From The Streets - Chapter 20

“So.” Sophie said to Destiny when they were done and alone, “The reason my scab broke was you.” she giggled. “According to Doctor Wilson you make me um feel things down there.” she giggled more. “I heard my moms talking about banning us seeing each other.” she snuggled close.

“Wouldn’t work,” Destiny giggled.

“Nope,” David said as he walked past.  “Would just make it worse. Especially for me and Nicole,” he teased, laying a letter in Sophie’s lap.  “Speaking of Nicole.”

“Huh?” Sophie said, opening the letter.  It was from Nicole.  “Dear Sophie, I’m writing you this letter in case the worst should happen.  The doctors decided to do an emergency surgery without giving me a chance to say this in person.  I just want you to know, you have changed my life, and even though there’s only a 1% chance of complications, I can die happy.  I don’t plan on going anywhere though.  Love, Nicole.”

“Awwww.” Sophie said. “David, we’re going to go see her in the morning. First we’ll stop off at Hallmark so I can get her a card without the hassles of walmart.” she giggled.

David laughed.  “Sounds good.  Sorry for not telling you sooner, but you were having fun, and I didn’t want to bring you down.  For what it’s worth, she’s out of recovery and doing alright.”

“It’s okay.” Sophie said. “She’s a survivor, I knew she’d be okay. It was Lia I was worried about.”

“I heard she’s started her physical therapy rehab already,” David said.  “Buzz is she wants to go back to Ireland, face the music for abandoning you.  The O’Briens aren’t thrilled with her, never mind her own family.”

“I hope she sticks around for a little bit before she goes.” Sophie said, “I kind of want to get to know this person.”

“Don’t blame you,” David said.  “I do too.  The Melissa I knew, and made a point to avoid, died in that wreck.”  He said, handing the girls fresh sodas.  “Anyway, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”

“Thanks David,” Destiny said as she opened her soda, taking a sip.  “Crazy day.  First the fitting, then the boardwalk, now finding out Nicole had surgery.”

“Yeah, you staying tonight or going home?” Sophie asked, she was hoping Destiny was staying.

“Caught up on my homework, and David and your parents are both home,” Destiny grinned.  “So Mom said I could stay.”

“Cool.” Sophie said as they watched TV, talked and snuggled. “I really like having you around me. I don’t know why, and I’m not a weak person but you make me feel safer.”

Destiny giggled.  “You make me feel more secure.  Like, in past relationships I felt like I had to be constantly reminded that the other person cared.  I don’t get that with you.  I know you care.  I don’t need constant reassurance.”

Sophie said, “You’re my first relationship actually, hopefully the last too, if you know what I mean.”

Destiny laughed.  “Yeah.  I’ll let you in on a secret.  Angela uses her mom’s maiden name for convenience because she lives with us now, but before her parents died, they were like crazy in love.  They met when they were our age, and even though everyone told them it’d never last, it totally did.”

“I believe in that stuff.” Sophie said.  “The old stories said the sidhe married for life, because they married for love not for anything else. Love to me means more than just attraction.”

“Yeah, it goes deeper, Mom says,” Destiny nodded.  “She’s been bugging me about when we’re going to quit hiding it and go out on a real date,” she giggled.

“When we go to Ireland.” Sophie said, “I have the perfect place to take you on our first date.”

“As long as they serve filtered arctic glacial ice water,” Destiny said, grinned, and started to laugh.  “Kidding.”

“Na, it’s one of those dime restaurants like they have here, but it’s an old one.” Sophie grinned.  “But I am going to rent a horse and carriage and make a big fuss about it,” she teased. “Invite all the UK tabloids and stuff.”

“Oh God,” Destiny laughed.

“What are you girls watching?” Amanda said and interrupted bringing a big bowl of popcorn out to them.

“Criminal Minds.” Sophie giggled.

“If I watched this when I was your age I’d have nightmares,” Amanda laughed.  “Just shows how you can mature differently though,” she added, letting them know she wasn’t scolding them.

“I actually like how they made Doctor Reed.” Destiny said, “The Eididic memory thing can be a blessing and a curse.”

“It really is,” Amanda nodded.  “I don’t even have full eididic memory, but I can remember things people said 10 years ago, what they were wearing...  It’s weird.”

