|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:39 pm
"So where were you headed, Efte?" he asked, indicating that they walk the direction she'd been going.
"Just to the store and then back home." she said, walking beside him. She was thankful that they were going in the opposite direction of the siren. "I needed a few supplies."
"Well the least I can do is help." he said and then smirked, "and besides it will keep you from knocking down anyone else."
She blinked staring at him and then burst into laughter. "I suppose it will. I never really thought about it like that."
Tempest watched her closely. She was easily amused and her laughter was geniune as he had suspected. He had been right about the sparkle in her eyes.
((Continued from the last post I made in my journal. It'll be easier, lol))
___________
They walked to the store and back. Both aiko followed. At one point Yuri winked at Moonshadow. Each suspected Tempest had been looking for her. He seemed nice enough and Eftemie liked him. That was easy to distinguish when she watched him.
Stopping in front of the warehouse, Tempest frowned. "Where do you live? Did we go the wrong way?"
"No." she laughed, pointing the building in front of them. "I live here. My family used to own this building and I hated that it was going to be abandoned and torn down by my uncle. Instead I talked him into renovating a portion of it for me. Some of my friends live here too. He takes care of it for me. And there's plenty of room for Moon, Yuri, and the rest."
"Really?" he said, surprised as he glanced upwards. "Lots of room. That's for sure."
The clock in town chimed six times. Tempest sighed. "I have to get ready for a show at 7:30. You will come, won't you?"
She watched him a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I'll come. The address?"
"Oh, it's just down the street. The Heaven's End." he said. "Afterwards, I'll walk you back home. You can bring one of them with you. I'll make sure that Jace knows. He's the owner."
"Alright. I'll see you then, Tempest." she smiled.
He turned away but then hesitated. A step back to where she was. A smirk on his face, he took his hat off, placing it on her head.
"Just to be sure you come. I want my hat back." Then with a laugh he walked away quickly, leaving her to stare after him.
"Pest!" she yelled. "That's what I should call you!" Her laughter slipped free and she watched him a moment longer.
He laughed, waving but he never stopped to reply or retrieve the apparel. It was an excuse to see her later.
Yuri snorted. *Sounds like a good name to me.*
Tempest grinned widely as he opened his door. She didn't live as far as he'd expected. And he was curious about the place she had. He'd never have thought about someone fixing that place up. Offices could be quite manageable as an apartment if done properly.
Pulling his clothes from the closet, he headed towards the bathroom. He only had an hour and several things to get ready for the show. Some things needed to be set up before it began.
Nearly 45 minutes later, Tempest walked into the club.
"Hey, Jace. I need a table for tonight. A friend is coming. She's bringing one of her aiko with her so make sure she's expected." he said as he walked in.
"No hat? That's a first, Tempest." Jace laughed. "Forget it."
"No, gave it to her." he stated, turning slightly red. "Wanted to make sure she was coming."
"Haha!" the man smirked. "You really like this one. Well, I'm make sure she's taken care of then. This is a first."
"Shut up..." he growled, but grinned. "I"ll be in my room adjusting the props. Yell when it's 7:20, okay?"
"Alright." the man chuckled. Tempest was already gone on her. It was going to be a very interesting night. Turning to the bartender, he began giving orders for the night's business.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:30 pm
Elana padded up the street, glancing around her with only a trace of uncertainty. The sun had gone down and the widely spaced streetlights occasionally shone on her gleaming auburn hair. A large, lumpy dufflebag was slung over one shoulder, her hand wrapped around the strap to ease the weight from her shoulder.
She had come a long way that day. He didn't know she was coming, but she knew that would only amuse him. She wondered briefly if he would remember what today was, and what it had been once so long ago. It was her day of freedom, just as it had been his. Oh, she knew it was the typical stereotype that children bolted ou tthe door the day of their eighteenth birthday, but that usually didn't actually happen. For her, it had.
Her mind and soul was one of dreams and fantasies, where the impossible could happen. But even these comforting imaginings could be squashed by her father. His gruff, snarling manner often had brought her crashing back to a dark reality. She had been glad for her brother when he had escaped through the magic portal of the age of legal maturity. It had been on this very day, five years ago. And now her own turn had come.
She had almost felt sorry for their father... she knew he would regret her going. But such feelings never kept him from shouting anyway, nor treating her like trash. She was done with that. Forever.
