A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps by Kit Bryan
Rule 84- Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.

I pull up in front of the Logan's house, then realise immediately that parking right in front of their house is a terrible way to watch them subtly and is definitely going to draw attention to us. So I drive further down the street and park about five houses down. It's a large street so it's likely that the Logan family won't notice an extra car out here, particularly if it's not right by their house. Most people don't notice things that don't directly affect them anyway.

"So, I was too tired last night to pay that much attention, but did you guys come up with a plan to look inside or are we just gonna sneak around and hope for the best?" I ask. Fin and Ashton exchange a strange look and Ashton's expression becomes stubborn. He says nothing and when Fin opens his mouth to speak, he glares at him. I turn in my seat so that I can see them both properly. "What's up with you two?" I ask. Fin risks Ashton's ire and answers me.

"We did come up with one idea, but Ashton does not like it as it would require your assistance." Fin responds while Ashton glares. I'm just confused.

"It's helping out why I'm here anyway? Why would that be a problem?" I push. Ashton just shakes his head.

"That is what I said that you would say. Ashton does not believe that it is worth taking the risk. He believes that you risk yourself too easily." Fin answers in a rush. I frown and turn to Ashton.

"Did you really say that?" I ask, a little put out. Ashton gives me an awkward smile but says nothing. Well that's a yes then. He can't lie but not answering is still a kind of answer.

"I think it's up to me to decide what counts as too much risk. Why don't you tell me this theoretical plan and I can decide for myself if it's a good idea or not." My words are a suggestion but my tone is a demand. Ashton still doesn't look happy but he relents and answers me.

"It is a simple plan. We just thought that someone should go and make an excuse to knock on the door so that we can see for ourselves who answers and what state they are in. It would be ideal if we could make some excuse to be invited in but that seems more difficult. Not to mention we still do not know if there is a fae involved in this. If there is then it increases the risk for the person going to the door." Ashton stops, reluctant to continue, but I can figure out the rest myself. "And it would make it unwise for you or Fin to go to the door because a fae would recognise you, right? But it's not like we know for sure that the fae is involved, we don't even know for sure that there's an actual issue here. It's just a suspicion of mine. I think it's a good plan, and as much as you are clearly avoiding it, I am definitely the most suited person to carry it out." I state firmly. Ashton immediately shakes his head in denial.

"It is too dangerous. You would have to go alone. Besides, you will not be able to look for signs of magic the same way we would." He insists. I notice a flicker of something cross Fin's face before he manages to hide it. "What?" I turn on him. He glances at Ashton then decides to risk it and answers me.

"Well, based on my own observations, I believe that you spot glamours as well as any fae. You seem to have quite the talent for it. Spotting magic is not all that different. You simply need to find what seems unnatural. Besides, the only remaining fae on the loose seems to primarily use poisons, it is unlikely that the fae has other types of offensive magic. As long as you do not touch anything or allow anyone to touch you I doubt that you will be in any real danger even if the fae IS present." Fin keeps glancing sideways at Ashton like he's waiting to get in trouble. I guess even if they are friends, he IS Ashton's attendant so Ashton is technically his boss. It's never fun being in the position of having to disagree with your boss, or your best friend either for that matter.

"See Ashton, I can do it, it'll be fine." I try to reason with him but he isn't convinced.

"What if someone were to attack you physically? Human or fae, you would have no defence. You have told me yourself that you are not a fighter." He reminds me. I shrug.

"I doubt that anyone is going to attack me, and you'll stay close by right? I've seen how fast you move, I doubt that anyone could hurt me in the few seconds it would take you to reach me." I point out. Ashton is hesitant but he knows I'm right.

"I... Suppose you are right." he reluctantly agrees.

"And I might not be a fighter, but I could defend myself for a few seconds. I've taken plenty of self defence courses and things due to my dad's overprotective nature." I add, in case it helps my case. I'm already working on a plan to get myself invited into the house. Ashton would hate it, but I just really want to check on the two kids. I'm worried about them. Besides, I'm an adult and I can take care of myself. It's sweet of him to worry about me but I refuse to be babied. All I really have to do is knock on the door. That doesn't mean I can't try to be reasonable though.

"What could we do to make you more comfortable with this plan?" I ask. Ashton seems shocked by the question. Apparently he was convinced that I was going to just run in and do whatever I wanted without any compromise. I'm not that unreasonable... Am I? He considers my question.

"We will stay as close as we can, we will also do our best to watch the house first and look without this plan. It can be a last resort." He agrees reluctantly. I'm happy enough with that answer, but I want to lock it down a little more. "Okay, so it's just after nine right now. If we haven't learned anything useful by... Say eleven, then we go with this plan." I decide, raising an eyebrow as I wait for his agreement. He nods.

"Very well." he grumbles. Fin gives a nod of agreement as well and with that, the decision is made.

Ashton and Fin spend the next couple hours doing whatever they can to try and get a peek inside the house while I sit in the car and watch. All the windows at the front have blinds or curtains blocking them and the side windows seem to have similar issues. They creep around the back and report that the only unblocked window seems to just look in on the laundry and there is nothing of interest in there at all. Fin even flies over in case they have any skylight or sunroof areas (they don't.) We watch the house for any signs of life. Ashton and Fin report that with their superior hearing they can hear the occasional clink of dishes and some coughing, like someone is sick. Maybe they are all just unwell after all... Although I don't understand why they wouldn't report that to the school. We reach eleven am and Ashton is still hiding out behind some trees near the house trying to listen for more information. Fin has already returned to the car. I decide to give it ten more minutes before I burst his bubble and tell him it's time to go with plan B.