AN: Welcome to the fourth chapter. Romance will blossom, heart break will ensue...welcome to drama
Chapter Four: Come and Go
Satanic Choir Room
Conductor Waldorf clears her throat. She catches the attention of her choir with her thin baton.
"From the chorus, please. This time gentlemen, elongate 'asp' with an 'ahh' please. Round your vowels. If I have to place a ball in your mouths again, so be it.", the chorus director snapped.
With a raise of her baton and a cue from her hand to breathe to begin, the choir started to sing. They went through the chorus smoothly leading to Zelda's solo.
Little did Zelda know, Rowena stood at the doorway spectating. When Zelda sang, everything paused, all attention on her. Her voice sounded so sweet, so mystifying.
Rowena leaned her head against the frame, hand on her chest. Her chest swelled with admiration, smile permanent on her lips. She swooned at the sound of her voice wanting to hear it forever. A soft sigh escaped her lips.
'Why is she so perfect?', the ginger-haired witch thought.
Rowena jolted hearing the last bell of the day go off. The conductor cut the choir off and bowed her head.
"Wonderful job, lovelies. Now, off you go. Please practice on that line, gentlemen."
The students filed out of the room ready for their leisure time. Zelda spotted Rowena still on her spot on the risers. She waved lightly with a soft grin. This had been quite the development from a month knowing Rowena. Her heart raced now every time she saw Rowena. She wanted to see her all the time, talk to her all the time.
Rowena waved back, that smile never fading. Rowena's eyes grew misty. If her pupils could, they would form into heart-shapes. She watched Zelda step down from the risers making her way over to her.
"Rowena, how was Foreign Languages?", Zelda asked.
Zelda stood towering over her. Rowena still didn't feel intimidated by this, in fact, it made her heart beat faster. Rowena's eyes trailed up to those gorgeous blues that resembled periwinkle at the moment.
"Pretty well, actually.", Rowena replied. "Learnin' more Latin for some spells."
Zelda glanced to see Conductor Waldorf leave the classroom. Waldorf also had a soft spot for Zelda, not minding at all that she used to classroom to practice some more.
Zelda went to sit down by the piano then flipping through some sheet music.
"That's good. I am glad your classes are faring well. You seem to be excelling in your classes-with my help of course.", Zelda said proudly, chin lifted.
Rowena scoffed rolling her eyes. She shuffled over to the piano resting her arms and chin by the edge.
"I must admit yer a good study partner.", Rowena conceded. "I learned a spell."
Zelda's brow lifted. "Oh yes? Let's see it then.", she mused plucking a low 'A' on the piano.
Rowena stepped back with a growing grin. "Prepare to be astounded.", she announced waving her hands dramatically about her.
Zelda snorted playing a chord. "Uh huh. Go on."
Rowena cleared her throat and chanted, "Flore."
Zelda's breath quickened in surprise. Before her, Rowena summoned a bouquet of roses. The corner of her lips lifted gradually, the roses being offered to her.
"There we are.", Rowena spoke like the coo of a dove. "Fresh for ya."
The gesture lifted Zelda's spirits. Zelda admired the way Rowena offered them to her, that cheeky grin, the sparkling eyes, and the playful wag of her thin brows.
Satan in Hell, she was adorable.
"Thank you.", had been Zelda's breathless reply.
Zelda brought the arrangement to her nose inhaling it deeply. She loved the smell of roses. Nothing though, compared to Rowena's natural scent; she smelled of a fresh spring breeze, like a field of flowers beckoning one to lie in it. She would lie with her-that's for sure.
"You know...", Zelda began and bit her lip. "Lupercalia is just around the corner."
Rowena's eyes followed Zelda's delicate fingers as she set aside the bouquet and started to play the piano.
"Oh?", Rowena's breathing grew a bit shallow with anticipation.
Rowena hoped Zelda would ask her to be in the Matching. Deep down, she wished she could just match with Zelda instead, but of course they'd never pair a girl with a girl for Lupercalia.
Zelda nodded with a hum as she glided across the keys. "I have asked Faustus if he was going to participate. I know I would beat Constance to the chair. Shirley may even try that cow.", she says with a snicker.
Rowena's heart dropped hearing Zelda talk about matching with Faustus. "I am sure ya would."
Zelda noticed Rowena's look of resignation. Could she...possibly be jealous?
"But...I don't think I'll participate this year.", Zelda decided not paying attention to Rowena's reaction.
Rowena blinked in confusion. "Yer...not wanting to?"
Zelda shook her head, fingers firm on the chord. "I've changed my mind. Lupercalia, well, is quite traditional. It is the same every year as they say."
"But this would be yer first year participating. I've...never even been to an event."
Rowena tilted her head thinking about the festivals back in the village. As a little girl, she'd watch the people dance from afar, listen to them sing, filled with joy. She coveted that. She wanted to be just as happy as those people.
Zelda sneaked a peek at Rowena's mix of emotions. "Are...you wanting to participate?"
This was a test. She needed to know if Rowena desired to go-if she wanted someone else for the three nights.
"I-well...", Rowena debated reluctantly. "I don't think I would be matched with anyone I want."