That was something Sophie could relate to, she had it, thats why she loved to learn, but she tried not to show it to anyone, because she didn’t want that to control her life either. She knew people who were eididic and they were taken off and never seen again.

“Well, anyway,” Amanda continued, “The extra trundle bed is all made up for you Destiny if you decide you want to stay over.”

“Or they can just sleep like that.” Katelyn teased.

“Yeah, that too,” Amanda laughed.  “We’ll be in the theater room for the next couple of hours unwinding if you need anything, or if you want to join.  We’re watching The Truman Show.”

“Thanks for the invite.” Destiny said, “But I am not a big fan of Jim Carrey.” 

“He’s an acquired taste,” Katelyn laughed and placed a big, fuzzy fleece blanket within reach in case they decided to sleep on the sofa, and then left them alone again.

“God you really do have the coolest parents though.  I guess because they’re not that much older than us,” Destiny giggled.

“Probably, and that and they’re just making sure im healthy and stuff, I know they love me as their own, but I think they want to give me space too because of the wild nature of the streets.” she teased. “Bite the hand that feeds you kinda thing.” she made a lion roar, like Rawr thing.

“You don’t seem wild to me though,” Destiny said.

“I am.” Sophie giggled, “The Jungle for me is concrete and buildings and the other animals are people.  They found that out the hard way after Melissa’s accident.  I was on my way to the airport when we came upon it.  That’s how I got on the scene so fast.  I was going back to Ireland, and to hell with everything else, at the time anyway.”

“Wow.” Destiny whistled gently.

“Yeah, I won’t be going that way again without you though.” Sophie said. “Your imprinted in my heart now.”  She leaned into Destiny and put her head under Destiny’s chin.  “But I don’t think you have to worry about me losing it like that again, either.”

“If you do,” Destiny said, “Then I’ll just come find you again.”  She grinned as she stroked Sophie’s hair. “I got a built in Sophie radar now.”

“Just follow the trail of destruction,” Sophie laughed.

In her best oldschool Japanese dub, Destiny spoke, “Oh no! It’s Sophiezilla run!”

Sophie did her best Godzilla-roar, giggling as she yawned. Destiny yawned too and pulled the blanket over them both.

“We should have a big sleepover sometime,” Sophie said, “You and me, Evie, Cas and Ellen, Rebecca, Megan and Juliette,” she paused to yawn again, “An’ anyone else we can think of.  Just a big... beach party... sleep...” she dozed off. Destiny wasn’t far behind as she passed out as well.

~oOo~

Sophie woke up at 4 in the morning, wrapped around Destiny on the couch. She was so comfortable she almost wanted to go back to sleep. Except she had to gently work her way loose so she could go to the bathroom.

“Morning sunshine,” Amanda said as Sophie padded into the kitchen, yawning.  “David’s dealing with a minor security issue, so technically we’re on lockdown.  But he thinks it might just be an errant squirrel.”  She winked.

“Oh fun.” Sophie yawned again and poured herself some coffee.  “I don’t know how you always manage to be up before me.”

“I’ve always been up early.” Amanda said.  “I usually manage at least 5 or 6 hours of sleep though.  My circadian rhythm puts me out early unless I pound the coffee.”

“Heh, me too,” Sophie said, “Especially if I’ve had a long day.  I think I passed out around 8 last night...  It wasn’t long after Mom Kate gave us a blanket.  I swear eventually I’ll actually sleep in my bedroom,” she giggled out, sipping her coffee as David came in through the back.

“Squirrel successfully freed from the electrical box,” David laughed.  ‘Poor bastard was trying to hide an acorn inside and got stuck.  I turned him loose and threw his acorn into the field so he can retrieve it.”

“We’re looking at doing some solar in the field.” Amanda stated.

“There’s definitely space for a grid out there,” David nodded.  “Without even touching the trees you could power the house plus another building easily.”

“Wow, David,” Sophie said, “I didn’t know you knew about solar stuff.”

“Oh yeah,” David laughed, “I have a degree in engineering.  It just turned out bodyguarding paid better,” he teased.  “The wife still works as an active duty Army Corps engineer,” he said as he helped himself to some coffee.

