Chapter 25
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Warnings: Coarse/mature language, adult situations (boys and girls kissing tee hee!) Why do I keep posting these???
Men like Malcolm Landgraab IV never rested. They never slept. They never fatigued. His family had laid down many of the foundations for his successes, but unlike others who were born into such a privelege, Malcolm never rested on it.
Once he learned of the existence of witchcraft, he spared no expense to study it. He travelled the entire world to learn from the masters of the craft. He immersed himself in the lore and the culture, learned all about it's history and bought every single one of it's secrets.
They said it would be impossible. If you were not a natural born witch, or if it did not run in your bloodlines, learning the trade would be an arduous, expensive and often physically painful experience. But what did run in his bloodlines was tenacity, and ruthlessness. It took Malcolm years but once again he defied the naysayers and became the most powerful warlock in existence.
Not that there were many left.
There was very little that money couldn't buy. It turned out to be a sound business decision. Though Malcolm much preferred to use his inherent wit and intelligence in matters of business, he certainly was not adverse to using his magic if it became necessary. And though he'd like to think that some of his goals were for the betterment of all witches, it did all come down to the bottom line: The almighty simoleon. Whatever was good for the Coven was good for him.
And right now Willow Marlen was important to the Coven. Where she fit in all of this, he was keenly aware of. The Sorceress' methods for awarding the Heir her supposedly rightful possessions seemed overly complicated and unnecessary. But ultimately, Malcolm understood why. The Sorceress, like himself, was careful. There could be no mistake or everything could get ruined. Centuries of the Coven seeking and planning would be for nothing. He considered this as he looked across the empty chamber.
His construct wasn't part of the Sorceress' plan, but he didn't see how it could hinder them. It was a more than adequate guardian for the Heir's gifts.
Predictably enough, Clara ended up fitting nicely into the plan. Malcolm could see right through her greed, ambition and her lies. She did indeed send her vampire lackey to steal the key for her.
And he in turn would bring it to the Heir, just as Malcolm intended.
That he was a vampire was an interesting coincidence. No one else would have been unaffected by the Mirror. It was actually something Malcolm did not think of. He disliked oversight on his part.
But the Construct chose him correctly and the Heir had the key now, which would unlock her second gift. It was hidden over a century ago and no witch had had the courage to go near it all this time. All Willow had to do now was find it without any interference from the Coven.
However, an encounter with the Circle... that annoying sect of Light-bound witches... was a different matter. That, he knew, should be dealt with. Malcolm would let nothing prevent the Sorceress' Heir from receiving her inheritance.
Cecilia had pored through the photo album until she managed to fall asleep. It was no different in the morning, but Cecilia couldn't help but look.
The pictures hadn't changed. They were still images of the smiling face sorority sisters of over twenty years ago. One or two even had her mother or her Aunt Jessie in them, but none of them were with Brittany Upsnott.
There were no other photo albums in the house with Brittany in it. Someone had taken a lot of care in organizing all of Brittany's pictures in this one album. It shouldn't be too difficult finding out how she died now that she knew the ghost's name and maybe the reason why she was haunting this mansion. In a way, Cecilia was afraid to find out. She remembered the first encounter all too clearly...
"There's no way I'm going to let her beat me. It's not fair, she gets all the guys, she gets to fuck her way to great grades, she gets to graduate and I get to be stuck here doing this fucking assignment. All I wanted to do was open up the third floor. And to get rid of all the fucking pink.."
"Why wouldn't they let me open up the third floor???"
A thought came to Cecilia's head as she looked down at the photos with Brittany's image swimming in front of her.
Tashia: Cecilia, we're going to the mall. You in?
Cecilia: No, I'm fine, go on ahead.
Tashia: Seriously, you've been acting like a goon since the club opening. You need to lighten up a bit.
Cecilia: I said I'm fine.
Her sorority sisters glanced at her, muttered something she didn't hear before breaking out into annoying giggles behind her back. Cecilia ignored them, hoping they'd just go away. If there was anytime she wished a ghost would appear and chase everyone away it would be right now.
Samantha: Ooooooh, looks like someone had a dream date!
Tashia: What is it?
