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 Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:48 pm
1. The Purchase
A cool night, considerably, but not a cold one. As the months flew by and children sprang from their oils and changed into their teens, Olivia had barely noticed the dawning of spring over the last few weeks. The days were growing warmer, and heavy clothes and coats were no longer nessecary to wear. Granted it wasn't exactly summer weather either, but this didn't stop the considerably quirky shop keep from putting on some of the new high end clothes she had recently bought from the shops. A guilty pleasure it was indeed.
Ment sighed, as he absentmindedly placed oils back on their shelves and stocked up the new burners that had been delivered earlier that day. He had felt a heavy sense of grief set over him as the spring had come. You would think one so full of joy would be happy that warmer times had come and that one could finally frolic about outside again without fear of loosing fingertips and noses to the cold, but alas, he was depressed. And in his depression he wallowed, sighing heavily with a pout.
Candles and oils were a recurring theme in Samuel's house. It was quite curious, then, that he had not noticed this shop before. How strange! With a little shrug, the man entered the shop, pulling his sweatshirt around his shoulders.
Within, Samuel spotted the odd-looking teen working about. He smiled and waved slightly, whether or not the boy...girl?...could see him and began wandering the store.
...these were some interesting scents.
Ment had not noticed Samuel when he entered the shop. Even though the bell jingled as he entered, his snow white head did not turn, his eyes did not meet the new strangers, and he continued to sigh, stacking up cups and oils.
Olivia, however, noticed right away that someone had entered the shop, and emerging from the back room she promptly greeted Samuel, a little shocked at first by his appearance, but nonetheless kept her cool as the shop keep.
"Welcome, sir! How can I help you this evening?" She smiled, approaching Samuel in a pleasing manner.
When Samuel turned, his neutral expression turned to a sweet smile. A lady. He had to be on his best behavior.
"I'm not entirely sure," he drawled, "Could you perhaps show me some...sweeter scents?" Honestly, 'grass' didn't seem like something he wanted in his home, whether it be the plant or the smell.
"Candy sweet, sir? We have plenty of those kinds of Scent this way~" Olivia hummed, leading Samuel on his way over to the Sweet section of the shop, opposite of Ment.
Olivia gave an "ack" as she lost a shoe and prompt bent down to pick it up and slip it back on properly. "New fangled clothing." She muttered to herself, "None of it seems to want to stay on."
Samuel chuckled, but covered his mouth so as to give the facade of politeness.
"I apologize," he said with a slight bow, "I stay with the simple clothing so as to avoid that." That being said, he stooped to view the display. Hmm...he smelled...mint? His immediate reaction was to look toward the teen...huh! Maybe he'd spilled something on himself.
The Creole man looked over the labels, nose wriggling indistinctly. Candy. Lots and lots of hard candy.
...and bubblegum!
He lifted the phial and popped the top, sniffing the oil. Hmmm...sweet. He gave a little chuckle, his childhood flooding back. Perhaps this would work.
Olivia laughed along awkwardly when she realized, or thought she realized, what exactly Samuel had chuckled at himself. She couldn't believe she had implied something like that again. It seemed to be a growing trend with her whenever she was wearing something new. All she could do was laugh along and remind herself to be wary of what exactly she was saying.
"I normally wear more traditional clothing..." Olivia commented, watching as Samuel scowered the rack of sweetly based incenses. "However, it's growing so much warmer out I thought a change of pace wouldn't hurt."
She noticed Samuel look to Ment for a moment an wondered what that reaction was about. Maybe he was interested in Ment? Oh joy. Didn't even try with this one and she already struck out to her good looking son. It's like a mothers worst nightmare, she swore.
"If you find something you like, or have any questions, don't hesitate to ask." Olivia smiled, excusing herself to go help Ment with the empty incense and cup boxes scattered on the floor.
Olivia turned around as Samuel addressed her, only half way to where the teen was picking up boxes. "So soon?" Olivia chuckled, "Sorry. I'm so used to people being very indesicive when they come in here."
She meandered quietly to a side table and grabbed a incense burner and candle for him and approached the register. "We only have one type of burner if that's alright. They seem to work the best with the types of candles we use and the incense we sell. It has a plain sort of elegance." She smiled.
Olivia took the oil from Samuel as he approached the counter and smiled at the scent, "Bubblegum? I thought we had sold out of this long ago...." she murmured, pulling out a bag and some paper to package the items appropriately.
"Your total comes to-"
A crash sounded as Ment had accidentally knocked over a couple of burners, and was crying. It was out of the ordinary for the boy, as he never cried, and wouldn't even dare to break any of the precious burners.
"Ment are you ok?!"
Samuel's head snapped toward the crash and rushed to the boy. He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, brow furrowed with concern.
It made no sense to ask if someone was 'ok' while crying.
"What’s wrong, young sir?"
Ment whiped away tear after tear from his face as Samuel asked him what was wrong. All he could manage to utter was "Pollux, why Pollux?" before going back to his sobs.
Olivia had hustled over as quickly as Samuel had to make sure the teen was going to be ok, and in the midst taken one of his arms to lift him up, "Com'on Ment. I'll take you upstairs so you can lay down..."
Samuel looked down to his phial of oil, brow furrowed.
"Pollux? What?" He had no plan of leaving this boy alone with his mother. He had to know what this outburst was about and if he could perhaps help to fix it.
"Pollux is a friend if Ment's." Olivia murmured, comforting the upset teen. "He....Uhm....He always smelled like bubblegum. I guess me mentioning the bubblegum oil upset him. He's been very depressed lately and I didn't understand why....I guess it's because he misses his friend..."
Olivia stroked Ment's hair soothingly for a bit, trying to hide the immense worry on her face.
Samuel frowned, brow furrowing.
"I apologize for upsetting you..." he said softly to the teen. He would leave now, but he still had not paid...
"Sir, please." Olivia murmured. "It isn't your fault."
She coddled Ment and urged him to get up and walk with her so she could take him to the back. The teen was still wiping his eyes along the way.
"I'll be right out Sir."
And so Samuel was left in quiet contemplation. He peered down at the oil in his hand. Was it honestly just the mention of a childhood scent, or was there something more here? Hm...
Regardless of all of this, he weakly replaced the smile on his face and went to the register.
It was a few minutes before Olivia emerged once more, looking a little more tired than she did taking the Teen into the back. You could still hear Ment crying though it was a dulled cry, signifying that the child obviously was running out of fluids to cry with.
"I'm so sorry about this all Sir. The total was 21 pieces Sir." Olivia murmured, quietly.
Samuel nodded and handed over the money and sighed. Oh, this troubled him. He grabbed his bag and began to head out before turning suddenly.
"My name is Samuel," he said, offering a hand.
Olivia gave him a small sad smile and took his hand graciously, shaking it. "My name's Olivia."
"Pleasure," Samuel said and lifted her hand suddenly, bringing it to his lips. A brief kiss to the back of the hand, and then he turned and left.
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Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:50 pm
2. Fetus Juice
Evie was sitting on a curb, minding her own business and reading a faux-independently published street rag that stated boldly it was the only reliable indie news source in the city. She flicked through the pages idly, wondering how an indie paper could call itself such and still have beer ads and staff columns. Feeling a bit of an impostor herself for reading it, she rolled it up and threw it nonchalantly over her shoulder. It hit a passing woman in the leg, and when she stormed up to Evie to yell Evie simply snapped her picture.
"Why did you do that," the woman said, blinking away the black dots induced by the camera's flash.
"Because I want to remember your face so I remember to come for your children," Evie said mildly. The woman turned a fascinating pasty color and walked speedily away. Evie snorted, and deleted the picture from the file.
Samuel noted the bizarre behavior and gave a polite chuckle, hand over his mouth. What an interesting character...
The man approached slowly, posture straight, hands clasped behind his back.
"Hello the'a, mind if I sit down?"
Evie craned her head and looked at the new guy. Didn't look like he was the type to yell about being hit with substandard literature.
"Knock yourself out," she said, snapping his picture unapologetically and budging over to make room on the curb. "As long as you're not that guy from the coffee shop. Because you're not getting that newspaper back, I just threw it at that woman. And she stole it."
Samuel laughed again, but openly this time. He sat beside the girl, elbows on his bent knees, smiling to her. He didn't mind the picture. Some of his followers believed that pictures were stealing souls...but knowing the scientific explanation shot that all to Hell.
"No, that was not my newspaper."
Looking rather pleased with herself that she'd gotten a laugh out of him, Evie took a few pictures of passing cars and pedestrians.
"Good. You weren't missing anything, anyway."
"Hey, did you just take my picture?"
"Yes."
"Well....don't."
"Y'gonna come over here and make me?"
The pimply boy gave Evie a look that was meant to be mean, then floundered as she gave him a deadpan.
"No."
"Good. Scat."
Evie grinned, polishing her glasses on her sleeve and glancing at her visitor.
"And that," she said in a teacherly sort of voice, "Is how you amuse yourself on a Tuesday night when there's ******** nothing else to do. I'm Evie, by the by."
The obscenities could have been left out, in Samuel's mind, but this Evie girl was still quite interesting. He never would venture to take random strangers' pictures.
"I am Samuel Devereaux. Pleased to meet you." He held his hand out to her, smiling.
Evie shook Samuel's hand briskly with a grin.
"Likewise, likewise," she said. He was rather cute, this one. "So, Samuel Devereaux, what's a guy like you doing in a horrid, unsavory place like this?"
Technically it was the wealthy street with all the nice expensive designer shops and pretentious book and food stores. But that was beside the point, really.
Instead of shaking, Samuel raised her hand to kiss it. That was the proper way, wasn't it?
"This horrid, unsavory place is three blocks from my home, and I had not wandered here before today," he said and shrugged. He wasn't sure why, but it was the truth.
Evie couldn't help it. She blushed. Not every day that there was a scrap of proof that chivalry wasn't a fetid decomposed corpse yet.
"My sympathies then," she said, giving him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "Bless you, you must see this breed'a people every day, you poor thing."
She looked around, unimpressed with her glitzy surroundings.
"I just wandered here 'cause they're fumigating my apartment building and my k-er. My roommate lost my cat again. Her turn to look for him, the little demon-creature."
Samuel just smiled. Blushes were common among women. Why, he wondered?
"Not quite," he replied, "The worst kind I come upon as psuedo-witches and fake hippies. I run a shop out of my front room. It seems to draw in entirely dishonest people."
Evie gave Samuel a look that tried to be sly but only looked amused.
"Your clientèle depends entirely on what you sell," she said peaceably. "Fer instance, I knew a guy sold cats by the roadside. The cops busted him and took his cats away. Tragedy, really."
She paused a moment, tapping a finger to her lips thoughtfully.
"One had to wonder where he got the cats, though."
"Roadside...cats?" Samuel asked, arching an eyebrow. Hmm...strange!
"I sell...herbal remedies. Spell books. Potions. Fetishes. People pretend to know so very much about things the do not understand."
Evie couldn't help the surprised expression that spread across her face. Spell books? Wait, what?
"So you're..." ********, what was the word she was looking for. "Wicker?"
No. No, that wasn't it.
"Wait, no. Uh. Wic...wic-something."
Samuel's head fell slightly and he shook his head, still keeping his smile. How ironic. That was precisely what he had been talking about.
"Hardly. I am Hoodoo. My mother is a Mambo, and my father a Houngan."
Evie, whose experience with the unknown pertained mostly to how to interact with others and meet up with them a second time, just nodded.
"Ah," she said, hoping she didn't sound like an idiot but knowing she did anyway. "My dad's Jewish. Ma's a Catholic, but we don't hold it against her."
Samuel chuckled and nodded.
"We all believe in the same God. We are not so different as people think." He leaned back then, staring dreamily at the sky for a moment as he thought.
"Hoodoo is...Protestant meets Wiccan, and God forgive me for saying that. People generally think shrunken heads, voodoo dolls...that is not Hoodoo. That is Voodoo. Dark magic."
Evie listened in pure fascination. She'd never really realized.
"Never said I believed in anythin'," she said, playing with the camera's lens cap. "I get by alright not droppin' to my knees and asking for things that'll probably never come anyway."
Shrugging, dismissing her own mild atheism, she leaned back and laid on the sidewalk. It was clean enough that she didn't worry about getting used condoms or gum in her hair.
"You must get sick'a all the people asking you for dolls to curse their ex-boyfriends and bosses," she said after a beat. "I know I would."
Samuel just snorted, something strange and dark crossing his face.
"Oh, no. I sell those too."
Not noticing the expression that went along with the words, Evie just made an assenting noise.
"To each their own," she said.
Samuel shook his head, as if to clear it. He found both sides of te religion quite interesting, after all.
"All that aside, I was out candle-shopping today, being s effeminate and sensitive as I am," he snorted.
Evie laughed aloud, startling a woman who was stepping over her head. Sitting up and dragging the woman's skirt along with her, she waited patiently until she was untangled and yelled at before answering.
"You certainly look the type, darling," she said wryly. "Where'd ya go? There's a nice sorta tchotchke shop down the way that sells that kinda junk. Orchids and lace'n s**t. That and that alien mothership, too. That's where Ana-"
Evie cut herself off immediately, flushing and looking straight ahead. Damn it, why couldn't she just quit while she was ahead. Now Samuel was sure to think she was nuts.
