"I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up on," the young witch smiled, her eyes glittering with tears just like the two women in her company. For a moment, Misty could have sworn her voice, her smile, even the feeling of holding her hands felt familiar to her. This witch, Mallory, had gentleness, power, and familiarity bursting from every part of her. However, before Misty could survey her anymore, she backed away, glancing from Cordelia to Misty, turning up the stairs almost as if she'd been there before. Misty simply told herself it was a question for another day. Perhaps never. It was just one question among many that may not have even been worth asking because the fact of the matter was, she was just so grateful to be home.
Home. It was a word she had been so unfamiliar with for so long. Living with Daddy, surrounded by the church who eyed her as if they were looking for any reason to cast her out - that wasn't home. The swamp, surrounded by her plants, creatures, and her Stevie - it was peaceful, and she had been happy, but it wasn't home. Cordelia, who had come stumbling out of the dark, cane sweeping out in front of her, ready to welcome Misty into her life without reservation - she was home. This coven was home. And her heart was nearly ready to burst as Cordelia pulled her into her arms with absolute certainty, cradling the back of her head and holding Misty in a way that finally made her feel safe. It was as if Cordelia would blast anything that came to take Misty away again straight to hell.
"How I missed you," Misty said through a relieved exhale, wrapping her arms around Cordelia's shoulders as their hug rocked them slightly on the balls of their feet, "I was ever so lost." Cordelia was quiet for a moment, her breaths uneven with disbelief and joyful tears.
"Not anymore," she said finally, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions, "Never again." Cordelia's voice steadied slightly as she pulled away and cradled Misty's face in her hands. Misty hadn't realized until then how rich and warm Cordelia's eyes were. They were the deepest brown she'd ever seen, catching the light of everything around her and reflecting it back to anyone who was lucky enough to stare into them. Misty's heart had been frantic for what felt like an eternity - since her daddy had turned her over to the church to be burned alive. Now, for a moment, her heart was still as Cordelia drew her into her reassuring gaze as she promised over and over, "You're home. You're safe. My sweet Misty."
Just as Misty reached for Cordelia's cheek in gentle wonder at finally seeing the witch's true eyes, words about how beautiful she was - had always been - ready to fall absentmindedly from her lips, Misty heard a familiar voice coming from around the corner.
"Hey, Cordelia, some of the girls were asking if you co-" the words petered off as the young witch rounded into the hallway. Her straight, dark blonde hair and round eyes gave her away in an instant, but Misty was still shocked at just how much older Zoe looked, and she suddenly wondered how long she'd been in hell. Zoe had adopted her teacher's poise, squaring her shoulders even though her steps still had a casual youthfulness to them. "Misty?" Zoe blurted in complete shock, standing absolutely still in the doorway as if Misty were a deer.
"Ya ain't going to spook me," Misty laughed, "I mean, I hope." Cordelia stepped back to give the two of them room, letting the tassels of Stevie's shawl drop slowly through her fingertips after running them gently down Misty's arm. Just like that, Zoe's poise was gone as she bolted forward and slammed into Misty, nearly knocking them both over. Next to them, Cordelia giggled at the sight of the old friends reuniting so clumsily.
"Holy shit!" Zoe held Misty by the shoulders to get a good look, her doughy eyes brimming with tears, "How are you here? You died. We saw you!" Misty smiled from ear-to-ear at the young witch's excitement, explaining once again where she had gone and how Nan had just appeared suddenly to take her home. As she spoke, Cordelia stepped closer, brushing some of Misty's wild sunflower hair away from her face. Despite Zoe's catalog of questions that followed, Misty wasn't too distracted to ignore the loving gesture, and it sent a warm shiver from her temple to her chest. She loved Zoe, but she wanted to hug Cordelia again more than anyone. She felt her cheeks flush a bit at the thought.
"What the hell is goin' on out here?" a third familiar face came busting into the hall, her personality and bright purple shirt instantly stealing everyone's attention. Queenie's face instantly went from not-so-subtly annoyed and curious to awestruck, her eyes softening as they fell on Misty. Queenie pointed, then looked to Cordelia for an explanation. Cordelia just smiled and shrugged. She was in no position to explain and had no interest in casting doubt. Her expression simply said that yes, Misty was really here, and yes, it was safe to be happy about it because she wasn't letting her go. Turning back to Misty, Queenie began to tear up, softly saying, "Hey girl," as she moved in for a hug.
"Hi," Misty smiled.
"Hi," Queenie repeated, "Hey, girl."