Cecilia turned slightly as Tashia brought the vase of red roses into the dining room. Her face flushed brightly as Tashia began to read the card out loud and with flourish.
Tashia: "Dear Cecilia... I had a wonderful evening the other night. Regretfully I had to cut it short, I hope I can be forgiven..."
Cecilia: Do you mind?
Tashia: What, did he cut out on you? And he only left roses? The bastard!
She grinned but continued reading the card.
Tashia: "It would be a delight to be able to spend more time with you. Sincerely, Malcolm Landgraab the Fourth." Damn, Cecilia, now I definitely have no idea why you've been so mopey.
Tashia left the bouquet in front of her. Thoughts of the ghost briefly left her mind. Cecilia sighed and stared at bright red bouquet, taking in it's gentle perfume. Just like the man who had given it to her, she was unable to ignore it. But she was also unsure of what to do.
Jasmine felt like she could sleep all day. Everything that happened the night before seemed like just another bad dream. Though she guessed this time, she should be lucky that no one was hurt. At least not too much. The only casualty seemed to be her truck, which was now sitting in some impound lot far away.
She sat at the edge of her bed for a while, tempted to pull her covers over her and hide under them again until she could forget about witches and vampires. Never had she wanted to stay in the comforts of her own dorm more. But one of her dormies was calling her... she had a visitor.
She had no clue who it could be. She wasn't expecting anyone today and aside from rescuing her truck, she had no plans.
She grinned suspiciously as she looked over the railing.
Jasmine: What are you doing here?
Kyle: Uh.. hey Jasmine. Did I come at a bad time?
Jasmine: Well, I just got up, I wasn't expecting you. What's going on?
He smiled up at her, his blue eyes sparkling.
Kyle: Get dressed, I got a surprise for you.
Jasmine: Kyle, I'm kind of not in the mood...
Kyle: You'll like this.
He wouldn't tell her right then, so reluctantly, she pulled on some clothes and her jacket and followed him out.
Jasmine: So where are we going?
Kyle: Just to the parking lot. I was running around doing errands for the shop this morning when I found her...
Jasmine took a few steps forward and gasped. She couldn't hide her astonishment, and her happiness.
Jasmine: Holy crap, Kyle!
Jasmine: You got my truck!!!
Kyle: Yeah I saw her at the tow yard, I had to break her out. A buddy there owes me for some parts, so we made a bit of a deal.
Jasmine: I can't believe this... I mean, I can't believe you'd do this for me.
Kyle: Heh heh, I thought you'd appreciate it. I'm not even gonna ask why you let her get towed in the first place.
Before she knew it, she had turned around to jump up and hug him. All this was a big surprise, and she didn't know what made her happier... that her truck was here or that Kyle would go through all this trouble for her.
Jasmine: Thank you so much! I totally owe you one. How can I repay you?
Kyle: Well I have to get back to work now, but since you brought it up...
Kyle: ... what are you doing later?
Jasmine looked up at him and simply grinned.
Gabriel: Raaaaaarrr, I'm an evil vampire wizard and I'm here to eat your sooooouul...
Willow: Somehow I don't think you're amusing him.
Gabriel: How about killer cybourg from the future? Come with me if you want to live.
Willow: Um... that isn't quite working either.
Gabriel: I could be an alien? Boop boop boop take me to your leader little one. I am on a peaceful pollination mission... bring me your women!
Willow: Okay, now you're just weird.
Gabriel: He's a tough little dude to impress. Like father, like son.
Willow: You think he looks like him?
Gabriel: Absolutely. In that regard, he kinda looks like you.
Sage comfortably wrapped his little arms around Willow. She couldn't help but to smile warmly and hold him close. She had only met Sage a short time ago but she loved him already. How could she not? He was Rowan's son... her nephew.
And Rowan had no idea that he existed.
She took Meadow aside later, wanting to ask her everything about Sage. She wasn't upset... in fact, she was uncertain about how she should be feeling about her right now.
Willow: He's really beautiful, Meadow. I mean... I can't believe this. You had a baby!
Meadow: He is beautiful. And he's pretty smart too. He seems to really like you.
Willow: Well that's good. He's family... right?
Meadow: Willow, I know what you're going to say.