"No, it was a...small shop. Only candles and oils. I was run by a very kind young woman," Samuel shrugged. He thought nothing of Evie that he hadn't minutes before.
Uh oh.
"Oil, huh?" Evie said, trying to sound mildly interested but inwardly panicking. The aliens. Samuel had crossed paths with the aliens. "Uhmm....didja...pick anything up?"
Samuel reached into his bag and withdrew a phial of light pink oil labeled 'BUBBLEGUM'.
"I did indeed," he smirked, slightly embarrassed at his choice.
Evie gulped audibly.
"Uh."
Well, at least it wasn't Musk of Flesh-Eating Mutant With Five Eyes.
"Did...did this nice young lady tell you about how her products..."
How could one explain this, really.
"...have a fifty-fifty shot at being. Um. Magic fetus oil?"
Samuel's face fell. He understood Evie's strange choice of words by now...but...fetus-juice? Were these some kind of recalled products?
"I am not quite sure what you mean."
Evie steepled her fingers and tried to think of a way to explain.
"Well. There's something with the oil that...err. ********. This was proving difficult. Looking at Samuel frankly, Evie just cut to the chase.
"Your oil may be magic. And if you light it, you might get a kid. I don't have a roommate. I have an Anastasia, and she popped out of my oil burner."
She swallowed hard, blushing outrageously.
"She's from the kiwi scent."
Well, that certainly didn't sound at all ludicrous or crazy.
The oil was lifted and held to the light. There was nothing within...nothing even resembling a fetus.
...granted, Louis had had a child emerge from a cocktail in college.
"I am not entirely sure I would like a child."
"Then don't light it," Evie said. "Because they don't let you return 'em, and it's highly likely you'll get attached and then they grow up and raid your closet and lose your cat on a daily basis."
Giving the oil a suspicious look, she shrugged.
" 'course, maybe it's just oil. Maybe, could be."
"You tempt me," Samuel said softly, "and I am not entirely sure as of what to do. Perhaps, should I decide to light it, you could come and be a sort of...moral support? You and your...kiwi child."
It said something for Evie's composure that she was not completely undone by the combination of Samuel's charm, accent and easily-misunderstood proposition. She took a moment, then gave her usual wry grin and nodded.
"I will certainly ride to your rescue, if need be," she said. "Ana'd probably like another kid to play with."
Even though, in truth, Anastasia wasn't a child anymore, but that had done nothing to change her state of mind. More than once she'd been told off by angry mothers for playing with their children and giving them candy.
"That sounds wonderful," Samuel nodded and smiled. He puled a business card from his pocket and offered it over.
"You can reach me at this number. Where may I reach you?"
Pocketing the card and making a mental note to never lose it on pain of self-inflicted head injuries involving a wall, Evie scribbled her phone number and address on an old receipt.
"Feel free to call me anyway. I've got the social life of a gnat, I'm usually available," she said dryly.
Hm! Strange.
"I just may take you up on that offer. You seem to be quite a kind young woman." With a smile, Samuel stood and kissed Evie's hand once more.
"Until we meet again?"
Evie's composure gained a crack or two, but she managed not to let it show.
"Until then, darling," she said, snapping another photo.
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Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:40 pm
3. Bladder Burster
"-so then the lady behind the counter, she said to me, 'Miss, I know you mean well, but gerbils and cockatiels aren't meant to be friends'. Can you believe that, Ma?"
Evie snorted, giving a half-hearted sort of shrug.
"Darlin', rodents and the rest of creation don't mix. I don't know how you get these ideas into your head sometimes."
Anastasia mimicked the shrug, twirling a thatch of hair around her finger absently.
"It seemed like a great idea at the time," she said earnestly. "They would've looked so cute together. Hey, where we goin', anyway?"
Evie shrugged again.
"Anywhere. Not much to do otherwise, is there?"
"Not from what I can tell."
So the pair walked on, Ana waving cheerily at those that stared at her and Evie flipping them off. Eventually they came upon the residential neighborhoods, and wandered through the streets.
"Hey, Ma? I needta go to the bathroom."
"You're kidding."
"Nope. Let's go in there."
Ana pointed unerringly to a house with a sign in front of it. Evie arched an annoyed brow at her, then glanced at the sign.
"Boutix Devereaux."
Devereaux...
HELLO.
"Yes. Yes, let's go into that one."
Immediately within the room was a large Persian rug, old and worn but extremely well-kept. On either side of the room were high shelves of fetishes, gris gris bags, statues, dolls, potions, all sorts of hoodoo paraphernalia. On the far right were the books, and just before them were the cases for the more precious, breakable items whereon sat the cash box.
Three women, all of varying degrees of strange and only one with a beau, were perusing the shelves, and one wandered into the kitchen, noticed that it was not a part of the shop, and scurried right out. Samuel was currently bent over the display case in front with a woman in faux-Renaissance garb, explaining the use of the human skull within, and why it cost so very much.
Ana scurried in, doing the potty-dance while waiting politely for the little store's owner to finish speaking to the lady in the pretty outfit. Oooh, the ruffles...if Ana hadn't been so fond of her rave clothes, she would wear ruffles and poofy things every day.
Evie hung back, examining a shelf of fetishes with a half-sort of attention, eyeing Samuel out of the corner of her eye. When she realized what she was doing, she snorted and shook her head, leaning in closer to inspect the fetishes.
A monkey skull with beaded cheeks stared indignantly back, as if it knew of some kind of hidden secrets.
Samuel didn't seem to be anywhere near speaking to this strange woman.
"No, ma'am. I cannot accept one hundred. Ten thousand. That is final."
"A hundred is all I have!"
"That is unfortunate, but I think that you're underestimating the power of this object..."
Letting out a little whimper, Ana tapped Samuel timidly on the shoulder.
"I'm very sorry to interrupt your talk about the nice magic skull, but I really need a restroom," she said hurriedly. "Mom told me not to get that Bladder Burster from the convenience store, but it was a gallon of soda for two dollars and I was really thirsty and pleeeeease may I use your bathroom?"
The sound of Evie's hand clapping onto her forehead reverberated through the room.
Samuel just straightened and stretched his back.
"I've fallen for that ruse myself. Go down that small hallway. It is directly on your left. I must ask that you do not explore further though." He turned back to the strange woman, but she had apparently lost interest and was going for a lavender-stuffed voodoo doll. Ah, scene kids with no studies.
Samuel simply stretched again and began back into the main part of the room, soon spotting a girl he recognized. He approached Evie from behind, placing a light hand on her shoulder.
"Can I help you, ma'am?" he asked, smiling.
"Yessir thank you you're nice and I like yoooou~" Ana chirped as she skittered into the bathroom and closed the door behind her with a sharp snap.
"Maybe," Evie drawled, looking over her shoulder with a grin. "Just browsin' around at the moment. Though..."
With a practiced flick of her wrist, Evie retrieved her camera from her pocket and snapped a quick photo. Looking at the screen, she smiled and put it back.
"Though, that'll suffice for now."
Evie, looking pleased that she'd made Samuel laugh, gave a careless shrug.
"Shrine? Tch! My shrines involve DNA samples. We'll work up to that point, my dear. These are just so I can have something nice on my fridge."
Glancing at the bathroom door, wondering just how accurate the Bladder Buster name actually was, she shook her head.
"We were just wanderin', truth be told. I was planning on a visit, never fear. We just arrived ahead of schedule. But now that we're here..."
Evie glanced around, then back at Samuel.
"I have no other plans for the rest of my life. I think I can hang out a while," she said with a grin.
Samuel just smiled back at her.
"That sounds wonderful. As soon as these last few customers make their purchases, I can close up shop for a while." He paused then, looked toward the bathroom, and then back to Evie.
"So she is your roommate, then?"
"Closin' up just for lil' old me? Samuel, you flatterer," Evie said with a laugh. She glanced at the bathroom door and sighed. "Heh. Yeah, that's Anastasia. She's...."
With a brief shake of her head, she grinned and turned back to the fetishes.
"I'll let her explain herself. I never do it justice."
At that moment Ana burst out of the bathroom, looking heartily relieved with a literal glow to her - her hands were lit up like cheap Christmas ornaments.
"I am never," she announced to the room, "going to drink that much soda in one sitting ever again. I was goin' pee for like five minutes."
"Ana..."
Ana winced.
"I did the too much information thing again, didn't I."
"Kinda, yeah."
"I'm not one to put friendship behind busin--" Samuel had begun, but Ana just as soon burst through the doors. Thankfully, he was used to Evie's special kind of charm already, so Ana's was not that far of a stretch. The man simply laughed again and held a hand out to Ana.
"Hello. I'm Samuel. Anastasia, I presume?"
Ana beamed and shook Samuel's hand with both of hers.
"You're the nice bathroom guy! Nice to meet you, I'm Anastasia Daphne Meyer and that's my mom over there, she's not old or anything but she's still my mom."
"Why'd you tell him your middle name, too?"
Ana looked surprised.
"Because I like it!"
"Ah. Makes total sense."
Samuel gave a polite grin and, as soon as he could find availability, he steadied one of Ana's hands and kissed the top before dropping them both. He then turned back to Evie with an arched brow.
"Roommate, hm?”
Ana blushed an odd rosy green, looking at her hands and back at Samuel. He was charming.
Evie polished her glasses on her sleeve with a noncommittal shrug.
"Roommates help pay th' rent," she said. "This one, she just lives in my house and eats my food."
"I eat it 'cause I'm the only one that makes it."
"Hey, I microwave things!"
Ana gave a snort.
"Like the egg? You remember the egg? I remember the egg."
"Don't bring up the egg."
"I will SO bring up the egg."
Samuel just shook his head.
"That is not quite what I meant by my comment, but alright. Now, please excuse me."
The women had lined up at the counter now and were looking huffy and impatient. Samuel rushed to the cash box, checked them all out, wrote receipts, and let them leave. When they were finally gone, he produced a key from his pocket and turned the sign on the door to 'CLOSED' while locking it.
"You can get out, but not back in," he informed softly and put the keys back in his pocket.
"I'm not perceptive," Evie said mildly. "You expect an intellectual response, you're gonna have to go slower. Brain's stuck in second gear. Right Ana?"
"It's tragic, really," Anastasia said, shaking her head and pretend to wipe away a tear. "Untreatable, y'know. Maybe terminal."
"Yeah, yeah....fascinatin' crowd you attract," Evie said. "I was disappointed by the lack of fairy wings, though."
"I wish I had fairy wings."
"No. Just...no."
Ana made a face, and nudged Samuel with an elbow.
"She's just jealous because she knows I'd look better wearing them," she said in a stage whisper.
Not noticing the flinch, Ana nodded hard enough to send her hood flying off.
"Fruit please! I like any kinda fruit, except for raisins. They're mummified grapes and that's really, really gross."
"Nothing for me," Evie said. "I had a student lunch, I'm good."
"She means beef jerky and one'a those energy shot drinks," Ana said, wrinkling her nose. "She'll have fruit too. And some water. Um. Please."
"Water? Feh. Never touch the stuff."
Samuel nodded and smiled to Ana, but shook his head upon looking at Evie.
"I insist. Are you sure you don't want some tea? A proper meal? I don't mind."
"Well..."
Evie considered the offer. Ana was a decent enough cook, once you scraped off the burnt bits or the remaining frost from the freezer. But a real meal...
"Yeah, okay. I s'pose I could use actual food in my system for a change. You're a doll."
Ana beamed, then looked at Evie in confusion.
"Real food? I thought you LIKED my mushroom-tuna-stew."
"It has character, hon, not edibility."
"Hmph."
Wandering into the living room, Evie settled comfortably onto the couch.
"Ana, what're you doing?"
"Taking off my shoes, I don't want to get any dirt on his floor."
"You," Evie said, pointing an accusatory finger, "Are too damn polite for your own good."
"I'm sure he prefers a clean house," Ana said primly, sitting down beside Evie. "And I think he likes you."
"Buh?"
"He's making you food."
"So? You do that."
"...well, yeah. But-"
"Hush before you hurt yourself, dippy."
For a while, the scent and sound of popping oil and fresh vegetables pervaded the house. After a few minutes it was joined by stiff seafood...some kind of shellfish. In a half hour since the start, Samuel entered the living room with a large silver platter, three bowls, three cups and saucers, a serving bowl full of the crab and corn bisque, and a steaming teapot.
...and an apple.
"I made some for you too, Anastasia, just in case," he said as he placed the tray on the coffee table and handed up the apple before beginning to pour cups of tea.
"It's a homebrew. I hope you don't mind." Spicy and therapeutic...perfect for stressful, lonely days.
On the side table, watching with blind eyes, was Pollux, still a sad pool of oil in a small vial.
Sniffing tentatively at the soup, Ana blushed slightly and shook her head, taking the apple.
"Maybe later," she said politely.
Evie had no such qualms, and eagerly helped herself. It tasted exactly like nothing she'd ever eaten before, which wasn't surprising given her diet.