She glanced again at the card she had clutched in her hand. The front was dark, starred and with her brother's new name swirled across it. His number was there too, but she hadn't called him. She flipped it over and checked again the address she had scrawled on the back. Yup, she was almost there!
She tucked the card back into her pocket with her free hand, then shook it to free the charms on her bracelet. They softly chimed together, making her smile. She had recieved the gift from her brother in the mail. It was almost like he knew she was coming to him instead this year. No more traveling to visit her secretly anymore. Still smiling, she rested her hand on the furry head that was keeping pace at her hip.
"You alright?" the aiko padding beside her asked, lifting his head to look into her eyes. He had been her comfort thorugh the last year. He had come to her when she had been lost in a maelstrom of fury and despair after her brother's last tempestuous departure. Once beside her, he had refused to leave. Her father had been unable to forbid it. He had tried, once. Only once.
"Yes, I have never been better," Elana replied breatlessly. "Do you think he'll be happy to see me, Tor?" Her fingers curled into his lush fur, tightening in her excitement and nervousness. The aiko was saved from answering by the fact that they had arrived.
There were others entering the club in a long line, passing a stocky man with a receeding hairline. She smiled at him a bit as she walked up in her turn, but was surprised when he stopped her. He smiled in return, almost a smirk, glancing down at Tor. "I have just the table for you," he told her, and turned to lead her inside. Mystified, she followed him lightfootedly. Tor only grinned at her, his whiskers sweeping back in a feline gesture of amusement.
The room was much larger than she had imagined. Tables were everywhere, with a long gleaming bar stretching along one side. Up ahead there was a decent size stage, the tables pressing right up to it's edge. He led her directly to the table that was front and center, the lip of the stage almost hanging over the table. She blinked in surprise as he gestured for her to sit. Settling her bag to the ground, she glanced about her with that trace of uncertainty again. The man whisked a small "reserved" sign off the table and was gone.
Tor placed his forepaws on the table and stood on his hind legs, looking around as well. "Talk about the red carpet treatment," he commented. "Are you sure your brother doesn't know we are here?" She sat slowly, her gaze brushing across the band that was playing on stage currently.
"I didn't think so," she said slowly, running her hand through Tor's dark fur as he settled down to sit beside her protectively. There were many people here already, with more streaming in every minute. The place was crowded. "Are they all here for Tempest?" she wondered aloud.
Just then a waistress paused by the table. "A drink, hon?" Elana blushed, realizing most drinks served here would be alcoholic. "Can I just have a pepsi?" she inquired a bit weakly. With a nod the woman was gone, asking others for their drink prefrences. "Goodness, people move fast in here!"
This thought lingered, and her eyes defocused, taking on a dreamy expression. Both hands strayed on the long, thick braid that fell across one shoulder, the fnigers tracing the weaving strands. In moments, the waitresses were wearing shoes with wings, while the circling bouncers sprouted extra legs and began to move with astonishing grace through the crowds. The jeans and matching shirts of the waitresses melted into shimmering shifts of silver and gold, and the band that was playing became instruments that played themselves.
Tor glanced up to see her lost in her own world and merely smiled. He did not disdain his girl's imagination, but loved her for it. It made life interesting, to say the least. With a sigh, he edged under the table to lay with his head facing outwards, towards the crowded room.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:04 pm
Her clothing had changed four times before she was ready. Finally she brushed her hair and shoved it back with her fingers. Then she snickered, carrying Tempest's hat. She was tempted to put it on her head, but she carried it instead.
Moonshadow and Yuri watched her, smirking slightly. Clothing was tossed on the bed and over chairs in the loft as she tried to decide what to wear.
*You'd better hurry, or you aren't even going to make it on time.* Moon snorted.
"Oh hush." she growled. "I'm ready. Which of you is going with me?"
*Moon is.* Yuri replied laying down.
*His wings might get in the way too much. I doubt there is much room there.* the aiko stated, nudging her hand.
She smiled, patting his nose. Her bracelet tinkled slightly. It sounded almost like laughter. Feathery and light.
"Let's go. I'll be back later." she laughed on her way out the door.
*Don't wait up, Yuri.* Moonshadow smirked. *It'll be after your bedtime.*
Yuri growled an unintelligible reply at the closed door. He'd have to figure out something when Moon returned and grinned in anticipation.
By the time she got to the club entrance, Tempest's hat was on her head. Jace stared for a moment, frowning, but then he nearly busted out in laughter. Had Tempest made a date with two girls and forgotten? Both had Aiko and this one obviously had his hat.
