Absolutely not. She would stick to her original plan, and go home. She was homesick anyway, and maybe Bodahn would cook her favourite. 

It's all right, just wanted to check something. See you.

Lori gave a thumbs up, and shut the door. 

Thistle left the dorms, heading for the nearest gate out, fishing her phone out of her pocket, ready for when it started working. She passed through, and on the other side was London, Thistle instinctively turning her hearing aids off as the blaring sound of the Underground rattled past. 

Bethy! I'm at Waterloo. Come meet me?

YES! Yes, go to the nearest pret, I'll be there ASAP!

Thistle sends back every heart emoji, and heads where she's told, switching her hearing aid on as she leaves the station. Once at the shop, she orders a coffee and grabs a sandwich, and waits for her sister. 

Twenty minutes later, Beth peeks her head inside, and brightens the second her eyes land on Thistle. She waves, and makes her way inside, weaving through the queue and winding around the tables. 

Thistle scoops her up the second she gets close, and kisses the top of her head, squeezing her tight. 

Beth squeezes back just as tight, burying her face in Thistle's shoulder. 

She doesn't talk until they've parted, Beth sitting down next to Thistle. 

How are you? Really? She signs. 

Thistle allows herself one moment to wallow in grief, that her baby sister, in her last year of high school, is her biggest emotional support, before she answers. 

Lonely. And despite everything we had surrounding us growing up, I never realised how much I didn't need it explained. It was just...our lives. 

Surely they could explain the presences? The voices? That's got to be something, right?

I could just be mad. Reasonable enough explanation?

Beth giggles. Oh, you're definitely mad, but not because you hear voices.

Thistle points an accusing finger at her sister, but can't keep the smile off her face. Listen, I'm very happy for Anders and Arla, could not be more pleased, stop bringing up my utterly tragic crush.

At least you can laugh about it now!

Thistle rolls her eyes, and playfully whaps the back of Beth's head. 

She asks Beth about school, and work, and how things were at home, and once they both had coffee and food warming them, they decided to head out for a ramble around London. It felt like years since Thistle had been home, even if it had only been a few months. 

Beth skips ahead of Thistle, to walk backwards in front of her. 

Been out much in New York? Is it anything like here?

Thistle screws up her face, and then gently moves Beth to one side, so she avoids a pole. 

Nothing's like here. This is home. New York is just...big. Loud. Busy.

Yeah, sounds nothing like home at all. Beth rolls her eyes. 

Okay, so those were bad examples, but you'd understand if you went. Maybe you'll get to.

You going to sneak me through the gate? Show me the Empire State buildling? Can we sit on the steps of the MET like in Gossip Girl?

Thistle laughs. Sure, we can do all that. But I meant more that you'll probably get into Brakebills, once you've done your undergrad.

Beth's mood drops, and she stops walking. She moves to one side, leaning against a shop window. 

I don't think that's for me. As much as I love magic, I'm happy with what I know now. Besides- She stretches, and shakes her arms out. I think I'm going to be a botanist.

You...want to make bouquets? 

Beth rolls her eyes again. That's a florist, dummy. I want to study plants. How they grow, what does it take to make different kinds. Maybe I'll make a bouquet or two, but I like the science angle of it. 

Thistles reels her sister in, and hugs her tight. She kisses the top of her head again. "If that's what you want, then I am so, so happy for you."