"Oh god," she said through a mouthful. "This is incredible. Marry me."
Ana giggled into her tea.
"She means to say, 'thank you'," she said to Samuel.
"That too."
Samuel just winked at Ana.
"I figured as much. More for me and your mother," he said and sered himself, sipping his tea before beginning in on his bisque.
"I do believe it's traditional for the man to propose, Miss Evie. I have to decline." And he laughed around his spoon. He ate...daintily. Carefully. Clearly. He was a well-raised gentleman.
"Killjoy," Evie said, trying not to slurp her soup. She was raised to be a normal functioning part of humanity, nothing more. Manners, according to her mother at least, were for sissies. "I'll just have to keep trying, then."
Ana just rolled her eyes, biting crisply into her apple through a mouthful of tea. Chewing thoughtfully, she brightened and proceeded to dip the apple into her teacup - carefully.
"It tastes like....apple-tea. With stuff," she said, looking pleased.
Samuel just chuckled and shook his head. Ah, children. He wanted some when the proper time came.
"I'm glad you like it."
A comfortable silence fell as Evie finished her soup and Ana her apple. Eating it to the core and crunching the seeds, Ana looked around the room, hoping for more fascinating things to see like what Mr. Samuel had in his store. Instead, she saw the oil burner.
"Hey! I came out of one of those!"
Evie choked on her soup, and thumped her chest with a fist to prevent herself from spraying masticated crab.
"Gnnghk?"
"That thing! The burner-thing, right there! Mister Samuel, you're gonna have a baby too? That's wonderful, can I babysit? I'm really good at it," Ana said excitedly, her hands glowing eyesearing neon green in her sudden excitement.
A comfortable silence fell as Evie finished her soup and Ana her apple. Eating it to the core and crunching the seeds, Ana looked around the room, hoping for more fascinating things to see like what Mr. Samuel had in his store. Instead, she saw the oil burner.
"Hey! I came out of one of those!"
Evie choked on her soup, and thumped her chest with a fist to prevent herself from spraying masticated crab.
"Gnnghk?"
"That thing! The burner-thing, right there! Mister Samuel, you're gonna have a baby too? That's wonderful, can I babysit? I'm really good at it," Ana said excitedly, her hands glowing eyesearing neon green in her sudden excitement.
"Ah. That explains why I was warned about...'fetus juice'." Complete with air quotes.
"I've already invited your mother to join me when I gather the courage to light the candle," Samuel said, "You are free to come along." A child...he'd forgotten about that. Most of his adored the thought...but what if he was a bad parent? What if it was a bad child?
"Fetus-juice?" Ana parroted, looking bemused. "It's more...magic candle oil juice. I think. Right, Ma?"
"Can't talk, eating."
Shaking her head, Ana turned her attentions back to Samuel.
"We'd love to," she said. "Evie can take pictures and I can clean up in case it makes the house explode!"
"ANA."
"What? It could, y'know. Just sayin'."
"Ding-dong."
"Please, no bickering," Samuel said and then turned back to his tea for a moment.
"You're the first friends I've made on Gaia. I would like you to be there for the...proverbial birth of any child I may have."
"Bickering? This isn't bickering," Evie said with a laugh. "This is normal conversation. Right Ana?"
Ana blew a raspberry in between sips of tea.
"Heh. And we'd love to," Evie added, trying not to slurp the last dregs of her soup. "Bein' a parent to a freaky lil' bundle'a joy can be fun, if you know the right people. I'll let you know if I find any."
Hunf. Well, everyone had their faults.
"I've learned that most children on Gaia are paranormal. I doubt one from a candle would stick out all that far."
"Well, at least it's pink, that means it's probably gonna be a cute little girl with a penchant for dresses and sparkly things," Ana said earnestly. She gave Evie a confused look when her guardian gagged.
"Ana, god, don't say such cruel things," Evie said. "Pink doesn't automatically mean girly."
"No?"
"Nah. Sometimes it means fabulous."
Laughing at Ana's uncomprehending look, Evie took a sip of tea and smiled slightly.
"I'll explain when you're older, kiddo. Anyway, concerning 'paranormal'. Betcha a dollar if it spits out a kid it's gonna be an awesome mutant. I'll help out so you don't lose your sanity."
"We'll see," Samuel said with another little sigh. He decided to not comment on the offensive stereotypes. Hm. A child...
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Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:50 pm
Lighting Prompt (Required to reach Lit Scent stage) You have just purchased an oil burner and a specific scented oil from the Solace Scents shop and you can't wait to light it! Now that you're home, it's time to find the perfect place to light that scent! However, strange things seem to happen when you do... particularly with the smoke...
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Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:58 am
4. The Lighting
Samuel had been staring at that damnable oil for hours. It was his day off, and he had nothing else to do...so why not see if you are or are not going to bring a child into this world? He did, of course, have a promise pre-set. He picked up his cell phone and pressed Evie's number, the only one in his Gaian contacts. He waited as it rang, setting up the oil in the center of the living room.
"Ana, phone."
"I'm in the bathroom!"
Evie flicked the page of her magazine, ignoring how Oscar kneaded her lap with unnecessary force.
"Yeah, but it's probably for you."
"Ma, bathroom."
"No one calls me."
"But you CAN answer it, it's easy. You pick the phone up off the receiver and talk into the part at the bottom. I know you're outta practice but you get the hang of it after a while."
Evie snorted and picked up the phone that was, in fact, inches away from her.
"You've got five seconds before I hang up."
Samuel's eyes widened. Oh my!
"Evie? Is...is this a wrong number?" Oh, she had gotten to poor man so very, very flustered.
"Speaking," Evie said without interest, not realizing who it was in the other end. "Who are you and what are you selling, because chances are I don't want it."
"Who is it? Is it for me?"
"I dunno. Who's calling?"
For once, Samuel was not amused by Evie's gruff exterior. He frowned slightly and shook his head.
"Evie, it's Samuel. I told you I would call to be with me when I light the oil. I plan to quite soon."
Evie made a horrified choking sort of sound and slipped off the couch, sending Oscar flying.
"Samuel! Oh god, I'm sorry - ow, claw to the stomach - aaah jeez, I didn't mean anythin' by it-"
Hitting herself in the head forcibly, Evie blushed and cringed. God, now he would think she was a total b***h.
Ana stood in the door way and shook her head, sighing.
Samuel gave her no words of comfort, no friendly chuckle, no 'it's alright'. It certainly wasn't alright. He attempted to force these negative thoughts to the back of his mind and spoke once more.
"Would you still like to join me for the event?" His voice was short. Quick. Everything it never was.
"I'd love to," Evie said, voice tiny. "Me and Ana'll...we'll be right over."
Ana stopped grinning and gave Evie a startled look. She was actually upset about this....oh dear.
Samuel nodded.
"Good," he said tersely, "I shall prepare." And with that, he hung up. No 'goodbye'. That was a sure sign of something amiss. That said and done, Samuel sat in the Lotus position on his rug, palms facing upward o his knees, trying to calm himself. His jaw, previously set, slowly relaxed. His muscles unclenched.
There.
Smiling, the man stood and went for the living room, lining it with protective fetishes and vacuuming quickly. One's home must be spotless for guests.
Evie hung up the phone slowly, humiliation making her stomach roil and her face burn.
"Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid..."
Ana cleared her throat uncomfortably, getting hers and Evie's jackets out of the hall closet.
"Well," she said, forcing cheerfulness into her voice. "Let's go, eh?"
Samuel now waited in the front room, reading through a book he had recently purchased, testing to see if he wanted more. It was ridiculous.
Perfect.
The pseudo-goths would eat it up.
Evie knocked rather timidly on the door, biting her tongue hard. The walk over had been more of a brisk run, and Ana was sitting on the front steps clutching a stitch in her side.
Samuel placed the book on a corner of the shelf and stood, straightening his shirt before opening the door. His heart fell slightly, seeing Evie, but his smile never faltered.
"Welcome. Come on." With a sweeping arm gesture he stepped back from the door, giving the young women room to enter.
Taking the smile as instant forgiveness, Ana bounced in cheerfully.
"Hello, hello," she said, beaming at Samuel.
Evie walked in more sedately, trying to ignore the knot of ice in her stomach.
"Hi," she said, smiling with genuine effort. "Thanks."
No kiss to the hand was offered, but Samuel graciously led the pair into the living room, motioning to the myriad silk pillows that would be acting as their chairs for the evening.
"Please, take a seat. Make yourself comfortable."
Evie sat on a pillow, very tense and trying valiantly not to show it.
Ana sat ramrod straight on her pillow, looking excited.
Samuel lit the candle beneath the dish of oil before stepping back to sit beside Evie, staring into the oil. Oh my, perhaps a child, perhaps not...
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Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:16 am
Awakening Prompt (Required To Reach Child stage) Having run into your last ounce of oil, you mournfully place it into it's burner and light it, letting the aroma spread throughout your home happily. ------ [For Those Who Want To RP Witnessing The Event]You leave for a moment, deciding you felt peckish after smelling something so wonderful, and grabbed a snack from your kitchen. When you return you witness something absolutely amazing. The end result of the incident being a child on the floor of the room. Describe the sight, and the reactions of both you and the child at the end of it all.------ [For Those Who Want To RP Finding The Child Only]Having remembered something you needed to do, you ran out of your home quickly, forgetting all about the burning oils inside. You return content, having completed your task only to find a small child wandering the halls of your home, leaving oily foot steps behind, leading to a cracked burner, and split candle wax. Describe your reaction, and how you deal with the oil tracking child.
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Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:52 am
5. Born!
Evie chewed at her fingernails, wondering what would happen. More between her and Samuel than the oil burner, however. There was a steady uncomfortable knot of discomfort whenever she thought about her behavior.
Ana leaned forward, all attention riveted on the burner. Oh, so exciting, so exciting!
An hour went by. Two. Samuel heard his stomach rumble deep.
"Excuse me," he said, tearing his eyes from the dwindling oil.
"Would you ladies like anything to eat or drink?"
Half-dozing, Evie jolted up with a start.
"Water," she said quickly. "Please."
Ana, who had been blinking only rarely, sat up straight and winced as stiffened muscles finally relaxed.
"An apple, maybe?"
Samuel smiled softly as he stood.
"You and your fruit," he commented lightly before heading for the kitchen. Hmm...water and an apple.
Meanwhile, in the living room, the oil began to bubble violently. It filled the dish and foamed over the sides, other bubbles rising in the air and popping there. The music grew in volume. Oh my...birth was impending!
"Fruits don't have faces," Ana called after Samuel primly. "I don't wanna eat something that looks back at me."
"That's why they chop off the heads, Ana," Evie said dryly. Or at least she started to, but the sound of music made her pause. "...what the crap is that."
"SAMUEL YER GONNA MISS IT COME QUICK!"
Samuel didn't take time to ask questions. He ran to the living room just in time to see an enormous bubble rising up out of the oil and...BAM! With an absurd popping sound, the bubble exploded, and there sat a little...well, it was a child, at least.
Covered in bubblegum-scented goo, Samuel wiped his eyes and stepped forward. It had happened.
"Hi!"
"Why, hello..."
"Ohmigaaaawd, she's so cute," Ana squeaked, spitting out a bit of goo and ignoring how unpleasantly sticky everything had gotten. "Isn't she, Mom?"
Evie, squinting without her glasses, had frozen still as a statue, the color rapidly draining out of her face as she stared at the child.
Polly giggled and turned.
"Hi Miss Evie! Hi, Lady! I like your hair!"
Samuel blinked. How in the world could he know Evie?
...wait a second.
"What is your name, child?"
"Pollux! You kin' call me Polly, though. Everyone does!"
Pollux. Polly. Holy crap. What was going on here?
"Ma, how does...Mom?"
Evie's face had gone gray, and tears were streaking down her face. She got up unsteadily, gasping for breath, and stumbled towards Pollux. She touched his face, then with a horrible choked wail she fled the room.
"What the heck?" Ana sputtered, jumping up. She skittered over to Pollux and Samuel, flushing rosy-green. "I don't know what's gotten into her, I-I'm sorry..."
Samuel just watched her go.
"I can guess..." he sighed, and then stood and ran after Evie in a very ungentlemanly way, "EVIE! PLEASE, WAIT!"
Polly, however, stayed put.
"Who're you?" he frowned, upset by both the situation and this stranger.
Evie had bolted out the door, and was running as fast as she could away from the house. She skidded to a halt when she heard Samuel however, figuring she didn't want to insult him more by ignoring him. But she skidded into an unfortunately placed telephone pole, glancing her shoulder and tumbling to the ground in a heap.
Wringing her hands, Ana tried to smile.
"My name's Anastasia," she said, kneeling down beside Pollux. "I, um...I'm Miss Evie's friend."
Samuel skidded over to her, scuffing his newly-shined shoes, and collapsed beside her.
"He was once someone you knew, yes?" he asked, gathering the young woman in his arms.
Polly just blinked.
"You called Miss Evie 'mom'! Are you her daughter? Who is that man? Am I his son?"
Evie didn't give a coherent response, just buried her face into Samuel's chest and burst into tears again.