Zelda's brows raised. Her blood rushed elsewhere, heart thudding nearly on her sleeve as she pondered who Rowena could possibly want. She hoped it had been her.
"And who do you want?", Zelda implored her, begging to know. She ached to hear it from her lips.
Rowena stuck out her tongue slightly, it swept quickly across her lower lip.
"That's for me to know.", She teased.
Zelda chuckled. She stopped playing, but her foot didn't let go of the pedal.
"Oh really? We're keeping things from each other now?"
Zelda didn't mind having to look up at Rowena now since she was seated. Her blue eyes watched Rowena with a playful look. Rowena bit her lip and sat right by Zelda smoothly. Zelda nearly inhaled that natural scent of hers. Her fingers rested on her own lap itching to fix that loose curl of the other girl that seemed to fall from her ponytail style.
"It's no fun if I just tell ya.", Rowena sneered. "I want ya to guess."
Rowena's index finger then wandered to the keys. She played a middle 'C' absently having no idea how to even play.
Zelda leaned close to her inspecting her through narrowed eyes. "Tell me.", she begged.
Rowena's nose crinkled. "No."
Zelda pouted and batted her eyes. "Are you sure you don't want to tell me? You have no idea how I have my ways of getting it out. I may have no mercy on you for what I am about to do."
Rowena rolled her eyes. "I'm so mortified."
Zelda gripped her chin, eyes filled with warning. "I mean it."
Every word that came from Zelda's lips dripped with an ominous tone. Rowena knew better. Zelda may have had the backbone, but Rowena's will was strong. She could bite her tongue.
"Oh I believe ya. I just don't care. Tickle me, lash at me, hex me if ya dare. I won't spill."
Rowena played random keys with an impish smirk. Zelda snickered and then took her hands away from the keys.
"So you're not afraid. Hmm...", Zelda mused and squeezed her hands. "Then I am to assume you won't be afraid to tell me who you want."
Rowena snorted at that, freeing her hands, and booped her nose. "It's not that I am afraid. I think you'll be afraid of my answer."
Zelda made a face as her nose was touched. She normally didn't like that, but this was Rowena-she was allowed to do most things to her.
Even if it meant what Zelda's body craved at the moment.
"Why?", Zelda inquired as her eyes took a quick glance at Rowena's lips.
Rowena leans closer so their noses touch. Zelda's breathing hitched as she felt Rowena's fingers brush against her jaw.
"Because ya haven't even made a move on me yet."
Zelda gaped at Rowena's boldness. Indeed, Zelda found the answer she sought-the answer she wanted to hear.
"That's bold. If you wanted me so bad why haven't you made a move?"
Rowena smirked at this reply. Her lips nearly brushed against Zelda's, moving to where her lips met the cartilage of her ear.
"To tease ya as bad as you've teased me.", She answered.
Zelda's lips watered. Now she had confirmation, she had the freedom to express herself. Zelda moved to where Rowena faced back to her lips-right where she ached for her. Zelda cupped her cheek gently a smile gracing her features.
"I'm sure then you won't oppose to being my companion for the Post-Solstice Ball.", Zelda ventured.
Ahh...the Post-Solstice Ball. This new Academy tradition was voted last semester by the students. Although they got to celebrate the Winter Solstice with their families, the students wanted to celebrate with their classmates as well.
Rowena nodded eagerly beaming. "I would love to go with ya tomorrow night."
"And...", Zelda lowered her voice. "Based on how tomorrow night goes, perhaps we can make our own Lupercalia tradition?"
Rowena bit her lip. "I could kiss ya, ya know."
"What's stopping you?", Zelda nearly pled breathlessly.
"Drawing it out to agonize ya.", Rowena teased.
Definitely agonizing. Rowena did this on purpose; she drew this out to peeve her. She enjoyed the look on Zelda's face, how she got red like the blood moon.
Zelda didn't move the hand that held Rowena's cheek. She decided to make the move instead, the space between them becoming narrow. Zelda felt Rowena's chest pressed against hers. Rowena's heart drummed, pattering greatly matching her own. They were so close to closing the space until...
"Look at this lovely pair of sapphics.", a voice jeered at them.
Zelda winced nearly falling off of the piano bench. Rowena turned a deep scarlet and whipped around in her seat to meet the source.
Shirley Jackson stood there with her arms crossed, dark round eyes filled with amusement.
"Oh don't let me interrupt you. If you want to continue proceed.", She spoke again with a roll of her eyes.
Rowena narrowed her green eyes finding she didn't like her as much as Zelda hadn't. Zelda cursed inwardly wanting to hex Shirley for having interrupted their moment-their first kiss.
"Blast...", Zelda murmured and cast a glare toward Shirley. "Don't you have ass kissing to do to my brother? I know about your silly crush on him."
Shirley glowered. "Haven't you heard?"
The taller girl with brown hair pulled back marched up toward the now standing Zelda.
"Edward and I are going to the Post-Solstice ball together. Isn't that wonderful?"
Zelda's lips trembled, fits of laughter escaping her lips. "You cannot be serious."
Shirley did not budge. She arched a brow. "Ask your brother. By the way, I hope Farm Girl here has something to wear. It's an event, not a gathering at a barn."
