Chapter 62
One year after the Crew’s return
After all this time and preparation for final war. The Crew spent every waking moment training and tracking the Mad Angelic down. There was no sign of her. As if she vanished into thin air.
This brought the Crew no enjoyment.
On one afternoon; Hanna, Cira and Aaron retreated to the boy’s bedroom for a game of jenga. Lying in the middle of the floor with the game positioned in front of them. The child and Hanna laid on their stomachs, while Cira laid on her side with her head held up by her hand. This was one of many games they played together as a trio today. After long days of training, they promised the boy to spend the day playing any games he liked. Hanna looked forward to this day, she needed a break from the training.
Aaron leaned over and pulled out a tricky single stick from the middle of the tower, leaving only one support for the structure. He made the effort look so easy, his smile was triumph and his giggles were full of joy. “I’m going to win” he cheered, placing the piece on top.
“The tower hasn’t fallen yet” Cira replied with a teasing shrug.
“But it will and I will win”
Cira looked down at her son with proud smirk, her glasses slipping down her nose. “You’re very ambitious with this game”
“Ah huh” he said proudly, hoisting himself up. “Hanna said I can have a cookie if I win”
“Oooh did she?” Cira chuckled. She pushed the glasses up, to ensure her eyes were hidden before she turned to Hanna. Leaning her head to side, to see the brunette try to avoid her glaze. “Teaching the boy gambling already”
“it’s a harmless bet” Hanna answered with a light shrug. She looked up to Cira and bit her lip. “no bad habits here”
“Uh huh”
“It is”
“Well it’s your turn my darling, will he win or lose”
“I know let me think” Hanna chuckled.
“Hmmm” the boy spoke, turning to his mother proudly. He waited till she turned her eye on him and he sneakily gestured a finger to the fourth middle row of the tower. With the easy selection of sticks.
His mother flicked her eyes to the spot. Shock her head and subtly gestured with her free hand to the third bottom row.
Her son’s mouth open wide at the suggestion, starring at the two blocks pressed together. Then snapped his attention to his mother with a bewildered look.
She did not answer him with words. Only a single wink.
“I can hear you two rug rats planning from here!” Hanna chuckled. She looked up and found the pair turn to her with fake innocent looks.
“I don’t know what you mean darling” Cira shrugged.
“You know exactly what I mean”
“Prey tell”
“You two are betting which row I will attack and I will not follow either of your suggestions this time” Hanna insisted, sending playful glares to the pair. She raised her hand as she declared “Instead…” with two fingers she touched the second row up from the middle of the tower. “I will select my winning block and claim victory”
“Really? That one”
“That one”
“Well its too late to change your mind since you touched it, rules are rules”
Hanna happily took a firmer grip of the block. She was about to press the piece out, when she paused and turned to Cira with a raised eyebrow. “Really? You’re following the rules?”
“Since always darling” Cira spoke leaning forward.
Hanna matched the movement with suspicious stare. “you’re up to something”
“aren’t I always” Cira whispered, leaning closer with encouraging smile. Her teeth nibbled on her lower lip, drawing her eyes slowly up and down Hanna. “what are you going to do about it?”
Aaron stared at the ladies confused, turning his head back and forth to them. “Are you girls going to play or..stare at each other”
Cira smirked, watching as Hanna jolted upright, turning her focus solely on the tower.
“We’re playing, we’re playing” Hanna insisted.
“you girls are weird” Aaron chuckled.
“I believe you mean cool right” Hanna joked. The Hybrid cracked her neck side to side and declared confidently “Here goes the winning brick!”. With a quick jab of her fingers, she pushed the block out of the tower and it crumbled to the floor by Aaron’s side.
The tower wobbled from the jaunty movement. Hanna’s eyes widen and she prayed under her breath muffled wishes the tower won’t fall. The tower did not hear these praises. It’s wobble intensified.
Three
Two
One
The tower swung sideways and crashed away from the trio.