“When is Carrie coming home anyway?” Amanda asked.  “I can’t wait for her to meet Sophie.”

“Me too,” David laughed.  “I told her all about her.  She’s coming off active duty in a couple of weeks, looking at getting an honorable discharge so she can come work for the agency.”

“Hello.” Sophie said as she sipped her coffee, “I am awake right here.” she giggled.

“Uh.” Destiny groaned as she stumbled into the kitchen.

“Brains?” Amanda said.

“Me vegan zombie.  Graaains,” Destiny managed, despite her eyes being half-shut, as she staggered toward the coffee pot.

Sophie stage whispered, “She’s not really a vegan or a vegetarian, she tends to be more of a veggie than anything however but she will eat meat.” she winked.

“Oh lordie that’s good,” Destiny said, taking a few sips of coffee at the coffee pot, before risking the complicated body-to-chair interactions of sitting down.  “I would be a vegan zombie though.  Brains are gross.  Grains are not.”

“Maybe, but as a Zombie you wouldn’t know.” Sophie giggled as she sipped her coffee, “Did I wake you up?”

“Yeah, but it’s okay.” Destiny said.  “I had to pee bad.”

“Just making an observation.” Amanda stated, “I noticed you’re over here an awful lot, are things okay at home? I also noticed Angela is taking a lot of work too.”

“Mom’s stressed with the move and my brothers are kinda jealous, but it’s nothing bad,” Destiny shrugged.

“I’m not trying to say you’re not welcome here, because you are.” Amanda laughed. “I was just curious.”

“Well maybe I like being around your daughter.” Destiny teased.  “You guys are so laid back though.  My family, especially my brothers...  We’re called fighting Irish for a reason,” she sighed. “They hate LA, and want to go back to Boston.  The fact that Ang and me are making shitloads of money now just makes it worse.”

“They’re probably feeling emasculated,” Katelyn said as she headed for the coffee pot, “Given you’re basically paying their rent now instead of your mom, and on a damn nice house too.”

“What my mom hates is that I could just buy it outright.” Destiny shrugged. “And she hates the fact that I lawyered up and she can’t touch my money at all.  She thinks I should be putting everything, literally all of it, into a college fund.  Pardon my French, but what fucking college would charge me a billion dollars in tuition, which is what it’d be by the time I turned 18?”

“The most expensive I’ve seen.” Sophie said, “Was 4 years for $490,000.”

“Even with inflation,” Destiny nodded, “That’d be a drop in the bucket by the time I’m ready to go to college.”

“Destiny was telling me the reason she lawyered up was because of her dad.” Sophie stated.

“Yeah, My Dad has a thing for spending money, like on everything including pyramid schemes and crap.  There’s a reason mom left him. But it’s my money, I have to stand there 9 to 10 hours in hot lights, and be yelled at when I don’t bend at the perfect angle every single time.”

“I understand, remember we helped you get that ruling.” Amanda laughed.

“Sometimes I just... want to buy my mom a nice house in Boston and pack her bags for her.  I love her to death, but gah,” she laughed.  “Sorry.  Things really aren’t that bad at home.  I just haven’t really talked about it with anyone but Sophie.”

Sophie nodded, “We were going to talk to you guys about it and then her mom too, the sending her back to Boston thing where she can be happy.”

“I think Mom hates the new house more than the old one,” Destiny laughed.  “The old one, it was in a gang neighborhood, but it wasn’t a bad house.  It was a lot like the one we came from before Angela and I were discovered.  And the gang guys weren’t like shoving drugs in our faces or anything so that wasn’t that bad.  The new house is in a neighborhood like this one, secure, but full of... you know, wealthy people.”

“Well you and Angela are more than welcome to move in here, we have like what 6 spare bedrooms?” Katelyn laughed. “If that’s what your mother really wants.”

“I’m afraid if she goes back home, I’ll have to go with her,” Destiny sighed.

“Actually you won't.” Katelyn said, “Manda sweetie, want to pull up her papers?”

“According to our contract,” Amanda began, without going to get the papers, “And the judge's ruling, the company, has custody of you till your 18.”