Rowena balled her pale fists thinking of the many ways she could rearrange her face.
"She does.", Zelda piped up for Rowena. "She does and she'll be the most stunning one there."
Rowena tried not to appear puzzled, but she didn't have a thing to wear for tomorrow night. Zelda must have been defending her.
Shirley scoffs. "I'll believe it when I see it.", she says as she scrutinizes the short witch.
"I have some studying to do. I don't have time to waste with a bitter lizard like you.", Zelda sneered. "Let's go, Rowena."
Rowena waved toward Shirley with a fake smile. She walked out with Zelda relieved to be away from Shirley's presence.
"So...I don't have anything to wear for tomorrow.", Rowena said toward Zelda, lips twisting.
"You don't, but I may have something that'll fit you."
As the pair retreat, Shirley lingers in the choir room. She hated both of the girls. Zelda, she's always loathed for how prideful and egotistical she was. Rowena, well, there was something not right about that witch. She didn't belong here.
"Looking for some useful information?", drawled Mallory from around the corner. She peeked into the classroom seeing a peeved Shirley.
"What do you want, kiss ass? Don't you have Zelda's rump to bother?", Shirley spat and crossed her arms.
Mallory rolled her eyes approaching Shirley. "Oh please. Ever since that Rowena came around, she never has time for me. I swear she hated the girl, but now all she wants is to be around her."
"Of course. Zelda is into women now.", Shirley informed Mallory unapologetically. "That girl has her under some spell as she does the warlocks around here."
Mallory snickered and shook her head. "Perhaps we need to finish what Zelda started and failed to succeed. Let's just say a little birdie told me a...secret of sorts. This secret may rid of that girl once and for all."
Shirley's brown eyes sparked in interest. "Do tell."
Mallory looked around and leaned close as if to whisper. "Rowena's father is no warlock. He's a mortal."
Shirley gawked at her in disbelief. "There's no way...how would you even know that?"
Mallory shrugged. "Petry, my familiar, delivered that message for me. He's...my spy so-to-speak."
Shirley snickered. "You brought your familiar to the Academy? What a baby."
"He doesn't linger here. Whenever I summon him, it's for a purpose. Believe me, this was for the right reasons.", Mallory shot back at her. She breathed deeply.
"So...what do you plan to do with this information?"
The wheels in Shirley's head turned. A growing smirk etched on Shirley's lips.
"It won't take much. A push out the door is all Rowena needs."
Zelda's Dorm-evening of the Post-Solstice
"You're seriously taking Shirley? Shirley Jackson?"
Edward paced while rubbing the back of his neck. "Uhm...yes?", he answered his sister meekly.
Zelda threw her hands up and groaned in annoyance. "Seriously?"
"I get you don't like her, but she's actually really sweet. I do kinda like her.", Edward tried to reason.
Zelda fixed her golden red waves, adjusting the diamond barette donned on the right side of her head. She had her hair swept to the side, curls tumbling down on her left side. She wore this elegant floor-length navy blue gown. It sparkled and brought out her eyes.
"That baffles me. I wonder if we're truly speaking about the same Shirley Jackson.", Zelda drawled shaking her head as she gazed at her brother through her vanity.
Edward chuckled and sighed. "Very funny. How is my tie?"
Zelda turned in her seat before rising up. She tutted and fixed his tie. "You still have issues with this. Father would not be pleased."
"Father doesn't know you always fix it for me.", Edward said with gritted teeth and forced grin. "Speaking of Father not knowing a few things...", he trailed off and arched a dark brow.
"When are you going to tell Father about Rowena?"
Zelda pursed her lips, eyes lifting from the crooked tie to Edward's brown eyes. "He knows about her.", she replied.
"You know what I mean, sister.", Edward said firmly. "I know there's something...going on between you."
Zelda gulped. She turned on her heels, chewing on the inside of her lip. "You...you do?"
Edward smiled weakly and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I am not blind.", he told her. "I see how you look at her. I see how she looks at you. I knew I wouldn't have a chance with her because she wants you."
Zelda's heart raced. He saw it. He knew that not only she had feelings for Rowena, but Rowena felt the same for her.
"I don't know what to say to Father.", Zelda admitted. "This is...all still new. I've never felt anything like this before for someone-for a girl..."
Zelda stood all bashful now. She gushed about Rowena. It felt so natural and right to do so.
"Well then, whenever you're ready, sister, you can tell him...", he paused and then cleared his throat, mouth agape. "You look wonderful, Rowena."
Zelda froze. There stood Rowena in one of Zelda's old dresses, but it fit her. Rowena looked...amazing, perfect. Her auburn curls were rounded up in an elegant hairdo, some stray curls tumbled down freely. She wore this red satin gown, the bust low cut. Zelda chose the right gown for her. She wore it well.
"I didn't hear you come in.", Zelda began softly ignoring Edward's presence. It was as if Rowena was the only one in the room with her.
Rowena blushed having seen the way Zelda looked at her. She expected a reaction like that. She beamed stepping closer. "I take every opportunity to give an element of surprise.", she mused. She glanced at Edward and nodded her head curtly. "Thank ya, Edward, ya look quite handsome by the way."