Hanna’s mouth gaped open. Cira Sandra roared with laughter and Aaron leapt to his feet cheering.
“Wahoo, Thank you Hanna” Aaron thanked.
“You’re welcome, now go on and collect your prize. Tell Aunty Camilia how you won”
“I will, thank you!” the child spun around and sprinted out of the room.
Once he was out of sight, Hanna collapsed on the floor. “I lost” she whined. She drew herself up and rolled onto her side. “Oh well it was a good game”
“You failed quite well”
“Spectacularly well thank you” Hanna boasted proudly.
Cira drew her body closer to her friend. Adjusting her glasses. “Tell me, when this is all over, what will happen next?”
Hanna looked her confused, she looked away, shock her head and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know” she admitted softly. She looked up to find Cira still starring at her. “I guess finish school. I…I don’t know what to do afterwards, honestly. It’s been fun helping Aunt Mary maintain her bike. Maybe, I can do that for a while”
“you know I see that, you were always good with your hands” Cira encouraged. Reaching her free hand out to play with Hanna’s fingers. Tracing her knuckles, her fingers reaching up along her hand and teasingly Hanna’s angel wing.
The feather naturally flared to life from the touch. Pulling itself up off Hanna’s skin and reaching out to Cira’s wondering hand. Allowing the woman to play with her feathers.
Hanna’s body rolled, feeling the angelic within start waking up.
“But to be serious for a moment” Cira spoke, stopping her advances.
Hanna moved closer with a chuckle “First time for everything” she teased.
“Don’t stress it’s only for a moment” Cira laughed. “I believe you can do anything” she said. “You have all the time in the world to embrace what this world has to offer, to decide what to do with your life will ultimately be yours alone. However, what ever happens, whatever you choose, I will support you”
Hanna looked surprised for a moment, but her face soften. “thank you, and what will you do?”
“I still got my work” Cira Sandra admitted. “And my son will be my prime focus, along with keeping an eye on you trouble seeking rebels”
“An interesting way to say family, but I accept the title proudly”
Cira nodded. It was not often she admitted this Crew she found herself tangled with were her family. When she did, it was always with Hanna and the woman she adored always smiled cheerfully at the admittance. Just like now. Her radiant smile shown and Cira felt herself swoon all too easily. “Good” the Devil replied.
Cira looked over her shoulder, making sure her son wouldn’t barge through any second. She turned back to Hanna. “Another thing, how are you actually feeling?”
Hanna looked at her confused for a moment. “I’m fine” she admitted with a nervous smile. It was not a lie, but not the whole truth.
Cira Sandra shock her head.
Hanna sighed defeated rolling her head back for a moment, then leaned forward back towards Cira. “I can’t believe it’s been a year since she left. Last week I tried to forget it, make my mind move past the date and just imagine it’s another day. Ever since then it’s been getting harder to push down. I wish I could forget her and move on with my life, but I can’t…I can’t”. Hanna looked up into Cira Sandra’s eyes. Wishing her friend will one day remove those red glasses. Hanna sucked on her lip, disappointed with the idea maybe Cira didn’t trust her enough yet. She won’t push it. No matter how much she wanted too. Cira will show her true colours one day and until then, she will show Cira Sandra how much she cares. “maybe I shouldn’t forget her”
“she was more then your…friend…for quite a long time”
Hanna nodded slowly, not questioning the hesitant term she used.
“Acknowledge what you had and celebrate it, but…just between you and me…you deserve better then her. Perhaps focusing on the future may help ease your pain”
“I think you’re right” Hanna agreed. Her smile brighten as she declared, lifting her head high “For now on, I am going to celebrate every day because right now, as much as I hate to admit it. We might not have tomorrow”
“Bit dark, but I definitely agree”
Cira leaned forward and brushed Hanna’s hair back. Unwillingly drawing herself closer to the brunette.