"I'm supposed to..." she began, teeth tugging her lower lip uncertainly.
"I already know. Tempest has a table waiting on you. Since you have his hat, I'm sure he's expecting you. Follow me." the man grinned widely. Tempest was in for a surprise.
Eftemie nodded as Moonshadow tilted his head to study the man. His amusement was very evident, but neither knew what it was aimed at.
"Alright," she said working her way through the crowd of people to the table he indicated.
"This table here, Miss." he said. Then he nodded to the girl already there and beckoned a waitress over. Jace was definitely watching the first portion of the show simply to see the man's reaction to both sitting there.
"Thank you." she said, slightly bewildered at the speed he'd walked away. "I hope you don't mind... I.. do you know Tempest? I mean... of course you do, if you are sitting here." With a giggle she sat down, as the barmaid came towards them. She stopped briefly to talk to Jace, nodding before stepping to their table.
"What can I get you, hon?" she asked smiling.
"A pepsi will do. Thank you." Eftemie said.
"On the house. Jace said the drinks are on the house for both of you tonight." she smiled, walking away.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:25 pm
Elana was still in daydream mode when the other woman was shown to the table and only snapped out of it when she was addressed. "Hmm? What?" She blinked owlishly in the semi-dark of the club, trying to refocus on the present.
When she could see reality again clearly, she found herself face to face with a young woman somewhat older than she, who was wearing her brother's hat. She straightened abruptly, feeling indignant. Only she was supposed to be able to wear his hat! She gave the woman a stern look-over.
When she replied, her tone was icy. "Yes, I know Tempest." She tossed the thick auburn braid back over her shoulder where it dangled all the way to her waist. "He happens to be my brother." She gave the woman a hard look, watching for the woman to react with chagrin, as any floozy should when meeting the little sister of the man she's shmoozing with. Her back was ramrod straight and her green-grey eyes were steely. Who did this hussy think she was, anyway?!
She hadn't noticed that the band had stopped playing and was swiftly packing itself away. Had she spared the imagination for it, the sight of instruments putting themselves into their cases and bobbing off stage would have delighted her. But at the moment her imagination had turned this other woman into a scantily clad demoness with snakes for hair and an evil leer.
Tor, hearing the tone in her voice, scrambled out from under the table to bristle faintly at whoever was causing his mistress ire. He stopped in mid-bristle however when he came nearly nose to nose with another aiko. Blinking faintly, his ears folded a bit. He glanced up at Efte and then back to the other cat. What was this about? He pressed himself against Elana's side and watched the other two warily.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:53 pm
Tempest had not peeked around the curtain to make sure that she was there. He knew she would be and he was slightly excited in a way he'd never been before. Already he loved her laughter. Things that others missed, she saw and didn't hesitate to appreciate them. She reminded him in some ways of Elana.
He sighed, his thoughts shifting to her. Hopefully she wasn't disappointed in the present he sent her even though she'd have been expecting him to show up and surprise her. She probably expected him not to show after the argument the previous year. Shaking his head, he tried to clear it.
"Concentrate on the show, Tempest." he muttered. "Focus." He closed his eyes for a moment to help shove everything in perspective.
Eftemie blinked and then smiled widely, just as the lights went out. Before she could say anything, the spotlight went on lighting up the center stage. Tempest walked out into the spotlight, glancing over the crowd.
"Where's your hat, Tempest?" someone smirked from the back.
"You always wear it!" another yelled in amusement.
Holding his hands up for quiet, he laughed. "Give me a minute and I'll explain. There's someone here that... oh sh..!!" He suddenly stopped, his jaw dropping open as he saw the two cats and two girls sitting there. Snickers broke out at his loss and many cheered commenting it was the first time they'd seen him at a loss for words.
His sister.
And Eftemie.
And both had aikos.
He broke into laughter, shaking his head as he walked towards the back of the stage, trying to gather himself. The entire room broke into laughter.
"At a loss for words! Wow! That's a first!" Jace smirked over the intercom from the bar.
"Oh shut up, Jace!" Tempest growled, walking towards the front of the stage again. "Alright, alright." he said taking the microphone from the stand. "Charlie, aim that light at the front table please. I guess the joke's on me tonight. For two very good reasons. And both are sitting at that table."
