Pain and panic threw me into shock as my body went flying. I don't want to die! I screamed internally clenching my head. Power, I need my power. A bright light flashed before my eyes and without thinking I reached for it eagerly. That brightness turned into a door in my mind and unable to cope with my fear and pain I swung it wide open.

The light faded rapidly, and I blinked as my eyes adjusted. I was back home. The smell of old fine leather books and century old dust was distinctly home smells. The dark ebony shelves surrounded me, and I could feel tears rise to my eyes. I never thought I would miss this dusty space so much. I gasped excitedly as I felt my body for marks. But it wasn't Wendy's body. It was my own. I was truly back! I did a little happy dance and stopped when I noticed that My Adoring Brother was at my feet. I picked it up and as I did, I spotted the gleaming ring on my finger. I took a second to access my space and noted that everything I had stashed was still in it. Huh sweet.

Just you wait, Gus. I smirked as I stalked forward to his study. Before I stomped towards his study I paused to take in the view. How often had I strolled by without looking at the austere space I called home my whole life.

Familiar bookshelves lined every wall and were stuffed with countless books. My fingers graced the covers savoring the familiar touch of them as I made my way to Gus’ room. The touch of fine leather on my fingertips meant I had truly made my way home. It didn’t take long to reach Gus' room. I was too entranced in absorbing home that the journey was short. I was about to slam open his door and rub his face in his mistakes. I ended up pausing instead at the sound of voices from the barely ajar door.

"Gwendolyn has no idea."

"You didn't tell her before you sent her? Augustus..." The disapproval in the voice was both maternal and ice cold. There was only one woman in the world who could sound like that, my grandma. Wait, were they talking about me?

“They’ll be after her. Although she understands we have enemies she should have been warned of what stepping outside the library starts.” My grandmother said with the softest exhalation that was almost a sigh.

"She won't be able to last long. Does it matter if she knew? The spell work is ironclad, and it will pull her out before she dies. She won't be actually harmed, and she’d have an out in case she finds trouble." My brother's smug voice made me clench my hands into a fist.

"I know she's not the easiest student, but she has so much potential. Doing this to her won’t guide her into being a better witch." My grandmother said as she let out a full sigh this time with exasperation. “I’m surprised by how long it's taken her to get out. She has so much power but she’s…” She trailed off.

“An awful witch.” Gus interjected. Silence fell after his words.

Grandma no! My mouth dropped open in horror. Yes, I was a bad student but even you think I'm awful?! Why aren’t you telling him no?

Gus wasn’t done and his tirade went on. "Her being coaxed and spoiled has led her to becoming incompetent. She skids by on her intelligence and that's not going to work in the long run. She won’t be ready when the time comes unless given the proper push. I give her a week before she screws up and dies."

I flinched, damn maybe I am awful. Technically I didn't even last a week. I slowly backed away, my heart burning with indignation, pain and fury. I'll show both of you! I'm a fine damn witch. I'm going to go back and finish what I started.

That means I needed to get my hands on the Acquisition Room. It was the most basic of book rooms but to date our most used. The room was filled with catalogs and books on just about everything. I walked away quietly into the depths of my home on my tip toes until I got to my bedroom. Since I was traveling by choice back to the book world there were things that I wanted to bring with me.

I grabbed my diary and other important books on my night stand and stuffed them into my spacial ring. Then without breaking stride took off to the Acquisition Room. It looked like any room on the outside but was the biggest room in my home.

There was a ledger on the wall outside of it. Anything that I took or ripped from a book would be noted so that it would be replaced. There used to be a written form and paperwork, but literary witches tend to be methodical masterminds. We planned and sorted stuff to make life easier. I was a prime example of living smarter not harder. If you can just wave a hand and do things, why not just set up an automated system so you don't even have to wave your hand.

I slipped the book My Adoring Brother between my legs and held it there. Then I tapped in my ball of magic and reached out mentally to all the books on the shelves. Titles, descriptions, and more information flooded my brain comfortingly. I missed this. The energy had no drawbacks from my using it. It flowed naturally as it should, like a well-worn track.

