The Dark Stranger

Masquerade

"The Dark Stranger" © VeGirl 2014

Another few days pass by without any sign of life from Vincent. Me and my girls are sitting in my livingroom. "Couldn't he even send a text?" I complain to Esme while Layla leaves us for a while.

"There is no reception where he is," Esme says discretely.

I furrow my brows. "Where is he?"

"Classified," she sighs.

"...but you know...?" I inquire and get a short nod in return.

"I've never been there, but my father is originally from there," she admits with another sigh.

"You've never spoken of your father."

"And there's a very good reason for that." Her pointed gaze gives me reason to not ask further and Layla's reappearance is another reason.

I am just about to say something when I look up at Layla and I halt. There is some kind of translucent glow that surrounds her and my mouth falls open in astonishment. I can see auras now? I swear to whatever God is out there to never reveal this piece of info to Eddie; she would be off the roof with joy and glee.

"You are fiddling with magic," pierce through the air.

Shocked I look over at Esme's accusing eyes and back at Layla who looks guilty back at the judgemental

"Just basics, what do you know about it?" Layla's usually powerful voice is now weak and worried.

I sit there contemplating how to say that she's a powerful witch goddess when she answer. "I do basics myself."

Layla's worried eyes widen as does her smile. "Cool!" she smiles and I wonder what Esme really has to say about that. "I was just trying some kind of protection because this house prickles." A visible shudder ran through her and I wondered if she could feel the magic that seemed to crackle around Esme, or how she avoids it.

"I was just about to do a basic protection spell myself, maybe we can work together?"

"Why do you need protection, and from what?" Layla looks worried at Esme while I hold my breath.

"Oh just the ordinary; protect from bad weather and hope for a good harvest," she snickers and does an innocently sweeping gesture with her arm. "Are you up for it?"

While Layla surprised nods, I get on my feet. "I better go somewhere else so I won't disturb you." This is just a deflection but I really needed to get out of there. "I think I left my phone upstairs. This is so not my thing, so I better leave to not disturb your mojo." With more speed than I have to, I walk out of the room while they place candles around on the floor.

Witch I certainly am not!

In my bedroom I find my cell and notice that Eddie had called. Quickly I redial her. "Hi, was there something wrong?"

"There certainly is! Amelia got sick and Mary has a child who is sick as well. I don't know what to do tomorrow." She whines. "I think I'll shut down the catering altogether now."

"Don't be a drama-queen," I sigh teasingly. "I'll come and save you."

"Yeah, but I need more. It is a masquerade and we're supposed to be dressed in black and to mingle with the others."

"That sounds nice!" I try to be supportive. So you want me to come and work?"

"Yes I do, but I would need more staff than you... unfortunately."

"We have until tomorrow, that'll work out."

"You're right; I better call everybody I know right now."