Hanna let out a nervous chuckle from the touch, her attention drawn back to Cira’s shaded eyes and became lost in her gaze. Her own eyes sparked with gold and the colour change drew Cira Sandra closer.
The girls could have left it here. A simple touching gesture. Yet they drew closer, lips pursed and eyes drifting shut. Their breaths barely brushed against each others lips before a thunder of footsteps and a crash of a door against stone sent the pair scattering. Cira Sandra fell back, rolled around and rose again to face the doorway. While Hanna pulled back, fell to the ground and phased through the ground with a startled yelp.
“I GOT COOKIES!” Aaron shouted as he barged into the room. He stopped and frowned when he couldn’t see Hanna. “Where did Hanna go? I got her a cookie” he spoke, offering his hand forward with the cookies. One half bitten one for him, two whole ones underneath. He plucked one of the whole cookies and offered it to his mother.
Cira Sandra looked at him confused, turning around and raised her eyebrow at the empty space. “she was just here?” she spoke. She shock her head and shot to her feet. “Come, we’ll find her” Cira Sandra spoke, offering her hand.
Aaron obediently ran to her side, taking her hand into his own. He grinned up at his mother and offered the cookie again.
Cira Sandra took the cookie and kissed his forehead for the offer. She took a bite and led him out of the room.
Downstairs, hanging around the hallway surrounding the courtyard. Addams and Kit were sitting on the window ledge. Kit leaning against the stone framework while Addams laid against her body. Kit played with the girl’s hair, working her fingers crafting braids and threading rune crafted beads.
“I’m thinking of hosting another Goddess Lilith night?” Addams comment, she turned to her lover and spoke with glee “full moon will be soon upon us”
“perfect time for summoning. Fuck it I’m in”
“do you think the girls will be up for the ritual?”
Before Kit could answer. Hanna phased through the roof and plummet to the ground with a deafening scream. She hit the pavement back first. The couple stared at their fallen friend with equal judgement. Watching the brunette roll around muttering curses.
Kit shrug and briefly focused on her girlfriend “I think so, we better ask” she turned to her cousin and shouted “Hey you up for Summoning Lilith next full moon?”
Hanna groaned, turning to her cousin and gestured to the roof. “I just phased through the roof and fell to the pavement at your feet and you don’t want to ask if I’m alright”
“Please it’s not the first time I seen you phase out of nowhere from a great height” Kit scoffed. “You in or not?”
“I’m in”
“Good” Kit stated proudly. “Okay that’s one, now let’s discuss the falling elephant in the room. What the hell were you up to, to phase like that”
“Nothing-reflex”
“Reflex!” Kit hissed surprised. “Please you haven’t phased reflex like that since we were like thirteen”
“I’m out of practice then” Hanna shrugged, scooting herself upright. She looked up to her friends and found their judging stares focused on her. After a few moments watching them, she sighed dramatically shaking her head. “I uh…I was hanging out with Cira…”
“And?” they both demanded.
“and I…may…almost…” Hanna bit her lip. She didn’t want to admit the incident, the almost kiss that happened between them. Against better judgement, she gulped a nervous breath and admitted quietly “almost kissed”
“And?”
“What do you mean AND!” Hanna retorted with mouth open wide and offended.
“Oh sorry Han, let’s try that again” Kit apologised. She cleared her throat and together, with her girlfriend, they spoke with scandalised flair in their voice “AND?”
Hanna groaned, collapsing back to the ground.
“Oh get up you big drama queen” Addams said. She heaved herself off the window ledge. The witch grabbed held of the Hybrid and heaved the teenager to her feet. “So you almost kissed her yes?”
Hanna nodded.
“Well don’t threat, you two will have another chance again” Addams informed cheerfully. She tucked Hanna’s wild locks behind her ears, then grabbed the girl firmly by the shoulders. “You like her, don’t you?”
“I mean yeah she’s my friend. Why, has she said anything?”