I needed specific books on seeds, tools, solar power, and anything else I could get my hands on. I used my right hand to flip pages and rip objects I desired from books and my left to slip them in my space. It was a symphony of my obvious mastery. I needed to fill up a library of books so all the books I could get would go in. I also needed to learn how to create a sustainable homestead and possibly make medicine. I had a basic knowledge of herbal medicine from my witch roots but sadly my family was right. As a witch I was lacking. It didn't feel good to have the truth said about you so bluntly. I bit back sadness and clung instead to my rage. I was going to prove them wrong and win.

I pulled out completed dishes rather than adding any cookbooks. I needed already made meals to feed Grandpa Evans and myself when I was too tired. I used a catalog of psychology books to strip every book in them and add them into the space. I was worried about Grandpa Evans and if there was an answer to his mental state, I might find some help in these.

I grabbed a non-magical catalog of herbal medicine. I pulled out every book from that catalog into being and then stuffed them in my space. Simultaneously I pulled out every type of tool in the catalogs I could. I spent an extra few minutes going over the books to double check if there were any special tools and if so appropriately pulled them out and added. I needed everything. A mortar and pestle, double boiler, amber glass container, tins, seeds, strainers, manual pill press and anything else I could find.

I pulled and pulled until I took almost everything from the room. Ha suck it Gus. Have fun filling the room back up.

I was panting and my head was crying by the time I was done. I looked into my space, and it was filled with rows and rows of detailed items but there was still space for more. It was much easier to use my space ring in the real-world vs the book. I didn’t have time to dwell on that, however. All the magic I used was bound to attract attention.

I was sweaty and out of breath. I didn’t bother closing my eyes and reached instinctively for that ball of burning energy within me. Then I opened My Adoring Brother and whispered, "I am Wendy I am Wendy." Over and over until I saw that shining door and turned the knob.

I was wrapped up in a ball of pain. I inwardly cussed shitballs. I forgot I got hit by a car. Why couldn't I have gone back to the start and woken up in the grass field?

"She's alive?!" A nice sounding incredulous voice greeted my ears and I dazedly looked up and met the dark brown eyes of a boy around my age.

"Yay..." My weak voice sounded as sarcastic as I wanted it to, and I struggled to sit up.

"You should stay down; you may have a concussion." The boy’s voice held concern as he spoke. His touch was light as he tried to press me back down.

I scowled at him and pushed his well-meaning hands away. "I barely have a scratch on me." But I was going to be bruised for sure. I opened my palm and saw that the earthworm was still there. Somehow the trooper made it through the impact unscathed. Hey there little buddy, sorry about that. I mentally spoke, attempting to not call attention to the wriggly little bug. I closed my hands and waited for the right moment where everyone was distracted, and I could put the worm back in my space without drawing suspicion.

"You stopped breathing." The boy exclaimed and I looked at him for the first time.

Shitballs, how was I going to explain that? I shrugged instead of saying anything and looked at the boy for the first time. Oh, my he was pretty. His dark brown eyes were framed by the thickest set of eyelashes I'd ever seen. His dark brown hair was slicked back into a more adult hair style, and he was even wearing a suit. Are those leather shoes? What kind of kid wears a suit and leather shoes?

Wait he wasn't the male lead, right? That’s the kind of attire he was known for growing up. The book described him as a tight-lipped straight collar middle aged man child. No kid in town would dress like that. I looked at the car and noted the out-of-town license tags and expensive as fuck model. My green eyes narrowed respectively. "You're not from here, are you?" At his little nod I could feel the knot in my stomach grow. I didn't want to meet the main cast. I only wanted to establish my worth and let my family know they were wrong. If I changed the trajectory of the story, who knew what would happen to the plot.

My voice was hostile as I looked at him, "Why would you be here of all places?” He looked away for a second and instead of looking at where his attention went, I sent the worm into my space.

