Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to Noble, Fadewind, Bibika94, Lauren j, Alphabloodwolf, Alexsandra, Jaboo101, Lsb123, and BellaNessieCullen
I had a long hot shower the morning of Christmas Eve. I enjoyed it immensely, as I did any opportunity to cleanse so thoroughly. There was also an added thrill this morning knowing that Mal was showering the same time as I. Yes it was in his own room, but thanks to how our bathrooms were designed my shower was adjacent to his and there was one small brick wall between us. A wall Mal could see through if he chose to utilise his gift, and here was I naked.
I blushed as I smiled at the thought, and washed over my body, singing a selection Christmas songs as I did so. Over the water and the echo of my own voice on the tiles I was aware of another voice singing along with me. It was now a duet I realised and I sang a little louder, and I heard Mal chuckle as he sang louder too.
I enjoyed our bathroom duet, but we could not remain there forever and so I had to end our duet and finish off my ablutions. I dressed in jeans and a light t-shirt for I had no plans of leaving the house all day. There were decorations to put up, and angels to make. It was Christmas Eve and there was much to do as a family. Of course I would style my hair, I could not allow it to become the state it was the night previous.
My hair was full of bouncing curls by the time I had finished and I felt buoyant as I unlocked my door to find Mal there, smiling at me. I smiled in return before I took his hand and went beneath his other arm to exit the room. Mal turned and followed me to Alec's room. That was the plan, but Mal stopped me. I turned back to him and gave him a questioning look.
"Why don't we just go down to breakfast and call on Alec later. It's not like he'll be missing much." He suggested.
"I know. But his revelation last night was so grave, we should at least pretend to be friendly today." I replied apologetically.
"Not making him watch us eat is being friendly." Mal stated.
I laughed at his joke and led him on to Alec's room without further comment.
I knocked Alec's door and he was rather prompt to answer, but he was looking subdued and still wore his clothes from the day before. I had to hope that all this was due to the fact that he was worried about his children and felt he could be open about it now, and not that he was playing on my sympathies. If that were the case then I would be done with him. How could I tolerate someone who'd exploit his own children in that manner?
I was jumping ahead of myself. I should allow him the benefit of thought doubt before accusing him of such things. He looked at Mal and I solemnly before closing the door. Beyond wishing us a good morning it was clear that he was going to be silent for the day. Well one could hope.
We had toast and cereal for breakfast. It was something simple that would fill us well until lunch. With breakfast out of the way we could truly start on our day. Billie was excited to be able to make decorations and pulled me along to the playroom where she had everything ready.
If it had been possible she would have done everything at once, but Mother and I soon helped her realise that she could only do one thing at a time. We started with angels. Billie had made some with Esme, but now she wished to make them with Mother and I. Mal was helping with cutting and glue and glitter, but Alec was somewhat of a spoilsport, sitting in the rocking chair and staring at the ceiling. I did suggest that he go back to his room for I planned to spend the day with Billie, but he declined.
Therefore we chose to ignore him as we made an abundance of angels and stars and an endless string of multi-coloured popcorn. I was just contemplating asking Billie if she would like to conjure up some salt dough creations when Father entered the nursery.
"There is a guest for you at the door Vela." He said.
I looked up in question, who could be calling on me? Anyone who had invitation to some here would use the back door, but the person was at the front. I had heard the bell but dismissed it as a delivery or some such, knowing Father would answer it.
"Thank you Father." I replied and got to my feet.
"Where are you going Liza?" Billie asked.
"To see who is at the door. I will not be long." I promised and I left the room.
Alec came to follow me but I told him to stay in case it was somebody I couldn't explain him to. Mal stayed behind because Billie made him and I didn't mind because he was keeping my sister entertained. I mused on this as I descended the stairs to find Prue waiting for me in the entrance hall, her hair hidden up inside an enormous cap.
"Liza, you got to come with me! It's an emergency!" She gasped as she grabbed my hand and dragged me along.
"What's happened?" I asked, dreading the thought that there was something wrong with Grace, for if it were Tony I would know.
"You're the only person I can think who can help me with my hair." She said.
"Hold on a moment." I said, and planted my feet and Prue stopped too. "You are declaring a state of emergency because you are having a bad hair day?"
"No. It's an emergency cause I'm having a bad hair decade. You got to help me Liza." She pleaded.
"No. I am busy today doing things with my family because it's Christmas Eve and we have our traditions." I stated.
"I would have asked Grace, but your brother's hijacked her for the day." Prue said with a pout. "He doesn't seem to be adhering to tradition."
"A last minuet mad dash to buy presents is tradition for Tony." I retorted. "However I spend it making decorations for the tree. Now it has more significance with Billie to help me."
"She's a kid, you can tell her anything and she'll believe you." Prue said dismissively.
"Prue, this is her first Christmas." I protested, and realised what I had to say and had to backtrack. "That she is aware of what Christmas means and is enamoured by everything it entails. I cannot bail on her now."
"But I really need your help." Prue cried, bouncing up and down like a toddler trying to get their way.
"It's the scarecrow lady." I heard Billie whisper loudly from the top of the stairs. "She needs Liza's help."
"With what Baby?" Mother asked.
"I don't know. But if the scarecrow lady needs help I'd rather Liza help her. We've made loads of angels and stuff now and I don't mind if Liza helps the scarecrow lady. It's good to help others." Billie stated.
"Then it's settled. Liza you're coming with me." Prue declared and she took my hand and before I could protest dragged me from the house.
"I have none of the things I may need." I stated as Prue led me to a very old muscle car.
"I have everything at the Stables. All you need to bring is your ability to get anything tidy." Prue replied as she opened the doors.
"Very well." I said with a sigh as I sat in the passenger seat. "But you owe me."