Edward smiled. "Thank you, Rowena. I uhm...should escort my date."
Edward awkwardly left the room. He wanted to leave the girls alone. Zelda giggled weakly and then sighed.
"I still cannot believe he's taking Shirley."
Rowena laughed as well shaking her head. "Me neither. I erm...", she offered Zelda a single red rose instead of a bouquet. "To add to yer bouquet. I thought it would go well with the others."
Zelda took the rose sniffing it with a beam. "Why, thank you." She set the rose in the vase with the bouquet. "I wonder how many you'll give to me in a year.", she teased.
"As many as you'll allow me.", Rowena responded with a cackle of glee.
Zelda took Rowena in as if she hadn't nearly drooled earlier. Rowena did the same with Zelda, eyes roaming up and down.
"Ya look magnificent.", Rowena complimented voice smooth as velvet.
"As do you." Zelda murmured. She then slowly took Rowena's hand fingers lacing around hers. "Are you ready?"
Rowena bobbed her head. "Aye, I am. Whenever yer ready."
Zelda led her out of her dorm and down to the party. Rowena admired the decorations below. There were twinkling lights strung up along the walls, various wall décor bright reds and golds.
"It looks beautiful here.", Rowena comments.
"Yes..."
Rowena noticed how soft her voice went. She glanced over at Zelda and got flustered. Zelda wasn't even looking out at the room, she was admiring Rowena instead.
"Ahem, would ya...like to dance?", Rowena asked sheepishly.
Zelda brought her downstairs and then close to her chest on the dancefloor. She led her through the dance. Her eyes never left Rowena's.
"Yer...a wonderful dancer.", Rowena spoke. Her arms were wrapped around Zelda's shoulders.
Zelda shrugged. "You're not bad yourself."
Rowena snickered ducking her head. "I have a good teacher. By the way, sorry for having stepped on yer feet yesterday."
Zelda chuckled and ran her fingers over Rowena's fringe. "It's all a part of learning. I assure you my toes are not bruised."
This night, the lights, the music, the dancing...Rowena was perfect. Zelda couldn't imagine dancing with anyone else. Rowena's smile brought such light and warmth in her.
Zelda let out a small scoff. "You know, your eyes...they have this speck of gold in them."
A faint pink blush heated up Rowena's cheeks. "Really?"
Zelda nodded smoothly. "Really."
"Yer eyes...look like a sparkling ocean.", Rowena admitted. "Smooth, untamed waters."
Zelda's heart swelled with joy at that. She leaned close wanting to close their space. Zelda huffed seeing two warlocks fight over a girl then. Such boys...honestly. The chaperones at the party broke up the fight. Rowena snorted.
"Are we barbarians?", Rowena jeered.
"Seems so.", Zelda laughed faintly.
Rowena pulled back from their embrace. "Would ya like for me to grab ya some punch?"
Zelda nodded. "Please, I'm parched."
Rowena gave Zelda's arm a gentle squeeze before she headed over to the punch table. Zelda's heart sunk as Rowena retreated. She contemplated on where she and Rowena could get some privacy. She tapped her chin forming a plan.
Rowena grabbed two glasses for the both of them. She snorted having seen a warlock dump some alcohol into the punch. It smelled of whiskey, certainly. She knew the scent remembering how her father reeked of it every night. She shook her head hoping Zelda liked a good spiked punch. She would warn her of course. She poured some into both of their glasses.
"Ha...seems you did find something suitable.", Shirley spoke walking up next to her.
Rowena didn't care to tell Shirley about the spiked punch as she watched her pour a good portion in her own cup.
"Seems I did.", Rowena replied with a matter-of-fact tone.
Shirley took a sip and made a face. "What is this?"
Rowena contained her fits of laughter. "Who knows?"
Shirley set her cup down dramatically coughing. "Gross. Anyway, I wanted to tell you, you look lovely. Zelda doesn't look half bad either huh?"
Rowena could not believe how 'nice' Shirley acted. This made her suspicious. "Aye. The most beautiful one in the room."
Shirley nearly gagged noticing how Rowena fawned over Zelda. Rowena swooned over the girl like she ruled the galaxy.
"Yea, well, sure. I mean look how everyone fawns over her. She's always been that way: popular.", Shirley commented.
Zelda started to chat with a few people mainly some warlocks. Faustus approached as well, trying to pull of his boyish charms. Rowena nearly rolled her eyes at this, but knew she was Zelda's companion for the night. Companion, that's what she called it.
"What's not to like?", Rowena murmured taking a sip from her own cup not wincing from the taste.
"Not to like indeed. Guess you're like yesterday's news. Not one person is flocked about you.", Shirley snapped Rowena out of her reverie.
Rowena arched a red brow. She darted her eyes up toward the unapologetic look from Shirley.
"I mean no offense.", Shirley told her. "Guess people got over it. May even make you think you blend in, hm?"
Rowena puffs out a small scoff. "And no offense, Shirley, but this banter isn't cute. It doesn't make people like you."