He stepped forward, stopping in front of Elana. "This is my little sister, who has managed to surprise me on HER birthday. I have no idea where she got him. I believe he is what caused all this. I thought I was seeing double for a minute." He hugged her tightly for a moment. Then he glanced at Eftemie. "And this is Eftemie, and her aiko Moonshadow. I invited Eftemie here tonight, even gave her my hat- something which you all know that I never do, just to ensure she'd be here tonight. But my mistake was telling Jace that she'd be arriving with an aiko. I guess my little sister sneaked one in on me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 5:11 pm
Oh, the gambit of emotons Elana ran through! Her frosty attitude dissipated instantly when her brother had appeared on stage. When it came to her brother, nothing else really mattered. She watched him with stars in her eyes, but grew puzzled at his odd reaction. But he explained it all to the entire audience.
She glanced down at Tor. So it was his presence that had ushered them to this front table? She wasn't sure whether to admit this was highly amusing or to feel slightly jealous of this other girl whom apparently was a great exception. It soothed her a bit to know it wasn't just anyone who got to wear her beloved brother's hat. Even so....
She glanced at the other female speculatively. The snake hair and devil tail were gone, and she took time to study the real person. Perhaps she'd been too hasty? She absently ran her fingers over Tor's ears as she regarded the woman and Tempest. Back and forth. She frowned thoughtfully, striving to see beyond the visible.
What she saw surprised her. As Tempest leaned forward from the stage, toward Eftemie, the scene transformed. Her brother was dressed in dazzling armor, bowing graciously and extending a rose to a woman in flowing robes. Eftemie had a kindly smile on her face, one of ausement and pleasure at the attention of her knightly courtier. She blinked, seeing both the real and imagined images overlaying each other.
Yes.... perhaps she had judged too swiftly.
Tor squinted in the sudden bright light. He wasn't comfortable being in the spotlight literally. But Elana's hand on his ears after a moment soothed him, reassuring and calming him. Still blinking in the brighness, he peered up at Tempest. The aiko was somewhat in awe of the man. Elana only spoke of him in tones of utmost admiration and deepest love. He must truly be a great man for his mistress to so adore him!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 5:37 pm
A snicker slipped free of her lips. Then she took the hat and put it on his head, tilting it back at a rakish angle. It was how she'd first seen him.
"There. All's right now. Go do your show. We aren't going anywhere." Eftemie giggled, smiling widely. "Your sister and I will sit here together and heckle you properly, Pest."
Those sitting nearby overheard and chuckled. Tempest shook his head as he winked at Elana, taking the hat and placing it on her head.
Moonshadow snorted, sitting down. Tempest was going to be around awhile. He and Yuri had already thought that.
"The only two who ever get to wear my hat." he smirked. Then he placed the microphone back into the stand. "I think that was hotter than the spotlight gets. And Jace, I'll be more specific, next time."
"I doubt there'll be a next time, Tempest." the man chuckled back, watching Eftemie and Elana. A sister and a girlfriend if what he saw in Tempest's eyes was geniune for the other girl. He suspected it was as he'd never seen the man look at another that way. But then he'd been pretty certain when he saw her with Tempest's hat on. Not just anyone got that hat. Not in all the time he'd known him.
"Alright, now for the show." Tempest grinned winking at both Eftemie and Elana. He was elated that both were there and this would be one of his best shows ever. "For my sister's birthday," he began to explain the next trick was new. By the time the show was over, the new trick would be a permanent part of the show.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:49 pm
Nearly an hour and a half later, Tempest finally ended the show. A wide grin on his face, he bowed to the audience and then bowed to Eftemie and Elana.
Tapping both on the shoulder, Jace said, "You might as well follow me back to his dressing and prop room. I'm sure he'll be waiting on you both. That was an impressive new trick he did. And.. happy birthday, Elana."
Eftemie smiled, "Yes, happy birthday, Elana. I'm sorry about ruining your surprise for him. You should have had him to yourself tonight. And he'll want to take you home with him, so Moon and I will slip away when we get a chance and you will have him tonight."
She snickered suddenly. "Make sure he gets you a cake tomorrow and helps you celebrate properly."
Tempest ran the cold water over his face and hands in his dressing room. His jacket lay on the arm of the chair where he had tossed it aside. It got hot in the spotlights. More than people realized. He would definitely be able to handle the cool air on the walk to take Eftemie home. He suddenly frowned, he'd need to take Elana first.