"Yeah." Prue agreed as she pulled off. "I'll give you some tips on satisfying Mal because the way he is around you it's clear he's not getting enough."
"Did you consider my technique was such that he craves it every moment of the day?" I demanded a little on the curt side.
"Liza honey, I know you're all precise with everything and that would not be the case. Sex is about letting yourself go in the moment."
"And in the moment I can let myself go. Perhaps it is the case that I keep myself so regimented most of the time that when I loosen the corset all that passion runs free." I suggested with a grin.
"Yeah. I don't buy that." Prue observed. "Ok, if I'm ready to accept that you two are at it like rabbits, which I'm not cause I always pictured you as the no sex before marriage type."
"Why does everybody think that of me?" I demanded, cutting her off before she'd finished her point as I was offended by her suggestion.
"Because you're so straight laced and old fashioned." Prue replied.
"I am picky, but not old fashioned. I am a very passionate person; I merely saved it for the right person. The person I feel most comfortable with, whilst still feeling that delightful shiver." I stated.
"Oh yeah. The shiver." Prue mused as she parked in front of the Stables. "What a polite way to put it."
"Then how would you put it?" I asked as she led me into the house.
"Well let's call it what it is. The shiver is only the start right, the promise of things to come. That heat all over your skin, but concentrating in certain places, you know what I mean. It all coming together into that perfect orgasm. Oh god!" Prue exclaimed the latter in an over the top way.
"Prue." I chastised as I felt my cheeks burn.
"We're all grown ups here, can't we use grown up words?" She asked.
"I have a few I'd like to use." I murmured under my breath. "Shall we commence with washing out your hair?"
"Please. I hope you can help me, I really don't want to lose the length." She stated in suddenly serious tones.
"Let's take a look." I said, as I guided her into a chair.
I removed the cap and regarded the damp mess. I picked up a comb and tried to brush her hair. It frayed at the bottom, knotted in the middle and there was no way I would be able to untangle this mess.
"Oh Prue, I am afraid I will have to cut them out. I'll save as much as I can, but it is going to be short. I can style it into a cute little cap. It will suit you, with your hair so golden and those chiselled cheekbones. It will make the blue of your eyes stand out, and is that not the thing people should notice first about you?" I asked, trying to convince her it was for the best.
"But I'm so tall. They'll think I'm a guy!" She exclaimed.
"Not with those breasts." I stated.
"Trans-gender then." She growled.
"Prue. There is no way anyone will think you anything but a woman with the guts to wear her hair so short. By the time I have finished with you, you will be like one of those cool Nordic models." I said firmly.
"I guess I could finally put those genes Mom gave me to good use." Prue mused as she angled a compact mirror to view herself.
"You will look fabulous darling." I declared. "When I am finished with you the super models of the world will hand in their heels and fake lashes in shame for there will be but one beauty in this world and they can no longer compare."
"Oh god Liza, I've missed your sense of whimsy." Prue mused as she tapped my hand. "There's just no one else like you in the world."
"Of course not, and anyone who tells you differently is lying." I said firmly.
Prue chuckled.
"You know one thing I regret?" She asked as I aligned the scissors at the longest length possible and snipped off the first dreadlock. "That you didn't come all the way through high school with me, my deputy. You would have made a good best friend. Why couldn't you be my age? You seem so much older than Tony anyways. You could have not been twins, you could have been older than him so Grace still would have had Tony, and I would have had you."
"But then I would not have been captain." I observed.
"We could have been joint captain." Prue said with a nod of her head and I was glad the scissors weren't near her head at that point.
I thought for a moment, then hugged Prue from behind and kissed her cheek.
"We would have made a good joint captain, and we would have given the boys hell." I stated.
"Yeah. I'd get them by the balls, you'd get them by the soul." Prue said, tapping my cheek.
"So we'd be the true terrible twins, with all of Olympic High at our feet?" I asked as I straightened back up.
"We would have been unstoppable." Prue stated. "And I so would have been bi-curious about you. You were too young for me for experimenting back then, but if we'd been the same age…"
"Have you been drinking?" I asked.
"No. You're just my type all dark and mysterious." She chuckled.
"And female?" I asked carefully.
"Either way I don't care. At least back then I was curious enough not to care. I know now I like a nice hunk of wood, but you are my girl crush."
"Oh." I remarked as I went back to cutting her hair.
"Yeah. You got a girl crush?"
"I have never truly thought of it." I stated. "But then I know no women with brown hair and green eyes." I joked.
"Huh?"
"I have had it pointed out to me that I always go for men with brown hair and green eyes." I explained.
"Like Simon?" Prue asked and I had been dreading this subject being raised by someone who had seen me with Simon.
"Yes." I replied for what other answer could I give?
"What do you think of him being a film star now?" Prue mused. "And we tapped that!"
"You never slept with him Prue, and neither did I." I stated firmly.
"Oh. He told you?" Prue asked sounding a little hurt by the idea.
"I thought him a virgin until Red told me differently." I stated.
"Red?" Prue exclaimed, her mouth falling open. "She slept with him?"
"You had no knowledge of that?" I asked, feeling appalled that I had revealed this.
"No. When did it happen?" Prue demanded, eager now for the gossip.
"At some camp out." I said guardedly, angry with myself that I had revealed Simon's secret to her.
"Oh. I remember that. Poor Simon. Is that why he was so off with me? I know Red got screwed over big time by what's his face, did she then screw over Simon?" Prue prompted.
"It's not my place to say." I said firmly, for I had already said enough.
"Suppose not." Prue conceded. "But it makes sense now. Of course I'd be off putting where a good girl like you would be just the ticket for him."
"Someone undemanding?" I asked.
"Yeah." Prue agreed.