Feeling oddly caught in the headlights like a deer, Ana nodded.
"I guess I am," she said. "And that guy was Samuel. So, yeah. He lit the oil thing, so yes, you're his son. I guess that's how it works."
Samuel stiffened and cleared his throat. Oh, jeez.
"That is a yes..."
Polly just smiled.
"Cool!" he said, flinging himself at Ana and clinging, "We're friends now, okay?!"
Curling into a ball of misery, Evie finally drew away and hid her face, humiliated.
Caught by surprise, Ana toppled over. She burst out laughing and hugged the boy back.
"You got it, Polly."
Samuel placed a finger beneath Evie's chin and lifted it.
"It is natural to grieve. Do not be embarrassed. Come, I will make you something." He stood then, holding his hand down to Evie.
Polly snuggled and closed his eyes, nose wrinkling.
"Good."
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Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 3:34 pm
 I cannot imagine any surprise more shocking than finding yourself the sudden guardian of a child. Being virginal as I am, is it certainly not something I could have predicted, even when warned by Ms. Evie. I am not displeased by any means, but it has proved to be a pleasurable chore even thus far.
After consoling Ms. Evie and sending her on her way, Pollux and I went off to ind things a child may need. I'm afraid I have not the room for a child ad so will, for a time, have Pollux share a bed with me. I have ordered a folding couch and bedclothes that Pollux will be able to use as a bed, and it is just by my room, so I see no problem there. We have also purchased various toys, and I am thankful for the previously-necessary swing set. There is no reason for me to spend more money in that area.
I plan to raise Pollux as is proper to my religion, and also my our social class. I will have no heathens in my home.Yet still, I realize that he is a child, and he will remain as such for as long as is safe. I can honestly say that I love this child.
Tomorrow I will be visiting Miss Olivia. I have the irking feeling that my Pollux is the childhood friend she spoke of that hurt Ment so. I can only hope that it will go over well.
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Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 4:36 pm
6. Unexpected Indeed
"C'mon, now. It's not so bad, see? Going outside is good. Say it with me."
"Mnn."
"You'll thank me some day," Ana said patiently, forcing Evie along as they walked. "See? We'll go get groceries, and dry cleaning, and maybe even cat food. Isn't it exciting?"
"Mm."
Ana sighed. Well, at least the grunts meant she wasn't completely catatonic.
"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!" Polly squealed excitedly, "Higher, Daddy, higher!"
"Try Creole!" Samuel shouted, giving his son another hard push on the swing.
"Ummm..."
"Plii..."
"Plis elve!" Polly shouted and giggled.
"Bon djòb!" Samuel laughed and yelled happily as he gave Pollux an absurdly fast push. The boy went so high the chains of his swing jumped.
Yes, this was a good day!
Evie blinked and looked towards the source of the happy noise, pinpointing it to a familiar house across the street. Her stomach knotted for a moment, then she sighed and shook her head. Over a year, and she still couldn't let go. She would've kept walking, but Ana caught her arm.
"Look," she said patiently. "It's Samuel and Pollux. We're going to go over and say hi. Yes?"
"No."
"Good! C'mon!"
And so Ana dragged Evie across the street, waving merrily.
"HIIIII~"
Polly squealed and waved, forgetting the chains for a moment and almost toppling backward before retaining his grip.
"Ana! Ana, push me! Pouse mwen!"
Samuel stepped out of the way of the swings and approached Evie, forgoing his usual hand-kiss for an informal hug. She looked like she needed one.
"Would you like to come inside?"
"Coming, coming!" Ana chirped, scooting behind Pollux and obliging with a good hard push.
Caught off-guard by the hug, Evie's reaction was a little belated.
"Uhm. Oh! Yeah, yeah, I'd love to. 'kay."
One could tell she hadn't spoken beyond one-syllabic sentences in a while.
Polly squealed and kicked his feet as he tried to pump. Yaaay, friends!
"You look like you need some comfort," Samuel said softly, leading Evie to the living room.
"Would you like some tea?"
"Y'know, I almost went over the top bar once," Ana said. "But then I kinda flew off the swing and landed on this guy. Then he started yellin' at me, which is understandable since I kinda squished him, but then Ma saw and she punched him."
She paused, thinking over the incident.
"As it turns out, haven't been on a swing since."
Evie gave a mute nod, feeling a little bit embarrassed but trying not to show it. She couldn't exactly come out and say "Sorry for bursting into tears and clinging onto you like a toddler throwing a fit".
"Then swing with me!" Polly cheered, "I can pump okay. You should swing too!" Really, wat kind of life was a swingless one?!
Samuel smiled softly and touched Evie's cheek affectionately before going to the kitchen and returning with a cup of hot leftover tea, brewed for lunch.
"Here," he said, handing over the dainty china cup, "I am not sure how much of my religion you have experienced in life...I can assume very little...but there are certain rituals created to calm and soothe the mind. If you would be interested..."
Ana sat on the other swing obligingly, trying to get comfortable. She was in truth a bit too big for the swings, but at least she wouldn't snap the chains.
Evie sipped at the tea tentatively, and gave another nod.
"Okay," she said, voice rather tiny.
Polly giggled, reaching out for Ana's hand. It wasn't swinging together unless they were touching!
Samuel gave Evie's hair another little pat.
"Are you sure? It is a simple ritual, but perhaps not the most modest." His father had developed it, after all, combining modern and ancient practices. It worked, sure, but only under certain circumstances.
Swinging a bit, Ana held Polly's hand and gave him a grin. Gads, he was cute. And, she reflected a bit sadly, a better dress. She loved that skirt.
"Pfft. Modesty isn't an issue," Evie said with an echo of her dry humor, smiling slightly. "You're talkin' to someone who walked in nothin' but skin through the girl's locker room for a five dollar bet."
Ah, the stupidity of youth.
Polly just giggled and kicked his feet. He liked having friends, even if they were big friends.
"Good," Samuel smiled, "Finish your tea and meet me in the bedroom. It is down the hall and on the right." With a curt little bow, he headed there himself.
Evie obediently chugged the rest of her tea, setting the cup down delicately and wiping her mouth with her sleeve. Bedroom. His bedroom. She hadn't been in a boy's room since sophomore year in high school with Matt Gale, and he had felt her up. She'd punched out one of his teeth.
"Oh boy."
Evie got up and wandered down the hall, wondering if she should knock.
The room was dim and a line of candles lit the outer rim of a hand-woven blanket. Samuel stood behind, dressed in more traditional garb, a knee-length brown skirt and totally barefoot. It wasn't necessary, but it always helped with the whole mod. He might as well give Evie a show while performing the ritual.
"Please," he said, motioning to the blanket, "Lay down. On your belly, please. Head on the pillow."
Said pillow as stuffed with dried lavender, a common calming agent.
Looking more curious than timid now, Evie took off her glasses and stowed them in her pocket, lying down obligingly and resting her head on the pillow. The smell of the lavender made her want to sneeze, but she stifled it and the sensation passed.
"Now remove your clothing," Samuel nodded. Nakey times! He figured to remove them while on your stomach was easier...less embarrassing. Nothing showed then.
Ignoring the brief blush that heated her cheeks, patiently reminding herself of her dumb-a** high school days, Evie stripped and piled her clothing neatly to one side.
She was awfully glad she'd remembered to shave her legs.
Samuel smiled.
"Good, good. Now close your eyes." He picked something that clicked up from his short dresser. Hmmm...
Feeling a little vulnerable, Evie gulped and closed her eyes. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.
Oh, stoppit. He's not gonna do anything to hurt me, quitcherbitchin'.
There was a sudden clacking just in front of Evie's nose and Samuel spoke again.
"When I tell you to open your eyes, please do. You will see a small pile of bones. Look at it until you see something. Do you understand?"
A cursory pause and then:
"Open your eyes."
Evie opened her eyes, and noted the bones. Mm. Very bone-like. Pushing aside her usual skepticisms, she focused on the pile and tried very hard to 'see something'.
It wasn't really working quite yet.
Well, that was understandable, as nothing had begun yet. Slowly, Samuel's voice rose in a low, monotonous chanting. The only word that seemed to repeat was "Rada", the loa that represents emotional stability and warmth. It was this same loa's veve that Samuel began to drip onto Evie's back with a steady flow of hot wax. To her, though, it would certainly only seem warm...
Evie gave a tiny jolt at the unexpected warmth, then forced herself to stillness again. Focusing on the bone pile, she waited for something to happen. Would they start floating or something? Hmm.
The chanting continued and, once the wax had been hardened, Samuel placed his hand, fingers splayed, in the center circle. Ah, this really was a true test of his studies.
Enjoying the touch more than she felt she had a right to, Evie kept on staring at the bones, waiting patiently.
And then...
"Mph!"
The sound was quickly stifled before the entire squeak could come out. Evie blinked rapidly, trying to make sure it wasn't just some...oh, she didn't know. Trick of the light, maybe?
She did not just see what she thought she did. After all, Samuel was behind her, clearly she was daydreaming when she should've been-
Oh, waitwait. There it was again.
I'm such a dweeb.
And yet, it made her feel better, didn't it? Silly little heart-flutter aside.
Enjoying the touch more than she felt she had a right to, Evie kept on staring at the bones, waiting patiently.
And then...
"Mph!"
The sound was quickly stifled before the entire squeak could come out. Evie blinked rapidly, trying to make sure it wasn't just some...oh, she didn't know. Trick of the light, maybe?
She did not just see what she thought she did. After all, Samuel was behind her, clearly she was daydreaming when she should've been-
Oh, waitwait. There it was again.
I'm such a dweeb.
And yet, it made her feel better, didn't it? Silly little heart-flutter aside.
Samuel smiled and tilted his head slightly. Oh, good.
"You see something? What is it?" To him, it was still just a little pile of fowl bones.
Crap. Gotta lie, gotta lie-
"Well," she said, trying to think of a good lie and not coming up with anything. "It's...um..."
The odd little vision stayed firmly in place, and she didn't try to blink it away.
"You," she said, voice very tiny.
Samuel smiled and his hand moved rather inappropriately to give Evie's back a tiny rub. Tsk tsk!
"And what am I doing?" It was honest curiosity, really. Knowing that you yourself brought comfort to a friend was all well and good...but knowing why would be much better.
Evie was infinitely glad that her little romp with the mystical hadn't turned out to be a cheap metaphysical porno.
"Noticing that I exist," she said, feeling rather embarrassed.
Specifically, looking and smiling at her. It was uplifting and comfortably silly at the same time.
Samuel smiled and grabbed the edge of the veve on Evie's back, peeling it gently from her back and breaking whatever spell there had been upon her. He retrieved the bones, put them away, and turned the lights back to their full luminosity.
"If that is all it takes, why conduct any rituals at all?" he asked as he changed back into his pants and folded his ritual garb, putting it back in the dresser.
"DADDY!" came the sudden cry from the hallway, "DADDY! DADDYYYY!"
Samuel sighed and exited the bedroom, closing the door behind him to allow Evie some privacy. Polly had his hands out in front of him as if they were covered in some kind of terrible flesh-eating bacteria.
"Daddy, I'm dirty," he frowned.
Samuel chuckled and hefted Polly up, bringing him to the bathroom and turning on the water for him to wash his hands in. Oh, children.
Evie dressed quickly, astonished with herself. She didn't usually do the 'happy' thing anyway, but she certainly hadn't imagined it'd be Samuel she'd see.
"Though, I'm feelin' better," she muttered to herself under her breath, feeling pleased. So she could still feel things aside from irritation and misery. Good to know.
Ana, still confused why Polly had freaked out over a little bit of dirt - really, what fun was there in being clean all the time - stood just outside the open door, wondering if it was okay to go in uninvited. Pollux had sort of run away before she could ask.
As Samuel left the bathroom, he caught sight of Ana in the door. For a moment, he was frightened. She hadn't come in...was the brick dust repelling her?
...and then he laughed at himself.
"Come in, dear. You are always welcome."
Polly just whimpered and whined as he washed his hands a good five times.
Beaming, Ana stepped inside.
"It's always polite to ask," she said. "But there wasn't anyone around so I figured I'd wait.
Evie wandered out of Samuel's bedroom, adjusting her glasses and smoothing her hair. She caught Ana's puzzled look and just grinned, which made the teen even more confused.
"Did you bump your head?"
"Hush your sassing before I slap it out of your mouth."
Ana gave a relieved laugh.
"Oh, good. For a second you looked happy, god forbid."
Evie grinned again and stuck out her tongue insolently.
"Well, consider yourself on a constant basis of invitation," Samuel said as Polly wandered out to cling to his leg, "I do not get many pleasant visitors, and so will keep you around as much as possible."
"Daddy, can Ana come swing again?"
"Of course, if she has the time."
Blushing rosy green with pleasure, Ana scuffed at the floor modestly with a boot.
"Aw, you're so nice, Mister Samuel," she said. At Polly's request she nodded.
"Sure can! Buuut, we gotta go get Oscar from the vet soon."
"He's not going to be unhooking his claws from that dog's face anytime soon," Evie said dryly. "And they're gonna have to take some time sewing that bit of ear back on."
"Who's, the poodle or Oscar's?"