“No, it’s more how she acts with you”
Hanna frowned confused. Lilac colour flared in her eyes.
Kit watched her cousin carefully before she too hauled herself off the window ledge. Walking over to their sides, she grabbed hold of Hanna’s shoulder, forcing the girl to focus on her. “You know what you need dude? A night out”
Hanna sucked in unsure breath.
“Oh don’t give me that, you know I’m right!” Kit insisted, trying to catch her cousin’s concerned gaze. “A night out, just us girls, no plans, no parents, no worries”
“I don’t know”
“You know Cira will be down for it. We’re down for it and…I know you haven’t been feeling okay lately. So, maybe a few hours away from here might help. We miss her too”
Hanna snapped her attention up to Kit.
Her cousin’s smile was small and full of understood sadness. She didn’t doubt her friends missed Persephone being in their lives. She just didn’t understand until now, how much she needed to hear she wasn’t the only one missing her.
“okay”
“Okay?” Kit repeated, hopeful.
Hanna smiled, the lilac disappeared giving way to her normal silvery eye glow. Then shifting to soft yellow glow. “Okay” Hanna repeated.
“Glad you see it my way” Kit announced. She wrapped her arm around Hanna’s shoulders and her other around Addam’s waist. “Now here’s the plan” she began as she lead the girls down the hallway.
Hanna should have put her foot down the moment she learned the full extent of this plan. Her friends ridiculous plan that will no doubt end with their parents finding out and grounding them.
Okay that wasn’t enough to stop her. Then there was Cira.
Her friend acted like incident didn’t exist. Hanna secretly wished she could do the same, but no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t get it out of her mind. She couldn’t believe she phased out of the floor in front of her. After they almost kissed. Hanna could recall the smell of roses, whiskey and smoke on her scent. The sharp breath on her lips as they were inches away from touching. She wanted to avoid her, avoid the humiliation of it all. Yet Cira agreed to the plan and that was the end of it.
Hanna followed her friends to the bar along the beach. The music vibrated the walls of the outdoor venue. People filled in and filled the space with life. Hanna watched as her friends approached the bar. With Cira leading the charge, her presence sent people diving out of their path.
Hanna did not notice the eyes starting at Cira. Eyes focused on her every move, some terrified, others aroused.
The hybrid was lost in thought. Despite her friend’s reassuring words of wisdom. She was embarrassed for this afternoon’s accident, but more confused why she was so disappointed they didn’t kiss.
Should have they done it.
Before she could settle a response. Cira took a spot at the bar, turned and leaned back against the bar. Taking ownership of that spot. Her smile beckoned Hanna over and she obediently followed.
“A toast” Cira spoke, offering her friends vodka shots. “To us”
“To us” the girls agreed, clinking their glasses then downing the shot. The teenagers recoiled, Hanna coughing her lung out why her friends struggled to remained composed. The alcohol had no effect on the Devil, she slammed the glass back down on the counter and ordered another round with a wave of her finger.
“Wow that was strong stuff” Kit coughed.
“And good” Addams agreed with a satisfied hum.
“Only the best for my favourite people” Cira chuckled. Stealing a glance at Hanna’s direction.
Hybrid eyes widen for a second. The look didn’t last long, but for a moment she thought she was imagining it. Cira’s head turned away quickly focusing back on the bartender, collecting few more shots and handing them out to her friends. She took her shot with a great full smile and felt the Devil’s fingers brush against her hand.
She pushed her thoughts back down. No way she should let her mind wonder with impossible what if scenarios when shots are involved.
“Cheers to us fuck the rest” Kit announced and they cheered again. Drinking down their second round. “You know girls we should do something, wanna take over the dart board? Dance?”
“Dance!” Addams insisted, leaning up against her girlfriend’s side. “We…” she trailed off, focusing on her girlfriends with wicked smile stretched wide. She poked her chest and insisted “should be dancing”
“Well I’m not one to keep a lady waiting” Kit replied with a shrug. She grabbed her hand, twirled her girlfriend around, then they ran to the dance floor laughing.
