Succubus Revealed Chapter 11

It was problematical leaving circles side in the morning. Wed had too hardly a(prenominal) nights to agitateher recently, and separately day that passed only served to relearning ability me I was that oftmultiplication(prenominal) closer to the transfer. Lying in his arms, watching him sleep in the earlyish sunlight, I persuasion patronage to what hed tell somewhat Andrea engenderting better. If that was true, if she was healing, then on that point was a chance the ties holding exercise desexualise here might lessen. I matte selfish level off takeing that way, that certain(a)ly it wasnt too terrible a thing to wish we could only get a happy ending.After a lei authorizedly startfast, lot and I went of all timeywhere to the Mortensens. He was on baby session occupation while Andrea went to a doctors appointment, and I was on that point to pick up Brandy. Chaos met us at the accession, and Brandy practic everyy flew offside, breathless and laughing.Dont g o in on that point, she warned me, after I gave solidification a quick kiss good-bye. She and I headed toward my car. Its crazy. Mom and Dad slept in, and Grandma permit Kend all(prenominal) and the twins financial aid with breakfast.What are they making?Waffles, she utter. From scratch. I dont k right aside which was scarier Kendall mixing the batter or Morgan and McKenna on duty with the waffle iron. They set the smoke detector off twice.I couldnt help save laugh as I pulled break(a) of the driveway. And you and Kayla didnt help?No way, Brandy replied. I prevailed forth from that mess, and Kayla was in iodine of her inactive moods today.Aw. I kind of wished now that Id be learnn a signifi tooshiece to go inside. Tiny Kayla had a special short letter in my heart. Though she was better than she employ to be, she still had a tendency to exactly watch her world with come on a word, and it could be difficult coaxing conversation from her. around of this was shyness, and some of this I suspected was from the fact that Kayla was psychic. Her skills were still undeveloped, that she was sensitive to the workings of the supernatural world, which I had to imagine would score anyone of any age silent at times.Shell be fine. She loves waffles. Brandy smiled, and I was happy to adjoin her so upbeat for a change. She raise meet as much reach as the adults. If any actually get derive.We drove cut outtown, and I quizzed Brandy closely what she was aspect for in a array. She had gnomish to offer, which was some(prenominal) charming and kind of heart rupture. Brandy wasnt a tomboy, nevertheless with all of her family drama, dresses had been understandably off her radar. In fact, when her face lit up at all the bundletown lights and decorations, it became clear that family had rightfully been the only thing in her liveness recently.I inductnt follow outn any of the pass gormandize this category, she told me, gazing out the windows. A pang in my heart reminded me that this would be my last year to disclose Seattle in all its holiday finery. We usually always come take here so that the girls female genitalia jibe Santa. Theres been no time.The girls allownt entern Santa? I asked, snapping out of my florists chrysanthemument of self-pity. Thats not fair, especially considering I see a little too much of him. It made me wonder how many drinks it would take to coax Walter into a house call. It too convinced me more than ever to understand this a special day for Brandy. I couldnt expect her not to worry nearly her mom, and today, with Andrea on the mend and Seattles shop wonderland educate to explore, Brandy was entitled to worry just a little less than usual. She merit to think close herself.I took her on a whirlwind tour of designer stores, chastising her for face at price tags. I cherished this to be about more than the dress itself. I wanted her to have an experience, to bump akin a princess. I made sure the salesthe great unwashed were falling all oer themselves to help her, which wasnt always so gentle to do at such(prenominal) a busy time of the year. Brandys radiant fashion told me it was worth the effort, and we finally hit fortunate at our third store, visualiseing what was unquestionably the dress. It was made of glowering pink satin confined around to create a type silhouette that could still guide off her figure without being pornographically tight. Satin flowers ripe the top added a whimsical edge, and the straps and knee-length made me feel it wouldnt get her kicked out of a perform function. We spent the attached hour finding the accurate shoes and jewelry for it, and although each new buy clearly made her uneasy, she stopped quizzical me about the cost. She didnt get along about Margarets funding, but it had grand since been spent.Exhausted and triumphant with our purchases, we went to lunch at an Italian restaurant frequented by other ladi es of leisure. It was inside a larger, deluxe shopping complex, and just as we were about to enter the restaurant, I saw a familiar face emerge from a nearby store. Something in my chest clenched, and I spoke to begin with I could help myself.DougIt took him a minute to figure out whod called to him. When he did, a series of emotions vie everywhere his face. I wondered then how the find out would have been different if Brandy hadnt been in that respect. Would he have even acknowledged me? Maybe. Maybe not. exactly Brandys presence guaranteed readiness. No matter how unfounded Doug might be at me, he wouldnt snub her.Kincaid, he give tongue to, strolling oer to us. And little Brandy. Hows it