"Although in other aspects I am very demanding. What some might call high maintenance?" I mused.
"Ah, you got to get your worth out of guys, and I bet you're more bossy than high maintenance. You don't expect material things from them, just emotional stability and understanding for your idiosyncrasies. Love and understanding, isn't that what we all want?" She asked.
"And I have that with Mal." I stated with a smile.
"I wish I could find someone like that who doesn't turn out to be a complete sleaze somewhere down the line." Prue observed sadly.
"You will." I stated firmly as I snipped out the last of the dreadlocks and began to brush her hair happy that it was smooth now and all I needed was to tidy it up.
"I hope so. But for now I'll have my fun." Prue mused. "So what about that Alec guy? He's short and looks kinda young, but there's also something mysterious about him. I get the sense that he knows how to treat a woman right."
"Then you really do have bad taste in men." I murmured under my breath.
"What was that?" Prue asked.
"I would advise you to stay away from Alec, he is not good for anyone." I said darkly.
"How can you say that about your own cousin?" Prue demanded.
"Because he is my cousin and I know him well. He is going through a bad divorce at the moment, and I do not blame Bethany one bit for divorcing him. He was controlling and thought he could bully her into continuing their relationship. He is only staying at the Hall because it was that or jail. Unfortunately we cannot turn or backs on family, no matter how barbaric they might be, especially at Christmas." I explained before adding in firm tones that left no argument, "But for your own sake, stay away from him."
"Wow. And he looks so quiet. Well I guess you never can tell." Prue said with a shrug.
"Careful." I warned as I almost went awry with the scissors. "I am almost done with the scissors. Why not view it and then you can decide how you wish to proceed."
"Proceed?"
"It is a good length at the moment, but I could cut it in with a razor at the back to add some texture. It depends on whether you wish to go with short hair for a while, or you wish to grow it back at once." I stated.
"Is it all one length?" She inquired,
"As one length as I could make it." I replied truthfully.
"Then we'll leave it like that. I'm sure you'd be good with the razor and everything, but I do want to grow my hair back long and it'll take longer if I got to grow out a style too." Prue reasoned.
"Very well. Would you like me to blow dry it?"
"Ah go on then." Prue said lightly, as if I'd needled her into it.
I nodded, and then set about blow-drying Prue's hair until it was a soft curtain of blond that fell to her ears. I was happy with the results and wondered if I should charge for my efforts, even in a joking manner.
"This is one of the best hair cuts I've ever had." Prue stated. "I think I'll buy you lunch to say thanks."
"No need. I am happy to help a friend." I stated.
"No, no, I insist." Prue said firmly. "Anyway, it gives me chance to test drive my new hair cut."
"I am not dressed to go anywhere." I protested.
"I know you're not a jeans and t-shirt person, but you look fine really. We're only going to the Diner, not the Ritz." Prue said with a snort as she stood.
"I have no coat." I pointed out.
"We're going in the car." Prue stated.
I looked at her, uncertain how to respond. I did not want to go to the Diner. I wanted to go home. How did I put that politely?
"Prue, I have finished your hair and now I wish to return home and do what I planned for the day." I stated, deciding blunt truth would serve me better than any number of thought up excuses.
"Sure. I'll drive you home." She said.
I nodded and followed Prue out to her car.
I climbed into the passenger seat and as Prue pulled out of the drive I should have realised she was up to something. I didn't think she would actually do something so underhand until she sped past the turning for Tregarran.
"Stop this car right now!" I demanded.
"There's no where safe to pull over." She said cheerfully.
"Then turn around in the next drive." I growled.
"That's impolite." Prue observed.
"Then I will phone Mal, have him meet me in town." I stated as I pulled my phone from my pocket.
"Oh come on. It's the first time of been in Olympic Pines for years, I need my deputy at my side." Prue said with a pout. "I need to find myself again and you can help me do that."
I groaned and placed my phone back in my pocket.
"Fine. We will have lunch, but then I will go home." I said firmly.
"Thanks Liza. You're a lifesaver." Prue said with a wide grin and I rolled my eyes, despairing at being such a soft touch.
Why did I not merely get out? Would I be injured so badly if I did jump from a moving vehicle? Now that we were past Tregarran, Prue was doing no more than thirty. I could run faster than that and it was all soft verges amongst the trees. As long as I timed it right so that I didn't hit a trunk it was feasible that I could survive. As a human I could survive.
Of course I may injure myself, possibly break a leg. I'd spend a good part of the day healing before I could head for home. I'd be sweaty and require blood to help the healing. It was hardly worth it. I could do this favour for Prue, and I would be home within an hour.
It seemed my best option was to sit back and go along with this and escape when the first opportunity presented itself. As soon as lunch was over I would go home.
Prue parked in the centre of town and we walked to the Diner. Had I been human I would have froze, it was a blessing I ran hotter than humans. I shivered for the show of it and Prue had the decency to feign concern for the predicament I would not be in if it were not for her.
Thankfully it was warm within the Diner as always. There was a new person behind the counter, I did not recognise her, and I did not like the disdainful look she gave me either. As if she thought she was better than me. Well, I could do haughty too.
I drew myself up to my full height, raising my chin and looked over my nose, despite the fact that I was shorter I could give a good impression of looking down on people.
"Liza?" I heard someone call my name and I turned to see Gray Bronson looking a lot better than he had in a long while.
"Gray. It is good to see you." I said with a smile as I hugged him. "Are you working here now?"
"Yeah. Didn't Tony tell you?" He asked as he returned the hug enthusiastically.
"We haven't had chance to catch up yet." I stated as I pulled away and looked up at him.
"You just got in for the Holidays?" He asked.
"More or less." I stated.
"So a table for two?" He said, looking between Prue and I.