Shaking his head, he sighed softly. "Two women and for the first time I'm not sure what to do with them." Someone was definitely having a good laugh at his expense. Somewhere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:24 pm
Elana trailed behind Efte and Jace. She still wasn't sure how shefelt about Efte and how much her brotehr seemed to be taken with her. And the woman was so confident! While clearly unintentionally, the woman made Elana feel young and foolish.
It didn't much help either that she'd made a fool of herself by getting so frosty with her at first. She sighed to herself and glanced at Tor. At least someone was having fun.
Tor padded along next to Moon, talking excitedly. His little stub of a tail wagged wildly, and his wings fluttered every so often as he chattered. It was nice to have another aiko to talk to. Since devoting himself solely to Elana, he'd met very few of his kind.
"So you aren't the only aiko Eftemie has? Wow! That has got to be fantastic!" He romped a bit before settling back into walking next to the older cat. "And oooh, I really like those bands of yours! Maybe I should consider some." He and Moon continued walking, following Efte, with Elana still trailing behind. Tor didn't notice quite at that moment how mournful his human friend looked. He would soon, though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:33 pm
Moonshadow grinned. *There are three aiko there, but more critters than that. Eftemie is a sucker for someone in need. Yuri has wings but not like yours. He's demonic, but a cousin of mine so he'll behave. And his mate, Sable, is angelic. But then there's Pugnacious, Ataxis, Cera... well, too many to name, but they aren't aiko. Just other critters Eftemie lets live with her. Of course, some of her human friends live there too.*
Tempest glanced up when they entered. A grin widened across his face. "I'm glad you came, Eftemie."
She laughed. "Next time I'll leave Moonshadow at home so you don't see double."
He stared at her. "Brat." he growled, but laughed. "Elana! You really surprised me!" He moved hugging her tightly. "I'm really glad to see you. You are staying with me, right?"
Jace shut the door behind the girls and their felines. He'd never seen Tempest as he'd been tonight. For the first time in a long time, the man looked really happy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:20 pm
Elana's distant mood melted away in her brother's presence. She threw herself into his arms and hugged him tight. "Of course I am! Where else would I have to stay?" On impulse she glanced at Eftemie and raised her brows in a mock-question. "Unless you intended on putting me up tonight?" Her grin was genuine, though she was testing the waters. It was a concious attempt to get beyond her own rocky start with the woman. After all, if she meant this much to Tempest, she needed to honestly get to know her.
Tor was interested to hear about the different creatures and other aiko that apparently all lived with this other woman. Inside the dressing room he sat himself down near her and slowly inched closer, his nose twitching. So many smells, and so many mysteries! He was nearly quivering to go explore the place. And he wanted to meet these other aiko! When Elana mentioned staying with Eftemie, his ears sprang forward and he sat up straighter, clearly eager for the idea. He wasn't intentionally avoiding Tempest, but this woman was more INERESTING to the deep blue aiko.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:39 pm
"I don't mind giving you a room. Several of my friends are in and out. Their pets included. And I have lots of room. I think pretty much everyone is gone right now. Some went to check on family elsewhere considering the way everything is right now." Eftemie laughed, smiling at Elana.
Moonshadow snorted loudly. *The more the merrier is usually the way it is around there. If she's not bringing home dragons or nimue, it's gwipples, and mikimoo.*
He hugged Elana tightly. "Such a brat for coming here all alone." he whispered. "I'd have been worried about you." He kept an arm around her for an extra moment, then he stopped on what his sister was saying.
"Wait a minute... " Tempest growled, blinking in surprise as much as amusement at his sister and Eftemie. "I haven't even seen her place except from the outside, and she's already inviting you to live there?! Geesh... "
"I guess if my sister is going to stay there, I'll just have to think about moving in myself." he smirked suddenly watching both girls.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:04 am
Elana looked from one to the other. Were they taking her seriously? She blinked a few times and glanced at Tor, who she was amazed looked eager about this too. A bit baffled, she shrugged a bit and offered a small smile. Suddenly the idea took root in her as well finally. It bloomed into a real smile and true delight. This might just be fun.
"Sure, all of us in one merry group!" She gave her brother a mock glare. "But no mushy stuff in my presence!" She flashed a teasing grin at Eftemie, then hitched her heavy dufflebag with all her worldly possessions in it a little higher on her shoulder. "But... could we decide and go? This is getting awfully heavy."
