Page 68 of Gift from the Tree

“That’s correct, but Willow’s and your magical signatures began intermingling while you embraced each other this morning and even now I can see them twirling around each other like children playing.” Both of us look up and around as if we can see what Gaster’s seeing, laughing when we realize what we’re doing.

“Holy shit, it’s true,” she murmurs, her eyes misting.

“I don’t know much about how all this works, so I don’t know if this is something you would’ve even wanted to happen. So are you okay with this?” I ask hopefully.

Gah, I sound so needy and pathetic.

What is happening to me?

“Are you kidding? This is one of the strongest bonds in Elementra! We were handpicked by Elementra herself to be best friends,” she exclaims excitedly, throwing her hands around me in another hug.

She’s just as touchy-feely as Draken.

And that thought makes me sob.

“Oh gosh, what’s wrong? Do you not want this?” Concern laces her voice as she pulls back and that makes me cry harder.

“No, no, it’s not that. Of course I do. I’m so happy. Fuck, what’s going on with me?” I can hear Gaster cover a small laugh with a cough, so I send him my best evil look, which only makes him smile more.

“Oakly, there are things about Willow you should know that are very important, and I’m going to let her tell you, but I can’t stress how important it is that it doesn’t leave this office,” Gaster says sternly, gaining our full attention.

“I can’t stop fucking crying long enough to tell her anything, Gaster. Tell me why I’m so emotional,” I beg him through the tears.

“Give me a minute and I’ll put some tea on, child.” Gaster stands and makes his way over to his mini stove and puts on some water.

“I’m sorry for being a whole hot mess right now. I’ve been so emotional all day. It’s driving me nuts.” I apologize to Oakly as the tears continue to fall as fast as I can wipe.

“Don’t apologize. I’m a sensitive bitch on a good day. Never mind my time of the month,” she tells me, causing me to snort as she rubs circles on my back. Gaster’s office door opens slowly, and auburn hair pokes through. He takes one look at me and is in front of me in seconds.

“Don’t cry, sweetness, everything’s going to be okay,” Draken says as he dries my tears.

“How did you know I was being dramatic?” I ask with a small, sad smile.

“You were about to give the old man a heart attack with all those tears, so he called in reinforcements.” He smiles and winks at me, making me laugh. “There’s my second favorite sound.”

“What’s your first favorite?” Oakly asks suspiciously, like she’s offended on my behalf.

“These little moans Willow lets out when she tries new foods,” he says heatedly and I cover my even redder face with my hands as Oakly laughs.

“That’s enough, you’ve done your job. Now I need to get back to the girls before Willow goes to combat class,” Gaster tells him with a stern look, holding a tray with a kettle and three mugs. He isn’t as entertained with Draken’s flirting as I am, but it works since I quit crying.

“I’ll come back up to get you when it’s time to go,” he promises, wiping the remaining tears from my face as he stands to walk out while Gaster sits and pours the three of us tea.

“I never thought I’d have to have this conversation. But I guess when Elementra hands you a pseudo granddaughter, you don’t get to avoid these talks.” Gaster referring to me as his granddaughter makes tears well up in my eyes again and Oakly snickers beside me, knowing something I don’t.

“In Elementra, females don’t begin to menstruate until their gifts emerge. Since your element and possibly your gift emerged then was bound, but now are unbinding, I believe that…” Gaster pauses to clear his throat and I look at Oakly, horrified, only to find humor in her eyes.

“Gaster, stop! I’ve already had my period. You don’t have to go into detail about it,” I practically yell, not wanting him to give me the ins and outs of my cycle, which I don’t have anymore with my IUD.

“Oh, thank Elementra.” He leans back and puts his hand on his chest. “I wasn’t prepared at all. If that’s the case, then I’ll give you two a few minutes to talk and let you tell her what you feel comfortable with, Willow.”

I stare wide-eyed as he hauls tail out of his office like his ass is on fire, and I swing my gaze to Oakly, who’s currently laughing hysterically.

“This is not funny at all. Was he really about to give me that talk?”

“Yes, he was. I kinda assumed that’s where he was going, but you’re a little old to only be having your first cycle. Then he said your gift emerged and then was bound?” she asks.

“So buckle up. It’s kind of a long story…”

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