"Aw hell, the whole thing was such a mess I don't even know. We're probably gonna end up with some kinda poodle-cat hybrid."
"Polly, why don't you walk Ana out to the sidewalk? Show her your art," Samuel asked, smiling, "Miss Evie and I just have one more thing to discuss."
Polly grinned and grabbed Ana's hand.
"I drew a bunny. He's pink."
Watching as Ana and Polly left discussing the all-important topic of bunnies, Evie sighed and shook her head.
"I need to introduce that girl to horror movies and junk food. All that clean livin's gonna do her in."
Looking up at Samuel, she cleared her throat a little awkwardly, going slightly pink.
"So. Um."
Samuel just smiled and, in one swift movement, wrapped an arm around Evie's shoulders and pulled her closer, kissing her briefly. When he pulled away grinning, his arm stayed.
"If me smiling is all it takes to make you feel better, please, just stop by," he offered. Oh my.
Evie gaped, eyes stretched wide. Had he? With her? Had that been on purpose? She thought it was, but couldn't be sure. Her luck surely wouldn't allow for such things.
"Count on it," she said, voice wavering. Well. That had been about as expected as a flying pig.
Samuel just sighed slightly.
"Now, go. Remove your furry friend from that poor canine's skull...and please, do not over-think my gesture."
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Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:42 am
I saw Mis Evie and Ana today but I didn't see Mis Evie so much because she was inside with Daddy and Ana was with me and we were swinging. I hope she can come over again because she's fun and she helped me inside when I fell and got dirty. Ana said she liked my bunny he's pink. Daddy said we're going to see Ment soon and I can't wait because I haven't seen Ment in a long time I think and I miss Mis Olivia. Okay bye.
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 4:42 pm
7. To Make a Friend
Anbu's visible midnight eye flicked from the paper in her tanned hand to the place in front of her. Correct address...Good. She'd gotten proper directions. She'd dressed a little less fantastic than usual, clad in simple black slacks and a dark blue blouse with sandals. Her usual mask was in place, and her long hair had been braided back. She really hadn't felt like getting stared at today. Folding the paper back up, she ventured up to the house and walked into the shop inside.
She knew what she had been expecting, and this certainly wasn't it. It was better. The Scent was almost giddy, but the most she let show was her curiosity as she looked around, being careful not to touch anything. Mischievous she was, but she still had manners. Her mother had made sure of that.
Samuel stood in his usual place by the wall, watching his customers to see if any needed assistance, needed to check out, seemed to be stealing things...stuff like that. He smiled, hands folded behind his back.
Polly, however, was sitting atop a chair beside the checkout counter/display case, playing with a Rubik's Cube. He wasn't sure of the point of it, but it had pretty colors!
After a few minutes of looking around and not quite finding anything that was definitely what she was looking for, she looked around for the owner. Or who she hoped was the owner. Spotting the dark man leaning against the wall, she smiled and walked over.
"Excuse me...you are the owner of this shop, correct?"
"Yes, indeed," Samuel said, peeling away from the wall, but not attempting to give his usual formal greeting. Customers were not want for one-on-one formalities.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes, actually. You see...I'm looking to add an extra bit of protection to my home, other than my mother's wards. A co-worker referred this place to me, but I'm afraid I'm very knowledgeable on this branch of spirituality." A bit long-winded, but she was sure she'd gotten to the point.
And the strange little pink haired child she saw out of the corner of her eye reminded her of someone...Ment perhaps? But of course they weren't Ment. Ment was red and white.
Polly caught the teen's gaze, smiled, and waved. Awww.
"Ah, I see," Samuel smiled. Finally, someone who wouldn't pretend to know everything!
"You could always opt for brick dust," he explained, motioning to a row of fabric tie-bags, "or gris gris, or perhaps certain types of incense or candles."
Anbu blinked and waved back. Something about the child did seem very familiar...After she was done with this errand, she'd find out why.
She looked back to the owner. "Quite a few options. What have you found to be most effective?"
"I use the brick myself, but that will ward off anyone who means you harm," Samuel explained as Polly ran u and grabbed his hand, peering up at the tall girl.
"The gris gris protects against certain things while warding off others, but often doesn't smell too pleasant. Incense and candles are temporary. It is all up to personal preference."
"I rather like the idea of brick dust then. I'm not fond of temporary things, usually...and I live in a house of people with sensitive noses. I'm quite enough for them, smell-wise." She chuckled, and now that the child was closer...she knew why the little one seemed so familiar.
It was faint, like all of the younger ones, but a scent came off what looked like a her nonetheless. "Uhmm...Your sister?"
Samuel gave a rich laugh, plucking a bag of brick dust from a shelf and holding it out to the teen.
"Ah, no, no," he grinned, "My son."
"Hi!" Polly said, waving again, "I'm Polly! I like your hair!"
She took the bag, making sure she had a good hold on it before the other let go.
"Ah...My apologies." She smiled down at the boy. "Thank you, and it's nice to meet you Polly. I'm Anbu."
She looked to the owner again. "Might I inquire...his birth? He doesn't look much you."
"He was born from scented oil, believe it or not," Samuel smiled and shrugged, "and do not worry. I made the same mistake myself when he was born."
Polly just stood there, snuggling his Rubik's Cube like it was a doll, grinning and bouncing. New friend!
"Well then..." She grinned. "It would seem he and I have something in common. Other than sweet smells." Anbu knelt down to Polly's level.
"Which oil were you?"
"Bubblegum!" Polly giggled and held up an arm for Anbu to smell, "See?!"
"Pollux. Manners."
"Oops. Sorry," Polly said softly and pulled his arm back, blushing slightly. Samuel just chuckled.
Anbu chuckled. "I was born from Dark Carnival." She pat the younger Scent on the head. "You're quite the cute little one."
She looked back to Polly's father. "Well...I believe I'm ready to pay. By the way...I believe I forgot to ask your name."
Polly giggled and watched his Daddy and the New Friend Anbu converse. Yay!
"Alright," Samuel said as he began to walk toward the display case up front, "and my name is Samuel. Samuel Devereaux." Nothing in him sounded at all foreign until he spoke his last name It had the token gutteral throat-sound of a true Frenchman.
Too bad he wasn't one, huh?
Anbu followed. "It's nice to meet you Mister Devereaux." With the bag of brick dust in one hand she pulled her wallet out of her back pocket.
"So, how much?"
"If you promise to come back and visit my Pollux, you can have it for free," Samuel smiled, "After all, it is just average bricks...just...pre-ground-up for you."
"Please say yes!" Polly begged, absolutely ecstatic, "Say yes!"
Anbu chuckled and nodded. "I will most definitely come back to visit." She looked down at Polly. "He's too cute to not want to visit~"
She looked back to Samuel. "And I'd kind of like to learn more about what all is in here."
"YAY!"
"Good," Samuel smiled, "and I would be glad to teach you. Come over any time."
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 4:52 pm
8. Reuniting
Ment solemly swept the floor of the shop as the sun began to set that day. It was long and hard as it was spring and everyone wanted something floral to brighten up their days. His days were never really bright anymore. when he realized his best friend was gone he felt like nothing in the world was sacred anymore.
Samuel, however, was having a very bright day. He laughed richly as Polly giggled, dressed in a skort and clinging to his back. It was an adorable picture, really. He opened the door and called to the teen immediately.
"Ment, I have someone who wishes to see you."
Ment looked up from his sweeping as he heard the bell jingle and Samuel's voice ring out clear. He opened his mouth to question who exactly this person was and what they were talking about (as Ment did not recognize Samuel) and he than spotted him. Pink hair and bubbly expression and all.
"POLLY!" Ment shrieked, dropping the broom with a thunk and darting over to his childhood friend to snatch him away from Samuel and hug the life out of him. "But how?! you were gone! You were gone!" He cried, some tears streaming down his face.
Polly giggled, blissfully ignorant to the dank mood, and hugged his best buddy rather hard.
"You got big!" he grinned, "Real big!"
Samuel stood back, smiling with his hands folded behind his back.
Ment smiled abit as Polly hugged him back, reassuring him that this was indded real and not a pleasant dream. "Yea...I got real big," He murmured, giving his best friend another strong hug before loosing his grip on him.
Ment looked over at Samuel with gratitude in his eyes. He may never have known his best friend was out there and waiting to see him again if it weren't for Samuel. He'd have to thank him properly later. But for now. Fun time.
"I got awesome powers too because I got bigger."
Polly's eyes went wide and he gasped.
"Really?! Cool! Can I see?!" His big friend had powers now?!
Samuel snorted and took out a business card of his own, placing it on the front counter and making sure Ment saw him before walking off.
His son would be safe here.
Ment nodded to Samuel as he left and turned his attention back to Polly.
"Uh huh! I can fly around and stuff on my candycane! We should go for a ride outside." He smiled, standing up straight and stretching abit. "Now where did I put that thing."
Ment started to skitter aorund whistling oddly as if the Cane was a dog, "Cane! Cane com'ere boy! Where'd you go???" Knocking could be heard from somewhere, but it was extremely faint. Maybe if they found the source of the knocking they might find what exactly they're looking for.
Polly immediately began up the stairs.
"Is he in your room?!"
"I don't know, probably." Ment called, chasing after Polly at fool speed. "I don't remember where I put him because I haven't flown in so long."
Infact the last time he had ever taken a flight was with Kaoru before this whole incident occured. He'd have to go see Kaoru than as well, just so shi knew he wasn't mad at hir.
Polly rushed into the vaguely familiar room, turning in a slow circle. Hmm...where was that cane of magical flyingness? Darnit, he wanted to fly!
Ment followed after listening intently for the thumping noise. He searched around several moments with Polly untill he noticed a chest full of his old dress up clothes thumping lightly on the floor. Did he put it in there? why would he put it in there?
"Maybe he's in here." Ment muttered, going to unlock the chest, a big red and white striped candy cane shooting up out of the chest and looming above.
Ment looked into the chest for a moment as the old dresses and skirts and blouses he and Polly once played with. Would he remember them?
Oh, he did. He did indeed! Polly giggled and reached inside, pulling out the bizarrely sparkly dress he had worn to...well, he couldn't remember why or where, but he remembered wearing it.
"Can we play dress-up later?"
Ah, it was heartwarming and tragic.
Ment smiled and nodded, "Sure we can. 'Livia got me a whole bunch of new clothes that fit my bigger body, so you get to choose from all the smaller clothes."
The candycane hovered down quietly, nudging the small boy in the arm. The candycane was inquisitive of the new person. It had a mind of it's own half the time and liked to use it often. Think Magic Carpet from Aladin.
"Cool!" Polly said and giggled...until he was nudged. The boy went abruptly silent, and his eyes grew wide. There was...a candy cane. Nudging him.
"Um...hi?"
"He's inspecting you." Ment laughed, grabbing the candy cane and pulling it back. "He's a friend. Stop being nosey."
Polly just blinked. It had no eyes. How could something with no eyes inspect something else?!
"Oh. Okay."
"Well, we found my candy cane...Let's go flying now!" Ment smiled, hopping noto his candycane side sattled, like the little woman he truly was.
He extended a hand to Polly with a smile, hovering a few feat off the ground. "You're gonna have to hold on tight, he goes a little fast sometimes."
Polly took the hand and sat beside Ment, appropriately side-saddle for his current garments. A bit apprehensive, he wrapped one arm around Ment and used the other hand to clutch the cane. How fast was fast, exactly...?
Ment slowly manuvered Candy cane, himself and Polly down the little flight of stairs and out the shop front. They obviously couldn't go fast there. If they had things would have broken, 'Livia's would have been mad, and Ment would go another week without sugary goodness for his soul.
Instead he waited till he had the front door open before he zoomed off down the street, almost knocking over a poor little woman along the way. "Sorry!!!" He yelled as they took off, not having seen her to begin with.
Polly giggled and closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of breeze on his face, his hair whipping about him. The arm that was around Ment moved to raise in the air a moment before clutching the cane again. Ah, the feeling to fly...was there anything better?! The boy squealed and laughed with pure joy.
"We can go faster if you want!" Ment said, as right now they had only been ducking through alley ways and streets. If they really wanted to go faster, they'd have to go up higher, where there wouldn't be anything in their way as the flew.
Polly shook his head. He was a bit afraid to go faster, actually. Having never left the ground before...and to be sitting on a thin pole? No thank you!
"DADDY!"
Samuel backed against a wall and laughed as they passed.
"HI, POLLY!" and he disappeared.
"Your Dad took that rather well." Ment laughed as they flew along, "When I first started flying 'Livia was having fits all over the place about how I was gonna break my arm or my back or something."
Polly shrugged.
"He says he wants me t'learn myself," he said softly, leaning against Ment, "Dunno what tha' means, but he says it a lot."
"I don't know what that means either." Ment commented, his stomach rumbling abit. "You wanna go get something to eat? I'm really hungry..."He muttered to himself.
"Sure!" Polly giggled. If there was one thing he knew, it was that he and Ment had similar, if not identical, tastes in food. Oh no! But Daddy didn't give him any money...!