Destiny looked surprised for a moment, and then blinked.  “Oh, that’s right...  Sorry it’s been kind of a blurry couple of days.  I completely forgot that was part of the deal to protect my money from my dad.”

“You know,” Amanda said, “Your sister April is a student at Berkeley so it’s not like you would be out here all by yourself anyway.  If your mom is really miserable here, April could ‘keep an eye on you” to ease her mind.”

“And there’s Skype,” Destiny said thoughtfully.  “Plus I mean, I’d have to be away for awhile anyway when we do the Crime Angels filming.  But getting April involved...  That’s a really good idea.”

“We can fly out together with your mom and what not and find her a home.” Sophie said at Destiny, “Your mom does like me.”

“Yeah, what amazes me,” Destiny laughed, “Is they won’t admit it, but my brothers do too.  Usually they’re all over pranking my dates, but they haven’t so much as tried to snap your bra strap.”

“Might just be afraid of her,” David laughed as he took a donut from a fresh box on the table.

Sophie snagged a bearclaw, “Thanks David.”

“No problem, if Destiny and Angela move in, that extends the security detail around here, and gives me and Nicole a bit more time off.”

“We’re going to go see Nicole and Lia later today, and then we’ll go talk to Maev about moving back to Boston.”  Sophie giggled, “I got nothing to do today, since I still can’t fly yet.” she giggled.

“She’s already feeling feisty,” Katelyn laughed.  “Nicole that is.  She called last night after you two fell asleep, and asked how the costume fitting went.  I told her to watch Channel 3 for the interview.”

“She still has some PTSD issues outside of the head trauma,” Amanda said, “But her doctors think that can be managed with medication and some light therapy and yoga.”

“So, just medication basically,” Sophie giggled.

“Yeah,” Katelyn laughed.

“Angela asked me to ask you, if you are serious, she says the tension at home is getting so thick with my brothers that's why she’s taking so much work.” Destiny giggled.

“We wouldn’t offer if we weren’t serious.” Katelyn laughed.  “Hell, we’re thinking of building a second house on the property just for our security people to have some privacy.”

“We have enough property on both sides.” David stated. “And my wife would love not having to rent an apartment somewhere in LA again.”

“With Carrie looking at getting her discharge,” Katelyn said, “I think it’d be a great coming home surprise for her too.  A house for you two on one side, and a building for the other security people on the other.”

“Nicole can stay in the main house.” Sophie stated. “Right where she is.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Katelyn grinned.  “She’s family.  We’ve got plenty of spare rooms for you and Angela to have your pick, Dest.”

“And if she won’t let you put any money toward the house,” Amanda said, “Then WP Entertainment would be happy to extend a low interest loan.”  She winked.  “I’ll go ahead and get the ball rolling on the building permits today.  David, since this is your and Carrie’s house, and all expenses are paid by your contract, well... “  She grinned.

David laughed out loud.  “Remind me to hug Nicole when I see her.”

“Only David and Nicole have that contract right?” Sophie giggled, “We could charge the others a small rent fee if they wanted to live closer to work, and put their rent to my charity.”

“Yeah,” Angela nodded.  “That deal was exclusive to David and Nicole, and Carrie if she joins the agency, by proxy of David.”

~oOo~

Nicole was actually out of bed, albeit on her way back to it, when Sophie, Destiny and Angela arrived, each carrying flowers.  Sophie had also found a little miniature bear wearing Army camo.

“Hey Nicole.” Sophie said, “Glad your okay. Well I knew you would be but I'm glad you are.”

“It takes more than minor brain surgery to keep me down,” Nicole laughed as she laid back down, elevating her bed so that she was sitting up.

“Got news for you, but we’ll tell you when you're closer to getting out of here.” Sophie gave her a gentle hug.

“You can tell me now, then,” Nicole grinned, hugging Sophie.  “They said they’re going to release me later today since there were no signs of complications.”

“Oh cool, Angela and Destiny might be moving into the house.” Sophie stated.

“Oooh,” Nicole rubbed her hands together.  “I’ll grease the orgy pit,” she teased.

Sophie giggled, “We don’t have one of those.” she said, “We stopped here first next on our rounds of torturing people is Lia.”

“She stopped by this morning,” Nicole laughed.  “On her way to her first PT session, and we had a nice chat.  It was surreal not having her yelling, but nice.”

