Succubus Revealed Chapter 11

It was ruffianly leaving exercise sets side in the morning. Wed had excessively few nights to rewardher recently, and each day that passed only served to remind me I was that much closer to the transfer. Lying in his arms, watching him forty winks in the early sunlight, I thought back to what hed express close to Andrea getting better. If that was true, if she was healing, wherefore t here(predicate) was a chance the ties keeping band here baron lessen. I felt selfish even view that way, unaccompanied origin all toldy it wasnt in any case terrible a thing to beseech we could t divulge ensemble get a blessed ending.After a tumefy-fixed conk outfast, Seth and I went over to the Mortensens. He was on baby sit commerce man Andrea went to a doctors appointment, and I was there to pick up Brandy. pandemonium met us at the door, and Brandy practically flew issueside, breathless and laughing.Dont go in there, she warned me, later on I gave Seth a quick kiss good-bye . She and I headed toward my car. Its crazy. mummy and Dad slept in, and Grandma let Kendall and the correspond help with breakfast.What are they reservation?Waffles, she single out. From scratch. I dont k forthwith which was scarier Kendall mixing the batter or Morgan and McKenna on duty with the waver iron. They set the smoke detector off twice.I couldnt help that laugh as I pulled out of the driveway. And you and Kayla didnt help?No way, Brandy replied. I stayed onward from that mess, and Kayla was in wizard of her soundless ideas today.Aw. I sorting of wished this instant that Id taken a second gear to go inside. Tiny Kayla had a circumscribed place in my effect. Though she was better than she used to be, she palliate had a tendency to simply watch her world without a word, and it could be fractious coaxing conversation from her. Some of this was shyness, and some of this I suspected was from the situation that Kayla was psychic. Her skills were salve undeve loped, but she was sensitive to the getings of the supernatural world, which I had to approximate would take a leak any single of any age silent at times.Shell be fine. She loves waffles. Brandy smiled, and I was happy to see her so upbeat for a change. She shouldered but as much stress as the adults. If any actually get achieve.We drove downtown, and I quizzed Brandy rough what she was looking for in a shave. She had flyspeck to offer, which was both charming and kind of heartbreaking. Brandy wasnt a tomboy, but with all of her family drama, dresses had been clearly off her radar. In fact, when her take care lit up at all the downtown lights and decorations, it became clear that family had really been the only thing in her life history recently.I havent seen any of the holiday stuff this year, she told me, gazing out the windows. A pang in my heart reminded me that this would be my last year to see Seattle in all its holiday finery. We usually eer come down here so that the young womans can see Santa. at that places been no time.The girls havent seen Santa? I asked, snapping out of my moment of self-pity. Thats not fair, especially considering I see a teeny too much of him. It do me wonder how many drinks it would take to coax Walter into a house call. It also convinced me more than ever to remove this a special day for Brandy. I couldnt expect her not to raise up more or less her mom, but today, with Andrea on the mend and Seattles shopping wonderland ready to explore, Brandy was entitled to worry fitting a little less than usual. She deserved to think intimately herself.I took her on a whirlwind tour of designer stores, chastising her for looking at price tags. I commanded this to be astir(predicate) more than the dress itself. I shooted her to have an experience, to savor like a princess. I made sure the salespeople were falling all over themselves to help her, which wasnt always so easy to do at much(prenominal) a agile time of the year. Brandys radiant expression told me it was worth the effort, and we finally hit favorable at our third store, finding what was unquestionably the dress. It was made of duskiness criticise satin wrapped around to create a sheath silhouette that could still order off her figure without being pornographically rigid. Satin flowers near the sack up added a whimsical edge, and the straps and knee-length made me feel it wouldnt get her kicked out of a church function. We spent the next hour finding the perfective tense shoes and jewelry for it, and although each new purchase clearly made her uneasy, she stopped questioning me about the cost. She didnt endure about Margarets funding, but it had foresighted since been spent.Exhausted and triumphant with our purchases, we went to lunch at an Italian equilibriumaurant frequented by other ladies of leisure. It was inside a larger, elegant shopping complex, and just as we were about to enter the restaurant, I saw a familiar fa ce emerge from a nearby store. Something in my chest clenched, and I verbalise forwards I could help myself.DougIt took him a moment to figure out whod called to him. When he did, a series of emotions played over his face. I wondered then how the encounter would have been different if Brandy hadnt been there. Would he have even adjudge me? Maybe. Maybe not. further Brandys presence guaranteed manners. No matter how angry Doug might be at me, he wouldnt snub her.Kincaid, he say, strolling over to us. And little Brandy. Hows it passing?Good, she give tongue to cheerfully. The two of them, I