Ment slowed his pace down before stoppong out infront of a delicious smelling pastry shop. It had wonderful cakes and cookies inside of all varieties. His mouth practically watered before he got off the candy cane.
"This looks like a good place." Ment chirped. Holding out a hand to help Polly down if he wanted the help.
Polly took the hand and leaped down.
"My Daddy didn't give me any money," he said, sounding quite sad. Oh, that strawberry tart looked so good...
"I can pay." Ment muttered, pulling out his little glittery purse with about 20 pieces inside. "Afterall you're my guest. And my friend."
Polly gasped and grinned wide, reaching up to take Ment's free hand.
"Really?!"
It was as if he had just won the lottery.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 4:58 pm
Today daddy brought me back to see Ment he said that Ment was sad about before. Ment got real big and he let me fly with him on his candy cane and bought me a sweet thing and I really liked it. I want to see Ment more but I dont no if daddy wants me to I hope he does. I love Ment.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 5:13 pm
9. Another Complication
"Are you sure you want this one?"
"Mmhm. It's pretty!"
"It's...short."
"So?"
Ah, it was so hard to clothes-shop with Polly. He demanded skirts and short-shorts, while Samuel figured slacks and button-up shirts were more appropriate for a boy his age. Oh well. What the child wanted, the child got.
“But Tannnngoooo...” May whined as she followed her son into the third clothes shop for the day. The boy had serious issues. She was tempted to say he’d hung out with Polly and Adrian a bit too much, as he seemed currently obsessed with his clothes shopping mission. Okay, so maybe she did ruin a few shirts but she was certain they bought at least twice the cost in them already, and he didn’t seem like he had any desire to stop shopping any time soon.
“May.” He answered in response and she stopped her whining, growing tired of feeling like the child with her son. “This will be the last store, I assure you.” He spoke as he walked down the isles, heading towards the skirts.
Her stomach twisted into uncomfortable knots as she watched him make his way woman’s clothing. Oh, god. Oh, god. Not another cross dressing scent! “Tango! Wait!” She called out pleadingly, making a grab at his wrist. Which he promptly jerked away.
“One outfit. For a friend.” He answered the worried look on her face. “Don’t worry, I’m not becoming one of the twerps.” With this said he scanned the isles of skirts, attempting to ignore May. After all, he had a feeling the oil sitting on his desk was going to be a female with scent it was.
Polly's head perked at the sound of another child's voice. Hmm...that sounded familiar. He turned to see a redhead whose face he certainly recognized and inhaled deeply to call out for him...!!
...crud.
He didn't know the boy's name.
Well, that certainly didn't make sense.
Undaunted, Polly grinned and waved to the other Scent.
"Hi!"
Samuel looked up. Another other-life friend of Polly's?
Tango looked up at the greeting, his emerald orbs narrowing at the sight of the other boy. Of course, Polly would be girl-clothes shopping. He winced. Oh great. He was never going to hear the end of this if Pollux caught him girl-clothes shopping. He might even allow that crazy shop lady follow up on her promise on letting Polly and Ment dressing him up. Oh, god. No thank you.
“Polly.” He grunted in recognition and moved to turn and walk away, hoping to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation.
Good thing May was there to ruin his life once again.
“Tango, look! It’s Polly.” She grabbed his hand as he made an attempt to get away and dragged the unwilling boy to his semi-best-friend.
Oh, like Polly even noticed where they were. Girl clothes were normal to him! He giggled then and flew at this boy who he was sure was his friend, throwing his arms around him.
"Hi! I missed you!"
Samuel followed, hands clasped behind his back, smiling softly. Ah, yes. Definitely a past friend.
"Good evening," he said to the woman with the child, offering his hand.
“Argh! Let go!” Tango hissed at the pink haired boy as he was hugged, attempting to wriggle out of his grasp. His ribs hurt from where that b*****d Adrian kicked him, and it wasn’t going to get any better with Polly clinging to him. With friends like those two, who needed enemies. “Come on, Polly. That hurts...” He growled out, pushing his palm on the other’s forehead, hoping it would help the other get the hint.
May watched with a sigh as her son attempted to struggle out of the embrace. “Maybe next time you shouldn’t get into fights with Adrian, hmm?” She called to him only to receive a glare that begged to send her to hell. Turning her attention to Polly’s escort, she smiled as warmly as possible, accepting his hand. “Good evening yourself.” She responded with a nod of her head. Finally, someone her own age. And attractive, too! ...subconsciously she sucked in her stomach, Adrian’s words ringing in her head.
Polly pulled away the moment the word 'hurt' escaped Tango's lips.
"Oh no! I'm sorry! What happened?!" How dare someone hurt his...ah...hmmph. Still nothing.
Samuel noticed the belly-suck and just chuckled lightly. He bowed slightly at the waist then, raising May's hand to his lips and kissing it gently.
"I am Samuel Devereaux. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Tango let out a sigh of relief at the release of the embrace. His hand went instinctively to his side protectively. “That Adrian brat again. Punched me,” His free hand went up to point to his blackened left eye. “For no reason. We got into a nasty fight in the solace shop. Kicked his a**, though. If you think I look bad, you should see him.” He couldn’t help but boast. His mind idly went back to the future-gimpy child. Oh, well. At least the kid would be a good laugh in the future. “Can’t believe he thought he could take me on.”
The moment the male’s lips touched her hand, she felt her body go rigged. The blood raced to her face faster than she could count to five. The blush went to the roots of her hair, making her look positively like a tomato. The hair on the back of her neck stood on ends, and she let out her belly suck with a loud ‘whoosh’ of air. Oh...dear. “I-...um..uh...p-p-pleasure meet, too, you. I-I mean...” Oh, damn. Where did those literary skills she used for journalism go again? “Pleasure to meet May. Wait. May. May Taurt.” She mentally scolded herself. “Pleasure to meet you, too.” She quickly pulled her hand out of his grasp, her eyes darting to the floor. Way to sound like a dropout on pot, May. Way to be.
"Ooooooh," Polly smiled, clapping and bouncing in the balls of his feet, "Good job! I knew you were big'n strong!" Oh, indeed. There was still no name, but he knew this boy was kickass!
Samuel just laughed at the sudden escape and smiled to May.
"Oh, indeed. I do assume that your child was also...hm. Birthed from oils, shall we say?"
“Of course.” Tango answered, waving his hand that wasn’t clutching his side- just in case. “Adrian is no match for me. Pipsqueak.” Finally, he let go of his side and reached out, patting Polly once, twice, gently on the back of his head, the affectionate gesture still embedded in him. It’d been awhile since he saw his friend. His hand slipped from the back of the other kids head to poke the child in the forehead, leaving his finger there. “How have you been, Polly?”
“Aa..no. Yes. Wait...maybe. Wait, yes. Definitely, yes. His name’s mango. I-I mean Tango. Tango the Mango...aaaah...oh, god.”
Polly giggled first quietly and then quite a bit louder as the finger lingered on his forehead.
"'Course he isn't," he grinned, "I've been okay! Daddy is nice! He buys me things!"
"Mm, I thought so," Samuel smiled, eyes closing a moment, "I smelled it in the air, but I was not quite sure if it was him or you. Pardon me, but are you wearing any perfume?" He leaned in slightly. Hm. Maybe not.
Tango’s finger slowly trailed down the boy’s nose bridge to land on the tip of his nose before his hand dropped completely, his mind reeling. Wait, daddy? He thought Carrie was younger than May? When did she get married? ...and why hadn’t May been invited? He thought they were decent friends. His mind reeled, the clogs clicking. He looked back carefully to the blushing May, listening faintly to her stutters. He frowned, biting his bottom lip. He didn’t want to ask Polly about it, but he was curious. Not only was it really not any of his business, but he didn’t want to upset May with the information that she’d not been invited to Carrie’s wedding. No, he’d wait until Polly and he were alone to ask. “That’s good. May took me out to buy clothes, myself. Since she washed her red bra with all my clothes.” He sighed exasperatingly, his hands coming up to the air in a half shrug.
May nodded faintly to his words, though they were barely heard over the roar of her own heart and the blood pumping behind her ears. She was about to stutter her way through yet another question when she heard the slight shuffling of clothes. Lifting her eyes, she noticed he’d leaned in and with a startled and embarrassed squeal she backed up a step or two, leaning away from him, her eyes wide. The shade of her face had grown three times then that of what it was and she was near hyperventilation mode. Since when did pretty boys get so close to her? Her head spun and she opened her mouth to answer his previous question, only to find she forgot what it was. She closed her mouth- searching her mind for the memory, only to come blank. Opening her mouth again, she stared at him- realizing she was doing a fairly good job at imitating a fish. “I-I...er...uh...s-sorry...b-but...uhm...er...uh...what?” She wanted to slap herself. Now he’d think she was a mental patient escapee for sure. “W-what was the question again?”
Polly, honestly, didn't remember all of his past himself. It was probably a good thing that Tango hadn't--wait! Hadn't his Mommy said...hm...something-the-mango.
...
OH. HOLY CRUD.
"Tango!" Polly squealed and giggled before he was able to catch himself. He blushed then and shrank back, freckled going a furious red.
"I mean. Um. That'd not nice an'...an' Daddy brings me out when I ask 'cos he says per-son-abil-tee is best converted through war-drones or sum'm like that. I dunno what it means, but it gets me pretty skirts!"
Samuel just laughed with his head thrown back slightly. It was a rich, amused laugh, although not a all condescending. Ah, how effeminately charming.
"Come, come," he spoke softly, taking one of May's hands in both of his, "Breathe deeply. I am simply trying to be friendly. I apologize if you are not used to this behavior."
Tango’s eyebrows raised to his hairline as the other child called out his name. What? As the other’s face turned a furious shade of red (One akin to May’s) he decided not to broach the topic. Obviously the young scent embarrassed himself with the shout, and Tango was never the type to prod people into possibly humiliating situations. ...unless it was May and or Adrian. ...Then there was always time for it. Instead, he focused on the war-drones. “What’s a war-drone?” He asked, not liking the sound of it. He might have to get prepared to kick someone else’s a** than just a pansy-boy. There was no way he was gonna fight in a war with drones if he wasn’t prepared. Whatever a drone was.
May’s breath hitched in her throat as she looked down from their hands to his face, and then back down again. Oh dear. ...oooooh dear. Well, a snide voice in the back of her head sneered At least you aren’t hyperventilating anymore. She attempted to follow his directions, sucking in a large breath of air before letting it out. Ah, yes. So that’s what normal breathing was like again. “Y-yes...f-friendly...” She murmured, trying to clear her head. She kept her eyes trained on their hands to avoid looking him in the eye. Maybe if she didn’t move her heart would stop pounding too.
Polly shrugged.
"Dunno. Daddy says it's the clothes you wear." It really didn't make much sense, he thought. War had nothing to do with clothing...except for those pretty uniforms. Mmm...
Samuel's smile was close to splitting his face in two as he raised a hand and put it to May's cheek.
"And again."
“Clothes?” Tango asked, quickly becoming just as confused as the bubble gum child. “That makes no sense.” He shot, as if challenging the other the contradict him. “A skirt would do you no good in war.” This was spoken as if it was a very obvious fact. After all, in his mind it did. He’d never worn a skirt before (And never intended to) but he’d seen May in one, and she could barely move in it- let alone run. How could one properly defend themselves in a skirt? And if his dad was letting him pick out skirts, surely that would be the uniform for the field, would it not? No. Things simply did not add up!
Samuel’s hand on her cheek and blinding smile caused her to suck in another deep breath. However, her lungs seemed unwilling to give it back up, and she stood there, eyes wide, face burning, and an unreleased breath. Faintly, she was aware if she didn’t release the breath she stood at a high chance of passing out. But maybe it’d be blissful blackness, opposed to the nightmare of pretty boys being charming gentleman. ...wait...
"Sure they can!" Polly said, swishing back and forth, his own skirt billowing out, "You can run good and they're breezy and you can do this!" He slid to the ground then, legs going in opposite directions. Yay, bendy-boy splits!
Samuel just smiled, waiting. It was best to let a lad take her own time in recovering.
Tango watched as the boy bent in a way, he knew he would never bend. His brows furrowed as he attempted to figure out how that didn’t hurt the othermale. In the end he gave up, opting to move onto a safer topic. “That reminds me...” He sighed, remembering Adrian’s comment about how his sibling was likely to be a girl. “...I need help finding clothes.”
May let her breath out shakily as her eyes moved up to look at the male before her. Really now. She should have thought about this whole situation a bit better. Taking another deep breath without his instructions, she wondered if it were possible for her face to get any brighter. Deciding it was improbable, and even if it could- he’d never notice at this point- she smiled faintly. “I-...” She faltered, trying to compose herself a little more. “I’m sorry...a-about that.” She giggled nervously and absolutely mortified. Ah, yes. Now that he was witness to the amazing speech skills of a journalist and had seen just how red a human’s face could get, she was certain things couldn’t get any worse...or better, she reminded herself. After all...this was a pretty-boy acting gentleman like.
Polly struggled back to his feet (he really hadn't figured how to be graceful in that respect) and threw his arms in the air.
"Okay! For who?"