I blinked, startled when I sighed happily, looked up from my hands and met his warm brown eyes again. Oh, shit he didn’t see it right? No, no way. Besides, who would make note of a worm?

A small smile grew on his lips. "We're driving to get to Alcom's Cove because my uncle is expanding his fishery."

Ah, Alcom’s Cove was even more remote than Green’s Mountain. A fishing town that was barely graced upon in the story. The only way to get to it was either by boat or through Green’s Mountain. I didn’t even need Wendy's memories to remember that.

I brightened and smiled up at him. "I'm Wendy." I peered up at him expecting him to give his name and prove my doubts false. I needed to make sure he wasn’t Rex.

"I'm Adam." He said as he held out his hand. I shook it eagerly, pleased that he was not Rex and therefore not the lead of the story.

Goody. I started to stand up and he helped me, his warm brown eyes concerned. "See I'm fine." I moved my limbs and looked around for my wagon. It was also fine, but I could see the basket of strawberries had tipped. Shitballs. The biggest problem was my lunchbox had spilled and the bread was on the road. I fought tears as I turned to listen to what Adam was saying.

"We tried to call an ambulance, but reception was bad. Can we do anything for you? Take you to a clinic in town or something?"

We? I looked around and noticed for the first time that there were two others. Two tall men also dressed to the nines in suits. I narrowed my eyes as a warning bell went off. What if he really was the male lead? He had a similar entourage of bodyguards. The book had stated that it was common for the richer young masters of this world so maybe I’m just paranoid? Still, something felt off. The offer that dangled before my eyes, however, distracted me.

I looked at Adam as my brain churned greedily. If they're willing to help...

Before I could leap at the offer one of the men in suits came forward to do an inspection on my person. I passed all tests meaning I didn’t have a concussion or any lasting damage that was noticeable.

When he was done, I was finally able to be greedy. "I need compensation." I bluntly stated looking back at my spilled food. When I turned to look at the three of them, I could see all of their expressions cooled. Adam's warm eyes shuttered and he was eyeing me with a veiled gaze. It's not my fault they ran me over! Okay maybe it was for being in the middle of the road. But still I deserved compensation.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Adam gestured to one of the men who came forward and he took out a checkbook. Fools, I could see where their mind was going but I meant it when I said compensation. I wanted proper compensation.

"I need two lemon trees." All three of them froze and Adam's expression turned puzzled.

"Come again?" He was clearly the young master the others were serving and so I looked at him. I only needed him to agree.

"I need two lemon trees. That's my compensation. I'd try to seed them myself, but I want ones that are disease resistant and have already been grafted." I was greeted with silence, so I started to ramble. "My room faces the south so they can have plenty of natural sunlight and warmth. Did you know you can grow them indoors? So, I want two with decent pots that have room for growth.

"What would you do with lemons?" Adam sounded incredulous but there was something else in his voice.

I paid his mood no mind as my excitement for lemons overtook decorum. "I plan on eating them of course. My first time making such a precious priceless meal that I slaved away in making." I pointed to the overturned food. "It makes sense to compensate me for that. I would get them myself but no one in town grows them since they're imported. I can't order them online either since I don't have a credit card." Or a computer I amended in my head.

I watched as Adam's head dropped and his shoulders started to shake. "I mean it! You don't know how hard I worked to make that food and now it’s grub for birds and bugs."

Adam lifted his head up and I realized he was laughing at me. "I was going to write you a check for ten grand." His voice was steady as his inquiring gaze bore into mine.

Ha! You can't buy me off with money. What use was a check for ten grand when I didn't have a bank account? Besides my plan to barter and work my butt off the long hard way was going to show off to the family. Why get run over with a car for a measly ten grand, give me fruit and I can eat forever. "I just want two lemon trees. I'm going to make lemon pie, lemon tarts, lemon candy and more. I can use the blossoms for tea, salve or cream. I would rather have roses for that, but lemons last longer. Lemon leaf wrap is also good eating."

