"He also told me a bit about your time together. Your lessons and such. He's quite the father-figure."

The best I've ever had. "What's on your mind?" I probe.

"It's just… I don't get it."

"Get what?"

Russet twitches es nose. "You've managed to make 'The Tempest' adore you and adopt you into his home. You develop a method of spell-casting I have never seen. You earn my trust, and my clan's trust. You've received a blessing from the fae! So I know you have good tastes."

"Tastes?"

"Why would someone like you be attracted to Hieronymous?!"

I snort.

"It's not funny! You are rare and unique. Powerful and young. Innocent and sincere. Yet you wind up with a man like him?! What could you possibly see in a person like that?"

"Potential."

Russet cocks es head back.

"Isnt it obvious? I see potential." I repeat.

"What are you? What do you-"

"I see a potential future with that man." I lean forward in my chair. "I see a man who I can be happy with, despite his faults. He may be crude and rough on the outside, but with my own eyes I have seen the gem that is his heart. I'm not looking at this relationship through a rose-colored lens. He's impatient; a quick fuse. He can mean and rude, and I know he is distrusting."

E throws es arms up. "Exactly!"

But I'm not done. "However... I've learned that... He is also protective of me, sincere in his apologies, and true to his word. He is intelligent, skilled and confident. I have seen a side of him that no one else has. I've seen his kindness."

Russet blinks incredulously.

"I have also seen his weaknesses as much as I have seen his strengths. He is wise, but still has much to learn. He is strong, but that doesn't mean he is invincible. He is independent, but that doesn't mean he isn't lonely." I chuckle softly. "He even has a sense of humor."

"That man has a sense of humor?!"

"This has only just begun. I have no idea where this is going to take me. What this is going to lead to. But, then again, neither does he… There is great potential for the both of us. We only have to work towards it. Together."

Russet says nothing, but slinks back down to sit on the piano. I walk over to pat em on the head. "Good night, Russet."

"G-good night."

I'm making waffles for breakfast, when I spot Russet, who is always the first one up, playing with the piano. E dips es tail and presses on the keys. I wince at the horrid sound. The notes are clearly off-key. "D-do you play?" I ask towards the living room, although I pretty much know the answer.

"Huh? Oh, no. Why would- How could I?! Can't you see how big this thing is?"

I roll my eyes. "I thought you could perhaps, run up and down the keys and form a tune. Maybe dance on them."

Russet clicks es tongue. "Adorable."

I check the fridge. Oh, we have strawberries? I pull them out. And we have chocolate chips. I pull those out as well. I waste no time melting down the chocolate in a pot on the stove. I begin washing and cutting the strawberries.

"Lumie. Why don't you cook with magick? It's faster."

I stop in my tracks. Then I giggle. "You know what? I really don't know. I'm just so used to doing things the mundane way."

"Well, you've made those other delicious meals the mundane way, so I suppose I shouldn't question your methods." Russet says off-handedly. E sniffs the air. "Is that? Chocolate, I smell?"

I try to suppress my smile as I hear the pitter patter of little feet rush to the kitchen.

"What are you making?" Russets asks hungrily.

"A chocolate spread for my buttermilk waffles. I'm topping them with these." I hold up the bowl of fruit.

"May I? Partake?"

"You want chocolate on your waffles too? Am I correct?" I tease.

E nods eagerly.

"I'll do that for you. Oh. Here, let me show you something. You said you don't cook dessert at school, so maybe you haven't tried this yet. You know what? I'm going to use magick to save time." I stop the flame, the chocolate already a bubbling concoction. I drizzle a spoonful of it onto a strawberry and cast Cool on it so the chocolate solidifies.

"Chocolate-covered strawberries?"

Ah, so you haven't had it yet.

"Oh well. It's chocolate, sooo…" I watch em chew, then es ears and tail perk up, a goofy smile on Russet's face. "This is a match made in heaven!"

I make a separate bowl of the dessert while we finish our waffles by the time Papa finally wakes up and makes it to the table. Russet and I eat out of the bowl full of the simple dessert. I hand him his plate and the syrup. Russet hands him his mug.

"I smell chocolate. Dessert for breakfast, Missy?"

I happily eat another one, wondering to myself why the heck don't I eat these all the time? "It was something I thought of on the spot."

His eyes dilate when he realizes what I'm eating. "Are sose-?!"

"Hrm?" What's the deal?

I look at the bowl.

I take a good look at the bowl.

OH.

Russet is confused by our facial expressions. "What is it? Is something wrong?" Russets says, still eating.

Papa and I quickly glance at one another.