"No, the rest are hiding under my jacket." Prue quipped.
"Prue?" Gray said in surprise. "That you?"
"You really forgot me Gray?" Prue asked with a pout.
"Course not." Gray said with a snort. "Just ain't seen you in a long while. You're looking good."
"So are you." Prue returned with a grin. "So about this table?"
"Right this way ladies." Gray said with a bow and as he smiled there was a trace of that carefree young man he'd been before his time in the army.
As Gray led us to a table I glanced at the woman behind the counter once more who was now giving us an annoyed look of a different nature. The vampire in me recognised the look that said, 'mine, hands off'. It was a clear territorial signal that spoke to something primal within me. I was still offended by her earlier look and decided not to heed her warning.
"Oh Gray, you are still quite the charmer." I said, placing my hand on his arm lightly as I went by him to sit down. "I still recall how you used to move me so effortlessly."
Prue gave me a questioning look, then smiled.
"Oh yeah. On the stage…and off." She added in a seductive purr, and no one could do seductive like Prue.
"Well thank you Prue, you weren't too bad yourself." Gray replied oblivious, "And Liza, I've never found a partner to match you since."
"Glad to have been of service." I replied with a smile I thought would send a message to the woman other than the fact that I had merely partnered Gray in cheerleading when Prue had been unable to do so.
Gray laughed, giving me a fond look, I almost expected him to pat my head as if I was a dog who had done something adorable. Hardly the effect I wanted, but even this amount of affection seemed to engender a look of annoyance from the woman.
"I'll give you a couple of minuets to decide what you want." He stated and went off to seat some new arrivals.
Prue leaned across the table and beckoned me closer.
"So what's with the flirting?" Prue asked.
"Miss snooty pants annoyed me thinking she's better than me but she obviously has a thing for Gray." I explained in whisper. "I thought I would torment her somewhat for looking down her nose at me."
"Liza, I don't want to offend you honey, but you're short." Prue stated. "Everyone has to look down to you."
"There's a difference between people looking down to my eye level to converse and people looking down their nose. It's all in the angle of the head and the set of the mouth, how they use their eyes. I can look down my nose if I desire to." I said as I displayed. "Even though I am shorter."
"I see what you mean. Snooty bitch. Well we'll just let her know there's no messing with Pearson and Black." Prue said with a wink before leaning back.
I laughed.
"We could be a detective drama." I stated.
"Why not?" Prue mused. "What type would we be?"
"The dabbling sleuths kind, like Poirot or Miss Marple." I stated.
"Or Jessica Fletcher?" Prue offered.
"Well that could be possible if we were to bring Grace on board with this venture since she is our resident author." I stated authoritively, and Prue chuckled.
"So tell me Liza, these books Grace writes, are they as raunchy as everyone says?" She asked thoughtfully.
"Have you not read them?" I replied.
"I'm afraid to." Prue admitted.
"Why?" I inquired.
"Because I always thought of Grace a good girl and I don't want to see how much of a naughty girl she is." Prue explained in a nervous voice.
"Prue, believe me it will not shatter your illusions of Grace. It is pure erotica with allusions to activities but nothing one couldn't get away with in a R rated movie." I stated. "Grace is a very gifted writer and weaves a wonderful tale. You will be rewarded if you read. I promise you."
"So there's nothing wrong with the sex scenes?"
"The only thing I find a little uncomfortable are the ones between, well I cannot tell you that without giving a spoiler for something that does not happen until the third book." I stated.
"Spoiler me, I don't care." Prue stated.
"The sex scenes I find hard to read are the ones between Lady Anna and Brody, because Lady Anna reminds me of Grace, and Brody reminds me of Tony. It is like reading about the exploits of my brother and his girlfriend."
"I see. So I guess I'll just skim through those parts." Prue conceded.
"Perhaps not on the first read through." I stated. "But after that you could skip through those scenes."
"Ok. You've convinced me. I'll read." Prue stated. "So what's the best food they got in this place?"
"I have no idea. I don't eat here often." I admitted.
"Well there's burger and fries. Burger and fries are always good." She observed.
"Then we'll go with burger and fries." I stated. "Although I must point out I have no money with me."
"Relax. I told you this was my treat for helping me with my hair." Prue said firmly.
"Very well." I replied with a sigh.
"Liza relax, I'm not gonna order and then not pay. I got two hundred dollars on me." She stated.
"From where?" I asked.
"I took back what was mine from Grandmaster Moonshine." She replied proudly.
"Moonshine?" I asked.
"Yeah. Weird name for the leader of a temperance cult right?" She said with a chuckle.
"Perhaps he liked to indulge on the quiet." I suggested.
"Could be. Anyway, it's one of those places where they want you to give up all your worldly goods to join. What I gave up was close to being a thousand dollars, so I took it back."
"You stole from cultists?" I asked.
Prue shrugged.
"What if they come looking for you?" I demanded.
"I'll report their whole organisation to the authorities." She said firmly, but fell silent as Gray approached the table once more and she placed our order.
"How did you come to escape?" I asked once Gray had left the table.
"You know what, it was kinda weird. Would you believe me if I told you an angel told me to leave?" She asked, looking a little embarrassed to admit it.
"I would have to hear your full tale first." I stated.
"Well I'm not gonna lie, I was high at the time." Prue said with a laugh. "Moonshine might have been against alcohol, but he sure liked his herbs. Anyway, I was in the middle of the field, being a scarecrow, when there was a blinding light and then there was this guy in front of me. The most beautiful guy I've ever seen, and that's saying something when you consider all the guys in your family. Anyway, this guy was beautiful. Tall, muscular, midnight dark skin and lips that were so big and kissable. I was blown away by him, just by the sight of him. But his voice wasn't what I expected, so soft spoken, yet deep. His words were precise, but there was a hint of an accent, Italian I think, like not a thick accent, but enough to know English wasn't his first language.
