A DARKER CITY

chapter thirteen, an engagement, of all kinds

"Richard asked me today, and I just couldn't say no." Athena said.

"do you love him?" Ramona sked. Neverminded how fast Athena's relationship was going. Neverminded that she had only known this older man for a month. Never mind how young Athena was.

"he's been so kind to me. He treats me like his queen."

That wasn't an answer, but ramona let it lie. "how long until your wedding?"

"not too long, a few months. Maybe three or four."

It was obvious what Richard was doing, that he was on the hunt of a beautiful and rich trophy wife to complete his social status. He wanted Athena to be that girl. And the rest of his intentions were still unclear.

"will you be ok?"

Athena nodded. "yes, I do want to get married. Not that I showed it well tonight. I guess it's just pre-wedding jitters." And then she laughed, a dry laugh that said she had no humor left inside of her.

Ramona was conflicted about whether or not to tell Morgan. She'd have to find out eventually. But ramona kept her mouth shut. Just like she'd been asked to.

Athena picked up new habits, like sewing and embroidery and cooking. Most likely to prepare to be the perfect wife. Or maybe just out of nervousness and trying to use up her extra time. but Athena never did anything without reason, and Ramona was sure this had a good reason too.

"morgan." Athena started. "can I talk to you?"

"make it fast, I'm going out soon."

"with who?"

"that's for me to know-"

"dont pretend to me a mystery, it's jack Kelly isn't it?"

Morgan laughed, "oh, you're no fun."

"I know, I never have been. And I worry for that. That I may not amuse my husband."

"oh, you have a lifetime until you're married. Don't worry."

"I have maybe four months, then I'm getting married to Richard."

"when were you going to tell me?!" Morgan shrieked.

"right now, I just did."

Her dry humor was unappreciated. Morgan huffed and crossed her arms, looking away as if it would somehow upset Athena that she was silent. Morgan's silence was a rare treat.

A knock on the door broke the mood. Morgan got up to get it. And nearly fainted when she did.

"who is it?" Athena asked. Ramona looked up from her drawing easel, which was the same as asking.

"Ramona, you'll want to come here."

In the doorway was jack, smiling ear to ear, as well as crutchie, dirty and bloodied, but smiling as well.

Jack smiled at her, "I think this belongs to you." He pointed at crutchie.

Ramona held him tight enough that she could have broken every bone in his body. He was noticeably thinner, which his cheeks slightly sunken in and dark bags under his eyes. His hair was a dirty and greasy mess, but still stuck up as it always had. Ramona wrapped her arms around him tightly and found it nearly impossible to let go.

She pulled him into her house, inviting jack in too. Ramona just missed Morgan shrieking about not being dressed for company.

"I missed ya so much." Crutchie said, pushing Ramona's hair away from her face and keeping her face in his hands.