Samuel let his hands drop now and he gave May a slight nod. Ah, there we go. It was much easier to carry on a conversation with someone composed.
"It is no issue, I assure you."
“My...sister.” He frowned at the word, but before the other boy could speak he clamped a hand down on his mouth. “May doesn’t know yet. So don’t squeal or anything.” He whispered harshly, though he doubted it’d have an affect on the bubble-gum boy. Oh, any other person- sure. But Pollux? He mentally sighed. “Her scent’s ‘Song of Indian Temple’ Or something. ...I figured she’d be too small for May’s clothes...”
May nodded, and visibly relaxed as he relinquished any physical contact between the two. It’d most definitely be easier to talk to him when she could think properly. She felt the blood slowly drain away from her face and back into the rest of her body, where it belonged. Maybe if she gave herself a few seconds she could act like a normal human again. Clearing her throat, she tried to offer her best smile- which wasn’t all that great at the moment- and spoke. “S-so...how do you...you know Pollux?”
No effect indeed! Polly just smiled.
"Okay! Daddy taught me a little about India. Come on!" Well, he'd seen pictures, anyway. He began toward a section with rich fabrics and deep colors, red and sage and violet. He picked up the em of a long dress and scrutiized it. It was hard to shop for someone who didn't exist yet!
"He was born to me," Samuel nodded, and his face went gravely serious, "I am fairly certain this is his second birth, but he remembered very little. Any time I ask him what happened to return him to his oil, he...rambles."
Well, then! Tango smirked, pleased that one of them knew at least something about his future sibling. Even if it was only clothing. He followed the other into the rich fabrics and looked around. Would his sister be fond of such colors? He had to admit, he was pleased that it wasn’t going to be bright pinks and yellows. He wasn’t sure how he’d handle having a Polly for a sister. He looked at the dress that Polly was examining and tried to attempt the facade of one with a critical eye. Truly, he had no idea what he was looking for, but he could at least pretend he did.
The blush was gone. As was all her color. The blood drained from her, as she felt dizzy. Her hand went to a clothing rack to steady herself. “B-born to you?” The stutter that was laced in her voice was no longer from the flatter of having such a males attention on her, but rather from shock and disorientation. “How...is that possible?” Her mind spun, trying to come up with a logical explanation. Maybe each oil of the same scent was the same child? Maybe they shared memories as a result? Kind of like...like... she had no word for it. But it quelled the uneasy twist in her stomach just a little. Maybe there were lots of little Tango’s running around? After all, she doubted Polly was the only bubblegum scent out there.
Ah. There was the problem in her theory. How would they both have the same name?
She put her free hand to her head, as if trying to press away a headache. How would Pollux be an oil again? ...she was missing some key information here.
Polly gave up on that dress and moved on. Aha! A pretty, pretty red tube top. That would be nice on a girl!
"How about this?"
Samuel bowed his head, eyes flickering to the ground.
"A friend of mine told me that his mother was killed."
Tango looked at the top carefully. He had to admit, it would look good on a girl. He played with the hem of the top before giving a nod. Yes, that would do for her. Now just for pants...or shorts...or a skirt...or something. She definitely needed to be covered. “I think she might like that.” He spoke with yet another nod. “Now just for a bottom...”
“Liar.” May hissed out, her eyes narrowing. There was no way Carrie was dead. She would have known about it. Stuff like that was her job after all. Yet a sinking in her stomach told her that he might not be lying after all. “...killed?” She whispered, crestfallen. She scanned her mind for any murder articles she’d read lately. Unfortunately, she couldn’t pinpoint which one had Carrie in it, if any at all. Had it been that gang that she was supposed to write an article on way back when? Had it been some dolt at the auditions that she made mad from getting the part in the horror movie?
Her mind swirled with horrible scenarios and possible suspects. Her eyes stung smartly with tears that she was fighting back. How would it look if she cried in front of this stranger? Her heart twisted uncomfortably in her chest as she remembered the teen girl at the swings. If it hadn’t been for her– Her eyes darted to the children searching through fabrics. If it hadn’t been for her, there would have been no Tango. She chocked out a sob on this thought as her eyes raced back down to the ground, trying once more to fight back her tears.
Polly nodded and went in after the skirts. Hmm...no. Ah! Pumpkin pants! Polly pulled out a pair and giggled.
"I don't think so."
Hmmm! Flowing slacks...
"How about these?"
"I'm afraid so," Samuel said softly and carefully. He sighed and reached forward, hands on May's shoulders, offering a hug or comfort, if she so wished. This was not the first time that someone had cried over the death of a woman he'd never known.
Tango blinked and shrugged “They seem fine to me.” He answered, taking the top and the pants from the boy. He’d have to trust the other’s sense in female clothing since he lacked any at all. If his ‘sister’ like the clothes, he’d have Polly help them shop again. He supposed he owed the child that much. Pushing his other hand into his pocket he pulled out a few coins and nodded as he mentally counted. “Here. We’ll get this and then maybe some ice-cream, since I have left over.” It was his way of thanking the boy for helping him shop. It’d usually have been a coffee shop, but...well...thanks to Adrian that wasn’t going to happen any time soon.
May looked up at the feel of his hands on her shoulders. She blinked at him, sniffed and then took a step closer and rested the side of her head against his chest. She was vaguely aware that her head didn’t even come to his shoulder as she sniffed pathetically. Her shoulder’s shook with silent sobs, as she continued fighting back the tears. “I-I can’t believe...”
Polly gasped. Ice cream?! Oh my!
"Yes!" he yelped, "Yes, please!" Awww, so polite.
"Shhhh," Samuel cooed, "I am sorry. I sincerely am." Oh, he always felt so terrible when things like this came up.
"I would like to invite you to my home. For tea, perhaps?" Honestly, he felt obligated.
Polly was stricken somewhat by the suddenly serious atmosphere. He frowned and put his arms up to Samuel, who happily picked the child up and rested him on a hip.
"I am offended that you would consider, even for a moment, that I would make a woman cry, young sir." Oooh. Serious Samuel was serious.
Tango blanched slightly, not expecting that reaction- of them all- to come from the male before him. He looked, first from May confused, back to Samuel still bewildered about how the events turned on him. May’s hand on his shoulder brought his body to a relaxed pose, though he wasn’t sure when he had tensed up.
“It’s okay. Say you’re sorry, Tango.” May told him, her hand squeezing his shoulder slightly. Not enough to hurt him, but to warn him of the consequences when they got home, should he not listen. Ahh...he’d lose his guitar for another week, he was sure. ******** manners.
His eyes darted to the floor, murmuring an embarrassed ‘sorry’, only to speak up when May told him too. He wasn’t entirely sure what he’d done wrong, really. After all- he tried to stick up for his mother, wasn’t that commendable- not...scold-worthy? He let out a sigh, certain that when they got home May would explain the situation to him, but that didn’t quell the confusion he felt now.
“I’m sorry about that, Mr. Samuel. Tango plays the role of knight in shining armor rather well.” She spoke in means of joke and apology, a shy-sad smile on her lips.
"Apology accepted," Samuel nodded and half-smiled, "Now, shall we get going?" He turned to Polly, who looked quite sad.
"Want some ice cream when we get home?" he asked with a kiss to the head. Polly frowned and nodded, then burying his face in Daddy's shoulder. Oh, the poor boy.
"Come," Samuel sighed, "I apologize in advance for the mess."
Tango watched as the child hid his face in his father’s shoulder and sighed. Not really knowing what was wrong with the child, he reached up and batted at the bubble-gum child’s foot playfully, attempting to commute that things were okay now, and silently telling him to cheer up. Well, at least the young boy would get ice-cream anyways.
May sniffed one more time, this time making a conscience effort to clear her nose so she could breath properly. Reaching down she took the pants and top from Tango, adding them to the bags she’d dropped upon meeting Samuel. How had she forgotten those? Picking them all up in one hand, she grabbed Tango’s with the other. “Thank you, Mr. Samuel.” She added the formality to not only ingrain it in Tango’s mind, but also feeling rather unsure if she, herself, was allowed to address him on such a casual term. Really, a hot cup of tea was exactly what she needed.
Polly whined and bent his legs up. He didn't want to play. Not now.
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 5:22 pm
10. Another Complication pt. 2
"Please, just Samuel," the man smiled and began to lead the little group outside, "or, if you insist, Mr. Devereaux."
---
The weather was fair today, and so there was no real reason to not walk home. Either way, Samuel hadn't brought his car.
He unlocked and opened the front door to reveal the shop in the front room. There seemed to be no mess, as Samuel had implied. Hm. Oh well.
"Please, make yourself at home," Samuel offered, "The living room is through there and to the furthest right of the hall."
That being said, he traveled to the kitchen to brew some tea, Polly still stuck to his hip.
Tango frowned as he watched the boy bend his knee away from his reach and sighed. It was going to be a long day, he could tell already. Silently he followed May who trekked on after Samuel and Pollux.
---
She needed the walk, she thought, more than she would probably need the tea. It allowed her to clear her mind, pushing thoughts of Carrie into the back of her mind, as she so often had to do with her career choice. When she got home, she could be as emotional as she wanted, get it all out of her system, but as she had told herself before- now was not the time. By the time they found themselves at the Devereaux household, she’d composed herself and convinced herself life was just as it had been hours ago. Carrie- for now- was still alive and healthy, and if she so wished too, could be called up at any moment of her choosing.
As they entered the shop, her eyes greedily took in all her surroundings, finding herself fascinated with the potions and nick knacks. She’d never been one to believe in any form of magic until she met Tango. Admittedly, she still had little to no idea about the workings of the craft, but she’d done enough research to be curious. Maybe if she asked nicely and got better control of her emotions, Samuel would explain the finer workings of the trait.
She smiled and nodded gratefully as they were directed to the living room. Her hand on Tango’s shoulder, she made to shepard him in. Her poor nerves were in for a shock however, the moment her son shouted “cool!” and she looked only to see a bear sitting on Samuel’s couch.
“MOTHER GRANDMA, SON OF A PUPPY! IT’S A BEAR!”
A green bear, even!
Mint's head perked at the sudden scream, but made no effort to move. She had currently taken the couch over and was staring lazily at the two.
"THAT IS MINT," came a shout from the kitchen, "SHE WILL NOT HARM YOU." And then Samuel appeared, carrying a carrot.
"Tango, here. Feed her," then to May, "I'm sorry. Pollux left the back door open when we left." And then he was gone again.
Tango’s eyes widened as he came to the conclusions that...Mint...was Polly’s pet. ...Dude. Polly just got 10 cool points. Seriously. He twirled the carrot in his hand, feeling a childish excitement build up in his stomach at the prospect of feeding the bear-like creature. Surely it wasn’t really a bear, was it? After all...it was green. He turned to May to see if she’d have any objections. However, the said female was too busy looking like a ghost. He could practically see her hair standing on edge.
Shrugging, he went up to the creature, holding his palm open and up, the carrot in the center. “Hey there,” Tango murmured, his other hand itching to come up and pet the creature. “You’re pretty cool, arentcha?”
Mint gave a little snort and opened her mouth, trying to twist her head to take the carrot. Her teeth were all blunt, lacking the long canines of a normal bear.
She had the teeth of an herbivore.
The poor, huge thing made a series of sad whining noises as she found she could not take the carrot and just stared up at Tango, eyes wide and sad. D'awww.
Confused as how to help the creature, Tango pulled his hand away. Wasn’t that how you were supposed to feed creatures? He shot May a look, only to find she was slowly inching around the living room as close to the wall as possible. He gave a snort before turning back to Mint.
“Uh...” He tried holding the carrot as if he was wielding a knife, the pointed end held towards the creature. “...Like...this?” He asked, hoping he didn’t startle the animal.
CRONSH. Mint almost smiled as she began to consume the carrot, bite-by-bite. Ah, she loved carrots...and yogurt! Alas, they'd run out of yogurt a few days ago. Once she got to the green bit, she just licked Tango's hand and flopped back down. Mint knew enough to realize that biting something non-veggie would be quite bad.
Tango let out a very uncharacteristic childish squeal as the bear licked his hand, a giggle following the noise. May’s eyes widened, startled, before making her own way towards the bear and her son. Slowly she reached out a hand and patted down on its fur. “Can we get one?” He asked, his eyes wide and hopeful.
“Isn’t Adrian enough of an animal for you? He’s as dangerous as a bear, and we can’t seem to get rid of him.”
Tango thought about this for awhile before nodding in agreement. Yes, Adrian was much like the bear pet.
“I wonder if Samuel needs help?”
"Indeed I do not," Samuel said as he leaned in the doorway, watching as Mint closed her eyes in pleasure.
"You. Get down. Git!" The bear obediently slid down and settled beside the television. It was then that Samuel began to pass out the cups and saucers full of a strange, lavender-scented tea.
Polly entered soon after his father, shuffling over to the couch and plopping down with a bowl of cotton candy ice cream.
“Samuel!” May squeaked, startled to hear his voice. Her face instantly went into flames, as she had meant to keep it formal, as not to be rude. After all- he was a real gentleman, she should at least attempt to be a lady. Or so, she had planned. Apparently life hated her enough to ruin her chances at that attempt before they even started. She shuffled over, slightly uncomfortable to the couch and sat down carefully, picking up her cup of tea. The scent startled her and she shot a curious look at Samuel, before deciding she trusted him enough to take the chance. After blowing on the liquid for a moment she took a sip.