Hanna and Cira watched them leave with proud grins. They turned back to each other.
“Listen…about this afternoon” Hanna spoke nervously. “I haven’t done that in a long time”
“Phase through solid walls or nearly kiss a girl?” Cira teased.
Hanna chuckled ashamed, turning her eyes downcast. “Yes, I’m sorry”
“Oh darling you have nothing to be sorry about” Cira answered. She watched Hanna shrug, still refusing to meet her gaze from the embarrassment of the situation. Cira bit her lip, she wanted to fix this. Help Hanna see there was nothing to be ashamed of. So, she grabbed the tip of Hanna’s chin and tugged her face upward. When their eyes locked, she brushed her hand along Hanna’s face and cupped her cheek. “Come with me” she encouraged. Seeking her free hand to Hanna’s hand. She tugged the woman away from the bar. Walking backwards and leading them to the dance floor.
“To where?” Hanna laughed, following Cira blindly.
“To the wild side”
Hanna laughed, picking up the pace. The girls moved to the dance floor. Addams and Kit no longer in sight, but they weren’t worried about their friends sudden disappearance. They wrapped their arms around each other and pulled closer until they were chest to chest. Swaying to the music, mouthing the words to the ed Sheeran song Shiver with much dramatic flair as possible.
The mode lighten and Hanna began to relax. She lifted Cira in the air and spun her startled friend around. The devil’s laughter was music to her ears. Encouraging her. She lowered Cira, twirled her out, twirled her back into her arms and dipped the woman.
The hybrid drew the Devil slowly up into her arms again. Holding her close as the music faded and another song started to play.
“Is that all you got?” The Devil teased.
“Nope”
“Show me everything you got!”
Hanna leaned forward and teased “sure you can handle it”
Cira’s smirk grew as she leaned closer and whispered “lay it all on me”
Hanna’s smile brighten with mischief. Her eyes started to glow. She grabbed Cira’s hand and led her running outside.
Down on the beach front.
Dry Storm had taken over the sea side town and lightning began illuminated the sky. Followed by fireworks, spreading noise and colour. Hanna and Cira stopped running when their feet touched the sand. Turning to each other, they began to dance.
Lost in the music, in the drum of fireworks and the lightning. Lost in each other.
Hanna began to loose track how long they been out here. She paused mid step. Watching Cira Sandra move in the sand with awe. The woman’s eyes were closed and a small smile graced her face as she dance to the beat. Feeling it move her body. The carefree natural of it all.
Soon Cira opened her eyes. Her attention searched the area before locking on Hanna. She reached out and drew the brunette into her arms. Twirling the hybrid in her arms. Seething her hands on Hanna’s hips. She looked into Hanna’s eyes and whispered “Hanna”
“Cira”
“There’s something…there’s something I have to confess”
Their dancing slowed to a halt. Still in each others arms. Hanna wrapped her arms around Cira’s shoulders and held her close. The lightning ceased, but the fireworks continued to sparkle. Bathing the women in vibrant rainbow colours.
“Hanna I-“
Whatever Cira was going to confess was cut off abruptly by angry shouts and the stampede of footsteps. The girls turned back to the bar. Cira annoyed by the interruption and Hanna looked on confused.
Running around the back of the bar, heading for the board walk. Were Addams and Kit; Addams held a dozen fireworks of all shapes to her chest, throwing the smaller firecracker type one at a time to Kit. Whom lit them on fire and threw them in the air, just high enough to explode behind them. The action caused explosions of colours and smoke to follow their wake. Chasing them were the bar’s security guards, batons in hand and ash all over their faces.
Hanna smirked at their retreating friends. “Now they say I’m the bad influence” Hanna chuckled. She took Cira’s hand with a gleeful smile and dragged her running after their friends.