Selena Rose, Daughter of the Moon

Chapter 17

Selena and Kya pull into a parking spot at the café where she first met her mother, again. Putting the truck in park she stares blindly at the café, her mind a million miles away. "Mama, are we going in? They're already here."

Selena returns with a start, "Yes, yes we are. Sorry sweetling. I was lost in another place for a moment there."

Walking into the café she sees her mom at the table they first met at and waves, pointing at the counter and then holding up one finger to let her know that she is getting drinks first. She gets Kya a hibiscus tea and herself a chai, taking a deep breath she goes to meet her sister. They get to the table and Luna stands to hug her and Kya before turning to introduce Samara. Samara stood during the hugs and after being introduced asks, "Can I have a hug too?" Selena's heart is so full she thinks it will burst as she tells her sister she would very much like that. Hugs finished the four sit down to chat and get to know each other. The four have progressed from tears and awkwardness to chatting it up like the family they are by the time Apophis walks in the café and sees them. He almost turns and walks out knowing how Luna feels about him, but he sees her laughing. She hasn't changed at all. Still the same gorgeous dark chocolate skin and braids that start dark at her scalp and become silver along the way. That smile of hers could sink ships, like the sirens did once upon a time with their songs. Men would throw themselves at the rocks just for the chance to get a closer look at her. The door behind him opens and he hears someone say "Excuse me!" He realizes he has stopped in the doorway to stare, he turns around and apologizes quickly before striding toward the table Luna, Selena, Samara, and Kya are sitting around. He walks up behind Luna, the sisters and Kya see him, Selena says, "Hi Dad," to give her mother a heads up. Luna turns to face him and he is lost in her eyes. He always loved her dark eyes, they seemed to hold a wisdom of ages that he has never felt he acquired. Right now though, her eyes look annoyed. Very annoyed. He clears his throat, "Um, hi. I saw you all over here talking... I thought I would stop and say hello before I get my coffee and leave." Apophis licks his lips, "Uh, Selena, I am heading out of town for a bit on business. If you need anything just go to the house. Um, any of you are welcome there." He looks at Luna, "You too. If you need anything..." Luna rolls her eyes at him but out loud says, "Why thank you Apophis. That is a very kind gesture. Have a nice trip." She turns to face the girls again, leaving him to stare at the back of her head while his granddaughter giggles as though she could see Luna's face when she was turned toward him or perhaps it was a face she made after turning around. Samara starts to speak but Luna and Selena each put a hand on one of her arms and Selena speaks instead, "Thank you Dad. We appreciate that. I especially appreciate it after what happened with Gabriel. Did the lawyer tell you he is out on bond?" Everyone looks at Selena with shock written across their faces, Apophis says, "What? No, I have not been notified." He pulls his phone out of the breast pocket of his suit and fires off a text message. "What did they tell you?"

Selena shrugs, "Just that he had made bail. Some friend of his had come up there and paid his bond. She said the Sheriff lost the guys name and that was weird. I have my suspicions about who it was, but no proof. I know it wasn't Bath and Zethes; they kicked him out for what he did." Apophis nods, "I need to pay them a visit soon," Luna looks sharply at him, "it has been much too long since I saw them last and I want to invite them to a barbecue." Luna raises an eyebrow at him, Selena watches this byplay and is fascinated as Apophis continues, "I would like to invite all of you. Next Saturday, around 7." He looks at his watch, "I have to go, I will be late if I don't get my latte and leave now. Selena and Kya, I love you, stay safe. Luna, always a pleasure to see you. And though I don't know your name, I am glad to have had the chance to see you." With that he walks away to the counter to order his drink. Selena, Luna, and Samara exchange glances, look over at Kya and nod in silent agreement that they will discuss what just happened later when Kya is sleeping. Selena bites her lip before saying, "Mom, Samara, I know you both have no reason to like him but I would really love it if you came to his cookout. I'll bring my friends; Linnette, Hayden, and Dwayne. They will have their children with them, Aspen and Nathan. Plus Dad will definitely invite other people too, just to ease the awkwardness and make sure everyone has someone else to talk to." Luna looks down at her lap for a moment, Samara watches her mother as she thinks it over. Luna looks up at her two daughters, "Perhaps he is trying to change. We will go. I know both of you have been hurt by the problems between us and if he is going to try to be a better person, trying to let him is the least I can do." Selena looks at Samara, "I know mom said we, but will you come? Please?" Samara looks between Luna and Selena before settling her gaze on Kya watching her with those big green eyes of hers. "Yes, I will come." Kya smiles big and toasts the decision with her cocoa.