Bewitching the Demon ✓ (GxG)

Bonus Chapter

    Kara slipped into the home after a practice session at Royaume de Glace. There was nothing like the feeling she got after ace-ing a jump—-well, except for maybe Leslie's kiss.

    Miroslav and Katia were still asleep—-but, Kara knew that might not last long. Soon, they'd be back at their screaming and crying; Kara wouldn't fault them for it. That’s just how small children were.

    Tomi and Greyson were sitting in Kara and Leslie's shared bed when Kara reached the bedroom. They smiled and giggled happily.

    Leslie was sitting on the bed, still somewhat under the covers, holding a drawing. Her makeup didn't seem to be there, so Kara could easily tell she had just woken up for the morning. Leslie smiled at the drawing. “Kara? Baby… Look at this.”

    “What is it?” Kara began before coming over to look at the drawing.

     “A mother's day gift from the boys,” Leslie replied, holding up the drawing. It had her, Kara, the twins, and their toddlers on it.

     “Grey and I both drew it,” Tsvetomir explained.

     Kara smiled. “Well, it looks good. Thank you guys…” She looked at the drawing Leslie was holding for a little longer before saying to them, “You're both good boys.”

    The toddlers squealed happily at the mention of being good.

     Kara ushered them both out of the bed. “Now come on,” she laughed. “I have to make your mama some breakfast.”

    ─┉─¡! • !¡─┉─

    After breakfast, Greyson slowly slunk over to Kara, who was washing the dishes. He cleared his throat.

    Kara looked over to him and smiled. “Oh, hi, Greyson…”

    Greyson fell quiet for a small moment as he rocked back and forth, his small arms placed behind his back—-his fingers interlocked with one another. “Äiti…” His voice remained quiet.

    Kara's expression fell a little when she saw her son’s nervousness. What’s got him so nervous?, she began to ponder to herself. Poor thing. I hope it's not something that we did. Finally, she responded to the toddler, “Yeah? What's up, bud?”

     “Äiti…” Greyson began to say once more. “Can I ask you a question?”

     Kara kneeled down in front of him, coming to his height. “Sure. Go ahead, buddy.”

     “I already did stuff for you guys with Tomi,” Greyson started to say. “But, I was wondering if I drew a picture for Mama, if you'd mail it out to her.”

    “For-” Kara stopped. “You already…” She trailed off once more.

     “I don't mean Tomi’s mama…” Greyson tried to explain to his mother. “I mean my other mom… Uncle Dylan's sister.”

    Kara fell silent, her heart skipping a beat. Oh… So that's what he means… That's why he seemed so nervous to bring the topic up…, she thought. Finally, she breathed, “Aubrie.” She paused for a moment before continuing. “You mean Aubrie…”

    Greyson nodded. “I do… Can I draw her a picture then? I wanna make her a card…” His voice quieted. “Even if we didn't have good memories together.”

     Kara's heart broke at Greyson’s last sentence. Oh, you poor thing… He doesn't even know that Aubrie does love him… Even after everything she's done. “A card and drawing, huh?”

     Greyson nodded. “Mhm. If I do that, maybe that'll make her feel happy and she will stop taking that… bad stuff that she does.”

    Kiroiyaka, Kara began to think to herself. That's what he's talking about. Aubrie’s still taking it, isn't she? I know it's hard to quit cold turkey, but even that… Kiroiyaka is still dangerous in small amounts. Dylan said something to me recently about trying to get Aubrie into rehab. Let's just hope he can.

    Kara sucked in a breath. “Yeah… I'm sure she'll like that. Go ahead and draw her something. I'll give it to her personally when I get the chance.”

   Greyson beamed. “Thanks, Äiti,” he said before turning and running off in the direction of his crayons and paper.