told herself. You have Timur. she was reminded. Yea, but it’s still nice to get attention. Never said I was going to do anything with him.
“Sir, you’ve really got a lot of calls toy our time. I don’t think – ”
“Save it, Daniel. I’ve got plenty of time. What do you say, Mandy?”
“I like the sound of that. I’d like to get back to playing again.”
“Fantastic. My place or yours.”
“Depends on what my Dad feels more comfortable with.” she said flatly.
“Why would that matter? You;re an adult, aren’t you?”
“Yes – and adult who lives at home with a highly overprotective and dangerous father.”
“Fair point. Well, check with him, perhaps, and see what’s more favorable.”
“I can do that.” she turned her attention to Daniel. “Can I go now?”
Jakob cut Daniel off before he could speak “You’re clearly not in a good mindset to be practicing any more today. Go home. Rest.” he looked at Daniel. “Don’t overwork your student.” he said, his tone suddenly very serious and no-nonsense.
Mandy could sense the apprehension and fear coming off Daniel. She realized suddenly that she was picking up on his thoughts, and she quickly shut that down. She leaned down, grabbed her purse and got up.
“Thanks for everything.” she said, head down, and moved past the two men quickly, not looking up until she was in her car. She placed her hands on either side of her head and rocked back and forth a little as she tried to push out random thought strings that threatened to invade her mind. After a few moments, the thoughts of passersby left her, and she was able to drive home.
Once Mandy had left, Jakob turned to look at Daniel.
“What kind of hell are you putting that girl through?”
“I’m not – ”
“Daniel – you know I know how to read people. I’ve been studying human psychology since it’s inception, so don’t lie to me. Why are you so hard on her?”
“I’m not trying to be.”
“But you are. You should be piking up on those cues. I don’t know how often you’re trying to get her to practice, but she’s not comfortable with however you’re trying to teach her. You’re going to burn her out before she’s even begun – do you want that?”
“No.”
“Then let up. Let her be herself. Let her get in touch with…what do you call it again? Oh, right – her avatar. Don’t force it, or she’ll learn to hate it. Keep that in mind.” he said, flicking Daniel on the forehead. “No blood today.”
“But – ”
“Don’t argue with me. You’ll get it – just not today, understand?”
“Yes sir.” he mumbled.
“Good. Well, I’m off.” Jakob said, letting himself out. After a moment’s thought he headed back home. There were a couple ideas percolating in his head of things he could do to pass the time other than sit at home and be around Avery all day. Maybe Avery could provide feedback on them.