“Cool.” Sophie said, “We’re meeting her at Starbucks, and then we’re going to talk to Maev about the girls moving in with us.”

“I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that,” Nicole said.  “I like Maev.  She’s a good woman, but she’s as stubborn as me.”

“Mom’s not that bad.” Destiny giggled. “But I have a copy of Angela and my Contract and the Judges ruling when we went to block my parents from having access to our money. Just in case.”

“Sophie’s moms had a good idea though,” Angela said.  “We’re going to bring April in on it too, like she’ll keep an eye on us, so Aunt Maev won’t feel like we’re just on our own out here.”

“Oh,” Nicole laughed, “That’s brilliant.  Hey David,” she said as David came in carrying flowers and a balloon.  “I hope you’re coming back here to help me carry all these flowers,” she teased.

“After the girls are home safe.” David laughed, “Actually Jane said she’d take my shift this afternoon.  I have to meet with an architect and contractors.”

“Jane’s pretty awesome.” Destiny nodded.

Nicole gave David a funny look.  “You and Carrie are finally settling down?”

David grinned.  “In Sandwood Retreat.  All expenses paid, remember?” he winked.  “Building a house next to the Prices is an expense, since they’re generously letting us build on their property in exchange for me doing the work to hook up some solar panels.”

“Congrats.” Nicole said.

“If we get to move in with Sophie,” Destiny said, “That’ll mean our security people joining you guys.”

“Jane will finally have to call me boss?” Nicole rubbed her hands together.

“Yes,” Angela laughed.  “Both Jane and Erica.  Oh, and Katelyn and Amanda are talking about maybe building a condo on the other side for them, for reasonable rent.”

“Im sure they’d take it too, because Rent in downtown LA is damn expensive.” Nicole laughed.

“Of course,” Sophie grinned, “Your butt is staying right where it is in the main house.  Mom said as much - you’re family.”

“Good I dont want to move my stuff.” Nicole laughed.  “I finally got my bobbleheads and Funko pops right where I want ‘em.”

“Oh,” a strawberry blonde haired nurse wearing pink scrubs giggled as she came in.  “I didn’t know you had visitors.  I’ll just be a second,” she said.  She was checking Nicole’s vitals, and then took out a small pen light to check her pupils.  Really the only sign that Nicole had even had anything done to her was a bandage wrapped around her head, holding a piece of gauze in place at the back to protect the incision site.

“We’ll see you later okay?” Sophie waved to Nicole, “We’ll get out of the way.”

“See you this afternoon probably,” Nicole laughed.  “I’ve gotta meet with the shrink before they’ll release me, but at least she’s giving me a lift home,” she teased, waving.

They road to the starbucks to meet Lia, she had texted Sophie and said she was going to be a minute late.  By the time the girls had ordered drinks, Lia had come through the door in a wheelchair.  She pushed herself over to the counter to order a large coffee before joining the girls at their table.

“Hi Lia.” Sophie said.

“Hi Sophie, girls,” Lia said.  “Nice interview on Channel 3 last night.”

“Thanks, how long did they say you’ll be in that thing?” Destiny asked.

“Doctor Wilcox said you were lucky.” Sophie stated. 

“Extremely.” Lia nodded, “Probably a few months maybe a year on the wheelchair. I wanted to ask you something Sophie, would it be okay if I asked Katelyn for one of your pictures for a picture frame for my apartment?”

“Oh, um, sure,” Sophie said.  “Actually I wanted to ask you something too.  I know we got off to a bad start, and I understand why now, but there’s just one thing that’s been bothering me.”

“Nicole was telling me about what happened, I don’t honestly remember anything other than waking up at night and then again in the hospital.” Lia sighed.  “I knew there was something about finding my...” she caught herself, “Finding you.  My first thought, and worst fear, was that you were in that car too.”  She paused to clear her throat.  “I’m sorry.  You wanted to ask something, please go ahead.” It’s the most Lia had said to Sophie at once since Sophie started visiting her.

Sophie giggled a little.  She definitely got her tendency to ramble from Lia.  “It’s okay.  Um, before, you made a huge donation to my charity.  Was that just a publicity thing or what?  I won’t be mad whatever your answer.  I’m just really curious.”

