The second the coin touched Emily's hand she had a blank stare on her face. You could tell that things were flashing in front of her dark brown eyes. Suddenly she started to scream like she was in pain and throw her head back. Emily clenched her teeth and tried to speak. "Myka, Emily and I are…" It was H.G.'s voice now. "In a battle to keep this body…" Her head was thrown back again with another scream of pain. "Myka, do something to bring H.G. back. Make her fight for this body!" Emily's voice rang through this time. I didn't know what to do so I just acted. I laced my fingers through her long hair and planted a hard kiss on her lips.
"Myka?" I heard Pete's voice somewhere in the background but paid no attention to him. I was caught up in this moment. My lips were finally on H.G.'s. I had no idea if this would work but I hoped it would. If H.G. felt anything other than friendship for me then maybe me showing that I cared also would give her the last bit she needed to fight through. I pulled back slowly, stricken with fear, and opened my eyes looking at her. A warm smile and dark eyes met me.
"Hello Myka." That beautiful British voice was like music to my ears and I wrapped my arms around H.G.'s neck. "Oh goodness." She hugged me back. "Thank you for bringing me back." She turned her head to whisper, "Though we do need to talk." I nodded but didn't say a word.
"Well good, we have you back. Not sure what the Regents want you back for but we'll figure that out tomorrow. All we can do now is get some rest." Artie's voice was its normal tone but I could tell he was thrown off by me kissing H.G. Hell; I was thrown off by me kissing her.
"Do you mind if I stay at the inn? I have nowhere else to go." H.G.'s voice was quiet. I was so glad to hear that British tone again. It brought a smile to my face every time I heard it.
"Of course you can. I'll have you a room ready when you come back." Lena left the room and headed back to the inn.
Later when we got back to the inn, Lena showed H.G. to her room and I went out on the patio with some tea. The sky was clear and you could see the stars shine bright. That was one thing I liked about South Dakota, you could see the stars and moon with no interruptions. "A full moon out tonight. It's been a long time since I've seen one." I jumped when I heard H.G.'s voice.
"Hey you." I watched as she came and took a seat next to me. "How's it felt being back in your own body?" My stomach had butterflies in it since H.G. said we needed to talk. I knew it was going to be about the kiss.
"It's quite nice. I missed the night's breeze blowing on my face and the smell of fresh air. How are you?" She propped her feet up on the coffee table in front of us and leaned her head back. "Though apparently Emily didn't get much rest last night because I'm beat." We chuckled and I looked back at the stars.
"I'm fine. And no, she didn't get much rest. She tossed and turned the whole night." I didn't want to say much because I know I'd have a huge batch of word vomit and gush about how glad I was to have her back.
"We need to talk about earlier Myka. We shouldn't run from it." I groaned. I knew it was coming but I didn't like this topic. I didn't like being vulnerable. Especially when it was about my heart. "How did you know kissing me would bring me back?"
"I didn't." I could feel H.G.'s eyes burning into me so I figured I'd just get it all out now. "I have feelings for you. Emily helped me realize that. She, like you, can talk sense into me. She said that women can fall into routine and be happy in each other's company and not even realize that they are falling for each other. I guess I've ignored it or just told myself it was hero worship." She didn't say a word and it was making me even more nervous.
"Ah. Well.." Christina jumped on H.G.'s lap and started rubbing against her. "Hello there. Who are you?" She read the tag and I could feel a darkness wash over her.
"Some of your memories leaked through even though your memory was taken by the coin. People see their pets as fur children so I guess the cat's name was one of the things that leaked through. Emily was also a literature person and loved your books." I watched as she petted the cat. "Emily wanted me to keep her. I guess she trusted me."
"You are very trust worthy Myka. I could tell that about you the day we met. I used that against you before we became friends." It's true, she did. "I am sorry for that."
"It was who you were back then. You had one thing in mind and would do anything to get it. Luckily, you've changed so we're good now."
"Thank you for forgiving me. But yes we did make a great team and we know each other very well. But do you have feelings for me besides a deep friendship and great team work?" I didn't say a word. "Myka." Her voice was quiet and soft. I heard H.G. get up and walk in front of me. She placed her fingers under my chin to tilt my head to look up at her. There were no words between us. Without thinking I stood up and kept my eyes locked with hers.
"Helena…" My voice was a whisper. H.G. placed a slender finger over my lips to silence me. She smiled softly and leaned in slowly….
