Deadly Nightshade, My Sweet Poison

Chapter Seven; Gray

“Rowdy, quick, move her to the couch!” Rowdy’s mom, Bianca says. Her words seem to knock some sense into us and everyone snaps into motion. Rowdy lifts Lyne up and places her on the couch, Belladonna even helps out when she lifts her head up and places a pillow under it. As Bianca examines Lyne, Belladonna brushes her hand slowly through Lyne’s hair.

“W-what happened?” Belladonna says looking rattled.

“Umm, she passed out?” Rowdy tells her as if she’s stupid.

“Obviously,” she replies distastefully, “But why? Wait, does she study voodoo?”

Bianca looks up and regards Belladonna suspiciously before saying, “Yes she does, how did you know?”

“Use to have an aunt that did too. Saw her once do the same thing, so I had to ask.” She says.

“Use to? What, did you do disown her?” Rowdy says, laughing at his own joke.

“No, she died.” Belladonna says impassively. An awkward silence follows; Rowdy combs his hair guilty, Bianca busies herself with checking over Lyne, and Belladonna just continues brushing Lyne’s hair. To ease the tension, I decide to give my condolences to Belladonna about her aunt. Suddenly a gasp is heard and Lyne’s eyes open, she swiftly grabs unto Belladonna’s hand and looks into her eyes. An unmistakable fury resides in Lyne’s eyes; seconds later she blinks dazedly and slowly loosens her tight grip on Belladonna’s hand.

“I’m sorry, I thought you were something else.” Lyne says, giving a sly smile in Belladonna’s direction.

Belladonna’s eyes widen and her face pales, almost as if she’s seen a ghost, “Some… thing?” she tensely asks.

“Of course, Rowdy’s not a someone!” she says, now looking at Rowdy.

He rolls his eyes at his cousin and responds, “Ha-ha, so clever cousin! Does that make you a dog, you know, a bit-”

“Rowdy Wyatt McGriff don’t you dare finish that sentence! I thought I taught you better than that! For heaven’s sake, your poor cousin just passed out! No allowance and Lyne gets your car for a week!” his mom furiously shouts at him.

“But mom”

“No buts young man! Lyne, dear, how are you feeling?” Bianca coos at her.

Lyne just waves her hand as she sits up, “Na, I’m fine, just a dizzy spell. I’ve been so busy; I didn’t even realize that I hadn’t eaten all day!”

Bianca gasps and her hand flies up to cover her mouth, “Oh you poor dear! I’ll go have the kitchen staff whip you up something right away! Do you need anything else honey?” she says, fussing over her once again.

Lyne goes to shake her head, but stops. Her eyes widen and she starts smiling that sneaky smile of hers, “Well, I wouldn’t mind have my fake I.D. back.”

Bianca’s pale face turns red and she furiously shakes her head, making her blonde hair fly all over and runs to the kitchen. Rowdy, Lyne, and I start laughing at her embarrassment, Belladonna looks confused so I move beside her. “Bianca gets really embarrassed when things like that come up in front of guests” I whisper into her ear. I’m satisfied when I see the shiver she tries to hide. When I look up I can see Lyne staring at us, well more like Belladonna.

“I’m sorry I don’t think we’ve been introduced, I’m Lyne.” She says, placing a possessive hand on my shoulder and holding the other out to Belladonna.

“Right, I’m Bella Donna.” She says shaking her hand, “Oh, you’re just Rowdy’s cousin, huh?” she says, emphasizing the just. Lyne seems to know what she’s implying and stiffly nods her head.