“I honestly can’t remember what my reasoning was, but I’m glad I did actually.” Lia stated.  “I kept a journal for years, but I haven’t opened it since the accident.  If you want, I’ll look and see if I wrote anything down about it?”

“Can I ask another question?” Sophie looked at Lia.

“Sure.” Lia said.

“Why did you keep a Journal?” Sophie asked.

“Because I for some reason would forget things like several days later or even that night.” Lia sighed.  “My mind, as you well know now, has never been quite right.  They told me it started years ago, when I had the first accident, but I can’t even remember that.  Other things, I wish to God I could forget, and can’t.”

“I know that feeling,” Sophie said.  “I have a really strong memory.  It’s not that I’m super smart.  I just remember things easily.”

“Ut oh.” Lia looked to see her ride, “Sorry Sophie, looks like I have to cut this short.” she sighed. “The ride share is here for me.”

Sophie surprised Lia.  She got up and gave her a hug.  “I’ll make sure and ask Mom about the picture, in case you forget,” she grinned.

“Thank you.” Lia giggled, “But I’m remembering longer now, so I don't have to write things down anymore.  See you when you get back from Ireland,” she said with a grin.  She really did remember that. Sophie watched them load Lia and the wheelchair on the minibus.

“So two down one to go?” she giggled.

“Yup Mom’s expecting us.” Destiny said.

“Thank God the guys are busy today,” Angela sighed.  Sophie walked by the bar to tip the barista on their way out.

~oOo~

“So we can also ask April to look in on as well if you want since she’s close by.” Destiny told her mother, “Katelyn suggested if you won't let me buy the house for you outright, that she can have the company give you a low interest loan.”

Angela added her two cents as well, “You can then be close to Uncle Joe and Aunt Beth, and all your friends instead of being all the way out here where you don't know anyone.  The guys will be a lot happier too.  We just feel like it’s not fair that you’ve all sacrificed so much for us.”

Maev listened to their proposal.  She sat in silence, thinking about it for a moment. “You’ve really thought this through haven’t you?  Okay, let's make a deal.” Maev stated, “I’ll let you buy the house, but I want to pay half of it back on my terms, We all go to Boston this week sometime and I and the boys get to pick it out, and I don’t want no million dollar home.”

“That’s fine,” Destiny nodded.

“Furthermore,” Maev continued, “I want it in writing, notarized and whatever legal nonsense has to be done, that the two of you will go to college when you’re out of high school.  You can’t live on a pretty face forever.”

Destiny giggled. “Sophie said something like that once. You have my word.”

“Thank the great good Lord one of you’s got a good head on her shoulders then,” Maev laughed. “I like you Sophie, you’ve really done good for Destiny and Angela, more for my Destiny though, she never was that interested in school.”

“That was before I knew how fun school could actually be,” Destiny said.  “St. Margaret’s changed my whole world view.”

“The nuns really do make it fun.” Sophie nodded. “I can’t fly till after tomorrow, so anytime after is fine.”

“Almost a shame we can’t just stuff the boys into a skirt and send them off too,” Maev laughed.

“Dean might look good in a skirt.” Destiny giggled. “But Jerad is too footballie, like a Quarterback.  Thanks for hearing us out, Mom.  I really do love modeling, but I know it was tearing you up inside.”

“It was hard leaving Boston, but it was for you sweetheart, and Angela, that’s why I did it.” Maev said. “I want to give all my kids what’s best for them.”

“I’ll have Amanda get the lawyers on the contract.” Destiny said.

“I’ll start looking at Zillow,” Maev said.  “Thank God we’re only renting this place short term.”

“To tell you the truth?” Destiny giggled, “The biggest reason I stay with Sophie all the time other than I love being with her, is their house doesn’t make weird noises at 2am.”

“Aye, there’s something... not right about this house.  Makes me want to fetch a priest,” Maev said.  As if on cue, there was a low creak above them, like someone had just stepped into the attic, except it was nowhere near the attic stairs.  “That’s no faerie.”

“The sidhe are tricky.” Sophie said and pulled her hair back to show Meav. “I bet you it’s a banshee or a house elfin.”

