The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

37: Little tornado

Scène 1 - Marcus' point of view

Marcus arrived at Camille and Andrew's house in a hurry. With pleasure, he had agreed to babysit Celeste. With pride, he was Uncle Marcus to her. She was fidgeting in the living room. He tapped, opened immediately by Céleste. She leapt into his arms, hugging him with all the energy only a six-year-old could muster.

— Marcus! You're here !

He closed the door behind him, a dazzling smile on his face, before crouching down to return her embrace.

— Hello, little tornado. You're already full of energy this morning, aren't you?

— Always!" she replied, excitement shining in her eyes.

Camille, standing in the kitchen doorway, wiped her hands on a tea towel before greeting Marcus with a warm smile.

— Good morning. Thanks again, Marcus.

— My pleasure," he replied, winking at Celeste. We've got a lot of adventure on the agenda today, don't we?

— Yes! I'll show you the garden!" shrieked the little girl, eagerly tugging at his hand.

She explained all the flowers she'd learned from Andrew, not as if he'd ever seen them before, but her enthusiasm was contagious.

Camille joined them, bending down to adjust the collar of her daughter's jacket.

— I'm going to go to work. I love you, baby. Be good, baby," she murmured, placing a kiss on her forehead.

— I love you too! See you tonight !

Marcus took the opportunity to ruffle the child's hair, making her laugh out loud.

— That's basil," she said proudly at the end of the garden, her tone professorial. Dad taught me that.

— Very impressive," replied Marcus, nodding seriously, although an amused smile floated across his lips.

They spent the hour exploring. Celeste chased butterflies with transparent wings, laughing, fueled by Marcus goofing around. After a while, she stopped near an old apple tree.

— I want to climb!

— The apple tree?

— Yes!

— no, don't. I promised to bring you back in one piece. Wanna go for a walk?

She nodded. They ended up resting in a park, Céleste eating a pastry. As she ate, she looked up at him.

— Can you tell me one of your stories?

Marcus smiled gently, leaning against the trunk of a tree.

— Okay, but a not scary one, he thought. So... in 1870, a long time ago, I was...

Scene 2 - Phoebe's point of view

Phoebe put down her book as she heard moaning coming from Celeste's room, who was panicking more and more. Frowning, she got up and entered softly, finding the little girl restless in her sleep, tears streaming down her cheeks.

— Céleste? she murmured softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

The little girl awoke with a start, her eyes full of fear.

— It's over, shh, it's over," Phoebe murmured, sitting down beside her.

Celeste immediately curled up against her, sobbing softly. Phoebe stroked her hair, waiting until she calmed down.

— Do you want to tell me about it?

- I was in the dark, and... there was a man... He wanted to catch me.

Phoebe felt her heart clench. She tightened her embrace around Celeste.

— You're safe here. No one will ever hurt you.

But Celeste shook her head.

— I want Mommy...

Phoebe nodded, rising to fetch the little girl's clothes.

— Then let's go see Mommy.

After getting dressed, they arrived at the hospital where Marcus and Camille worked. She was going to see him, too. Forgetting the unmistakable smell, Phoebe greeted a few nurses before finding Camille coming out of a room, looking attentive.

— What's going on?" asked Camille, frowning at the sight of her daughter.

—She' s had a nightmare. She wanted to see you," Phoebe replied softly.

Camille opened her arms, and Celeste immediately rushed in.

— Oh, baby, I'm here.

Phoebe stepped back to give them space. A few moments later, Marcus arrived, removing his protective latex gloves, a warm smile on his face.

— What a surprise! Do you miss me that much?

Phoebe turned to him with a big smile.

- I didn't want to miss an opportunity to see you in action and reassure Celeste.

Later, at the café near the house, Céleste sipped a hot chocolate.

— You know, I too was afraid of the dark when I was little," confided Phoebe.

—But you're not human...

Phoebe burst out laughing.

— I used to be, but even vampires can be scared, you know. Everyone's scared, but I wouldn't let anyone hurt you, ever.

— Marcus said the same thing.

— She laughed, all right. One word and we'll come running, the whole team, your parents, Marcus, me and more if we have to. A team of superheroes.

Phoebe nodded, touched by his sincerity.

— Much better," she confirmed, smiling at her.