Tango, on the other hand, wasn’t so trusting. Ironic, since he was the one to feed the bear. “What type of tea is this?” He asked, making sure to keep the snide tone he typically used out of his voice. He didn’t want to be reprimanded again. “It smells interesting...”
"You don't trust me?" Samuel smirked, taking a sip from his own cup, "It's just average tea, but beware the leaves at the bottom. I added a little lavender oil; to calm the nerves."
Mint sneezed in the corner.
Polly blinked up at Tango and smiled.
"It's good. I promise."
“I didn’t say...” Tango frowned, looking down at his own cup. As if to prove that he semi-trusted Samuel, he took a drink of his tea. So, maybe he didn’t trust the tea, but May had never given him any before, really. And he’d never heard of Lavender tea... it wasn’t really a personal thing, just a self-preservation thing. ...A Tango thing. He was grateful that Polly at least semi-seemed to understand this. He smiled his gratitude over the top of the cup at the boy, relieved that he seemed to be talking about.
“It’s good.” May murmured, placing it down for a moment. “Lavender oil? That’s really creative, actually...” She spoke with a frown, more aimed at herself than anything else. Why hadn’t she ever thought of using lavender-anything when she was stressed? She’d definitely keep Lavender oil tea in mind next time she was upset. ...or, she thought with a blush, she could just see if Samuel wou-
No, no. He was probably already tired of her company. She coughed a little, before smiling. “The shop looks really nice. What all do you sell?”
"Various things," Samuel shrugged, "Books, jewelry, potions, gris gris, skulls, home remedies...a lot of things related to hoodoo and voodoo." Ah, and the words came so casually!
"Daddy's a hou-gin!" Polly piped up.
"Houngan."
"Houngan!"
"And I am still studying."
“Hoodoo?” May asked, searching her mind through her research. “Like...the one where you stick a popsicle stick with the name of someone you like on it in a jar of honey and sugar and shake it so the person only thinks sweet thoughts of you?” It seemed outragous now that she said it outloud. Her face turned a bright shade of red, her eyes darting to the ground finding it rather interesting all of the sudden.
“...What’s Houngan?”
Samuel just laughed. Oh, and he would be the first to admit it was condescending and amused. Tears sprang to his eyes.
"No, no, my dear," he snorted, "That would be teenage rumors and fake magic. I'm afraid most of my customers believe in such offal." He cleared his throat, composed himself, and apologized before turning to Tango.
"I'm sorry. And, Tango, a Houngan is a hoodoo holy man...think a Native American medicine man or...a priest. My father was one, and my mother was a Mambo. It is only tradition that I should become one as well."
Oh, the burning shame. She should have just left her mouth shut, really. “I-I-I...sorry. Aha...ha...ha.” She laughed out nervously at his own laughter. Words could not express how much she wanted to crawl under a rock and hide at the moment. Instead, she picked up her cup of tea and kept herself busy with another sip. At least, she thought, she wasn’t the only one who made that mistake. It seemed like a majority of his customers did, due to what he’d said. She wasn’t even going to ask about the love potions made out of satin and salt along with other assortment of items.
“A medicine man?” Tango spoke, taking a seat next to Mint. Idly he brushed his fingers over the creature’s head. “That’s...cool.” He spoke, with genuine admiration. “I wish May was that cool.” He murmured to himself. Really, there seemed to be so many cool jobs out there, and his mother had to have a lame one. “Can you heal a lot of diseases?”
Samuel idly looped an arm around the back of May's shoulders, a gesture he hoped would make her feel more at ease.
"It's not just medicine," Samuel nodded, "but, yes. I never raise the hopes of any of my customers, though. They buy objects from me, not my services, and nothing can be done properly without a Houngan or Mambo."
Polly finished his ice cream and shuffled over to Tango, flopping atop the large bear, who only grunted in response.
The (quickly growing familiar) feeling of blood rushing to her face altered her to her deep blush as his arm looped around her shoulders. Her body tensed almost immediately, and she couldn’t help but feel giddy to note how warm his arm felt around her, yet that was about as much as the girl could distinguish as far as thoughts went. “I-I-I...w-w-wow.” She stuttered out, attempting to keep her mind on the conversation that was at hand, failing miserably in the process.
Tango raised an eyebrow at his mother, mentally storing her reactions around Samuel. Oh, yes. Lots of blackmail later on. “So, why do they buy the products if they can’t use them right?” He asked, feeling like the adult now in comparison to May. After a moment, another thought came to mind. “Are your services for sale? Or just the products?”
His yellow flecked eyes roamed over to watch Polly flop on the bear, and he reached over for a moment to poke the boy in the forehead before turning his attention back to Samuel, genuinely curious on the man’s career and skills.
Samuel ignored the blubbering for the time being. There was no real reason to care if she was embarrassed. Let her enjoy herself a little.
"They believe they can use them right. Sometimes, the placebo effect takes course. Most times not," he explained, "and as for my services, yes, anyone who would ask would be able to receive them. For free. Anyone who knows to ask deserves it. They are a true believer. A true practitioner."
Polly just giggled at the poke.
Tango nodded, absorbing the information like a sponge. He had a feeling the curiosity was born from his...well...birth, to be frank. Anything magic sparked his curiosity, and though he wasn’t sure if he, himself, would ever buy anything from the shop- he was certainly interested in what it contained. He was tempted to ask for a tour of the shop's inventory, but he assumed he’d already rubbed the adult the wrong way, and as a result- dropped the question before it reached his lips.
May, noticing that Tango was taking control of the conversation to relax a little. Samuel wasn’t going to bite her. As she listened to the male speak, the tenseness of her body washed away, however the confounded blush seemed intent on making itself well known. Despite her slight embarrassment, she was still able to realize the ever so slightly crestfallen look on her son’s face. She cleared her throat, a habit she seemed to pick up in Samuel’s presence, hoping not to stutter too horribly. “D-do you think we could...you know...uhm...get a tour sometime? I-I mean...like...get an explanation...of...uh...you know...the items?”
"If you would like, of course," Samuel grinned and nodded, "I am always eager to teach someone who wants to learn." It was true, too. So few people wanted to hear what he had to say about their purchases...so a rue on them. Let them play with things they didn't know to work.
"Yenno what it's called?" Polly asked, chest puffed out, "Boutix Devereaux. That's my last name!"
Samuel snickered fondly.
“Mmmhmmm” May murmured over her cup of tea, hoping to keep her mouth too busy to stutter anymore. She had to admit, she was interested as well. Though, judging by the look on Tango’s face, she doubted she was anywhere near as intrigued as the young boy. She hadn’t seen him react in such a way since he saw the guitar that now sat in his room. He was obsessed with the damn thing. She hoped she wouldn’t find frogs tongue hiding inside the boys underwear drawer next time she did laundry.
“Is it?” Tango looked at Polly with evident envy. “That’s really cool, Pollux.” He spoke, once more disheartened by the fact that his mother was a journalist. That was most definitely not bragging material. Why didn’t they have a Taurt shop? ...oh yeah, because that would sound lame. Shaking his head away from the thoughts he jumped up from his seat as May placed down her tea cup.
Samuel took that as a "now, please" and so stood himself.
"Polly, would you please bring Mint back outside?"
"Okay, Daddy!" Polly grinned and leaped off of the bear, grabbing her by the scruff of the neck and beginning to lead her to the sliding back door.
"Now, come," Samuel smiled, leading the air into the front room, "There is not so very much to show, but I will do what I can."
Tango scurried after Samuel, not even bothering to hide his enthusiasm.
May, on the other hand, sat on the couch for a moment longer- watching as Polly lead the bear to the sliding door. She closed her eyes and allowed herself a moment or two to breath and regulate her heartbeat before she stood up and followed her son and his tour guide, so to speak.
First, Samuel motioned to the book cases.
"These...these are educational, Books of spells you could get at Barnes and Noble, they do nothing. Others are...educational. True books to teach you of voodoo and the religion therein."
And then the next bunch of shelves.
"These are fetishes...objects, really, is all that means. Some can be used in spells, others in rituals. Some just look pretty for the customers."
Feathers, hair, feet, shrunken heads, skulls...it was all there.
"And these are the boxes you use to protect someone. Put their personal effects inside and they will be protected." He opened one, and a pleasant...incense-like smell rose from within.
Polly emerged from the bathroom then, having washed his hands of bear, to listen to his father explain, once more, what was in the room.
“Protect people?” Tango’s eyebrows rose at that. He could definitely get some use out o-
“I don’t think so young man.” May’s voice cut in, shattering his thoughts. He sent a dirty glare in her direction, royally peeved at her ability to seemingly read his mind. Why not, really? I mean, with a danger prone mother, it would make his job a hellova lot easier. Fun sucker.
May, herself drifted towards the feathers of the shelf holding fetishes. The hair, feet, and heads– yeah, those creeped her right out, but feathers sounded safe to look at. Making a mental note to look at them as soon as Samuel was done talking and showing them the other objects, she stood guard of the shelf.
Samuel nodded.
"Yes, to protect people," he said softly with a wink. Oh-ho-ho! Perhaps he and the boy were on better terms than Tango thought.
"These," he said suddenly, moving to the next shelf and touching it lightly, "are potions. All are valid. All are home-made. Performing them is the problem. Very few know what half of the instructions mean, and even then they never check to see what they need before leaving." He sighed a bit sadly at that.
On this shelf were various bags and scrolls, oils and the like. Next came the candles, each for their own purpose. Then came the small red boxes with skeletons on the front. "Fifty cents at a corner store," Samuel had said. Clearly invalid.
Finally, they came to the glass case in front, everything priced for absurd numbers. In the center, a bleached skull on a cushion. Samuel motioned to it through the glass.
"And that...that is the skull of an ancient Houngan...a most powerful artifact. I would never sell it, but I cannot help but display it."
Tango moved to get closer to the skull pressing his hands and nose against the glass, trying to get as close as possible. “Woah...” He murmured slightly to himself before being yanked backwards by the collar of his shirt. “Wha-?”
“Don’t put your nose against the glass.” May admonished, having swiftly moved from her spot next to the feathers the moment she saw the intent on her son’s face. “Mr. Devereaux has to clean those you know.” she wagged a playfully scolding finger at the boy who narrowed his eyes in return. “Don’t give me that look, or I’ll personally make sure Samuel leaves the clean up job to you.”
The child scoffed at this, calling on his mothers bluff before turning around to look at the artifacts once more. “What kind of spell would need these expensive items?” He murmured half to himself- half to the shopkeeper.
Samuel's eyes sparkled with an odd light then, and his smile turned to a strange smirk. He knelt, going down on one knee before the child.
"Very powerful ones. Very dangerous ones. Ones I hope I will never have to perform."
Polly nodded gravely, as if he understood. He had been told, after all, to not even look at the skull for too long.
Tango looked first from the man, then to the skull, before deciding he no longer cared to stare at it. Something about the way Samuel said that just bugged him. He was tempted to go back to the boxes and ask about the price, but knew if he wanted to leave the store with it, he’d have to come back when May wasn’t around.
“Your shop is lovely, Samuel.” May spoke softly beside him and when he looked up she was blushing once more. He let out a defeated sigh. Could the woman not control her body actions? Seriously. “Thank you for showing us around.” He wanted to tell her to just get on her knees and propose already. Though the man seemed oblivious, he was sure Polly wouldn’t mind having a new sibl- oh no. He stopped that train of thought before he could let it transform into something more. Having Pollux as a friend was enough, he most definitely did not need the little transvestite as a brother.
Samuel stood slowly.
"Ah...yes. Of course." He brushed something off of him that was never in fact on him. Was it time for them to leave? To return to the foyer? He had no idea. It was always better to just let the guest choose.
Unfortunately, May was stuck with the same dilemma. Were they supposed to leave now? Or were they allowed to stay? Was there any reason left for them to stay? Would it be rude to go? She gave a nervous chuckle and let her eyes roam around the shop. What now?
Thankfully Tango came to his mother’s rescue. “May, I’m hungry.”
May looked down at the child and smiled, with a nod she looked back up at Samuel. “I guess that’s our cue to go home. I’ll see you around Samuel?”
Samuel swallowed the urge to offer to cook for them (he barely knew them after all), and smiled and nodded.
"You may visit any time."
Polly gave Tango a farewell hug and smiled.
"Byebye, Tango."
Tango pulled himself away from the hug with a slight wince, trying to hold back the yell he felt bubbling up from his pained side. Instead he patted the boy twice on the back of the head and sighed. “See you,” He murmured as he took May’s side.
The girl smiled and waved shyly to Samuel. “It was a...pleasure, to meet you.” She murmured before grabbing Tango’s hand and leading him out. In the back of her mind the beginning of their meeting was already playing in her mind again, the facts that were recently brought into light making themselves known once more. She gulped down the lump in her throat as she turned to mentally note the house’s address and then turned, the pair making their way back home.
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