Me and the Devil: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter NINETEEN - Pears and Raindrops

(Another song suggestion for you :) Start this one after the only break: Ribs by Lorde (THIS slowed + reverb version ))

That evening I sat on my bed long after Marlene and Natty had fallen asleep and turned Sebastian's letter over and over in my hands. The parchment of the envelope felt warm and worn against my skin. His note on the outside danced happily around and around with every twist. I wondered what time would be best to meet him. The letter had only mentioned "tonight", not a time.

If he even still wants to meet up... 

My brain was being cruel.

I shook the ridiculous thought away and hopped off the bed. I pulled on my boots and crept out my usual route and headed towards the kitchens.

A boost of serotonin rippled through my veins as I realized it was pouring rain outside. The droplets pelted the windows and I paused near one of the biggest ones to press my nose against the glass for a few moments.

Thankfully, Tooby had once again anticipated my arrival and skipped across the kitchens when I entered, laughing gleefully. 

"Tooby's owl is back is back!" He caught my arm as I bent to give him a hug and instead rubbed his face happily against my hand as a toddler would their favorite stuffed animal. I giggled. "Tooby has missed his owl. Not to say that Tooby wasn't pleased to see Mr. Sallow miss. No no. Tooby thinks he is a very good friend for brining miss food!"

"He is pretty great."

Tooby smiled a smile so big it looked as if it might hurt his cheeks.

"Is there anything you need Tooby? Or any of the others? I would love to bring something in return for all of your kindness."

"Oh no Miss! It is no trouble at all. Miss must understand that Tooby and the others love to help. Tooby's owl is most welcome any time." He grabbed my hand in his and patted it gently. When I looked slightly disappointed he added "Tooby promises miss." 

I finished bending all the way down and scooped Tooby into a large hug, holding on just a little longer, needing the comfort of a friend.

After the embrace, Tooby snapped his fingers and two swirling brown shapes appeared out of thin air into his outstretched palm. He pushed two black ribbon wrapped bags into my hand and made sure I knew the one with the little "S" was for Sebastian. I smiled at the little squiggle - a backwards "S" - that looked more like a cute snake.

"But how did you know I was going to meet him?"

Tooby just smiled. 

I thanked him kindly with another short hug and stepped out of the kitchen. Only then did I peer into my little brown bag and was surprised to find a lidded bowl of oatmeal and a plump green pear. Tooby and the elves never stopped surprising me with the things they seemed to just know. I rolled up the bag again and made my way to the Undercroft.

The clock on the door told me it was just after midnight and I pressed inside quickly, careful there were no prying eyes hiding in the shadows first.

The metal gate slid open and I was wrapped in the warmth of the room. If it was even possible, there were at least double, maybe triple the amount of candles in here than my first night. They littered every inch of the floor except for a small circle in the center which was instead piled with puffy green and silver pillows of every shape and size. A couple blankets were rolled up to one side and a little wood box had been placed in the very middle, a stack of cards shining on top.