"He called me beautiful, said I was Venus and I should be rising from the foam in a shell, not toiling in a dusty field. It had been such a long time since I had such a compliment it spoke right into the heart of me. It seemed to move the clouds from my mind and for the first time in years I could think straight. I began to wonder what the hell I was doing there and that I needed to escape." Prue trailed off and threw Gray a flirtatious smile as he placed our cokes on the table.
Gray saluted then went to tend another table.
"Could you have not just left?" I asked.
"No. You don't just leave. I mean you can just leave, but that requires dying. If you want to leave alive you have to plan it out, know the right time to move, and still act like a drugged up zombie in the mean time. Although that was easier said than done. They burned the dope like incense in the temple and you were supposed to attend every day. That was weird when you think about it, a free thinking commune, but there's rules."
"How did you get mixed up with them in the first place?" I asked in concern.
"I'd just been disinherited and I only had a two hundred bucks to my name. I had a car and my phone, that's how I make it a thousand dollars that cult owed me. Not important. I was in a bad place, in need of spiritual awakening and I got pulled in by their hype. It was stupid and I never thought that would happen to me, I thought I was much too smart. But obviously not."
"It is how they work Prue. They pray on the vulnerable, and at the time you were vulnerable. But you did well to come out of that situation. Most never do." I said in comfort as I tapped her hand.
"I'm just glad that I saw that angel. Whether he was an hallucination or not, I'd still be standing in the middle of that field right now." Prue observed.
"You said there was a blinding light." I stated as certain factors in her story jumped out at me. "Did the man himself glow?"
"No. He was just beautiful." Prue said wistfully.
"Did the light move fast?" I asked, still determined to follow up on my suspicions.
"Of course it did, it was light." Prue said, giving me a look that suggested I was acting strange.
"Of course." I muttered. "Did your angel move fast?"
"Liza, I was high, he could have flown and I wouldn't have taken notice." Prue said, as if she was regretting she'd told me with all my questioning.
"I suppose." I conceded.
"Grubs up." Gray said, placing our food on the table.
"Thank you Gray." Prue said with a smile. "You got any plans for tomorrow? Cause we can always make room for one more up at the Stables."
"Thanks for the invitation Prue, but I already got plans." Gray stated.
"You have?" I asked.
"Yeah. Miss Marcia asked if I'd like to join her and her niece. She may come off as stuffy, but she wants me in her life, and there's not many who wanted that for me in all my life." Gray stated.
"But we are very fond of you Gray." I stated, placing my hand on his and smiling. "And we would very much like to rekindle our friendship now we're back."
"Well, look me up over the road." Gray said. "I'd be pleased to show you around. See if the old place has changed any."
"That would be delightful." I said with a smile, and then I felt pins and needles in my left arm.
I frowned; I never felt pins and needles without good cause unless I was close to needing to feed. I had no need to feed yet, not to the point where my limbs fell asleep. I looked up at Miss Snooty, I know not why; I was merely drawn in that direction. She was quite focused on me and I thought I recognised the look. It was the one I primarily associated with Jane when she was burning somebody.
"Your Miss Marcia wouldn't happen to be the one behind the counter?" I asked.
"That's her." Gray agreed. "A beaut ain't she?"
"Yes." I conceded as I regarded Miss Marcia, trying to get her measure.
Miss Marcia frowned at me, as if she realised I was scrutinising her, but she didn't know what I had evaluated. Had she any idea what I was? What was she for that matter for I had no doubt she had caused my discomfort.
I rose to my feet and walked over to her, scenting the air carefully, but I was picking up nothing but human from her. Sometimes one had to get closer.
"Good day to you Miss Marcia, I am Liza Black. I was in school with your Gray. We were cheerleaders together." I said with my most welcoming smile as I held out my hand.
Miss Marcia frowned at me.
"It is called a handshake. It's considered polite to return it." I stated.
Miss Marcia reached out gingerly and took my hand. As I shook it I took note of her pulse, she was definitely human. However I was getting a strange feeling from her. It was similar to feeling the water that time with Mal. Now I could sense connections between everything, but it had nothing to do with molecules.
"What are you?" We both whispered at the same time, and it was strange but we both chose Latin.
"You speak Latin?" I asked.
"So do you." She returned.
"It is one of the classical languages, one must learn it to become truly accomplished, but you do not strike me as one who would receive a noble education. Why do you know Latin?"
Miss Marcia frowned, it was clear she found it hard to follow.
"You do not speak it well. You know just enough. I will have to ask Father about that." I mused before switching back to English. "It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Marcia, and we really must meet up for tea some time."
Miss Marcia gave me a careful look and it was clear she was analysing me yet again. I merely smiled and returned to my seat, determined that I would work out exactly who Miss Marcia was later. It was hard to think in the din of the diner and Prue demanded too much attention to allow one's mind to wander.
Our conversation now drifted back to reminiscing about school. It was a fun hour and I was looking forward to talking to Mal about it once I was home. I hoped that would be soon. I had my plans today and I wished to see them through.
This was not going to happen and that was clear when upon exiting the diner we came across Abbie, Gale, Yarrow and Vashti heading out for a Christmas Eve drink. Other than Prue and I, they were the last of the unmarried or childless through choice Muses who were our contemporaries. It transpired that they met every Christmas Eve and I felt cheated that I had never been invited, whilst at the same time I wished to go home.
"Just one drink. It'll be fun." Prue coaxed.
"But I am hardly dressed for that." I protested.
"It's just a drink at the Nook." Prue argued.
"Then let me call Mal, I should like him to join me." I said firmly.