“Well you’re welcome to go up and yell at it to knock it off,” Maev laughed.  “I’d be taking a big stick if you do.”

“Na, I know Krav Maga.” Sophie giggled as she walked upstairs, “Now listen ere ghostie.” she said out loud. “Banshee or Elfin or whatever ya maybe, I’ll kick yer arse from American back to Eire if you don’t knock this shiate off. I dealt with yer kind before.”

There was a moment of silence, and Sophie began to wonder if she was being silly, barking at darkness and shadows, and then she heard something move.  She peered slowly around a stack of forgotten, musty old boxes, and a big, black cat looked up at her and meowed lazily.  It had apparently just eaten a mouse, as there wasn’t much left but a half-eaten tail.

“Geezus Christ on the cross.” Sophie laughed and approached the cat and petted it, “Good girl.” she made a slow motion to pick it up, and the cat actually let her. She carried it downstairs purring all the way, “Found yer sidhe.  That noise was just her cornering a mouse.”

“Oh, she’s gorgeous!” Destiny said as she got up to get a closer look.  The cat was tame, and quite enjoying the attention, but she had no collar or even signs she had been microchipped.

“Friendly beast.” Sophie said as she pet the cat. “She’s too friendly to be a feral cat.  Must have gotten in through a loose overhang.”

“I’ll ask the neighbors if they’re missing a cat,” Destiny said.  “Her collar might’ve fallen off when she ambled up into our attic.”  Destiny and Angela both stepped out, leaving Sophie, Maev, and the purring ball of fluff.

Dean walked into the kitchen carrying a light pink studded collar.  “I think some animal lost this,” he said, looking up.  “Oh,” he laughed, seeing Sophie holding the cat.  “Well I guess this would be yours then?  There’s a number and e’rything,” he said as he affixed the collar around the cat’s neck.

“Midnight, huh?” Sophie said.  “Well that’s fitting.  She’s the one that’s been tromping around your attic at 2 am,” she laughed. “Your a good kitty huh Midnight?” she pet the cat again.  Midnight gave a lazy ‘meow’ and started licking her paws idly.

“So where’re blonde and blonder?” Dean laughed.

“Out asking the neighbors if they’re missing a cat,” Sophie said as Maev called the number on Midnight’s license.

“No luck,” Angela said.  “Oh you found her collar!”

“Aye, Dean did,” Sophie nodded.  “Your mom’s calling the number on it.”

Sophie handed the purring fluffball over to Angela. “Thanks.” she giggled.

“Okay,” Maev said, “The owner’s going to stop by shortly.  Oh Dean, good,” she said.  “I need to talk to you and your brother.” She couldn’t help herself, grinning.  “We’re shipping up to Boston.”

“We’re goin Home?” Dean said.

“It wasn’t fair, you all pulling up roots for us, no matter how good the deal seemed at the time,” Destiny said.  “So Ang and me will be moving in with Sophie.”

“Dest and Soph sittin in a tree.” Dean teased. “Don’t name yer first after me.” he teased.

“We’re not that cruel to the poor kid,” Sophie shot back dryly.  Dean laughed.

“You know I’m fooking with you.”

“Dean James McGrievy, watch yer language young man.” Maev called out.

“Saved by the bell,” Dean said as the doorbell rang.  Sophie and the girls went to answer it, since they were expecting Midnight’s owner.  To their surprise, Fiona and Tara were standing on the doorstep.

“Midnight!” Tara said excitedly.  Midnight perked up and gave a contented meow.  Sophie giggled.

“The little stinker was chasing mice up in the McGrievy’s attic.”

“She’s been missing for days,” Fiona said.  “We were starting to assume the worst.”  She hugged Sophie and the girls.  “We’re so glad you called.  There’s a big reward by the way.”

“Don’t need it.” Destiny said. “Thanks though, just glad she’s back with her family.”

“Well now hold on,” Dean said.  “I’d take a kiss from a pretty girl as reward.”

“Sophie found her not you.” Destiny laughed.

“Aye, but I found her collar,” he grinned.  Angela held the cat up close to Dean, and Midnight licked his face.  “Gah!” he laughed as Angela gave the cat over to Tara and Fiona.

“There’s your kiss.” Angela grinned.