"You're really devoted to lemons." He was grinning at me, and I shrugged again. Didn't everyone have a favorite flavor?

"Are you going to do it?" I narrowed my eyes. Given that he could drop ten grand on this and wear those diamond cufflinks he could get a hold of lemon trees easily. Adam's smile grew and he gave me a nod as he turned to gesture at one of his men.

I managed to grab a lot of what I needed from the Acquisition room, but I wasn't able to get lemons. I spent most of my time grabbing seeds rather than fully grown plants. I couldn’t be too reliant that I can grow whatever I want with my power. I had only tested my power on plants that were already established. Who knew how long it would take to figure out seeds with my powers.

I could have found a work around for the ten grand check. I truly didn’t need it, however. I stripped twenty catalogs of solar panels, and I even had a decent half-cocked story about how I could sell what we didn't need. So, getting free lemon trees was the perfect option.

"Can I give you a ride home?" Adam’s voice drew my attention back to him.

I opened my mouth to protest but his next words stopped me, "I'll be able to give you the lemon trees next time we meet if I know where to go."

That's true, he wasn't from here so he wouldn't know who I was or where I was from. It was easier to show someone how to get to the Unruly Forest than let them use an outdated town map. GPS didn’t work in this area, and no one had bothered to create a map of Green’s Mountain in fifty years. I nodded and moved to grab my wagon. "My men will get your stuff." Adam said and I paused and thanked them, pleased with the situation.

The plush black leather seats were bouncy, and I experimented on them. I giggled but stopped when I noticed Adam was watching me with a miniscule smile on his face. I could feel my face burn bright red as I stopped and put my seat belt on. I was handed my lunch box and basket. There were a few strawberries left but the bread was gone. The apple pie had also spilled out. The tightest container full of the soup held on and I sighed. I could make toast to go with it, but it wasn't going to be the same. I made a face saddened by the loss of sourdough bread.

"What's wrong?"

I looked at Adam and noticed he was still watching me. "I worked hard on the sourdough bread bowls. They go perfectly with the soup but now it's all messed up." I said as I opened the container for him to smell. "Doesn't that smell divine?" He sniffed it and I noticed he was drawn in and even licked it, lapping up the broth like a cat. "Hey!" I closed the lid ignoring his bright eyes as I moved it away from him. I protected the container as if it was a precious gold stone.

Adam lifted a brow at my antics and then held up three fingers. "I'll add another lemon tree for it."

I sniffed dramatically, "It's an acceptable loss." I handed him the soup container and he held it laughing.

I gave directions to the driver and marveled at how smoothly the car drove. I hit every bump with my rickety wagon before. In this plush lush car it was like there were no dips in the old pavement. Maybe I should get hit with a car more often. Free car rides were fun.

It took some time to arrive at the Unruly entrance. There wasn't any decent parking, so they pulled into the grassy area. A naturally worn path through the greenery showed where other cars had driven, mostly to deliver food to the house. It wasn't possible to drive through the Unruly Forest given how overgrown it was. "Here is good."

Adam made a face, and I could see it was filled with doubt.

"It's the Unruly Forest. My home is in the middle of it. It's been in our family since the start of Green's Mountain."

"You live in it?" He seemed overly shocked for some reason.

"Only the Evans and a few natives can make it through the forest and not wound up lost.” I said as I unbuckled my seat and smiled at Adam. "When do you think you will have my lemon trees ready?"

"Friday would work." I clasped my hands at his words eagerly in excitement and wiggled. "Late afternoon we can drive back into town with them." Adam's soothing voice was like a balm to my soul.

"You're the best Adam. You have no idea how much being run over meant to me." I said warmth and appreciation gushing out of my voice. I got lemon trees and the chance to fill my ring space with goodies. I didn't realize how strange my words were until much much later. I gave Adam a half hug, grabbed my lunch box and basket and got out of the car. The driver already popped open the trunk and placed my wagon on the ground. I slipped my load into it and took off into the forest waving at the car. I deliberately walked on the well beaten tire tracks in the grass. Until I can control my green thumb, I can't have greenery exploding all around me.

