Mal stepped outside the office. The secretary office just happened to be empty, so she leaned against the oak doors blocking her from Fairy Godmother's concerned gaze. As she stood there she felt that power pull at her once again.
"I'm the daughter of pure evil," she rationalized, "I can't be the pinnacle of Good." Her whisper was answered with silence "Can I be... well... Good?"
"You are Good," Ben's words flooded back to her. "Because I'm listening to my heart." Ben trusted her and her choice, so why couldn't she? Footstep in the hall were her only warning that her peace would soon be interrupted. Mal quick straighten herself and put on a look of indifference.
Moving forward she knew she needed to get out of there. Rounding the corner she didn't expect to smack into, "Evie?"
"Oh Mal," Evie smiled. "Where you called down too?"
"Yeah, I just got out of a meeting. But I wonder why she called you down."
Evie shrugged. "Honestly, for a second I thought that maybe she called us all down to check on us. I mean we did witness a lot on Friday. But since she already called you down I don't know why."
"I think she just wants to converse with us individually. No pressure that way."
"Is that what she talked to you about?" Mal nodded to her roommate. Evie tilted her head curiously, the scrutiny of her watchful gaze had Mal uneasy. If anyone could see through Mal it was would either Ben or Evie. Mal always hated keeping things from Evie, especially when she could be of some assistance. "Mal, are you okay."
The only thought that shot through Mal's head was PANIC! "No, I wasn't feeling to swell. Fairy Godmother thought it would be smart for me to take the rest of the day off." She wasn't lying. But she knew that Evie wouldn't worry as much as long as she had an explanation.
"Oh, Mal, go lay down. I'll make you some soup tonight for dinner if you are still feeling a little drowsy. I'll also let Ben know so that he can come check on you too."
I gave her a half smile. "Thanks Evie, I knew I could count on you."
"We're the closest thing to family we have anymore, Mal. I will be there for you." Evie pulled her into a hug, something that Mal was still getting use to but enjoyed receiving. "Go get some rest I will see you soon."
"Enjoy your talk with Fairy Godmother."
Mal hadn't slept great, but she didn't protest when she heard the knock on the door. She figured it could only be Evie knocking for permission to enter with that delicious homemade chicken noodle soup. The door cracked open as Mal walked over to the table opposite their beds.
"Looks like your finally alive," the voice wasn't feminine at all. Standing in front of her was a concerned Jay and worrisome Carlos. Evie came in behind them with a tray of food and much to Mal's surprise Ben followed with an equally large tray as well.
Evie smiled, "I figured we'd have dinner together. Well, if you were up for it Mal?"
"Of course." Mal smiled. She knew that it would be difficult to keep her secret but at the same time she was tired of being alone with her thoughts, they were taking her to dangerous places. "Wow, E. Looks like you've cooked enough for an army of ogres. Not even Jay can eat this much."
"Well we are expecting more," Evie's eyes widened in excitement, which told Mal exactly who one of the missing guests would be.
"Am I to expect the company of Doug and Lonnie too." Jay beamed with pride at the mention of his oriental warrior princess, and Evie giggled.
"Yes, but they'll be a little late," Ben said as he came behind his girl. Her skin shivered in anticipation of his touch. His hands gave her shoulders a loving squeeze and he bent to whisper. "You feeling good enough to take a walk with me tonight?" Mal nodded just slightly as to not draw attention to them. Ben kissed her cheek and took the seat next to her.
After Evie had the table set to her perfectionist, happy-homemaker ways, she sighed. Mal knew that the sigh came simply from the realization that she now had to wait from the last of her guests. That idea made Mal sigh to because she was starving. A knock on the door announced the arrival of Doug and Lonnie. Lonnie slid into the seat next to Jay as she squeezed her hand and whispered her hello. Doug came over to Evie's side and kissed her cheek. For some reason Mal's eyes landed on Carlos and for a split second she saw a small sadness in his eyes. A bark quickly ended that sadness, and Dude got the belly rub he'd been patiently waiting for.
"Well," Doug started. "Let's eat."
Author's Note:
I know, I know... this is super late, but at least it is up. I hit a block because I was thinking to far ahead instead of just what I can do right now. But I hope you enjoy it, and comment on what you want to see in the future.