The Magnificent and The Maleficent by Heron Djenne Canvasback

Chapter Five: Curse Nurse

After class, and Cordelia had an early dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant.

"This place is cozy." Cordelia flopped down her menu, and closely examines it. "Hmm. All of this sounds super yummy."

"You look like a cute detective right now." Geoffrey smiled "I've never known anyone as serious about entrees.

"That is exactly why your previous dates likely were top-heavy." Cordelia giddily eyed a menu item. "I know precisely what I want. Lamb with bulgur."

"That might be true." Geoffrey chuckled. "I'm getting the fancy dressed-up beef kebab like the civilized savage that I am."

She chuckled too. "If that's your nature, let it be known."

"Ah. Your nature is tenderhearted though. I can tell."

"I am as tender as our dinner." Cordelia kidded as the waiter took their orders.

"You know?" Geoffrey grinned. "You're a bit goofy."

"That's your influence on me." She winked.

"Is that so?" He made a silly face with a raised eyebrow. "It's easy to be happy around you."

She gasped at the small single hairs that had at some point sprouted out of her knuckle. "Ugh, the transition is hideous."

"You're lovely anyway." He kissed every one of her fingers, as if they were precious and fragile creatures. "I hadn't even noticed, nor did I care to shame any part of you."

She blushed. "Thank you."

"It's no problem." He showed her his closed fists. "I have them too yet you still like me."

She smiled shyly. "How are we going to stop this curse from completely taking over my body though?"

"We're just going to have to take this one step at a time, one day at a time." He kissed her hand. "We can do this, okay?"

"Yeah." She nodded. "Okay."

Their waiter brought them their food and wine. That seemed to light up her face with delight, as they began their consumption.

"I'm going to also send you any relevant resources from my research." He smiled at her. "You said that the werewolf that turned you wants to him, so he should be helping you through this."

"Thank you. I know." She sighed. "He felt really guilty, and it's even harder for him. He's a lone wolf alpha."

"We should all meet. It'd be easier to come up with a plan."

"Of course. I've been working on that." She raised her wine glass. "Let us toast to a better future."

He raised his wine glass and tapped hers. "Aye."

***

It was about 6:15 when Geoffrey dropped of Cordelia at her house. He gave a doorstep kiss goodnight. Her dad wasn't inside. She changed into something more comfortable. She started pulling out her homework when she heard a knock.

"Did dad forget his house key?" She peered into the front door's peephole. "Dillion." She opened the door. "What's happening? Why are you here?"

"Do you have a moment?" He asked, still not having crossed the threshold. "I want to start working on helping you."

"Sure. Let me grab some things first." She put on some sneakers and a jacket. Her keys bounced in her jacket's pocket. "Let's go a little while a way, so my dad doesn't poke around, once he gets here."

"My car is down the road." He led her down the street, to a small car. He opened the door for her. "After you."

She slid inside. He came around the driver's seat. They closed their doors at the same time.