Once I heard the car pull away and I was deep enough into the forest I started giggling evilly. Life was going just the way I needed it to. You're going to eat shit when you see my progress, big brother. I'm going to beat your horrible opinion of my character.

I didn't realize how bad I looked until I got home. The entryway window showed how bloody my near death truly was. My dark hair was splattered with crimson and the long braids had come undone. I was so giddy on stealing from the Acquisitions room I didn't take stock of how messed up I became. I rolled up my overall pant legs and long sleeves to check out my body. I could see purple and black bruises forming everywhere. It was kind of like my dream where I felt like I needed to wear something protective...oh shitballs. Was that a prophetic dream? I further examined myself, only stopping once I could see that my budding beauty would be alright.

"Sorry Grandpa Evans, I got hit by a car on my way back. How was your sandwich?" It was nearly dinner time. He grunted and I noted that his plate was on his lap and empty. "Don't worry I'm fine and I even got compensation. We're going to have three lemon trees. I can make pie and so much more with them. Doesn't that sound good." He grunted again and I smiled. "I'm going to get something for the pain and get started on dinner." I popped two Tylenol with chagrin that technically it was expired.

I'm glad I settled for sharpening my herbal remedy skills. I had the books and tools thanks to my robbery.

I went to the kitchen and instead of cooking I pulled out a pizza I summoned in the real world. It was toasty as if it just came out of the oven. I chose it because the book showed the steam above the pie. I sliced it and served it on a plate for Grandpa Earl. I sloppily slipped the rest of it back into my space. It would save better there than getting stiff in the fridge.

Grandpa Evans made a happy noise when I switched his lunch plate with the pizza. I patted his head absently and put the plate in the sink. It was almost six o'clock and I'd been up since five am. Seemed like a good time for bedtime.

I hoped into the shower hoping to get myself clean finally. Most of the stuff in my head ended up being strawberry juice not blood which was a relief. I made note of every ache and pain as the hot water cleaned me. Once I was clean, I slapped band aids and an expired pain relief balm over my flesh.

Finally, with everything done and nothing else to take care of I entered my room. It felt like it had been forever and a day since I got up from bed this morning. What a difference a day can make. I slipped into my covers and almost instantly passed out. I barely had time to wonder what my dreams were going to be before my thoughts were silenced.

I woke up to the sun starting to rise. Last night was dreamless and I regretted that. My body hurt more than it did yesterday, and I regretted not pulling out drugs from the Acquisition Room. I grabbed tools and knowledge to make medicine just not actual medicine. Shitballs, that was rather dumb of me. It didn’t fully occur to me however to need medicine. Or even what medicine I would need. Just the idea of learning how to make it and exploring how to implement it.

I popped more expired medication for the pain on my way to the kitchen. I was in no mood for cooking so I lazily pulled out pancakes, hash browns and bacon from my space. I plated everything and brought everything to the living room where Grandpa Evans was waiting. It wasn't until I sat down after serving the plates that I realized I forgot the most important thing. Coffee. I summoned two mugs for each of us from the ring’s space. I made sure Grandpa Evans got the black thick brew while mine was a tasty rose latte.

I didn't bother hiding it from him and when I looked up to see if Grandpa Evans noticed, his attention was on his plate instead. When the meteoroid particles hit the Earth a lot of people were going to get powers. Mine wouldn't look that strange and not hiding it at home made things a lot easier. I just had a head start unless some of the abilities were originally Wendy's. An image of the failed garden in the backyard flashed before my eyes. Never mind. That was clearly not the case.

I set my plate down on the coffee table and sat back, enjoying the sweet rose latte. I needed this treat. I got my butt kicked and my ego shattered yesterday. It would end well since I was going to get lemon trees and a righteous victory. But I had a lot that I needed to get done around the house. I wouive years before the world as we know it ends. Then we needed to survive for a few more years as the world reached some sort of new world order and stability.