"Neither does batting your eyes and twirling your locks. I know your game, sweetheart. Now that you're...unfocused, things fall right back as they were.", Shirley rebuffed. She sighs deeply. "You see, Rowena, one day Zelda will tire of you. This is what she does: she toys with people and then discards them the moment they're old news. You're her...new experiment. She's never had a girl before."
"Ya don't know a thing about her.", Rowena argued. "She would never do that to me."
"Maybe...not intentionally.", Shirley prepped her words. "But I do know something about you."
Rowena's brows both raised now. "Oh really?"
Shirley shut her eyes and smiled satisfied by having caught her attention. "Really.", she leaned closer to whisper. "I know about your mortal father."
Rowena's heart stopped. Her green eyes widened. Shirley snickered and tucked her bottom lip between her teeth.
"So it is true. It would be a shame if anyone found out. Don't worry, my lips are sealed.", Shirley mused toying with Rowena. "Zelda knows though, doesn't she?"
Rowena turned away and crossed her arms. She felt trapped. Shirley said she wouldn't say anything, but how could she trust her?
"I'll take that as a yes.", Shirley observed. "Listen, here, Farm Girl: you really think that after knowing this fact she'd remain with you? In time, she'll get back to where she was and why? You know deep down you don't belong here."
Rowena balled her fists. Here was this again.
"She's told you this before, wanted you gone. Why now all of the sudden is she 'enamored' by you? Once she has you, she'll remember she's got better things. Rowena, you're nothing like us. You don't even have to chant a word and you could freeze this entire room. You know you only want to go through the Dark Baptism for Zelda, but what about what you want?"
Rowena faced Shirley, cheeks red with anger. "I do want that. I want to belong here."
"But you don't, sweetie.", Shirley cooed and cupped her cheek. "You don't. You've always known this. You're from another world. Zelda is from a wealthy, successful family. The Spellman's are one of the oldest families under the Dark Lord's path. Her father would take one good look at you and laugh. Zelda needs someone who will keep her within the path-not some wild card. Take...Faustus Blackwood for instance. He's refined, a great family name. He could give her anything. Not that I care too much for their pairing, but you understand what I mean."
Rowena flinched from Shirley's touch reeling away. Her gaze went over to Zelda again. Faustus flirted with her even if Zelda kept her distance. She knew Zelda couldn't stay away from Faustus long though. She had her on and off fling with him. One day, it would happen again between them.
She was letting Shirley get to her.
"That look on your face tells me you've thought about this. As pretty you appear right now, how you feel like you blend and fit in...you stick out. You stick out like a sore thumb.", Shirley added on. She wanted Rowena to think, to ponder and find herself pushed out the door. "You'll never be like us Rowena because you're different. You'll never have a future with Zelda because deep down, Zelda values what's best to the Spellman name. She cannot make children with you, she cannot form any sort of future with a Macleod. A name that doesn't even have meaning."
Rowena's brows knitted and her green eyes welled up. Her thoughts were spewing out of Shirley's mouth-she couldn't deny that.
"You should do what's best for Zelda if you really care about her. You should do what's best for you."
"Rowena?", Zelda called out. She beckoned her over with a bright smile on painted red lips.
Rowena nodded going over to Zelda. She handed her the second cup.
"Thank you, dear.", Zelda said with a grin. She then tilted her head. "Are you okay?"
"Hm? Oh aye I'm fine.", Rowena replied. She forced a smile. "By the way, that's erm a special brew."
Zelda took a sip and smacked her lips together. "Whiskey?"
"Seems that way, aye.", Rowena snorted.
Zelda bit her lip. "I want to show you something. Come."
Zelda brought Rowena down the hall. She was quiet, but beaming.
"Where are we going?", Rowena asked impatient.
Zelda stopped in front of a large door Rowena recognized. This puzzled her. The anticipation is killing her.
"The herbology room?", Rowena questioned.
Zelda giggled. "Stop that. You'll see right about...", she began. She opened the doors revealing a wonderfully decorated room. The room was adorned with gorgeously assorted plants, the lights were dim, and the balcony doors were open to let the night in.
Rowena gaped, eventually smiling. "Zelda I-did ya...do all of this?"
Zelda's eyes flitted down bashfully. "Sort of.", she replied. "It's last minute. I thought we could get some alone time. An official date?"
Rowena felt her eyes sting and well up. "Zelda...I don't know what to say it's beautiful."
Zelda took her soft hands. "You don't have to say a thing, Rowena. We can...dance again? Look at the stars?"
Rowena gently tugged Zelda back toward the balcony. "Why not both?"
Zelda snickered before pulling her close again, fingertips brushing against her lower back. "You're full of surprises."
Rowena's smile brightened seeing how the stars twinkled in Zelda's eyes. This was bittersweet. She started to sway with Zelda. Rowena wanted to capture this moment forever; she wanted to keep Zelda in her life, needed her, but maybe Shirley had been right. Zelda and Rowena are from two different worlds. How would Rowena even fit in her life? Like Zelda felt in the past before Rowena, she wanted to live in the now-for now.
"You're thinking of something.", Zelda observed. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Rowena faintly grinned. "I have never been better. Ya make me feel that way."
Zelda beamed. She slipped her hand up Rowena's cheek, thumb brushing against her cheekbone to her brow. Rowena's breathing hitched when Zelda pulled her closer pressing a soft kiss on her lips.
