Demona joined them for dinner, Matilda wsa telling them about the senior classes she was taking, implying they were a challenge but next year she would probably need something harder. Jenny sat at the head of the table, across from Demona, barely listening to the stream of information.

Ebody confidence, Jenny's therapist told her. She straightened her back. This was her house, that meant she had to start this conversation. The problem was she didn't know what decision she wanted to make. She needed more information about what she'd witnessed that afternoon, but instead of explaining herself Demona had shut the door in Jenny's face. 'Private' - that's what Demona had said of her strange demonic form. Part of Jenny had respected her night guard for setting such a clear boundary, but in order to keep Demona around Jenny needed to understand her. It couldn't be private.

Perhaps that's my answer. If Demona wouldn't tell her the truth about who she was then Jenny should ask her to leave.

But…

But..

But she didn't want Demona to go.

"Matilda," Demona said. The little girl stopped her story about chemistry for a moment to look at the woman. "I just wanted you to know that I saw you brushing your teeth last night."

Matilda froze, looking at Jenny fearfully. Matilda often used her telekinetic powers to tie her shoes or brush her hair. Jenny told her that she needed to stop while Demona was in the house, but old habits die hard.

Demona continued, "Matilda, your powers are your private business. I won't tell anyone about them, I just wanted to tell you the truth, that I saw them. I didn't mean to. I wasn't trying to spy on you. I saw you by chance and I thought I should tell you."

The little girl was still seated. She looked at Jenny again, and Jenny felt her fear evaporate. Replaced by something else. Something big.

"Matilda," she said softly, "will you take your dinner upstairs?"

She didn't need to be told twice. In a flash the child levitated her soup bowl, roll, cutlery and juicebox and power walked out of the dining room with her entire meal in front of her. Jenny had never seen her move so fast.

Is she afraid of me? a small faraway voice wondered. Jenny dismissed the voice and approached Demona.

"Did you just threaten my Daughter?" she said, her voice still just as low and soft. The power was coiling inside her and at the same time she was outside of herschel watching the scene from a corner of the ceiling, hearing the way the word daughter ricocheted off the walls.

"What part of that sounded like a threat to you?" Demona snapped.

"Given what I saw this afternoon-"

"Which you were never meant to-"

Jenny continued as if Demona hadn't spoken, "It sounds like you were threatening mutually assured destruction."

Demona sat back, a look of frustration and amusement on her face. "You Americans are all so fluent in the languages of war, aren't you?" she paused, her expression searching, "Jenny, I like Matilda. I like you. I like it here. I don't want to leave but I will if you ask me to. No strings, no tricks."

Jenny felt herself coming back into her own body. The power was dissipating, but she kept the posture. Now she was the statue. "You frightened her," she said.

Demona stood and half reached for Jenny's hand. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. I was angry at you."

Demona's face was close, Jenny realised. If the power had still been on she would have been able to see the pale green of Demona's eyes. She found herself wishing she could.

"So, what will it be? Should I pack up and leave?"

"Can I see you?" The question came out before Jenny could stop it.

"Jenny, I told you that's private."

"But If I can't understand you then I can't let you stay here."

Demona sighed. "That's fine, Jenny. I'll clear out my things and mail you my last invoice."

It sounded like she'd rehearsed it. Jenny watched her turn towards the hallway.

"No," Jenny said. She hadn't meant to say it. Demona turned back to face her. So close. "No, don't go."

The air between them felt like two magnetic poles fighting to connect, fighting to disconnect. Jenny might push through that field, but what would she find on the other side

"You love me," Demona said. Not a trace of fear or hesitation, because it was true.

"Yes," Jenny said, "I love you."