Misty laughed, realizing that even in the short time she had known Queenie, she had never seen her at a loss for words. They stood together for a while, Zoe continuing with some questions, Queenie squeezing Misty's left hand so tightly it hurt - though Misty wasn't complaining - and Cordelia standing to the side. She was leaning on the railing of the stairs, tears quietly but unabashedly rolling down her cheeks. As Misty looked up at her, Cordelia mouthed something to her that she couldn't quite make out.
"Do you want anything?" Zoe was asking, "Food? Water? The bathroom? A walk?"
"The hell is wrong with you?" Queenie laughed as she wiped her own cheeks dry, "She's not a new puppy."
"Actually," Misty said sheepishly, "I could go for somethin' to eat. They don't have food in hell, and I ain't going to lie. I'm starved."
"See?" Zoe shot Queenie a proud look.
"Okay, damn, you don't gotta be all Granger about it," Queenie said smugly, causing Zoe to roll her eyes. Before she could retort, Queenie gave Misty's hand one last squeeze before letting go of it. "What do you want?" she asked, "I'll cook. Anything you want! You know what? Screw it! I know you. I'm on it!" Misty didn't have time to get out as much as a thank you before Queenie disappeared, dragging Zoe away with her. Zoe was saying something about not liking the nickname Queenie used before they were out of earshot.
Once again, it was just Misty and Cordelia. The room grew with a delicate tension which always existed between two old friends who had so very much to say to each other. Misty took a breath, tangling her fingers up in the tassels of her shawl to give her hands something to do, willing herself to speak.
"Oh!" Cordelia's eyes widened, looking around as she blushed with embarrassment, "Mallory. Oh gosh, I completely- some Supreme, I let her alone to wander off on her first afternoon here."
Supreme. How could Misty have forgotten the very thing that trapped her in hell to begin with: competing for a role she knew she wasn't qualified for and didn't even want in the first place? As she did, a faint memory trickled its way into the back of her mind, making her cold and uneasy. She had heard Cordelia. During the trials, Cordelia pled for her to come back. "Misty...follow my voice. We're all here waiting for you." She hadn't listened. She hadn't come back. Tears began to bite at her lashes as Cordelia in the there-and-now rushed over to grab her hand, saying something about joining her as she finished giving Mallory a tour and insisting that there was so much for Misty to see. The excitement in her voice caused Misty to force the chasm opening in her chest shut. There'd be time for apologies later. Apologies for not listening, for not coming home, and valuing the life of a frog over her friends and her home.
They found Mallory in the drawing room, studying the many portraits of the past Supremes. Cordelia apologized for abandoning her, but Mallory was incredibly quick to understand, glancing down at Cordelia's hand clutching Misty's. Cordelia couldn't let go, as if doing so would open a darkness that would steal Misty away again - forever this time. The sweet witch had seen death too many times, so Cordelia's hand brought her comfort. She had no desire to shy away from the display of protective affection. She was happy that Cordelia's hand stayed firmly around hers as she explained the story of The Supreme, how her mother, Fiona, had been her predecessor. She shared the nastiness the previous transition in power had brought out in the coven and was strict in assuring Mallory that would never happen under her own leadership. Cordelia explained that her coven's success and safety would always be a priority over her pride and self-preservation.
Misty strode along in awe, watching Cordelia's facial expressions, her frame, listening to the steadiness of her voice as they moved from room to room. Each one had girls in it, young witches who had been lost until Cordelia gave them a home. Miss Robichaux's Academy had been on the brink of collapse when Misty lost her trials. Fiona had run it into the mud. Cordelia had turned this place into a true phoenix.
"I always knew you were a leader," Misty whispered softly to Cordelia as they stood in the doorway of Zoe's class. Zoe was leading her students in telekinesis and had invited Mallory to join them for the last few minutes. Cordelia blushed at Misty's words, turning to her and bringing her close.
"How is it you always see me better than I am?" Cordelia asked, nearly resting her forehead against Misty's.
"No, Miss Cordelia," she shook her head, squeezing the Supreme's hand, "I've only ever seen exactly who you are." The color in Cordelia's cheeks deepened, going to her ears as she ducked her head sheepishly. Cordelia was so very powerful, and still, a simple compliment could make her so flustered.
"Cordelia," was all she could say.
"Hmm?" Misty tilted her head curiously.
"Call me Cordelia," she clarified, "I'm not- There's no need for-" Cordelia's eyes lifted finally and met Misty's, and she suddenly wished they weren't in the doorway of a full room of people. "I'm not above you, Misty. I'd like for you to think of me..." Misty watched as she struggled to find the appropriate word, and realized she was strangely disappointed when Cordelia finished with, "as an equal."
"But you're the Supreme," Misty stumbled over her words clumsily, not knowing what else to say.