The world stopped around them. Zelda's heart pounded against Rowena's pounding chest. Hands roamed over curves and their breathing grew heavy. Rowena's lips parted taking in Zelda's warm breaths. Zelda's tongue slipped into Rowena's mouth. Rowena relented inviting Zelda's tongue coaxing her to taste more.
Zelda felt the room spin practically. Her mind was only on the girl's taste. Rowena tasted so sweet, like fresh cherries. She wanted more, wanted more of that small tongue grazing against hers lazily. Zelda knew Rowena enjoyed teasing her even with kisses.
Zelda then found herself pushing Rowena flat against the wall. She gently dug her nails leaving crescents against Rowena's pale wrists as she pinned her leaving her no escape-not that Rowena wanted to escape. Rowena's breathing hitched with excitement. Zelda hiked up the skirt of Rowena's dress to feel her cold outer thighs, one hand still holding on to both wrists.
Rowena gasped as Zelda leaned back from her throbbing lips nearly protesting. Zelda's lips found Rowena's neck. Her tongue darted out gently to lick up toward Rowena's earlobe. Rowena trembled under her touches. Rowena arched herself craving more. She shut her eyes trying to block all of what Shirley said earlier, but it kept looping in her mind. Rowena didn't want to stop, didn't want to let Zelda go, but if she let this go further...
"Would you like to continue this in my dorm?", Zelda whispered huskily against her neck.
Rowena's eyes welled up again as she bit her lip. This night had been so perfect. They danced, kissed finally, and now...Zelda wanted her. Rowena waited for this moment. She was so curious about having a girl, but more importantly...having the girl she was falling in love with. Shirley had to be wrong. Zelda, however, deserved better. What good would it do for Zelda to be with Rowena? She could have everything. Rowena couldn't offer a thing. Would they run away together? Would they give into their happiness? Their life is not a fairy tale.
"I-", Rowena froze finding herself between a rock and a hard place. "Aye. I just...I need erm...to freshen up. I will meet ya at yer dorm then."
Zelda stepped back with a tilt of her head. Rowena had to admire the way her red lipstick smudged on her chin, no doubt mixed with her own. Zelda cupped Rowena's cheek again. A smile grew on that beautiful face. Rowena wanted to capture this moment forever.
"Of course. I'll be waiting. Tell me, are you okay with this?", Zelda asked.
Rowena pulled her in for a brief kiss. She leaned back and whispered. "Anyone would Zelda. Anyone would be lucky to feel yer lips, be honored to have ya in their arms. Don't ya ever forget yer worth."
Zelda stared at her quizzically. Something weird must have been going on with Rowena.
"I'll see ya.", Rowena added with a wink before she left the room.
The question is, will she? Rowena walked down the halls holding back tears. She balled her fists taking a glance up at the Baphomet statue ignoring the sounds of laughter around her. Everyone around her twirled, danced, swayed and laughed with glee. How lucky were they to have always lived a life like this? They've always known to live the lives they did, followed the Dark Lord so willingly, and they were meant to follow him as they lived to serve and learn more of their magic.
What about Rowena? Was she meant for this too, or for something else?
Rowena gulped lightly taking in the statue. The Dark Lord wouldn't want her would he? Maybe she could charm him, show him she was worth taking in. Rowena glanced back to the crowd of dancers and up to the balcony where Zelda's dorm would be.
"I'm sorry.", she whispered. "I don't belong here."
Zelda's Dorm
Zelda took a good look at herself in her mirror. She fashioned herself in a laced black robe which covered a gorgeous red and black corset. Her intentions were to please Rowena. She knew she wouldn't be wearing this for long. She also couldn't help but be nervous.
This is the first time she and Rowena would be having sex, the first time having sex with a girl. It couldn't have been any different, right? Why was Zelda's heart still racing? It was foolish for her to be nervous. Zelda held a good reputation when it came to sex.
Zelda exhaled shakily still staring at her reflection. She fixed her hair. "It's okay, Zelda. You're going to wow her. This night is so perfect.", she told herself.
Zelda looked quickly to the doorway hearing footsteps. She's here, she must be! Zelda raced to the bed and propped herself up posing. Her mischievous smile faded realizing it was only Agnes, her roommate. Zelda's cheeks flushed as she covered herself up as best as she could with her robe.
Agnes stood there gaping. "I-uh...I am to assume you were...expecting another sort of company. Should I stay somewhere else for the night?"
Zelda shut her eyes cursing herself. How humiliating. "Quite obviously. At least some privacy for the next hour."
Agnes threw both brows up in amusement. "Right...I'll leave you to it then."
Agnes turned to leave, but was interrupted by Zelda.
"Say, have you seen Rowena?"
Agnes faced Zelda's expectant expression. She noticed how close they got not having a clue they were that close.
"I have not. Is that who you're waiting for?", Agnes asked.
"Are you sure? She said she was just going to freshen up.", Zelda replied ignoring Agnes' second question.
Agnes tilted her head. "Last I saw her was down at the party with you. I don't know where she went."
Zelda knelt on the bed hoping to hear something else. She frowned and slid off her bed.