Willow: This is kind of a big deal, don't you think? Why didn't you say anything? All this time and none of us knew. It's not like we wouldn't have helped.
Meadow: I know. But you have to understand, back then I was scared, confused and yeah, I was still upset at Rowan. I didn't want him to have anything to do with Sage. I didn't want him in his life.
Willow: He's his father. How can you say that?
Meadow: He was immature and irresponsible in a lot of ways, Willow. I know it sounds bad, but I decided I'd rather do this completely alone than give him the chance to screw up.
Willow: You think he would have?
Meadow: I don't know. I did need to go away for a while, at least until I was able to sort my head out. I don't think the same way I used to when Sage was born.
Willow: I guess I understand why you didn't say anything. But I still think you should have given Rowan... and the rest of us a chance.
Meadow: I know. I would have said something eventually. I really would have. I...I don't have family of my own, it would be nice if Sage knew his.
Willow: Does that mean you'll tell Rowan?
Meadow hesitated, an expression of uncertainty on her face.
Meadow: Please don't say anything to Rowan right now...
Willow: Meadow, he has to know.
Meadow: I know... and he will. But I have to be the one to tell him.
Meadow: I... I've been seeing him again.
Willow: Well... great, I think. That makes things easier. Doesn't it?
Meadow: No, it kind of doesn't. At least not for me. I'm still not sure I want a relationship with him.
Willow: You guys don't have to get married or anything like that. But you just can't keep this from him.
Willow: And honestly? If you don't say anything... he'll find out from me.
Meadow turned away from Willow sadly.
Meadow: Just give me the chance to first, Willow. I know he'll get upset. I may as well face him when he does.
Willow looked at Sage playing with Gabriel in the other room. That little boy had no clue what he was caught in the middle of.
Meadow was right. Willow couldn't imagine Rowan as any kind of father too. She and Linden used to joke that Rowan was barely any kind of human. But despite her brother's mistakes and shortcomings, he was still her big brother. As much as he wanted to take care of her, she wanted to take care of him as well.
And Sage was a little dream. Willow couldn't deny that she wanted Sage to be in her life... in her whole family's life.
Willow was surprised at how comfortable Gabriel seemed to be around Sage. From Gabriel's silly voices to Sage's delighted giggling, she could tell that they both seemed to be taking to eachother really well. It was a side of Gabriel she never expected and it was really sweet.
Meadow: Sage really likes Gabriel. He's normally really shy around strangers.
Willow: Gabe has a way with shy people. I guess.
Meadow: Did you know that he was good with kids?
Willow: To tell you the truth, I didn't think of it.
Meadow: I just can't imagine Rowan being the same. You're really lucky, Willow.
Willow and Gabriel took a seat while Meadow put Sage back to bed. There was still a lot of studying and writing they had to do that night, but Willow didn't know how she'd be able to concentrate on that. How was it possible that it seemed lately when something big happened in her life, something seemingly bigger would come up the next day to make her forget about it all. No, this wasn't her finding out that a society of witches were interested in her, or that another group of witches wanted to kill her childhood friend who happened to be a vampire... but to her, this seemed more significant. Much more important.
Gabriel: So. You're an aunt now.
Willow: I know. That sounds crazy.
Gabriel: Well he's a really cute kid. I have a feeling he'll be fine. But what about you?
Willow: I'm okay. I don't know if Rowan will be though.
Jasmine didn't quite feel like leaving the dorm again tonight... she decided she was done with outtings for a while after what had happened the night before. But Kyle offered a decent compromise and brought over a movie and some beer. The movie was terrible, Kyle's choice of beer was adequate. At some point during the night, Jasmine found harder liquor hidden away in the back of the kitchen cabinets.
After every subsequent shot, Jasmine found her misgivings about Kyle disappearing. She didn't know exactly why she had stopped seeing him years ago. They weren't exactly a couple, but other than the physical intimacy she never found a real connection with him. At a point she stopped coming around. He didn't bother calling her back.
It seemed they did have a mutual, unspoken agreement about the nature of their relationship. Something that Jasmine was okay with revisiting in the present, especially once all the alcohol completely subdued their inhibitions.
Kyle: Damn, Jasmine... you're amazing, but you gotta slow down...