The others tried to protest along the lines that it was girls only, but I was determined to have Mal there, if only for a quick escape after the one drink would inevitably lead to more. I rang Mal's cell as we walked to the Ingle Nook.
It rang until it cut out. I tried once more but still there was no answer. I bit my lip and then rang the house phone, but there was no answer there either, and that was definitely unusual, somebody always answered at the house. I needed to return home.
"Get this down you." Abbie said, and pushed a shot glass into my hand.
"No thank you." I said, pushing it back.
"Come on. It's Christmas Eve, let go a little." Prue declared.
"You got to listen to our captain." Yarrow observed.
"Liza doesn't drink." Gail stated. "She never did when we were away."
"That sounds like someone speaking from the bad side of a hangover." I said primly.
"Hey, we had fun. You went to sleep and let us all think you'd slept with Simon." Abbie protested.
"You jumped to conclusions and I knew that the more I protested the more you would think it true." I explained.
"That's true." Prue agreed. "But that's no excuse not to drink now."
"Maybe not, but I think I'll start a little lighter than a shot." I conceded.
"Then what's your poison?" She prompted.
"A fruity red wine." I stated.
Prue nodded and went to the bar. She returned with two red wines.
"Got to say Prue, I like your hair like that." Vashti stated as I took a cautious sip of my wine.
"Isn't it great. I got my personal stylist to do an emergency hair op after I let it go to dreadlocks." Prue stated.
"You had dreadlocks?" Yarrow asked in disbelief.
"Oh yeah. You should have seen me yesterday. Complete mess. But my deputy here didn't let me down." Prue said as she hugged me with one arm.
"Liza cut your hair?" Yarrow asked in amazement.
"Yeah." Prue replied.
"Liza is skilled in all areas fashion." Abbie said happily. "In our junior year she taught us all to make our own dresses for prom. I am lousy at anything crafty, but with Liza's teaching I succeeded. But it was nothing like her own creations."
"Tell me about it." Gail remarked. "Remember that cute little outfit she created in the school colours."
"Oh yeah. It would make an ideal outfit now for impressing in meetings." Abbie agreed.
"Oh yeah, that perfectly cut pencil skirt and the blouse pulled in all the right places." Gail sighed, and then she looked saddened for a moment. "I'm sorry to hear about your aunt."
It took me a moment to remember to whom she referred.
"Aunt Alexis passing was sad, but she would have seen it as timely. Leave whilst they still want you darling and never outstay your welcome." I replied. I lifted my glass in toast. "Aunt Alexis, may you forever show the angels how to dress."
"Aunt Alexis." The others chorused and I had to drink the toast then.
With the warmth of the wine spreading through me I felt more inclined to drink. I drank more than was good for me perhaps. Even when our company moved on to the only nightclub in town, nothing more than a room above the Bait Store, but to each their own.
Prue and I continued drinking well into the night until I could feel my eyelids grow heavy. I felt perhaps it was time to go home, and I would go home now. I wished to go home, but was Prue now ready? There was only one way to find out.
"I am so drunk." I observed, trying to place my glass on the table and missing. "Why did I let you bring me here?"
"To have fun." Prue replied. "And I thought you'd only have one."
"How can I when it's so good. Why did I let you talk me into shots? Dear lord I am nauseous. We need to get home." I stated and rose to my feet and promptly fell back in the chair. "But I don't think we're walking and we're in no fit state to drive."
"We'll never get a cab this time on Christmas Eve." Prue observed.
"What about Tony?" I suggested, not relishing the thought of Mal seeing me in this state.
"Oh, no can't disturb them again." Prue observed.
"Disturb them, again?" I asked, my comprehension a little off.
"Yeah I walked…" Prue suddenly went cross-eyed and gagged.
"You caught them, and Tony said not to talk about it?" I guessed, feeling shocked.
Prue snorted as she nodded her head.
"You walked in on them having…mid coitus?" I asked, not quite believing it.
Prue couldn't quite nod her head but I recognised the signs of someone who had been Alphaed.
"I hope I remember in order to tease Tony the next time he is annoying me." I mused. "And if Tony is unavailable I must call Mal."
"Why didn't you think to call your boyfriend first?" Prue asked.
"Because Mal is going to be so pissed that I'm pissed." I said, and chuckled.
"God! Did you just swear?" Prue exclaimed.
"Perhaps." I grinned as I pulled out my cell phone and tried to remember how to operate it.
"Contacts." Prue said before draining her beer.
"Of course." I said, and then shook my head. "Don't need that. Call Malachite." I said and the phone began to ring.
"Liza?" He said as he answered. "It's midnight, where are you?"
"Midnight? Oh dear, guess Santa won't be calling tonight." I giggled as I realised it was midnight on Christmas Eve.
"Liza. Where are you?" Mal said in calm tones, although I was sure he was close to panic.
"The Ingle Nook. We require a lift home." I stated.
"We, being?" He prompted.
"Prue and I. Please come rescue us fair prince." I said delightfully.
"Where is the Ingle Nook exactly?" Mal asked and I remembered I hadn't given him a tour of the town.
"In town. Near the church." I stated, for the church was easy to spot.
"Hold on. I'll be there now." He promised. "But I haven't got a car."
"Take mine. The light blue Cayman at the back of the garage. The keys are on my dresser. If you bleep the bleeper you will know my car." I stated.
"Then I won't be long." Mal promised and it was clear that he was on the move.
"Diolch bach." I said happily and hung up.
"He doesn't know your car?" Prue inquired.
"We caught a plane and Mother got us from the airport. I use my old school car when I'm here. Mal's never seen it." I stated and was rather impressed by my ability to think on my feet so whilst inebriated.
"Right." Prue replied. "Want another round before he gets here?"