realized, could have been related if Seth and Maddie had ended up getting married. The weird fallout from their breakup hadnt had as big an effect on Brandy as the rest of us, though, and she was genuinely happy to see him. Were shopping.He favored her with a smile, and I wondered if he was avoiding centre contact with me. Last minute Christmas gifts? he asked.Not a chance, I tell. This i s all for Brandy. Shes going to a dance tonight.Oh, I see how it is, he said. Getting ready to break some hearts for the holidays, huh?She turned silvery red. No Its at my churchTeasing girls was familiar and easy dominion for Doug. Yeah? he said, forcibly keeping a straight face. thus why are you blushing? Church boys hearts break just as easily as us sinners, you have sex. Im sure youll leave a trail of hundreds in your wake.No, she protested. Not hundreds Just one? he asked slyly.Brandy looked to me for help, and I laughed. I knew there was somebody.You guys are terrible, she said, though she didnt look that upset. Can I go retch our name on the list?Sure, I said, still laughing. merely the instant she was inside the restaurant, Dougs playful manner vanished.Well, Ive got to go, he said, jump to turn away.Wait, Doug, I . . . He looked back at me, but I was at a loss. What could I say? That I was sorry for sleeping with his sisters fiance? That I was sorry for lying to a ll of them and breaking her heart? How could you apologize for something like that? It . . . it was good to see you, I said at last.You too, he said, though he didnt sound convincing. He nodded toward the restaurant. And her. I believe she has fun.Me too. She deserves it, what with everything else going on.He had attempted to leave again, but my words made him pause. Hows her mom?I shrugged. Good days and bad days. Its up and down. . . . sometimes it seems hopeless, sometimes its like everythings fixed. Wreaks havoc on everyone. . . . you just cant assume anything, you know? Shes having some good days right now, but its been a hard road for all of them. We just never know whats going to adventure next and have to hang in there as opera hat we can. Im trying to help, but I dont know. . . . I dont feel like its enough. But what could be? I promptly shut up, realizing I was rambling.Doug said nothing, his dark eyes studying me for several heavy seconds. Then, his gaze shifted to Bra ndy, speaking to the hostess, for a few more moments before transcending to me.Youre a good person, Kincaid, he said softly. And this time, he did leave.Nothing else he might have said could have surprised me more. In all the imagined conversations Id had with Doug, Id expected frigid politeness at best and that had seemed like a long shot. More oft than not, Id envisioned him telling me terrible, hurtful things, things I deserved. As much as a secret part of me yearned for him to forgive me so that we could be friends again, I really didnt think I deserved that forgiveness. I watched him walk away until Brandy stuck her head out from the restaurant door and called that they had a table.Despite how reflective my meeting with Doug left me, I was still able to en pleasance the rest of the afternoon with Brandy. We were both in good spirits when we arrived back at the Mortensen menage, and mine soared even higher when I saw Seths car in the driveway. I hurried inside, eager to see him, only to have my mood shatter when I saw his face. Margaret and Terry wore similar expressions. Brandy, normally so observant, was too keyed up over her purchases to notice that there had been a significant mood shift in the house, compared to the bubbly chaos of this morning.We had such a great time, Brandy told them, face shining. I got the best dress.Margaret gave her a tight smile. Why dont you try it on for us?Brandy didnt need to be told twice, and Kendall and the twins followed her uproariously to the bedroom, offering to help. The instant they were gone, I turned to the adults. What happened?Bad vista at the doctors, said Seth, when no one else spoke right away. But she was improving, I argued. I looked at them all for confirmation. Right?We thought so, said Terry. At the very least, she seemed to be feeling better. But in these situations . . . well, malignant neoplastic disease tricks you that way. Its why people go so long without ever discriminating they have it. She woke up feeling bad this morning, and the doctor confirmed our fears. I was kind of in awe at how calmly he managed to fall by the wayside that. I wasnt sure I could have without breaking down. Honestly, I didnt know how hed been able to handle any of this with as much strength and stopping point as he had. If this were happening to the love of my life, I was pretty sure Id crawl into in a corner and cry.Or would I? face at Seth, at those beloved features and compassionate expression, I suddenly knew that wasnt true. If the one I loved needed my strength, then I would give all I had within me.Were not telling Brandy yet, said Seth. Were not going to keep it from her, but we figured it would be best to wait until after tonight.I nodded slowly, having no words. I was usually so quick with a quip or soothing line, but what response could I make to that? Especially when, moments later, Brandy came bounding back down the stairs in the pink dress. each(prenominal) twin held a shoe, and Kendall carried the glittering chandelier earrings wed demonstrate just before lunch. I was reminded of Cinderellas mouse retainers.Brandys tastes had been foremost in my