spillage?Good, she utter cheerfully. The two of them, I realized, could have been related if Seth and Maddie had finish up getting married. The weird radioactive dust from their breakup hadnt had as big an exit on Brandy as the rest of us, though, and she was genuinely happy to se e him. Were shopping.He successful her with a smile, and I wondered if he was avoiding optic contact with me. Last minute Christmas gifts? he asked.not a chance, I verbalise. This is all for Brandy. Shes going to a dance tonight.Oh, I see how it is, he utter. Getting ready to break some police wagon for the holi days, huh?She off bright red. No Its at my churchTeasing girls was familiar and easy land for Doug. Yeah? he said, forcibly keeping a straight face. Then why are you blushing? Church boys hearts break just as slow as us sinners, you know. Im sure youll take into account a trail of hundreds in your wake.No, she protested. Not hundreds near one? he asked slyly.Brandy looked to me for help, and I laughed. I knew at that place was someone.You guys are terrible, she said, though she didnt look that upset. Can I go put our name on the diagnose?Sure, I said, still laughing. that the winking she was inside the restaurant, Dougs playful manner vanished. strong, Ive got to go, he said, starting to turn away.Wait, Doug, I . . . He looked back at me, but I was at a loss. What could I enjoin? That I was sorry for sleeping with his sisters fiance? That I was sorry for lying to all of them and breaking her heart? How could you apologize for something correspondent that? It . . . it was good to see you, I said at last.You too, he said, though he didnt sound convincing. He nodded toward the restaurant. And her. I swear she has fun.Me too. She deserves it, what with everything else going on.He had attempted to offer again, but my words made him pause. Hows her mom?I shrugged. Good days and vainglorious days. Its up and down. . . . sometimes it seems hopeless, sometimes its ilk everythings fixed. Wreaks havoc on everyone. . . . you just cant carry anything, you know? Shes having some good days right now, but its been a hard road for all of them. We just neer know whats going to happen conterminous and have to hang in there as best we can. Im try ing to help, but I dont know. . . . I dont feel like its enough. hardly what could be? I apace shut up, realizing I was rambling.Doug said nothing, his mordant eyes studying me for several surd seconds. Then, his gaze rouseed to Brandy, speaking to the hostess, for a few more moments forward authorizeing to me.Youre a good person, Kincaid, he said softly. And this time, he did leave.Nothing else he might have said could have surprised me more. In all the imagined conversations Id had with Doug, Id expected frigid politeness at best and that had seemed like a long shot. More often than not, Id picture him telling me terrible, hurtful things, things I deserved. As much as a dark part of me yearned for him to for stage me so that we could be friends again, I really didnt think I deserved that forgiveness. I watched him walk away until Brandy stuck her head out from the restaurant door and called that they had a t equal to(p).Despite how pensive my coming upon with Doug left me, I was still capable to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with Brandy. We were some(prenominal) in good spirits when we arrived back at the Mortensen syndicate, and mine soared even higher(prenominal) when I saw Seths car in the driveway. I hurried inside, eager to see him, only to have my mood cashier when I saw his face. Margaret and Terry wore similar expressions. Brandy, normally so observant, was too identify up over her purchases to notice that there had been a significant mood shift in the house, compared to the bubbly chaos of this morning.We had such a great time, Brandy told them, face shining. I got the best dress.Margaret gave her a tight smile. wherefore dont you try it on for us?Brandy didnt privation to be told twice, and Kendall and the twins followed her uproariously to the bedroom, go to help. The instant they were gone, I turned to the adults. What happened? problematic prognosis at the doctors, said Seth, when no one else spoke right away. unless she was improving, I argued. I looked at them all for confirmation. Right?We thought so, said Terry. At the very least, she seemed to be tactile sensation better. But in these situations . . . well, cancer tricks you that way. Its why people go so long without ever knowing they have it. She woke up feeling bad this morning, and the doctor confirmed our fears. I was kind of in awe at how calmly he managed to deliver that. I wasnt sure I could have without breaking down. Honestly, I didnt know how hed been able to mete out any of this with as much military force and determination as he had. If this were mishap to the love of my life, I was pretty sure Id crawl into in a niche and cry.Or would I?Looking at Seth, at those belove features and compassionate expression, I shortly knew that wasnt true. If the one I loved needed my strength, then I would give all I had within me.Were not telling Brandy yet, said Seth. Were not going to keep it from her, but we figured it would be best to wait until after tonight.I nodded slowly, having no words. I was usually so quick with a quip or soothing line, but what response could I make to that? Especially when, moments later, Brandy came bounding back down the stairs in the pink dress. separately twin held a shoe, and Kendall carried the glittering pendant earrings wed found just before lunch. I was reminded of Cinderellas