"I'm your friend," Cordelia stepped back and pulled them away from the doorway. Misty stared at her feet until Cordelia cupped her chin and lifted her head. "You knew me before all of this," she said so softly Misty had to strain to hear her, "More importantly, I don't want some fabricated line of authority between us. You are so special and important to me." Misty swallowed something hard in her throat and merely nodded, again wishing she could comment on the beauty of her friend's eyes.
That night at dinner, Misty's heart was full. The original coven, apart from Nan and Madison - though her heart didn't ache for her - gathered around a beautiful meal. Queenie held nothing back, placing dirty rice, chicken kabobs, greens, fruits, and sweets in front of Misty. Kyle, who had nearly combusted when he saw Misty come into the kitchen, poured each member a celebratory glass of wine. As he poured one for Misty, she leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Missed you, Misty," was all he said. He had come so far, but it seemed like his communication might never be what people considered normal. What was normal anyways? When everyone at the table had a full glass and full plate, Cordelia cleared her throat and stood up across from Misty.
"Tonight," Cordelia lifted her glass, staring at Misty, "we get to welcome back one of the kindest, gentlest, and most compassionate witches back into our coven… our family." They all looked across at Misty with warm smiles and teary eyes, but all she could look at was the woman standing in front of her. "Misty, I knew you for such a short time," Cordelia's voice broke a little with her tears, "but I have missed you forever." Those words fell onto Misty's shoulders, enveloping her in complete warmth and belonging. She didn't know what to say, but that seemed okay with everyone. They simply lifted their glasses in Misty's direction before breaking up the silence of the evening with the clinking of forks and rise of chatter.
As she was about to take a bite of the first food, she'd had in what turned out to be nearly five years, she started at the sound of the front door opening and closing. In the past, hearing the door when the coven was together meant an unwelcome visitor. Misty had to remind herself how many girls lived here now, and that many girls were coming and going. Cordelia and Zoe must've found her concern slightly endearing because they shared a quick smirk before going back to their meals.
The commanding clicks of heeled boots echoed from the hallway, drawing closer as Misty shamelessly tore into her dinner.
"Hello, witches," a raspy voice greeted from behind. Misty's heart nearly choked her as it tried to leap from her throat. Turning slowly in her chair, she saw the White Witch standing behind her, crimped hair pouring wildly from beneath a black top hat and black layers of skirting moving freely as she took a few steps closer. "This one's for you, Misty," she said. Music began to play from the piano in the other room as Misty continued to stare in simple wonder. Soon, the warm sounds of Stevie's voice and the familiar words of "Gypsy" were echoing through the room, and Misty found herself swaying along.
Stevie took both her hands and pulled her slowly from her chair, perhaps seeing the twirling in Misty's mind. Cautiously at first, she began to turn her body beside her chair - memories, pain, longing, all bubbling to the surface tentatively. With each twirl, she let go a little more. And like a marble inside a spinning glass cup the pain was pushed outward, forcing itself against the inside of her ribs. "Her face says freedom...with a little fear," Misty sang along, feeling the pressure in her chest alleviate with each note, and so, catching a glimpse of Stevie, then Cordelia amidst a turn, she sang louder, "I have no fear. I have only love. And if I was a child...and the child was enough...enough for me to love…enough to love." By the time the song was over, Misty's twirling had been slowed by heavy tears, which shook her shoulders and tangled her feet. Though Stevie had already caught Misty's elbows, steadying her kindly, Cordelia had stood, ready to catch her. However, seeing the worry and heartbreak written all over Cordelia's face, Stevie signaled for her to be the one to offer Misty comfort.
Cordelia gently took Misty into her arms, and Misty let herself become weak in the embrace. "I've lost my footing, Cordelia," Misty wept as Cordelia lowered them to the floor, so Misty didn't have to fight to stand, "I was in hell for so long, I don't know… I don't know where I am anymore." Misty felt Cordelia's arms cradle her completely, wrapping around her and holding her head to her chest where she could hear Cordelia's heart pounding.
"Oh, dearest Misty. You're here," Cordelia whispered forcefully as she tucked her head so only Misty could hear her, "You're here with me, and I'm with you. Something brought you back to us, and I swear on the past Supremes that I will not fail you again. You're safe. And you will get your footing back! Until then, you may lean on me as much as you need." Cordelia's voice resonated in her chest, against Misty's ear, and when she stopped speaking, Misty focused on her breathing. Each one swirled back and forth as Misty listened.
In.
Out.