Jasmine: Shush. We're not stopping now.
Kyle: Didn't say to stop. I'm so wasted... I don't know if I can keep up...
Jasmine: Well just shut up and take it easy, then.
Kyle: As long as you're sure you want to do this.
Jasmine: Do I look like I'm having second thoughts here? You have no idea what kind of week I've had. I kinda need this.
Kyle: So I could be just anyone...
Jasmine inwardly groaned. Last thing she wanted was morals ruining her fun tonight. But as she began to pull away he held her closer.
Kyle: I'm not complaining.
Jasmine: Good.
The fact that both of them were very drunk at this point wasn't a big concern. In a way, Jasmine did miss Kyle. They did have a lot of fun like this together and being in his arms again didn't seem strange or different. The way he kissed her and touched her was familiar, even the way he moved his rough hands slowly up and down her back under her shirt. He leaned in closer to her, burying his face in her hair, his lips on her neck...
... she smiled as he lowered his head down to her chest. But as he moved downwards, his body leaned in heavier against her. It took a while for Jasmine to realize that he had completely stopped.
Jasmine: Kyle?
He mumbled something incoherently, but otherwise he was completely out.
Jasmine: You're kidding me.
Jasmine: Dude, wake up!
It looked like he tried to, his fingers clumsily and half-heartedly groping at her. Finally she sighed and pushed him off of her. She didn't notice that Adrian had walked in and was watching this with amusement.
She stared down at Kyle, snoring quietly on the couch. She shook her head in disbelief but ended up giggling. This was kind of funny.
Jasmine: Well I guess I'm not getting laid tonight.
Jasmine: Unless you want to do the honours.
Adrian walked up to her, trying to keep a straight face. He'd never seen Jasmine like this before.
Adrian: You're so drunk.
Jasmine: Yes, yes I am.
Jasmine: And as you can see, my night is pretty much shot. You can have a drink with me if you want. Don't mind Kyle.
Adrian: Quite alright. I don't touch that stuff.
Jasmine: Goddammit, Adrian, don't pull that sanct...san..that body-is-a-temple crap with me right now. I don't believe you.
Jasmine: Come on, it isn't that late.
She giggled as she pulled herself forward.
She didn't realize she had completely slipped off the couch trying to get up until she was on her ass and looking at her shoes. Her head was beginning to spin and she felt like it was someone else on the floor obnoxiously laughing at herself.
Adrian couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. He was always used to seeing Jasmine be in complete control of herself that he never imagined her being in a situation like this.
Adrian: You've had a bit too much, haven't you?
Jasmine: No shit, what made you guess? But you know what? I have no regrets. Now help me up.
Adrian glanced over to her unconscious friend on the couch as he pulled Jasmine to her feet. She stumbled clumsily against him, throwing her arms around his neck to brace herself. She was very warm, and very flushed.
Adrian: No regrets?
Jasmine: None whatsoever.
She took a few steps but nearly tripped again. Adrian reached out to keep her up, laughing again.
Adrian: Come on you can barely stand. I'll help you get to bed.
Jasmine: I just bet you will!
Adrian: You're not going to remember this in the morning.
Jasmine: I know. That's what makes me the ideal date right now.
He sighed and shook his head as she stumbled forward again.
Adrian: You know what? I'm just gonna take you there...
Jasmine: I don't need help... Adrian!!!
She squealed, a little annoyed, a little delighted as he lifted her up into his arms. She enjoyed the euphoria from being off her feet, her brain spinning somewhere up in the clouds. She wrapped her arms tighter around him.
Jasmine: Fuck... Adrian, put me down.
Adrian: I'm not doing this for my health you know. You're heavier than you look.
Jasmine: I didn't ask you to haul my fat ass around.
Jasmine: This is kinda fun though.
Adrian: For you maybe.
Jasmine: Can you bring Kyle up too?
Adrian: No.
Jasmine laughed out loud as Adrian finally dropped her onto her bed. How was it possible that she felt more drunk than she did a few minutes ago.
Adrian: You may want to keep it down a little. The rest of the dorm is asleep.
Jasmine: Yeah well, fuck 'em.
Adrian: I'll get you some water, then I'll leave you alone. Happy?