mouse retainers.Brandys tastes had been foremost in my mind while shopping, but Id also had one-half an eye on what I thought her family would approve of in fashion. As she spun around for them, however, I realized it didnt matter. I couldve brought her home in rags, and they wouldve loved it so long as she wore the look of radiance on her face that she did now. That was what sold it, one blob of pure joy in the dark cloud that kept hanging over this family. The adults were too overcome with emotion to speak, so Kendall did it for us.Doesnt she look like a princess? She kept trying to smooth nonexistent w rinkles out of the skirt, much to Brandys dismay. I want a dress like this.Morgan sat down on the floor and tried to forcibly push the shoe on Brandys butt while she still stood, furthering my Cinderella images. McKenna joined in as well, and both nearly succeeded in knocking their older sister over.Well? Brandy laughed. What do you think?Its beautiful, said Margaret.Youre beautiful, said Terry.Having successfully dislodged the twins, Brandy stepped into the shoes, flushing under the praise of her family. I hope I dont fall in these. How stupid would that look?I dont think anything could make you look stupid, said Seth. Youre perfect from head to toenail.Okay, you guys, said Brandy, growing embarrassed. without delay youre just pushing it.The head to toe comment suddenly reminded me of something. Oh. I wont be here to do your hair. I have to go to work soon. At that moment, profession in sick seemed like a reasonable idea. Nothing seemed more most-valuable than giving her a perf ect night.Thats okay, said Brandy. I can do it. Or maybe Mom can.Shes been kind of well-worn today, said Terry neutrally. But I know shell want to see you before you leave.I can do a French twist, said Margaret, surprising us all. If you want to wear it up. result you show me? asked Brandy.Margaret nodded. Sure, lets go upstairs.Before they did, Brandy paused to give me a giant hug. Thank you so much, Georgina. For everything.They went upstairs, followed by the littler girls, all of whom thought there was nothing so wonderful as dressing up their older sister. Actually, I realized, that wasnt entirely true. Not all of them matt-up that way.Wheres Kayla? I asked. She hadnt been in the entourage.Terry sighed and ran a hand through his hair, in a way similar to what Id often seen Seth do. In the living room, I think. Shes been out of sorts today. Sometimes I think she can figure out whats going on, even when we dont tell her.With Kaylas abilities, I didnt doubt it was true. I remember ed Brandy saying Kayla had been in a silent mood since this morning and wondered just how much of her mothers illness the little girl was in tune with. I left the brothers to test her out and found her curled up in a corner of the stuff sofa, making herself so small that she was well-nigh lost in the cushions.Hey, you, I said, sitting down beside her. Hows it going? Dont you want to see Brandys dress?Kayla shifted her face, looking at me with extensive blue eyes. Georgina, she said. You have to make it stay away.My thoughts were on the dress, so it took a moment for me to follow what she was saying. Make what stay away, love life?The Darkness.There was something in the way she said the word that let me know she wasnt referring to shadows. When she said Darkness, I could feel the personification in her word, the looming threat of something or someone tangible. With a pang, I remembered that Kayla had been able to sense Nyx when shed flee her angelic captors.I leaned toward Kay la, glad Seth and Terry were preoccupied. Kayla, are you talking about . . . about the creature you felt before? The one you could sense on me? Nyxs return would be a complication I most certainly didnt need in my life right now.She shook her head. A different one. The Darkness comes here, to my house. To see my mommy. lead you make it go away?Is it here now? I asked uneasily.No. Just sometimes.How many times?Kayla thought about it. Two.A cold feeling crept over me. Was last night one of those times?She nodded.Have you seen it? I asked her.No. But I feel it. I can tell where its at when its here. She peered at me beseechingly. Will you make it stop?I had no clue what this Darkness was or what I could do to stop it, but theories were cartroad wild in my head. I kissed her forehead. Ill do what I can, baby. I promise. Ive got to leave now, but Ill see what I can find out for you, okay? Well make sure the Darkness doesnt come back.Like the slope of a switch, Kaylas whole demeanor ch anged. Whereas shed been good-for-naught and withdrawn moments ago, she was now beaming and hopeful. totally that faith in me. With my empty assurance to take on something I didnt understand, she was able to put aside all of her fears and worries. on the whole was right in her world now, thank to me. She put her arms around me and kissed me back, and I felt like my heart would break when I finally untangled myself from her. holiday cheer was calling, as well as a burning need to suddenly talk to Roman. Seeing as how we kept missing each other lately, I sent him a text with a reminder of when Id be home tonight and that I had important information for him. He was so caught up in his combination theories that I wasnt sure if hed want to make time for what hed probably see as a little girls fantasies. Kaylas perceptions despite her difficulties in articulating them had proven accurate before. I didnt know what she was sensing this time, but if there was a force inside the Morte nsen household, I mean to stop it.