Holding Onto Stars | Lady Lesso

Twenty-Three | Bonus Chapter

'Yeah, and then the mermaid, remember how she looked at you?? She summons up a huge thunderstorm, whilst spitting obscenities at us and the boat nearly went over at one point!' Leonora continued. 

'I thought we were going to get thrown overboard!' I howled. 

'Yeah, one minute she's threatening us, next minute-'

'Boom!' I finished, as we fell about laughing. 

'Where was that, then? What happened?' Hort asked, raising an eyebrow. 

'Oh, it was on this- this coast of an island thing. It's a long story, you had to be there.' Leonora explained, as I was still cackling. 

'You guys want another drink?' James came over to collect our glasses. 

'Another whiskey please, James.' I nodded. 

'No, she won't.' Leonora disagreed. James shrugged, before leaving us. 

'Why?' I frowned. 

'You've already had one, and we've got to head back to work.' She told me. 'First day back, remember?' 

I threw my head back in annoyance. 'Yeah, I wish I was back on the ship with you though.' 

'You literally got back this morning.' Hort reminded me. 

'And I'm wishing I hadn't come back.' I crossed my arms. 'I really enjoyed this summer.' 

'So did I, baby.' Leonora took my hand, kissing my wedding ring. 'Right, we've got to go, we're already cutting it fine, as it is.' 

'Okay.' I sighed, standing up with my bag and grabbing my suitcase. 

'Don't forget your late birthday present.' Hort nodded at the wrapped parcel on the table. 

'Thanks, brother.' I smiled, picking it up. 'I'll see you at Christmas.' 

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It didn't take long before we arrived on the familiar stone bridge, between the two castles, which glaringly contrasted in the sun; the dark gothic towers correlated with the pastel turrets. The sun was beating overhead, and we headed over to the Good School to escape the heat. 

We dropped our stuff in the entrance hall, before Leonora took my hand and led us into the teacher's lounge. A few people turned to see us walk in, and a couple of them waved, including the School-Master. 

'You two!' Anemone rushed over. 'How was your summer? I want to hear everything!' 

'It was an interesting one, to say in the least.' I laughed. 'We've got so much to tell you. Wait, where's Dovey?' 

'Here!' Clarissa walked over. She pulled me into a hug. 'Katherine, how are you?' 

'I'm okay, thank you.' I nodded, smiling. 'Really good, in fact.' 

'I'm great, thanks for asking.' Leonora said snarkily. 

'Oh shush,' I smirked. 'It's not my fault, everyone likes me more than you.' 

'Oh please darling, I was here first.' She retaliated. 

'But your wife is more nice than you.' Clarissa laughed. 

'See?' I grinned. Leonora just rolled her eyes, slipping her arm around my waist. The quietly affectionate gesture didn't go unnoticed by Clarissa who smiled. I returned the smile, looking around the room, and I noticed a newcomer talking to Yuba and a few others. 'Who's that?' I asked Clarissa.