"I am going to go find her. I wonder if everything is okay."
Agnes blinked as Zelda rushed past her. "Rowena and Zelda huh..."
Zelda searched everywhere, robe tied shut and hair all astray from wandering aimlessly. She worried the worst; Shirley could have hexed her, she could have fell in the bathroom, she could have found someone else to make out with.
Zelda had hoped none of those.
"Whoa, whoa, sister."
Zelda's shoulders were gripped by Edward's. Edward didn't even dare look down at what his sister was wearing; it was nothing he cared to see of course. Zelda looked frantic, lips parted and brows furrowed in worry.
"Where's Rowena? Have you seen her?", Zelda questioned him hastily.
Edward glanced at Shirley who stood by him and then back to his frantic sister. "No, no I haven't not since the party with you."
Zelda shut her eyes groaning annoyedly. "Everyone I've asked has said the same thing. I have to find her."
Edward pulled her back. "Hey, slow down. When is the last you've seen her?"
Zelda shook her head wrenching her grip from Edward's "It doesn't matter. Something could have happened to her."
Shirley stepped forward. "Edward, I've got this."
Shirley gently ushered Zelda aside from Edward's view and hearing. "Zelda, sweetie, calm down."
Zelda rolled her eyes. "Out of my way."
"I don't think you'll find her here.", Shirley told her
Zelda froze panic creeping up on her face. "You didn't...do something to her did you? Your sick vendetta against me or something? What did you do?"
Shirley scoffed. "I didn't do anything. I think she left.", her voice remained calm.
Zelda stood in front of her dumbfounded. Rowena couldn't have left. Why would she?
"Left? No, you're being silly she wouldn't leave.", Zelda spat.
Shirley nods with a soft sigh. "Dear, I do think she left. I saw her earlier, by the Baphomet statue. She looked...contemplative?", she began and tilted her head. "Yes, contemplative. Perhaps about her staying here or actually deserving you."
Zelda crossed her arms, expression taut.
"I watched her walk out that door. Not a coat or anything for the cold. Quite in a rush she was.", Shirley finished and looked at her nails.
Zelda's eyes darted elsewhere trying not to let her get under her skin. She didn't want to believe what Shirley was saying was real. Rowena didn't just leave. She couldn't-she reciprocated her feelings. Zelda was ready to give herself to her, ready to give her so much more, ready to give into happiness.
"You're lying.", Zelda spewed in contempt. "You're lying!", she exclaimed as she shoved at Shirley.
Shirley flinched slightly. "Why would I do that? No one can joke or lie about something like that."
Zelda's eyes watered. She turned away not letting Shirley see. She couldn't see how wracked with emotion she was-not let her enemy see her weak.
"I really think she realized she didn't belong here. Maybe just maybe she realized she didn't want you either.", Shirley added.
Zelda's chest tightened. She held back tears, the lump in her throat throbbed. "I-You said something to her, didn't you?"
Shirley shrugged. "I might have. Still, fact remains she left. Oh...you invited her to your room.", she sighs feigning sympathy. "I'm so sor-", she trails off watching Zelda storm away.
Zelda goes back to the herbology room and tears down the décor she set up for the room. She held her breath, lower lip trembling. She couldn't believe this was happening. Rowena...left. She left everything behind, left her. She gasped feeling a cold breeze take a hit on her. She shielded herself from the gust and shut the balcony doors. She forgot they left that open after they made out.
Zelda glanced up to see the snow fall heavily. Rowena actually stormed off into a blizzard? What If she got cold, lost, scared?
Zelda rolled her eyes hugging herself. She's managed to travel all the way here by herself; of course, she could handle herself. Who cared? She left, she's gone, she...
Zelda's face crumpled in despair. She fell to her knees sobbing. Zelda felt so alone. For once, Rowena made her feel whole. Now, she was far from her reach. She no longer would be able to get lost into those green emeralds, be able to stroke those red locks, get to kiss those lips.
Rowena disappeared just as she appeared: out and into a storm; this time snow falling instead of rain.
Spellman Sister's Mortuary- Present
Salem and Vinegar Tom sat at the foot of the stairs. Both animals tilt their heads as Zelda paces about. Her fingers twittered around the golden handle of her cigarette holder. Her brows pinched pensive, worried, nervous?
Zelda inhaled, taking a puff of her cigarette. "I've got to do it. For Sabrina, petty feelings aside."
Vinegar Tom barked and bobbed his head as if agreeing. Zelda offered her familiar a faint of a smile.
"Alright. Here goes nothing."
Zelda gathers some dark candles, spreading them out on the coffee table. She hovers her hands over two of them and chants, "Ignis." At this, the flames on the candles ignite. Everything was ready to summon who she needed.
Zelda shut her eyes taking a deep breath. "Baron Samedi...", she begins. She takes another puff of her cigarette again. "I need you at this hour. Please make your presence known, you are welcome."
The room darkened, the wind picked up, and seemed to blow the candles out. Zelda sat up prepared for his/her arrival. She needed Baron Samedi. A part of her was unsure this would work; their...breakup or whatever that was, still fresh. Now, Zelda felt the chills spread throughout her body, goosebumps raise on her arms. They were here.