I shake my head. He smiles nervously. I find myself only being able to stomach the one I already started while Papa avoids the stuff altogether. Russet happily scarfs down the entire bowl and even makes a go for the pot.

When breakfast is over, Russet goes back to toying with the piano. Papa grimaces at the harsh notes. "Mmm. Perhaps I schould teach em too, eh?" He pats me on the back and leaves the table.

I intertwine my fingers and stare down at the wooden surface. Dammit, how could I be so stupid? I let out a long sigh. It wasn't always this way. It used to be just like that- like the way it was a few minutes ago. I didn't even have to think twice. But now… How did I not catch what I was doing? I was too excited to see Russet's reaction. I look to the dishes in the sink, still smelling like melted chocolate. Has it really been that long? I frown. It used to be worse actually. Anything that reminded me of her. Bodies of water, lilypads, honeydew melon, chocolate-covered strawberries… Now it's just the strawberries. They're the worst. What those things do to me. I scratch my head. Ugh! It's just another food. Why? Even after all of these years can I not get over it? I sit there in silence. Tch. Now I'm too bothered to enjoy the day at home. I rise from the table to go take a shower, making extra sure I'm scrubbed spotless. I change into a black shirt, pants and flats. I don't bother toweling as in an angry huff of hot air the water evaporates from my skin and hair, which I tie into a bun. As custom, I retrieve my black nail polish, and thanks to magick it only takes a few seconds for the paint to dry.

Papa returns to the dining table. "Russet has finally gone off to sleep. Ate too much."

I nod.

"You're goink to go see her aren't you?" He asks worriedly.

"Uh-huh." I respond quietly.

"Missy. I'm- I'm sorry."

I stop him there. "No. I didn't know what I was doing. I thought I was over it for a moment, but… I'm still not. It's dumb. But I'm still not over it. It would've happened even if you hadn't said anything."

He sighs.

"I won't be there all day. I know it's not her birthday but… I should go see her. It'll help clear my mind."

He doesn't argue. I give him a quick peck on the cheek and make my way to the door. "See you later." I call out.

He waves me off, looking unsure.

I've still got money left over from my student allowance... Yeah. I'll take a cab. I take a bus to the ferry, and from the docks I hail a taxi, instructing him to take me to Riverside Drive. I exit, pay and stop by a botanical to pick up a small, saltwater candle. It's a short walk to Trinity Cemetery. This part of town is eerily quiet, despite the beautiful, sunny weather. I barely even hear any birds chirping, as if they know somehow this is not the time or place. I have to make sure to keep my eyes on the sidewalk, not wanting to get a good look at the many spirits I pass while entering the cemetery.

It's not hard to find the gravestone. It's a beautiful burial spot, her parents would have no less. They paid no expense, and it's by a river at that. I'm sure she's grateful. I wonder how they're doing, back in Japan. The surrounding water and wildlife must be a constant, painful reminder of their lost child.

I walk down the familiar path, ignoring the whispers and mutterings of the dead, their stares and attempts to get my attention. Please let there be a spell out there to keep me from seeing and hearing them all the time.

Here she is. I place the tiny candle in front of a pretty, white marble grave. Although I already know what it says, I read the lapis-blue colored inscription:

"Lorili Ao Ningyo

Our precious daughter, and beloved friend.

1994-2006"

Why am I even here? This is just a memorial. Her ashes were scattered into the Eastern sea. I sigh and sit down. I pull out a small box of matches and light the candle, place my hands over my heart, shut my eyes, and begin.

Okay Lori. I'm only going to be here for as long as the candle stands before being melted away. Um. Hi. How are you? I'm fine. In fact… I have a lot to tell you! I spend over an hour mentally explaining to her what has happened in the past year. Attending Iris, making new friends, finally getting to study magick, getting married.

Our little family might be gaining a new member. I wonder if Russet will stay with us every summer. Oh, and my husband. He's a hassle, but… I've got this huge crush on him. I can't let him in on that though. Not yet, it's too soon. I know it's crazy. All of this is crazy. It drives me up the wall sometimes. Lori, I miss you so much. I wish you could answer me. I wish you could visit me, even if it was for just one, short moment. But I know that would be selfish of me because then you wouldn't be getting any rest- so please don't try to do me any favors. ...Ugh. Yeah, I know, I just kind of contradicted myself. Sorry. I just really hope you can hear me, wherever you are. I'm trying my best for the both of us. The candle has blown out, so I'm going to take my leave now.

I say my farewells and excuse myself from the grave, only to be disoriented when several spirits who were crowding me as I had my eyes closed try to get a closer look. I look up to many ghostly, and a few downright terrifying faces and they react with shock and glee when they notice that I can see them. I'm forced to rush out of the cemetery with the dead calling after me. Can't a woman mourn in peace?!

