The Bird and the Bee

Chapter 18

The children made sure to dry off before entering the home, Jenny bundling Alma's towel closer around her when a gentle breeze blew by. Matilda walked alongside her, talking more about how much stronger her ability was and the occasional question about being an ymbryne. Jenny answered some, Alma speaking up if there was any she couldn't. Both the women seemed to be doing a bit better from the time in the sun, though the ymbrynes bruises only seemed to stand out more since she couldn't wear her jacket as her swimsuit was still damp. The pain seemed to ease, but both were thoroughly exhausted still, trying their best not to show it as the children stepped inside the home, the ymbrynes following behind them. Jenny bit back a yawn, holding her towel a bit closer when a chill ran through her, the ravenette noticing of course.

"You can go shower if you'd like to warm up before you change." She offers, Jenny nodding with a grateful smile.

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me, darling. My home is your home too." She says quietly so the children wouldn't eavesdrop, though most of them already went upstairs to change. Jenny felt her cheeks burn, sending her a smile and Alma returned it.

"Oh, wait." Jenny says when the woman went to head upstairs ahead of her, Alma glancing back at her with a raised eyebrow. "Do you have more bandage wrap?"

The ymbryne didn't even hesitate as she walked over and gingerly picked her hand up, seeing the bandages were soaked from the beach, but the stitches stayed intact.

"I do, I can help you with them when you're done." She says softly, placing a quick soft kiss on the tip of her nose, smiling when she seen the blush spread across her cheeks. The ymbrynes gaze fell for just a moment, the woman's shirt quite sheer and seeing the dark bra she had on underneath, but she quickly forced her eyes back up before Jenny noticed.

"Alright, I'll be back down soon." Jenny smiles, glancing over before leaning up and placing a light kiss against her lips and walking off, Alma's cheeks burning as she watched her go. The ymbryne quickly rubbed her cheeks in hope to get rid of the pink, walking to the kitchen to start planning dinner. Her hair was still damp as well as her towel and she knew once Jenny was done, she'd have to go shower as well before she could start the food. Glancing at her pocket watch, the ravenette took note that she still have a little over half and hour and 37 seconds until she would have to start.

"Hi, Miss Peregrine."

The woman looked over as she tucked her watch away, smiling when she seen Matilda.

"Hello, dear."

"Where's mom?"

"She went upstairs to shower." Alma says softly, walking over to the counter to fill the kettle with water. She then placed it on the stove top, turning the dial to heat it when Matilda spoke up after a moment.

"Do you like her?"

"What?" Alma glanced over at her, hoping the burning in her cheeks wasn't too noticible but when she seen the girl grin, she knew she was caught.

"You do!" She exclaims, clearly excited over the thought. "I knew my mom did, but I was still trying to figure you out more."

"Am I that hard to figure out?" The ymbryne smiles slightly, amused.

"In a way." The girl replies, listening as the kettle heated up.

"So your mother likes me?" Alma slightly teases and Matilda nodded.

"I'm pretty sure she does. She's never acted like that to anyone else before, at least from when I was there. And it's kind of obvious when she's around you." Matilda explains, a small smile playing on her face and Miss Peregrine chuckled. "Did you or her say anything yet?"