Tor gave a happy yowl and flitted up in the air to zoom around the room excitedly. He was pretty sure they were going to end up at Moon's house now! Goofily he daintily put all four paws on Tempest's head and fluttered there, looking like he was some sort of weird, whirring hat. "Hurray!" he yowled again. What a ham.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:22 am
Eftemie's lips curled upwards as she watched Tor. "I guess you have another hat now, Tempest." she smirked, but then burst into laughter.
"And you should be carrying that for your sister." she teased winking at Elana.
Moonshadow snorted heading for the door. If he didn't get them moving, they'd all stand there laughing.
Several minutes later, they were outside and walking away from the club. A few milled around the cul de saq waiting on Tempest. Most tried to get him to reveal his secrets, but even as they asked, they knew he'd give them no answers. It's just the way it was.
"Not tonight." he said, shaking his head. Looking at Elana, he offered his hands for the bag. "I've got escort duty right now." Tempest's lips curled back into a wide grin. "I'll think about revealing one next time, since I'm dropping one from the show to keep the new one in."
Jace and his men made certain the group made it down the street. Eftemie smiled at the way he teased Elana. It was obvious the man doted on the younger sibling. But she wondered why the girl would take it upon herself to come there. At this time. And alone.
Briefly. Then like all her serious thoughts, it flittered away on the breeze in her mind. Nothing seemed to remain long.
Her uncle, Josesph Renaude, stood silently wondering why she was not back yet. This was not the best time to be out during the day. It was worse at night. He scowled as he wrote the note. He'd tape it directly to the door so she couldn't miss it when she got back.
"Yuri," he growled. "Make sure that Eftemie gets this so that she knows about the next three jobs Merith lined up for her. She's not been to the office all week. Where did that girl go anyhow?"
*I'll make sure she gets it, Joe. She went to see a magic show a friend of hers is putting on at The Prospero.* the feline replied.
"The Prospero? The only magician there is Tempest..." the man flinched. "Don't tell me she's seeing him..."
*Alright. I won't tell you.* Yuri smirked, then flinched at the man's icy glare.
"He's a womanizer from everything I've heard about him." he growled in sudden frustration. "and Effie.. well.. she's... Oh.. you know what I mean..."
*Too trusting?* Yuri asked. *She's smarter than you think if you can keep her attention. Besides she has Moonshadow and the rest of us to help her. I don't think Tempest plans to give her any trouble. In fact, I'd say it's the opposite. She's going to be trouble for him. He left his hat with her earlier."
Joseph blinked. "He what?" He'd been to the show once with a group of people. Tempest didn't leave his hat with anyone. It could just be a ploy.
Just easily distracted her uncle and others said, giving excuses. Though all knew the real reason for it. Nothing was physically wrong with the girl. At least nothing had been found. He'd even talked her into going to a psychoanalyst at one point. After two or three visits, she'd simply stopped making the appointments. That's when he understood what was the true problem.
Avoidance.
One day she'd have to work it out. The only hope he had was that she didn't fall entirely apart when she did finally have to face it. Time would tell most figured. He supposed it was why he took care of her and worried so much. There really was noone else.
Even the freelance artwork she did was through his office. A woman he hired specifically for Eftemie, made the appointments, showcased the artwork, and gave Eftemie a list of what was needed. She even banked the checks for the girl.
All Eftemie had to do was the work as specified.
"Bah! Someone still needs to pay attention. Remind her about the note." Putting the file on her desk, he taped the note to the door. "See that she gets it!" he reminded, marching away slightly disturbed by the news. He'd have to check in on her more often now.
Or have Merith do it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:11 am
The walk down the street was like a summer day. At least that's how she saw it. For the first time since the world had gone crazy, Eftemie didn't notice the litter or sirens or the lack of people on the street.
Instead, a bright nightsky loomed overhead, sparkling down like faery dust creating a glittering wonderland. Anything to cover the dismal atmosphere everyone had been subjected to recently.
"This is it." she said stopping in front of the steps. "We'll take the elevator up."
Tempest nodded. "Her bag is getting heavy."
"Or we could make him walk up the stairs to the next floor, Elana, and take the elevator ourselves." Eftemie teased, winking at the other girl.
"What?!" Tempest grumbled, protesting. "I thought you liked me... Bratty as Elana gets sometimes. I just can't win." He pouted for a moment until Moonshadow snorted in amusement.
*That won't work, Tempest. She'd just laugh and get distracted by something else.*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