Jasmine: No, that wouldn't make me happy.
Adrian: Is that right?
Jasmine: Hang out with me for a bit.
Adrian: I don't know about this... you're pretty wasted.
Jasmine: Yes, thank you for making me aware of the situation. Come on. I really could use a friend right now. I promise I won't bite.
Adrian looked at her smiling brightly up at him. He took in a deep breath and sighed.
He sat with her, both of them sitting in silence for a while until she leaned in against him, pushing herself into the crook of his arm. Without thinking he reached up behind her, gently stroking her hair.
Jasmine: My date literally passed out on me.
Adrian: Yes he did.
Jasmine: That doesn't do a lot for the ego. I couldn't even keep a guy awake.
Adrian: You did get him pretty drunk. And anyway, I'm wide awake.
Jasmine: Do you even count?
Adrian: Maybe it's best if I didn't.
Jasmine: Figures. I couldn't see you doing anything you wouldn't be completely comfortable with.
Adrian: You're right about that. Maybe I like to play it safe too much.
Jasmine: In everything?
Adrian: Pretty much. Is that such a bad thing?
Jasmine: No, I guess not. You're too much of a nice guy to take advantage of perfect situations.
Adrian: Is this one of them?
Jasmine: Well you got a drunk girl in bed, what do you think?
Adrian: See, as much as some guys think otherwise "drunk" isn't a qualifier for being ideal for me.
Maybe she was sobering up a little, but she couldn't help but suddenly feel a little awkward just then. Nervously, she started to laugh.
Adrian: What's so funny this time?
Jasmine: You. You and all of your ten nice points, non-drinking, Mr. Perfect self. Sometimes I can't help wonder if it's all an act.
Adrian: Should I be any other way?
Jasmine: Sometimes... well... Adrian, sometimes you really are too good to be true.
Adrian: Well I'm definitely not.
Jasmine: Are we getting into deep dark secret territory here?
Adrian didn't say anything for a while. He turned towards her slightly, his eyes lowered sadly.
Adrian: Last night... I hung out with Willow for a bit. I tried to kiss her.
Jasmine felt like she had just run into a wall. Her smile disappeared from her face and whatever good time she had been having up until this point was all but forgotten.
Adrian: She didn't do anything. She obviously didn't feel the same way.
It took another moment for what he told her to sink in. He tried to kiss Willow...
Jasmine: She's going out with my cousin, you fucking asshole!
Jasmine: Forget it, I am so not sleeping with you. I gotta get out of here...
Adrian: Jasmine...
Jasmine: Fuck!
He knew she was upset, but he also knew she how inebriated she was and he couldn't help but to try to stifle his laughter.
Adrian: You and furniture don't seem to be getting along tonight. Are you okay?
Jasmine: Yeah I'm fine. I have a headache. You can get lost now.
Despite how angry she seemed, Adrian still helped her back to bed. She pulled her covers over her and rolled over, turning away from him without a word. He didn't know what she'd remember in the morning but he couldn't deny to himself that her reaction did affect him. He didn't want Jasmine to look at him that way again.
Quietly, he pulled her sheets over her, shut the lights and walked out.
The Tri-Var mansion was way too quiet that night. Cecilia wasn't able to sleep again. She had managed to stay pretty much antisocial all day. She had even stopped bothering to try to call her sister. Nothing mattered anyway. She didn't even know if the ghost could even scare her anymore.
She wandered around the mansion until she found the old storage closet tucked away in one of the corners of the house. She knew that the door to the attic was in there.
Brittany wanted to open up the third floor. That's at least one of the reasons why she was upset. And though Cecilia couldn't imagine anything up there that was worth opening up, she couldn't help being too curious.
Okay, Brittany, she thought to herself. Let's open up the third floor and see what we find. Maybe then you'll shut up.
next » [ Chapter 26: Snowfall ]
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Notes:
* remember when I talked about pointless and meandering story elements? This chapter feels like one of those. Except to some extent everything has a point. Frustrated author is frustrated. Please let me know what you think... honest critique is always encouraged.
* but I still had a lot of fun with it. Particularly Adrian and Jasmine's scene. <3
* thank you once again for reading. :)