I shook my head knowing Mal would be prompt. It was strange I could almost sense his approach and I turned to the door and smiled at him as he entered.
"Mal, you're here." I cried, jumping up into his arms and kissing his cheek and then his lips before returning to the floor and taking his hand and leading him back to the table where Prue was now leaning her head.
"Of course I did." Mal said in the mean time. "Can your friend walk?"
"If I remember how to work my legs." Prue replied, talking into the table.
Mal sighed and took hold of Prue's arm and placed it around his shoulder before placing his other arm about her for support, and then he heaved her up. Prue swayed a little and I was certain she was putting it on for she had been a tad more coherent only moments before.
"You want to get the door bach?" He asked as I gathered up Prue's purse and coat.
I nodded and went ahead to hold the door open. Mal supported Prue through the door and out into the little lot where he'd left my Cayman. I opened the back door and Mal bundled Prue inside while I went around to the passenger door. I was safely belted in when Mal got into the driver's seat and pulled off.
"You'll have to give me directions to the Stables." He stated.
"It's three miles past the turning for Tregarran." I stated.
"Ok. Tell me when we're nearly there." He asked.
"Of course." I said. "How has your day been?"
"Ok I guess. Would have been better if I hadn't had to put up with Alec on my own." He stated.
"I am sorry about that. I did ring to see if you wished to join us but there was no answer." I stated.
"Billie decided I needed a swimming lesson." He stated.
"You were spending time with Billie?" I asked, feeling touched that he'd do that for my sister.
"Essie asked me if I'd distract her for an hour while they got Paul and Rachael settled in."
"It was good of you to do that." I observed while Prue snorted in the back seat, I had almost forgotten she was there.
"You know they were testing you." She remarked.
"Testing who?" I asked.
"Mal of course. Seeing if you'd make a good father for when you start getting busy." She stated, leaning forward so that she was looking through the gap of the chairs.
"We don't plan on children for a while yet." I stated.
"Yeah. But you're pushing thirty, your clock's gonna be ticking soon. Not to mention your parents are gonna want grandchildren from you. Maybe they're using Billie to start that process along. You know, get you in the mood." Prue observed.
"They just needed someone to distract Billie for an hour and someone had kidnapped Liza for the day so they could hardly ask her." Mal said a little shortly. "We just passed Tregarran, tell me when we're near the Stables."
"I will." I assured him.
"Wow, someone's grouchy." Prue remarked.
"I was starting to get worried about Liza, so yeah I'm a little grouchy." Mal stated, not shy to show his annoyance, and too worried to be polite.
"Here's the turning." I said, thankful that we'd arrived.
Mal nodded and pulled in to the yard.
"Well I'll see you kids later." Prue observed as she clambered out of the back of the car.
We sat and watched until she was in the door before Mal pulled off.
"I am sorry I worried you." I stated.
"It was only Essie assuring me that you were perfectly fine that I didn't come rushing out to find you." Mal stated, as if I doubted his sense of worry.
"I would have preferred an afternoon of swimming with you and Billie." I stated truthfully.
"I know bach." Mal said with a sigh.
"And I didn't want to drink, but Prue kept nagging, and some of our high school friends were there and tequila was involved." I stated, sounding pitiful even to myself.
"You know, for someone so strong willed you don't half get led sometimes?" Mal remarked.
"What can I say? I am a slave to peer pressure." I stated as Mal parked up in the garage.
"Well it doesn't matter now." Mal said, smiling at me. "Let's get you into bed."
"I'd like food first." I stated. "Are you hungry?"
"Maybe a little." Mal conceded.
"Then I will cook for us." I declared as we entered the kitchen.
"Why don't I cook the food?" Mal asked. "I don't know how much longer you'll stay on your feet."
"I'm not that drunk." I giggled.
"If you can walk along the line of the tiles I'll let you cook." Mal stated.
I snorted and began to follow the line created where some of the tiles met. It was harder than it seemed, they wanted to dance and I lost my footing. I chuckled as Mal caught me.
"I guess I am not as sober as I would like to think." I observed.
"Come on bach. I'll make you something to eat, you just sit right here." He stated as he placed me on the footstool I used to reach the worktop comfortably.
"But this is for standing on." I complained.
"Yeah, but I'd rather have you sit there than fall off the high stool." Mal said firmly and it was clear he was serious.
"You are so fussy tonight." I observed.
"Yeah. But I know your love of jumping off high things when you're drunk." Mal stated as he looked around the kitchen.
"I did that only once." I protested.
"And scared me half to death." Mal replied and he lifted me into the air and I gave a start as my heart beat in fear of the surprise that he had lifted me so. He placed me back on the floor. "I think you'll have to settle for a sandwich. It looks like Tobias has everything planned out for tomorrow and I don't want to mess him up."
"I will grab us a few things we can eat upstairs." I stated. "A midnight feast."
"Are we twelve now?" Mal asked.
"If we wish to be." I replied with a grin. "Come, I will need your large carrying capacity."
"Large carrying capacity?"
"Yes. With those long sensuous arms of yours." I crooned, running my hand down his arm. "I cannot begin to describe how wonderful it is to be enfolded in them." I added as I took his hand and twirled into him, wrapping his arms about me as I leant back into him.
"Well you're very huggable." Mal observed, pulling me closer and kissing my cheek. "But let's get you fed, and into bed."
"Oh that would be lovely." I stated as I deliberately confused his meaning in the happy glow of alcohol.
"What do you want me to carry?" Mal asked, ignoring me for he knew I did it on purpose.
"Oh, I will gather us some food." I stated and went into the pantry collecting snack items I used to berate Tony about eating.