It was life. It was the sound of life, the feeling of life. Misty was always so in tune with the life happening around her, and she had just spent forever where life did not exist. She hadn't heard or felt someone's heart beating in forever. She hadn't heard or felt someone breathe in forever. Not even from her own chest. Misty pulled away from Cordelia slowly, noticing wearily that they were no longer in the dining room. Cordelia had teleported them to the greenhouse so gracefully, Misty hadn't even felt it. She looked around for a moment, seeing plants' curious tendrils reaching out to welcome her back.
"I thought you might feel better in here," Cordelia offered.
"Is my heart beatin'?" Misty asked, absent to what Cordelia had just said. Misty was still looking to the plants, expecting them to speak to her and tell her that she was just as alive as Cordelia. But they didn't say anything. They just continued to look at her with innocent inquisitiveness. Misty suddenly felt a hand flatten onto her chest with such tenderness, it brought new and different tears to her eyes. She looked down and saw Cordelia's hand over her heart.
"Yes," she answered, the word drawn out sweetly by Cordelia's subtle lisp, "Yes, it is." Cordelia took Misty's hand and laid it on her chest, holding it steady so she could feel her own heart beating life into her own body. "Feel it?" she asked.
Misty felt the beat tapping against her palm.
"Am I breathin'?" Misty had no doubt that Cordelia found her questions silly. From the outside, she guessed it was obvious to anyone that both Misty's heart was beating, and her lungs were breathing. However, ever the compassionate soul, Cordelia did not show a single sign of ridicule or confusion, aside from a slight crinkle in her brow. Misty couldn't know it was just from thinking proof of breathing would be more difficult to substantiate.
Cordelia didn't say anything as she let Misty's hand go, and as her tentative fingertips flittering up her chest and neck caused Misty to shiver. She felt like such a fool, sitting on the concrete floor, asking the Supreme to prove to her she was alive. Misty's gift was life. How could she possibly not know if she was dead or alive? Just as Misty was about to apologize for wasting her time, Cordelia cradled her face in her hands, staring at her with a soft seriousness Misty hadn't seen before. Smoothing her thumb over Misty's cheek, Cordelia leaned in close enough that if Misty were alive, she'd surely be able to feel her breath - as uneven as it was - against her face. She'd have an answer to Misty's question, and she'd back away, assuring Misty that she was in fact alive. However, contrary to Misty's certainty, Cordelia pulled her closer with the gentleness of someone guiding a frightened soul over a thinly frozen river, until their lips met shyly on the banks. It was an easy mistake to make. They had been close enough that even the slightest movements would've caused Cordelia's lips to brush against hers, so she willed herself to do nothing, at the risk of reciprocating an accident. But, like the rest of her, Misty's willpower and better judgement had lost their footing. She kissed Cordelia, feeling her heart begin to race wildly against her palm as it awaited embarrassment and rejection - both of which never came. Cordelia simply continued to hold Misty close, her kiss soft, slightly unsure, and loving.
In that moment, they were both acutely aware of how little time the heart needed before it knew someone so deeply, and just how long five years could feel without them. Even if this wasn't real, and all Nan had granted her was a small reprieve from her personal hell, Misty thought she could be grateful. She thought that maybe in the split second she had before Mr. Kingery came to her station, she could remember how kissing Cordelia Foxx had been everything she expected and felt like all the things that made Misty love her so much. The memory would bring an angel to a place goodness was never welcome.
Reluctantly, or so Misty thought she felt, Cordelia pulled away, letting her hold slip slowly from the sweet witch's face to wrap her hands around Misty's ringed fingers. The cicadas outside began conversing on the lawn beyond the greenhouse. Moths flickered their wings against the windowed walls, desperate for the lights inside. Water dripped lethargically from the spout in the corner. All the while, Misty sat still, committing to memory the feeling of Cordelia's thumb smoothing over the back of her hand. Only when her chest began to ache and push against her did Misty let out a long, quiet sigh.
"Yes, Misty," Cordelia's low, kind voice swept through the greenhouse like a warm breeze, "You are breathing." Misty opened her eyes cautiously, expecting the clinical fluorescent lights of the 8th grade chemistry lab, only to find Cordelia soft smile and sweet, ardent stare. Her cheeks, stained with the many tears the day had brought, and her ears were brightly flushed, but she didn't duck her head or try to hide it from Misty this time. Cordelia kept her head up, so her eyes - those beautiful, rich eyes that seemed touched by Mother Earth herself - could stay fixed upon Misty, whose face she'd never seen with her own eyes until now.
"You're truly somethin' beautiful to see." Misty said shyly, feeling the realness of the world around her, as something inside of her admitted she hadn't just been wanting to say that since she stepped back through to this life.
"Funny," Cordelia's smile deepened into a bit of a sheepish smirk as she kissed Misty's cheek and gave her hands a loving squeeze, whispering against her temple, "I was about to say the same thing about you."