I chewed on the rose petals that decorated the latte and smiled content so far with how I was doing. Today I needed to think about how I wanted to go about producing food year-round. The books I bought for homesteading needed to be read, studied and then implemented into plans. I needed to give my body a break and then prepare to go to Mary's for practical hands-on learning.

There were other farms I could learn from but right now I needed to focus on Mary. I also need to connect with the man I was going to barter with for the solar panels. In this town no one really had sustainable electricity.

Most of the heritage farms had been around for generations and could do almost everything on their own land. The town would be fine when the water went out, but no one had solar or turbine power.

The person I would barter the solar panels with could change that aspect of this small farming town. His name was William Harely. He ran a construction company that fixed and built everything in Green’s Mountain. His family had been doing it for generations and everyone trusted his expert opinion. If I could convince him how great solar power was, everyone would shift. Especially if I gave it to him for a discount he can't resist. I had the perfect cover story too. My, as in Wendy’s, Uncle Benny was a well-known dumbass in the town. He constantly came up with random upstart companies and would waste a ton of money on the ideas. I was going to find a shed of solar panels that worked but because of his harebrained nature the company didn’t even get off the ground. It wasn't the right time to lure William in, but it soon would be.

I lingered over breakfast and once the two of us were done I cleaned up the dishes and headed upstairs. I spent the morning cleaning up around the house and making sure the second story would be ready for the next move of my plan. The biggest bedroom up there was going to become a library. I took shelves and other furniture from the Acquisition room with this in mind. I used the space to pull out the bookshelves and tried to make sure they were as up against the wall as possible. They were too heavy for my small body. Eventually I would have William drill them in but for now I did the best I could. I laid panting on the floor for an hour after I filled up every available wall space with bookshelves. After that break I pulled out half of the books from my space and started to fill up the shelves. It took me hours and it was about lunch time before I was done. How amusing that even though I took out half of the books I owned in the space, I ran out of shelf space in my new library. This sounds like I need a second library with more shelves.

I pulled out the lush expensive sofas, end tables with lamps, and couches from the space and laid down for half an hour once they were situated. It took me about six hours to do everything and that was the only physical exercise I was going to do for the rest of the day.

I headed downstairs to serve lunch and once again relied on a readymade meal for us to eat. I chatted one sided to Grandpa Evans and he grunted in response. His eyes had some light in them, and it was nice to see this little shift in his gaze. Soon I needed to start reading the psych books to figure out how to make sure I was really doing all that I could.

I looked outside the window and noticed that the sun was barely breaking through the dark clouds. A light drizzle was falling, and I smacked my lips wanting beef pho. I wasn't sure how Grandpa Evans would feel about it. I pulled out two bowls anyway and made sure he had a fork to eat his with. He poked at it experimenting but after a bite I could hear a gasp. I fought a giggle and instead started gulping down my own hot noodles and tasty meat.

I looked at the tv and noted that he was watching a Turkish drama today. Luckily there were subtitles. It was rather funny, and I laughed and enjoyed myself immensely. Given how much TV Grandpa Evans likes to watch I needed to make sure I invested in DVDs and possible content that can be downloaded and played on our tv. I mentally added it to my list of things to figure out and finished my hot noodles quickly. Grandpa Evans had the same gusto while shocking was good to see. He usually ate slowly and with little interest. This was the first time, aside from coffee, that I've ever seen him excited to indulge.

I lazily put the dishes in the sink, gave a little kiss to a non-bald spot on Grandpa Evans' head and went back upstairs. Since I set it up, I planned to spend the next six hours reading and doing absolutely nothing. I did just that, only moving from my spot to use the bathroom. When my stomach reminded me, it was dinner I brought out leftovers from breakfast to finish and happily watched an Indian drama with Grandpa Evans.