Chapter Nineteen

Jessie tossed restlessly on the couch. Her foot throbbed where she had fallen, and she felt nauseous. Where was Rowan? Why had he left so quickly? Finally she slipped into a dreamless sleep.

Illianna flew to her straight from the Red Lantern. Hovering over the sleeping girl she watched, seeing the gentle beauty that Rowan loved. How can I hurt him so? But then, how can I not? Slowly, she went to work, weaving the veil that would block Jessie's sight or memory of any Otherlings forever after. 

When Jessie woke darkness wrap her snugly, and she was tempted to just go back to sleep, but hunger nagged until she rose to eat. Standing hurt, but she hobbled over to the lamp, turned it on, and hopped from chair to wall until she reached the fridge. Leftovers from last night's feast were neatly wrapped and close at hand so she popped that in the microwave and plopped down to wait. As the aromas began to fill the kitchen Jessie had a wave of nausea hit her so hard that she barely made it to the bathroom before she emptied her stomach. Still feeling queasy she grabbed the wastebasket and hobbled back to the couch.
“Just great,” she thought. On top of everything else now she had a stomach bug. She flipped on the TV as a distraction and turned to the late night news. More rain was in the forecast and she laughed at the absurdity of watching a weather forecast in Seattle. It was like watching yesterday's news. Before long she was asleep again.

When she woke it was sunny bright and the phone was ringing. Grabbing her purse off the floor  she fumbled out her phone and was greeted by Carrie's cheerful voice.”Jessie! Are we still on for troll-o-ween tonight?”  This annual celebration was the adult equivalent to Halloween for the residents of Fairmont, and a tradition Jessie relished.

“Is that tonight? I guess I lost track of time. I don't even have a costume yet,” Jessie searched her brain, but she couldn't shake the cobwebs.

“Yes, silly girl, it's tonight. You better get a move on. We're all gathering at your place at 8, remember? You promised munchies before we take off. Can I bring anything?
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Any suggestions? What happens next?