mind while shopping, but Id also had half an eye on what I thought her family would authorise of in fashion. As she spun around for them, however, I realized it didnt matter. I couldve brought her home in rags, and they wouldve loved it so long as she wore the look of refulgence on her face that she did now. That was what sold it, one spot of pure joy in the dark cloud that unbroken hanging over this family. The adults were too overcome with emotion to speak, so Kendall did it for us.Doesnt she look like a princess? She kept trying to smooth nonexistent wrinkles out of the skirt, much to Brandys dismay. I want a dress like this.Morgan sat down on the root and tried to forcibly push the shoe on Brandys foot while she still stood, furthering my Cinderella images. McKenna joined in as well, and both nearly su cceeded in knocking their older sister over.Well? Brandy laughed. What do you think?Its beautiful, said Margaret.Youre beautiful, said Terry.Having successfully dislodged the twins, Brandy stepped into the shoes, flushing under the praise of her family. I hope I dont fall in these. How stupid would that look?I dont think anything could make you look stupid, said Seth. Youre perfect from head to toe.Okay, you guys, said Brandy, growing embarrassed. immediately youre just pushing it.The head to toe comment suddenly reminded me of something. Oh. I wont be here to do your hair. I have to go to work soon. At that moment, calling in sick seemed like a apt idea. Nothing seemed more important than giving her a perfect night.Thats okay, said Brandy. I can do it. Or maybe Mom can.Shes been kind of tired today, said Terry neutrally. But I know shell want to see you before you leave.I can do a French twist, said Margaret, surprising us all. If you want to wear it up.Will you show me? asked Br andy.Margaret nodded. Sure, lets go upstairs.Before they did, Brandy paused to give me a giant hug. Thank you so much, Georgina. For everything.They went upstairs, followed by the littler girls, all of whom thought there was nothing so wonderful as dressing up their older sister. Actually, I realized, that wasnt entirely true. Not all of them felt that way.Wheres Kayla? I asked. She hadnt been in the entourage.Terry sighed and ran a hand through his hair, in a way similar to what Id oftentimes seen Seth do. In the living room, I think. Shes been out of sorts today. Sometimes I think she can figure out whats going on, even when we dont tell her.With Kaylas abilities, I didnt doubt it was true. I remembered Brandy saying Kayla had been in a silent mood since this morning and wondered just how much of her mothers illness the little girl was in tune with. I left the brothers to seek her out and found her curled up in a corner of the overstuffed sofa, making herself so small that she wa s almost lost in the cushions.Hey, you, I said, sitting down beside her. Hows it going? Dont you want to see Brandys dress?Kayla shifted her face, looking at me with huge blue eyes. Georgina, she said. You have to make it stay away.My thoughts were on the dress, so it took a moment for me to follow what she was saying. Make what stay away, honey?The shadow.There was something in the way she said the word that let me know she wasnt referring to shadows. When she said nefariousness, I could feel the personification in her word, the looming threat of something or someone tangible. With a pang, I remembered that Kayla had been able to sense Nyx when shed escaped her angelic captors.I leaned toward Kayla, glad Seth and Terry were preoccupied. Kayla, are you talking about . . . about the creature you felt before? The one you could sense on me? Nyxs return would be a complication I most certainly didnt need in my life right now.She shook her head. A different one. The Darkness comes he re, to my house. To see my mommy. Will you make it go away?Is it here now? I asked uneasily.No. Just sometimes.How many times?Kayla thought about it. Two.A cold feeling crept over me. Was last night one of those times?She nodded.Have you seen it? I asked her.No. But I feel it. I can tell where its at when its here. She peered at me beseechingly. Will you make it stop?I had no clue what this Darkness was or what I could do to stop it, but theories were running wild in my head. I kissed her forehead. Ill do what I can, baby. I promise. Ive got to leave now, but Ill see what I can find out for you, okay? Well make sure the Darkness doesnt come back.Like the flip of a switch, Kaylas whole demeanor changed. Whereas shed been gloomy and withdrawn moments ago, she was now beaming and hopeful. All that faith in me. With my fatuous assurance to take on something I didnt understand, she was able to put divagation all of her fears and worries. All was right in her world now, thanks to me. She put her arms around me and kissed me back, and I felt like my heart would break when I finally untangled myself from her.Holiday cheer was calling, as well as a burning need to suddenly talk to Roman. visual perception as how we kept missing each other lately, I move him a text with a reminder of when Id be home tonight and that I had important information for him. He was so caught up in his conspiracy theories that I wasnt sure if hed want to make time for what hed likely see as a little girls fantasies. Kaylas perceptions despite her difficulties in articulating them had proven accurate before. I didnt know what she was sensing this time, but if there was a force inside the Mortensen household, I intended to stop it.