"Zelda.", a blended voice spoke up. "I did not expect you to call for me sooner."
Zelda's eyes found the dark eyes of Baron Samedi. Her heart quickened, but expression remained cold and calm. She still was angry with them. She had been betrayed, lied to, and realizing that this entity would have no time for her...this was just impossible.
Zelda bowed her head avoiding their dark gaze. The Baron appeared to her in Marie's form, a form Zelda adored, but their voice sounded like a male and female meshed all into one.
"Baron Samedi...", her voice sounded stable. "I...I summoned you for one purpose."
Zelda lifted her chin and folded her hands over her knees. "I summoned you to help me bring Sabrina back."
Baron Samedi pressed their lips together. They moved over to the couch where Zelda sat. Instead of going to sit, they stared down at the witch.
"You do realize what bringing back the dead can do."
Zelda scoffed, flicking ashes into the ashtray in front of her. "We're past that, Marie-Baron. We both know we've got a Cain Pit right outside, although...", she sighs. "We didn't get to bring her in time."
Baron Samedi listened to her voice break. With a heavy sigh and finally finding a seat by Zelda they replied,
"I understand. Sabrina...is-was so young and perhaps it wasn't her time."
Zelda snapped her gaze to the Baron. "You can help then?"
Baron Samedi nodded. "I can.", they replied. They reached into the pocket of their skirt. They handed Zelda a tiny slip of paper. "Go to this address."
Zelda opened the paper studying what had been written. "Why?"
"There is a witch there.", Baron Samedi explains. "This witch will help by being able to cross over and by bringing her back."
Zelda looked confused. "I thought you would be able to cross over."
"Someone needs to hold the gate open. I will do that and you will help me do so as well. We will need a witch who can successfully come back from as well."
Baron Samedi paused and gripped Zelda's hands. "We need a witch who can come back from the dead."
Page Break
Portland, Oregon-Present
Rain poured down. Pellets of rain zipped down from the air, forming bubbles and puddles below. It seems Zelda couldn't escape the storms even outside of state lines.
Zelda lifted the small slip of paper in her gloved clutch. She read over the address and then glanced up to the building across the street.
"This must be it.", She murmurs.
Zelda gives herself a reassured nod. She clutches her umbrella as she crosses the dark wet street. She opened a large ornate door leading into a hotel lobby.
"I don't get a name?"
"I am sure you'll know her when you see her."
Zelda forced herself not to roll her eyes. If Baron Samedi wasn't lying to her about their identity, they sure were great at being cryptic.
Zelda folded the umbrella, pulling it down, and shaking the droplets off outside. She took a look inside and sniffed quite impressed with the decorum. The lobby had been quiet strangely save for the soft classical music playing. Zelda walked forward feeling something off. She leaned over the front desk with a soft gasp.
She had not been prepared to see a dead body today-aside from work of course. A garish red slice adorned the front desk receptionist's neck, flaps of skin folded slightly over. His glassy dead eyes were widened, staring off to the side.
Zelda pulled out a handkerchief, hovering it over her nose. The corpse didn't give off a dead scent yet but he reeked of horrible brandy. She scrutinized the body and found something lodged out of his pocket. Luckily, she wore gloves. She noticed it was a booklet of sorts. She opened it feeding her curiosity. They were all extra keys for the rooms. One was missing.
Zelda pulled out the small paper and frowned. This was the key to the same room she was told to meet the witch. Immediately, Zelda backed away and dropped the booklet. She murmured a spell to cover her tracks. She sped-walked to the elevator. She pressed the button calling for it,brows furrowing. This was getting more stranger by the minute.
The elevator dinged pulling her out of her whirring thoughts. Zelda stepped inside pressing the button to the seventh floor. The doors closed before her and the elevator took her up to the floor of her choosing. Zelda impatiently swayed in place. She sighs watching the doors open.
The strange feeling Zelda was having grew worse the further she walked. She rounded the corner finding the room number. Zelda narrowed her eyes observing that the door to the room had been ajar. She took one step and paused hearing a tap of plastic under the sole of her shoe. Zelda knelt picking up the item she stepped on: the missing key card. She gaped lightly after turning the card in her hand. It had been covered in blood.
Zelda's eyes trailed down to a puddle of scarlet. She followed the puddle. The puddle formed to a trail leading into the room. Zelda's heart pounded. She stood gently padding into the room, pushing the door lightly. Lightning flashed about in the lightly dimmed room. Zelda's breathing became unsteady. The sight of the room appalled her. The white walls were streaked in blood, pulped and caked with entrails marking the tall floor lamps and the chandelier at the very center of it all. The smell of charred ruins-remains made Zelda's nostrils flare.
Zelda cupped her mouth finding a corpse right at her feet. The corpse was small, curled up, burned black to the bone, skull having been mashed to bits, brain matter marking the couch behind the corpse.
Baron Samedi said this witch could help-that she could come back from the dead, but was Zelda too late?
Was there really coming back from all this, whoever she was?
END NOTES: Things will pick up some more here in the present. Who did Zelda discover? Why does this death seem...so familiar Supernatural fans?