I return home well into the afternoon. "Papa? I'm home."

"Hello Missy, I'm in zee kitchen."

I walk on over to receive my "welcome home" hug.

"How vas it?"

I roll my eyes. "The same as always. I bring her an offering, pray, then the spirits refuse to leave me alone. But I am glad I got it out of my system."

"Russet's sleepink."

"Its es bedtime, so that means it's you and me for now. What did you do while I was gone?"

Papa squints. "Talked vith Russet, and I played zee piano for a little vile. I had to. E is so fascinated by zat sink."

"And I'm guessing Russet has no sense of rhythm, based on your facial expression."

Papa groans. "If e vas a songbird, I'm sure e vould tweet backvards!"

"Is that all?" I ask.

"Mmmf. It took a vile." Papa grunts.

"Are you thirsty? I'm going to get some water."

He shrugs. "Yes. Vould you like to have a talk?"

"Why not?" I opt to serve Papa his water with extra ice. This summer is going to be one for the record books. It's still May, but its breached 88 degrees outside. I sit on the counter, he comfortably at the table.

"You've changed Missy."

I tilt my head.

"You're not so schy anymore. I'm guessink beink around your own kind has done vonders for your confidence."

Yeah, it has.

"So… How long did it take for zem to call you 'Lumie'? I sought you vould never let anyone call you zat again."

So did I. "It wasn't my idea."

"Oh?" He raises his eyebrows.

"To be fair, it's an easy nickname to think of. My roommates thought of it when I came back from the Yuletide break. We all came up with nicknames for each other. It caught me off guard. But… I can't let her haunt me forever. And they call me it out of affection. How could I say no?"

He looks away. Is he okay?

"You're so young. Yet, you've seen sinks people can only imagine in seir vorst nightmares. I'm relieved you haven't ended up in zee crazy house."

Who knows?

"Agh. Zat vas rude of me."

I shake my head. "No it wasn't. I didn't take it to offense. Is that what you're worried about?"

He taps the table nervously. "Yes. Not all zee time. But… It's a lot to bear, even for a vizard. You're still human. Zee human mind has its limits. And you're a vite mage. I knew you vould be. You schowed all zee signs."

"You're a blue mage."

He grins. "But of course!"

"But… You show a great deal of skill in white magick too."

He looks flattered. "I vould agree to say zat it is my strongest asset, after red magick."

I perk up. "Rank your magick based on the pentachromatic system."

He scratches his chin. "Hmmm. Blue, red, vite, green, and black. You now."

"White, green, black, blue, red."

"I sought your green magick vould come right after your vite magick, since you love zee animals and all. But vhy vould you consider your red magick at zee very bottom? It doesn't require much more zan emotion and energy- very similar to vite magick."

"I think they're as different as night and day."

"How so?"

"White magick is of the innermost psyche, but red magick relies on raw instinct. From my experience white magick has a lot more to do with the heart and red magick is more about using your head. That's probably why red and blue magick pair so well."

"Red and blue? Vat vould make you sink of a pair like zat?"

Instantly I flush, Professor Grabiner being the first example to pop into my mind. "It's just... Based on personal experience... I've learned all of the spells already."

He spits out his water.

"Aaagh! Papa!" I scold him, angrily.

The spray settles while he goes into a coughing fit. "*Cough*cough*hack!* V-vat?! Already?!"

"Why does that surprise you so much? I told you already I was learning the material quickly."

He clears his throat. "But you've only completed your freschman year!"

To save myself from an interrogation, I give him the same explanation I gave to The Headmistress at the Glen concerning the differences between controlled-casting and free-casting.

"You may be onto sometink." Papa ponders. He throws his arms up. "Aren't you a trip?"

I'm weird. That's what I am. Even to other wizards I'm weird.

We continue our discussion and go more into depth about my spell casting abilities. Papa eases when he figures out I may have learned all of the spells, but I only have their primary forms down. After that we go back to ranking our skills.

"Your top skills are your best assets, sey are vat you go for first in any situation sey are applicable. Your bottom schould only be your last resorts, as sey are not as reliable." He lectures.

"It's my black magick that I'm struggling with the most, even though I don't consider it my worst skill. It may deal with objects, but it isn't an arts and crafts class. Half of it is strategy and science, making traps, using tools, enchanting things, organizing and re-arranging- mixing compounds too. You can sculpt things and alter them, but I'm no sculptor, per say. So I struggle a bit there. Then again, the other half of black magick includes charms-making and potions-brewing, which I enjoy and excel at. Because I'm only really good at half of the subject, I think it belongs in the middle."