Despite the fact I knew they were unhealthy it seemed manna from heaven now that I was so inebriated. What a wonderful midnight feast we would have. Mal and I would eat and then we'd do more. What a wonderful Christmas present to both of us…
"Do you still want to eat now, or would you rather go straight to sleep?" Mal asked.
I blinked and realised we were in my room, the snack food placed on my desk.
I picked up a baguette and began to make a sandwich of ham and coleslaw and salad. It would be a wonderful sandwich, the best one could imagine. It was the most magnificent sandwich, I mused as I broke a off a morsel to eat.
"You must try." I stated, holding it out to Mal.
He took it from me gingerly and placed it into his mouth.
"Is it not divine?" I asked. "The best midnight sandwich ever?"
Mal nodded, chewing in delight.
"Have some more." I whispered, breaking off a piece of bread and this time I ensured I placed it in his mouth.
"Well that was just bread." He stated.
"Sorry." I replied as I took another bite of sandwich.
"Give it here." He said and put his hands over mine, drawing the sandwich to him, and biting into the other end.
I was caught in his eyes for a moment while he smiled at me ever so wickedly as he chewed. I had to remind myself how to open my mouth and take another bite. Mal chuckled as he let go of my hands and sat back.
"I'll let you finish the rest." He said with a smile.
I nodded and finished the sandwich quickly, washing it down with soda. I broke off a piece of chocolate and placed it in my mouth. It was delicious and I wanted to share it with Mal. I picked up a piece and placed it in his mouth.
"You're determined to feed me." He observed.
"Forever my love." I whispered.
"Then I have to return the favour." He stated and broke off a piece of chocolate and placed it in my mouth.
Oh how wonderful it was to share in this experience with Mal. I was so enamoured that he wished to play along and as the chocolate melted on my tongue I decided that it wasn't food I required, or even sleep. It was Mal.
I locked his eyes with mine, taking hold of the front of his t-shirt to pull him closer as I placed my hand to his cheek and I pressed my lips to his. He responded as I hoped and I stood, bringing him with me, leading him to the bed. He fell on his back and I climbed on top of him, pushing up his t-shirt as I attempted to remove my own.
"Liza, do you know what you're doing?" He asked in urgency.
"No. I have never done this before." I replied as I managed to ride up his t-shirt and I kissed his chest.
Mal sat up and put me carefully aside, his t-shirt falling back into place. He watched me for a very long moment, and then he pulled off his t-shirt and I felt my breath catch for a moment, and didn't regain it as his lips met mine and he guided me to lie back, his hands travelling beneath my t-shirt until he was caressing my sides, his thumbs ever so arousing as they caressed near my naval.
I felt a conflict, wanting his hands to go higher and lower simultaneously. Of course if I were to follow convention they would have to go higher first. I sat up forcing Mal to sit up too. There was something almost relieved in his amused smile, but I ignored it as I pulled off my t-shirt, feeling a strange thrill to be in this state of undress when it had never mattered to me before. Now it had significance.
I took Mal's hand and placed it to my breast, although my bra still covered it, and Mal frowned at me.
"I thought you had something better in mind for your first time." He stated.
"I am somewhere comfortable and with the man I love, that is a lot better than many a first time." I stated, looking firmly into his eyes so that he would know I wanted this.
"But you're drunk and not thinking straight and if you were you wouldn't want it now." He stated. "And if I did adhere to your request tonight then you'd hate me forever."
"No I wouldn't." I protested.
"Well maybe not forever, but you would hate me tomorrow and for who knows how long after. I don't want that now we're finally starting to get somewhere." He whispered, his hands resting lightly against my shoulders.
"But I want this." I protested, placing my hands to his cheeks.
"So do I bach, but not when you're stinking drunk." He said softly, stroking back my hair.
"But I want to feel you." I said, pushing myself closer to him and placing my lips to the corner of his mouth.
"And you can." He said, pulling me against him in a less provocative position. "You can feel me now, right? Isn't this enough for tonight?"
"But I want more of you." I whispered, brushing my lips against his neck.
"I'll feel like I'm taking advantage." Mal stated.
"You are not. I want this. Oh how I want…to be sick." I gasped as I suddenly felt the need and I ran to the bathroom, arriving at the toilet in time to throw up.
I was aware that Mal was holding back my hair and rubbing my back. Thankfully I had reached the point where there was nothing left to evacuate, but I still felt terrible. Mal seemed to read my mind as he helped me to my feet and to the sink where he turned on the tap and offered me a glass of water. I swilled my mouth with it before cleaning my teeth several times and then following that with mouthwash. I splashed my face with water several times in the hope of cooling my fever, but in the end I merely wished to sleep.
I took Mal's hand and pulled him with me to the bed, climbing up on it and lying down on top of the covers. I was feeling too hot to go beneath them. I invited Mal to lie beside me.
"I should go back to my room." He stated.
"I'll behave myself now." I promised. "I just want to feel you as much as you are willing tonight."
"Ok, but the first sign of funny business and I'm out of here." Mal stated as he lay down beside me and took me in his arms.
I was much too hot for that; I had to cool down first. Besides it would be uncomfortable to sleep in my jeans. I managed to remove them and slipped beneath the comforter for the sake of modesty.
"For comfort's sake remove your jeans, you wear less at the pool." I murmured, my eyes closed.
Mal seemed to consider for a moment and then he did, although he got a spare blanket from my linen chest and pulled it around him. I smiled slightly at the irony as I took his hand ready to settle into sleep. No I wanted to feel his arms about me, so I turned my back to him and moved closer. Without a word he turned on his side and pulled me into his chest, but the blanket was somewhat itchy against my back. I reached behind me and pulled at the edge of the blanket. I pulled it around me as I backed into Mal once more. Mal hesitated for a moment, but then his arms tightened around me again and safe in Mal's arms I soon drifted to sleep.
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